320: Is there something in the way of your student succeeding? with Sheila Akbar
Sheila Akbar is President and COO at Signet Education. Their mission is to ‘Build relationships that inspire growth’ and a vision that will ‘Enable personal and academic growth for high school and college students through one-on-one mentorship and a unique Pathfinder approach.’
Sheila joined the Signet team in the summer of 2010, bringing with her a wealth of experience teaching SAT, ACT, GRE, literature, and composition in both one-on-one and classroom settings. Sheila loves both teaching and learning, and finds nothing more rewarding than working closely with students to overcome the challenges they face.
After graduating from Harvard in 2002, Sheila spent two years working in financial services before continuing her academic career, which culminated into two doctorates. She brings her significant business and academic experience to bear on her current role at Signet.
Her skills include speaking to every client to craft a tailored solution for their needs, managing the administrative team, and providing educational thought leadership for the company. Sheila holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Harvard University and two doctoral degrees from Indiana University.
Website
Social Media Information
www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/
Resources Mentioned
Permission to Speak – Samara Bay
Join me on Wednesday 18th Jan 5.30pm for our live podcast https://www.youtube.com/@educationonfire5530
Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)
Primary Education Summit – ‘Visions for the Future’ – March 2023
Book NOW at www.nape.org.uk/summit
319: Our first live podcast recording – Wed 18th Jan
Today Mark did the first live stream on his YouTube channel ready for the interview next week with Liz Robinson, CEO of Multi-Academy Trust, Big Education and Caitlin Ross who is Head of Impact for education charity Big Change.
This is audio from that live stream. You can watch the video at https://youtu.be/kpo4_iO38Xw
Next weeks live stream podcast recording will focus on:
Big Change’s brand new challenge prize – Big Education Challenge. The £1 million prize fund seeks to reward bold ideas with the potential to transform education. The Challenge is split into two prizes – the Groundbreaker Prize (for youth-led innovation from applicants aged 18-25 with a bold idea) and the Gamechanger Prize (for experienced innovators of any age with a track record of leading innovative approaches with social impact). The prize launched in November 2022 and applications will close in February 2023.
To find out more ready for next week visit www.big-change.org
Watch live next week at www.youtube.com/@educationonfire5530/
Also on the podcast today we help launch the NAPE Primary Education Summit 2023. Visions for the Future’
Christian Schiller Lecture presented by Dr. Neil Hawkes
11 Pre-recorded online presentations
4 Live Discussion Panels
Full details at www.nape.org.uk/summit
318: Mountain Point Academy Accredited Online School
Sara Busalacchi and Anjilee Ferguson have over a decade each of experience in the Online Education industry. Through their educational experiences they found a deep passion for helping others succeed and grow. Because of their passion they co-founded their online school, Mountain Point Academy, where they encourage students to embrace and foster the skills needed for lifelong learning.
Sara and Anjilee also share some similar passions outside of the school. They both have a love for the outdoors, music, and especially their families. Anjilee loves traveling to new places, and Sara loves jamming out with her band.
Mountain Point Academy’s mission is to commit to providing a student-centered academic experience by creating an environment grounded in respect, integrity, and commitment to learning. Students and staff work together as each student strives to reach his or her academic potential.
What does it mean to be student-centered? MPA operates under the belief that all students can learn, but the way that happens looks a little bit different for each student. William Spady says it perfectly when he states that, “All students can learn and succeed, but not on the same day in the same way.” MPA works with all types of students; whether you love school and can’t wait to graduate high school early to get to college, or if you have struggled in the past and are looking for an alternative to your brick-and-mortar school, we have you covered!
Every student that enters our doors (figuratively of course!) is assigned an Academic Mentor. This MPA staff member acts as your advocate throughout your time at Mountain Point. You’ll never have to worry about who to turn to when you have a question on your homework, your graduation status, career planning, or anything else! Your mentor will contact you weekly to check in, set goals, and see how you’re doing. This human-to-human contact is what sets us apart from many other online schools.
Website
Social Media Information
Instagram: @mtnpointacademy
Facebook: Mountain Point Academy
🎙: The Thing About School
Mark’s episode no. 31 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thing-about-school/id1625480894
Resources Mentioned
Fish in a tree – Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Out of My Mind – Sharon M. Draper
Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)
Primary Education Summit – ‘Visions for the Future’ – March 2023
Book NOW at www.nape.org.uk/summit
317: Life coaching for kids with Renaye Thornborrow
Renaye Thornborrow is leading a worldwide movement to bring life coaching and mindset skills training to kids. Since 2013, her company has certified hundreds of coaches in over 30 countries, helping them create a business they love as a life coach for kids while empowering children around the world. Life coaching is a game changer for children as they learn how to build confidence, resilience, and mindset skills for life; and it is a game changer for coaches as they increase their impact and income while doing their work in the world serving kids.
Renaye is a personal development expert, member of the International Coaches Federation (ICF), and former 3-year board member for the Association of Coach Training Organizations (ACTO). She is a retired corporate marketing executive and the proud mother of 20-year-old twins – a son and a daughter. Adventures in Wisdom is an ICF CCE (Continuing Coach Education) provider.
Website
Social Media Information
LinkedIn (Renaye): www.linkedin.com/in/renayethornborrow/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/AdventuresInWisdomFanPage
YouTube: www.youtube.com/AdventuresInWisdom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/adventuresinwisdomcoaching/
Show Sponsor
National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) are planning a Primary Education Summit in March 2023. For more information please visit www.educationonfire.com/summit
316: Raising healthy and happy children with Dr. Amy Conrad
Dr. Amy Conrad is a board certified pediatrician and a working mom. She is the founder of Kinder Digital Pediatric Clinic and the host of the Ask Doctor Amy podcast. Dr. Amy is on a mission to help families raise healthy and happy kids by paving a more simple and natural path to parenting. Her podcast answers the most common questions from real parents and explores the shared experience of being a modern parent.
Website
Social Media Information
@askdoctoramy
Resources Mentioned
Show Sponsor
National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) are planning a Primary Education Summit in March 2023. For more information please visit www.educationonfire.com/summit