Podcast Epis.

As schools increasingly prioritize not just academic success but also real-world readiness, the call for career-connected learning has never been louder. With over 10% of future job growth projected in STEM fields, education systems are reimagining how to expose students, especially from under-resourced communities, to meaningful career pathways early on. So, how can schools…

As college costs rise and the pressure to pick a successful career path intensifies, families are struggling to navigate an increasingly complex system with inadequate career guidance and support. Nationally, the average student-to-counselor ratio is 376:1—far from the recommended 250:1, leaving many students and parents adrift at a critical decision-making moment. Meanwhile, a study…

As employers grapple with persistent talent shortages, the traditional requirement of a four-year degree is being challenged. In fact, a study by the Harvard Business School shows that more employers now demand four-year degrees for jobs that historically didn’t require them, despite minimal evidence of improved performance. As a result, they narrow the talent…

Amid a nationwide teacher shortage and growing calls to rethink traditional education structures, Mesa Public Schools in Arizona is pioneering a model that could reshape the future of the classroom: team teaching. At a time when 74% of U.S. public schools report difficulty filling teaching positions, Mesa’s innovative approach—emphasizing collaboration, flexibility, and personalization—offers a…

Amid a nationwide reassessment of the “college-for-all” mindset, data reveal that millions of young adults in the U.S. are neither in school nor working. This is a staggering sign that our traditional education pathways may not be serving all learners. With rising tuition costs, high dropout rates, and a rapidly evolving job market, education…

Teachers are overburdened, overwhelmed, and often under-supported. Take the school year of 2022-23, for example — During the year, the average K–12 educator was found to juggle a whopping 49 digital tools. This digital overload, compounded by post-COVID challenges, has not only tethered teachers to their desks but also eroded the essential human connection…

As traditional schooling models continue to face scrutiny, a growing number of parents and educators are opting out of conventional systems in favor of more personalized learning experiences. Microschools—small, flexible, learner-centered environments—are gaining traction nationwide, even in states like California where public funding avenues like Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are limited. The growing movement…

Across the country, education savings accounts (ESAs) are reshaping how families think about schooling, but in Utah, surging demand is outpacing available options. Last year, roughly 27,000 students applied for Utah’s ESA program, but only 10,000 scholarships were available. While parental interest in alternative education is booming, a new bottleneck is emerging: the supply…

As school districts face growing pressure to spend limited funds wisely and show measurable returns on investment, a bold new model is gaining traction: paying vendors based on student outcomes rather than services rendered. With the end of ESSER funding and increased scrutiny from school boards, districts are seeking ways to ensure that every…