EP 53: How to start a school with Dr. Maureen O'Shaughnessy

Today’s Episode with Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy:

Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy is the founder of Lead Prep, a microschool that avoids the one-size-fits all system and allows students to thrive as themselves! She is also the host of the Education Evolution podcast.Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy was a school assistant principal when she ended up going around the world to study internationally. She brought her kids back to the US for high school and thought there would be more choices for English for her child with autism and ADHD. So, she created a 6-12th grade microschool that personalizes the school experience.The challenges in creating this school was figuring out the space and buy-ins, as well as figuring it out the funding and logistics all by herself.Dr. O’Shaughnessy gives the advice to listen and absorb the knowledge you need to create your vision a reality, know yourself and stay true to yourself to keep your passion alive, and be willing to flex.To recharge, she takes dance classes which allows her to avoid thoughts about work, listen to music, and use her body. Also, when school gets out for the summer, she changes the setting of where she’s living to experience a new place and restore.Dr. O’Shaughnessy started a podcast, Education Evolution, where educators come on to the show and provide knowledge that one may not receive in the classroom. Her goal is to plant the seeds to give others knowledge outside of the classroom.Doing market research is extremely important for starting a school. Find out where the need for the school is, what the need specifically is, and reach out to communities that could provide the resources or recommendations for your school. Going into this process alone is hard, so be intentional. Go to evolutioneducation.org or lead-prep.org to connect with Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy.Hot seat answers!Favorite city: BangkokIf you could live a book, TV show, or movie, what would it be?: Something where she could hop around the worldWho inspires you to be better?: Her students and their parentsIf you lost all of your possessions but one, what would it be?: Her passport

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