Greetings, Charterfolk!
We are proud to announce the 2025 Brian’s Voice Award winners!
Please join us in congratulating this year’s honorees—three extraordinary individuals whose stories moved us, challenged us, and reminded us of what’s possible when we speak with courage and purpose.
These contributors truly brought it—sharing perspectives that resonated deeply with our community and prompted people to think, talk, and take action. Their voices show precisely what the CharterFolk movement is all about: keeping it real, moving with urgency, and fighting for equity and excellence for every student.
Here’s a quick look at what made their pieces stand out and why readers voted for them:
Derrell Bradford, President of 50CAN, lays it out straight: if you support charter schools, you’ve got to speak up loud and clear. He draws on 20 years of experience in education reform to remind us that standing behind charter schools is an active, passionate choice—not something you do halfheartedly. His piece fired up folks to bring back that energy and clarity to the movement.
Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust, hits pause and asks the tough questions after a tough election season. Instead of just pushing ahead with the same old playbook, Brandon wants reformers to reflect: Are we really reaching all kids? Are our approaches working for today’s world? Readers appreciated his honest, hopeful call to rethink and grow.
Karega Rausch, CEO of NACSA, makes a smart, hopeful point: charter schools don’t have to pick between being innovative or being accountable. They need both. Instead of seeing accountability as a roadblock, Karega invites us to see it as a tool to build better schools. His article challenges us to find ways to support charter schools that balance responsibility with room to grow.
The Brian’s Voice Awards are named in memory of our dear friend and CharterFolk inspiration, Brian Bennett, whose voice and vision continue to guide us. These awards are more than a recognition of great writing—they are a celebration of storytelling as a force for change and a tribute to all those working to elevate truth and purpose in our shared mission.
In honor of their achievement, each winner will receive $1,000 to host a gathering where their communities can further discuss issues highlighted in the author’s pieces. We hope to hear and share any new insights that come from these celebrations.
We encourage you to share suggestions for future columns and remain committed to amplifying the voices of charter folk!
To everyone who voted, nominated, or took the time to read and reflect: thank you. This tradition thrives because of your engagement and your belief in the power of our collective voice.