Ep 396: Building a Microschool Through Life’s Biggest Transitions: Maddie Baird’s Story of Faith, Family, and Fearless Leadership

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a microschool while managing major life transitions—or if fear of stepping away has kept you from taking the leap—this episode will encourage and empower you to move forward with faith and clarity.

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Madeline Baird, founder of Peak Learning Microschool in Ohio—and yes, she’s 38 weeks pregnant while running her thriving school! We dove deep into her journey, her passion for education, and how she’s balancing motherhood, leadership, and purpose in this season of life.

Madeline shared her inspiring background as a first-generation college student who started out in youth ministry before earning her degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. Her path took an unexpected turn when she began questioning the “why” behind traditional education systems. That curiosity—and courage to explore new ways of learning—eventually led her across the world to Japan, and later back to the U.S., where she initially described herself as “anti-homeschool.”

But like so many of us, her heart began to shift. After listening to the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Madeline realized she could create something that beautifully blended her love for teaching, her desire to be home with her boys, and her vision for meaningful, student-centered education. That’s when Peak Learning Microschool was born.

We talked about some of the most common fears people have when starting a microschool—especially around taking time off, maternity leave, or balancing family life with the demands of leading a school. Maddie opened up about her state complaint experience, how she handled it with grace and perseverance, and what she learned through the process.

She also shared her insights on curriculum design, how she’s learning to step back from day-to-day teaching to focus more on administrative work and long-term growth, and the lessons she’s learned as her school continues to expand.

Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching

Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success!

Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching

Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet”

Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook

Book a Clarity Coaching Session:

Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching

Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students!

Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching

We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!