Why I'm Starting This

This journey didn’t begin with a podcast.

It began with my daughter.

But it also began with my years in education and the countless conversations I’ve had with parents along the way.

For more than 13 years, I’ve worked in education as a teacher, mentor, instructional coach, and curriculum leader. I’ve spent years helping students succeed and supporting educators in their work.

I thought I understood education.

Then I became the parent navigating it in real time.

This past year, I learned more about my daughter as a learner than ever before.

I found myself asking difficult questions.Was she being challenged enough? Was she growing academically? Was she getting what she needed, not just to perform, but to thrive?

There were moments of uncertainty.

Moments of frustration.

Moments when I had to advocate differently than I ever had before.

And despite my background in education, I realized how difficult it can be to navigate a system when you’re trying to make the best decisions for your own child.

At the same time, I found myself listening more closely to the parents around me.

Parents who were confused by policies and procedures.

Parents trying to understand test scores and school data.

Parents worried that their child was falling through the cracks.

Parents who cared deeply but didn’t always know where to start.

And I kept hearing the same questions:

“What are my options?”

“What does this data actually mean?”

“How do I advocate for my child?”

“Why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?”

That’s when it clicked. This isn’t just about one child. It’s not just about one family.

It’s about helping families feel informed, empowered, and supported as they navigate one of the most important journeys of their lives.

That’s why we’re launching The Next Lesson.

This podcast is a space for honest conversations about education, advocacy, community, and the lessons we learn along the way.

We’ll explore education policies and legislation in plain language.

We’ll discuss school data and what it actually means for families.

We’ll share stories, resources, and practical strategies for supporting children at every stage of their educational journey.

We’ll also celebrate learning wherever it happens: in libraries, museums, community events, historical sites, family road trips, and everyday conversations around the dinner table.

Because learning doesn’t stop when school ends.

And some of the most important lessons aren’t found in textbooks.

They’re found in experience.

As we prepare for our first season, I make this commitment:

To advocate for families whose children are falling through the cracks.

To help parents better understand policies, legislation, and educational data.

To create space for honest conversations about the future of education.

And to remind families that their voice matters.

This summer, I have one challenge for every family:

Give your child at least 30 minutes a day of learning.

Read together. Visit a library. Explore a museum. Take a walk and ask questions.

Research something they’re curious about.

Learn about the history in your own community.

Thirty minutes.

That’s it.

Because those small moments add up.

And because the next lesson isn’t just in the classroom.

It’s all around us.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

I can’t wait to share what’s next.

Tamika