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What does it really take to build a school that doesn’t just educate students — but transforms entire families?
In this episode of Steel City Growth, host William Ilgenfritz sits down with Matt DeHart, Founder of Teach From The Heart and TFD Academy, to talk about rebuilding standards in education, developing leadership through soft skills, and creating a model that educates both kids and parents under one roof.
Matt shares how a single realization on a school trip changed everything, why “comfort can’t progress” became the foundation of his approach, and how structure, accountability, and belief can completely reshape a student’s future.
You’ll learn:
• Why Matt believes the education system is broken — and what he would change
• How high standards and structure create confidence (and real results)
• Why soft skills are a “superpower” — and how they train them daily
• What it takes to hire mission-driven teachers (heart > awards)
• How Matt handled major obstacles like funding and facility setbacks
• The story that proved the model works: a student walked 30 minutes to school… and was early
• How high standards and structure create confidence (and real results)
• Why soft skills are a “superpower” — and how they train them daily
• What it takes to hire mission-driven teachers (heart > awards)
• How Matt handled major obstacles like funding and facility setbacks
• The story that proved the model works: a student walked 30 minutes to school… and was early
🎙 Guest featured in this episode:
Matt DeHart — Founder, Teach From The Heart Foundation & TFD Academy
Matt DeHart — Founder, Teach From The Heart Foundation & TFD Academy
🔗 Guest & Company Links
Teach From The Heart
Website: https://teachfromdhart.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tfdhacademy?igsh=M2hrbzRpbWRzdjVh&utm_source=qr
Website: https://teachfromdhart.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tfdhacademy?igsh=M2hrbzRpbWRzdjVh&utm_source=qr
Matt DeHart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachfromdehart?igsh=eHZnOXp1ZXJkZWZx
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-dehart-4b06b4b2/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachfromdehart?igsh=eHZnOXp1ZXJkZWZx
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-dehart-4b06b4b2/
🔗 Steel City Growth & Host Links
🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms:
https://steelcitygrowth.live
https://steelcitygrowth.live
🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth
https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth
👤 Host — William Ilgenfritz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-ilgenfritz-83161652/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-ilgenfritz-83161652/
Murphy Business Pittsburgh: https://murphybusiness.com/pittsburgh/
🤝 Sponsored by Murphy Business of Pittsburgh
Helping business owners plan, grow, and transition successfully.
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🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with business owners and founders across the greater Pittsburgh area.
#SteelCityGrowth #Education #Leadership #Nonprofit #Pittsburgh #Entrepreneurship #CommunityImpact #PersonalDevelopment #Founders
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome + why this mission matters
00:45 Matt’s background + educator family legacy
02:05 The school model: educating kids + parents together
03:10 Why this hasn’t been done before (it’s a lot)
07:41 “Education feels broken” — what Matt would change
10:46 High standards + strict structure (why it works)
11:45 Soft skills + “Amazing Shake” scenarios
13:03 Why Arnold, PA (and why not?)
14:05 Why he made the jump (comfort can’t progress)
15:59 Future vision: international methodology (India, Mexico, more)
17:31 Hiring teachers: heart > awards
20:40 Day one experience (structure + expectations)
22:45 Pitch to parents: “Do you want your kid to change the world?”
25:24 Biggest obstacles: money, building issues, pivoting fast
27:24 Proud moments + success story (the turning-point student)
31:56 How listeners can support (scholarships + meals + trips)
34:07 Where to learn more + connect
35:05 Fun: travel + Ted Lasso obsession
36:08 Pierogies vs Primanti’s
37:00 Steelers loss vs stepping on a Lego
37:50 Closing + call to support
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome + why this mission matters
00:45 Matt’s background + educator family legacy
02:05 The school model: educating kids + parents together
03:10 Why this hasn’t been done before (it’s a lot)
07:41 “Education feels broken” — what Matt would change
10:46 High standards + strict structure (why it works)
11:45 Soft skills + “Amazing Shake” scenarios
13:03 Why Arnold, PA (and why not?)
14:05 Why he made the jump (comfort can’t progress)
15:59 Future vision: international methodology (India, Mexico, more)
17:31 Hiring teachers: heart > awards
20:40 Day one experience (structure + expectations)
22:45 Pitch to parents: “Do you want your kid to change the world?”
25:24 Biggest obstacles: money, building issues, pivoting fast
27:24 Proud moments + success story (the turning-point student)
31:56 How listeners can support (scholarships + meals + trips)
34:07 Where to learn more + connect
35:05 Fun: travel + Ted Lasso obsession
36:08 Pierogies vs Primanti’s
37:00 Steelers loss vs stepping on a Lego
37:50 Closing + call to support
Creators and Guests
What is Steel City Growth?
Welcome to Steel City Growth! Each week, we’ll explore the passions, expertise, and experiences of business owners and founders in the greater Pittsburgh area. Steel City Growth is proudly sponsored by Murphy Business—committed to providing exceptional services to meet all your business needs.