From Principal to Pioneer: How Mary Jo Fairhead Is Reimagining Education in Rural South Dakota

What happens when a dedicated educator realizes the system isn’t serving her students—or her own children? She builds something better.

In this deeply moving episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Mary Jo Fairhead, a former public-school teacher and principal in South Dakota, who left the traditional education system to create Onward Learning—a micro school serving one of the poorest counties in the U.S.

From facing heartbreaking moments as a principal on a reservation, to embracing a love-based, relationship-centered approach to learning, Mary Jo shares her journey of starting a school that meets kids where they are—emotionally, academically, and personally.

She also explains:
✅ How trauma and poverty shaped her mission
✅ The role VELA Education Fund played in helping her launch
✅ The personalized, multi-age approach that’s helping students thrive
✅ Advice for others looking to start micro schools or alternative learning models

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply passionate about improving education, this episode will leave you inspired and hopeful for the future of learning in America.

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