In today’s episode, host Sarvesh Bhardwaj sits down with Patrick Keating, principal of Baden High School. Patrick shares his journey from classroom teacher to school leader, offering candid insights into how Catholic schools can scale enrollment while staying rooted in mission.
They explore the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid growth, including how Baden has expanded from under 450 to nearly 750 students, while keeping class sizes small and supporting teachers through intentional mentorship and development.
Patrick also dives into how faith-based values guide technology adoption, including the thoughtful integration of AI tools like Magic School, and how his team ensures innovation never overshadows authentic relationships and student-centered learning.
Timestamps
03:22 Patrick’s Journey into Education
05:42 Growth at Baden & Scaling Challenges
08:51 Faith-Based Mission and School Identity
12:49 Supporting Teacher Well-being & Retention
19:14 First Encounters with AI in the Classroom
21:12 Training Teachers & Adopting Magic School
25:55 Feedback and Assessment Practices
32:29 Teacher Perspectives on AI Adoption
36:18 Aligning Technology with Catholic Mission
40:28 Resource Allocation & Course Corrections
44:47 Lightning Round: Leadership Style, Books & Hope for Education
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’re a school leader, educator, or anyone invested in the future of Catholic education, this episode with Patrick Keating is a powerful listen. Patrick blends the practical realities of scaling enrollment with a mission-driven approach that keeps teacher support, student well-being, and faith at the center.
You’ll hear how he’s:
- Sustaining small class sizes during rapid growth.
- Supporting teachers through mentorship, real-time feedback, and the New Teacher Academy.
- Balancing innovation with Catholic values when integrating AI tools.
- Leading with vulnerability and support, while keeping hope grounded in the dedication of teachers.
Patrick’s insights offer both practical strategies and deep inspiration for anyone leading schools through growth and change.
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About the Podcast
Magna AI is the show where we sit down with school leaders and instructional innovators to explore how bold ideas and smart tools are shaping the future of learning. Each episode unpacks how supporting teachers unlock what’s possible for every student.
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