National Microschooling Center's Thursday Bulletin

Hello Microschooling Community!

August is here, and you can feel the excitement in the air! This week, many microschools across the country are opening their doors (some for the very first time!) and welcoming learners and families. To every founder calming first-day nerves and taking one last deep breath before learners arrive: we're thinking of you and cheering you on. This movement is growing because of every one of you!

And speaking of momentum…Democrats for Education Reform has just published their microschooling primer, highlighting what microschools are, why families are choosing them, and the policies that help them thrive. Also last week, DFER amplified the call to ensure that microschools be included in the new federal tax credit scholarship program. This welcome attention is another sign that microschooling has become part of the national education conversation in meaningful ways, and we're honored that their work includes research and examples from the National Microschooling Center (more info below).

And while the momentum is rolling…this movement is still growing and many are  hearing of microschools for the very first time! If you know someone who might be interested in learning more, forward this newsletter - we’d love to meet them! Let's make it a fantastic school year together. We're glad you're here and we can't wait to see what you'll accomplish.

In this edition: DEFR’s Microschooling Primer, Health Insurance Hot Topic, Microschool Book Talk, Meet Dr. Jill Brown, and more!

DFER’s Microschooling Primer

Want a great introductory primer to today's microschools? Education Reform Now, the policy shop driving Democrats for Education Reform, recently published this insightful paper, informed by lots of valuable examples and research (including ours!). You can read it online here.

Promise, Practice and Policy are all in clear focus - What are microschools, how they work, which policy choices best support the educational success their families are choosing them for? Thanks to DFER for their welcome support for microschools.

Meet the Team: Dr. Jill Brown

Have you had the opportunity to meet Dr. Jill Brown? An incredible microschool founder in Missouri, she is an incredible resource dedicated to helping microschools across the country!

The National Microschooling Training Institute

Just a reminder, the Institute is here and it’s free! These essential courses, created by accomplished microschool founders for founders, can be taken at your own pace. Move through videos, readings and exercises designed to strengthen your microschool one critical element at a time, and receive a certificate from the Center after completing each training.

August Hot Topic: How to Beat Health Insurance Companies at Their Own Game

Seeking options to offer health insurance without draining your microschool’s budget? Join the National Microschooling Center and Dan Cosgrove, CEO of Better Benefits USA, on Tuesday, August 11th at 4pm PT/7pm ET to learn the smart alternative strategies microschool founders are using to access top-tier healthcare at a fraction of the cost, so you can reinvest those savings back into your learners.

RSVP here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DbWYvdhRSUSW5jWy_x2TDg

Hot Topic: September Book Talk with Mickey Revenaugh

The latest memorable book about microschools, School’s Out: Why Families Are Choosing Unconventional Education, by veteran innovation expert Mickey Revenaugh, offers lots the microschooling community will value. “Microschools by their very nature embody the ‘let a thousand flowers bloom’ phase of education innovation,” the book explains. “Their essential smallness runs counter to the notion of scale, a holy grail in certain education innovation circles.” Read an excerpt from School’s Out here on the Center website.

And join us Tuesday, September 1 at 4pm PT/7pm ET for a discussion with the author - details and registration link here.

Access Point: All the Need-to-Know info about Learning Tools and Providers

Considering learning tools, curriculum or other services for your microschool this year? Then you won’t want to miss the Access Point, the ultimate place for gathering discounts, deals and info!

Events You Need to Know About

Take a look for virtual trainings, conferences, local meetups and more!

Register for any event here!

Center Meetings & Office Hours

Hot Topic Webinar: How to Beat Health Insurance Companies at Their Own Game: Tuesday, August 11th | 4pm PT/7pm ET

Stop letting traditional health insurance drain your microschool’s budget!

Join the National Microschooling Center and Dan Cosgrove, CEO of Better Benefits USA, to learn the smart alternative strategies microschool founders are using to access top-tier healthcare at a fraction of the cost, so you can reinvest those savings back into your learners.

RSVP here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DbWYvdhRSUSW5jWy_x2TDg

Virtual Office Hours, Currently Operating Founders, Thursday, August 13th | 3pm PT/6pm ET

Join Alex for monthly conversations about struggles, joys, and other general support for running your microschool. We can all work together to suggest resources, celebrate wins, and create a nationwide community of school leaders.

Register here!

Virtual Office Hours, Prelaunch Founders, Monday, August 17th | 3pm PT/6pm ET

This is an open session for any Microschool founders in the ideation or pre-launch phase. Alex will lead conversations, answer questions, and provide help as you decide on your next steps in your process!

Register here!

Center Regional Meetings

Virtual South Carolina Zoom Meetup: Tuesday, August 11th | 3pm PT/6pm ET

Join us for quarterly meetups to connect with other SC Microschool Leaders! Email Tiffany Blassingame at tiffany@microschoolingcenter.org to learn more!

Virtual Texas Microschools Zoom Meetup: Wednesday, August 12th | 3pm PT/6pm ET

This is our Texas Monthly Meet-up where we discuss our Microschools, Leadership, Current affairs, etc. - hot and spicy; Texas Style! Email Dr. Flynn at erin@microschoolingcenter.org to learn more!

Center Cohorts

Virtual High School Cohort: Monday, August 17th | 4pm PT/7pm ET

For founders leading high school age students and for founders considering expanding to High School. Please come and join for discussions, insights, and any questions you might have! Email Dr. Flynn at erin@microschoolingcenter.org to learn more!

Have a question? Want to share an idea or resource? We love hearing from you, reach out any time!

Ashley & Don Soifer 

and the team of the National Microschooling Center

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