Shows
Rebel Educator®143: Creating Alternative Education Spaces with Jacqui O'ConnellIn this episode, we chat with Jacqui O'Connell, founder of Spiritus, an alternative education community born from one mother's need to find better options for her child.Tune in to learn how her approach provides a different path forward for both children and parents.RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:www.facebook.com/spiritusalternativeeducationInstagram: @spiritushomeeducationWant to open your dream school with the freedom you deserve and the support you need?Visit https://openmyschool.my.canva.site/rebelkaipod to learn more about our partnership with KaiPod Learning and get help opening your dream school...2025-05-0635 minRebel Educator®142: Overcoming the Barriers of Opening a Microschool with Jon EnglandMicroschools often face significant regulatory hurdles. Our guest this week, Jon England, chats with us about some of the most common barriers and what we can do to overcome them.Tune in and discover practical strategies for navigating regulatory challenges in opening your microschool!RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Twitter/X: @Principal_JonWebsite: EdInnovators.orgEmail: jon@edinnovators.orgWant to open your dream school with the freedom you deserve and the support you need?Visit https://openmyschool.my.canva.site/rebelkaipod to l...2025-04-2933 minRebel Educator®141: Anti-Bias Education with Sahba RohaniWhat does it take to implement anti-bias education that goes beyond the surface? Our guest, Sahba Rohani, Executive Director of Roots ConnectED, discusses the"dual process for change”—a combining of personal mindset shifts with collective action in classrooms. Sahba shares with us how her organization helps educators embed both reflective practices and inclusive approaches into daily routines, creating sustainable cultural shifts far more effective than isolated diversity initiatives. Listen now to discover how intentional changes can transform your educational space!RE...2025-04-2236 minRebel Educator®140: The Key to Overcoming Math Anxiety with Aditya NagrathMath anxiety starts early, but it doesn’t have to. In this episode Aditya Nagrath, co-founder of Elephant Learning, shares why confidence and belief are critical for math success—and the tools we can use to change a child’s trajectory.RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Connect with Aditya on LinkedInVisit elephantlearning.com to learn more about how the program works to reduce math anxiety and teach math!Want to open your dream school with the freedom you deserve and the support you need?Visit https://openmyschool.my.canva.site/rebelkaipod to learn...2025-04-1532 minRebel Educator®139: Transforming Education Through Community-Based Design and Centering Young Voices with Jenee HenryWhat makes extraordinary schools? In this enlightening conversation, Jenee Henry, Chief Learning Officer at Transcend, explores how community-based design is helping schools evolve beyond industrial-era models to create learning environments where everyone thrives. From competency-based approaches to student-driven projects, discover how education is being reimagined across America.RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Get your copy of Extraordinary Learning for All: How Communities Design Schools Where Everyone ThrivesWant to open your dream school with the freedom you deserve and the support you ne...2025-04-0838 minRebel Educator®138: Designing Meaningful Project-Based Learning ExperiencesProject-based learning isn’t just about doing projects—it’s about designing deep, concept-driven experiences. In this episode, I'm breaking down what makes a project meaningful, highlighting common mistakes to avoid, and sharing real-world examples of successful interdisciplinary project-based learning. Tune in and start transforming your classroom today!RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Join our community on SkoolWant to open your dream school with the freedom you deserve and the support you need?Visit https://openmyschool.my.canva.site/rebelkaipod to learn more about our partnership with KaiPod Learning and get he...2025-04-0126 minRebel Educator®137: Tracking Student Progress Effectively and Efficiently with Chris HullThis week we’re joined by Chris Hull, founder of Otus, an edTech tool designed by educators to simplify the way schools manage data, assessments, and instruction.Join us as we dive deep into an innovative approach that reimagines education as a personalized journey of discovery. Learn how Otus is using AI and data to empower teachers to do what matters most: connecting, inspiring, and truly seeing each student's unique potential. From transforming traditional grading to creating comprehensive student profiles, this conversation explores how technology can become a powerful ally in...2025-03-2537 minRebel Educator®136: Practical Tools to Create Opportunities for Agency and IndependenceKids need the chance to make decisions. But how do we create the right balance between structure and independence? Tune in for strategies that empower kids to take ownership of their choices.RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Want to open your dream school with the freedom you deserve and the support you need?Visit https://openmyschool.my.canva.site/rebelkaipod to learn more about our partnership with KaiPod Learning and get help opening your dream school!Learn more about the Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum, a...2025-03-1824 minRebel Educator®135: Student-Led Restorative Practices with AJ CrabillWhat happens when we give students the tools to restore relationships rather than simply punishing behavior? In this week's episode, AJ Crabill, Senior Coach at Student Led Restorative Practices, shares with us how community circles build belonging, mediation circles resolve conflicts, and restorative circles address harm. Tune in to learn why these approaches better serve student success and how you can implement them in your own spaces.RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Connect with AJ on LinkedInVisit www.StudentLedRP.org to learn more about st...2025-03-1138 minRebel Educator®134: How to Tackle the Biggest Challenges in Starting a SchoolStarting a school isn't easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, we break down the biggest challenges to opening a school and share strategies to help you overcome them.Whether you’re considering starting a microschool, virtual school, or something entirely new, this episode will help you take the next step with confidence!RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Want to open your dream school with the freedom you deserve and the support you need? Visit https...2025-03-0429 minRebel Educator®133: Building Executive Functioning Skills in Any Classroom with Mitch WeathersThe secret to student success might not be what you think. Our guest reveals why executive functioning skills—the ability to organize, manage time, set goals, and complete tasks—form the foundation for all learning yet are rarely taught explicitly in schools. Through his personal story of classroom struggles, he shares how he developed an innovative approach to embedding these skills naturally into daily routines. Tune in to learn why his book on executive functioning became an instant bestseller and how his "Organized Binder" approach is transforming classrooms across the country....2025-02-2538 minRebel Educator®132: Microschools and the Future of AccountabilityIn this episode, we dive into the evolving world of microschools and a recent article published by the Center for American Progress, "The Importance of Holding Microschools Accountable".As the founder of a microschool, I understand the need for accountability, but the current system we're being held to often doesn't support the innovation and flexibility that microschools thrive on.How can we balance the need for oversight with the freedom to create dynamic, student-centered learning environments?Tune in to discover why we need a new approach to accountability and how it could shape...2025-02-1824 minRebel Educator®131: Embracing Non-Traditional Education with Jennifer D. KleinHow do you create meaningful change in education without losing your job?My guest this week, Jennifer D. Klein, explores the delicate balance of innovation and resistance through the lens of her experiences in nontraditional education. Jennifer shares with us her incredible insights about leading change in schools today. From poetry in the wilderness to navigating political turbulence, discover how language, timing, and understanding can help leaders create schools where every student thrives.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:The transformative experience o...2025-02-1139 minRebel Educator®130: Creating the Schools We Need with Kapono CiottiHow do we create schools where students actually want to learn? Meet Kapono Ciotti, an educator working to transform schools from teacher-centered stages to student-led learning environments. Drawing from his experiences in progressive education systems, Ciotti shares practical strategies for letting students take the lead in their learning journey. His innovative approaches and the What School Could Be framework offer a roadmap for educators ready to trust students with real ownership of their education.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:The shift from industrial-age schooling to student-led learningBuilding genuine learning communities in schoolsThe role of AI in...2025-02-0443 minRebel Educator®129: A Sneak Peek at My Upcoming TED Talk!I'm so excited to share my recent TED Talk with you all!In this episode, I’ll take you behind the scenes of how this opportunity came to life and share my full talk, where I explore the power of brave questions and how they’ve shaped my journey as an education innovator.Tune in now to listen and get inspired!RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Learn more about the Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum, a fully integrated literacy and project based learning curriculum, at projectup.us or inkwire.co/rplc Get yo...2025-01-2820 minRebel Educator®128: A Stoic Approach to School Leadership with Daniel Bauer and Glenn RobbinsDaniel Bauer and Glenn Robbins chat with us about Stoic principles like wisdom, courage, and temperance and how they can help guide leaders in education to act with integrity, even in challenging times. Learn how to focus on what truly matters, navigate ethical dilemmas with confidence, and inspire your school community through grounded and purposeful leadership.RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Connect with Daniel on X and Instagram or give him a call/text at 312-788-7596Connect with Glenn on X and at GlennRobbins.comGet your copy of Calm in...2025-01-2135 minRebel Educator®127: Teacher Burnout and the Need for Educational Overhaul with Dr. Jessica WernerBurned out, overwhelmed, and struggling with student behavior—sound familiar? Dr. Jessica Werner, founder of Northshore Learning, joins us to share how her innovative, life-coaching-style approach to professional development is changing the game for teachers. Tune in to discover how she's helping educators reclaim their passion and transform classrooms.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:The root causes of teacher burnout and how it impacts classroom dynamics.Strategies for addressing challenging student behaviors.How personalized, life-coaching-style professional development can transform teacher well-being.The role of holistic approaches in fostering inclusive and supportive learning envi...2025-01-1443 minRebel Educator®126: Culturally Responsive Teaching with Yvette ColeIn this episode, we sit down with Yvette Cole, a Kindergarten teacher and first-time author, to discuss the inspiration behind her book and how culturally responsive teaching can transform classrooms. Yvette shares her journey in advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, and how her book, Harriet's Dinner Party, offers an engaging way for young children to learn about influential Black historical figures.Tune in to learn how to create a classroom that makes all students feel seen and heard.IN THIS EPISODE, W...2025-01-0733 minRebel Educator®125: Authentic Marketing Strategies to Find Families and Build EnrollmentHey Rebel Educators! Let's talk about one of the biggest challenges in our community - finding and connecting with the right families. Whether you're launching a new school, growing your educational program, or developing an edTech solution, this episode breaks down exactly how to align your core values with your marketing efforts.Tune in to learn how to create partnerships that matter, events that connect, and messaging that resonates.RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Join our community on SkoolLearn more about t...2024-12-3119 minRebel Educator®124: Starting a School to Change Education, The Story of UP AcademyIn this episode of Rebel Educator, I take you behind the scenes of founding Up Academy—an educational journey sparked by my daughter Eliza’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Faced with a system that didn’t believe in her potential, I set out to create a school that would not only support her but all students in need of a personalized, community-driven education. From navigating real estate challenges to overcoming unexpected setbacks, this episode is a raw and honest look at how Up Academy came to life, and the relentle...2024-12-2413 minRebel Educator®123: Rebuilding Education, Increasing Learner Agency, and Solving Real World Problems Using AI with Serj HuntWhat if education could be a launchpad for innovation instead of a standardized assembly line? Join us as Serj Hunt, Founder of City as a School, dismantles traditional learning models and reveals a radical approach to preparing young people for a complex, rapidly changing world. From AI-powered learning to real-world problem-solving, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about education.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:Learner agency and how we can empowering students to navigate uncertainty and take initiative.Why education must ev...2024-12-1731 minRebel Educator®122: Navigating AI's Role in Modern Education with Brett RoerStep into the exciting world of AI in education with an inspiring conversation that breaks down barriers and reimagines learning for the digital age. Join us as my guest and I, Brett Roer, explore how students and educators are navigating the complex landscape of artificial intelligence, turning potential fears into powerful learning opportunities. From innovative classroom applications to personalized learning experiences, this episode explores how AI can be a bridge to more engaging, individualized, and empowering education.Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that will challenge your perception of AI i...2024-12-1036 minRebel Educator®121: Using the Leader's Algorithm to Transform School Expectations and Outcomes with Pablo MuñozWhen educational leaders challenge the status quo, remarkable things happen. Pablo Muñoz has dedicated his career to proving this truth in some of New Jersey's most underserved school districts.From implementing innovative learning strategies to writing "The Leader's Algorithm," Muñoz demonstrates how thoughtful leadership can unlock extraordinary student potential.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:Strategies for creating competitive school districts in communities with high poverty ratesThe power of challenging students with rigorous academic expectationsInsights from his new book "The Leader's Algorithm" Personal stories of educational transformationA unique perspective on equity, access, and opp...2024-12-0344 minRebel Educator®120: Project UP! Young Changemakers Share Their Insights on the Importance of Literary FreedomIn this exciting episode, you’ll get an inside look at Up Academy's innovative Project-Based Learning approach through the Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum! You’ll hear:How students from 2nd to 5th grade delved into the complex world of banned and challenged books.Student voices sharing their unfiltered perspectives on literary freedom and social issues.These young learners discuss books like Harry Potter, Malala's Magic Pencil, and The Lorax, demonstrating remarkable critical thinking about environmental awareness, cultural inclusion, and equal rights. This episode offers a unique glimpse into how the Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum integrates project-based learning, socia...2024-11-2641 minRebel Educator®119: Kids Need Less Help Than We ThinkCould doing less for our kids actually help them more? In this episode, you'll learn:What "lighthouse parenting" is and how it differs from helicopter and snowplow parenting.Why letting children struggle, face natural consequences, and solve their own problems is crucial for their developmentHow being a steady beacon of light, rather than a controlling force, can help build more confident, capable, and resilient kidsIf you're a parent or educator ready to step back and light the way instead of paving it, this episode is for you! Tune in to discover how sometimes the best thing...2024-11-1919 min
EdTech Startup ShowcaseCreating authentic learning experiences with Dr. Adrienne UsherAdrienne Usher, Assistant Superintendent of Bullitt County Public Schools in Kentucky, is today’s guest. She discusses her work to bring engaging project-based learning to her district and more:Profile of a graduate and building key competencies into academicsCreating authentic learning experiences focused on productive collaboration and innovative problem solvingChange management through simple shiftsCollaborative learning and documenting the learning journey with InkwireHow to establish a vision for learning and choose technology that supports it appropriatelyAbout today’s hostBarb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and former Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 lead...2024-11-0622 minRebel Educator®117: Breaking Free from the "Sage on the Stage" and Increasing Student AgencyGiving up control in a classroom or at home can feel messy and uncomfortable, but it's essential for children's growth and independence. In this episode, I share how innovative educators and parents are reimagining their approach to teaching and raising confident decision-makers. Through real stories and practical examples, you'll discover simple yet powerful tools to help young learners build agency, reduce anxiety, and take ownership of their learning journey.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:Moving from "sage on stage" to learning facilitator in order to better guide studentsPractical examples for creating systems for...2024-11-0522 minRebel Educator®115: Small Schools, Big Impact: Why Size Matters in EducationWelcome to another solo episode of Rebel Educator! As I continue to navigate these solo episodes, I’m excited to dive more into the advantages of small schools. At Up Academy, we are intentionally small, and I believe that small schools offer an ideal environment for student development, both academically and emotionally. Join me as I explore why smaller can be better when it comes to education.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:How small class sizes strengthen student-teacher relationships and enhance social-emotional learning.The "myth of bigness" and why smaller schools can better su...2024-10-2218 min
High Tech High UnboxedTed Cuevas: How to Assess Students Like ScoutsEpisode Notes
Learn more about the “Light on Literacy” project
Check out the platform that Ted uses for student portfolios, Inkwire
We have another scouting-connected podcast episode! Eduard Vallory: What School Can Learn From Catalonian Scouting2024-10-1638 minRebel Educator®113: Stepping Back and Allowing Learners to Experience Productive StruggleAre you unknowingly holding your learners back from reaching their full potential? In this solo episode, we’re discussing the benefits "productive struggle" and why allowing children to face challenges is crucial for their growth and success. Tune in and discover how embracing difficulty can supercharge brain development, build confidence, and prepare young minds for real-world triumphs!IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:The importance of productive struggle in learning and personal growth.How challenges build resilience and self-confidence in students.The role of educators and parents in fostering this independence.Why productive struggle doesn’t work work...2024-10-0822 minRebel Educator®112: Creating Literacy Programs That Connect Communities with Janet WileIn this episode, we sit down with Janet Wile, Supervisor of Library Services for Central Unified School District in Fresno, California. Janet’s journey has taken her from history teacher to passionate advocate for school libraries and literacy programs. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:Janet's innovative programs that get students excited about readingThe challenges of encouraging literacy in a "book desert” Partnering with Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and its effect on studentsThe importance of creating welcoming, inclusive library spacesThe role of school libraries in providing safe spaces for studentsJanet offers us her incredible insights into b...2024-09-3044 minRebel Educator®111: The Science of Reading with Shannon Betts & Mary SaghafiEver feel like you're swimming against the tide when it comes to teaching kids to read? You're not alone! In this enlightening episode of the Rebel Educator podcast, we welcome seasoned educators Shannon Betts & Mary Saghafi, hosts of the Reading Teachers Lounge podcast.With over two decades of combined experience in various educational settings, from traditional classrooms to specialized reading instruction, they've seen it all – and they're not afraid to ruffle a few feathers to get kids reading.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:The shift towards science of reading methodologies and its imp...2024-09-2341 min
High Tech High UnboxedAI for Technophobic Teachers, with John SantosEpisode Notes
John Santos's other episodes on the podcast:
Rigor shouldn't mean Some Kids Fail (a better grading strategy—easy to implement too!)
How to Design a Great Project Launch
The AI project-planning tool that John talks about is the AI Kaleidoscope by Inkwire and the High Tech High GSE2024-09-1820 min
The Business of EducationThe Business of Education | S01E21 | Aatash ParikhSummaryAatash Parikh, founder of Inkwire, discusses the importance of building a portfolio of work for students and how Inkwire helps facilitate that. He shares his background as a teacher and how it influenced his decision to start Inkwire. Aatash also talks about his experiences at Google and Khan Academy and the impact they had on his career. He highlights the challenges of implementing EdTech products in schools and the need for teacher adoption. Aatash discusses the role of technology in simplifying the classroom and offers advice on networking and fundraising in the...2024-06-2723 min
EdTech Startup ShowcaseAI and our sustained curiosity about the bright future of education with Priten Shah and Aatash ParikhIn this exciting and idea-packed episode, we catch up with Priten Shah and Aatash Parikh, two of our edtech founders who are also innovative thinkers on artificial intelligence and its potential for schools. Hear about:How do we understand what technologies are truly “AI?”What we’re still waiting to learn about what AI technologies can and will becomeWhat it means to become “AI literate”Helping to solve persistent problems in educationAppropriately embracing new technologies in schoolsHow are students responding to new AI tools in their classrooms?The most important advances schools should make with t...2024-06-0538 min
Rebel Educator®Physics and engineering teacher Ted Cuevas on reigniting his passion by empowering all learners (EdTech Startup Showcase)EdTech Startup Showcase: Physics and engineering teacher Ted Cuevas on reigniting his passion by empowering all learnersToday, we’re pleased to share an episode originally recorded for the EdTech Startup Showcase. It’s been my pleasure to host a series of episodes for this show, which spotlights some of the most innovative emerging companies in edtech.Ted Cuevas, a physics and engineering teacher at High Tech High – Chula Vista (California), is the guest in this episode. He was the first teacher to start using Inkwire two years ago, pionee...2024-04-2238 min
EdTech Startup ShowcasePhysics and engineering teacher Ted Cuevas on reigniting his passion by empowering all learnersIn this episode, Ted Cuevas, a physics and engineering teacher at High Tech High – Chula Vista (California), is our guest. He was the first teacher to start using Inkwire two years ago, pioneering innovative projects with students and contributing significantly to the shaping of Inkwire's platform with his pedagogical vision around learning and assessment.Hear about:Ted’s transition from mechanical engineering to teachingHow Ted, High Tech High, and Inkwire all commit to equity and empowermentCollaborating to design a platform for portfolios and enabling students to communicate about their learningHow the past few year...2024-04-1036 min
TLTalkRadioEdTech Startup Showcase: Aatash Parikh, founder of InkwireWelcome to the premiere episode of the EdTech Startup Showcase, an original series produced by the Be Podcast Network. This series is all about spotlighting and amplifying some of the most innovative emerging companies in edtech. We'll bring you the first five episodes of the series directly in this feed. To subscribe to the series, visit https://etss.bepodcast.network Today, Inkwire founder Aatash Parikh joins the show to discuss his company’s efforts to empower students to build and share their body of work. Aatash is an educator and engineer who has...2024-03-2332 min
#PrincipalPLNEdTech Startup Showcase: Aatash Parikh, founder of InkwireWelcome to the premiere episode of the EdTech Startup Showcase, an original series produced by the Be Podcast Network. This series is all about spotlighting and amplifying some of the most innovative emerging companies in edtech. We'll bring you the first five episodes of the series directly in this feed. To subscribe to the series, visit https://etss.bepodcast.network Today, Inkwire founder Aatash Parikh joins the show to discuss his company’s efforts to empower students to build and share their body of work. Aatash is an educator and engineer who has...2024-03-2231 min
EdTech Startup ShowcaseInkwire founder Aatash Parikh on authentic learning and original thinking in the age of AIWelcome to the premiere episode of the EdTech Startup Showcase, an original series produced by the Be Podcast Network. This series is all about spotlighting and amplifying some of the most innovative emerging companies in edtech. Today, Inkwire founder Aatash Parikh joins the show to discuss his company’s efforts to empower students to build and share their body of work. Aatash is an educator and engineer who has worked at companies like Google and Khan Academy, and also as a middle school teacher in the Oakland Unified School District.H...2024-01-2429 min
EdTech Startup ShowcaseIntroducing the EdTech Startup ShowcaseThis Be Podcast Network original series is all about spotlighting and amplifying some of the innovative and impactful edtech companies who are not yet household names — but soon could be. Over the course of the next year, you’ll hear from our founding cohort of amazing startups:Be More Colorful with their premier product CareerViewXRClassroom MosaicConnected ClassInkwirePedagogy.Cloud and specifically its AI service Pedagog.aiWe’ll have conversations with the companies’ founders, partners, and the educators who are using their products in schools today. You’ll not only become fami...2024-01-1202 min
Official Faddynice's podcastInkwire TutorialsSecuring your digital word2020-05-1910 min