Digital Learning/Homeschool Strategies + College Funding & Career Tips with Elease Dillard + Jonathan & Brittany Burke

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About this Episode:

Currently, we are in the middle of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the entire world has had to make adjustments to stay safe—including with education.

To celebrate World Teacher’s Day, this week’s episode features an educator and his wife who together are helping families and the community break the odds with education. 

Whether you are a teacher in need of some tips, a parent who needs guidance for how to make digital learning a smooth experience for your child, or a student wanting to know how to prepare yourself for college and your career—today’s episode is for you!

Press play to hear this interview with our host Elease Dillard.

Meet Today’s Guests: Jonathan and Brittany Burke

Joining us today is Jonathan and Brittany Burke—Founder and CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of Innovation Learning Academy. Both Jonathan and Brittany have a decorated resume, but here is a snippet and more about Innovation Learning Academy:

Meet Jonathan Burke:

Jonathan Burke is the Founder of Innovation Learning Academy. Jonathan has received a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from the Metropolitan College of New York. He also earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Georgia State University and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Liberty University.

Jonathan began his educational career in the New York City School District over 10 years ago as a high school math teacher and Education Services Coordinator for NYC Dept. of Correction inmates ages 16-24 at East River Academy located on Rikers Island. While working with incarcerated youth, Jonathan discovered the inequalities of public education and began to work with various community organizations to help troubled youth and students with learning disabilities by offering tutoring and mentoring services.

After being accepted as a TNTP Education Fellow, Jonathan moved to Atlanta and began teaching in Title 1 schools in the Fulton County School District and the Atlanta Public Schools District. Jonathan has taught multiple grade levels and subjects but has always on focused special education services. 

As a Learning and Instruction Specialist and a school Administrator, Jonathan’s educational experiences have afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of students to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. Jonathan’s educational philosophy is based on his uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment that focuses on the student’s learning styles, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family. All of which, Innovation Learning Academy possess.


Jonathan currently coaches high school basketball at Tri-Cities High School and AAU basketball for various community teams. In addition, Jonathan is an accomplished musician that has traveled the world. As a result, he provides music lessons and production assistance for students at McEachern High School. 

Meet Brittany Burke:

Brittany Burke has a Master’s degree in Accounting and serves as the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of Innovation Learning Academy. Prior to serving as the CFO of Innovation Learning Academy, Brittany had a career in marketing and worked for companies such as Cartoon Network and TNT. 

In this episode we cover:

  • Digital learning/homeschooling strategies
  • College funding tips
  • Career development

…and more!

Quote of the Day

“Whatever God has put in your heart, go after it. And not everybody will understand your vision and that’s okay—not even your own family—because God didn’t give them the vision. And that’s okay.  But you just put your head down, keep working—going towards the goal—and you will find satisfaction and you will really get to where you want to go.”

—Jonathan Burke (interview on Break The Odds podcast)

Next Steps

What was your biggest takeaway? How will you take action? We’d love to know! Follow Break The Odds on social media and tag us! Use #breakingtheodds so we can celebrate with you as you take action!

Connect with Jonathan & Brittany

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You’ve got this! Let’s break the odds together.


*Please Note: Episodes on Break The Odds do not serve as endorsements of any comments, opinions, actions, resources, and any other behavior by guests, individuals, and other parties. By using any third-party resources/platforms, you may be subject to their terms and conditions.

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