Tommy Schultz, CEO of the American Federation for Children, joins Freedom to Learn for a deep dive into the state of school choice in America. From exciting wins in expanding school choice across the nation to major developments ahead in Texas and at the federal level, Tommy breaks down the game-changing progress happening right now. We also take a hard look at the powerful role of teachers' unions in blocking real reform, fueling learning loss, and ultimately harming students and educators. Plus, with the latest Nation’s Report Card (NAEP) alarming reading and math results revealing an ongoing undeclared state of emergency in K-12 education, Tommy makes the case that giving parents control over their children’s education is crucial for the future of America’s students.

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Nicki Neily, founder of Parents Defending Education, joins Freedom to Learn to discuss the troubling trends reshaping our nation's K-12 schools. From divisive racial and gender ideologies to foreign influence in our educational system, Nicki details her organization’s efforts to expose the overreach of activist agendas in the classroom and shares her motivation to champion parental rights and protect students from politicized teaching. We dive into "anti-racist" policies, the truth about transformative social-emotional learning (SEL) programs, and the influence of DEI funding. With alarming revelations about Chinese funding in U.S. schools and the misuse of federal grants, this episode highlights the challenges parents face in ensuring a fair and focused education for their children.

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Have you ever wondered how school choice really works? On this episode of Freedom to Learn, we’re joined by Shelby Doyle, Vice President of Public Awareness for the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, to explore education freedom. As we gear up for National School Choice Week (January 26–February 1), Shelby shares actionable insights for policymakers looking to get involved in this nationwide celebration. Shelby talks about her personal journey as a homeschooler and reveals how her organization empowers families year-round to navigate the maze of educational options and make the best choices for their children. Whether you're a parent, educator, or policymaker, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to champion education freedom.

See more from the National School Choice Awareness Foundation:

Here's our NSCW 2025 trailer video. We're looking forward to a better-than-ever celebration this year with more than 27,000 events. You can see all the celebrations planned at https://schoolchoiceweek.com/guide-nscw-2025/

For any assets/background info for newsletters, social posts, blogs, etc. that'll touch on the Week, we have all relevant assets here: https://schoolchoiceweek.com/toolkit-partners/

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Socially transitioning children in schools is not a neutral or benign act–it is a serious intervention that can lead children down a dangerous path toward irreversible medical procedures. Florida mother, January Littlejohn, joins Freedom to Learn to explore the harm caused by gender ideology’s grip on schools, stressing the importance of safeguarding children and protecting parental rights. Drawing from her family’s experience and her extensive conversations with hundreds of other families, January explains the influence of activists, technology, and media, and advocates for legal action, policy shifts, and cultural change to address the systemic issues within K-12 schools. The Littlejohns pulled their daughter from their public middle school after discovering the school had secretly developed a gender support plan for her, a step many families take to protect their children from harm. This episode serves as both a warning and a message of hope, emphasizing that families must be proactive, informed, and prepared to fight for their children’s well-being.

See more:

My Daughter's School Transitioned Her WITHOUT Telling Me - January Littlejohn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCshcfx4CSc

Navigating the Storm: Parental Rights and Gender Ideology in Schools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG_jnOKLnp0

Walking My ROGD Daughter Through Desistance with January Littlejohn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbNRzkpZ1Wg

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In this episode of Freedom to Learn, Nathan Cunneen, Texas State Director for the American Federation for Children, addresses the momentum behind the push for universal education freedom in the Lone Star State. Nathan shares his personal journey from a scholarship student in Florida to a leader in the Texas school choice movement. He discusses why school choice is crucial for families, and describes powerful opposition from rural superintendents, unions, and the education establishment. With overwhelming public support and the powerful leadership of Gov. Greg Abbott, could 2025 finally be the year Texas embraces Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)? Tune in to learn why Nathan believes this time, the wave of school choice is unstoppable.

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The education world is fixated on the fate of the U.S. Department of Education, but federal funding is a small portion of school budgets. Dr. Marguerite Roza, director of Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab, joins the podcast to break down the financial realities currently facing U.S. school districts. Financial mismanagement by school districts across the country is leading to tough budget decisions about staffing and school closures. The problems are exacerbated by the end of Covid-era temporary ESSER funding and smaller student enrollments. Roza addresses the demographic cliff affecting K-12 education, how districts spent ESSER funding, and the importance of state leadership in driving educational outcomes.

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Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) envisions a more flexible, competitive system that better prepares students for the workforce—no matter the path they choose. In this episode, Rep. Walberg shares his insights on the evolving landscape of education in America, with a focus on vocational training, school choice, and the role of the federal government in shaping educational opportunities. Drawing from his personal background and experiences as a parent, Walberg emphasizes the importance of providing students with diverse educational paths, rather than pushing all students toward a four-year college degree. He discusses the need for more flexibility in funding, the challenges posed by the federal Department of Education, and the vital role parents and local communities play in shaping the educational journey of their children. Walberg also touches on the frustrations of teachers caught between unions and their desire to provide quality education, stressing the importance of putting students at the center of the education system.

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Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT), former NFL player, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for education freedom, joins the second episode of Freedom to Learn to discuss how education is a critical national security issue and the foundation of the American Dream. In this insightful conversation, Rep. Owens highlights key federal legislative efforts, including the Educational Choice for Children Act, aimed at expanding access to education options and empowering families across the country.

Rep. Owens brings a personal perspective to the discussion, having grown up in the segregated South with educators for parents. He speaks candidly about how education transformed his life and the lives of others in his community. Today, he is fighting to restore educational excellence by promoting school choice, merit-based systems, and innovation in the classroom. He also tackles the challenges posed by teacher unions, ideological battles over curriculum, and the ongoing FAFSA fiasco under the U.S. Department of Education.

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