Micro-schools can be scary, both from the perspective of the one building it and of the parents who are looking for an alternative to traditional education. There are so many questions that want to get in the way!

Where do I get the money to do this? Is it sustainable long term Is this really learning? Are my kids going to truly be prepared for their future?”

It can be scary, stepping into the unknown, but we have to have the courage to do it. Mara Linaberger from Microschool Builders joins the podcast today to discuss some of the unknowns that come with building your own micro-school. She also offers advice for parents who are curious and cautious about how well micro-schools can serve their children.

Tune in to learn more about the benefits of building a micro-school, advice for getting started, and building a legacy along with it.

About Mara Linaberger:

Mara Linaberger is a passionate life-long learner, artist, technologist, and adventurer. Having taught in K-5 settings for 17 years, trained teachers, served as a district administrator, and most recently having taught in a one-room schoolhouse on an island 23 miles out to sea, she’s seen a lot in the field of education. 

Now consulting full-time, writing coursework for online universities, and collaborating with communities to consider new options for technology-infused learning, Mara has found an authentic learning path as an educational entrepreneur. With the release of her first book, she’s recently expanded her work to coach families looking to find the best educational setting for their unique child!

To learn more, you can find Mara on Facebook andLinkedIn.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [2:04] Mediated art experiences to build trust in appreciating different views
• [9:09] Use your sphere of influence to get micro-school seed money
• [10:44] Legacy mentality--planning for your school’s long-term sustainability
• [14:40] Parents need courage to try a different school and shift expectations
• [18:10] Mara’s Magic Wand: To create an entrepreneurial micro-school in the Harmony (PA) business incubator
• [22:23] Mediated art to mediated tech to engage the “other”
• [22:54] Grants are NOT the micro-school start-up solution
• [23:31] Legacy--my Mastermind for support in being sustainable
• [24:16] Parents guiding as stewards and accepting what is best for their child’s success (Ep 7 Parenting expert/podcast host Kira Dorrian--is an exception. She got that small empowered school experience and it set her up well for her future.)
• [25:20] Entrepreneurial (Ep 30 Loren Demeroutis) shifting from “doing learning to”...to “for”...to “with our learners” and schools building “wonder and awe”

Links and Resources:

• Microschool Builders
• The Micro-School Builder’s Handbook by Mara Linaberger
• MSC’s mastermind
• Episode 7: Future-Focus Your Kids and Let Them Use Their Voice
• Episode 30: Creating Student-Centered Learning Spaces
• Email Maureen
• Facebook: Follow Education Evolution
• Twitter: Follow Education Evolution
• LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution
• Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids
• Micro-school feature on Good Morning America
• Micro-School Coalition
• Facebook: Micro-School Coalition
• LEADPrep