After more than a century since its inception, AISA member Southern Preparatory Academy is expanding to welcome both male and female day students, with the option to participate in the school's military program.

Head of School Col. Corey Ramsby Col(R), USSF joins the podcast to talk about how Southern Prep's rich history - and its vision for the future - played a role in this exciting new chapter.

Tune in for the season 2 finale of Campus Conversations!

Southern Preparatory Academy

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The rapid evolution of modern education shows no signs of slowing down, leaving school leaders, teachers, and parents feeling lost and frustrated.

In this week's episode, we sit down with Roy Alexander, Senior Consultant at Lighthouse Counsel, to discuss the most pressing issues facing independent schools and explore how leaders can position their institutions for long-term success.

Lighthouse Counsel

"Top Challenges Independent Schools Face in 2025"

2025 AISA Leadership Conference

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What defines a successful outcome for today's students? Is it good grades? Athletic achievement?

In this week's episode, we talk with student wellness consultant Molly Gosline about how schools can define the best way to set their students up for success in the classroom, the field of play, and beyond.

WAHMI '25 Conference

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Ever wondered what life would be like with a four-day school or work week?

AISA member North Mobile Christian School is about to find out as it rolls out new attendance options for students. From four-day weeks to hybrid schedules and enrichment days, Head of School Heather Cubitt joins us to share the process behind this decision and the positive impact she predicts it will have on students, families, and teachers alike.

North Mobile Christian School

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In this episode, we’re talking with Ashton Tate, the visionary behind Glory to Glory Fitness, about how his organization is making a difference in the lives of students across the country. Glory to Glory is focused on improving physical fitness, mental disciple, and emotional health—all crucial aspects of student success. 

Discover how independent schools can adopt a holistic wellness model that benefits their students in all areas of life!

Glory to Glory Fitness

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This week, we dive into a new partnership between the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) and Accelerate Education, a platform that offers digital, fully-customizable curriculum to meet the needs of our members.

We're joined by Lisa Wimmers with Accelerate Education, as she breaks down the hundreds of course offerings, credit recovery, and customization that this curriculum offers.

Tune in to find out how Accelerate Education can help your students!

Check out Accelerate Education's website!

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In this week's episode, we dive into the concept of "mattering" in education, especially in light of the expanding school choice options in Alabama. As more students gain access to independent education, schools will need to foster environments that make both students and their families feel welcomed and valued.

To help guide this discussion, we sit down with Dr. Jawaan Wallace, who brings over 20 years of experience in admissions and enrollment at independent schools.

Together, we explore how educators can create spaces where students feel empowered and significant, and discuss how parents and schools can collaborate to ensure every child knows they matter.

Read Dr. Wallace's article titled, What Parents Want: For Their Children to Matter.

Read more about the CHOOSE Act 

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In this episode of Campus Conversations, we sit down with Michael McLendon, Executive Director of the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA), to discuss the vital issue of school choice in Alabama.

Michael shares insights into how the AISA is advocating for continued funding for the CHOOSE Act and its efforts to ensure families across the state have access to educational opportunities that best fit their needs.

Tune in to hear about the current landscape of school choice and how the AISA is positioning itself as the leading advocate for independent education in Alabama.

Read more about the CHOOSE Act: https://aisaonline.org/choose-act-information/

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In this week's episode, Dr. Angela Barlow, professor of mathematics education and dean of the University of South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies, shares her expertise on improving math instruction and empowering students.

We explore the importance of problem-solving, how teachers can adapt to students’ needs, and the impact of Alabama's Numeracy Act. Dr. Barlow offers valuable advice for educators looking to navigate challenges, inspire their students, and strengthen math education for all.

Tune in for actionable insights and encouragement for teachers at all levels! 

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This week, we sit down with Eric Hudson, a leading expert on AI in education, and a board member of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS).

We dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the classroom, with insights on how AI can enhance teaching, learning, and administrative processes, while also addressing the challenges and ethical considerations that come with these advancements.

Check out Eric Hudson's work on AI education on his website.

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To kick off season 2 of Campus Conversations, host Michael Shipma talks with Pamela McLemore about how schools can create a welcoming community for new families. School choice is now a reality in Alabama, and with that comes new opportunities for schools to connect with incoming families.

Be sure to catch new episodes of Campus Conversations every Tuesday!

To learn more about Montgomery Christian School, visit its website.

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In this week's episode, we dive into the ever-evolving world of marketing and communications. We talk with Lee-Scott Academy's Strategic Communications Manager, Austin Scott, discussing topics from social media to community and alumni engagement.

Through this episode, we explore practical ways that independent schools can find their voice, regardless of experience, budget, or personnel.

Lee-Scott Academy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeeScottAcademy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lee_scottacademy/
Website: https://www.lee-scott.org/

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Website: https://aisaonline.org/

When you think about the future of the internet, what comes to mind? Many aspects of our online lives afford us near-limitless information, entertainment, and convenience. But as technology races into the future, who's at the steering wheel?

That's where media literacy comes in, and we've brought on Julie Smith, an author, professor, and media literacy expert to talk about it.

From teens/young adults, to their parents, teachers, and administrators, there's something all of us can do to make the world wide web just a little bit safer.

Julie Smith:
Website: https://heyjuliesmith.com/
Email: heyjuliesmith@gmail.com

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In this episode of Campus Conversations, we're diving into the imaginative world of Tinkercast.  Join us as we explore how this dynamic platform fosters creativity and learning through sound and storytelling.

We talk with Carole Patterson with Tinkercast, to get insights into their creative process, favorite episodes, and tips for parents and educators on incorporating Tinkercast’s magic into everyday life.

Tinkercast:
https://tinkercast.com/

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Dyslexia and other learning disabilities pose unique challenges for both students and their teachers. This week, we talk one-on-one with Dr. Laura Fiveash, head of school at Spring Valley School in Birmingham, AL about how educators can best meet the needs of students with dyslexia.

Join us for this engaging and encouraging conversation, as we join others in recognizing October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month.

Spring Valley School:
https://www.springvalleyschool.org/

International Dyslexia Association:
https://dyslexiaida.org/october-is-dyslexia-awareness-month-2/

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Soon, Alabama families will have access to thousands of dollars in funding for their child's education. It's a historic investment, and as of October 2024, Education Service Providers (or ESPs for short) can begin applying to participate.

As exciting as the CHOOSE Act is, it also comes with rules and regulations that can feel daunting for both parents and schools.

We hear from AISA Executive Director Michael McLendon and AISA Director of Member Services Caleb Smith, as we tackle some of the biggest questions surrounding how schools and families can benefit from this funding moving forward.

ClassWallet Website for Alabama:
https://classwallet.com/alchoose/

AISA CHOOSE Act Information:
https://aisaonline.org/choose-act-information/

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Join us as we explore how S2 Pass is helping the AISA and several member schools handle payments from parents, vendors, and visitors.

This week's episode delves into how S2 Pass simplifies financial transactions for schools, making budgeting and payment processes more efficient and transparent. Additionally, this service can provide an added layer of security to athletic events.

Check out S2 Pass:
https://www.s2pass.com/

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This week, we're talking with Holly Shaw, one of the AISA's 2024 Teachers of the Year, to talk about her journey to becoming a teacher at Faith Academy in Mobile, Alabama. We talk about navigating the evolving landscape of education, as well as her advice to both current and future teachers. Her insights are both insightful and inspiring!

AISA Professional Development Opportunities: https://aisaonline.org/professional-development-2/

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In this week's episode, we dive into a FREE cybersecurity curriculum called RING (Regions Investing in the Next Generation). In collaboration with the NSA, this program was developed in part by the University of Alabama Huntsville as a way to bring cybersecurity courses to schools that might not otherwise offer them.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Learn more about RING: https://www.caecommunity.org/initiative/k12-ring

Contact RING: ring@caecommunity.org

External resource on cybersecurity jobs: https://www.cyberseek.org/ 

Join us for an insightful episode featuring two professors from the University of Alabama who are at the forefront of using Artificial Intelligence in the classroom. In this engaging conversation, we delve into how AI is transforming the landscape of education, while exploring innovative teaching strategies, ethical considerations, and the future of learning in the digital age.

Whether you're an educator, a student, or simply curious about the intersection of technology and education, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical insights. Tune in and be part of the conversation shaping the future of academia!

Read more about the University of Alabama's Artificial Intelligence Teaching Enhancement Initiative

Watch the video version of this podcast on the AISA YouTube page

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Alabama families will soon have greater financial flexibility over what school their children attend. Thanks to the CHOOSE Act, families will be eligible for thousands of dollars in funding to pay for any number of school-related expenses.

But exactly how these families and schools will get that money remains unclear. In this episode, Michael Shipma talks with ClassWallet, the organization tasked with managing the money that could one day pay for your child's tuition.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

ClassWallet and the Alabama Department of Revenue are holding a webinar for participating Alabama schools on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 at 11 A.M. CT. The link to that webinar can be found here.

To read the latest information about the CHOOSE Act, and what it means for families, visit the "CHOOSE Act" section of the AISA website.