Manisha Snoyer converses with Joe Connor, the entrepreneurial force behind Odyssey, a company pioneering in educational finance for homeschooling. Joe discusses how Odyssey treats parents as pivotal decision-makers in their children’s learning journeys. The dialogue delves into the specifics of micro grants, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and the mechanisms ensuring educational vendors align with state mandates. They unpack the intricacies of school choice, reflecting on its bipartisan traction and its transformative potential for under-resourced families. A look into the future of education choice programs and an acknowledgment of the agility required in entrepreneurship cap off this enlightening episode. Joe Connor, CEO of Odyssey, is a seasoned educator and legal expert turned visionary entrepreneur—his brainchild, Odyssey, pioneers innovative K-12 funding solutions. Formerly, Joe made his mark by establishing SchoolHouse, a nationwide microschool network. His expertise has guided educational leaders across various organizations, steadfastly committed to enhancing educator reach and reshaping the educational landscape.
Teach Your Kids: LinkedIn | Website | X | Instagram | Substack | Facebook | TikTok
Manisha: LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook
Joe Connor: LinkedIn | Website | X
Join our premium community with expert support and advice
Odyssey - helping parents easily and securely access funding for K–12 education
Teach Your Kids Podcast Episodes
Teach Your Kids Blog Posts
Books and Articles
Related Resources
What Are You Learning?
This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
Time Codes
00:00:20 — Introduction: Manisha welcomes Joe Connor and his revolutionary educational platform
00:02:00 — Odyssey's Mission: Empowering parent consumers
00:04:00 — Utilizing Funds: The practical uses of Odyssey's resources
00:04:50 — Program Types: Breakdown of micro grants vs. ESAs
00:08:00 — ESA Insights: Joe expounds on the nuances of ESAs
00:10:20 — Future Forecast: Predictions on ESA funding's trajectory
00:12:40 — Tax Credit Scholarships: An alternative funding route
00:16:25 — Curriculum Concerns: Manisha probes into curriculum vetting
00:17:40 — Outreach Strategies: Engaging low-income families
00:23:33 — Bipartisan Nature: School choice crossing political lines
00:31:40 — Trust in Parents: Advocating for parental decision-making power
00:35:40 — Separation of Powers: Discussing church, state, and education
00:42:12 — Regulation vs. Innovation: The impact on educational growth
00:45:20 — Odyssey's Role: Enhancing education accessibility
00:54:17 — School Choice Advocacy: Joe Connor advises on lobbying and resources
01:03:22 — Looking Forward: Anticipating Odyssey's future impact
This podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education Fund
VELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at
.