The Educator Redefining K‑12 Through Virtual Reality
Adam Mangana, M.Ed., isn’t just theorizing about the future of education — he’s building it. From Teach For America classrooms to founding Mississippi’s first charter school to pioneering the world’s first VR charter school, Adam has spent 15+ years at education’s bleeding edge. As CEO of OptimaEd, he’s tackling K‑12’s biggest challenges — disengaged students, teacher shortages, one-size-fits-all learning — with immersive technology that scales nationwide.
Adam bridges worlds others can’t: classical Great Books curriculum delivered through VR headsets, charter school innovation grounded in timeless pedagogy, human connection enhanced (not replaced) by AI. He brings rare depth — a school founder who understands policy, a CEO who still thinks like a teacher, and a visionary who grounds innovation in what makes education human. From spatial computing to school choice, from EdTech ethics to teacher empowerment — Adam speaks with authority earned from building the future of learning.
Recent Media Appearances
Adam delivers compelling, articulate commentary that resonates with audiences. Here are some of his recent appearances across TV, radio, and podcasts.
The VR Education Revolution
"Adam brings a rare combination of hands-on experience and big-picture vision to the conversation about education's future."
OptimaEd's Immersive Classrooms
National Spanish-language coverage of OptimaEd's VR education platform and its impact on students across the country.
The Future of Education & Equity
"VR solves the loneliness problem in online education" — bridging access gaps for underserved communities through immersive technology.
Classical Education Meets Cutting-Edge VR
"What Adam is building at OptimaEd proves that innovation and tradition don't have to be at odds."
Immersive Learning Comes to K-12
"Adam clearly explains complex technology in ways that parents and educators can immediately understand and get excited about."
Solving Education's Biggest Challenges
"The kind of guest who makes complex topics accessible and keeps audiences engaged from start to finish."
OptimaEd CEO Joins Houston's Morning News
Adam discusses the future of VR education with Shara & Jim on Houston's top-rated morning show.
Inside the First VR Homeschool: Meta-Backed OptimaEd
Deep dive into building a full-time VR homeschool serving 1,200+ students — from Meta partnership to 100% civics pass rates.
The Vision Behind OptimaEd
Adam shares the story behind OptimaEd and why immersive VR education is the key to reaching every student.
What Adam Speaks About
From VR Classrooms to AI Policy — Adam Brings Practitioner Insights and Visionary Thinking
Immersive Learning & Spatial Computing
Adam pioneered VR education at scale, deploying 200+ immersive learning locations and founding the world's first VR charter school. He speaks to the pedagogy behind spatial computing — how 3D environments transform student engagement, memory retention, and experiential learning in ways traditional classrooms can't match.
AI + The Human Element
While others chase AI automation, Adam focuses on the balance: How do we use AI to enhance human connection in education, not replace it? From combating 'AI slop' to implementing ethical AI tools in K-12, he brings a practitioner's perspective on technology that serves students — not just systems.
Classical Meets Cutting-Edge
Adam's unique expertise: marrying timeless Great Books curriculum with immersive VR and AI. As CEO of a classical education VR school, he proves that the oldest educational traditions and the newest technologies aren't opposites — they're complements.
School Leadership & EdTech Scaling
From founding Mississippi's first charter school to scaling OptimaEd's platform across hundreds of locations, Adam understands EdTech implementation from the classroom to the boardroom. He trains teachers, advises school leaders, and navigates the policy landscape of education innovation.
Adam isn't just theorizing about the future of education — he's building it. As CEO of OptimaEd and founder of the world's first VR charter school, he brings real-world implementation experience alongside forward-thinking vision.
Hot Topics Adam Can Discuss
Not Just Talking About the Future — Building It
"Esse quam videri"
To be, rather than to seem
Adam Mangana isn't your typical EdTech CEO. He started where it matters most — in the classroom. As a Teach For America corps member, he witnessed firsthand the gaps in educational access that would define his career mission.
From there, Adam rose through school leadership, becoming Head of School before pioneering new frontiers as Director of an Extended Reality Lab. In 2022, he did what no one had done before: founded the world's first VR charter school, Optima Classical Academy.
Now, as CEO of OptimaEd, he leads a company with 200+ VR locations, 1,200+ students, 5,000+ 3D avatars, and thousands of interactive lessons — achieving the highest growth scores in Florida for reading and math, with a 100% civics exam pass rate.
The Journey
Ready-Made Segments & Talking Points
Timely, compelling topics Adam can discuss on your show. Each one is backed by his real-world experience building VR education at scale.
Why AI "Slop" Will Fail Our Students
Millions of students are being fed AI-generated educational content with no quality control. Adam reveals what's really happening — and what we need instead.
TrendingThe Surprising Return to Classical Education
Why the fastest-growing school model in America is rooted in 2,000-year-old principles — and how VR is supercharging it for modern students.
CounterintuitiveHow VR Is Solving the Teacher Shortage
America is short 300,000 teachers. Adam explains how immersive technology is extending the reach of great educators to classrooms everywhere.
SolutionsSpatial Computing: The Next Frontier After AI
While everyone focuses on AI, spatial computing is quietly transforming education. Adam breaks down why this matters more than most people realize.
Big PictureFrom Screen Time to Dream Time
Parents worry about kids and technology. Adam makes the case for "good screen time" — immersive experiences that build knowledge, not just consume attention.
Human InterestThe Equity Revolution: VR Classrooms in Underserved Communities
How VR is giving students in under-resourced schools access to learning experiences previously only available at elite institutions.
EquitySpeaking Engagement
Trusted Voices
"If a Black child has 50 novels in their home, they're 95% likely to go to college. VR solves the loneliness problem in online education. We could solve some of the big challenges in online education."
"OptimaEd students achieved the highest growth scores in Florida for reading and math, with a 100% civics exam pass rate. This isn't just theory — it's measurable, proven impact."
"What sets OptimaEd apart is that they've actually built what everyone else is just talking about. 200+ locations, 1,200+ students, and thousands of lessons — these aren't hypotheticals."
Hear From a Student
8th Grade Optima Academy Student
A real student shares their experience learning in OptimaEd's immersive VR classroom environment.
Download the Media Kit
Adam Mangana — One-Sheet
Bio, key talking points, headshots, and contact information — everything you need to prep for a segment.
Book Adam for Your Show
Ready to bring a compelling voice on VR education, EdTech innovation, and the future of K-12 to your audience?
Let's Make It Happen
Adam is available for TV and radio interviews, podcast appearances, panel discussions, keynote speeches, and expert commentary. He brings energy, insight, and a proven track record of engaging audiences.
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