Download “The Founders” book for free Content courtesy of The 74 Million The 74 Million Richard Whitmire, The 74 Million USA | 2023 Inside ‘The Founders’: Marc Strenberg, The Walton Family Foundation The 74 Million A School Founder’s History: Don Shalvey, Aspire Public Schools Don Shalvey, The 74 Million CA Inside ‘The Founders’: Victoria Rico, George […]
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Inside ‘The Founders’: Marc Strenberg, The Walton Family Foundation
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ Transcript Joel Klein’s vision for educational reform emphasized competition and accountability, leveraging entrepreneurial talent to improve school systems. He advocated for school choice as a means to drive systemic change, empowering parents and encouraging innovation among educators. The Walton Family Foundation’s strategy focuses on investing in entrepreneurs to increase the […]
A School Founder’s History: Don Shalvey, Aspire Public Schools
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ Transcript Don Shalvey recounted the formation and growth of Aspire Public Schools, starting with a chance meeting with tech entrepreneur Reed Hastings in 1997. They formed Californians for Public School X, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, to lift the cap on charter schools in California. After gathering 1.1 million signatures, they collaborated […]
Inside ‘The Founders’: Victoria Rico, George W. Brackenridge Foundation
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ Transcript Victoria Rico, chair of the George W. Brackenridge Foundation, discussed the foundation’s efforts to support high-performing charter schools in San Antonio, Texas. She co-founded Choose to Succeed to recruit and support charter operators like KIPP and IDEA Public Schools. Rico highlighted the foundation’s role in expanding these schools, noting […]
Inside ‘The Founders’: Nina Rees, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ The conversation highlights the significant contributions of Kim Smith and Howard to the growth and innovation of charter schools. Kim’s early investments in Aspire Public Charter Schools and her organization’s role in securing federal Race to the Top and i3 grants were pivotal. Howard is recognized for his advocacy for […]
A School Founder’s History: Brett Peiser, Boston Collegiate and Uncommon Schools
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ Brett Peiser discussed the founding of Boston Collegiate Charter School in 1998 and the subsequent formation of Uncommon Schools, a nonprofit charter management organization. Initially, Boston Collegiate started with 120 students and has grown to over 700. Uncommon Schools, established in 2004, now operates 49 schools serving 16,000 students in […]
A School Founder’s History: Emilio Pack, STEM Preparatory Schools
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ Transcript Emilio Pack discussed the origins of STEM Preparatory Schools, inspired by his own experiences as a child of a single Cuban mother in the U.S. He emphasized the need to bring high-quality public education to underserved communities without forcing students to leave their roots. Pack highlighted his transition from […]
A School Founder’s History: Jessica Nauiokas, Mott Haven Academy
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ Transcript Jessica Nauiokas, the founding principal of Mott Haven Academy Charter School, discusses the school’s mission to serve children in the child welfare system. Two-thirds of the students are either in foster care or receiving prevention services. The school’s design emphasizes stability and support, with a predictable environment and comprehensive […]
Inside ‘The Founders’: Jay Mathews, Education Columnist
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ Transcript Jay Mathews discusses his experiences with transformative educators, starting with Jaime Escalante in Los Angeles, who inspired him to believe in the potential of inner-city students. He then highlights the KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) schools, which embody Escalante’s principles of high expectations, extended learning time, and a supportive […]
A School Founder’s History: Dave Levin, KIPP
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ Transcript Dave Levin recounts his early teaching experiences, highlighting the pivotal influence of Harriet Ball, who mentored him despite initial reluctance. Levin faced challenges with a rowdy sixth-grade class but learned valuable lessons from Ball, including the importance of classroom order and meeting students where they are. Ball’s engaging teaching […]
