Micro Schools: Empowering Educators and Revolutionizing Education

In the latest Learning Can’t Wait podcast, Lisa Tarshis, Executive Director of the Primer Foundation, offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of education, focusing on personalized learning, community-driven schools, and the empowerment of educators. In a conversation with Hayley Spira-Bauer, Tarshis highlights how micro schools and educational reform are reshaping the landscape for both students and teachers. Central to the discussion is the Primer Fellowship, a program that enables top educators to open micro schools within their own communities, creating transformative learning environments that are both personalized and impactful.

The Primer Fellowship: Empowering Educators to Create Change

One of the most exciting initiatives discussed was Primer’s newly launched Primer Fellowship, developed in response to a remarkable outpouring of interest from educators. Over 1,500 educators from 42 states applied to open Primer schools in their communities. Tarshis explained how Primer takes on all the financial risk, providing educators with the backing, resources, and support to establish these micro schools. The goal is to offer localized, small-scale schools that cater to the specific needs of each community.

Tarshis elaborated, "It’s for the community, by the community," reflecting the foundation’s mission to create schools that foster deep connections between educators, students, and families. These micro schools offer a pod-based learning environment, where students are grouped in small cohorts across K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 grade levels. This structure ensures that students receive personalized attention while cultivating close, supportive relationships with their educators.

The Power of Stable Adult Figures

In communities dealing with high levels of poverty and crime, Tarshis highlighted the critical role micro school leaders play in providing students with much-needed stability. For many students, the Primer leader is often the most reliable adult figure in their lives. Tarshis shared a touching anecdote about students who have said their Primer leader was the most stable adult presence they had outside their household.

The structure of these micro schools helps ensure that every student is known and supported, reducing the risk of students feeling lost or disconnected, a common issue in larger schools. According to Tarshis, "One of the things that’s been amazing to see is that, for some of our students, the Primer leader in their cohort is either the most stable or the second most stable adult figure in their life over that three-year period."

Rebuilding Communities Through Education

One of the standout features of Primer micro schools is their ability to foster a deep sense of community. As social media and other modern influences contribute to increasing isolation, Primer’s micro schools bring people back together. Everyone at the school knows one another, fostering a collaborative, supportive environment. Tarshis emphasized that this sense of responsibility to one another helps students and families form stronger connections, which are key to students' success.

Reflecting on her own experience attending a large high school, Tarshis noted how easy it is for students to fall through the cracks. "In a school of 1,600 students, you only see a counselor twice a year," she said. In contrast, at Primer micro schools, "The entire school knows everybody, and there’s this increased sense of responsibility toward one another." This sense of community builds trust and belonging, critical factors in a student’s academic and personal success.

Addressing Basic Needs for Better Learning

Tarshis also stressed the importance of meeting students’ basic needs. She shared how Primer raised $160,000 in its first year to provide breakfast and lunch for students who needed it, knowing that students can't learn if they are hungry. While Primer schools couldn’t access the National School Lunch Program, they found a way to provide these essential services independently.

This focus on basic needs extends beyond physical well-being to social-emotional health. Primer leaders actively support students’ emotional development, providing a safe environment where it’s "okay to know the answer" and where students feel free to express themselves. In contrast to their previous schools, where some students felt bullied for academic achievement, Primer fosters an environment where learning and individuality are celebrated.

How Micro Schools Fit Into the Larger Educational Ecosystem

In discussing the role of micro schools in the broader educational landscape, Tarshis underscored the need for families to have choices when it comes to schooling. While Tarshis is a strong advocate for public schools, she recognizes that one size doesn’t fit all. She shared a personal story about her sister, whose learning differences went unnoticed in a traditional school setting. Had her sister been in a smaller, more personalized learning environment, she likely would have received the support she needed much earlier, altering her academic and personal trajectory.

Tarshis also touched on the role of the federal government in supporting school choice. She praised Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) for allowing families to allocate funding toward alternative school models, including micro schools. However, she pointed out that ESAs often fail to cover essential services like transportation and lunch programs, leaving families to make difficult choices. She hopes to see continued efforts from the government to provide holistic support for families choosing micro schools, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Empowering Educators at Primer

One of the most inspiring aspects of Primer’s model is the freedom it offers educators. Teachers, referred to as Primer leaders, are given autonomy over their curriculum, allowing them to choose the teaching methods and materials that best suit their students' needs. Tarshis explained that Primer leaders are free to explore creative approaches, building curriculums based on their own passions and expertise. This autonomy is a breath of fresh air for many educators who feel stifled by the rigid structures of traditional schools.

In addition to greater autonomy, Primer leaders are paid an average of 20% more than they earned in previous teaching positions and receive equity in the company. Primer’s in-house engineering team also works closely with educators to develop tools that meet their specific needs. Teachers and students alike are encouraged to provide feedback, ensuring that Primer’s technology evolves in a way that supports learning and teaching.

As Tarshis noted, the freedom to teach in a way that aligns with personal values and creativity has helped educators rediscover their passion for the profession. In a time when teacher retention rates are at an all-time low, Primer is proving that educators can thrive when they are respected and empowered.

Advice for New Educators: Ask Questions

In closing, Tarshis offered sage advice for new educators entering the profession: "Ask a lot of questions." She encouraged educators to challenge outdated practices and think creatively about how to improve the educational system. In a field that is constantly evolving, fresh perspectives are crucial for continued growth and innovation. "Don’t be afraid to make suggestions for how something could be different," she said. "You might stumble across the new thing in education."

Hayley echoed these sentiments, wrapping up the episode with gratitude for Tarshis’ insights and a renewed sense of hope for the future of education.

Conclusion

The conversation with Lisa Tarshis provides a compelling vision for the future of education—one that is community-driven, personalized, and empowering for both students and educators. Through innovative programs like the Primer Fellowship and the growth of micro schools, the Primer Foundation is at the forefront of educational reform, proving that with the right support and vision, we can build stronger communities and a more equitable education system.