Episodes

  • Shattering Myths about Homeschooling and Special Needs
    Jun 4 2024

    This episode promises to give you the inside scoop on mastering homeschooling a gifted/ special needs child through the experiences of Naya, a passionate GSU student and mother. Naya shares her heartfelt journey, driven by her son's autism, and how her diverse educational background led her to choose homeschooling. You'll gain insights into the complexities of managing time, addressing socialization concerns, and creating a personalized educational experience that goes beyond traditional norms.

    Does homeschooling limit social interactions? Naya challenges this common myth by providing real-life examples of how her children engage with their community. From museum trips to diverse group interactions, she illustrates how homeschooling can actually enrich a child's social and educational experience. We also dive into the essential skills needed for college readiness, emphasizing the importance of time management, social skills, and professional networking—skills that are often overlooked in a conventional classroom setting.

    Ready to rethink education? Naya's philosophy on homeschooling emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and putting the child's needs first. She sheds light on the importance of self-care for parents and community support, especially when educating children with special needs. This episode empowers parents to explore homeschooling by providing actionable advice on state requirements, connecting with other homeschoolers, and making thoughtful decisions. Stay engaged, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share for more enriching discussions on Leaders of a New School!

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    48 mins
  • Shaping Futures: The Heart of Education Reform in The Gambia
    May 17 2024

    Embarking on a life-changing move to The Gambia has my heart fluttering with both excitement and trepidation, as I contemplate the educational prospects for my children in a land where the pace is slower, yet the academic hurdles loom large. The dusty chalkboards and crowded classrooms hint at the high illiteracy rates and scant resources, but there's a ray of hope that shines through in the work of individuals like Mr. Ibrahim Saar and his Center of Academic Excellence. His innovative methods are chiseling away at these challenges, revealing heartening success stories that we can all learn from.

    The Gambia's rich cultural tapestry and the community's integral role is in the forefront in shaping its youth. It's a place where poverty doesn't mean homelessness and where a child's laughter echoes the enduring spirit of what's been affectionately dubbed the 'smiling coast.' This episode paints a vivid portrait of an education system deeply intertwined with familial bonds and the resilience of a society that prizes human connection above all else.

    Our guest, D Ibrahim Saad, shares his personal odyssey from business ambitions in the UK to spearheading education reform back home. His tale weaves through the creation of the Center for Academic Excellence, the integration of English into madrasa curricula, and the gratifying yet challenging growth of his schools. Alongside him, we celebrate the triumphs in literacy and the infectious joy of teaching, while also confronting the hard truths about teacher retention and the financial underpinnings of running a school. Join us for a conversation that offers a window into both the transformation of West African education and one man's journey through the heart of it.

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    58 mins
  • Navigating the Intersection of Moral Development and Modern Education
    Apr 29 2024

    Have we lost our compass in the quest for secular knowledge, sacrificing the spiritual teachings that once grounded our ancestors? My husband, Abu Harun, joins me to screen the seemingly separate realms of traditional schooling and spiritual wisdom, sharing tales from his own life that illuminate the critical gaps in today's education system. We thread through history's tapestry to question modern schooling's omission of spirituality and how it shapes our moral and personal development. It's a conversation rippling with insights that may just nudge you to reevaluate the values we pass on to future generations.

    The journey of learning transcends the walls of classrooms and encompasses the very skills that breathe life into our daily pursuits. This episode is where I lay bare my own educational path, disrupted by motherhood, and where my daughters chime in with their astute observations on the practicality, or lack thereof, in current educational frameworks. We unravel the threads of youth education and the drift away from formal settings, especially among boys, probing the potential for advanced learning at tender ages. It's an open invitation to compare notes on our collective educational experiences and the footprints we leave on the sands of knowledge.

    Closing our expedition, we swing the spotlight onto personal growth, with Arabic learning carving a rebirth of my own understanding and community engagement. We unfold the mission behind the Sadaqah Foundation, aspiring to elevate low-income Muslims on their spiritual quests while threading through the philosophical tapestry of education. A surprise post-lunch interview lends a spontaneous zest to our dialogue, leaving you with reflections on educational reform that are as deep as they are light-hearted. Join us for a soulful journey through the landscape of learning, where every turn is a discovery and every insight a treasure.

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    50 mins
  • Educational Journeys Beyond the Classroom
    Apr 22 2024


    The journey through urban education is brimming with complexities, and this episode takes an honest look at the challenges faced by minority communities when it comes to literacy. We discuss the lasting effects of historical decisions and the inadequacy of standardized measures to meet the needs of diverse learners. Guests share their perspectives on socio-economic influences and how often the cultural richness students bring to school goes unrecognized. Amidst these revelations, we stress the power of community and family support in nurturing a love for reading and learning from the earliest of ages.

    Wrapping up with hope and inspiration, we delve into the significance of faith and patience, and their profound role in shaping strong families and communities. It's a conversation that extends beyond the classroom, with an emphasis on heartfelt pleas to recognize the unique talents within every child. This episode is an invitation to join us as leaders and learners, ever on a quest for knowledge and growth in reimagining the future of education.

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    49 mins
  • Rethinking the Role of Traditional Education Systems
    Apr 17 2024

    Ever felt trapped in the age-old structures of the education system? Join me, Andrea, CEO of International Scholars Academy, as we forge a path toward educational renaissance, challenging the status quo and envisioning a system that thrives on individuality and real-world readiness. Inspired by Damon Dash's critique of conventional schooling on Willie D Live, we'll dissect the dire need for an education reform that values personalized learning and practical skills over outdated curricula.

    In a world brimming with digital classrooms and homeschooling success stories, we bring to the table a heartfelt family discussion featuring my daughters and stepdaughters, who share their firsthand experiences with the diverse spectrums of learning, from unschooling to rigorous traditional education. We'll tackle the big questions: Are the physical walls of a school still pivotal in shaping young minds, or can structure, social connection, and inspiration flourish beyond these borders? Our conversation will weave through the possibilities of alternative learning environments, emphasizing the role of extracurriculars in shaping a more dynamic and engaging educational journey.

    To cap off our revolutionary dialogue, we'll probe the core purpose of current schooling systems. Are we equipping our youth with the discipline and structure needed to navigate the future, or could these virtues be better instilled through unconventional avenues like online platforms? The episode culminates with a bold proposition, questioning whether the traditional school setup will remain the paramount forum for preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. Tune in to be part of a thought-provoking exploration into the very heart of education and the possibilities that lie ahead for our next generation of learners.

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    41 mins
  • Is School Needed: Rethinking the Role of Traditional Education Systems
    Apr 17 2024

    Ever felt trapped in the age-old structures of the education system? Join me, Andrea, CEO of International Scholars Academy, as we forge a path toward educational renaissance, challenging the status quo and envisioning a system that thrives on individuality and real-world readiness. Inspired by Damon Dash's critique of conventional schooling on Willie D Live, we'll dissect the dire need for an education reform that values personalized learning and practical skills over outdated curricula.

    In a world brimming with digital classrooms and homeschooling success stories, we bring to the table a heartfelt family discussion featuring my daughters and stepdaughters, who share their firsthand experiences with the diverse spectrums of learning, from unschooling to rigorous traditional education. We'll tackle the big questions: Are the physical walls of a school still pivotal in shaping young minds, or can structure, social connection, and inspiration flourish beyond these borders? Our conversation will weave through the possibilities of alternative learning environments, emphasizing the role of extracurriculars in shaping a more dynamic and engaging educational journey.

    To cap off our revolutionary dialogue, we'll probe the core purpose of current schooling systems. Are we equipping our youth with the discipline and structure needed to navigate the future, or could these virtues be better instilled through unconventional avenues like online platforms? The episode culminates with a bold proposition, questioning whether the traditional school setup will remain the paramount forum for preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. Tune in to be part of a thought-provoking exploration into the very heart of education and the possibilities that lie ahead for our next generation of learners.

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    41 mins