In the latest episode of Glenn Baker’s Finish This Fight podcast, Erika Donalds—Chair of America First Policy Institute‘s Center for Education Opportunities—shares her inspiring journey from being a frustrated mother seeking better education for her children to becoming a transformative force in education reform. Hosted by Glenn Baker, the podcast dives into her advocacy for school choice, charter schools, and parental empowerment, offering listeners insightful solutions to one of the nation’s most pressing issues: the broken education system.
From CPA to Education Advocate
As Erika Donalds explained to Glenn Baker during their conversation, her path to education reform wasn’t something she initially imagined. Professionally, Donalds thrived as a CPA and financial planner, but her life took a dramatic turn when her child’s struggle in school became painfully clear.
“My second son, Darren, was in first grade at a top-rated public school, and he hated it,” Donalds tells Baker. “The school wanted me to medicate Darren for ADHD because he didn’t fit in their structure, but I knew that wasn’t the answer.” She sought alternatives and eventually found success by enrolling Darren in a private classical school.
The change in her son was remarkable. “He went from miserable to excited to run into school every day. That was the moment I knew I had to do something for other students like Darren,” she says. Now, Darren is thriving, on track to graduate high school with honors and a full scholarship to Florida State University—a testament to what the right educational fit can do for a child.
On the podcast, Donalds highlighted this turning point, noting how it sparked her mission to reform education. “For too many parents, it feels like they’re stuck with no options,” she told Baker. “But education shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.”
The Struggle to Reform from Within
To make a broader impact, Erika Donalds started her fight for educational reform by running for her local school board. Winning the position gave her access to the decision-making process, but what she quickly discovered shocked her. “When I got on the school board, I realized how broken the system was,” she admits.
Donalds recounted stories on Glenn Baker’s podcast about how resistant bureaucracies can be to meaningful change. “They even changed the rules so I couldn’t put reform ideas on the agenda!” she explained. Realizing reform through the traditional system would be nearly impossible, Donalds pivoted to building solutions outside the system, creating real alternatives for families.
The Power of School Choice
As discussed in-depth on Finish This Fight, the heart of Erika Donalds’ work lies in the principle of school choice. Donalds explained to Glenn Baker that she strongly believes that families—not governments—should decide how and where children are educated.
“School choice is about empowering parents,” she said. “It’s about recognizing that every kid is unique, and their education should reflect that.”
In Florida, students now have access to scholarships of up to $9,000—money that parents can use for private schools, online learning, hybrid models, or even homeschooling materials. These scholarships ensure parents aren’t forced to leave their kids in failing systems simply because of their zip code.
“Funding should follow the student, not the system,” Donalds told Baker. “If a school isn’t doing the job, families should be able to take that money and find something better.”
Charter Schools and Classical Education
Part of Donalds’ strategy has been building charter schools, an innovative option she discussed extensively with Glenn Baker. Her schools, rooted in the principles of classical education, aim to restore foundational learning approaches while fostering a deep love for knowledge.
“Classical education is about going back to basics,” Donalds explained. “We teach explicit phonics, grammar, and historical events—even in the earliest grades.”
For Donalds, this approach doesn’t just prepare students academically but culturally, too. “First graders in our schools are learning about George Washington and the Pilgrims—not just wacky stories about frogs,” she said, drawing a laugh from Baker.
Glenn Baker’s Take: A Movement with Momentum
During the podcast, Glenn Baker emphasized the growing importance of parental empowerment in education reform, highlighting how Donalds’ work is playing a major role in shaping the school choice movement across the nation. “Erika’s story isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a national call to action,” Baker said.
From Florida to Arizona and beyond, Donalds collaborates with states on school choice policies that fund students instead of bloated bureaucracies. Her vision, as discussed on Finish This Fight, includes allowing public, private, and charter schools to compete on a level playing field, driving quality and innovation across the board.
“Until we fully embrace free-market concepts in education, families will remain stuck,” Donalds said, echoing a sentiment Baker wholeheartedly agreed with.
What Parents Can Do Today
For parents inspired by Donalds’ story, she offers practical advice: Take control. “You are the primary educator of your children,” she told Baker’s listeners. “Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Organizations like Love Your School in Arizona provide services to help parents navigate their options, a resource Donalds hopes to see replicated nationwide. Additionally, new technology is emerging to support families in customizing their child’s learning experience, making solutions like Donalds’ charter schools more accessible than ever.
The Role of Media and Advocacy
Towards the end of their discussion, Glenn Baker reiterated the role podcasts and media outlets play in advancing important conversations around reform. Podcasts like Finish This Fight give reformers like Erika Donalds a platform to connect with parents, policymakers, and educators, spreading awareness and building momentum for a better future. “Parents need to know they’re not alone in this fight, and they have allies like Erika on their side,” Baker said in closing.
Join the Movement
As discussed on Glenn Baker’s podcast, the fight for education reform is just beginning, and Erika Donalds is inspiring parents to take action. By pushing for school choice and fostering alternatives like charter schools, she’s paving the way for a brighter path forward—one where every child has an opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.
Call to Action:
“Want to hear more stories like Erika Donalds’ journey to education reform? Subscribe to Glenn Baker’s Finish This Fight podcast and stay informed about the latest in parental empowerment, school choice, and innovative education solutions.”
