A Special Interview With Steve Virgadamo

Leadership in Catholic schools has been the focus of much of the life of today’s guest Steven Virgadamo.

He has an infectious passion for Catholic education and for the principals, teachers, parents and students that make Catholic school communities so special. In this interview Steve speaks to us live from his home outside New York and we discuss a range of topics related to Catholic school leadership, culture and mission. Use the podcast player here or link out to your favourite podcast player using the buttons below. The interview also helps build upon some of the topics related to teacher wellbeing and resilience which we discussed last week here

This interview is a must for anyone interested in what it takes to build and support leaders, foster vibrant school cultures and advance the mission of Catholic education in their own specific context. Leadership in Catholic schools remains the X-factor that can truly transform any school amidst the many challenges of the modern educational landscape.

Steve is currently the Associate Superintendent for Leadership at the Archdiocese of New York. Steve accepted this position with the Archdiocese of New York after a long and successful career of promoting the Church’s social teachings and advancing the mission of Catholic schools.

He has long been an advocate of school choice legislation believes a parent’s right to choose an education for their child is an issue of social justice as well as a civil rights issue. While working with the Archdiocese of New York he has accomplished numerous tasks that have furthered the mission effectiveness of the Archdiocese and the Regional Global School System. His contributions have enabled more students to enrol in great schools. His responsibilities include fostering overall school improvement while providing oversight and formation to 21st century school and pastoral leaders. Recently, Steven served as the architect of a 21st century school leader appraisal process which is being used in the Archdiocese of New York and other church affiliated schools throughout the United States.

For many years Steve has provided thought leadership to Church leaders, Trustees and Board members. His expert counsel over many years has led to many Bishops, Chief Finance Officers, Superintendents, Pastors and Principals to consider him to be the expert in both Church and school management and the most premier consultant for Catholic schools, colleges and universities. His knowledge of Catholic school management and private school marketing is world renowned. He travels throughout the United States and internationally to mentor and teach school leaders, pastors, and more. His domestic and international reputation has led to Steven’s selection as a delegate for the World Congress on Catholic Education sponsored by the Congregation of Catholic Education.

Finishing Strong is a loud and clear call for every young person to make the very best of their final years of school. Based on hundreds of seminars around the world to a huge number of students Jonathan Doyle offers powerful, practical advice that can make a major difference.

Each chapter offers inspiring stories, clear principles and actionable steps for identifying and moving forward in study, life, friendships and each key area of life.

Jonathan also includes journal questions and guided reflections at the end of each chapter to maximise learning and ensure the ideas and principles can be made real, personal and achievable.

If you want to help your child or students make the very best of their final years of high school then it;s time to help them finish strong!