CharterFolk

Andrew Broy of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) joins Jed Wallace for a one-on-one conversation about how Chicago's charter movement has held its ground against CTU, what the Indianapolis reform model means for the rest of the country, and why state associations have to evolve faster than they've ever evolved before. Along the way: why CTU isn't the enemy (low expectations are), the...

What does it take to lead one of the nation’s most visible and influential charter school networks? In this episode of CharterFolk Chat, Jed Wallace sits down with Shannon Hodge, the new CEO of KIPP DC Public Schools, just one month into her new role. Shannon’s journey is a masterclass in preparation and purpose—from her early days as a guidance counselor in Indiana during the rollout of No Child...

Jed Wallace sits down with Alan Bersin, former Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District, for a candid conversation about education reform—past lessons, present challenges, and future possibilities. Recorded live at Jimmy Carter's Mexican restaurant in San Diego, this discussion offers rare insights from one of the most influential and controversial education leaders of the past 25 years...

Twenty years after Katrina, New Orleans has zero failing schools and a B district rating. So why do charter advocates lead with "We're not going toward New Orleans"? Jed Wallace talks with Dana Peterson, Jerel Bryant, and Caroline Roemer about the city's remarkable transformation, the governance framework that made it possible, and why the charter movement won't claim its greatest success story. *...

"No public policy is permanent." With those five words, education reform pioneer Dr. Howard Fuller delivers a wake-up call to the charter school movement in this powerful Thanksgiving week conversation with host Jed Wallace. Drawing a stark parallel to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Fuller warns that charter school laws—despite decades of progress—could be eliminated through political change alon...

MIND Trust CEO Brandon Brown shares the untold story behind Indiana's historic 2025 legislative session that closed a $7,900 per-student funding gap for charter school students. From facing down protesters to being told he couldn't safely enter the State House, Brandon reveals what courage in education advocacy really looks like. A powerful conversation about achieving unprecedented policy wins wh...

From Frustrated Teacher to Hall of Fame: Chris Barbic on Building Yes Prep, Leading Tennessee's Turnaround District, and Why Charter Schools Are Getting Their Swagger Back Charter School Hall of Fame inductee Chris Barbic joins host Jed for a candid conversation about his journey from a frustrated Teach for America teacher to one of the most influential leaders in charter education. Chris opens up...

In this wide-ranging and energizing episode of CharterFolk Chat , Jed Wallace sits down with Starlee Coleman, CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, for a no-holds-barred conversation about the state of the charter school movement—and where it’s headed next. Now nine months into her role, Starlee reflects on the chaos, urgency, and opportunity that define her first year. She shar...

Jed Wallace and Kevin Hall explore the evolution of the charter school movement, touching upon Hall's extensive journey from a fourth-grade educator to a prominent figure in educational philanthropy. Hall recounts his early experiences in Compton and his founding role in Chancellor Academies, illustrating the genesis of his commitment to educational reform. The conversation further delves into the...

In this engaging exchange, Jed Wallace and Marlon Marshall navigate the complexities surrounding charter schools and the broader educational reform movement. Marlon, whose career is deeply rooted in both educational leadership and political advocacy, articulates the challenges he faced growing up in St. Louis against the backdrop of the Delmar Divide—a poignant metaphor for the socio-economic and...

Brenda Cora's journey as the CEO of Noble Schools is a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact of nurturing leadership within the charter school community. In this episode, we delve into the significance of promoting from within, emphasizing how internal leadership development fosters continuity, trust, and a stronger organizational culture. Brenda reflects on her own exp...

CharterFolk is celebrating a significant milestone of reaching 15,000 email subscribers, and in this vibrant discussion, host Jed Wallace engages with Derrell Bradford to explore the pressing need for the charter school movement to assert itself more boldly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of "saying it loud" and being unapologetic about the unique value charter schools bring to the edu...

Jed talks with Yass Prize winner Diana Diaz-Harrison about Arizona Autism Charter Schools' innovative approach to serving students on the autism spectrum.

After a very interesting first interview, we wanted to have another conversation with Howard Fuller where he shared his inspiring experiences and global point of view over the education system in the USA.

The Breakthrough in the Democratic Party Platform in California. A great chat with Margaret Fortune, Roxann Nazario and Shavar Jeffries.

ChaterFolk Oxygen Bar with Linda Brown and Etoile Academy Charter School

Jed talks to Casey Taylor and Steven Wright from Achieve Charter School and to Mary Cox from CORE Butte Charter School about lessons learned in coming back from the devastating 2018 wildfires in Paradise, California -- and how they can be applied to our days.

Andy Rotherham (Bellwether Education Partners) moderates a panel on charter school growth with Ana Ponce (Great Public Schools Now - CA), Brett Peiser (Uncommon Schools, NY), Pat Brantley (Friendship Public Charter School, DC), and John Armbrust (Austin Achieve Public Schools, TX).

Jed talks to Linda Brown from Building Excellent Schools about resiliency and productive "stubbornness" amidst challenging times. We also hear the inspiring stories of Lagra Newman (Purpose Preparatory Academy Charter School, TN) and Chris Manning (Buffalo Creek Academy Charter School, NY) on how they started their schools and helped their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jed invites Yvonne Chan to share how she keeps her energy level high amidst all the challenges facing educators today.

Jed is joined by Danielle West-Augustin, Chief Academic Officer and Director of Queen City Academy Charter School in Plainfield New ... Read more

This month Jed is is joined by Kim Smith to talk about lessons learned from the pandemic, equity, innovation, and ... Read more

Jed is joined by former state senator Ember Reichgott Junge from Minnesota and former state senator Gary K. Hart from ... Read more

Jed is joined by Myrna Castrejón, Starlee Coleman, and Andrew Broy for a conversation about building political capacity in California, ... Read more

Join Jed for a CharterFolk Chat with Nella García Urban.