033 – S1 E32 – How might we redefine what it means to be “smart” or “intelligent”?

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Antonio—a former teacher, self-directed learning center founder, and current dad—about his experience moving through the education system as someone who’s considered intelligent. We talk about the evolution behind his definition of intelligence, and what his turning point was before establishing a school of his own. We share a bit about our thoughts on youth autonomy, and how society might need to change to make student-centered education a reality. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.homeroomed.com https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed — Antonio Buehler (he/him) is currently at home on saddadical taking care of his newborn baby. For the prior seven years, he led Abrome, a Self-Directed Education community in Austin, TX, that prioritizes youth autonomy, community care, and individual and collective flourishing. Antonio’s work at Abrome was an expression of his desire to challenge, undermine, and create alternatives to oppressive systems. Antonio’s prior experiences teaching and mentoring young people, assisting candidates in applying to college and MBA programs, and organizing communities to stand up to police abuse helped prepare him for his work with Abrome. Antonio was the first in his family to graduate high school or attend college. https://www.instagram.com/abromeed/ https://twitter.com/AntonioBuehler Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — References: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (book) The Mismeasure of Man by Stephen Jay Gould (book) The Bell Curve by Charles A. Murray and Richard Herrnstein (book)