The KindlED Podcast | Episode 39: Setting Kids Free. A Conversation with Mike Oliver.

This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Mike Oliver, the progressive principal of Mountain View High School in Mesa, Arizona, about the components of an ideal educational opportunity for students. Mike, driven by the profound belief in doing what's best for kids, was also the founding principal of Zaharis Elementary School, recognized as one of the “25 most innovative, inspiring and coolest schools in America." Episode 39 also explores: 🔥 the importance of disrupting culture-bound biases and embracing diversity in education 🔥 the power of book clubs 🔥 the benefits of co-creating and constructivist learning 🔥 the challenges of transitioning to a new learning paradigm 🔥 and so much more! This episode covers Mike's story and how it fits into the larger movement toward creating learning environments that foster purpose, real-world connections, and the joy of discovery. You don't want to miss it! KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🔑 Redesigning the education system requires a shift in teaching and learning methods. 🔑 Building relationships and creating joyful learning experiences are key to student success. 🔑 Standardized tests and grades should be reevaluated as measures of success. ABOUT THE GUEST: Mike Oliver is the progressive principal of Mountain View High School in Mesa, Arizona. Mike was the founding principal of Zaharis Elementary School, recognized as one of the “25 most innovative, inspiring and coolest schools in America” and the exemplary school for literacy development in the US” by Scholastic. Mike has a doctorate degree in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University and has committed to reimagining what school can be. Mike’s priority is his faith and his family. He is happily married to his wife, Trish, and they have four children and two grandchildren. Mike is passionate about running, having run over 30 marathons and several ultramarathons, including a 100-mile race. ⏳ TIMESTAMPS ⏳ 0:00 Intro 2:39 About Mike 7:19 Founding Zaharis 23:45 Components that create an ideal educational opportunity from a child's perspective 36:20 The challenges of transitioning learning models 43:21 The balancing act of grades and standardized tests 52:03 Outro 🎙️ ABOUT THE PODCAST 🎙️ The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments. Powered by Prenda, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning today. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. ✍️ GOT A BURNING QUESTION? ✍️ We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together! 🔥 Want more content like this? Visit prenda.com/kindled 🤝 Ready to join a thriving community of like-minded adults dedicated to empowering learners? Connect with The KindlED Collective on Facebook for support, idea-sharing, valuable tips, and access to special events and coaching:   / thekindledcollective   💌 Subscribe to The Sunday Spark - https://learn.prenda.com/the-sunday-s... 🏷️ education, literacy, kindled, k-12, k-8, homeschool, homeschool curriculum, homeschool co op , homeschool experience, microschool, microschools, microschooling, starting a microschool, microschool elementary, microschool life, prenda microschool, homeschool mom