Blue States - CharterFolk

CharterFolk Contributor Subira Gordon – 1,000 Miles From Where I Started – 3 Keys to Effective Advocacy That Aren’t Political

March 7, 2024

Subira Gordon, CEO of the Nashville Charter Collaborative, reflects on her journey from Jamaica to advocating for charter schools. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on excellence, supporting school leaders, increasing visibility of charter schools, and mastering regulatory processes. Gordon stresses that political challenges shouldn’t hinder progress in education advocacy.

CharterFolk Contributor Sebastian Cognetta – Trusting in Expertise and Empowering Innovation: A Dynamic Balance of Alignment and Autonomy

February 22, 2024

Sebastian Cognetta, CEO of Allegiance STEAM Academy, emphasizes the importance of balancing expertise and innovation in education. With a commitment to fostering collaboration and recognizing staff contributions, the Academy boasts a high teacher retention rate. They continue to advocate for school choice while facing challenges from competitive salaries and anti-charter sentiments.

CharterFolk Contributor Jacqueline Elliot – Charter Schools Need to Speak Up: Here’s How We Find Our Voice

January 25, 2024

Dr. Jacqueline Elliot, President of PUC National, emphasizes the necessity for charter schools to actively combat misinformation and advocate their success in enhancing public education. Charters outperform traditional schools, yet face negative perceptions fueled by opponents. Elliot urges community engagement and storytelling to reinforce charter schools’ vital role within the public education landscape.

CharterFolk Contributor Kathleen Hermsmeyer – Flex-Based Schools Should be the Most Popular School Model in America Today. Why isn’t it?

September 22, 2023

Dr. Kathleen Hermsmeyer advocates for flex-based schools as a solution to current educational challenges. These hybrid models offer personalized, flexible learning environments tailored to students’ needs, enabling them to engage in real-world applications. With rising student disengagement, flex schools provide hope for an innovative, inclusive education system that values individual learning journeys.

CharterFolk Contributor Herneshia Dukes – Charter Executives Crave Community, Professional Development, and Support. Greenhouse E3 Provides Just That.

May 18, 2023

Greenhouse E3, led by Herneshia Dukes, supports charter executives nationwide by offering community, coaching, and professional development. The E3 Fellowship has evolved from its New Orleans roots, expanding its diverse network of leaders who provide essential guidance and resources. Committed to equity and world-class execution, Greenhouse E3 aims for sustainable growth and impactful leadership.

WonkyFolk Vol 2 – Urban Elections, Title IX, and Religious Charters: Andy wants nuance and Jed says, “light the beam”

April 19, 2023

In the second episode of the WonkyFolk podcast, hosts Andy and Jed discuss Chicago and Denver mayoral election results, Title IX implications, mental health initiatives, and Supreme Court cases affecting religious liberty. Listeners can access the audio and video recordings, and feedback is encouraged to enhance future discussions.

WonkyFolk Vol 1 – Introducing WonkyFolk

April 5, 2023

CharterFolk announces a partnership with education reform leader Andy Rotherham to launch a podcast series called “WonkyFolk.” The series will feature bi-monthly conversations addressing significant challenges in public education. Discussions will combine informative policy analysis with engaging dialogue, inviting guest experts and aiming to enhance educational opportunities in the U.S.

CharterFolk Contributor Malka Borrego – Great Things Happen When Charter Leaders Come Together

March 16, 2023

Malka Borrego, a key figure in Latino education leadership, emphasizes the importance of networking among charter leaders. Through collaboration and community, leaders can enhance educational outcomes for Latino students. The Latino Educators Advancing Leadership (LEAL) organization aims to increase Latino representation in educational leadership, ultimately benefiting families and dismantling inequities in education.

CharterFolk X, Vol 3.2 – Dr. Gary Stueven: A Servant Leader with a Passion for Quality Choices in Public Education

March 6, 2023

Dr. Gary Stueven, honored as CharterFolk Extraordinaire, received the Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of dedication to charter schools in Colorado. As a former principal and mentor, he champions parental choice in education and supports aspiring leaders, ensuring quality education for students and communities.

CharterFolk Contributor Caprice Young – Some Secrets About the Founding Strategy of CCSA

March 3, 2023

Caprice Young, an educational leader, shares insights on the founding of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA). She emphasizes building a diverse ecosystem to unite charter schools and enhance quality education for underserved students. Through strategic funding, collaboration, and community engagement, CCSA evolved from a network to a powerful movement focused on growth and improvement.