In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with MacKenzie Price, an innovative educator and co-founder of 2hr Learning and Alpha School, who is redefining how we approach K-12 education. MacKenzie shares her journey, from growing up in a small-town school to attending Stanford and ultimately pioneering a model that challenges the traditional education system.

MacKenzie’s 2hr Learning methodology focuses on efficiency and mastery, using AI-powered adaptive learning tools to condense academic instruction into just two hours a day. This approach frees up time for students to explore their passions, develop life skills, and excel in unique projects. Her schools, including Alpha School, have achieved remarkable results, with students learning up to six times faster and consistently performing in the top 2% nationwide.

Tom and MacKenzie discuss the challenges and opportunities of scaling this innovative model, including its potential impact on public education through charter and virtual schools.

Tune in to hear how MacKenzie’s passion and transformative ideas are reshaping education—and why she believes every child can thrive with the right approach.

Key Moments

00:00 "Tom Luna's Educational Podcast"

03:06 Lack of Passion-Driven Education

06:13 School System's Motivation Problem

11:17 Accelerated Learning Through Sports

13:14 Paid Learning for Ukrainian Refugees

18:04 Teaching Grit Through Triathlon

19:42 Cultivating Life Skills and Masterpieces

23:36 Philosophical Alignment in EdTech Education

26:45 "Advocating for Diverse Education Choices"

29:15 Children: 100% of Our Future

Connect with Mackenzie Price

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenzielprice/

Website: https://2hourlearning.com/

In Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Dr. Carissa Moffat Miller, CEO of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), to discuss the evolving landscape of education policy, leadership, and innovation. With decades of experience shaping state and national education initiatives, Dr. Miller shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field today.

The conversation explores pressing topics such as teacher shortages, the impact of high-dosage tutoring on student learning, and the future of math education reform. Dr. Miller also provides a behind-the-scenes look at how CCSSO helped states navigate the pandemic, manage federal education funds, and implement effective recovery strategies.

As artificial intelligence reshapes education, Dr. Miller discusses CCSSO’s efforts to equip state leaders with policies and best practices for AI integration in classrooms. She also shares a unique piece of Nebraska trivia, adding a personal touch to an insightful discussion.

Tune in to hear how education leaders are driving meaningful change, one policy at a time.

Key Moments

00:00:39 - Setting the Scene

00:01:24 - A Career Rooted in Education Leadership

00:03:23 - The Role of CCSSO

00:04:47 - Navigating Political Transitions in Education

00:06:51 - Addressing the Teacher Shortage

00:08:06 - Pandemic Response & Federal Funding

00:10:38 - Data-Driven Education Recovery

00:12:08 - Math Education Reform & The Science of Reading Parallel

00:14:36 - The Rise of AI in Education

00:17:14 - AI Policy & Classroom Integration

00:18:32 - Nebraska Trivia & Unicameral Legislature

Connect with Carissa Miller

Website: https://ccsso.org/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Bill Hansen, President & CEO of Building Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting charter school facilities, financing, and services. Hansen, a veteran leader in education policy and philanthropy, shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities in expanding school choice, driving educational innovation, and ensuring equitable access to quality education.

Hansen, who previously served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education under President George W. Bush, discusses his extensive career in public and private sectors, including his leadership at Strada Education Network, where he helped create a $2 billion national social impact fund. He reflects on key education policies from No Child Left Behind to recent reforms aimed at closing achievement gaps and supporting underserved communities.

The conversation also delves into Hansen’s work at Building Hope, which has played a pivotal role in expanding charter school options across the country, including significant projects in Idaho and Florida. He and Luna explore how rural education, charter school facilities, and innovative learning models—such as Elevate Academy in Idaho—are shaping the future of student success.

As a state board member in Virginia, Hansen highlights the importance of accountability, school choice, and parental engagement in post-pandemic education recovery. Tune in to hear how his lifelong commitment to education reform is helping more students access the learning opportunities they deserve.

Key Moments

06:06 Impact of No Child Left Behind

08:13 Expanding School Choices Nationwide

12:39 "New School Accountability Framework Launched"

14:51 "Why I Prefer Virginia"

Connect with Bill Hansen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billdhansen/

Website: https://buildinghope.org/