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

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 pandemicTimestamp:00:00 - Introduction and background on Stephanie Saroki de Garcia's experiences in education00:47 - Discussing the state of Catholic education and school choice initiatives in the United States02:15 - Exploring Stephanie's experiences as a teacher in Oakland, California, and the challenges she faced04:26 - Examining the founding of Seton Education Partners and its mission to provide quality education07:14 - Addressing the challenges of entrepreneurial leadership and proving the effectiveness of new ideas08:35 - Discussing the success stories of Seton Education Partners, including academic excellence and faith formation10:21 - Exploring the different types of schools operated by Seton Education Partners and their impact on families12:05 - Addressing the objection of selection bias in school choice outcomes13:35 - Discussing the courage of Cardinal Dolan in supporting charter school initiatives15:05 - Examining the biggest challenges faced by Seton Education Partners in expanding their reach17:02 - Exploring the impact of technology and screen time on students' spiritual and emotional well-being19:38 - Addressing the importance of civic engagement and the role of education in shaping society22:33 - Discussing the meaning of school choice and its implementation in different states24:44 - Examining the resistance to school choice initiatives and the potential benefits for public schools27:52 - Sharing success stories of Seton Education Partners, including their response to the COVID-19 pandemic30:18 - Discussing opportunities for involvement with Seton Education Partners and the transformative power of the Seton Teaching Fellows programResources 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'SouzaClinical Psychologist Values First Therapy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X (Twitter)Stephanie Saroki de GarciaCo-Founder and Managing Director Seton Education Partnershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-saroki-de-garc%C3%ADa-0a36861/