This episode is part 1 of a 2-part episode. I recommend downloading parts one and two now, for a smooth listen.

About this episode:

Managing the present while planning for your future can feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle, even to us adults.

So imagine the overwhelm that threatens high school kids who are expected to transition from childhood to adulthood, say goodbye to their High school routine and friends, choose a college, then a major.

And let’s be serious, parents don’t always have the time to help kids create a game plan for college success. Even more, knowing how to squeeze every drop of value from the college experience is not common knowledge. Therefore, most students graduate High school and then college without reaching their peak potential. 

In this episode, we’re talking to Reginald (Reg) Ryder M.Ed. He holds 30 years of experience as a Higher Education professional and is the founder of Thriving Life Coaching, a company that helps reshape the way that college-bound High school seniors, and college students, experience school.

Throughout the episode, Reg drops a boatload of wisdom. We’re talking

• How to increase your student's chance of scoring scholarships

We also dig into Reg’s story as a 1st generation college student, former basketball coach, husband, dad, and twin!

So if you’ve ever wondered why some students have college scholarships coming out of the wazoo while others struggle to complete one application, or question whether college is even the best next step for every High school grad, then tune in! You’re going to love this episode.

How to get in touch with Reg at Thriving Life Coaching

Website: reginaldryder.com

You can find him on LinkedIn as Reginald Ryder, M.Ed.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to support the podcast, you can by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. That way, you will get notified when the next episode is released and you'll never miss an episode!

You can show your support by leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings help more people find and listen to the podcast! This means more children get the resources that they need to thrive.

To grab inspiring apparel for kids and adults, and if you'd like to support the podcast monetarily, please visit our website to show your solidarity! edgapevolution.com 

Thank you :)

Homeschooling your kid(s) is almost like any other full-time job, except every day is "Bring Your Child To Work Day'' because you are the teacher, principal, lunch lady, and often, you wear every hat in between. In this episode, I interview Pam Phillips. She's a seasoned English teacher, creative tutor, experienced homeschool parent, and … plot twist, she's MY MOM! 

We’re talking: What it was like to homeschool four children, solo, as a young mom in the early 2000’s without a blueprint of what it meant to “do it right” and virtually zero community support.

We cover Pam’s story as a Baltimore native, HBCU grad, and parent of four children, including one child who received an autism diagnosis.

You’ll learn what she did on her very first day as a 22-year-old school teacher when she stepped in the classroom and every 8th-grade student was literally on the floor goofing off with no intention of making their new teacher’s initiation pleasant!

In her classically quirky way, she offers advice on how to successfully homeschool children, how to build rapport with students as a classroom teacher, how to make education exciting for kids (and adults), and how trusting your intuition is a key factor in making sure your child receives the unique support and experiences that they need in order to thrive!

Pam has taught in public school, private school, homeschool, and supplemental education companies like Sylvan Learning. She offers a unique perspective on innovative learning modalities and has a lot to say about how we can come together to close the education gap.

Enjoy the episode!

How to get in touch with Pam Phillips:

Learn more about Pam's virtual reading and English tutoring services at www.morethangoodgrades.com  

Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Tondalaya (Tee) Takapu is the CEO of Club Lab Rascals, active-duty Airforce member, wife, and proud mom of two boys. Her company is making space for more children to get excited about learning and build STEM skills through virtual and in-school programs that emphasize hands-on learning. 

Not only does the company empower K-5 kids to be doctors, scientists, etc. even as children, but they are inspiring more children of color to explore STEM by inviting STEM professionals of color to make frequent special guest appearances in Club Lab Rascals learning labs.

In this episode, we discuss how Tee literally flipped a coin on her future, what side that coin landed on, and how her choice to say "yes" set her on an action-packed journey to owning one of the most diverse and fastest-growing STEM (for kids) companies in America.

How to get in touch with Club Lab Rascals

Visit: www.clublabrascals.com 

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @clublabrascals

Facebook: Club Lab Rascals

If you enjoyed this episode and want to support the podcast, you can do so by leaving a review and sharing this episode on your social media. Reviews and shares help more people find and listen to the podcast. Also, please subscribe to the podcast and get notified when the next episode is released so that you never miss an episode. Visit our website to learn more about the Ed Gap Evolution. On the website, you can also subscribe to receive our weekly email updates on new episodes, resources, and EdVolution apparel for all: www.edgapevolution.com 

Now more than ever, kids are being bombarded with social and emotional challenges that even us adults are struggling to navigate. In this episode, I interview School Teacher and Yogi, Emily Fleming.

Emily is utilizing the accessibility that public education provides in order to teach kids how to infuse yoga in their day. She has been teaching yoga and mindfulness in school for six years!

Emily believes that yoga adds another tool to a child's toolbox because it provides children with another way to take control of their emotions, lifelong, even when life gets messy. 

We discuss Emily's yoga practice which she began around age 16, and we dig into how she pivoted from pursuing a career as an international news correspondent to becoming a teacher and successfully launching her yoga business.

Emily also shares how she overcame naysayers who practically laughed at her dream of becoming a full-time yoga teacher, and so much more.

Enjoy the episode!

How to get in touch with Emily:

Instagram / Facebook: @emilyflemingyoga

Check out Emily's Self-Care Course for Educators.

Want Emily's top tips for teaching yoga in schools? Look here. 

If you enjoyed this episode and want to support the podcast, you can do so by leaving a review and sharing this episode on your social media. Reviews and shares help more people find and listen to the podcast. Also, please subscribe to the podcast and get notified when the next episode is released so that you never miss an episode. Visit our website to learn more about the Ed Gap Evolution. On the website, you can also subscribe to receive our weekly email updates on new episodes, resources, and EdVolution apparel for all: www.edgapevolution.com