Changemaker ED“U”

Teaching AI Literacy with the “AI Driver’s License”

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: 1. Learn to drive – Operating AI tools effectively. 2. Look under the hood – Understanding how AI actually works. 3. Know the rules of the road – Exploring ethics, norms, and policies. 4. 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

Imperfect Leadership & Shared Vision in Education with Peter Stiepleman

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

From Classroom to Changemaker with Lily Jones

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 [https://www.changemakereducation.com/start-a-microschool] 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.

Telling Your Story, Trusting Your Intuition, and Building a Microschool Around Your Genius

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, David sits down with Bonnie LePage — founder of The Maker, marketing, branding, and AI company — to talk about the power of storytelling, the courage to follow your intuition, and the importance of taking a leap of faith with your calling.  Bonnie shares her remarkable journey: from growing up in South Africa and adapting to a new life in the Midwest, to building a thriving marketing career, and then walking away from it all after a life-altering tragedy. She explains how grief became a catalyst for change, why she now builds brands around the person before the business, and how she helps founders share their genius with the world. Together, David and Bonnie explore: * Why intuition is one of the most underused tools for founders * The role life-changing events play in sparking entrepreneurial leaps * How telling your authentic story attracts your right people — and repels the wrong ones * How vulnerability builds connection and attracts your community * Why stepping away from “shoulds” can open the door to your true calling * What makes microschools so powerful — for students and entrepreneurs * How life’s hardest seasons can reveal the work you were made to do * Practical ways to align your business with your deepest values If you’ve been feeling a tug toward something more meaningful — or struggling to put your story into words — this episode is your permission to listen to yourself and take that first step. 🎧 Listen now and discover how to build work — and a life — that truly fits. Guest Links: * Connect with Bonnie LePage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnielepage/ * Learn more about her work in marketing, branding, and AI: https://themakerai.com/ Resources Mentioned: This Is Marketing by Seth Godin

Reimagining High School for Nontraditional Learners

In this powerful episode, David K. Richards sits down with Dr. Yazmene “Dr. Yaz” Thomas, an inspiring educator, coach, and Founder of Uhuru Pathways, a groundbreaking microschool serving teens and adults through an accelerated, trauma-informed high school diploma program. A late-night scroll led Dr. Yaz to discover Changemaker Microschools—and what followed was a rapid-fire connection and a clear path to launching her vision: a flexible, culturally responsive online microschool for underserved learners. Together, they dive into: * Why traditional high school systems are failing adult and alternative learners * How Uhuru Pathways supports students aged 14 to 60+ with coaching, career readiness, and personal development * The transformative “Dr. Yaz Method”: helping students get their I.S.H. (Intention, Skills, and Habits) together * The role of trauma-informed, whole-person education in empowering long-overdue dreams * What it means to transition from educator to entrepreneur—and why Dr. Yaz is just getting started About Dr. Yaz: Dr. Yazmene Thomas is a veteran educator, educational coach, and founder of Uhuru Pathways Learning Center. She holds decades of experience supporting learners across age groups, with a deep passion for unlocking the potential of people who've been left behind by rigid systems. Her work combines academic support, emotional coaching, and cultural truth to help learners finally thrive. Links & Resources: Learn more about Dr. Yazmene Thomas at DrYazMethod.org [https://dryazmethod.org/] Connect with Dr. Yaz & Uhuru Pathways [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dryazmene/] Changemaker Microschools [https://www.changemakereducation.com/]