In this episode of  Bama Knows Education, we sit down with Kim, host of the We Have Hope podcast, to dive into the work of Love Your School in both West Virginia and Alabama. Our conversation centers around the shared mission of these organizations—empowering families to make informed choices about their children's education—while highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities in each state.

We explore the similarities between Love Your School West Virginia and Alabama, focusing on how both organizations aim to answer the question, "Do you love your school?" with a resounding "yes." Kim shares how Love Your School West Virginia helps families navigate the Hope Scholarship, special education services, and school options, offering personalized support that guides families from problem to solution.

A key part of our discussion is comparing West Virginia's Hope Scholarship with Alabama’s CHOOSE Act. We examine the differences in these programs, exploring how they serve families in their respective states and how each initiative aims to increase access to quality education. Whether you're a parent in West Virginia or Alabama, this episode offers valuable insights into school choice, advocacy, and involvement in your child's education.

Tune in to hear how Love Your School is making a difference in both states, helping families find the best path for their children’s educational success!

Episode Highlights:

• Kim’s Background Story 
• Opening a new Christian School 
• The importance of active involvement in your child's education.
• Comparing West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship and Alabama’s CHOOSE Act in supporting school choice.
• How Love Your School West Virginia assists families with the Hope Scholarship, special education, and school options through personalized support.

More on Guest: 

• Part one of this episode!
• Check out the We Have Hope Podcast 
• Love Your School West Virginia
• Love Your School West Virginia Instagram

More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Love Your School Alabama Website 
• Love Your School Alabama Instagram 
• Love Your School Alabama Facebook
• Love Your School Alabama X

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Thompson from Americans for Prosperity to explore their mission of advancing freedom and opportunity to unleash prosperity for all Americans. 

We discuss how education plays a pivotal role in this mission and why school choice is a critical component of their efforts. Adam shares insights on how empowering families to choose the right educational path for their children can help address some of the country's most pressing challenges. 

Join us as we dive into the importance of education and the role it plays in reigniting the American Dream!

Episode Highlights:

• The mission and vision of Americans for Prosperity
• The importance of education in achieving prosperity
• Why school choice is essential for empowering families
• Proven principles for tackling the nation's most critical challenges
• The Choose Act 

More on Guest: 

• American for Prosperity Website 
• Learn more about the Choose Act 
• Email Adam at [email protected]

More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Love Your School Alabama Website 
• Love Your School Alabama Instagram 
• Love Your School Alabama Facebook
• Love Your School Alabama X

In this episode, we interview Stephen Murr, the Head of School at Lindsay Lane Christian Academy, who has dedicated over 26 years to Christian education. Stephen shares his journey in leading LLCA, a school committed to providing students with a biblically-based education that partners with parents and the church to develop a strong Biblical worldview. He also discusses his strong support for school choice, believing that parents should have the freedom to select the best educational path for their children. 

We explore how LLCA stands out as a premier option in Alabama and the success stories of students who have excelled academically and spiritually. This episode is filled with insights for parents, educators, and advocates of school choice, offering a deep dive into the impact of Christian education on students and their communities.

Episode Highlights:

• Stephen Murr’s Background
• Lindsay Lane Christian Academy 
• Private Christian School 
• Dyslexia Program at LLCA 
• Kingdom Education 
• Clubs and Programs at LLCA 
• The Choose Act 
• Alabama Accountability Act 

More on Guest: 

• Lindsay Lane Christian Academy 
• LLCA Facebook
• LLCA Instagram
• Kingdom Education Book 

More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Love Your School Alabama Website 
• Love Your School Alabama Instagram 
• Love Your School Alabama Facebook
• Love Your School Alabama X

In this episode, we explore the impact of the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund (AOSF), a program established in 2013 to provide tax-credited scholarships for low-income K-12 students across Alabama. These scholarships empower families by allowing them to choose the best public or private school for their children.

Our guest is Andy Ryan, the Executive Director of AOSF. Andy's journey to Alabama began in 2012 when he joined the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education teaching fellows program. He shares his experiences from teaching and administrating at a K-8 school in Mobile, where he witnessed the transformative impact of these scholarships on students' lives. With a BA in English Writing and Rhetoric from St. Edward’s University and a Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role. Tune in to hear how AOSF is making a difference in education across Alabama.

Episode Highlights:

• What is the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund? 
• AAA Program 
• The different types of scholarships offered by the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund

More on Guest: 

• Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund 

More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Love Your School Alabama Website 
• Love Your School Alabama Instagram 
• Love Your School Alabama Facebook
• Love Your School Alabama X

In this episode of Bama Knows Education, we sit down with Charlotte Meadows, a dedicated advocate for school choice and a prominent figure in Alabama's educational landscape. 

Charlotte is a former representative in the Alabama Legislature and has served on the Montgomery Public Schools Board of Education. Currently, she is the board chair of LEAD Academy, a public charter school in Montgomery.

Charlotte’s deep roots in District 3, coupled with her extensive experience, make her a powerful voice in the discussion on education. Having grown up in Montgomery, spent summers in Elmore County, and now residing in Shelby County, she has a unique perspective on the educational needs across the state.

Beyond her professional achievements, Charlotte is a devoted wife to Dr. Allen Meadows, a mother of three, and a grandmother of three. Her commitment to education is driven by her belief in equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their zip code. She passionately advocates for school choice, emphasizing that when parents are given the freedom to choose their children's schools, both the students and traditional schools benefit from the resulting competition.

Join us as we explore Charlotte's journey, her vision for Alabama's education system, and her thoughts on how school choice can create a brighter future for all students.

Episode Highlights:

• More about Charlotte Meadows 
• The AAA Act 
• The Choose Act 
• School Choice 
• Every Child Should Love Their School 

More on Guest: 

• Learn more about Charlotte Meadows 
• Learn more about the AAA Act 
• Email Charlotte- Charlottemeadows74@gmail

More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Love Your School Alabama Website 
• Love Your School Alabama Instagram 
• Love Your School Alabama Facebook
• Love Your School Alabama X

In this powerful episode, we engage in a dynamic conversation with Stephanie Smith, a seasoned political advocate and a passionate supporter of school choice in Alabama. As the wife of Dalton Smith and mother of seven children, Stephanie brings a unique perspective to the intersection of family and politics. With over 25 years of experience in governmental affairs, her résumé is as impressive as her commitment to conservative principles. Stephanie is a cum laude graduate of Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Her career highlights include roles such as Director of Governmental Affairs for Regions Financial Corporation, President of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, and Deputy Finance Director for the State of Alabama.

Beyond her professional achievements, Stephanie has been a driving force behind numerous political and advocacy campaigns across Alabama, particularly in support of school choice. Stephanie has consistently advocated for empowering families with educational options as a volunteer director of the Alabama Civic Alliance and a key contributor to organizations like Eagle Forum of Alabama and the Susan B. Anthony List.

In this episode, we spotlight school choice and discuss how the Alabama Policy Institute, where Stephanie is the Chief Operating Officer, is working to advance policies that give parents the freedom to choose the best educational path for their children. We explore the importance of school choice in fostering strong families, the principles of free markets, and limited government.

Episode Highlights:

• How Stephanie champions school choice and its importance for Alabama families.
• The Alabama Policy Institute’s dedication to promoting educational freedom.
• Key legislation supporting school choice in Alabama.
• The effects of school choice on Alabama’s education system.
• How Stephanie’s political background shapes her approach to education reform.
• Why school choice is vital for Alabama families.
• The Choose Act 
• Ways to advocate for expanding educational options in Alabama.
• The link between strong families and the freedom to choose the best education.

More on Guest: 

• Alabama Policy Institute
• API’s Instagram
• API’s Twitter 
• API’s Facebook
• API”s YouTube 
• Education Freedom in Alabama 

More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Love Your School Alabama Website 
• Love Your School Alabama Instagram 
• Love Your School Alabama Facebook
• Love Your School Alabama X

In this episode, we sit down with Representative Terri Collins, a dedicated member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 8th District, who has served her community since 2010. Representative Collins shares her insights and experiences as the Chair of the Education Policy Committee and a member of the Education Ways and Means Committee.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss her commitment to raising the quality of education in Alabama, her efforts to maintain high educational standards, and her strong advocacy for school choice. Representative Collins also shares her vision for the future of education in the state. As a long-time resident of Decatur, Alabama, she provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the education system.

Tune in to learn more about the initiatives she's spearheading to ensure that Alabama's education system continues progressing and thriving. These initiatives focus on empowering families through school choice and improving educational outcomes for all students.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Representative Collins
• School Choice 
• Grading Systems for School 
• Representative Collins' journey in public service
• Her role in the Education Policy Committee
• The importance of high standards in education
• Challenges and opportunities in Alabama's education system
• Insights into the future of education in Alabama

More on Our Guest: 

• Terri Collins Website 
• CHOOSE ACT

More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Love Your School Alabama Website 
• Love Your School Alabama Instagram 
• Love Your School Alabama Facebook
• Love Your School Alabama X

On this episode of Bama Knows Education, we’re chatting with friends and neighbors from the Madison City School District about the diverse ways they educate their children. From public schools to blended programs, homeschool co-ops, and a Christian academy, each family shares the reasons behind their choice.

Join us for an enlightening discussion highlighting the benefits and challenges of these different educational paths. Whether you’re curious about the options available or looking for insights into what might work best for your family, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on school choice within our community!

Episode Highlights:

• Madison City School District 
• School Choice/Education Options in Alabama 
• Gaining a Parent’s Perspective 
• The impact of Covid on education 
• Pros and Cons of Different School Options 

More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Love Your School Alabama Website 
• Love Your School Alabama Instagram 
• Love Your School Alabama Facebook
• Love Your School Alabama X

Welcome to the very FIRST episode of Bama Knows Education!

In this episode of Bama Knows Education, we introduce Lucy Willing, the Operations Director at Love Your School. Lucy shares the mission and vision of Love Your School, an organization committed to ensuring every family can confidently say, "Yes, I love my school!" 

The goal of this podcast is to dive into the diverse education options available in Alabama, including the CHOOSE Act program, and explore resources for school choice and special education.  Love Your School Alabama is dedicated to offering one-on-one support to families, guiding them from problem to solution. 

Tune in to discover how Love Your School Alabama is helping families navigate the education landscape and find the best educational paths for their children! 

Episode Highlights:

• The Launch of Love Your School Alabama! 
• The origin of Love Your School 
• Learn more about our Host, Sheila
• Meet Lucy Willing- the Operations Director at Love Your School
• School Choice & Education 
• School Choice Options & Resources in Alabama 

More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Love Your School Alabama Website 
• Love Your School Alabama Instagram 
• Love Your School Alabama Facebook
• Love Your School Alabama X

Welcome to Bama Knows Education, where we explore the rich world of educational choice in Alabama. Join us as we connect with experts, unravel the details of school options, and empower families with valuable insights.

At Love Your School Alabama, we believe every family should be able to answer the question “Do you love your school?” with a resounding “Yes! Discover how we celebrate education options, navigate the CHOOSE Tax Credit, support special education needs, and guide families from challenges to solutions.

We hope you will join us!

More on Bama Knows Education:

• Love Your School Alabama Website 
• Love Your School Alabama Instagram 
• Love Your School Alabama Facebook
• Love Your School Alabama X