Contributor Columns - CharterFolk

CharterFolk Contributor Brittany Kinser – Harnessing the Power of Advocacy: A Catalyst for Change in Milwaukee’s Education Funding

July 27, 2023

Brittany Kinser, CEO of City Forward Collective, advocates for equitable education funding in Milwaukee. Following a historic budget increase of over $140 million, Kinser emphasizes parent engagement and community collaboration as vital in addressing funding disparities. Through strategic advocacy and mobilization, they’ve begun shifting the educational narrative in Wisconsin.

CharterFolk Contributors Kristin Levine and Mike Montoya – Strategic Moves Improve Outcomes for Schools

July 20, 2023

This article features a contributor column from Kristin Levine and Mike Montoya of Stronger Consulting, addressing the significant challenges schools face, especially post-pandemic. They propose short-term design sprints alongside long-term strategic planning to achieve incremental improvements and sustainable success in education, emphasizing the importance of focused efforts and strong implementation support.

CharterFolk Contributor Wendy Edwards – The Sauce

July 13, 2023

Wendy Edwards, Executive Director of Early Childhood Academy Public Charter School, reflects on her journey as an educator in D.C. She emphasizes that effective teaching stems from dedicated professionals who adapt to their students’ needs, rather than from educational initiatives. Good teachers drive student success through their commitment and understanding of learning processes.

CharterFolk Contributor Bryce Adams – “The Kitchen Table”

July 6, 2023

Bryce Adams, Vice President of Government Affairs for TPCSA, emphasizes the importance of diverse school choices for families. He argues for a decentralized approach to education, advocating for high-quality options tailored to individual students. The “Kitchen Table” metaphor illustrates the need for inclusion and empowerment in decision-making about education, rather than exclusivity.

CharterFolk Contributor Ariel Johnson – Following My Own Advice: Just Start – A Case Study on Building Advocacy Capacity

June 23, 2023

Ariel Johnson, Executive Director of the DC Charter School Alliance, returns as a Contributor Columnist, reflecting on her advocacy journey and the challenges faced by charter schools in DC. Amid budget inequities, her organization mobilized community engagement and successfully advocated for increased funding and salary equity for charter educators, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and tailored strategies in advocacy efforts.

CharterFolk Contributor Tim Nicolette – Hope Emerging from Defeat: Lessons Learned from the Massachusetts Charter Sector

June 16, 2023

Tim Nicolette, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, discusses the aftermath of the 2016 defeat of Question 2, which significantly impacted charter support. He highlights how increased public and political support, strategic listening, advocacy efforts, and member investment resulted in policy wins and a revitalized charter sector in Massachusetts.

CharterFolk Contributor Dr. Dale Caldwell – How One NJ Charter School Serving At-Risk Students Scored Massive Gains on State Tests Amid Significant Declines

June 15, 2023

Dr. Dale Caldwell, President of Centenary University, highlights the notable achievements of College Achieve Public Charter Schools (CAPS) in New Jersey, which have shown remarkable academic growth among underserved students despite pandemic-related challenges. CAPS prioritizes mental health, extensive tutoring, and innovative programs, aiming to close educational gaps and facilitate college readiness for students of color.

CharterFolk Contributor Mr. Fatih Ay – STEM Innovation – A Trail That Must Perpetually be Blazed

June 8, 2023

Fatih Ay, CEO of Harmony Public Schools, emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation in STEM education. With extensive experience, he leads initiatives enhancing instructional technology and career readiness. Harmony’s focus on early STEM engagement and industry partnerships ensures students gain valuable skills and certifications, preparing them for future workforce opportunities.

CharterFolk Contributor Dr. Kathryn Procope – Charter Schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities – A Marriage Made in Heaven

June 1, 2023

Dr. Kathryn Procope, Executive Director at Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science, emphasizes the synergy between charter schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The school supports primarily at-risk African American students by fostering academic success, college aspirations, and life skills, while addressing community challenges and promoting self-worth.

CharterFolk Contributors Alex Horowitz and Deandre Williams – Continuously Improving Faculty Experience

May 25, 2023

Impact Public Schools, facing staffing challenges, prioritizes faculty well-being through continuous improvement. Leaders engaged in extensive listening tours and focus groups to understand teachers’ needs. Innovative solutions include enhanced compensation for internal coverage, improved assessment processes, and special education support. Ongoing feedback will guide future adjustments to optimize both teacher satisfaction and student outcomes.