Bold By Choice Podcast

What happens when students don't just learn about careers—they live them?

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Nicole Gasper, CEO of West Michigan Aviation Academy, recipient of the National Charter Schools Institute's inaugural Pathways to Opportunity Award.

Located on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, West Michigan Aviation Academy has reimagined what career-connected learning can look like. Students aren't simply studying aviation, engineering, robotics, or biomedical sciences—they're immersed in authentic experiences that connect learning to purpose, possibility, and future opportunity.

Nicole shares her own unexpected journey to the academy, the vision that inspired founder Dick DeVos to create a public charter school centered on aviation and access, and how a culture of professionalism, belonging, and high expectations has become the school's defining characteristic.

From earning pilot licenses and drone certifications to building aircraft, exploring biomedical sciences, and partnering with industry leaders, students experience learning in ways that make future careers feel real and attainable. The conversation also highlights inspiring alumni stories—from commercial airline pilots to university researchers—and explores how purpose-driven learning helps students discover who they can become.

At its core, this episode is about more than aviation. It's about helping young people see possibilities for their future and creating pathways that turn dreams into destinations.

In This Episode

The founding vision behind West Michigan Aviation Academy

Why career-connected learning changes student outcomes

Learning on an active airport campus

Aviation, engineering, robotics, and biomedical science pathways

Student pilot training and FAA certifications

Industry partnerships that make learning real

Alumni success stories and workforce connections

Building a culture of professionalism, purpose, and belonging

Why pathways are ultimately about possibility

Key Takeaway

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

What does it mean to lead with both accountability and trust?

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Terry Croy Lewis, Executive Director of the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) and recipient of the 2026 Stewards of Possibility Award.

Terry’s journey began as a charter school mom in the 1990s — a parent searching for a school where her child could truly thrive. What followed became a decades-long commitment to creating opportunities for students, families, and communities through courageous leadership, innovative school design, and deep relationships.

Together, the conversation explores how CSI has redefined authorizing — not as compliance alone, but as a balance of accountability, support, trust, and possibility. Terry shares stories about launching schools that challenged assumptions, including schools serving students on the autism spectrum, outdoor learning models in the Colorado mountains, and charter schools on tribal land.

The episode also dives into leadership development, why listening matters more than ever, and how curiosity and humility help organizations continue evolving to meet the needs of students.

Because stewardship isn’t about protecting systems.

In This Episode:

The origins of CSI and Terry’s charter school journey

Why parental voice matters in public education

Accountability and support in authorizing

Building trust with school leaders and communities

Innovation in charter school models

Outdoor schools, tribal schools, and neurodiverse learning communities

Leadership development and organizational culture

Why curiosity is essential for the future of education

The meaning behind the Stewards of Possibility Award

Key Takeaway:

What does it take to build an education movement that actually lasts?

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Terry Ryan of Bluum, recipient of the 2026 Bold by Choice Catalyst Award, to explore how leadership, talent, and shared values can transform educational opportunity across an entire state.

From teaching in post-Communist Poland to helping launch one of the nation’s most influential charter school ecosystems in Idaho, Terry shares the unexpected journey that shaped his belief in innovation, community, and courageous leadership.

The conversation dives into Bluum’s bold vision to create 20,000 new school seats in 10 years, the launch of the Idaho New School Fellowship, the power of investing in people first, and why rural communities deserve innovative learning models designed around their unique needs.

Together, they explore the difference between leadership and management, why movements matter more than sectors, and how catalysts create momentum by bringing people together around possibility.

Because real change doesn’t happen by accident.

In This Episode:

The story behind Bluum and Idaho’s charter school growth

Why talent and leadership matter more than perfect plans

Building rural and remote learning models

The Idaho New School Fellowship

Leadership vs. management

Why movements begin with vision

How charter schools create space for innovation

The role of values in long-term educational change

What it means to be a “Catalyst” in education

Key Takeaway:

What does it really mean to be Bold by Choice?

In this special episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner reflect on the heart behind the Bold by Choice movement following the inaugural Bold by Choice Summit. Together, they unpack the ideas, values, and leadership commitments shaping the future of education — and why courage, responsibility, and possibility matter now more than ever.

This conversation explores why boldness is not about being loud or disruptive, but about choosing action, building intentionally, and believing deeply in students even when the path forward is uncertain.

From the future of learning and school design to the emotional power of movements, relationships, and community, Jim and Vashaunta reflect on the deeper purpose behind the summit, the podcast, and the work educators are being called to do in this moment.

The episode also introduces the meaning behind the Bold by Choice Awards — including Stewards of Possibility, Pathways of Opportunity, Catalyst, Arc Changer, and Lantern — and why these honors were intentionally designed around values rather than status or achievement.

Because great schools don’t happen by chance.

In This Episode:

What “Bold by Choice” actually means

Why education requires courage and movement thinking

The future of learning, AI, personalization, and student belonging

Why movements are emotional — not just strategic

Reflections from the inaugural Bold by Choice Summit

The purpose behind the Bold by Choice Awards

Why schools must focus on possibility, not sameness

The importance of relationships, connection, and student dignity

Featured Award Themes:

Stewards of Possibility

Pathways of Opportunity

Catalyst

Arc Changer

Lantern

Key Takeaway:

Technology is everywhere in education, but is it actually transforming learning?

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, explore the difference between using technology to make school more efficient… and using it to make learning more personal.

They’re joined by Dr. Garland Thomas-McDavid, CEO of Brooklyn LAB Charter School, whose leadership is grounded in lived experience, resilience, and an unwavering belief in what students can achieve. At Brooklyn LAB, technology isn’t about replacing teachers—it’s about expanding what’s possible for students.

From STEM pathways and Project Lead The Way to adaptive learning tools and real-world problem solving, this conversation highlights how intentional design—not just devices—can unlock student potential. And just as importantly, it reminds us that relationships, culture, and purpose must remain at the center.

In This Episode:

Key Takeaway:

What if adolescence wasn’t just about preparing for the future—but contributing to the present?

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, explore what happens when schools trust young people with real responsibility. They’re joined by Dan Porter, an experienced educator and leader at Kwiyagat Community Academy, alongside student Naomi Cowboy.

Rooted in partnership with the local Ute community, Kwiyagat was created to address a critical need: a school where Indigenous students are seen, supported, and connected to their culture. Through language, storytelling, and community-based learning, students are not only building academic skills—they’re developing identity, confidence, and voice.

From capstone projects tackling real community issues to students learning directly from elders, this episode highlights a powerful shift: when students are treated as contributors, not just learners, education becomes deeply meaningful.

Guests:

Hosts:

In This Episode:

Key Takeaway:

What if teachers didn’t just work in schools—but helped lead them?

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, sit down with Amy Junge (Education Evolving) and Dr. Julie Cook (Teacher Powered Schools Network) to explore a growing movement redefining the teaching profession.

Across more than 300 schools nationwide, teacher-powered models are shifting decision-making from top-down systems to collaborative teams of educators. From hiring and budgeting to curriculum and culture, teachers are not just implementing decisions—they’re making them.

Julie brings this model to life through her experience at Souderton Charter School Collaborative, where co-teaching, shared leadership, and collective responsibility create a dynamic, student-centered environment.

The result? Stronger teacher retention, deeper professional ownership, and learning experiences that better meet students’ needs.

This episode challenges a core assumption in education—and offers a powerful alternative: when teachers are trusted as professionals, schools—and students—thrive.

Guests:

Amy Junge, Senior Director, Teacher Powered Schools (Education Evolving)

Dr. Julie Cook, Teacher Leader, Souderton Charter School Collaborative

In This Episode:

What “teacher-powered” schools really are

How shared leadership changes school culture

The shift from compliance to professional ownership

Co-teaching, collaboration, and distributed decision-making

Why teacher retention improves in this model

What this means for the future of school design

Key Takeaway:

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Jim Goenner, Ph.D., Vashaunta Harris, and Don Cooper from the National Charter Schools Institute explore what it means to design a school around community, purpose, and the whole child.

Joined by Alastair Pullen, Executive Director of Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, the conversation brings educational pluralism to life—showing how public education can reflect the unique values and needs of the communities it serves. What began as a parent-driven vision in Grant Park has grown into a thriving, community-rooted school where learning extends far beyond the classroom.

At ANCS, students engage in constructivist, experiential learning—from cultivating food on a school farm to designing real-world projects tied to their interests. The result? Students who don’t just attend school—they want to be there. As one student put it: “I get to go to school.”

Through this conversation, the Institute team highlights a powerful idea: when schools are intentionally designed around relationships, collaboration, and student identity, motivation isn’t forced—it emerges.

Episode Highlights

Educational pluralism and why public education shouldn’t look the same everywhere

The origin story of a parent-founded, community-driven school

How constructivist and experiential learning shapes student engagement

Why culture is built through relationships, morning meetings, and advisory systems

The impact of collaborative teaching teams and high retention

What it means when students say, “I get to go to school”

Season 4 continues with Episode 4: “Personalized, Not Programmed”, a conversation about what happens when schools stop acknowledging student differences and start designing around them. Hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, ground the episode in Ted Kolderie’s argument that student motivation rises when personalization becomes structural, not aspirational.

From there, we travel to Learning Community Charter School (Jersey City, NJ) with Dr. Colin Hogan, Pavit Thakkar (8th grade), and Mrs. Thakkar (parent). Hear the “before/after” moment: a bold acceleration decision—supported by a trial period, mentoring, and family partnership—designed to increase challenge without sacrificing belonging.

In the reflective synthesis, Don connects the story back to the charter idea: autonomy used not for novelty, but to build civic infrastructure—schools that create the conditions where excellence and human flourishing can thrive. Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute | Sponsored by The Founders Library. 

Guest: Michelle Trojan, Principal, Intrinsic Schools (Chicago, IL)

What does innovation in education really mean?

In Episode 3, the conversation challenges a common assumption: innovation isn’t always about inventing something entirely new — it’s often about trying, improving, and adapting what works.

Vashaunta Harris, Jim Goenner, and guest host Don Cooper explore key ideas from this week’s readings, including the tension between uniformity and pluralism and the role of innovation happening closest to students — in classrooms, not policy.

Then, they turn to practice.

Joined by Michelle Trojan of Intrinsic Schools in Chicago, the episode highlights a school where innovation is not a program — it’s a mindset. From its Montessori-inspired design to its team-teaching “pod” model and flexible use of time, Intrinsic continuously evolves to meet student needs.

Students take ownership of their learning through structures like C Day, where they choose academic support, enrichment, and leadership opportunities based on real-time data and personal goals. The school also expands what success looks like — connecting students to careers, trades, college pathways, and real-world experiences.

Michelle’s story brings it full circle: leading a school in the same neighborhood where her own family once struggled to find the right educational fit — now creating access and opportunity for the next generation.

As Don reflects, Intrinsic embodies a core truth: innovation happens closest to the problem — and closest to students.

• Theme: Innovation as Iteration — Trying, Improving, Adapting

Kolderie: Innovation is Schools and Teachers Trying New Things

Berner: Uniformity vs. Pluralism

• Guest host: Don Cooper

Key Model Elements:

Student Experience:

Big Ideas:

#BoldByChoice