Examining the Radical Difference Between School and Education

David speaks with Matt Beaudreau who is a Keynote Speaker, Consultant, and Coach to organizations around the world, Matt has a reputation as a provocative thought leader in educational and personal development practices. He is a two-time featured TEDx speaker having spoken to over 250,000 people across the world. In 2017, Matt founded Acton Academy Placer Schools; schools that utilize the Socratic method, with an emphasis on self-direction and cultivating confident, independent young people with a strong sense of character and personal responsibility. He has since helped to open multiple campuses around the world. Pulling from his experience in the Acton model, in January of 2021, Matt co-founded Apogee Strong with Tim Kennedy, a mentorship program designed for young men to take on challenges and to learn to lead. 

David and Matt spoke of the possibilities of changing education from a grassroots community perspective. Changing a big bureaucratic system is possible when communities come together and create change. Disenfranchised teachers, parents, community members and most importantly students are ready to rise up and challenge the status quo. Many people aren’t aware of the alternative options that are available to them. Or, they are scared to make a drastic change out of fear and lack of information. Matt speaks of his vision to open more microschools similar to Acton but different in their approach to true partnership around growth and development for parents, and also implementing strong physical fitness programs in Apogee schools. 

Matt also shares what he believes education should be for and how it is important we ask ourselves this question regularly. He talks about the conveyor belt of the factory model school system and how it was not set up to help kids be empowered and self directed in their lives and their learning. 

Matt also shares his approach to overcoming fear and the importance of pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and the limitations that we place on ourselves. 

David and Matt close the conversation by sharing the importance of being authentic and true to yourself and moving toward your dreams. As we more and more changemakers find the strength and courage to create change within their communities, we will begin to see the ripple effect. 

You can learn more about Matt here: 

https://apogeestrongprograms.com

https://apogeestrongfoundation.org

And on social @mattbeaudreau and @apogeeprogram

David’s mission is to reach as many education changemakers as possible to help them be the changemaker they have always desired to be. If you feel moved by his mission, please go and rate and review the podcast or share with a friend. 

What is Changemaker ED“U”?

Welcome to Changemaker ED“U”, a podcast about all things microschools. If you are a paradigm shifter who wants to create change in your community through microschooling, this is the podcast for you!

We share the nuts and bolts of launching and running a successful microschool as well as important tips and tricks about leadership, business, and entrepreneurship.

I am David K Richards, the Founder & CEO of Changemaker Education, an affiliate network of microschools. With 25+ years in education reform, leadership development, and entrepreneurship, I am excited to host this podcast!