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Welcome to the ”Teacher, Let Your Light Shine” Podcast! Calling all parents and teachers!! The future of education is in YOUR HANDS! If you are a teacher ready to teach your way, ditch the overwhelm and design a life you love, this is the podcast for you! If you are a parent currently homeschooling, or thinking about the possibility, but also needing to make an income to support your family-tune in! Makenzie Oliver is here to help teachers and parents create profitable micro-schools and homeschooling businesses so they can provide a rich and desirable education for their own children and many others. The time to transform education is now, and this podcast will teach you how to build, scale and market an educational business that is changing the culture of schools and learning environments all over the globe. Teacher friend, is your passion for teaching slowly burning out? Is our broken educational system frustrating you to the point of quitting this career, but you just can’t stand the thought of letting your ”teaching gifts” go to the wayside? Do you envision teaching children with more energy, aliveness, and creativity, but you are ”stuck” conforming to the standardized tests, mandates, and overwhelming policies that just aren’t working? Are you dreaming of freedom, flexibility, and an income that continues to grow exponentially? Have you ever said, ”I should just start my own school”? Wouldn’t it be lovely to teach without unrealistic expectations, endless data collection, meetings, and restrictions? What if you could create your own schedule, curriculum, and class size? Would you sense freedom and fulfillment if you could take learning outside, on field trips, and beyond the state standards? Do you long to use your teaching gift for God’s glory, while creating engaging lesson plans, experiences, and positive relationships with students? Starting your own micro-school or homeschooling business can give you the financial freedom, time freedom, and teaching experiences you are longing for! Parents, are you frustrated with the experiences your child is having in public or private school? Are you searching for a learning experience that LIGHTS your child up? Are you currently homeschooling but you desire to provide financially for your family and want the two worlds to collide? What if you could continue teaching your child but also make an income while providing educational and enrichment experiences to other children and families? If your child is longing for socialization, interaction, and engaging experiences, a profitable homeschooling business would not only provide financial peace and freedom to your family but provide your child with a wonderful learning opportunity! Learning pods, resource centers, and micro-schools are coming your way! Teacher friend, If you’ve ever thought, ” I wish I could stay home and give my children all the attention I give to so many others!”? ”If only I could make money while staying home, teaching, and taking care of my children.... !” OR maybe you are thinking of teaching YOUR OWN WAY, having your OWN BUSINESS, and creating as much profit as you desire while ALSO using your teaching gifts! Let’s get down to business! What if you could have a business right in your backyard-around the corner, or up the street...where children run free, learn authentically, and collaborate with peers like never before? What if YOU could leave a legacy not only for your family but for the generations to come? If you’re a teacher or parent searching for freedom, flexibility, and unlimited financial possibilities- you’re in the right place! In this podcast, I will teach you how to start a fulfilling, profitable, micro-school or homeschooling business built on a foundation of faith! If you’re here for teaching on your own terms and making a bigger impact with a bigger income, You‘re in the right place! I’m Makenzie Oliver. After 14 years in public school as a teacher, instructional coach, and after receiving ”Teacher of the Year” accolades-God changed my heart and led me down a path that has lit my soul on fire. He crafted a dream in my heart to start a school-right out of my living room! Now I run a successful, growing micro-school with unlimited possibilities for career growth, experiences, and lifelong memories! I‘m here to help teachers and parents build a teaching business around the most important aspects of life. For me, this includes motherhood, marriage, and a God-given mission. I help parents and uncover their calling as teachers, build and scale a profitable homeschooling business and or micro-school ! You have the potential to run your own business, from anywhere, while also making a massive impact! Get ready to discover “The Teacher God Created You to Be”, “The God Confidence to Create Your Own Business” and “Effective Ways to Organize and Produce and Plan for Your Micro School” ”Business Basics” and ”The Possibilities Empowering YOU to teach with FREEDOM AND JOY”! Sharpen Your Pencil, Get out your notebook, Re-heat your coffee...It’s time to get your teach on! Let Your Light Shine, Makenzie Oliver Visit our Website for Free Resources, Learn more about Micro schools, AND Receive Coaching to Build Your Business! www.teachersletyourlightshine.com Come Connect with us in our Facebook Group: Teacher Let Your Light Shine-Start Your Homeschooling Business! https://www.facebook.com/groups/250368126648112 Come Connect with me on Instagram: @Teacherletyourlightshine Want to chat? Have some questions? I‘d love to hear from you! Send an Email:teacherletyourlightshine@gmail.com Twitter: @teacher_light Check out Our School on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lighthouselearningmicroschool
Episodes
2 hours ago
2 hours ago
If you’ve ever felt buried under to-do lists, school planning, paperwork, and the constant pressure to do it all — today’s episode is your breath of fresh air. 🌿
In this deeply personal and transformative conversation, I sit down with Lisa Woodruff, the brilliant founder and CEO of Organize 365, and the woman who completely changed the way I structure my life, home, and business.
Lisa is a former teacher turned successful entrepreneur, bestselling author of The Paper Solution, Organization is a Learnable Skill, and How ADHD Affects Home Organization. Through her podcast and training programs, she has guided thousands of women, educators, and business owners to take control of their homes and work through simple, repeatable systems that bring peace and purpose.
In this episode, we talk about:
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📚 How Lisa’s journey from classroom teacher to CEO can inspire any educator or microschool founder
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🧺 Why organization isn’t about perfection — it’s about freedom, confidence, and control
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🗂 How the Sunday Basket® System helped me personally transform my school, home, and mental space
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⏰ Practical strategies for teachers and parents to organize paper, time, and routines
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💡 The connection between organization and leadership — and how systems can multiply your impact
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❤️ Why learning to manage your time and environment is actually an act of self-care and calling
I share openly about how Lisa’s work gave me clarity during one of the busiest seasons of my life — running Lighthouse Learning Microschool, leading staff, and raising a family. Implementing her methods didn’t just help me tidy my spaces — it gave me margin to lead with peace, create with focus, and live more intentionally.
This episode is for you if you’re:
✨ A teacher dreaming of launching a microschool or homeschool hybrid
✨ A mom or educator juggling multiple responsibilities and craving simplicity
✨ A visionary who knows you’re called to lead — but need systems to sustain your success
🔗 Resources Mentioned
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Visit Lisa’s website: www.organize365.com
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Listen to The Organize 365 Podcast
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Check out Lisa’s books:
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The Paper Solution
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Organization is a Learnable Skill
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How ADHD Affects Home Organization
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Learn about the Sunday Basket® System
Lisa Woodruff is the founder and CEO of Organize 365®, a company dedicated to helping women reclaim their time and transform their lives through functional organization. A former teacher and mother of two, Lisa developed proven systems for home and business organization, including the world-renowned Sunday Basket® program.
She’s the host of the top-rated Organize 365 Podcast, and author of bestselling books including The Paper Solution, Organization is a Learnable Skill, and How ADHD Affects Home Organization. Her mission is to help women and educators turn chaos into confidence and clutter into clarity — one system at a time.
Learn more at www.organize365.com.
We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance.
Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities.
VELA Organization:
VELA Education FundJoin our Mastermind Program!
Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success!
Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet”
Book a Clarity Coaching Session:
Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students!
We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
This isn’t just an interview! Today’s podcast is an inspiring dialogue between two passionate women who are transforming education from the ground up in numerous ways. 🌟
In this episode, Makenzie Oliver, founder of Lighthouse Learning Microschool and host of Teacher Let Your Light Shine, sits down with Kerry McDonald — Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education, host of The Liberated Podcast, and author of Unschooled and Joyful Learning. Together, they dive deep into what it truly means to reclaim joy, autonomy, and purpose in education.
This episode will help you:
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Understand what “joyful learning” really means and how to cultivate it in any setting
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Explore the microschool and homeschool hybrid movement that’s transforming education
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Learn how teachers can become education entrepreneurs and create thriving learning spaces outside the traditional system
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Hear from two women who have lived it — both sharing real stories, homeschooling, participating in higher education, research, challenges, and victories
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Discover the policies, funding opportunities, and innovative models fueling educational freedom in 2025
Whether you’re a teacher dreaming of launching your own microschool, a parent seeking personalized education, or a visionary who believes learning should be liberated, meaningful, and joyful, this conversation will reignite your belief in what’s possible.
✨ It’s time to redefine success. Reclaim joy. And let your light shine.
🔗 Connect with Kerry McDonald
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🌍 Website: https://www.edentrepreneurs.org
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🎙 Podcast: The Liberated Podcast
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📖 Books: Joyful Learning and Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom
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🏛 Foundation for Economic Education: https://fee.org/kerry
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💬 Social Media: @Kerry_edu
#TeacherLetYourLightShine #KerryMcDonald #JoyfulLearning #TheLiberatedPodcast #EducationEntrepreneurshipLab #EducationFreedom #Homeschooling #Microschools #Unschooling #AlternativeEducation #ParentEmpowerment #EducationInnovation #EdEntrepreneurs #MakenzieOliver #LighthouseLearningMicroschool #SchoolChoice #Microgrants #ESAs #HomeschoolHybrid #EducationalChoice #FreedomInEducation #ReimagineEducation #LearningPods
Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success!
Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet”
Book a Clarity Coaching Session:
Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students!
We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
This month, I’m slowing down — not to plan more, but to see more.
In today’s episode, I’m talking about something I believe every microschool founder needs before stepping into a new year: an Autumn Audit.
I know how it feels to get caught up in the whirlwind of running your school — the lesson plans, family communications, finances, tours, and events. But if we’re not careful, we can move so fast that we stop seeing the beauty of what we’ve built.
The Autumn Audit is a moment to pause and look at your school — or even just the dream of your school — through new eyes.
Whether you’re already open and serving families or you’re just beginning to build, this reflection process helps you realign your space, your systems, and your spirit with the vision God first placed in your heart.
✨ In This Episode, I’m Sharing:
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Why reflection is the most important — and often most neglected — leadership skill for microschool founders.
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The real reason burnout happens (and how to course-correct before January).
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The simple questions I’m asking myself during my own Autumn Audit at Lighthouse Learning.
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How to see your microschool through the eyes of your parents, staff, and students — and use that feedback to grow.
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What’s included inside this month’s Microschool Masterminds experience, including:
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My Autumn Audit Workbook
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A Kid-Friendly School Audit Checklist (students love this one!)
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The Staff & Community Reflection Guide
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And the Parent Post-Tour Follow-Up Template to turn curiosity into connection.
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💛 A Word from My Heart:
I created the Autumn Audit because I needed it too.
I needed a pause — to breathe, to see clearly, to remember what’s working, and to realign what’s not.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about peace.
It’s about giving yourself permission to step out of the rush and rediscover the joy of what you’ve created.
If you’ve been feeling foggy, overwhelmed, or just ready for a refresh — this episode (and this month’s Mastermind content) is your reset button.
🔥 Join Me Inside Microschool Masterminds:
This November, I’m walking you through the Autumn Audit Experience step by step inside Microschool Masterminds.
When you join, you’ll get:
✅ The full Autumn Audit Workbook
✅ The Kid-Friendly, Staff, and Parent Audit Checklists
✅ Access to live group coaching calls
✅ A supportive community of founders who are ready to reflect, refresh, and relaunch
👉 Join now at: www.teachersletyourlightshine.com/masterminds
Doors open soon — don’t miss the moment to realign your vision before the new year begins.
🌟 Let’s Connect:
If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear about it.
Take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @teacherletyourlightshine with one thing you’re most grateful for in your microschool this fall.
Let’s celebrate this season of reflection and renewal together. 🍂
We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance.
Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities.
VELA Organization:
Join our Mastermind Program!
Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success!
Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet”
Book a Clarity Coaching Session:
Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students!
We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
This month, I’m slowing down — not to plan more, but to see more.
In today’s episode, I’m talking about something I believe every microschool founder needs before stepping into a new year: an Autumn Audit.
I know how it feels to get caught up in the whirlwind of running your school — the lesson plans, family communications, finances, tours, and events. But if we’re not careful, we can move so fast that we stop seeing the beauty of what we’ve built.
The Autumn Audit is a moment to pause and look at your school — or even just the dream of your school — through new eyes.
Whether you’re already open and serving families or you’re just beginning to build, this reflection process helps you realign your space, your systems, and your spirit with the vision God first placed in your heart.
✨ In This Episode, I’m Sharing:
- Why reflection is the most important — and often most neglected — leadership skill for microschool founders.
- The real reason burnout happens (and how to course-correct before January).
- The simple questions I’m asking myself during my own Autumn Audit at Lighthouse Learning.
- How to see your microschool through the eyes of your parents, staff, and students — and use that feedback to grow.
- What’s included inside this month’s Microschool Masterminds experience, including:
- My Autumn Audit Workbook
- A Kid-Friendly School Audit Checklist (students love this one!)
- The Staff & Community Reflection Guide
- And the Parent Post-Tour Follow-Up Template to turn curiosity into connection.
💛 A Word from My Heart:
I created the Autumn Audit because I needed it too.
I needed a pause — to breathe, to see clearly, to remember what’s working, and to realign what’s not.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about peace.
It’s about giving yourself permission to step out of the rush and rediscover the joy of what you’ve created.
If you’ve been feeling foggy, overwhelmed, or just ready for a refresh — this episode (and this month’s Mastermind content) is your reset button.
🔥 Join Me Inside Microschool Masterminds:
This November, I’m walking you through the Autumn Audit Experience step by step inside Microschool Masterminds.
When you join, you’ll get:
✅ The full Autumn Audit Workbook
✅ The Kid-Friendly, Staff, and Parent Audit Checklists
✅ Access to live group coaching calls
✅ A supportive community of founders who are ready to reflect, refresh, and relaunch
👉 Join now at: www.teachersletyourlightshine.com/masterminds
Doors open soon — don’t miss the moment to realign your vision before the new year begins.
🌟 Let’s Connect:
If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear about it.
Take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @teacherletyourlightshine with one thing you’re most grateful for in your microschool this fall.
Let’s celebrate this season of reflection and renewal together. 🍂
We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance.
Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities.
VELA Organization:
Join our Mastermind Program!
Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success!
Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet”
Book a Clarity Coaching Session:
Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students!
We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Kami Melton, founder of Arkwright Microschool, to hear how her journey from homeschooling mom to microschool builder unfolded—inside a yurt!
Kami began her homeschooling journey in Virginia, later moved with her family to Poland, and returned to rural southwest Georgia during the pandemic. In a county of fewer than 5,000 people, Kami and her community did something extraordinary: they raised money for an authentic Blue Ridge Yurt that now serves as the heart of her microschool.
Together, we talk about what it means to stay anchored through life’s transitions, the power of community, and how faith and perseverance shaped the dream that became Arkwright Microschool—a creative homeschool hybrid offering à la carte, half-day, and full-day programs with Learning Quests designed for twice-exceptional learners.
Kami shares how she built her own proprietary curriculum, balanced family and faith through challenges, and leaned on a strong marriage as a foundation for both homeschooling and entrepreneurship. Her story reminds us that innovation doesn’t have to happen in big cities or big buildings—it can grow right in your backyard, even under the canvas of a yurt.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to blend creativity, courage, and community to bring your educational vision to life, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
👉 Connect with Kami and learn more about her work at www.arkwrightguardians.com
Learn more about Blue Ridge Yurts at www.blueridgeyurts.com
Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching
We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance.
Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities.
VELA Organization:
Join our Mastermind Program!
Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success!
Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet”
Book a Clarity Coaching Session:
Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students!
We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
How do you go from hearing a quiet tug on your heart to building a thriving microschool in only four months?
In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Talbot—former accountant, middle school math teacher, and now the founder of The Anchor Learning Center in Louisiana. From her one-stoplight town, Lauren followed God’s unmistakable call to leave public education and step into something completely new: creating a homeschool hybrid microschool.
Lauren shares how she describes her journey as “weaving the tapestry of my calling and destiny”—a beautiful, faith-filled story that began the day she buckled her seatbelt, drove away from her classroom, and received a life-changing phone call that confirmed her next steps. Today, just four months later, she and her mom are serving 30 students alongside student interns, bringing her vision to life and transforming her community.
Lauren is also a proud member of our Microschool Masterminds community—a supportive network of founders who, like her, are guided step-by-step through building, growing, and sustaining their microschools and homeschool hybrids. In this episode, you’ll also hear how the Mastermind has helped Lauren find encouragement, strategies, and clarity as she stepped into leadership.
If you’ve ever wondered…
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Could I really build a microschool from scratch—even in a small town?
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How do I follow God’s call when it feels risky or “taboo”?
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Where do I find a community of people who understand this journey?
…then this story will inspire and empower you.
✨ Press play to hear Lauren’s powerful testimony of surrender, faith, and courage—and discover how Microschool Masterminds can help you weave the tapestry of your own calling.
Starting a microschool comes with incredible joy—but it also comes with the pressure of making everyone happy: parents, students, even your staff. If you’ve ever felt the weight of parent expectations on your shoulders, this episode is for you.
In today’s conversation, I’m pulling back the curtain on how new founders can manage parent pressure without burning out. We’ll talk about:
✨ Why boundaries are essential for your sanity and your school’s success
✨ How proactive communication reduces conflict and builds trust
✨ The reality that confidence doesn’t come overnight—it grows with systems, support, and consistency
✨ Practical ways to onboard parents, clarify expectations, and foster community involvement
And most importantly, I’ll remind you that you are not alone. What if you had a community of founders who reminded you that you’re not crazy for doing this—and helped you do it well? That’s exactly why I created Microschool Masterminds and the Open House Playbook. These resources are designed to give you the clarity, tools, and encouragement you need to lead with confidence.
💡 Links & Resources:
👉 Grab the Open House Playbook
👉 Join Microschool Masterminds
Friend, you don’t have to carry the pressure by yourself. Let’s build thriving schools—and thriving leaders—together.
We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance.
Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities.
VELA Organization:
Join our Mastermind Program!
Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success!
Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet”
Book a Clarity Coaching Session:
Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students!
We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
October is a turning point for microschool leaders, homeschool hybrid founders, and small school visionaries. The excitement of the first weeks has settled, the routines are in place, and now comes the opportunity to either drift into burnout—or intentionally recalibrate for the months ahead.
In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Makenzie Oliver unpacks exactly what microschool leaders need in October: a renewed focus on culture, systems, and community. Learn how to prevent burnout by aligning your team’s strengths, build trust and momentum with parents through a Parent Advisory Committee, and expand your school’s reach with a Community Advisory Board of local leaders.
We’ll talk about financial and operational checkpoints every school should hit this month, the power of an annual engagement plan to simplify communication, and how to strengthen parent and student relationships through intentional touchpoints. Whether you’re building your microschool, growing enrollment, or scaling your vision for impact, this episode gives you clarity, connection, and concrete steps to move into the rest of the year with confidence.
We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance.
Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities.
VELA Organization:
Join our Mastermind Program!
Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success!
Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet”
Book a Clarity Coaching Session:
Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students!
We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
As a microschool founder or homeschool hybrid leader, it’s easy to get caught up in curriculum, enrollment, finances, and the daily logistics of running a school—but one of the most powerful growth multipliers you have is reconnecting to your roots and knowing your people. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Makenzie Oliver shares how understanding your team’s natural strengths, communication styles, and motivators can prevent burnout, reduce conflict, and build trust in your microschool community. You’ll learn why personality frameworks are a game-changing tool for school leaders, teachers, and even parents as you create alignment and foster a healthy school culture.
We’ll also dive into the difference between creating a Parent Advisory Committee and a Community Advisory Board, how both structures can expand your reach and support, and why finding your tribe is essential for sustainable growth. Plus, Makenzie reveals how her team built an annual engagement board in just two hours, mapping out three months of school events, parent touchpoints, and staff communication that alleviated stress and gave clarity. Whether you’re starting a microschool, leading a homeschool hybrid, or scaling your private school alternative, this episode equips you with practical leadership strategies to build stronger relationships, enhance parent involvement, and plan with purpose.
Inside Microschool Masterminds, members have access to 9 self-serve modules to guide you on your journey of building, growing, and scaling your microschool. Each month brings fresh resources, and for October you’ll receive:
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Personality Assessments for students, yourself, your team, and parents
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A framework for building a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and Community Advisory Board (CAB)
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An Annual Events and Engagement Framework to keep your community thriving
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Admin Planning Tips and Communication Blocks to streamline leadership and prevent burnout
If you’re ready to root your school in connection, culture, and clarity, this episode and the October Masterminds content will give you the tools and encouragement to lead with confidence.
We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance.
Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities.
VELA Organization:
Join our Mastermind Program!
Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success!
Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet”
Book a Clarity Coaching Session:
Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students!
We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
What does it look like to step out of traditional education and wait on God’s timing to build something completely new?
In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Jennifer Pinto, co-founder of Logos Homeschool Academy in Iowa. After leaving traditional schooling in 2023, Jennifer connected with a like-minded friend—whom she met in the library—and together they launched a homeschool hybrid program rooted in faith, family, and freedom.
With a deep conviction and a clear understanding of Iowa’s homeschool laws, Jennifer and her partner were able to form their LLC and bring their vision to life. But it wasn’t an easy road—Jennifer shares how “knowing her why” carried her through trials and tribulations, keeping her focused on her calling.
As an incredible contributor in our Microschool Masterminds community, Jennifer has embraced coaching, mentorship, and collaboration. From one-on-one coaching to ongoing membership support, she has even budgeted professional development into her monthly finances—a true testament to her dedication to growth, leadership, and sustainability.
Jennifer’s story will inspire you if you’ve ever asked:
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How do I start a microschool or homeschool hybrid when I don’t know where to begin?
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What role does faith play when the road feels uncertain?
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Where can I find a community to walk with me through trials and victories?
Her journey is one of shepherding her calling, waiting on God’s timing, and persevering through seasons of challenge.
✨ Press play to hear Jennifer’s testimony of courage, conviction, and clarity—and discover how Microschool Masterminds can help you grow your own vision into reality.
We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance.
Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities.
VELA Organization:
Join our Mastermind Program!
Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success!
Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet”
Book a Clarity Coaching Session:
Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students!
We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Starting a microschool comes with incredible joy—but it also comes with the pressure of making everyone happy: parents, students, even your staff. If you’ve ever felt the weight of parent expectations on your shoulders, this episode is for you.
In today’s conversation, I’m pulling back the curtain on how new founders can manage parent pressure without burning out. We’ll talk about:
✨ Why boundaries are essential for your sanity and your school’s success
✨ How proactive communication reduces conflict and builds trust
✨ The reality that confidence doesn’t come overnight—it grows with systems, support, and consistency
✨ Practical ways to onboard parents, clarify expectations, and foster community involvement
And most importantly, I’ll remind you that you are not alone. What if you had a community of founders who reminded you that you’re not crazy for doing this—and helped you do it well? That’s exactly why I created Microschool Masterminds and the Open House Playbook. These resources are designed to give you the clarity, tools, and encouragement you need to lead with confidence.
💡 Links & Resources:
👉 Grab the Open House Playbook
👉 Join Microschool Masterminds
Friend, you don’t have to carry the pressure by yourself. Let’s build thriving schools—and thriving leaders—together.
We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance.
Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities.
VELA Organization:
Join our Mastermind Program!
Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success!
Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet”
Book a Clarity Coaching Session:
Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students!
We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!