LearningLibertyPodcast

Karen Austin, owner and artistic director of Southern Oregon Dance Studio, joins the podcast to discuss the following: - The benefits of being a private studio - Weathering the Covid lockdowns - The value of real audiences - The bevy of opportunities for children outside of schools - Dance as a community activity - Students becoming teachers - What to look for in a dance studio (https://southernoregondancecenter.org/why-choose-us/) Guest's website: https://southernoregondancecenter.org/ Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Behavior analyst Kaitlin Wilder returns to discuss a variety of topics: - Neurodivergent learners in traditional versus nontraditional systems - The problems with compliance as the sole goal of behavior interventions - Approaching behavior with values in mind - Social emotional learning: different definitions - Are government-school teachers helping kids? Guest's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlinwilderhere/ Check out Episode 10 with Kaitlin Wilder: https://youtu.be/MuExpaQwaJE Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Eleyah Knight, teen school host, natural medicine provider, and author, discusses her Connected Teens program in Grants Pass, Oregon, as well as the following: - the need for programs for teens - the three pillars of Connected Teens that center on nature - the unique three-day schedule - involving guest speakers and members of the community in the program - utilizing real-world activities and situations such as courtrooms in student learning - the importance of getting out and doing things, not just sitting in a classroom Guest's website: www.elatedfamily.com Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Amina Levy and her daughter Amalea discuss the following: - the benefits of the Log Cabin Schoolhouse - homeschooling to meet children's needs and enable them to explore their interests - obtaining a well-rounded education - how to build confidence through independence and entrepreneurship - in-person versus virtual learning - math education centered on creating confidence - the wonderful world of coding and perseverance in learning - moving from being a student to being a tutor Website mentioned: https://logcabinschoolhouse.com/ See Episode 28 for my discussion with Log Cabin Schoolhouse founder Jennifer Wolverton (https://youtu.be/XdQNMgG3MuI) Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Jennifer Wolverton (author, CEO, and founder of Log Cabin Schoolhouse) discusses the following: - why she chose to homeschool and her own experiences with neurodivergent children - the origin of the "log cabin" concept - the Log Cabin Schoolhouse programs: asynchronous, virtual, and in person classes - math education centered on creating confidence - AI writer’s guild - The Microcollective for AI, Robotics, and Sciences (MARS) - Using Minecraft for homeschoolers - Partnering with rec centers to bring her programs across Alabama at low cost Guest's website: - https://logcabinschoolhouse.com/ Guest's books: - Word Wizards (https://www.amazon.com/Word-Wizards-Prompting-Spellbook-Novelists/dp/B0CPYMJYC2) - Block by Block (https://www.amazon.com/Block-Minecraft-Education-ChatGPT-Homeschool/dp/B0CZXW57W5/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1) Website mentioned: https://cathyduffyreviews.com/ Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Joel English (president of Centura College, Aviation Institute of Maintenance [AIM], and Tidewater Tech) and Dominic Cummings (AIM Norfolk Piedmont instructor) discuss the following: - the benefits of career-focused education - how AIM, Centura, and Tidewater help students focus on a specific field and gain certification within 1-2 years - the beauty of matching your career with demand for that career (and even being able to turn down jobs) - how job training is not wasted even if you change jobs - the ways in which career education teaches communication - the wide variety of career paths and certifications at AIM, Centura, and Tidewater Tech - the personal support and instruction offered at AIM, Centura, and Tidewater - resource of a lifetime career-service coordinator upon graduation from AIM Guests' websites: - Tidewater Tech: https://tidewatertechtrades.edu/ - Centura College: https://www.centuracollege.edu/ - Aviation Institute of Maintenance: https://aviationmaintenance.edu/ Website mentioned: JSFirm.com Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Heidi Cwik, homeschool mom, and her son Stephen, an incoming freshman at the University of Dallas, discuss the following: - how homeschooling can strengthen family bonds - the importance of finding a learning option that reinforces values and allows kids to enjoy learning - homeschooling with in-person lessons and co-ops - a schedule that permits a variety of activities - releasing responsibility to kids as they age - the great benefit of being able to choose not only classes but also teachers - using online programs successfully - socialization and finding friends based on values and interests rather than age - curricular options for homeschoolers - homeschooling challenges Guests' curricula recommendations: - The Potter's School: https://at-tps.org/ - Homeschool Legal Defense Association: www.hslda.org - Homeschool Connections: www.homeschoolconnections.com - Rainbow Resource Center: www.rainbowresource.com - Homeschool Buyers Club: www.homeschoolbuyersclub.com - Math-U-See: www.mathusee.com - Institute for Excellence in Writing: www.iew.com - TeenPact leadership schools: www.teenpact.com Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Randall Hoggard, principal of Pathways Early College Academy, discusses the following: - how PECA helps students earn a high school diploma and a college degree - the benefits of PECA's virtual curriculum - the 1:1 support PECA offers for all students - career symposia so students can combine their passions with real-world projects - the Homeschool+ program - the variety of courses from which students can choose - virtual summer workshops Pathways Early College Academy: https://www.peca.org/ Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Josh Herring, professor of classical education at Thales College and host of the Optimistic Curmudgeon podcast, discusses the following: - how Thales College keeps costs low - the benefits of a classical education - surviving without fundraising or government support - Thales's degree programs (liberal arts, entrepreneurship, classical education, mechanical engineering) - how Thales returns to a more original model of education - why calculus is important - do college degrees still have value? - why DEI has proliferated in colleges Thales College: https://www.thalescollege.org/ The Optimistic Curmudgeon: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHk_VFjPzMUYu_sAevkid2g Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Christal Banks, homeschool mom and blogger (https://mamasweetbaby.com/), discusses the following: - the traditional system's failure with her gifted son Cash - the "parent heaven" of homeschooling - curricula recommendations for homeschoolers (see below) - fostering socialization and outside activities - the importance of real-world life skills through hands-on work - summer programs for year-round learning Guest's website: https://mamasweetbaby.com/ Curricula mentioned: - Oak Meadow curriculum (https://www.oakmeadow.com/) - Singapore math (https://www.singaporemath.com/) - Beast Academy (https://beastacademy.com/) - Thistles and Biscuits (https://www.thistlesandbiscuits.com/) - Know Yourself (https://knowyourself.com/) - Hewitt Learning (https://hewittlearning.org/) Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Christy DeVigili, program director for the Florida Citizens Alliance (FLCA), and Deborah Paul, founder of Veritas Study Lounge in Naples, Florida, discuss the following: - Christy's path to nontraditional education and supporting founders in this space - FLCA's three pillars: community involvement, education solutions, and legislative action - FLCA's role in educational reform in Florida - Deborah's path as a homeschool parent to starting her own school and study lounge - the Herzog Foundation Schoolbox for starting a Christian school step-by-step - how FLCA supports founders - the importance of choice and the lie of "free" schools - the importance of character and moral guidance for children - the goals of Veritas Study Lounge (personalized support, flexible scheduling, and engaging activities) - how Veritas can serve as a community and gathering place - Veritas's flexibility for parents Guest's website: https://www.goflca.org Guest's website: https://veritasstudylounge.com/ Herzog Foundation Schoolbox: https://hfschoolbox.com/ Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Logan Rubatzky, a 12-yeard-old student at Triumph Acton Academy in Cleveland, Tennessee, discusses the following: - the differences between traditional schools and Triumph - how the democratic process works in the studio - his newly developed leadership role - the value of Socratic discussions - how autonomy fosters motivation - the role of adults at Triumph - the benefits of a mixed-age studio Learn more about Triumph in Episode 20 with Alexis and JT Rubatzky, founders and guides: https://youtu.be/5GWG-skoL8w Website: https://www.triumphactonacademy.com Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Alexis and JT Rubatzky, founders of Triumph Acton Academy in Cleveland, Tennessee, discuss the following: - learning about Acton Academy and deciding to build their own school (studio) - the importance of autonomy in learning - the growth they have seen in their own son, Logan, in terms of thinking and leadership - how Triumph uses Socratic discussions to further involvement, agency, and deep thinking - the role of guides (adults) at Triumph - the "chess-like" thinking the Acton model fosters - being flexible and revising plans as founders - the first few weeks of a new school - fostering growth and mastery rather than test-taking and memorization Guests' website: https://www.triumphactonacademy.com See Episode 21 for my interview with Logan, Alexis and JT's son and current Triumph student (available on July 25): https://youtu.be/_3v9wrHkCBw Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Brettani Shannon, founder of Options for Education in Grant's Pass, Oregon, offers a primer for parents on using summer to explore educational options and children's interests. We discuss the following: - her upcoming projects and blog - using summer to learn how your children learn - finding your "tribe" - considering options that match academic goals - giving kids choice in their learning options - using free trials of curricula for homeschooling or enrichment (and taking advantage of summer sales) - summer programs available for students - the bevy of learning options for all types of students (see below) - finding inspiration via podcasts and elsewhere - the concern of "falling behind" - my ridiculous mispronunciation of her name Guest's website: https://www.optionsforeducation.com Other resources mentioned in this episode: • Kerry McDonald & LiberatEd: https://fee.org/liberated • VELA: https://vela.org/ • CraftED curriculum: https://craftedcurriculum.com/ • Brilliant Microschools: https://home.brilliantmicroschools.org/ • MyTechHigh: https://www.mytechhigh.com/parent-information-sessions • EdChoice: https://www.edchoice.org • Sora Schools: https://soraschools.com/ • MobyMax: https://www.mobymax.com/ Episode 2 with Brettani: https://youtu.be/xtjgYpdNUc8 Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Sarena Cambrea, founder and clinical director, and Julia Santos, director of creative development, from Elevate Behavior Services in Chattanooga, Tennessee, discuss the following: - their goal “to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families through positive behavior supports” - what Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is - how Elevate Academy integrates ABA to provide support for special-needs students and their parents looking for a full-service environment that includes education and therapy - the RISE program (Reimagining Independence in Supportive Environments) and its role in fostering independence for older students - their paths to Elevate Behavior Guests' website: https://www.elevatebehavior.com Guests' Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatebehavior/ Referred by Rachel Good of Discovery Learner's Academy: https://youtu.be/JOzBEd2olhc Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Felix Milner and his daughter Dalia, a current Thales Academy student, provide the inside details on Thales's curriculum, character-building, enrichment opportunities, and "human element." Plus, they explain why Thales was worth moving their family. See more about Thales Academy in Episode 6 with Winston Brady: https://youtu.be/4_3-rKlOP_0 Website: https://www.thalesacademy.org/ Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations, discusses the humble, family origins of Classical Conversations; why community is so important for homeschoolers; how Classical Conversations meets academic, social, and spiritual needs; and what makes Classical Conversations a unique Christian homeschooling community. Guest's website: https://www.classicalconversations.com Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Mercedes Grant, founder of Path of Life Learning in Yorktown, Virginia, and I discuss Path of Life's unique microschooling approach for grades K--6. Students analyze, discuss, and collaborate rather than memorize (and forget) in classes organized by level and ability instead of age. Mercedes also explains Path of Life's curricula including The Good and the Beautiful and Zearn. We also cover some of the issues inherent in traditional environments that Path of Life overcomes with personalized, interest-based learning and small class sizes that eschew standardized testing in favor of mastery and growth. Guest's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PathofLifeLearning/ Guest's website: https://www.pathoflifelearning.com/ National Microschooling Center: https://microschoolingcenter.org/parents Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Iris Boyle--Prenda parent, guide, and homeschool mom--discusses the benefits to parents and students of the Prenda microschool model; choosing educational options with, not, for, children; the four learning modes in Prenda; how Prenda fosters socialization and collaboration; the importance of trust in learning; and overcoming and using failure to grow. See more about Prenda in Episode 11 with Bekah Jennings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivWYU410GSk The Rise of Microschools documentary: https://youtu.be/KpIt_GrUzbg?si=L7m_1J3jSYaYieTn Prenda website: https://microschools.prenda.com Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Karen Weary--teacher at Mountain Montessori in Williams, Oregon, catering to kindergarten through third-grade students--explains Maria Montessori's lasting impact, what the Montessori method is, how hands-on learning stimulates amazing growth in kids, the importance of play, and getting kids excited about ongoing learning. Guest's website: https://sites.google.com/view/mountain-montessori/home?authuser=0 Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Matt and Evie Thompson, homeschooling parents, discuss their experience using the iLumenEd online curriculum, socialization for homeschoolers, character education, the benefits of both structure and flexibility in a curriculum and in their children's daily work, and the advantages of synchronous instruction. See Episode 5 for my interview with Gretchen Pike, administrator at iLumenEd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_VLU3RcIkU Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Bekah Jennings, Prenda guide and parent at the Jennings Fun Zone in Mesa, AZ, explains the Prenda microschool model; how Prenda individualizes learning; what makes Prenda different from other microschools; and the importance of guides in children's learning. Bekah's personal journey: https://youtu.be/sXsGR-FipWI?si=UeDli3KjUeD-u518 The Rise of Microschools documentary: https://youtu.be/KpIt_GrUzbg?si=L7m_1J3jSYaYieTn Guest's website: https://microschools.prenda.com/ms/rebekah-jennings Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Kaitlin Wilder, behavior analyst, discusses how we can treat kids with respect and as individuals without creating egotistical monsters. The secret? Finding balance in behavior. Kaitlin also discusses her experience as a behavior coach in both public and micro schools, such as Discovery Learner's Academy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOzBEd2olhc). Guest's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlinwilderhere/ Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Kristen Ackerman, a homeschool mom, discusses why she chose to homeschool, the process of choosing (and changing) curricula, why being an expert is not needed, leveraging the homeschooling community around you, homeschool co-ops, and why there is no typical homeschooling schedule--and why that's a good thing. Plus, Kristen talks about the challenges for single parents like her to homeschool but also provides guidance to show that it can work. Curricula Mentioned: Miacademy: https://miacademy.co/#/ The Good and the Beautiful: https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/ Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/

Katrena Lopes, a homeschool parent and mother of a student at Little Elm STEAM Academy (https://youtu.be/xoy-R5ARTvg), discusses the benefits of micro schools, how personalized learning gives children confidence and prepares them for life, the success of Tracey McEntyre's Little Elm STEAM Academy, and her own experiences with two very different types of learning styles in her two children. Katrena also provides an excellent rebuttal to the argument that homeschooled students are at a social disadvantage. Note that guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Learning Liberty Podcast. Website mentioned: https://www.littleelmsteamacademy.com/ Please support the show by subscribing to the channel and becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/LearningLiberty For media rights used in this video, see ⁠https://www.learningliberty.net/media_rights/