180 - The Future of Inclusive Education & Workforce Readiness with Kenneth Mims
In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes physicist and educator Kenneth Mims, founder of Neurodiversity Education Research Center (NERC) and Science Prep Academy. Kenneth shares how his personal journey—including the loss of his brother—shaped his strength-based approach to supporting autistic and neurodivergent students. He challenges deficit-focused models of education and advocates for micro-schools, integrated therapeutic supports, and workforce readiness in STEM fields. From addressing outdated school discipline practices to building inclusive workplace cultures, Kenneth offers bold insights on belief, expectations, and empathy. This powerful conversation highlights what’s possible when we truly believe in every child’s potential.
Key Takeaways:
Belief Matters Most – When educators genuinely believe in a child’s potential, growth accelerates socially, emotionally, and academically.
Strength-Based Model – Shifting from deficit thinking to recognizing strengths transforms outcomes for autistic learners.
Micro-School Innovation – Small, supportive learning environments create safety, focus, and meaningful progress.
Workforce Readiness Gap – Schools must better prepare neurodivergent students for workplace culture and expectations.
Empathy Over Sympathy – True inclusion begins with understanding perspectives, not labeling limitations.
Kenneth Mim’s definition of inclusion:
Inclusion is creating an environment that doesn't discriminate but has empathy.
Kenneth Mim’s Bio:
Kenneth Mims is a compassionate and experienced STEM educator with over twenty years of experience teaching robotics, computer programming, and physical science to a diverse range of learners. As the founder of the Neurodiversity Education Research Center (NERC), he has made significant strides in advocating for inclusive education for autistic students. An award-winning school creator, Kenneth is internationally recognized as an expert in educating autistic learners. He published his first book, "A Mother's Guide to Autism," and looks forward to connecting with parents across the nation. His vision is to impact the lives of autistic children by sharing his innovative education model and providing coaching to parents and teachers through community outreach and training.
Connect with Kenneth Mims:
Kenneth’s Website: https://kennethmimsii.wixsite.com/mysite
NERC Website: https://neurodiversitycenter.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NEURODIVERSITYCTR
Book: https://a.co/d/02GtGpAJ
Parent Course: https://www.skool.com/autism-parent-resource-group-8249/about?ref=3e4b245103144ae7a11c97525016a53c
SPAM© Count:
Host:
Yes
Current Guest:
Yes
Cumulative Guest Stats:
Yes - 80
No - 98
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Founder of Science Prep Academy & NERC
Kenneth Mims is a compassionate and experienced STEM educator with over twenty years of experience teaching robotics, computer programming, and physical science to a diverse range of learners. As the founder of the Neurodiversity Education Research Center (NERC), he has made significant strides in advocating for inclusive education for autistic students. An award-winning school creator, Kenneth is internationally recognized as an expert in educating autistic learners. He published his first book, "A Mother's Guide to Autism," and looks forward to connecting with parents across the nation. His vision is to impact the lives of autistic children by sharing his innovative education model and providing coaching to parents and teachers through community outreach and training.
