Educational Reform in Puerto Rico: Julia Keleher's Story, Part 2 | Julia Keleher | Former Secretary of Education of Puerto Rico | Season 4 Ep. 5 | #73
Description
In this episode, Julia Keleher, the former Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education, returns to the podcast to continue the discussion of her journey through education reform in Puerto Rico. She candidly shares her experiences in Puerto Rico, detailing the challenges of closing 450 schools, implementing controversial reforms, and navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. She then opens up about her legal troubles, including her decision to accept a plea deal for wire fraud, and the harsh realities of the US criminal justice system.
Julia provides a unique perspective on the importance of community input and grassroots support in driving successful education reforms. She recounts her time as an ESL teacher at Alderson Women's Prison, highlighting the systemic failures that contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. Julia also discusses her current work in Delaware, addressing the state's educational disparities and advocating for social justice. Throughout the conversation, the emphasis remains on promoting dignity, respect, and second chances for all individuals. This episode is a powerful exploration of resilience, reform, and the ongoing fight for equitable education. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
United States
