Education Conversations

Jennifer is joined by Dr. Kimberly Krupa, network development and engagement consultant for Florida College Access Network (FCAN.) They touch on topics such as the role of local college access networks in preparing students for life beyond high school, FASFA, and Talent Strong Sarasota, a new campaign spearheaded by FCAN which is now being adopted at the local level. Thank you to Miter Brands, our sponsor for this podcast episode.

Jennifer talks with Geri Chaffee, the dynamic founder of Dreamers Academy. They discuss the dual language immersion model of teaching and its effect on students and families, charter schools, and community impact, including the upcoming Newtown Family Center. Our thanks to Golf Therapy Club for sponsoring this episode of Education Conversations.

Jennifer talks with TNTP’s Leadership Development Partner, Nicola Martin about teacher retention–a much talked about issue–and what we can do as a community to keep our teachers here. The solutions may surprise you! Our thanks to Gilbane Construction for sponsoring this episode of Education Conversations.

Join Education Foundation’s President/CEO Jennifer Vigne and Director of Student Programs, Dr. Anayah Walker as they reflect on the first year of the Future-Ready programs—initiatives that, through deep relationships and connections, help students prepare for life after high school with a plan. Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Warton-Smith, Inc.

Jennifer talks with Norin Dollard, senior policy analyst and director of KIDS COUNT at the Florida Policy Institute. They discuss one of today’s hot issues in education, school vouchers: the benefits and the downfalls for students, the economy, and public education at large. For more to the story, tune in to our prequels from Season 1: Funding Public Education and Ensuring Opportunities for all Students. Thank you to Suncoast Credit Union for sponsoring this episode.

So much can happen in a season of Education Conversations! Join Jennifer for our final compilation episode, “Policy, Partnerships, and Community Prosperity”, featuring snippets from several of our season 2 guests.

S2E26 Education Today: Join this special episode of Education Conversation as we wrap up Season 2 that highlights guests and topics focusing on Education Today. Jennifer revisits popular subjects from Season 2, such as Artificial Intelligence, scholarships, and the 2025 State of Education Report. This is the first in a two-part compilation series, so stay tuned for more!

This episode features Representative Fiona McFarland, a champion for education and the Education Foundation. She and Jennifer discuss takeaways from the 2025 Legislative Session, where Sarasota Schools are today and how education may change in the future.

This episode focuses on our local economy, as Jennifer welcomes Erin Silk, president and ceo of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. Together they discuss the current and future outlook for local economic development and explore how education and a healthy economy are inextricably tied.

In this episode, Jennifer talks with the Community Foundation’s Vice President for Community Impact, Kirsten Russell about their annual State of Education report, the importance of early learning, and the role of philanthropy in our community