Dr. Nihat Güvercin, CEO of iLearn Schools, discussed his journey from Turkey to the U.S., where he became a physics teacher and eventually led the expansion of iLearn Schools from one to 21 campuses across New Jersey and New York. He emphasized the importance of STEM education starting from kindergarten and the role of character […]
Oral History
Interview of Buzz Thomas
Jim Goenner sits down with Senator Buzz Thomas to commemorate 30 years of Michigan’s charter school movement. Buzz shares his personal journey from Detroit Waldorf to the state Senate, the origins of the “hire me, fire me” campaign pledge, and his vision for empowering neighborhoods through quality public-school choice. Along the way, he reflects on […]
The Charter Story from Ember Reichgott Junge
Ember Reichgott Junge, former Minnesota State Senator and author of the first charter school law, recounted the origins and evolution of charter schools. The first charter school, City Academy, opened in 1992, serving students who had dropped out. Today, charter schools are in 44 states, including Guam and Alberta, Canada, with over 7,000 schools serving […]
Interview of Ted Lempert
Ted Lempert, former California assembly member and current CEO of Children Now, discussed his role in sponsoring AB 544, a pivotal charter school legislation in California. AB 544 lifted the cap on charter schools, shifted the burden of proof to school districts, and allowed charters to operate as nonprofits. Lempert emphasized the bipartisan support and […]
Interview of Teresa Lubbers
Teresa Lubbers, former Indiana State Senator, discussed her seven-year journey to pass the state’s first charter school bill. She emphasized the importance of freedom and accountability in education, noting the bill’s passage in 2001. Lubbers highlighted the role of multiple authorizers, including mayors and higher education institutions, in supporting charter schools. She noted that 51% […]
Interview of Gov. David Ige and Mike McCartney
Ember Reichgott Junge moderated a panel discussion with former Governor David Ige and former Senator Mike McCartney on the evolution of Hawaiian charter schools. As of 2025, 38 charter schools in Hawaii serve over 13,000 students, with 17 focusing on Hawaiian culture and five offering Hawaiian language immersion. The panelists discussed the historical context, including […]
Protected: Hawaiian Cultural Schools Interview
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Interview of Betsy DeVos
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 […]
Interview of Phil Pavlov
Phil Pavlov, former Michigan State Senator, discussed his journey in education policy, emphasizing the importance of parental choice and the role of charter schools. He highlighted the challenges and successes of the charter movement in Michigan, noting the significant increase in charter school enrollment to 150,000 students annually. Pavlov reflected on his 14-year tenure in […]
Interview of Dick DeVos
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 an uninspired student to a champion for educational freedom. He emphasized the importance of attitude, effort, and […]
