Libsyn Directory

165. Empowering Education with New Opportunities with Jon England

Release Date: 06/06/2023

Education Evolution

The guiding principle of Education Evolution has been to light passion among educational leaders and to spark them into action. Over the last few years, I believe we’ve done just that. And while the work isn’t over yet, the time has come to put a pause on the podcast. As an advocate for lifelong learning, this week on the podcast I’m sharing what that looks like for me right now. I’ve been working hard to decode what I’ve learned in acts one and two of life and how I can take those learnings and make act three the best it can be. Listen in as I share the journey...

181. Unlocking the World of Literacy with Marnie Ginsburg

Education Evolution

Reading is simple, right? Not for everyone, and it’s especially challenging for those who don’t have access to all the tools and resources they need to be successful. This week we hear from Marnie Ginsburg, founder of Reading Simplified, who has dedicated her career to improving reading proficiency in students. She discusses the critical need to disseminate research-backed strategies to teachers, bridging the gap between what we know and what happens in the classroom. During our conversation, we explore the scientific foundations of reading, the role of phonemes, decoding,...

180. Leading Like a Teacher with Miriam Plotinsky

Education Evolution

The further away administrators get from their roots as teachers, the more they forget what it’s like to be in the trenches. The result is often either a real or perceived lack of empathy for teachers. Both teachers and administrators have vital roles in the school, and it’s important for both to have mutual respect for one another. To achieve this, administrators need to take a step back and really listen to teachers. How? By being more visible, asking questions, and seeking out teachers as the answers to the challenges in their buildings. This week on the podcast, we’re...

179. Following the Evidence for Effective Policy with Darleen Opfer

Education Evolution

We all want what’s best for our learners, but oftentimes biases get in the way of having productive conversations about what learning should look like in the classroom. Instead, we need to have evidence- and research-based conversations that support what truly works for our children. This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Darleen Opfer of RAND, a nonprofit organization that’s committed to low income and minority students. Darleen started as a special education teacher but quickly saw a need for changes in schools and went on a mission to impact education policy for the better....

178. Early Life Nutrition is Key to Wellness with Cynthia Jackson

Education Evolution

Hopefully we all know the importance of nutrition early in life, but not enough schools offer nutrition education. And since children often do what their parents do, adults’ poor food choices get passed down generation after generation. This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Cynthia Jackson of Educare about this critical aspect of early childhood development. Cynthia shares the profound impact of a good diet during the early years on long-term health and well-being. We explore how organizations like Educare are addressing food insecurity among families and empowering...

177. Creating More Meaning for Students with Michael Strong

Education Evolution

We know that students’ basic needs need to be met in order for them to learn and grow. Safety is at the core of this, especially as they discuss ideas in the classroom. And with this safety comes community, connection, meaning, and purpose, some of the most important elements of a school setting, according to this week’s podcast guest. Michael Strong is founder of The Socratic Experience, a virtual school for students in third through twelfth grades, and he’s designed schools for students from Alaska to Chicago and beyond. In our conversation, Michael and I talk about why student...

176. Empowering Equity and Employability with Dr. Nivine Megahed

Education Evolution

It’s time for schools and universities to serve all learners, especially in an equitable and accessible environment. National Louis University, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Nivine Megahed, is reshaping education and lives to meet this ever-present need. Their commitment to equity, employability, and social transformation stands as a beacon in the evolving educational landscape. NLU's focus extends beyond degrees, emphasizing continuous learning, skills, and economic stability. By addressing challenges faced by marginalized students, NLU exemplifies a commitment to...

175. Championing Equitable Early Childhood Education with Danielle D. Jordan

Education Evolution

Think about the tremendous growth and learning that happens during the first five years of a child's life. These years are a foundation for future success, yet there's often a gap in resources and support. Thankfully, in a world where government funding for early childhood education often falls short, there are still many out there advocating for comprehensive educational support. This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Danielle Jordan, a 20-year educational leader who supports youth in the Chicago area. We discuss the challenge of expanding universal pre-K programs to...

174. Leading Education with What We Value with Jennie Magiera

Education Evolution

The possibilities are endless in education as technology offers new opportunities every year. But are we using that technology to support teachers, who can then support their students? This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Jennie Magiera, global head of Education Impact at Google. She’s also a bestselling author and former teacher and school administrator. She found her way to education after a transformative school year as a young girl and that’s helped her throughout her career as she tries to create that same experience for other students. Jennie and I talk about...

173. Parent Choice Leads to Empowerment for All with Tyson Junkers

Education Evolution

Too many parents think they don’t have power and choice in their children’s education, but this week’s podcast guest proves otherwise. During COVID, Tyson Junkers saw his children thrive because they were learning at home in a project-based learning environment that Tyson himself developed. And as schools went back to in-person, his son was entering kindergarten. They visited a number of traditional schools and saw the discomfort in his children’s eyes. After searching for a solution and a lot of discussion, Tyson and his family moved and opened an Acton Academy in West Palm...

More Episodes

Deregulating zoning and occupancy laws is crucial to support the growth of micro-schools, providing diverse educational options for students. But few know what steps to take or who to talk to.

This week on the podcast, Jon England of Libertas Institute shares how changing policies can help create new learning opportunities for students who don’t thrive in the traditional education system.

Jon highlights the limitations of the public education system and emphasizes empowering parents and teachers to explore innovative approaches in education. And we discuss the risks entrepreneurs face in challenging traditional norms and building alternative models to create a system that caters to individual student needs.

This thought-provoking conversation with Jon England calls for educational transformation through innovation, individualized learning, and policy change. Together, let's create an education system that empowers students, supports teachers, and nurtures the unique potential within each child.

About Jon England:

Jon is the Education Policy Analyst at Libertas Institute. He is a fourteen-year veteran of public schools. He taught both fifth and sixth grades, receiving Weber District’s E+ Team Award. He proudly homeschools and micro schools his children with his wife.

Jon received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University. He spent time in the Marine Corps and separated as a sergeant in 2006.

During his time in public schools, Jon increasingly understood the importance of parental empowerment in education. This increased understanding led him to join Libertas to provide educational freedom for families. Jon enjoys spending time with his wife and five children traveling, skiing, and playing games.