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Ep.32 - Empowering Parents: The Heart of Education Reform with Stephanie Saroki de Garcia

Virtuous Leaders with Dr. Johann D'Souza

In this inspiring episode of the Virtuous Leaders Podcast, Dr. Johann D'Souza engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Stephanie Saroki de Garcia, a leader in Catholic education and school choice initiatives. Throughout the discussion, Stephanie offers unique insights into the state of Catholic education in the United States, the importance of school choice, and the transformative power of faith-based education. She delves into the success stories of Seton Education Partners, the challenges of entrepreneurial leadership, and the importance of putting the interests of children first in education reform. Key Discussion Points: • Stephanie's experiences as a teacher in Oakland, California, and the challenges she faced in the public school system • The state of Catholic education in the United States and the need for innovative solutions • The founding of Seton Education Partners and its mission to provide quality education to underserved children • The success stories of Seton Education Partners, including academic excellence and faith formation • The challenges of entrepreneurial leadership and the importance of attracting the right people and securing funding • The importance of school choice and the various models implemented across the United States • The role of teachers' unions and other interests in resisting education reform • The transformative power of faith-based education and the importance of nurturing good character • The heroic response of Seton Education Partners during the COVID-19 pandemic Timestamp: 00:00 - Introduction and background on Stephanie Saroki de Garcia's experiences in education 00:47 - Discussing the state of Catholic education and school choice initiatives in the United States 02:15 - Exploring Stephanie's experiences as a teacher in Oakland, California, and the challenges she faced 04:26 - Examining the founding of Seton Education Partners and its mission to provide quality education 07:14 - Addressing the challenges of entrepreneurial leadership and proving the effectiveness of new ideas 08:35 - Discussing the success stories of Seton Education Partners, including academic excellence and faith formation 10:21 - Exploring the different types of schools operated by Seton Education Partners and their impact on families 12:05 - Addressing the objection of selection bias in school choice outcomes 13:35 - Discussing the courage of Cardinal Dolan in supporting charter school initiatives 15:05 - Examining the biggest challenges faced by Seton Education Partners in expanding their reach 17:02 - Exploring the impact of technology and screen time on students' spiritual and emotional well-being 19:38 - Addressing the importance of civic engagement and the role of education in shaping society 22:33 - Discussing the meaning of school choice and its implementation in different states 24:44 - Examining the resistance to school choice initiatives and the potential benefits for public schools 27:52 - Sharing success stories of Seton Education Partners, including their response to the COVID-19 pandemic 30:18 - Discussing opportunities for involvement with Seton Education Partners and the transformative power of the Seton Teaching Fellows program Resources and Links: • Watch this episode on ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠• Listen to this episode on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ • Learn more aboutSeton Education Partners • Discover theSeton Teaching Fellows Program • Read "Elizabeth Seton: American Saint" by Catherine O'Donnell *** Dr. Johann D'Souza Clinical Psychologist Values First Therapy ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ X (Twitter) Stephanie Saroki de Garcia Co-Founder and Managing Director Seton Education Partners https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-saroki-de-garc%C3%ADa-0a36861/