November 11, 2024. James Goenner, Ph.D. of the National Charter Schools Institute, interviews Dick DeVos, Founder of West Michigan Aviation Academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Dick DeVos, founder of the West Michigan Aviation Academy, discussed his journey from a lackluster student to a passionate educator. He emphasized the importance of attitude, effort, and discipline in education. The Aviation Academy, which focuses on aviation as a guiding principle, has achieved high performance, often ranking among Michigan’s top schools. DeVos highlighted the need for deregulation in education to foster innovation and student success. He also shared his experiences with charter schools, noting their business-like approach and the importance of parental engagement. DeVos advocated for expanding educational freedom to prepare students for diverse careers.
Transcript
Outline
Education and Personal Background
- Jim Goenner, Ph.D., introduces the purpose of the interview for the National Charter School Founders Library.
- Speaker 1 shares his lack of inspiration in traditional education and how the Aviation Academy aims to change that for students.
- Jim Goenner emphasizes the broader impact of education beyond the classroom.
- Speaker 1 explains the concept of aviation as an organizing principle for the Aviation Academy, highlighting the importance of diligence and attention to detail.
Philosophy and Motivation
- Speaker 1 discusses the importance of attitude, effort, and discipline in education.
- Jim Goenner asks about Speaker 1’s personal background and education.
- Speaker 1 describes his upbringing with a practical balance between education and applied education, influenced by his mother and father.
- Speaker 1 shares his initial lack of motivation in college and how he eventually found his passion in business.
Public Service and Philanthropy
- Speaker 1 talks about his involvement in various dimensions, including international business, education, politics, and philanthropy.
- Jim Goenner highlights Speaker 1’s engagement in public policy and politics.
- Speaker 1 emphasizes the importance of public service and philanthropy in making the world a better place.
- Speaker 1 discusses the challenges and opportunities in education reform, particularly in Michigan.
Challenges and Successes of Charter Schools
- Speaker 1 explains the issues with the traditional public education system and the need for a more flexible, engaging approach.
- Jim Goenner asks about the Aviation Academy’s performance and its status as one of the highest-performing high schools in Michigan.
- Speaker 1 clarifies the challenges faced by charter schools, including the inability to select students and the need for parental engagement.
- Speaker 1 highlights the success of the Aviation Academy in creating a culture that motivates students and achieves high performance.
Founding and Development of the Aviation Academy
- Speaker 1 recounts the journey of founding the Aviation Academy, inspired by his wife’s idea to combine his passion for aviation with practical education.
- Jim Goenner compares the challenges of founding a charter school to opening an auto plant in Germany.
- Speaker 1 describes the process of obtaining a charter and the role of the Bay Mills Community College in authorizing the school.
- Speaker 1 emphasizes the importance of a business-like approach in charter schools to focus on student success and parental engagement.
Impact and Legacy of Charter Schools
- Speaker 1 discusses the benefits of charter schools, including their ability to respond quickly to changes and their focus on student performance.
- Jim Goenner highlights the accountability of charter schools, where lack of performance leads to closure.
- Speaker 1 shares some of the firsts at the Aviation Academy, including teaching students to fly and the diverse career paths of graduates.
- Speaker 1 emphasizes the importance of trusting students and preparing them for real-world responsibilities.
Reflections on Education and Leadership
- Speaker 1 reflects on the importance of surrounding oneself with a talented team and the role of vision in achieving success.
- Jim Goenner praises the Aviation Academy’s performance and the dedication of its team.
- Speaker 1 discusses the broader implications of career education and the need to expand our vision beyond traditional vocational training.
- Speaker 1 concludes by expressing gratitude for the efforts of the National Charter School Founders Library in advancing educational freedom.