[EdTalks] Inside Greenville's Public-Private Education Partnerships

How do we solve complex challenges within our public schools, from teacher shortages to early learning gaps? In this episode of Simple Civics: Ed Talks, we explore the power of public-private partnerships in education in Greenville County. Hosts Catherine Schumacher, CEO of Public Education Partners (PEP), and Derek Lewis, Executive Director of Greenville First Steps, turn the spotlight on their own organizations. They reveal the critical role nonprofits play as "connective tissue," bridging the gap between community resources and the needs of Greenville County Schools to support students, families, and teachers.

In this deep dive, Catherine and Derek explain the unique missions of their organizations and how they collaborate to strengthen the entire educational pipeline. You'll learn about Greenville First Steps' focused mission on early childhood education in Greenville SC, ensuring every child is ready for kindergarten through strategic funding and programs like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. We then explore how Public Education Partners functions as an innovation partner for the school district, championing teacher support programs in Greenville like the Greenville Alternative Teacher Education (GATE) program, which creates new pathways for professionals to become educators. The conversation also tackles one of the most pressing issues facing families and the workforce: the child care crisis in Greenville County, revealing a staggering need for 4,500 new child care spots and discussing how the business community can be part of the solution. This episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the landscape of educational support in our community and learn how to get involved with public schools, whether you're a parent, business leader, voter, or concerned citizen. Discover how these effective public-private partnerships in education in Greenville County are creating a stronger future for everyone.

About Our Guests:
▶ Derek Lewis is the Executive Director of Greenville First Steps. A former camp counselor and 15-year veteran of the YMCA, Derek shares his powerful story of shifting his focus to early childhood advocacy after realizing that true, lasting impact begins before kindergarten. He has served for eight years on the Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees.
▶ Catherine Schumacher is the President and CEO of Public Education Partners (PEP). With a 27-year career in the nonprofit sector and a deep-seated passion for public education as a parent and advocate, Catherine discusses PEP's evolution and its vital role in supporting teachers and families, and in creating connections across the community.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Meet the Organizations Behind the Podcast
(01:22) The Mission of Greenville First Steps: Kindergarten Readiness
(02:07) Public Education Partners (PEP): An Innovation Partner for Schools
(04:19) How Public-Private Partnerships Fund Education in Greenville
(05:14) The Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Greenville County
(06:13) The "Connective Tissue" Role of Nonprofits
(08:01) From Camp Counselor to Early Childhood Advocate: Derek's Journey
(10:01) From Public School Parent to CEO: Catherine's Journey
(12:33) Supporting Future Teachers & Celebrating the Profession
(13:35) Tackling the Child Care Crisis in Greenville County
(15:09) How You Can Get Involved in Supporting Public Schools

What are the biggest educational challenges in your community? Let us know in the comments below! If you found this conversation insightful, please like this video and subscribe to our channel for more Ed Talks.

#greenvillesc
#publiceducation
#publicprivatepartnership
#earlychildhoodeducation
#teachersupport
#education
#nonprofit
#communityengagement
#childcarecrisis
#simplecivics


_
Produced by Podcast Studio X: https://podcaststudiox.com
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution: https://greatergoodgreenville.network...
Join the newsletter: https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty....