Capital Class

In this episode of Capital Class, host Adam Giery sits down with special guest Tom Reycraft, CEO of Benchmark Education, to explore his incredible 25-year journey in the education industry, from starting a business in his basement to navigating industry shifts and technological advancements. They discuss the evolving landscape of educational materials, the impact of AI, and the importance of research-driven products and professional development. Tom also shares insights on the cyclical nature of educational trends, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and his passion for family, exercise, and travel. 

Tune in to hear about Tom's vision for the future of American education and his dedication to the mission of empowering students and teachers through literacy and language arts.

Timestamps

00:00 Content development evolved with effective instructional strategies.

05:00 Increased emphasis on research-based foundational skills.

09:10 Teachers need professional development for updated skills.

13:33 Navigating risk in education, learning from challenges.

16:50 Eager to witness growth committed to education.

18:41 Passionate architect prioritizes family and business.

21:22 Benchmark Education produces fine podcasts featuring experts.

Connect with Tom Reycraft

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-reycraft-59a53b6

Website: https://www.benchmarkeducation.com/

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of education and the challenges faced by educators. Our guest, Peter Yorke, is a dedicated middle school educator specializing in special education at Manor Middle School, Texas. He shares his journey from his roots in Ghana to making a remarkable impact in the United States education system. 

We explore the educational challenges Peter Yorke overcame in Ghana and the differences he encountered in the U.S. education system. He passionately advocates for re-evaluating the traditional qualifications for teaching and promoting culturally responsive and inclusive classrooms that cater to the diverse needs of students. 

Join us as Adam and Peter underscore the Important role of family, community, and interventions in ensuring student success while debunking common misconceptions about what it takes to be an effective teacher.

Timestamps

00:00 Transitioning from Africa to the US education.

06:31 Limited resources and challenges shaped the school experience.

09:28 Education should reflect diverse cultural experiences.

12:16 Capital Class by Adam Giery, Strategos Network

15:46 Education opportunities in America motivate me.

20:00 Educators should give all children equal opportunities.

25:40 Be patient, work as a team, stay realistic.

Connect with Peter Yorke

Website: https://manormiddle.manorisd.net/

In today's episode, Dr. Bridget Hamre, co-founder and CEO of Teachstone joins Adam Giery to discuss early childhood education and the role AI plays in personalized learning.

Bridget shares her inspiring journey from academia to building a successful education enterprise. She emphasizes the importance of quality interactions in early education, the economic benefits of investing in young learners, and the challenges of scaling impactful research. Intending to reach 20 million children in five years, Teachstone aims to ensure that every child has access to nurturing and impactful educational experiences. 

Join us as we uncover the groundbreaking work shaping early childhood education’s future and learn valuable insights from Bridget’s personal and professional experiences.

Timestamps

00:00 Daycare evolving into early childcare education, critical.

03:58 Early childhood investments yield high economic returns.

08:37 Parental interactions are crucial for early brain development.

12:22 Organization develops methodology, trains observers, and supports educators.

14:28 Core skills are essential for academics and life.

18:38 Improving AI for teaching, individualized and interactive.

20:46 Research led to the development of a successful company.

25:33 Studying correlation, system design, and improvement ideas.

30:05 Measuring interactions in classrooms for child development.

31:29 Vision work impacting 2M children, aiming for 20M.

34:54 Importance of social and emotional skills in education

Connect with Bridget Hamre

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-hamre-534a2940/

Website: https://teachstone.com/

In this episode, Dr. Doris Zahner, a pivotal figure in the realm of critical thinking and problem-solving. Broadcasting live from the Excellence in Education Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, host Adam Giery delves into the resurgence of essential skills that are now mission-critical for both academic success and the modern workforce. Dr. Zahner, representing the Council for Aid to Education (CAE), shares her insights into the development and importance of these skills, the challenges educators face, and innovative methods for integrating critical thinking into existing curriculums. 

Through gripping discussions, we explore how these competencies are cultivated, and assessed, and their implications on both students and employers. Stay tuned as we uncover the fascinating journey of CAE's evolution and Dr. Zahner's inspiring career path. Plus, discover her unique hobbies and listen to her perspectives on personal and professional growth. Join us for an episode filled with thought-provoking revelations and practical insights on shaping future-ready thinkers.

Timestamps

00:00 Analyze, critique and decide using critical thinking.

05:49 Everyone has a platform now, critical thinking.

08:56 Integrated 7-week performance-based learning curriculum developed.

11:34 Optional formative assessments track skills from 3rd grade.

17:06 Transitioned from measurement scientist to data analysis.

18:48 Manhattan resident, nature lover, passionate scuba diver.

21:52 Recent interest in Women and Crime podcast.

Connect with Dr. Doris Zahner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dzahner/

Company Website: https://cae.org/ 

I'm your host, Adam Giery, and today we have a very special guest joining us on the show. Dr. Dave Dimmett, the CEO of Project Lead the Way, will be sharing his insights and expertise on the growing demand for STEM programs in education, and how they are shaping the future of learning. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the importance of hands-on experiences, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills in preparing students for successful careers. 

Dimmett will also discuss the role of Project Lead the Way in partnering with businesses and industries to meet their recruitment needs. Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets to engaging students, empowering teachers, and redefining the traditional pathway from high school to career. Plus, Dimmett will share his journey and reflections on continuous learning, as well as his vision for the future of education. You won't want to miss this insightful and thought-provoking conversation. Let's dive right into this captivating episode of Capital Class with Dave Dimmett.

Timestamps

05:37 Opportunities to improve teaching and learning abound.

08:20 Teacher and student empowerment through project-based learning.

13:12 Effort to refresh career pathways, keep learning.

14:34 Integrating content for relevance in education.

17:52 Ongoing learning crucial, alternative credentials gaining value.

23:34 Dimmett talks about how companies engaging young people and connecting with schools is important

25:55 How early experiences are shaping, and why team is important.

30:04 Why teaching needs to be lifted as a profession.

31:41 Reflection on learning, growth, leadership, encouraging ownership, and exciting opportunities.

41:15 Learning from stoic philosophers, modern life, Wim Hof, and blue zones for longevity.

43:21 Discussion around future homes, office changes, telemedicine, technology trends.

Connect with Dave Dimmett

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddimmett/ 

Website: https://www.pltw.org/

Produced by Old Soul

In today’s episode, iTeach president Andrew Rozell shares the challenges of leading a rapidly growing business while staying true to the mission of transforming education. From wearing multiple hats in the early days to expanding into new states, Andrew’s story with iTeach is truly inspiring.

We explore how this visionary leader navigates the complexities of educational policy, advocating for legislative changes to support new teachers and pushing for greater accountability and transparency in recruitment. Andrew discusses the importance of focusing on meaningful results, emphasizing the vital role of technology—especially AI—in the future of education.

We also touch on the personal side of Andrew’s role, from the dynamics of working with family to the joy of coaching his sons’ basketball team. His story unveils the weight of leadership and the balancing act of managing partnerships, growth, and team morale.

Join us for a Capital Class conversation with Andrew Rozell—a compelling discussion about the heart of teaching and the strategic challenges in education.

Timestamps

00:00 Positive outlook for the teaching profession's resurgence.

06:03 Career changers bring impactful real-world experiences.

08:10 Supportive parent-teacher relationships benefit classroom dynamics.

12:55 Student teaching transition, a support system for teachers.

15:31 Challenges with teacher certification and licensing in Texas

19:42 Accountability in teacher licensing extended in Virginia.

23:18 Transition from broker to president, program expansion.

24:56 Challenges and variety in early business operations.

30:23 First time in new states, faced challenges.

33:32 Soliciting quality leads and empowering aspiring educators.

35:16 Training for teachers to switch content areas.

37:55 Scheduling time for contemplation and strategic planning.

41:35 Resisting the temptation to broadcast busyness and prioritize productivity.

Connect with Andrew Rozell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arozell/

Website: https://iteach.net/

In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, Karim Abouelnaga! Abouelnaga is a remarkable individual who is on a mission to revolutionize the education system. Abouelnaga shares his unique perspective, experiences, and insights, challenging the status quo and discussing the barriers faced by underprivileged students. 

From the struggles of language difficulties to the importance of representation and the impact of teachers, Abouelnaga leaves no stone unturned as he advocates for change. Get ready to be inspired and enlightened as we dive into this thought-provoking conversation with Karim Abouelnaga on Capital Class.

Timestamps

[00:04:44] Insecurity and doubt about college and future.

[00:07:29] Education system keeps poor people and POC down.

[00:13:41] Realizing the power to defy statistics.

[00:19:19] Urban schools need better teachers and facilities.

[00:21:25] Don't measure resilience in schools.

[00:24:16] Money measures success, promotes innovation, and serves children.

[00:27:48] Business as a vehicle for purposeful work.

[00:32:44] Purpose and mission drive decision-making, and growth.

[00:40:02] Doing what I love brings me joy.

[00:42:27] Weekly NPR shows challenges and inspires thinking for Abouelnaga.

Connect with Karim Abouelnaga

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimabouelnaga/ 

Website: https://www.karimabouelnaga.com/

Produced by Old Soul

In today's episode, we have a fascinating guest joining us. Sandy Roskes, the co-founder of Legends of Learning and the EVP of District Partnerships at Hooked on Phonics.

Here's the question: Can we actually learn from games? Today, Sandy Roskes will shed light on this intriguing topic. Roskes’ research studies focus on the efficacy of using games in education. His findings not only refined his ideas but also served as the motivation to launch a company.

Throughout this episode, Roskes will discuss the process of building a startup, identifying the product-market fit, and the importance of constantly tweaking and adjusting the product to achieve success. He will also share insights on the Science of Reading and how systematic instruction, combined with promoting the joy of reading, can have a profound impact on students.

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Timestamps

[00:02:16] Confluence of technology enables game-based learning.

[00:04:26] COVID-19 heightened technology use in classrooms. Initially met with skepticism, but research later validated game-based learning efficacy.

[00:08:10] Gamification rewards behavior, game-based learning is for instructional games.

[00:14:46] Legends of Learning launched with 50 teachers.

[00:19:34] Succession planning is important for startups. The excitement lies in creating from scratch. Building up teams, reaching a certain scale and then handing over for new beginnings.

[00:23:08] Business builder focused on early-stage startups.

[00:25:48] Build impactful businesses through growth and value.

[00:29:34] Hooked on Phonics: Name recognition, the Science of Reading implementation in K-12 education.

[00:30:45] Educator experience wrapped around a core material, was effective in teaching kids to read.

[00:36:42] Rediscovering Seven Habits for success in life.

Connect with Sandy Roskes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-roskes/

Website: https://www.legendsoflearning.com/

Produced by Old Soul

In this episode of Capital Class, Adam Giery sits down with Skip Hansen. They explore the pressing issues facing the education system and the innovative solutions that Lifelong Learning and Learn4Life are implementing to make a difference. The conversation spans challenges pregnant teens face in school to providing industry connections and skills training for 18-year-old adults seeking jobs. Lifelong Learning is revolutionizing education by focusing on individual needs and creating opportunities for success.

Join us as we discuss the impact of AI on jobs, the crucial need for trade skills in our evolving workforce, and how Lifelong Learning and Learn4Life are positively impacting communities through their unique approach to education.

Timestamps

[00:00:55] How education can adapt to support diverse student needs.

[00:05:13] Young man gets a job, and can't attend school.

[00:09:52] Connecting kids to jobs through training.

[00:12:15] School boards need more business-oriented thinking. Inner city districts need more innovation for job preparation.

[00:14:36] Homelessness is linked to a lack of education and COVID-related gaps.

[00:18:24] AI threatens tech sector jobs, but not the trades

[00:21:09] The journey of scaling a niche business to serve kids.

[00:24:33] How a high school diploma changed a dad’s life.

[00:28:23] Expansion success with trained staff and support

[00:33:57] Dream: Major business owner sponsors school placement.

[00:35:30] Private-public school partnership: School 2.0 of the future.

[00:39:11] Education needs to change and schools must adapt and diversify.

Connect with Skip Hansen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skip-hansen/

Website: https://llac.org/

Produced by Old Soul

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of education and the challenges educators face. Our guest, Evan Erdberg, founder and CEO of Proximity Learning, shares his journey and insights into transforming the education system. From managing a team and remote instruction to the impact of COVID-19, Evan sheds light on the struggles faced by teachers and the need for innovation. 

Join us as we explore the importance of creating a supportive environment for educators while reimagining education for the benefit of our students.

Timestamps

[00:06:26] Teachers face new challenges and are leaving the profession.

[00:11:00] The education system is stuck in an outdated model.

[00:15:18] Innovative, student-driven education with professional teachers.

[00:18:37] Passionate educators deserve our gratitude and support.

[00:23:16] How a chemistry teacher shortage led to remote teaching.

[00:26:19] Funding, remote learning, and the uphill battle for education.

[00:28:56] Challenges Evan faced throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

[00:34:14] Student enrollment leading to change defines success.

[00:39:37] How a busy dad of three finds work energizing.

[00:45:21] AI tutor implementation in progress for students.

Connect with Evan Erdberg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-erdberg-0054921/ 

Website: https://www.proxlearn.com/

Produced by Old Soul