Bama Knows Education

Season 2 of Bama Knows Education kicks off celebrating our nation's 250th birthday of independence. Each episode, Sheila will explore how education freedom aligns with the Founding Fathers' vision of the the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.  In this episode, Sheila Banister and Stephanie Smith discuss the foundational principles of American liberty, the importance of educational...

In this episode of Bama Knows Education, James Thornton, the Community, Engagement and Outreach Coordinator for Build Up Community School, joins us to discuss the school's innovative approach to education. Build Up focuses on providing students with multiple pathways to success, including workforce development training, internships, and home ownership opportunities.  James explains the import...

In this episode of Bama Knows Education, we’re joined by Courtney Davis, founder of Urban Community Montessori (UCM) in Birmingham, Alabama. Courtney shares her passion for promoting accessible and affordable Montessori education and her work to build a pipeline for Black and Brown Montessorians through partnerships with local non-profits. Courtney discusses UCM’s mission to educate the community...

Welcome to a special episode of Bama Knows Education ! We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates as we look ahead to 2025. First, mark your calendars because the Choose Act portal officially opens on January 2nd, providing families in Alabama with access to valuable resources and funding opportunities. Additionally, we’re excited to announce that Love Your School is a co-sponsor of the Alabama...

In this episode of Bama Knows Education, we sit down with Liberty Evanko, a homeschooling mother of four from Alabama, who shares her journey of creating a personalized education experience for her children. Liberty and her husband work together to homeschool their kids, including one son who is twice exceptional. She offers practical advice for parents considering homeschooling, emphasizing the i...

In this episode, we sit down with Alabama Representative Susan DuBose, who represents District 45, and is a passionate advocate for education reform and school choice. Susan is dedicated to empowering parents to make decisions about their children’s education and improving Alabama’s historically low rankings in education. She supports legislation that prioritizes school choice, aims to keep divisi...

In this episode, we explore school choice with Erik Estill, Executive Director of Lead Academy, a charter school dedicated to building future leaders. Erik shares his perspective on the importance of charter schools in education and provides an inside look at Lead Academy's unique approach. Lead Academy’s vision is to shape students into knowledgeable, productive, and well-rounded citizens th...

In this episode, we explore the world of microschools with Don Soifer, CEO and Co-founder of the National Microschooling Center, and Jill Haskins, Director of Microschool Outreach and Ecosystem Builder. Together, they share insights into how micro-schools are reshaping education by providing personalized and community-centered alternatives to traditional schooling. Don Soifer brings his experience...

In this episode, we dive into an insightful conversation with Nathan Sanders, Policy and Advocacy Director at EdChoice, where he is actively working to advance educational freedom and choice for all. Nathan joined EdChoice in 2023, bringing his experience from Americans for Prosperity in Louisiana and his passion for community involvement, as reflected in his roles within his local Chamber of Comm...

In this episode, we interview Martin Nalls, Head of School at i3 Academy, a charter school in Birmingham, Alabama. Martin explains the mission of i3 Academy, which is to empower learners to become agents of change and excel in a global society. He also breaks down the concept of charter schools, highlighting how they provide a free, public alternative to traditional schools without requiring tuiti...

In this episode of Bama Knows Education , we sit down with Hattie McHale, a mother of four with children ranging from a senior in high school to a second grader. Hattie shares her family's journey with school choice and homeschooling, highlighting the diverse learning styles and unique personalities of her kids. We dive into how Hattie and her husband approach education decisions one year at...

In this episode of  Bama Knows Education , we sit down with Kim, host of the We Have Hope podcast, to dive into the work of Love Your School in both West Virginia and Alabama. Our conversation centers around the shared mission of these organizations—empowering families to make informed choices about their children's education—while highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities in each...

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Thompson from Americans for Prosperity to explore their mission of advancing freedom and opportunity to unleash prosperity for all Americans.  We discuss how education plays a pivotal role in this mission and why school choice is a critical component of their efforts. Adam shares insights on how empowering families to choose the right educational path for the...

In this episode, we interview Stephen Murr, the Head of School at Lindsay Lane Christian Academy, who has dedicated over 26 years to Christian education. Stephen shares his journey in leading LLCA, a school committed to providing students with a biblically-based education that partners with parents and the church to develop a strong Biblical worldview. He also discusses his strong support for scho...

In this episode, we explore the impact of the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund (AOSF), a program established in 2013 to provide tax-credited scholarships for low-income K-12 students across Alabama. These scholarships empower families by allowing them to choose the best public or private school for their children. Our guest is Andy Ryan, the Executive Director of AOSF. Andy's journey to A...

In this episode of Bama Knows Education , we sit down with Charlotte Meadows, a dedicated advocate for school choice and a prominent figure in Alabama's educational landscape.  Charlotte is a former representative in the Alabama Legislature and has served on the Montgomery Public Schools Board of Education. Currently, she is the board chair of LEAD Academy, a public charter school in Montgome...

In this powerful episode, we engage in a dynamic conversation with Stephanie Smith, a seasoned political advocate and a passionate supporter of school choice in Alabama. As the wife of Dalton Smith and mother of seven children, Stephanie brings a unique perspective to the intersection of family and politics. With over 25 years of experience in governmental affairs, her résumé is as impressive as h...

In this episode, we sit down with Representative Terri Collins, a dedicated member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 8th District, who has served her community since 2010. Representative Collins shares her insights and experiences as the Chair of the Education Policy Committee and a member of the Education Ways and Means Committee. Throughout the conversation, we discuss her commitm...

On this episode of Bama Knows Education , we’re chatting with friends and neighbors from the Madison City School District about the diverse ways they educate their children. From public schools to blended programs, homeschool co-ops, and a Christian academy, each family shares the reasons behind their choice. Join us for an enlightening discussion highlighting the benefits and challenges of these...

Welcome to the very FIRST episode of Bama Knows Education! In this episode of Bama Knows Education, we introduce Lucy Willing, the Operations Director at Love Your School. Lucy shares the mission and vision of Love Your School, an organization committed to ensuring every family can confidently say, "Yes, I love my school!"  The goal of this podcast is to dive into the diverse education o...

Welcome to Bama Knows Education, where we explore the rich world of educational choice in Alabama. Join us as we connect with experts, unravel the details of school options, and empower families with valuable insights. At Love Your School Alabama, we believe every family should be able to answer the question “Do you love your school?” with a resounding “Yes! Discover how we celebrate education opt...