Dimond Education Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jon and Kellee England
Jon and Kellee speak with education innovators and practitioners, homeschoolers and unschoolers in an effort to bring to light the most valuable degree of brilliance in your child's education.
Dr. Galey Colosimo is a seasoned educator who has been the founding principal of Juan Diego High School in Salt Lake City since 1999. With years of experience in Utah's private school market, Dr. Colosimo has seen both good times and rough times and has guided Juan Diego through them all.
In addition to leading Juan Diego, Dr. Colosimo also serves as the director of the Utah Private Schools Association, which advocates for school choice policies in Utah's legislature. The association represents 35 schools with over 25,000 students and works to ensure that parents have the freedom to choose the education that best fits their child's needs.
Dr. Colosimo's leadership has been instrumental in the success of Juan Diego High School and the Utah Private Schools Association.
privateschool #educationchoice #schoolchoice
Autism and ADHD are a superpower? That is what Dr. Dallin Richardson shows us in this latest episode.
What would education be like if your child’s passion was a focus at school? Now what if your child had Autism or ADD? Wouldn’t a focus on their passion make school easier?
That is happening at BreakOut School, a unique outdoor educational program that successfully integrates hands-on approaches with experiential learning to help heroes (aka students) develop critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.
Founded by Dr. Dallin Richardson in 2019, a doctor of pharmacology, who had his own unique educational journey driven by his passion for languages and the natural world. During his work as a pharmacist, Dr. Richardson developed a curiosity for ADD and Autism, leading him to create BreakOut School, aiming to improve education for students with these conditions.
https://www.breakoutschool.org/
homeschool #microschool #parents #disability #specialeducation
Social anxiety, general anxiety, OCD and trauma. How do these mental health disorders affect a student's ability to learn?
We find that out during our conversation with Paul Peterson.
When Paul was 13 years old, he knew he wanted to help others. He came up with the idea of opening a treatment center and providing the best treatment everyone in the world had ever received.
Paul attended BYU receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology and later received his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Utah. Thus began his journey in behavioral health.
Through various work experiences, Paul stumbled upon the treatment of OCD and Anxiety. He was fortunate to have the opportunity to specialize in the treatment. With such a successful treatment, he went to work opening The OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center with several brilliant people.
The OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center has expanded since their humble opening in 2015. They currently have 3 locations, are working on a fourth, and don’t plan to stop there.
He says, “It has been an exciting journey.”
They are achieving one of the highest reductions of symptoms in the world. His childhood dream of providing the best treatment in the world has become a reality.
https://www.theocdandanxietytreatmentcenter.com
homeschool #education #learning #school #microschool
Social anxiety, general anxiety, OCD and trauma. How do these mental health disorders affect a student's ability to learn?
We find that out during our conversation with Paul Peterson.
When Paul was 13 years old, he knew he wanted to help others. He came up with the idea of opening a treatment center and providing the best treatment everyone in the world had ever received.
Paul attended BYU receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology and later received his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Utah. Thus began his journey in behavioral health.
Through various work experiences, Paul stumbled upon the treatment of OCD and Anxiety. He was fortunate to have the opportunity to specialize in the treatment. With such a successful treatment, he went to work opening The OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center with several brilliant people.
The OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center has expanded since their humble opening in 2015. They currently have 3 locations, are working on a fourth, and don’t plan to stop there.
He says, “It has been an exciting journey.”
They are achieving one of the highest reductions of symptoms in the world. His childhood dream of providing the best treatment in the world has become a reality.
https://www.theocdandanxietytreatmentcenter.com
homeschool #education #learning #school #microschool
What is a classical education and how can Classical Conversations support it?
We find out in this episode with ElizaBeth Vandegrift.
ElizaBeth Vandegrift is a veteran practitioner of classical Christian home education. Having successfully educated her four children in the classical model over the past 20 years, and led Classical Conversations communities for eight years, ElizaBeth shares her insights on the joys and benefits of learning classically alongside her children. She also discusses her background in public high school and liberal arts college, and her current pursuit of a master's degree in the Pedagogy of Classical Education.
This episode is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about classical education, or seeking inspiration for their own homeschooling journey.
Classical Conversations in Utah:
www.classicalconversations.com
www.classicalconversationsbooks.com
or contact Evandegrift@classicalconversations.com
Classical Conversations Practicum
https://ccpracticum.com/
Free parent equipping workshop for classical Christian education!
Layton June 2
Register here for details:
https://classicalconversations.com/events/?id=mzqx
Sandy, Utah July 15
https://classicalconversations.com/events/?id=WoaX
homeschool #classicaleducation #education #learning
Kaity Broadbent is the chief empowerment officer and head of learning at Prenda. Prenda is a network of microschools designed to help students to be empowered in their own learning and thrive.
Prior to Prenda, Kaity was a Speech Language Pathologist in public schools and in medical settings. Over the last decade, she has focused on understanding the factors in student motivation and engagement. She has discovered the vital role that connection and relationship play in a student’s mental health AND learning. Those discoveries led to the educational practices that drive student empowerment and achievement at Prenda.
Over the years, she has developed curriculum, homeschooled, built schools, blogged, coached, and mothered her 4 amazing children. She is a certified Peaceful Parenting Coach and loves to help people understand the art AND science of empowering learners.
Kaity put all her skills together while moonlighting as Adventure Kait in Prenda’s literacy program Treasure Hunt Reading, a free online resource available to anyone with the internet.
https://treasurehunt.prenda.co/
Books mentioned during the episode
Punish by Reward by Alfie Kohn
Self Determination Theory by Richard M. Ryan and Edward L. Deci
homeschool #parents #learning #microschool
White House Academy is a private school located in Vernal, Utah, that offers a unique approach to education.
The school was founded by Annaliese White, a former homeschooling mom with a degree in English literature and technical writing from Brigham Young University. Annaliese's passion for education led her to start a small religious-based private school that focuses on the principles of faith, freedom, and family.
The White House Academy's curriculum is carefully designed to provide a well-rounded education that combines traditional academic subjects with character development and spiritual growth. The school offers a low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure that each child receives individual attention.
The school's founder, Annaliese, has over 20 years of curriculum writing experience and is actively involved in developing children through education. Her grandfather was the founder of American Heritage School in American Fork, Utah, which gives her a strong foundation in the education field.
If you're looking for a private school that provides a holistic approach to education, the White House Academy might be the perfect fit for your child. With a focus on faith, freedom, and family, this school is committed to providing a supportive learning environment that helps students thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually. To learn more about the White House Academy, visit their website at whitehouseacademy.us.
homeschool #parents #microschool
White House Academy is a private school located in Vernal, Utah, that offers a unique approach to education.
The school was founded by Annaliese White, a former homeschooling mom with a degree in English literature and technical writing from Brigham Young University. Annaliese's passion for education led her to start a small religious-based private school that focuses on the principles of faith, freedom, and family.
The White House Academy's curriculum is carefully designed to provide a well-rounded education that combines traditional academic subjects with character development and spiritual growth. The school offers a low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure that each child receives individual attention.
The school's founder, Annaliese, has over 20 years of curriculum writing experience and is actively involved in developing children through education. Her grandfather was the founder of American Heritage School in American Fork, Utah, which gives her a strong foundation in the education field.
If you're looking for a private school that provides a holistic approach to education, the White House Academy might be the perfect fit for your child. With a focus on faith, freedom, and family, this school is committed to providing a supportive learning environment that helps students thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually. To learn more about the White House Academy, visit their website at whitehouseacademy.us.
homeschool #parents #microschool
School choice is becoming an increasingly popular topic in education. Having the ability to choose where to attend school can have a profound impact on academic success. School choice provides students with the opportunity to find an educational environment that best suits their needs, interests, and learning style.
Our guest this week is one such student who is benefiting from attending her school of choice.
A key benefit of school choice is the ability to choose a school that specializes in a particular subject or teaching style. Our guest explains how this point has benefitted her education.
School choice also offers the opportunity to escape a negative school environment. School choice ensures that students are not trapped in an environment that hinders their academic and personal growth.
This episode talks about the benefits of expanding school choice options which can create a more innovative educational system that supports the success of all students. By giving students the power to choose where they attend school, we can help them achieve their full academic potential.
homeschool #education #parents
What do you do when you have a child who is reluctant to learn? It can be difficult to motivate the student and help them stay engaged. Kellee and Jon have experienced this. We don't have all the answers. But we have talked about a lot of new approaches to learning and education in previous episodes and these approaches give us hope.
Jon and Kellee discuss their journey to trying to find the right educational approach for their children.
We have learned about unschooling from Kerry McDonald. The idea of allowing a child to learn about the world through their interests. We have learned about continuing the learning, however imperfectly from Andrew Pudewa. We talk about our strategy that we have developed moving forward from these and other podcasts.
The one thing we have learned is the need for flexibility. We have looked and reexamined our strategy to homeschool.
Homeschooling a reluctant learner requires patience, creativity, and flexibility. By understanding the child's passions and interests, being flexible with the curriculum, and creating a positive and encouraging learning environment, You and I can help their reluctant learner achieve academic success.
homeschool #education #learning
Renae Zentz is the Director and Founding Mentor of Family Lyceum. Renae holds a BA in Humanities from BYU and an MA in Education from George Wythe College. With over 20 years of homeschooling experience, she is passionate about providing a wholesome and safe educational experience for students.
Family Lyceum is an exceptional part-time private school that offers personalized education for K-8 students. Their mission is to ignite the FIRE in each student, inspiring them to reach their academic goals while prioritizing Freedom, Individuals, Respect, and Excellence. They do this while honoring the family's role in their child's education.
At Family Lyceum, students benefit from a personalized education experience that caters to their unique needs. Whether the student requires extra support or an accelerated pace, they receive the guidance and assistance they need to achieve their academic goals. This part-time innovative approach is a great supplement to homeschooling families. As a parent, you can expect an innovative approach to education that prioritizes the individual student.
homeschooling #parenting #education #learning
Meet Heather Poll, a highly qualified and dedicated science teacher and mentor at Ascend: A Mentored Education. With her husband Val and three other couples, she co-founded the microschool eleven years ago to provide a leadership education for her children.
Heather holds an Elementary Education degree from Utah State University, where she was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate from the College of Education. With a wealth of experience teaching in various settings, she cherishes her time homeschooling her five daughters the most.
Heather is passionate about providing a wholesome and safe environment for young people to grow into their true selves. At Ascend Microschool, she helps students succeed with a personalized education and mentorship.
education #homeschool #parents #learning #school
What is microschooling and what are some of the new and innovative models? Jon and Kellee explore this question and Utah's new education choice program Utah Fits All. This is Utah's new education spending/savings account (ESA).
Microschooling is a new and innovative educational model that offers a number of benefits for students, parents, and teachers. This model involves small-group learning in a personalized environment. The goal of microschooling is to provide students with a personalized education that meets their individual needs and helps them succeed in the modern world.
One of the biggest benefits of microschooling is that it provides students with a more personalized education. Rather than being taught in large, one-size-fits-all classrooms, students in a microschool are grouped with other students who have similar interests and abilities. This allows teachers to tailor their instruction to the specific needs of each student, providing a more customized education.
Another benefit of microschooling is that it provides a more supportive and collaborative learning environment. Because students are in small groups, they are able to build strong relationships with their classmates and teachers. This allows for more opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and peer-to-peer learning. Additionally, students are able to receive more individual attention from their teachers, which can help to increase their motivation and engagement.
The new education spending account in Utah, The Utah Fits All Scholarship, is one way to expand microschool options in Utah. ESAs can be used to truly personalize and individualize education for the students of Utah. Parents can use the ESA to mix and match curriculums and classes, tuition and teaching for a unique education for their children.
American Heritage School Worldwide is an online learning platform that aims to provide homeschooling families with a comprehensive and affordable education. Led by Peter Knecht, the school is designed as a stepping stone for new homeschool families, providing them with all the curriculum and support they need to succeed.
One of the key features of American Heritage School Worldwide is its multi-faith learning platform. Peter is working with a variety of different faiths from around the world, providing families with the opportunity to access the principles of their religion in every lesson. This is particularly valuable for families who may not have access to religious education in their local area. The platform will be built on the Lifted.world website, making it easily accessible to families all over the world.
The curriculum offered by American Heritage School Worldwide is designed to be comprehensive and tailored to the needs of each individual student. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including math, science, history, language arts, and more. The school also provides support for students who may be struggling in certain areas, helping them to overcome any challenges and achieve their full potential.
homeschool #parents #education #learning #onlinelearning
American Heritage School Worldwide is an online learning platform that aims to provide homeschooling families with a comprehensive and affordable education. Led by Peter Knecht, the school is designed as a stepping stone for new homeschool families, providing them with all the curriculum and support they need to succeed.
One of the key features of American Heritage School Worldwide is its multi-faith learning platform. Peter is working with a variety of different faiths from around the world, providing families with the opportunity to access the principles of their religion in every lesson. This is particularly valuable for families who may not have access to religious education in their local area. The platform will be built on the Lifted.world website, making it easily accessible to families all over the world.
The curriculum offered by American Heritage School Worldwide is designed to be comprehensive and tailored to the needs of each individual student. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including math, science, history, language arts, and more. The school also provides support for students who may be struggling in certain areas, helping them to overcome any challenges and achieve their full potential.
homeschool #parents #education #learning #onlinelearning
What does it mean to unschool your child? In this episode, Jon and Kellee ask the practical questions to unschooling to the author of the book.
Kerry McDonald is a Senior Education Fellow at FEE, host of the LiberatED podcast and the author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom. Kerry is an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute, education policy fellow at State Policy Network, and a regular Forbes contributor.
Kerry has a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College in economics and a master’s degree in education policy from Harvard. Kerry has researched homeschooling, public schooling alternatives, self-directed learning, education entrepreneurship, parent empowerment, school choice, and family and child policy. Her articles have appeared at The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, NPR, Education Next, Reason Magazine, Washington Examiner, City Journal, Entrepreneur, and the Journal of School Choice, among others.
Kerry lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her husband and four children.
She travels the country collecting and sharing stories of education entrepreneurs.
homeschool #parents #education #learning
A highlight from our recent podcast with Andrew Pudewa. Watch the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QG6Hbp6u5NLQpmMWr3Mjw?si=-o5ktKTQRSK2wvuY_Sd3VQ
Andrew Pudewa is a veteran education consultant and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) who has spent the past three decades teaching students as an independent violin instructor, preschool owner, tutor, homeschooling parent, and lead instructor for IEW. In this episode, Jon and Kellee discuss with Andrew his reflections on the philosophical lessons he has learned over the years. We discuss the dangers of modern schooling, individualized education, valuing the process of learning over learning products and so much more.
You can find out more about Andrew Pudewa and IEW on his website.
https://iew.com
Or on his podcast: The Arts of Language
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-arts-of-language-podcast/id1024190279
parents #homeschool #education #school
Andrew Pudewa is a veteran education consultant and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) who has spent the past three decades teaching students as an independent violin instructor, preschool owner, tutor, homeschooling parent, and lead instructor for IEW. In this episode, Jon and Kellee discuss with Andrew his reflections on the philosophical lessons he has learned over the years. We discuss the dangers of modern schooling, individualized education, valuing the process of learning over learning products and so much more.
You can find out more about Andrew Pudewa and IEW on his website.
https://iew.com
Or on his podcast:
The Arts of Language https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-arts-of-language-podcast/id1024190279
parents #homeschool #education #school
Listen to the entire episode here: https://anchor.fm/dimond-education/episodes/Teaching-However-Imperfectly-with-Andrew-Pudewa-Part-1---Episode-16-e1sttv6
Andrew Pudewa is a veteran education consultant and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) who has spent the past three decades teaching students as an independent violin instructor, preschool owner, tutor, homeschooling parent, and lead instructor for IEW. In this episode, Jon and Kellee discuss with Andrew his reflections on the philosophical lessons he has learned over the years. We discuss the dangers of modern schooling, individualized education, valuing the process of learning over learning products and so much more.
You can find out more about Andrew Pudewa and IEW on his website.
https://iew.com
Or on his podcast:
The Arts of Language https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-arts-of-language-podcast/id1024190279 #parents #homeschool #education #school
Andrew Pudewa is a veteran education consultant and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) who has spent the past three decades teaching students as an independent violin instructor, preschool owner, tutor, homeschooling parent, and lead instructor for IEW. In this episode, Jon and Kellee discuss with Andrew his reflections on the philosophical lessons he has learned over the years. We discuss the dangers of modern schooling, individualized education, valuing the process of learning over learning products and so much more.
You can find out more about Andrew Pudewa and IEW on his website.
https://iew.com
Or on his podcast:
The Arts of Language https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-arts-of-language-podcast/id1024190279
parents #homeschool #education #school
What does it mean to challenge our thinking? In this bonus episode, Adam Hailstone walks Kellee and Jon through a thinking exercise. We challenge our presumptions and learn how to avoid confirmation bias.
https://www.williamsburglearning.com/
homeschool #education #learning #thinking
Williamsburg Learning is innovating education within the system. They are using the charter system to create an online classical academy paired with leadership instruction. We discuss the Williamsburg model and learn amazing tips on starting a new school.
https://www.williamsburglearning.com/
homeschool #classical #education #online #learning
What does it mean when someone says that they will "teach children how to think, not what to think?" We find this out during part 1 of our conversation with Adam Hailstone from Williamsburg Learning.
education #publicschool #homeschool
A year ago, I left my position as a principal in a public school never to return. My future was in question.
Link to my public comment made to the Utah State Board of Education: https://youtu.be/d8GQY1k89CU?t=440
Education #publicschools #homeschool
Krysten wasn't looking to homeschool. When her daughter wasn't able to take the courses she wanted in junior high, her perspective changed. Now after four years of homeschooling she shares her wisdom with us.
We used to think that public education was the right fit for all of our children. But our journey in education has opened our eyes to the endless possibilities of what can be done. This week we discuss our education paradigm shifts from Kellee's point of view.
Education needs dads. We speak with Rob Wood about how he educates his children.
For Part 1 please click on this link: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/YZ3ZarjmMub
Visit Brotherhood of Valor at: https://robwood.carrd.co/
What is fatherhood and what does it mean to be a father in today's highly politicized environment? We discuss this and the benefits of fathers in our discussion with Rob Wood aka the Fatherhood Ninja.
https://robwood.carrd.co/
What do you do when the public school system no longer meets your children's needs? Paul and Jevonne Tanner chose to open a school.
That school is Choice Academy in Bountiful, Utah.
https://choice-education.org/
Courage to Grow Book
https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Grow-Academy-Learning-Upside/dp/0999520504
Jon and Kellee talk with Jamie Buckland from West Virginia FUE about classical education. We discuss what this is and what it looks like in practice. https://wvfue.org/
Jon and Kellee talk with Jamie Buckland the founder of West Virginia Families United for Education. We discuss West Virginia's Hope Scholarship and the recent ruling from the West Virginia Supreme Court.
Jon and Kellee talk with Kim Maycock about the benefits of homeschooling, the struggles and the joys. We discuss some of the changes to homeschool and the multiple blessings that come from homeschooling.
Find Kim on her YouTube channel: Love Centered Learning.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9IDbShlv3G1XB_mB9mH0yQ
Karee Yates, cofounder of Dimond Ed, joins Jon and Kellee on the podcast. We discuss the name Dimond, our backgrounds and why we educate our children the way that we do.
DimondEd.com
(Apologies for the audio. I forgot to turn on Karee's microphone.)
Jon and Kellee speak with Allison Sorenson about education choice opportunities in Utah. We discuss how the free market can help improve education, debunk the notion that one size fits all in education, and what Allison is doing with Education Opportunity for Every Child during the next Utah legislative session.
You can find Allison at her website edopportunityutah.org.
Jon and Kellee talk with Kim Goates. Kim is the executive director of Canyon Grove Academy in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Kim has used her charter school to pioneer a new way for schools to maintain attendance through learner validation.
Kim's education story is amazing to see how she has gone from no formal education to running a charter school.
https://canyongrove.com/
Mount Liberty College's Dr. Jennifer Jensen and Gordon Jones join Jon and Kellee on their debut podcast. We discuss the origins of Mount Liberty and what makes Mount Liberty different from a typical university.
https://mountlibertycollege.org/