Education Matters With MySchoolOptions

In this inspiring episode of Education Matters, NaShawn Edwards, the founder of Sunrise Learning Academy joins us to to discuss what it truly means to serve students who don’t fit the traditional educational mold. NaShawn shares her personal journey navigating undiagnosed ADHD, advocating for six children, and fostering youth who’ve experienced trauma. Her experiences shaped her vision for a school where confidence, connection, and individualized support come first.

Episode Highlights

Early Educational Experiences:

NaShawn Edwards reflects on transitioning from a small, conservative private school to a large public school in Indianapolis, the challenges she faced, and the relationships that shaped her—especially with supportive school staff like her principal and the janitor.

Parenting and Advocacy:With six children, five boys and one girl, NaShawn describes learning styles and personalities as unique as fingerprints. Her hands-on involvement in PTA and school committees was driven by her desire to see real change and advocate for her kids’ needs.

Classroom Challenges:She discusses how classroom sizes, peer conflict, and chaotic environments contributed to declining confidence and academic progress in her children, particularly those with ADHD and autism. This led her to explore new educational models focused on small class sizes and relationship-driven learning.

Foster Care Realities:As a foster parent, NaShawn Edwards encountered children academically behind—some unable to spell their own names in elementary school—making her acutely aware of systemic issues and underscoring the need for trauma-informed instruction.

The Birth of Sunrise Learning Academy:Inspired by her foster care experiences, especially working with a young boy not ready for kindergarten, NaShawn Edwards started SLA to deliver individualized, trauma-informed education, and integrate therapeutic services like counseling, speech, and occupational therapy into the school day.

Model of Sunrise Learning Academy:SLA integrates standardized curriculum, faith foundations, trauma-informed strategies, and hands-on projects. Multi-age classrooms foster mentorship and leadership, and the intentionally small school atmosphere allows teachers to quickly respond to student needs.

Addressing Misconceptions:

NaShawn Edwards tackles misconceptions about trauma-impacted learners and emphasizes that her students are resilient and capable—not “bad off.” Push-in therapeutic services at SLA help students and families regain time and access needed support during the school day.

Community Collaboration:SLA prioritizes collaboration over competition with other schools. Partnerships with local charter and private schools mean shared resources and joint events, like safe-sitter classes and basketball leagues, strengthening the wider educational community.

Bridging Gaps:Resources, tutoring, and relationship-building are key to SLA’s strategy so that no child slips through the cracks—whether academic, emotional, or social support is needed.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this episode of Education Matters, Cesar and Sarah sit down with Greg Harrell, Executive Director of Policy and Government Affairs at the Institute for Quality Education (IQE), for an in-depth preview of the 2026 Indiana legislative session and a discussion on why education policy—and advocacy—matter as much as ever.

Episode Highlights

Greg Harrell’s Journey in Education and Advocacy:

Greg shares his professional background, including his decade of service with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the mentors that shaped his thinking on school choice, and what brought him to IQE.

The Mission of IQE:

IQE’s concise but ambitious mission: improving the quality of education for all Indiana students by advancing student-centered policies, expanding school choice, and ensuring equitable funding.

Why Advocacy at the Statehouse Matters:

Greg explains why consistent advocacy is essential for educational progress and how IQE has helped drive major policy accomplishments, from tax credit scholarships to universal school choice.

Making Education Policy Relevant:

How legislative decisions made “under the dome” directly shape the lives of students, families, and communities across Indiana.

Balancing Quality, Accountability, and Choice:

Greg discusses how IQE sees these as complementary, not competing, goals—emphasizing informed family decision-making and the importance of strong accountability systems.

IQE’s Top Priorities for 2026:


Defending recent advancements in school choice


Raising literacy rates, especially among third-graders


Boosting math proficiency and parent engagement


Improving career pathways and high school redesign


Maximizing use of Career and Education Scholarship Accounts


Expanding tax credit scholarships to be universal


Lowering eligibility age to three for certain scholarship programs


Opening teacher residency programs to accredited non-public schools

Recent Wins and Ongoing Challenges:


A look back at implementing universal school choice and why Indiana is being watched by other states.


Updates on persistent challenges like chronic absenteeism, teacher shortages, and improving alignment between K-12 and higher education.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this inspiring episode of Education Matters, hosts Sarah and Cesar sit down with Dr. Brian Disney, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Drawing on nearly 30 years in education, Dr. Disney reflects on his journey from classroom teacher to district leader, sharing powerful insights on teaching, faith, innovation, and community. Together, they explore how Catholic education is evolving—honoring tradition while preparing students for a rapidly changing world.

Episode Highlights


Dr. Disney’s Path to EducationInspired by his father—a lifelong educator—Dr. Disney recalls how early experiences tutoring and coaching fueled his love of teaching and shaped his path toward school leadership.


Lessons from the ClassroomReflecting on his years as a high school math teacher, Dr. Disney emphasizes the importance of building inclusive, caring classrooms where every student feels seen and supported. He shares how understanding life beyond academics is key to helping students thrive.


Transformative Leadership at Mooresville High SchoolAs principal, Dr. Disney led initiatives that expanded college credit and career-readiness programs. Through a strong team effort, Mooresville High dramatically increased honors diplomas and eliminated the need for remedial classes at the local Ivy Tech campus—a remarkable achievement in student preparation and success.


Faith and Innovation in Catholic EducationNow overseeing 69 schools, Dr. Disney explains how Catholic teachings on human dignity and community serve as the foundation for both moral and academic excellence. He discusses balancing faith-based formation with innovative approaches to meet students’ diverse needs.


Redefining SuccessFor Dr. Disney, true success means helping each student realize their full human potential—whether through college, career, or other meaningful paths—while embracing the unique gifts of every learner.


Parents as PartnersEchoing the Catholic view of parents as primary educators, Dr. Disney shares strategies for fostering genuine family engagement—from cultural celebrations and community events to cultivating a welcoming school culture that reflects shared values.


Looking AheadLooking toward 2035, Dr. Disney predicts that the most essential skills will include spiritual depth, ethical use of technology, and strong interpersonal relationships—underscoring the enduring need for authentic, faith-filled community in education.

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Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choiceFor more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this engaging episode, Sarah and Cesar welcome James McNeany, a lifelong educator and the new Executive Director of the Indiana Non Public Education Association (INPEA). James shares his journey from math teacher and coach to principal and, now, state-level leader for non public schools. The discussion dives deep into topics like school choice, parent empowerment, and how non public schools contribute to Indiana’s education ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:


James’s Path in Education:

From engineering student at Purdue to math teacher, coach, and school administrator, James’s nontraditional journey revealed a passion for mentoring young people and making a difference in their lives.


Leadership Lessons:

James reflects on how each step in his career—from teaching students with diverse backgrounds to leading entire school communities—shaped his perspective on what great schools need to thrive.


INPEA's Mission & Vision:

Taking the helm at INPEA, James shares his excitement for supporting Indiana’s non public schools, building on the legacy of previous leaders, and working to ensure school choice policies benefit all families.


The Role of Non Public Schools:

Spotlight on how these schools give parents the ability to find the right educational fit, create strong communities, and support missions and values that reflect diverse family needs.


Universal School Choice in Indiana:

What it means for families and schools after recent legislation, and how financial barriers are being reduced so all families can access quality education options.


Future Challenges & Opportunities:

James discusses the importance of protecting local autonomy for non public schools, guarding against overregulation, and expanding real choice for families—especially in Indiana’s “education deserts.”

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this special bonus episode, Cesar and Sarah dives deep into the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, exploring its evolution, impact, and what the future holds for private school participation in Indiana. This episode breaks down the latest 2025 Choice Report from the Indiana Department of Education, providing insights into how school choice is shaping educational opportunities and equity across the state.

Key Takeaways:

Historical Evolution of School Choice in Indiana


Indiana’s journey to educational freedom, beginning with the first charter school law in 2001, major reforms in 2008 that enabled public-to-public school transfers, the introduction of tax credit scholarships and vouchers for private schools, and recent expansions to universal eligibility.

The Choice Scholarship Program: Opening Doors


Impact on Hoosier families, making private school education accessible to more students.


How expansions have progressively reduced barriers, especially income requirements, paving the way for nearly universal eligibility by the 2026–27 school year.

By the Numbers: School Choice Participation


Enrollment breakdown:


~80% of students attend their assigned traditional public school.


20% participate in some form of school choice (public-to-public transfers, charter, innovation network, or private schools).


Largest group: ~95,000 students using public-to-public transfer.


Private school choice: 8% overall, 6% using vouchers (~74,741 students).


Growth in private school enrollment—steady increase of ~5,000 students per year.

Who is Participating?


Spotlight on demographics and financial background:


Average participating family size is about 4.6 people.


Average family income: just under $100,000.


Majority white, split evenly male/female, with strong representation from other ethnicities.


Higher participation at elementary levels (K-5).


Average voucher received: ~$6,000; average private school tuition: just under $8,000.

Geographical Trends


Highest choice participation in metropolitan/suburban areas due to more available options (private and charter schools).


Some rural/small-town counties have limited or no private schools, affecting participation.

Looking Forward


The imminent shift to universal school choice and its potential implications.


Challenges in expanding access to options in underserved areas.

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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org