EPISODE 196 | Welcome back to Homeschool Your Way, where the podcast explores all the different ways families can create an education that truly fits their kids. In this episode, host Janna Koch is joined by Matt Bowen, co-author of OpEd, for a conversation about open education, his background as a public-school teacher, and the journey that led his own family to explore new possibilities for their children.

Matt brings a particularly interesting perspective because he has seen education from more than one side. He spent years in the public-school world, but once he became a parent, the questions surrounding learning and schooling became much more personal. Like so many families, Matt and his family began thinking more deeply about what would truly work best for their children, rather than simply following what was expected or conventional.

Together, Janna and Matt discuss that transition, how hisperspective shifted from teacher to parent, and how his family began exploring different educational avenues in search of the right fit. It is a thoughtful and encouraging conversation about staying open, following children’s needs, and giving families permission to think beyond the traditional path.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | For over 30 years, Matt Bowman has been reimagining education for the digital age. As a former sixth-grade teacher turned tech executive and education entrepreneur, Matt saw firsthand how the traditional education system often fails to meet the unique needs of individual learners.

Together with his wife Amy, Matt founded OpenEd (formerly My Tech High), which has served more than 100,000 student enrollments across multiple states, including many military families worldwide. Their approach focuses on blending personalized learning with technology and entrepreneurship skills, giving students the flexibility to learn in ways that work best for them.

Matt holds multiple degrees in education and is an alumnus of Stanford's Executive Business Management program.

He lives in the mountains of Utah, where he and Amy enjoy spending time with their five married children and four grandchildren (and counting!)

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, send an email to [email protected]. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.