OEA

The Oklahoma legislative session has officially adjourned Sine Die—but not before lawmakers overrode a wave of the Governor's vetoes and finalized key decisions about education funding. In this episode of Fried Okra, we break down the final week at the Capitol, highlight the bills that made it across the finish line, and unpack what they mean for students and educators across the state.

We're breaking down the Supreme Court's decision to block the nation's first religious charter school in Oklahoma—and what it means for public education in our state. We're also taking a look at the latest State Board of Education meeting and the education bills still on the move as the legislative session enters its final sprint.

We're breaking down the state budget deal and what it really means for public schools. Plus, a full roundup of education legislation—what was signed (or not), what didn't, and what you need to know moving forward. If you're an educator or care about Oklahoma's public schools, this one's for you. Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5M9IBGM3WQar71SmFQAaCv Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oea/id1501888562 #oklaed

We're diving into the lawsuit filed this week against Ryan Walters and the State Board of Education—brought by parents, grandparents, and educators, and led by former Republican Attorney General Mike Hunter. We're also breaking down key education bills that survived deadline week at the Capitol—what made it through, what didn't, and what it all means for Oklahoma public schools.

We're catching you up on everything you've missed in the past few weeks at the #okleg—including a disappointing move by lawmakers not to send the new education standards back to the State Board, despite strong concerns from educators and the public. If you're feeling frustrated, you're not alone—and this episode helps you make sense of what's happening at the Capitol and what comes next.

OU's Raegan Beers shines on the court—but she's also preparing to lead the next generation as an education major. Hear why teaching is part of her game plan on this week's Fried Okra.

The State Supt.'s tenuous grasp on the truth continues—this time, the social studies standards presented to the board weren't the same as those posted online. We also cover bills on student phone bans, virtual day limits, retiree pay opportunities, and school board election changes. #oklaed

New Fried Okra episode! We cover bills that could:

Oklahomans just voted overwhelmingly to invest in their public schools—because when given the chance, they always do. We break down the bond election results and the latest #oklaed news.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is in disarray—again. This time, they failed to post an agenda on time in a week where they also handed out $600,000 in bonuses to staff. Meanwhile, critical school board elections are happening across the state, shaping the future of public education. Tune in for the latest on these pressing issues and why your voice matters. Listen now and stay informed! #oklaed

This week in #oklaed, we break down the biggest stories impacting public education in Oklahoma, including a huge victory against an attack on educators' collective voice, encouraging progress on maternity leave and Oklahoma Promise, and, of course, the unfortunate updates that can't be ignored. Stay informed and engaged—tune in now!

Meet Zach Grimm, OEA's new VP and a Spanish teacher from Moore! We get to know him and dive into the shifting tone at the State Board of Ed with Ivy Riggs at 14:05. What's changing, what's not, and what it all means for public schools. Don't miss this one.

Oklahoma's deep freeze didn't stop the flurry of education bills at the Capitol. We're breaking down the most important proposals, what they mean for schools, and what's coming next. Stay informed, stay engaged!

Big changes at the State Board of Education, state leaders at odds, and plenty of drama unfolding in #oklaed. This week on Fried Okra, we're breaking it all down—what's happening, why it matters, and what it means for our schools. Don't miss this one.

Oklahoma's legislative session has begun, and Gov. Stitt's State of the State outlines his priorities: keeping education spending flat while expanding vouchers—a move that's led to budget chaos in Arizona. What could this mean for Oklahoma? We analyze it all in the latest Fried Okra episode.

If you're passionate about public education in Oklahoma, the Fried Okra podcast is a must-listen. This week we're breaking down the latest from OSDE, including new rules, the State Board of Ed meeting, and the freeze in federal funding. Plus, we're looking ahead to the start of the legislative session next week.

Meet our new co-host, Cari Elledge, OEA President, as we chat with Ivy about the 3,000+ bills filed ahead of the OK legislative session and what's next for #oklaed. Tune in!

Rep. Cyndi Munson shares her inspiring journey as the first Asian-American woman elected to the state legislature and how political attacks on inclusive programs erode opportunities for underrepresented Oklahomans.

Join us on a new episode of Fried Okra: The Public Education Podcast for Oklahomans as we dive into legislative leadership heading into the 2025 session! What's changed? What's stayed the same? What does this mean for public education advocates in Oklahoma? We'll break down the threats, opportunities, and key dynamics shaping the future of education in our state.

On this week's Fried Okra, we're sitting down with Rep. Michelle McCane—Tulsa Library media specialist, OEA member, and newly elected member of the Oklahoma State House of Representatives! Join us as we explore Michelle's incredible 13-year journey as an educator and her courageous decision to step into the political arena to fight for Oklahoma's future. What inspired her leap from the classroom to the Capitol?

On this episode of Fried Okra, we dig in to what it would mean to lose the US Department of Education, who in our schools would be impacted, how would it even happen, and most importantly — who would be excluded?

In our latest episode of Fried Okra, we're breaking down the election results and examining the state superintendent's shocking statement on preparing Oklahoma for a future without the U.S. Department of Education. What would this mean for our schools, students, and communities? Tune in as we dive deep into what's at stake for public education in Oklahoma.

Tune in for Ellen's potential farewell episode as we approach Election Day! With five years of insights, she's breaking down the stakes for #oklaed, plus how unity and policy can change the future. Vote, Oklahoma!

We're diving into the Attorney General's lawyer changing the tone of this month's OSDE board meeting—plus, it's the final stretch to Election Day! Learn about the candidates, issues, dark money in our elections, and ways you can get involved. You can also now find Fried Okra available on Spotify!

On this episode of Fried Okra, we dive into the power of educators at the polls!

Our latest episode of Fried Okra is live!  Here's what we're covering: - The legislature's lack of action on critical SDE rules

Fried Okra, your go-to podcast for everything public education in Oklahoma, is back with a brand-new episode! This week, we're diving into:

This week on the public education podcast for Oklahomans we break down budget talks after deadline week and another report of the current Oklahoma State Department of Education administration dropping the ball. Come join us!

After a whirlwind deadline week at the Capitol and another rollercoaster State Board of Education meeting, we're dishing out all the latest updates and insights. From wins for the little guy to the twists and turns of education policy, we've got you covered. Tune in now to stay in the loop and join the conversation!

Dive into the heart of Oklahoma's education matters with the Fried Okra Podcast! This week, we unpack the proposed support professional stipend, dissect a voucher bill threatening local school funds, and discuss the superintendent's challenges in Stillwater. Stay informed, stay engaged—tune in now!

Dive deep into Oklahoma's budget battle with us on the latest episode of Fried Okra, as we dissect the brewing clash between the House and Senate over crucial budget allocations. From funding disputes to policy priorities, we break down the complexities behind the scenes. Tune in now to stay informed and engaged in the issues shaping Oklahoma's future!

In our latest episode, we're thrilled to host Traci Manuel, the State Teacher of the Year and renowned English teacher from Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa! Tune in to hear Traci's incredible journey and insights into the world of education.

Tune in to the Fried Okra podcast, as we dissect the latest Oklahoma chaos stirred by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, plus key updates in education news. Don't miss the breakdown!

Former Norman 5th-grade teacher and current OEA Vice President Cari Elledge joins Ellen as co-host this week with legislative expert Ivy Riggs returning for a lively discussion on the pros and cons of deadline week and yet another reported scandal about the State Superintendent.

Ellen and Ivy agree it was a "weird week at the Capitol" with multiple anti-educator voice bills making it through the State Senate, but some promising legislation making its way through the State House. The two legislative experts have a candid conversation about it all.

The indominable Ivy Riggs returns to the pod to discuss Public Schools Day at the Capitol, the good and the bad of education bills making it through committee, and responds to the continued onslaught of false and inflammatory rhetoric coming from the State Superintendent.

2023 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Traci Manuel has a conversation about the current state of public education with OEA President Katherine Bishop in front of a crowd full of educators at the annual OEA Organizing Conference.

Ellen relates the podcast to weekly "legislation therapy" and this week OEA legislative and political organizer Tyler Outlaw returns to the therapy couch to break down some education bills that made it through committee — including another teacher pay raise and a controversial cell phone bill.

On Monday, the governor gave his annual "State of the State" address to the legislature to kick off the 2024 legislative session. Ivy Riggs returns to analyze what was said and give us insight on what to expect at the Capitol over the next few months.

Following back-to-back weeks of State Board of Education meetings, another lawsuit aimed at the State Superintendent, and legislative session kicking off next week, we had to bring back Ivy Riggs to break it all down.

If you come to the Capitol on a Tuesday during legislative session, you are likely to run into a cadre of educators who made the three-hour drive from northeast Oklahoma to advocate for public schools. Kaci Hoffer, a 14th-year reading interventionist from Miami, explains why that journey for Civication helps them build relationships with legislators and share the real issues facing public education in Oklahoma.

Tyler Outlaw, OEA legislative and political organizer and former Norman teacher, rejoins the pod to discuss the State Department of Education's latest budget proposal to the legislature and how you can connect with your lawmakers about the needs of your students, colleagues, and school.

Per hungerfreeok.org, 14.5% of Oklahoma households are food insecure, 67% of SNAP participants are children, elderly, or disabled, and hunger costs Oklahoma over $1.4 billion each year through increased illness and decreased academic achievement alone. Chris Bernard, president and CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma, joins the podcast to discuss this serious issue that affects our students.

What are the State Board of Education's changes to rules and accreditation and what do they mean? How did Tulsa maintain local control of their schools? Are private schools sending materials about vouchers to families who already attend private school? Find out on this week's episode of Fried Okra!

The OEA is an association of educators, by educators, and that means Oklahoma teachers and support staff make up the elected leadership roles within the organization.  Tiffany Johnson and Krista Farris are each teachers in Shawnee and both offer their spare time to be their zone's board member and president of the Shawnee Association of Classroom Teachers, respectively. They discuss the importance of getting involved in the OEA from the state to the local level.

Unfortunately, it is the fine arts that are often the first to go when facing budget cuts. OEA member and Noble High School drama teacher Kevan Dunkelberg has still found a way to provide a pocket for arts through the creativity of his students, the generosity of a small-town community, and his own passion and hard work. Through determination and imagination, a third-year Oklahoma teacher has improved the lives of Noble students and the community.