Bama Knows Education

Building Community One Student at a Time: A Closer Look at Build Up with James Thornton

In this episode of Bama Knows Education, James Thornton, the Community, Engagement and Outreach Coordinator for Build Up Community School, joins us to discuss the school's innovative approach to education. Build Up focuses on providing students with multiple pathways to success, including workforce development training, internships, and home ownership opportunities.  James explains the importance of community involvement and the school's commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges regardless of the path they choose post high school. One of the key components of the school mission is to prepare students to be self-sufficient as they teach students not only how to prepare for a future profession, but also to be home owners and how to build generational wealth. If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others passionate about education in Alabama! Episode Highlights: * Build Up Community School offers multiple pathways to success beyond traditional college tracks. * Home ownership education is a key component of the school's mission * Internships provide students with hands-on experience * Small class sizes allow for personalized education and attention. * Build Up is looking towards future growth to provide more opportunities for students and their families More on Guest:  * Build Up Community School [https://www.buildup.work/] * BuildUP Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/buildup_bhm] * BuildUP Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/buildupbhm] More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode: * Love Your School Alabama Website  [https://www.loveyourschool.org/alabama/] * Love Your School Alabama Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/loveyourschoolal/] * Love Your School Alabama Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/loveyourschoolal/] * Love Your School Alabama X [https://x.com/heartmyschoolal] * The CHOOSE Act  [https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/tax-policy/the-choose-act/]

18. The Power of Montessori Education: A Conversation with Courtney Davis

In this episode of Bama Knows Education, we’re joined by Courtney Davis, founder of Urban Community Montessori (UCM) in Birmingham, Alabama. Courtney shares her passion for promoting accessible and affordable Montessori education and her work to build a pipeline for Black and Brown Montessorians through partnerships with local non-profits. Courtney discusses UCM’s mission to educate the community about Montessori’s benefits, train skilled Montessori guides, and create a safe, inclusive environment where children can grow in intellect, compassion, and independence. With a focus on equity and accessibility, UCM is shaping the next generation of leaders to thrive and positively impact the world. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about equity, education, and creating opportunities for all children in Birmingham! Episode Highlights: * What is Montessori Education? * Urban Community Montessori  * What a Day Looks Like at UCM * Long-Term Goals for UCM  More on Guest:  * Urban Community Montessori  [https://www.ucm-bham.org/] * UCM Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/urbancommunitymontessori/] * UCM Facebook  [https://www.facebook.com/p/Urban-Community-Montessori-100070833291101/] More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode: * Love Your School Alabama Website  [https://www.loveyourschool.org/alabama/] * Love Your School Alabama Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/loveyourschoolal/] * Love Your School Alabama Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/loveyourschoolal/] * Love Your School Alabama X [https://x.com/heartmyschoolal] * The CHOOSE Act  [https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/tax-policy/the-choose-act/] * CHOOSE Act Application Portal [https://classwallet.com/alchoose/pre-qualify-apply.htm]

Special Episode: Big Things Happening in 2025!

Welcome to a special episode of Bama Knows Education! We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates as we look ahead to 2025. First, mark your calendars because the Choose Act portal officially opens on January 2nd, providing families in Alabama with access to valuable resources and funding opportunities. Additionally, we’re excited to announce that Love Your School is a co-sponsor of the Alabama Choice Summit, taking place on January 30-31. This summit promises to be a powerful event, bringing together leaders, educators, and families to discuss the future of education in our state. In this episode, we’re joined by two incredible guests. Nathan Sanders from EdChoice shares his expertise on school choice, its impact on families, and how this movement is creating more opportunities for students. We also have Dr. Josh Bowar from the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education, who provides insight into the growing opportunities for Christian education and strategies to expand access and excellence in faith-based schools. Tune in to learn more about the Choose Act and the Alabama Choice Summit and how these initiatives are transforming education for families across Alabama. This is an inspiring and informative episode you won’t want to miss as we kick off 2025 with hope, resources and a shared commitment to improving education for all students. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others passionate about education. For more information, visit Love Your School [https://www.loveyourschool.org] and stay connected for updates on the Choose Act and the Alabama Choice Summit! Episode Highlights: * The Choose Act Portal is Opening! * All about The Alabama Choice Summit  * FAQ’s  * Conference Agenda  More on Guests/Links from this Episode:  * Register for the Alabama Choice Summit! [https://cace.org/events/alabama-choice-summit/] * EdChoice [https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwiCxv-3rLmKAxUZMwgFHeGfN5sYABAAGgJtZA&ae=2&aspm=1&co=1&ase=5&gclid=CjwKCAiA65m7BhAwEiwAAgu4JAxLrbbwIswlaHBfAjGR3pcxFx2Y5l7Epww_WbSaFXFQ2yEezllVaxoCAbcQAvD_BwE&ei=dvVmZ5uMPLiJptQPwrDQ6QI&sig=AOD64_3jfxZNZv2SZ_vgDrlb1vcl-gbmLg&q&sqi=2&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwibn_u3rLmKAxW4hIkEHUIYNC0Q0Qx6BAgLEAE] * Center for the Advancement of Christian Education  [https://cace.org/] More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode: * Love Your School Alabama Website  [https://www.loveyourschool.org/alabama/] * Love Your School Alabama Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/loveyourschoolal/] * Love Your School Alabama Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/loveyourschoolal/] * Love Your School Alabama X [https://x.com/heartmyschoolal] * The Choose Act  [https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/tax-policy/the-choose-act/]

16. Making Homeschooling Work for Your Family: Insights from Liberty Evanko

In this episode of Bama Knows Education, we sit down with Liberty Evanko, a homeschooling mother of four from Alabama, who shares her journey of creating a personalized education experience for her children. Liberty and her husband work together to homeschool their kids, including one son who is twice exceptional. She offers practical advice for parents considering homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of making it work for both you and your children. Liberty also discusses the benefits of homeschool co-ops, which provide community and resources for families, and breaks down what standardized testing looks like for homeschool students in Alabama. Additionally, she sheds light on school choice legislation and how it empowers parents to explore alternative education options for their children. Whether you’re a parent exploring homeschooling, interested in school choice, or simply curious about the educational landscape in Alabama, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable advice. Tune in to learn how Liberty and her family have embraced the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling. If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others passionate about education in Alabama! Episode Highlights: * Understanding School Choice Options in Alabama * Homeschooling: A Flexible Approach to Education * The Role of Homeschool Co-ops: Community and Support for Families * Demystifying Testing for Homeschool Students in Alabama * Navigating School Choice Legislation: What Parents Need to Know More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode: * Love Your School Alabama Website  [https://www.loveyourschool.org/alabama/] * Love Your School Alabama Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/loveyourschoolal/] * Love Your School Alabama Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/loveyourschoolal/] * Love Your School Alabama X [https://x.com/heartmyschoolal] * The Choose Act  [https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/tax-policy/the-choose-act/]

15. Transforming Alabama’s Education System: A Conversation with Rep. Susan DuBose

In this episode, we sit down with Alabama Representative Susan DuBose, who represents District 45, and is a passionate advocate for education reform and school choice. Susan is dedicated to empowering parents to make decisions about their children’s education and improving Alabama’s historically low rankings in education. She supports legislation that prioritizes school choice, aims to keep divisive ideologies like Critical Race Theory out of classrooms, and advocates for expanded vocational and technical training opportunities in high schools. Susan also discusses her work at both the state and national levels, including her involvement in a pro-school choice alliance and her advocacy for the CHOOSE Act. She highlights how these efforts focus on giving families better access to quality education and building partnerships with businesses to prepare students for the workforce. Tune in to hear Susan’s vision for transforming education in Alabama and the steps she’s taking to ensure a brighter future for every child. Episode Highlights: * All about Susan DuBose  * Advocating for School Choice  * The Choose Act  * School Funding  * Policies that Susan DuBose Stands For  More on Guest:  * Visit Susan DuBose’s Website [https://susandubose.com/] * Susan DuBose's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SusanDuBoseForHouseD45] * Susan DuBose's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sdubose1/] * Susan DuBose's Twitter [https://twitter.com/sdubose1] * Susan DuBose's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-dubose-9158a348/] More on Bama Knows Education/Links Mentioned in Episode: * The Choose Act  [https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/tax-policy/the-choose-act/] * Love Your School Alabama Website  [https://www.loveyourschool.org/alabama/] * Love Your School Alabama Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/loveyourschoolal/] * Love Your School Alabama Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/loveyourschoolal/] * Love Your School Alabama X [https://x.com/heartmyschoolal]