What I Want to Know, with Kevin P. Chavous

In classrooms across America, only about 1% of teachers are Black men. That gap shapes how millions of students see themselves and their futures.

In this episode, Kevin P. Chavous talks with Ahmoni Jones, a seventh-grade math teacher at Soulsville Charter School in Memphis, who's part of that 1%. Jones grew up in a predominantly Black district, surrounded by teachers who looked like him—but never by a Black man at the front of the room. Now he's changing that story.

They talk about what drew him to teaching, the influence of his parents—both behavior specialists—and the moment he realized the classroom was where he could make a difference. Jones explains how he keeps math alive for kids who usually hate it, why humor works better than fear, and how programs like Memphis Teacher Residency are helping young teachers of color stay in the profession.

It's a conversation about identity, purpose, and the quiet power of showing up for the next generation.

00:00 — The beauty of showing up 01:00 — Ahmoni's path to teaching 05:00 — From college gym to classroom 09:00 — Making math make sense 12:00 — Finding balance and support 13:50 — Building a pipeline for Black male teachers

Connect with Ahmoni Jones Soulsville Charter School: https://soulsvillecharterschool.org/ Memphis Teacher Residency: https://memphistr.org/

Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways

K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their future.

Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience all from the safety of home.

✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction

✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs

✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more

✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success

Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education.

🔗 Learn more about K12's career pathways:

https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479

🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support:

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🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let's reshape the conversation around education.

In this episode, host Kevin P. Chavous introduces Denisha Merriweather, founder of Black Minds Matter and a leading advocate for education freedom. Her path includes failing third grade twice, growing up amid instability, earning a scholarship, and becoming the first in her family to graduate from college before completing a master's degree. The theme is second chances in education reform, and the promise is access and dignity for every child, especially those too often left behind.

[00:00] Failing third grade twice and early struggles [03:00] Poverty, instability, and how it shaped her learning [06:00] A godmother's support and the chance of a scholarship [08:30] Finding a school culture that believed in her [11:30] First in her family to graduate college and earn a master's [13:00] From personal story to national advocacy [16:00] Founding Black Minds Matter and building a directory of schools [21:00] Why diverse school leaders matter for real choice [25:00] Hopes and concerns for the future of education freedom

• Denisha Merriweather — Founder, Black Minds Matter; education reform advocate; former U.S. Dept. of Education staffer

• First in her family to earn a college degree; later completed a master's

• Testified before Congress; active national voice on education freedom

• Founded Black Minds Matter in 2020 to uplift Black school founders

• Led work documenting 500+ Black-founded schools across the U.S.

Resources Mentioned

• Black Minds Matter — National initiative uplifting Black school founders — https://blackmindsmatter.net

• Step Up For Students — Florida scholarship granting organization — https://www.stepupforstudents.org

• National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) — U.S. education data — https://www.nationsreportcard.gov

Connect with Denisha

• Company: https://blackmindsmatter.net

• Socials:

LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisha-merriweather-a0521820b

X / Twitter — https://x.com/DenishaMweather

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/deni_mweather/

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/denisha.b.merriweather/

Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways

K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their future.

Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home.

✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction

✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs

✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more

✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success

Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education.

🔗 Learn more about K12's career pathways:

https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479

🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support:

https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25

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🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let's reshape the conversation around education.

In this episode of What I Want to Know, host Kevin P. Chavous sits down with Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children and a national leader in education reform. From classrooms to courtrooms, Shaka has been at the center of the fight for school choice, charter schools, and equitable education policy. Together, they explore whether choice truly expands opportunity, how legislation is reshaping access, and what the future of education innovation might look like.

[00:00] Introduction & framing the debate [01:10] Shaka Mitchell's personal education story [03:50] How inequities sparked the school choice movement [05:31] Is choice enough to ensure quality? [06:36] Why choice can be catalytic for students [09:34] Ensuring access for underserved families [12:50] School choice across rural and urban America [15:22] Regulation, charter schools, and innovation [18:26] What true innovation in schools could look like [24:30] Finding common ground in a divided system [27:51] What's next for school choice and federal programs

• Learn more about Shaka Mitchell and the American Federation for Children: https://www.federationforchildren.org

• Explore K12-powered schools: https://www.k12.com/podcast

• Learn more about Stride, Inc. and online education: https://www.stridelearning.com

• Follow Kevin P. Chavous on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinpchavous

Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education?

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🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let's reshape the conversation around education.

Every once in a while, there's a story that stops you in your tracks - a reminder of what's possible when someone refuses to let their circumstances define them. In this episode, host Kevin P. Chavous shares one of those stories with David Heiber, CEO and founder of Concentric. David's journey reads like something out of a movie: from serving time in prison to earning a doctorate, from being pushed out of the education system to helping over 70,000 students find their way back in. This isn't just a conversation about second chances—it's about what happens when someone decides to go against the tide, stop waiting for the system to fix itself, and build something that actually works for the kids who need it most.

Guest David Heiber - CEO and Founder of Concentric, educational entrepreneur, author, advocate

Key Moments [00:00] Prison-to-Doctorate Journey [07:00] The Judge Who Changed Everything [12:30] From Rejection to Reinvention [19:00] Founding Concentric [23:00] 500,000 Home Visits [27:00] Scaling to 20 States [32:00] The Future of Urban Education

Resources Mentioned

• Concentric — David's education company: https://concentriced.org

• Lincoln University — The HBCU that gave David his second chance: https://www.lincoln.edu

• New Schools Venture Fund — Early backer of Concentric: https://www.newschools.org

• Temple University — Where David studied Afrocentricity under Molefi Asante: https://www.temple.edu

Connect with David Heiber

• Company: https://concentriced.org

• Book: Available through major retailers; accessible follow-up Eccentricity coming soon

Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways

K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their future.

Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home.

✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction

✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs

✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more

✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success

Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education.

🔗 Learn more about K12's career pathways:

https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479

🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support:

https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25

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🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let's reshape the conversation around education.

Corey DeAngelis joins Kevin P. Chavous to unpack the rapid rise of the education freedom movement. They explore school choice's impact on public schools, bipartisan momentum, the role of teachers' unions, and how personalized learning will reshape education's future.

Corey DeAngelis is a leading voice in the school choice movement, a researcher, author, and advocate for giving parents control over their children's education. He currently serves as a senior fellow at the American Federation for Children and is affiliated with multiple education policy think tanks.

Chapters

00:00 – The Winds Are Shifting

00:13 – What Drives School Choice

01:00 – Corey's Path to Advocacy

02:10 – Key Research Findings

03:51 – Leaving Academia

05:51 – Growing Support Nationwide

08:48 – Union Resistance

09:30 – Public School Gains

23:20 – The Future of Personalized Learning

Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways

K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their future.

Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home.

✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction

✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs

✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more

✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success

Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education.

🔗 Learn more about K12's career pathways:

https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479

🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support:

https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25

Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education?

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🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let's reshape the conversation around education.

Kris Stewart leads Ohio Virtual Academy, the largest high school in the state and one of just two virtual schools in the U.S. with a RAMP-certified counseling program. With 17,000 students and 750 staff, she's proving that online learning can deliver real connection, support, and results.

In this episode, Kris joins Kevin to share how her team tracks student well-being daily, supports mental health with wraparound services, and helps students earn industry credentials before they even graduate. She also explains how AI, co-teaching pods, and intentional leadership keep students engaged and why real student success starts with paying attention.

If you want to understand what virtual education looks like at scale and how to do it right this is the episode to hear.

Chapters 00:00 – OHVA is one of two RAMP-certified virtual schools 01:35 – Kristin's path into teaching and leadership 04:00 – Leading a school of 17,000 with care and purpose 07:00 – Supporting student mental health 12:00 – Building real community online 14:00 – Why engagement starts with adults 17:00 – Using AI and teaching critical thinking 21:00 – Career paths, certifications, and job readiness 25:00 – Kristin's vision for modern education

Join the Conversation Share your thoughts with #WIWTK Follow us: Twitter/X – @wiwtkpodcast Facebook – facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast Instagram – @wiwtkpodcast

Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and help us rethink what school can be.

In this episode, Kevin sits down with Jennifer Kolb, Vice President of Workforce Development at MedCerts, to examine a growing question: What if college isn't the only path to a good career?

They dive into how MedCerts is helping high school students land well-paying jobs in healthcare—no four-year degree required. From AI-powered training to employer-backed certifications, Jen shares how this new model is reshaping how students prepare for work, and why school systems—and employers—are paying attention.

They also unpack the rise of career exploration in high school, how virtual learning is filling CTE gaps in rural communities, and why more hospitals are looking to students, not job boards, to solve their talent shortages.

If the goal is employment—not just education—then maybe it's time we rethink the route entirely. This might be what you want to know.

What You'll Learn

02:00 – How Jen's brother's welding career changed her view on success

04:00 – Why Gen Z is questioning the college-default mindset

07:00 – The TikTok effect: new ambitions, new paths

09:00 – Inside MedCerts: what it is, how it works, and who it helps

12:00 – How schools and employers partner to build career pathways

15:00 – Virtual healthcare training—with AI-powered patient simulations

20:00 – What students gain: faster job access and a foot in the door

24:00 – Jen's advice to teens unsure about their future

Go Deeper with Jennifer Kolb Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kolb Explore MedCerts: https://medcerts.com

Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways

K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their future.

Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home.

✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction

✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs

✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more

✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success

Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education.

🔗 Learn more about K12's career pathways:

https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479

Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education?

📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective.

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🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let's reshape the conversation around education.

In this episode, Kevin sits down with Vida Williams, Chief Data Officer at Stride, to explore the promise—and risks—of artificial intelligence in education. From personalized tutoring to curatorial learning, they dive into how AI is reshaping what it means to teach, learn, and build trust in a digital world.

They discuss how AI can reduce teacher overload, personalize instruction, and expand access—but also unpack why how we build it matters as much as what we build.

And in a world where machines are getting better at guiding student learning, they ask a fundamental question:

What's the role of the human in the future of education?

If education is a shared journey, should machines walk with us?

This might be what you want to know.

01:30 – Why Vida left energy & healthcare to focus on education

03:00 – What a Chief Data Officer actually does in a K–12 company

05:00 – Why protecting student data is now non-negotiable

07:30 – AI's real use in classrooms: less grading, more learning

09:00 – "The resurgence of library science" and curatorial learning

11:30 – How personalized AI tutors support (not replace) teachers

13:00 – Socratic learning vs. automation: can AI do both?

16:00 – What young learners really want from AI

18:30 – Guardrails, dialects & equitable access in AI design

21:00 – Why teachers must shape the future of AI tools

25:00 – Are we all becoming cyborgs? And is that a bad thing?

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vida-williams/

Learn about Stride Learning: https://www.stridelearning.com

Explore Stride Tutoring: https://tutoring.k12.com

Read more on ethical AI in education: https://www.edweek.org/technology

Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways

K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their future.

Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home.

✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction

✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs

✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more

✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success

Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education.

🔗 Learn more about K12's career pathways:

https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479

🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support:

https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25

Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education?

📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective.

📱 Follow us:

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🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let's reshape the conversation around education.

Public dollars. Private schools. Political firestorms. In this episode, Kevin talks with long-time school choice advocate John Schilling about what happens when education funding follows the student instead of the system. They dig into the proposed federal scholarship tax credit: what it is, who it helps, and why supporters say it's about opportunity—not ideology. Opponents fear it's the beginning of the end for public schools. Advocates say it's already helping students, especially those in underserved communities. From Florida's model programs to Washington's sharp divisions, this conversation reveals how political will, policy design, and real family needs are shaping the future of school choice. If education is supposed to be about students, then maybe the money should be too. This might be what you want to know. What You'll Learn 01:30 – Why John Got Into School Choice 04:30 – State Politics vs. Federal Legislation 07:30 – What Is a Federal Tax Credit for Education? 09:00 – Florida as a School Choice Success Story 10:30 – How Federal Credits Could Expand Access Nationwide 12:00 – Will This Hurt or Help Public Schools? 15:00 – Research on Outcomes for Scholarship Students 16:30 – Can We Take the Politics Out of Education? 19:30 – What's Next for the Legislation? Go Deeper with John Schilling

🔗 Learn about EdChoice research: https://www.edchoice.org/research/ 🔗 Explore the American Federation for Children: https://www.federationforchildren.org/

9:30 – What's Next for the Legislation? Go Deeper with John Schilling

🔗 Learn about EdChoice research: https://www.edchoice.org/research/ 🔗 Explore the American Federation for Children: https://www.federationforchildren.org/

----------------------------------------------------

Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways

K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their future.

Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home.

✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction

✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs

✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more

✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success

Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education.

🔗 Learn more about K12's career pathways:

https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479

🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support:

https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25

Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education?

📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective.

📱 Follow us:

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🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast

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🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let's reshape the conversation around education.

We're re-releasing this episode because the questions it raises are more relevant than ever.

In 2025, as technology transforms how students learn and entire industries evolve, the role of educators is shifting rapidly. Classrooms are becoming more digital, expectations more complex, and the pressure to keep students engaged—and prepared for the future—has never been greater. Yet, many teachers are stepping away.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half of public education employees who leave the field aren't retiring or laid off. They're choosing to resign. Amid ongoing challenges like burnout, staffing shortages, and shifting school environments, educators are asking: How do we keep going—and keep growing?

That's why we're revisiting this conversation with 2023 National Teacher of the Year Rebecka Peterson. A math teacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rebecka speaks with warmth, clarity, and an unshakable belief in the power of human connection. Her story is a reminder that joy, purpose, and sustainability in teaching are still possible—even in a time of change.

Why this encore? Because Rebecka's reflections on resilience, creativity, and care offer both inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone invested in the future of education

Episode Highlights + Timestamps:

00:00 — Why great teachers leave (and why it matters) 01:30 — Rebecka's immigrant journey & early love for teaching 06:00 — "I'm not a math person" and the cultural damage of that phrase 09:00 — How Rebecka builds trust: "Kids spell love T-I-M-E" 12:00 — The math teacher shortage: only 25 graduates in her entire state 15:00 — The "One Good Thing" blog that saved her teaching career 19:00 — From burnout to National Teacher of the Year 24:00 — What every teacher (and school leader) should be asking 28:00 — Advice to teachers on the brink of burnout 31:00 — The power of reflection, systems, and 1% growth

Meet Rebecka Peterson: Rebecka is a high school math teacher at Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the 2023 National Teacher of the Year. She uses storytelling and connection to bring math to life and help every student feel seen.

K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their healthcare career journey.

Enrolment is open at K12! Join over 3 million students who have chosen a K12-powered education for tuition-free, personalized online public schooling from the safety of home. With state-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction, an innovative curriculum, and extensive family support, K12 empowers students in grades K-12 to succeed.

Our accredited program offers engaging classes that support learners of all levels, including advanced students and those with special needs. Experience more family time, engaging class connections, and the opportunity for your child to thrive academically.

Apply today to secure your spot and discover why families choose K12 for their online education needs.

Explore K12's healthcare pathway options and other career-focused programs: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479

Join the Conversation: Use #WIWTK on social media to share your thoughts.

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