Changemaker ED“U”

This week, David sat down with Michael Horn, an award-winning author of several books, including the national bestseller, Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career; teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education; and co-founded the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, a non-profit think tank. He strives to create a world in which all individuals can build their passions, fulfill their potential, and live a life of meaning through his writing, speaking, and work with a portfolio of education organizations. Michael is also the author of From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)creating School for Every Child; Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns; Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools; Choosing College; and Goodnight Box, a children’s story. He cohosts the top education podcasts Future U and Class Disrupted and writes the Substack newsletter The Future of Education. Michael also serves as an executive editor at Education Next, is a contributor to Forbes, and his work has been featured in outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and NBC. His 2024 Harvard Business Review article, “Why Employees Quit,” won the 2025 Warren Bennis award for the best HBR article on leadership. Michael serves on the board and advisory boards of a range of education organizations, including Imagine Worldwide and Minerva University. He was selected as a 2014 Eisenhower Fellow to study innovation in education in Vietnam and Korea. Michael holds a BA in history from Yale University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. Episode Overview In this episode, we sit down with education thought leader and "intellectual entertainer" Michael Horn, co-author of Disrupting Class and co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute. Together, we dive deep into the rapidly growing microschool movement, the evolution of personalized learning, and how new technologies like AI are shaping the future of K–12 education. Michael shares his unique perspective on the balance between innovation and regulation, the impact of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and why small-scale, community-driven education models might just be the ultimate answer to student engagement and success. Key Takeaways & Highlights The Rise of Microschools: Why right now is the best time in decades to be an education entrepreneur. Regulation vs. Innovation: Navigating the fine line between policy oversight, accountability, and preserving the freedom that makes small learning communities thrive. The "Navigation Layer" for Families: The growing need to help parents curate personalized educational journeys from an increasing menu of options. AI as an Assessment Tool: How artificial intelligence can act as a supportive "listening agent" to evaluate skill mastery, grit, and critical thinking in real time—without heavy-handed testing. Screen Time & Balanced Models: Exploring the healthy tension between AI-driven, high-tech learning and tech-free, nature- or farm-based microschools. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): How unlocking public funding for families creates a disruptive, consumer-driven market while giving low- and middle-income families better access to tailored education. Connect with Michael Horn Substack: Future of Education Website: michaelbhorn.com Podcast: Class Disrupted (Co-hosted with Diane Tavenner) Social Media: Connect on X/Twitter or LinkedIn @MichaelBHorn

A year ago, Changemaker Education was still transforming its vision into a working model. Today, Joy Meserve and David K. Richards are supporting founders across more than 20 states, and learning alongside them every day. In this candid conversation, Joy and David share what they now understand about becoming a successful microschool founder. They explore why educators already possess many of the skills required to become entrepreneurs, what early signs suggest that a founder can succeed, and why building trust with families takes more time and persistence than many people expect. They also discuss Changemaker’s evolving Founder Success System, its new lean launch approach, the importance of community and operational support, and why founders need both sovereignty and coachability. The conversation expands into Changemaker’s Mind, Body, Soul philosophy and why preserving distinctly human capacities will become even more important in an AI powered world. This episode is for educators, parents and community leaders who feel called to build something different for young people, even if they don’t yet feel completely ready. Short description Who can become a microschool founder—and what does it really take to succeed? Joy Meserve and David K. Richards share what they’ve learned from supporting real founders across the country, from entrepreneurial mindset and enrollment realities to operational support, founder community and the freedom to build a locally responsive school. Key topics covered What has changed during Changemaker Education’s second year Who is capable of becoming a microschool founder Why educators already possess entrepreneurial skills Curiosity, grit, adaptability and generosity of spirit Early indicators of founder readiness Why social proof and family trust take time to build How founders grow into new capabilities Founder examples from St. Louis, Florida and Cincinnati The role of Mind, Body, Soul in founder and student development Preserving humanity in an AI powered world How Changemaker saves founders hundreds of operational hours The difference between an affiliate network and a “school in a box” Why school leadership should not be undertaken alone How aspiring founders can begin exploring their vision Suggested chapters 00:00 — Welcome and why we’re revisiting the conversation 00:50 — What has changed during Changemaker’s second year 03:45 — A growing, co-created founder ecosystem 05:25 — What David’s beliefs about founders have taught him 09:50 — Who is capable of becoming a microschool founder? 11:35 — The entrepreneurial abilities educators already possess 13:57 — Early signs of founder readiness—and potential warning signs 15:20 — The underestimated work of earning family trust 19:31 — Why Changemaker now recommends a lean launch 20:15 — Real founders discovering their entrepreneurial identity 23:05 — Creativity, community partnerships and founder cross-pollination 24:43 — Changemaker’s Mind, Body, Soul foundation 29:40 — Why we cannot outsource our humanity to AI 32:30 — Microschools as a new educational operating system 34:42 — What founders often miss operationally 35:25 — Saving founders hundreds of hours 38:15 — Giving visionaries the integrator support they need 40:45 — Why Changemaker is not a “school in a box” 41:25 — What David wishes he had when opening schools 44:05 — Why founders shouldn’t build alone 45:50 — Finding a deeply values-aligned community 46:20 — The search for Changemaker’s next 75 founders 47:40 — Ways to take the first step

In this episode, I reconnect with my former Stanford classmate, Mike Taubman, nearly 20 years after our graduate school days. Mike has spent his career teaching English and later pioneering purpose and career exploration programs for high school students in Newark, New Jersey. Most recently, he’s been at the forefront of bringing AI literacy into the classroom. Mike introduces his innovative AI Driver’s License Framework, a practical, empowering way to help students (and adults) engage with AI responsibly. His approach draws on the metaphor of cars—tools we designed, tools we can operate, and tools that require both personal skill and shared rules of the road. We explore: Mike’s journey from English teacher to AI literacy leader. Why metaphors matter in how we talk to students about AI. The four-part AI Driver’s License framework:Learn to drive – Operating AI tools effectively. Look under the hood – Understanding how AI actually works. Know the rules of the road – Exploring ethics, norms, and policies. Pick your destination – Using AI to achieve goals, then stepping away to live life. How high schoolers are experimenting with AI in projects ranging from architecture to medicine. The risks of anthropomorphizing AI and why it’s essential to “break the spell” for students. Balancing AI use with human wisdom, mentorship, and critical thinking. Why banning AI in schools misses the opportunity to model transparency and teach responsible use. Mike’s classroom stories bring the theory to life—showing us how students respond when they not only use AI but also question it, challenge it, and integrate it with human expertise. This is a rich, hopeful conversation about preparing young people not just to survive in an AI-powered world, but to drive it with confidence, agency, and purpose

In this episode, David sits down with Peter Stiepleman—former superintendent of one of Missouri’s largest school districts, leadership advisor, podcast host, and author of Serving as a Lead Learner: Powerful Reflections from America’s Superintendents Peter shares his unconventional path from working at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid to becoming a bilingual teacher in Oakland, California, and eventually leading a district of 19,000 students through times of both growth and crisis. He reflects on the lessons learned from embracing “imperfect leadership,” the importance of vulnerability, and the power of shared decision-making. Together, David and Peter explore: How personal journeys shape leadership philosophies What it means to be a “lead learner” and embrace discomfort Building shared values with teachers, parents, and students Why microschool leaders can benefit from these same leadership principles The importance of community voice and creating systems that honor every stakeholder This conversation is full of insights for anyone leading in education—whether you’re running a large public school system, launching a micro school, or simply seeking to lead with more empathy, collaboration, and courage. Resources & Links: Peter’s book: Serving as a Lead Learner: Powerful Reflections from America’s Superintendents: https://www.amazon.com/Serving-Lead-Learner-Reflections-Superintendents/dp/B0F78RC6H9 Peter’s podcast: An Imperfect Leader: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-imperfect-leader-the-superintendents/id1644897856

In this inspiring conversation, David sits down with Lily Jones, founder of Educator Forever and a former classroom teacher who transformed her passion for teaching into a thriving business that empowers educators worldwide. Lily shares her journey from teaching kindergarten and first grade in Oakland to building curriculum for major education organizations, and eventually launching Educator Forever—a platform supporting thousands of teachers in exploring new career paths beyond the classroom. Together, David and Lily dive into the realities of teaching, the burnout many educators face, and the entrepreneurial mindset shifts required to transition from teacher to founder. From testing ideas and listening deeply to your community, to embracing imperfect action and disrupting perfectionism, this episode is packed with wisdom for anyone dreaming of starting a microschool—or any education venture. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Lily’s journey from classroom teaching to launching Educator Forever Why sustainability and flexibility matter for educators The power of listening to your “customers” (students, parents, and communities) before building programs or schools How to embrace testing, iteration, and co-creation in education and entrepreneurship The importance of resilience, imperfection, and celebrating small wins Why teacher voices are crucial in reimagining education beyond the classroom About Lily Jones: Lily Jones is the founder of Educator Forever, an organization that helps teachers thrive beyond the classroom through professional development, certification programs, and a curriculum agency. A former kindergarten and first-grade teacher, Lily has spent the past decade designing learning experiences, coaching educators, and supporting thousands of teachers in finding new and sustainable ways to make an impact. Links & Resources: Learn more about https://www.educatorforever.com/ Connect with Lily on https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-jones-b940457b/ Explore Changemaker Edu and our Microschool Founder programs Join the Movement: Are you an educator dreaming of opening your own microschool? Changemaker Edu supports passionate educators and community leaders in launching thriving microschools with the tools, training, and community they need to succeed. Learn more at https://changemakereducation.com.