Charter School Connection

About Charter School Connection

Growing charter schools TOGETHER.

Publisher

Charter Connect

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Oct 2022

Latest episode

14 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

85 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Jul 2026

   #85 SchoolCEO at Apptegy | Brittany Keil

   What happens when a dream of becoming an international ambassador leads to a lifelong passion for education? In this episode of the Charter School Connection Podcast, we sit down with Brittany Keil, Editor-in-Chief of SchoolCEO Magazine, to explore her journey from teaching high school in Malaysia to spending a decade in charter school special education, and ultimately becoming one of the leading voices in K–12 school communications. Brittany shares how an inspiring classroom project sparked her interest in storytelling and marketing, leading her from the classroom to educational journalism and, eventually, to SchoolCEO—a national publication dedicated to helping school leaders strengthen their communication, marketing, and community engagement. We also take a behind-the-scenes look at SchoolCEO Magazine and its mission to highlight innovative schools and share practical strategies that help educators better connect with families and communities. The conversation also explores the upcoming SchoolCEO Conference, where school leaders from across the country gather to discuss the future of education, branding, communications, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in K–12 schools. Brittany explains how the conference focuses on practical, real-world applications of AI, personalized learning experiences, and creating meaningful connections that extend well beyond the event itself. Come see guest speakers Rebecca Bultsma, Jessica Chen and Emma Stratton! Check the show notes for an exclusive referral code! Whether you're a charter school leader, educator, marketer, or communications professional, this episode is full of inspiring stories, practical insights, and fresh ideas for building stronger schools and stronger communities. Tune in to discover how powerful storytelling, thoughtful communication, and a commitment to serving students can transform education. Show Notes: SchoolCEO at Apptegy https://www.apptegy.com/schoolceo/?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F Conference - September 28-29 in Dallas, TX https://www.apptegy.com/conference/ Referral code: CCatSCEO

2. 

   5 May 2026

   #84 Coastal Dreams Academy | Akeem Hemingway, Dr. Karen Vassell, Braylyn Bridges

   In this inspiring episode of the Charter School Connection, we sit down with the team behind Coastal Dream Academy to explore the powerful mission, history, and vision driving their work in the Racepath community. Akeem Hemingway shares his journey from growing up in Myrtle Beach’s Racepath neighborhood to spending over a decade working in the NBA—and ultimately returning home to pour back into the very community that raised him. Alongside him, Dr. Karen Vassell brings a wealth of global and local educational experience, united by a shared belief in holistic, student-centered learning that supports both students and their families. Together with Braylyn Bridges, the team shares the rich history of the Racepath community—highlighting its legacy of resilience, service, and leadership, from grassroots initiatives like the Mission of Love House to the evolution of the Racepath Community Learning Center. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: teaching students how to “pivot.” While the community has produced incredible athletic talent—including Ramon Sessions—the academy is focused on expanding students’ vision beyond playing careers. From coaching and media to entrepreneurship and content creation, Coastal Dream Academy is preparing students for long-term success both on and off the field. This episode also dives into: How project-based learning connects academics with real-world application The importance of individualized education and smaller learning environments Creating pathways into careers like marketing, broadcasting, and digital media Preparing students for future careers that don’t yet exist Built on collaboration and community, Coastal Dream Academy represents more than a school—it’s a movement to redefine opportunity and empower the next generation. Show Notes: Racepath Community Learning Center https://phoenixrenaissanceinc.org/ Facebook - Racepath Community Learning Center https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563856915984 Instagram - @racepathmb On Youtube - Racepath Community Learning Center https://www.youtube.com/@RacepathMB Phone Number: 843-626-1579 Address - 1690 Racepath Street, Myrtle Beach SC 29577

3. 

   21 Apr 2026

   #83 Penn Hills Charter School for Entrepreneurship | Valerie Nance

   In this episode of the Charter School Connection Podcast, Jenna sits down with Valerie Nance, Chief People Officer at Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship in Pittsburgh, PA, to discuss her unique journey into human resources and how she found her place in the education world. Valerie shares how an unexpected career shift led her into charter schools, where she has spent the past eight years growing within her organization—from an HR coordinator role to a leadership position. She highlights the importance of people-first leadership, emphasizing how investing in staff, fostering strong culture, and building meaningful relationships can transform an entire school community. The conversation dives into what makes Penn Hills truly stand out, including its entrepreneurship-focused model and innovative micro-society approach, where students take on real-world roles like running businesses, managing finances, and even participating in judicial processes. Valerie explains how these experiences help students develop confidence, communication skills, and lifelong lessons at an early age. Jenna and Valerie also explore: How strong school culture and community involvement drive student and staff success Creative and intentional hiring practices that prioritize cultural fit and student connection The importance of networking and collaboration within the charter school space Challenges that come with growth—and how to maintain engagement during times of change The school’s exciting vision to expand into a high school in the near future Valerie shares thoughtful insights on leadership, continuous learning, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people—both within your organization and through external networks. The episode wraps up with impactful advice for school leaders: invest in your people. Valerie emphasizes that supporting and developing your team is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting success for both staff and students. Show Notes: Penn Hills Charter School for Entrepreneurship https://phcharter.org/ “Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools” by Monique Couvson https://a.co/d/016Ql46A “We Are Crew: A Teamwork Approach to School Culture” by Ron Berger https://a.co/d/0j2pp0AJ

Who has been a guest on Charter School Connection

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Keoki Fraser
• Amy Tracy
• Maria Werner
• Dr Cynthia Knight
• Craig Miller

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

74

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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