Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Education Advocate Maureen Santora

Long Island City, NY – Maureen Santora says when you remove parents from the equation, children will not receive a good education.

“Parents are the primary educators of their children,” says Santora. “They have the right to be involved. They have a right to question and to empower themselves to be actively involved in their kids' education. Shame on anybody in education who denies that. It’s outrageous.”

Maureen has been a powerful advocate for education her entire life. The Christopher Santora Educational Scholarship Fund has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to New York City’s elementary, middle school and high school students.

She says what's missing from education today is the humanity.

“I'm very sad to see what's happening in the school system. Education has eliminated the aha moments, the opportunities for a teacher capitalize on a child’s interest and expand that interest in whatever the topic may be,” says Santora.

Santora is clear that her disappointment lies with administrators. Teachers are doing their best, but they are always expected to do more with less.

“I have great respect for teachers, but teachers are never included in any of the administrative conversations when decisions are made,” says Santora.

Santora herself has been in teaching since 1967.

“When I was a young teacher and a young mother, there was no school better than a local public school,” recalls Santora. “I was involved in my kids' education. I felt that was part of my responsibility.”

For more information, visit www.christopherasantoraeducationalscholarshipfund.com