In this week's episode of Just Say Something, CEO and podcast host Phillip Clark welcomes Katherine Schumacher, a distinguished advocate for public education and current Public Education Partners (PEP) leader. Under her guidance, PEP has launched numerous projects to elevate teachers, empower advocates, and engage communities, demonstrating a commitment to improving public education for all.
Katherine shares her insights into the organization’s mission with Phillip, which aims to enhance educational outcomes in Greenville County Schools through innovative partnerships and community initiatives. This engaging conversation explores the multifaceted approach PEP employs to support teachers, students, and families alongside its extensive advocacy work to ensure robust and effective public schooling. As Katherine explains to Phillip, "Our mission is to lead the community to act collectively to strengthen, support, and advance public education and student achievement in Greenville County Schools."
Public Education Partners (PEP) was founded in the mid-1980s by visionary business leaders who saw potential in Greenville County’s educational infrastructure. Katherine delves into PEP’s strategic focus areas: elevating teachers, empowering advocates, and engaging communities. She highlights specific programs, such as teacher mentoring and professional development initiatives, that aim to boost teacher retention and morale—key factors in student success. Katherine says, "Having a high-quality teacher in the classroom is the number one school-based factor in student success."
Additionally, Katherine discusses PEP’s advocacy efforts, including their nonpartisan stance on educational policies and the importance of community involvement in school board elections. She also touches on the critical role of parental engagement and support by introducing their Parent Leadership Partners program, aimed at guiding parents through the complexities of the educational system, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. Katherine and Phillip wrap up with calls to action, encouraging listeners to remain vigilant in supporting public education. Katherine concludes, saying, "It's an intense time to be an educator right now. It's an intense time to be a human in society."
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