Betsy DeVos discussed her lifelong advocacy for education freedom, emphasizing the importance of diverse learning environments. She highlighted her role in establishing the West Michigan Aviation Academy and her involvement in Michigan’s charter school movement. DeVos challenged the traditional education system’s bureaucracy and advocated for policies that empower parents and families. She noted the obstacles of implementing change and the need for fewer regulations. DeVos also discussed her tenure as Secretary of Education, focusing on school choice and the potential for federal tax credits to support education freedom. She expressed a desire to see more creativity and innovation in education.
Transcript
Outline
Betsy DeVos’ Background and Commitment to Education
- Jim Goenner introduces Betsy DeVos, highlighting her lifelong advocacy for children and various roles.
- Betsy DeVos describes herself as a follower of Jesus, a daughter, wife, mom, grandma, and an advocate for children.
- Betsy emphasizes the importance of formal education alongside family and life experiences in developing children’s full potential.
- She shares her personal educational journey, including attending Christian schools and recognizing the need for diverse learning methods.
Inspiration Behind the West Michigan Aviation Academy
- Jim Goenner mentions Betsy’s husband, Dick, and the West Michigan Aviation Academy.
- Betsy explains the idea’s origin, inspired by Dick’s passion for aviation and education.
- The school was designed to introduce students to aviation and other unique opportunities, fostering their vocational interests.
- Betsy highlights the positive impact of the school on students, noting their enthusiasm and energized learning experiences.
Impact of Potter’s House on Betsy DeVos’ Education Advocacy
- Betsy discusses her involvement with Potter’s House, a school her son attended briefly.
- She began volunteering at Potter’s House, helping with reading and tutoring, and realized the public policy barriers to such opportunities.
- Betsy’s experience at Potter’s House fueled her lifelong commitment to advocating for policies that support educational choices for families.
- She emphasizes the need for policies that allow more families to access schools like Potter’s House.
Charter Schools in Michigan and National Adoption
- Jim Goenner asks Betsy about her role in advocating for charter schools in Michigan.
- Betsy recalls the significant step of introducing charter schools in Michigan and her involvement in party politics to achieve this.
- She acknowledges the initial challenges and the eventual positive impact of charter schools on students and families.
- Betsy highlights the importance of competition in education, which she believes makes everyone better.
Challenges and Progress in Advocating for Charter Schools
- Jim Goenner and Betsy discuss the challenges of introducing new educational ideas and the resistance from the status quo.
- Betsy emphasizes the need for change and the frustration of not having new ideas embraced wholeheartedly.
- She notes the progress made in introducing charter schools and education freedom policies across the country.
- Betsy attributes some of the recent progress to the public’s awareness raised during COVID-19.
Building Coalitions and Support for Education Freedom
- Betsy explains the importance of working state by state with governors and legislators to advance education freedom policies.
- She highlights the role of strong gubernatorial support in achieving legislative success.
- Betsy discusses the lack of understanding among federal elected officials about education policies and their impact on students.
- She emphasizes the need for proof points and real examples to build support for education freedom policies.
Policy, Politics, and Philanthropy in Education Advocacy
- Jim Goenner and Betsy discuss the interplay between policy, politics, and philanthropy in education advocacy.
- Betsy notes the shift from philanthropic efforts to political involvement in advancing education freedom policies.
- She recalls the unsuccessful effort to change Michigan’s constitution through a statewide initiative in 2000.
- Betsy highlights the importance of political muscle in expanding charter school opportunities and the impact of lifting caps on charters.
Betsy DeVos’ Experience as Secretary of Education
- Jim Goenner asks Betsy about her experience as Secretary of Education under President Trump.
- Betsy describes her unexpected appointment and her commitment to advancing school choice and education freedom.
- She discusses the challenges of working within the Department of Education and the resistance from the status quo.
- Betsy emphasizes the need to restrain the Department of Education’s overreach and empower local governments and families in education decisions.
Future Vision for Education and Charter Schools
- Betsy shares her vision for the future of education, focusing on empowering families to access the right fit for their children.
- She discusses the potential for creativity in K-12 education and the various learning environments and opportunities that may emerge.
- Betsy highlights the importance of measuring mastery rather than seat time in education.
- She emphasizes the need for fewer regulations on traditional public schools to foster creativity and excellence.
Betsy DeVos’ Legacy and Personal Reflections
- Jim Goenner asks Betsy about her legacy and how she wants to be remembered.
- Betsy focuses on her passion for kids and their opportunities, rather than thinking about her legacy.
- She reflects on her visits to various schools and the common theme of empowering teachers and students to defy the status quo.
- Betsy discusses the importance of education in preparing responsible citizens and the need for better preparation in history and civics.
