Are you feeling disillusioned with the current state of the public school system and wondering if there is a better way to educate your children? In this episode, we sit down with Erica Dela Rosa, a former educator turned advocate, to discuss the power of school choice and the importance of centering Black and Brown voices in education. Discover how you can reclaim your power as a parent and find the learning environment that truly honors your child’s identity.

In this deep dive, Erica shares her personal journey from being a dedicated teacher in the Houston Independent School District to her current role as the Manager of Strategic Partnerships for Freedom to Choose Schools. We discuss the emotional toll of the teaching profession, the impact of state takeovers on local communities, and why so many passionate educators are choosing to walk away from the traditional classroom.

The conversation explores the nuance of school choice, highlighting that advocating for alternative options like homeschooling, micro-schools, and charters is not an attack on public education but a necessary move toward student-centered learning. Erica explains how the history of the American education system was often designed for assimilation rather than empowerment, and why it is vital for parents to see themselves as the true experts in their children's lives. Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting to explore your options, this episode provides the inspiration and community connection you need to make the best choice for your family.https://chooseschools.org/Erika De La Rosa proudly taught 7th grade English/Language Arts and served as Department Chair in the Houston, Texas, neighborhood where she grew up and currently lives. In her role, she prioritized understanding and honoring her students' varied experiences and cultures to ensure the curriculum validated, inspired, and empowered them to reach their own academic and life goals. In addition to serving her students, she mentored first-year teachers as well as college student-teachers. She participated in fellowships and advocacy with Latinos for Education, Teach Plus Texas, the Education Trust Texas and the Leadership for Educational Equity. She was the 2023 Inspira Award Recipient from Latinos for Education, recognized as a remarkable individual whose unwavering dedication and passion have transformed the landscape of education for Latino students. Erika's work is rooted in her desire for all children to have access to an education that gives them safety, hope, and opportunity, regardless of where they come from. She now uses her classroom experience and deep passion for educational equity to work toward policies that benefit all children.