107. More Than Grades: Raising Thinkers

Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Dr. Mindy Schiermyer, the owner of Redefining School, a literature and writing program for middle and high school students. Mindy shares her journey from traditional teaching to homeschooling her children and eventually creating a program that fosters community, critical thinking, and a love for literature. The conversation explores the importance of engaging students in meaningful discussions, preparing them for future opportunities, and instilling resilience and problem-solving skills. Mindy emphasizes the need for a supportive educational environment that nurtures relationships and encourages students to express their ideas freely. The episode concludes with insights on the enrollment process for Redefining School and the hope that the next generation brings to the future.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Redefining School02:46 The Journey of Homeschooling05:32 Building a Community of Learners08:22 Engaging Literature Discussions11:11 Teaching Critical Thinking and Soft Skills14:02 Course Structure and Student Engagement16:45 High School Curriculum and Graduation Requirements26:55 Innovative High School Curriculum Design28:24 The Importance of Over-Preparation in Education30:12 Outsourcing Education: Finding the Right Fit31:55 The Role of Parents in Education33:56 Preparing for Opportunities: Skills for the Future38:10 Enrollment Process and Course Offerings46:32 Hope for the Future: Believing in KidsEpisode Highlights:Mindy's journey from traditional teaching to homeschooling led to the creation of Redefining School.The program focuses on literature and writing for middle and high school students.Building a community among students is essential for engagement and retention.Mindy emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and discourse skills in education.The curriculum is designed to keep middle school students engaged and motivated.Students learn to respect differing opinions and engage in meaningful discussions.Preparing students for future opportunities is a key focus of the program.Resilience and problem-solving skills are crucial for success in today's world.The enrollment process for Redefining School is structured to prioritize current families and waitlisted students.Mindy expresses hope for the future generation and their potential to make a positive impact.Quotes:"I believe in kids too.""Kids are our future.""They are amazing."More on Dr. Mindy Schiermeyer and Redefining School:Website: https://redefiningschool.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redefiningschool/More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!Questions? Email Us! [email protected] www.loveyourschool.orgVisit our Facebook HERE!Visit our Instagram HERE!This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.