Our children are our future. Education is at the heart at developing their skills and abilities and yet year after year we hear about the degrading state of our educational system. Our nation has spent trillions of dollars on failed programs that research and experts had promised would work. Achievement gaps persist, performance declines are accelerating and so it is of paramount importance that we explore novel ideas and solutions. You might not agree with many or any of the ideas below, and we certainly are not endorsing policies – our hope is just to create a space where bright, dedicated folks from the community can share their ideas – so that we can all come together and better understand each others experiences, concerns and how we might move forward together to build a brighter future.

Rachel Covert

As a financial coach, I see glaring holes in the educational system, but I also see our educational system steering folks in the wrong direction overall in life. Read more>>

Nicole Zaagman

One thing I would change about the educational system to prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career would be to incorporate agriculture and farm education. Though many schools in rural areas encompass agricultural based education, many urban school districts may not have the opportunity to be introduced to farming concepts and practices. Growing up I had the privilege and opportunity to be involved with local 4-H programs. Read more>>

Amy Smith

I was raised in a home with Educated parents and the “idea” of not going to college was not an option. Even more so, the idea of going to college for an Arts Degree such as Interior Design was frowned upon even more. I was the daughter of Colonel in the Marine Corp gone Guidance Counselor after retirement (Master of Counseling from UVA). My Mother was a Nurse with a BSN. I was highly encouraged to go into a serving profession, hence my first degree with an emphasis in Social Work and then my Master of Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood. Read more>>

Jenny Ciurro

As a music educator in the public school system for nearly three decades, I have seen many changes and also that the more things change, more they stay the same. Children are still being asked to perform and behave in such a way that doesn’t really fit their innate nature of exploration body, mind and soul. Read more>>

Eric Wohlwend

The government school system trains people to repeat the same tasks. It is great for producing factory workers. Memorizing things, that may never happen again, is not good for a business owner or entrepreneur. We train our children to be leaders and business owners. We have homeschooled them since they were born. We created our own classes & curriculum. Read more>>

Jazz Keyes-Perkins

In envisioning a transformative shift in our education system, I advocate for an approach that recognizes and nurtures each student’s diverse talents and passions. The current system, though well-intentioned, often needs to improve at being the great equalizer, particularly for children with artistic, creative, and entrepreneurial inclinations. Read more>>

ILLY MUSE

Something that I believe in the most, that my fellow Industry Comrades might disagree with is the absolute necessity to have media training. When it comes to crafting the ideal artist exposure agreement; being well rounded and professionally trained is top tier. From engaging via LIVE interview, maneuvering networking events, and especially during live performance. I believe the value of the now modern day artist has less to do with overall refinement, and more to do with artist visibility as it speaks to social media presence. Read more>>

Nicole Ottley

As my husband and I navigate running the joint family business and growing our family i.e. our legacy, we believe it is a misconception that you have to choose to have a successful career OR a tight knit family unit. It has become our own personal mission to disprove this myth with our actions that we take week in and week out. One of the biggest ways that we make both work for us is we incorporate our children into the business even though they are young. Read more>>