What happens when a dedicated educator realizes the system isn’t serving her students—or her own children? She builds something better.
In this deeply moving episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Mary Jo Fairhead, a former public-school teacher and principal in South Dakota, who left the traditional education system to create Onward Learning—a micro school serving one of the poorest counties in the U.S.
From facing heartbreaking moments as a principal on a reservation, to embracing a love-based, relationship-centered approach to learning, Mary Jo shares her journey of starting a school that meets kids where they are—emotionally, academically, and personally.
She also explains: 
✅ How trauma and poverty shaped her mission 
✅ The role VELA Education Fund played in helping her launch 
✅ The personalized, multi-age approach that’s helping students thrive 
✅ Advice for others looking to start micro schools or alternative learning models
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply passionate about improving education, this episode will leave you inspired and hopeful for the future of learning in America.

What happens when a dedicated educator realizes the system isn’t serving her students—or her own children? She builds something better. In this deeply moving episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Mary Jo Fairhead, a former public-school teacher and principal in South Dakota, who left the traditional education system to create Onward Learning—a micro school serving one of the poorest counties in the U.S. From facing heartbreaking moments as a principal on a reservation, to embracing a love-based, relationship-centered approach to learning, Mary Jo shares her journey of starting a school that meets kids where they are—emotionally, academically, and personally. She also explains: ✅ How trauma and poverty shaped her mission ✅ The role VELA Education Fund played in helping her launch ✅ The personalized, multi-age approach that’s helping students thrive ✅ Advice for others looking to start micro schools or alternative learning models Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply passionate about improving education, this episode will leave you inspired and hopeful for the future of learning in America.

From Principal to Pioneer: How Mary Jo Fairhead Is Reimagining Education in Rural South Dakota

American Potential is a national award-winning podcast that shares how individuals are taking action in their communities to break barriers. While some of our guests may be public officials or influencers, many are ordinary Americans who decided, “enough is enough,” and are stepping up in a big way.

We share policy solutions to the most important challenges our country faces and talk to people who are doing something about it. Our hope is that when you hear about other people’s stories of success – and struggle – you will realize that you are capable of doing extraordinary things within your own community and know that you are not alone.

David From, a Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, hosts the American Potential podcast. David brings a wealth of experience in grassroots advocacy and a deep commitment to advancing freedom and opportunity for all Americans.

American Potential has earned multiple prestigious honors for its impact and excellence in storytelling:

Platinum Award at the 2024 Viddy Awards for the episode featuring Mike Rowe, recognized in the long-form podcast category.

Gold Award at the 18th Annual w3 Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category.

Award of Distinction at the 31st Annual Communicator Awards in the Individual Episodes – Political category for the episode “Eco-Regulation Gone Wrong: The Unintended Costs of Colorado’s Climate Laws.”

These awards—judged by experts from organizations like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and the Smithsonian—highlight the podcast’s effectiveness in elevating compelling stories of freedom, innovation, and citizen-led change.

Society & Culture

Education

Self-Improvement

Government

Personal Journals

American Potential is a national award-winning podcast that shares how individuals are taking action in their communities to break barriers. While some of our guests may be public officials or influencers, many are ordinary Americans who decided, “enough is enough,” and are stepping up in a big way. We share policy solutions to the most important challenges our country faces and talk to people who are doing something about it. Our hope is that when you hear about other people’s stories of success – and struggle – you will realize that you are capable of doing extraordinary things within your own community and know that you are not alone. David From, a Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, hosts the American Potential podcast. David brings a wealth of experience in grassroots advocacy and a deep commitment to advancing freedom and opportunity for all Americans. American Potential has earned multiple prestigious honors for its impact and excellence in storytelling: Platinum Award at the 2024 Viddy Awards for the episode featuring Mike Rowe, recognized in the long-form podcast category. Gold Award at the 18th Annual w3 Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category. Award of Distinction at the 31st Annual Communicator Awards in the Individual Episodes – Political category for the episode “Eco-Regulation Gone Wrong: The Unintended Costs of Colorado’s Climate Laws.” These awards—judged by experts from organizations like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and the Smithsonian—highlight the podcast’s effectiveness in elevating compelling stories of freedom, innovation, and citizen-led change.

Share From Principal to Pioneer: How Mary Jo Fairhead Is Reimagining Education in Rural South Dakota

Sign up to save your podcasts

From Principal to Pioneer: How Mary Jo Fairhead Is Reimagining Education in Rural South Dakota

From Principal to Pioneer: How Mary Jo Fairhead Is Reimagining Education in Rural South Dakota

More shows like American Potential

Brian Kilmeade Show

The Ben Shapiro Show

The Playbook Podcast

The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

The Daily

Up First from NPR

The Journal.

Advisory Opinions

Hold These Truths with Dan Crenshaw

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

Ruthless Podcast

The Daily Punch

The Foreign Affairs Interview

The 13th Step

Culture & Christianity: The Allen Jackson Podcast