Podcasts about Florida Education Association

  Andrew Spar is president of the Florida Education Association, the state's largest association of professional employees. Spar was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, attending public schools. A violinist since age 6, he earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Ohio State University, graduating in 1994. That same year, he went to Daytona Beach to teach at Turie T. Small Elementary School, where more than 90 percent of the students lived in poverty. The music teacher soon found his voice as an advocate and has worked ever since on behalf of public school students, schools, teachers and education staff professionals. “I could not read when I was in first grade,” Spar recalls. “I struggled in school. But the educators in my life were empowered to make my success a priority, and that's just what they did. I want the same world for my family and for all of Florida's children.” At Turie T. Small, Spar served as school-improvement chair for two years and as a union steward for seven years. He would go on to become president of his local union in May 2003 and led Volusia United Educators until he was elected FEA vice president in 2018. In September 2020, he was named FEA president after the previous president, Fedrick C. Ingram, was elected secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Spar negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. In 2017, he led the merger of the Volusia Teachers Organization and the Volusia Educational Support Association to create Volusia United Educators(link is external). The new union has nearly 3,800 members and represents more than 6,000 teachers, paraprofessionals and office specialists in Volusia County Schools. Throughout his career, Spar has served on committees and task forces for the AFT. At FEA, he spent eight years on the executive cabinet. He also has served on the executive board of the Florida AFL-CIO(link is external) and was secretary-treasurer of the organization from January 2016 until September 2020. Spar's wife, Vernell, is also a public school music teacher. The Spars have two daughters; both girls attend public schools. Join us Thursday's at 8EST for our Weekly Happy Hour Hangout! Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll Follow and Support Pete Coe Buy Ava's Art

As part of the America's Work Force Union Podcast's ongoing effort to share the issues unions face across the country, we featured portions of the May 23 press conference from UNITE HERE Culinary Workers Union Local 226 Secretary-Treasurer, Ted Pappageorge, where he discussed the ongoing negotiations with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. He discussed the strike at the property held from May 10-12 and his thoughts on the progress of negotiations since the strike. Following Andrew Spar's most recent appearance on the show, today's episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast features portions of a May 29 press conference, where Spar and several leaders within the Florida Education Association discuss funding for public schools and the increasing teacher and staff shortage across the state.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director for the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperation Trust (LMCT), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss training in the construction industry, an upcoming webinar focused on firestopping and mechanical insulation for engineers who manage and maintain buildings across the nation and the mental health care provided by the Insulators Member Assistance Program (IMAP). Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, joined the America's Workforce Union Podcast to discuss a recent study that ranks Florida 50th in the list of average teacher pay by state and other ways Local members are fighting to save their unions.

Andrew Spar, the President of the Florida Education Association, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the issues plaguing public sector unions in Florida. Spar also talked about the impact of Senate Bill 256 and an active campaign to decertify the United Teachers of Dade. Director of Workforce Development and Organizing for Ironworkers Local 55 in Toledo, Ohio, Rob Monak, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Local's organizing success in 2023. Monak also talked about what it means to stay relevant in the region and the work outlook for the next few years.

GET TICKETS TO SUPD POD JAM IN LAS VEGAS MARCH 22-23 Andrew Spar is president of the Florida Education Association, the state's largest association of professional employees. Spar was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, attending public schools. A violinist since age 6, he earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Ohio State University, graduating in 1994. That same year, he went to Daytona Beach to teach at Turie T. Small Elementary School, where more than 90 percent of the students lived in poverty. The music teacher soon found his voice as an advocate and has worked ever since on behalf of public school students, schools, teachers and education staff professionals. “I could not read when I was in first grade,” Spar recalls. “I struggled in school. But the educators in my life were empowered to make my success a priority, and that's just what they did. I want the same world for my family and for all of Florida's children.” At Turie T. Small, Spar served as school-improvement chair for two years and as a union steward for seven years. He would go on to become president of his local union in May 2003 and led Volusia United Educators until he was elected FEA vice president in 2018. In September 2020, he was named FEA president after the previous president, Fedrick C. Ingram, was elected secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Spar negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. In 2017, he led the merger of the Volusia Teachers Organization and the Volusia Educational Support Association to create Volusia United Educators(link is external). The new union has nearly 3,800 members and represents more than 6,000 teachers, paraprofessionals and office specialists in Volusia County Schools. Throughout his career, Spar has served on committees and task forces for the AFT. At FEA, he spent eight years on the executive cabinet. He also has served on the executive board of the Florida AFL-CIO(link is external) and was secretary-treasurer of the organization from January 2016 until September 2020. Spar's wife, Vernell, is also a public school music teacher. The Spars have two daughters; both girls attend public schools. Join us Thursday's at 8EST for our Weekly Happy Hour Hangout! Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll Follow and Support Pete Coe Buy Ava's Art

The Florida Legislature is in session and Tuesday Cafe looks at the wide-ranging topic of education in Florida.

It's Hump Day! Sam and Emma speak with Trita Parsi, executive vice president at the Quincy Institute, to discuss the state of play in Israel/Gaza nearly 3 months after October 7th. Then, they're joined by Paul Ortiz, professor of history at the University of Florida, to discuss how unions in Florida have been pushing back against Gov. Ron DeSantis's draconian anti-labor policy in the state. First, Sam and Emma run through updates on the recent attack on Iran's memorial for General Soleimani that killed 100, Israel's drone strike in Beirut, Bernie's call to block additional funding for Israel, the Fed's case against Menendez, the House GOP's consolidation around Trump as their majority thins, Texan fascism, and the Ivy president debacle, before parsing through Israel's absurd escalation of their ongoing conflict to the wider region of the Middle East. After briefly tackling the growing indictments against Senator Bob Menendez, Trita Parsi joins to discuss Israel expanding its offensive to Beirut and Damascus alongside the unclaimed terror attack, all serving to reinforce Israel's desire to bring this conflict onto the regional stage. Expanding on this, Parsi discusses Israel's apparent tact of provoking a military response from Iran, or a greater escalation from Hezbollah, and why that hinges on the US' unconditional support for Israel's disproportionate responses. Next, Trita, Sam, and Emma parse through what this potential escalation means for direct US military action, including the clear alignment of Houthi attacks on US troops with Israel's ongoing ethnic cleansing of Gaza, and what it means for Israel's multi-decade attempt to inspire war between the US and Iran. Wrapping up, Parsi looks at the Biden Administration's unwavering support for this conflict, and whether there's any hope for his electoral coalition moving forward. Paul Ortiz then joins, as he walks through the history of the United Faculty of Florida, formed in the 1970s in response to decades of attacks against Floridian educators over criticizing the American right or supporting progressive causes, and contextualizes their current work within the Florida Education Association. After expanding on the ongoing bout of attacks against educational freedom by Ron DeSantis' administration, with help from Chris Rufo, Ortiz dives into the union's emphasis on the social justice model of organizing, using community ties and interaction to bolster their intersectional approach to supporting their teachers amid ongoing attacks, before wrapping up with an assessment of UFF's incredible success in fighting back against fascism, and the hope that lies in the students they support.   And in the Fun Half: Sam and Emma watch Israel's telling response to South Africa initiating a suit against them over crimes of genocide in the International Criminal Court, Michael Knowles pleads with his followers to make Nazi propaganda out of beloved animated children's characters, and Tim Pool reflects on the pre-Mohammad era of humanity. Aaron Rodgers puts his bad foot in his mouth over the Epstein list, Nick from Michigan discusses pressuring Biden from the left (and the importance of the Democratic primaries in doing so), Aaron from Texas dissects the hypocrisy of Bill Maher, and Nick from Winnepeig on talking with conservatives, plus, your calls and IMs! Check out the Quincy Institute here: https://quincyinst.org/ Check out an interview Paul did with Bill Fletcher Jr. here: https://inthesetimes.com/article/united-faculty-of-florida-paul-ortiz-bill-fletcher-ron-desantis Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! http://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: http://majority.fm/app Check out today's sponsors: Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/majority. Go to https://shopify.com/majority now to grow your business–no matter what stage you're in. Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech @BradKAlsop Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on Youtube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder - https://majorityreportradio.com/

President for the Alliance of American Manufacturing, Scott Paul, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the potential repeal of the Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China and potential issues with corporations. Paul also talked about the 2023 Made In America Holiday Gift Guide. Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of Senate Bill 256 in Florida. Spar also discussed FEA's work to ensure its membership is compliant and their plans for 2024.

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 740 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls. Andrew Spar is president of the Florida Education Association, the state's largest association of professional employees. Spar was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, attending public schools. A violinist since age 6, he earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Ohio State University, graduating in 1994. That same year, he went to Daytona Beach to teach at Turie T. Small Elementary School, where more than 90 percent of the students lived in poverty. The music teacher soon found his voice as an advocate and has worked ever since on behalf of public school students, schools, teachers and education staff professionals. “I could not read when I was in first grade,” Spar recalls. “I struggled in school. But the educators in my life were empowered to make my success a priority, and that's just what they did. I want the same world for my family and for all of Florida's children.” At Turie T. Small, Spar served as school-improvement chair for two years and as a union steward for seven years. He would go on to become president of his local union in May 2003 and led Volusia United Educators until he was elected FEA vice president in 2018. In September 2020, he was named FEA president after the previous president, Fedrick C. Ingram, was elected secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Spar negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. In 2017, he led the merger of the Volusia Teachers Organization and the Volusia Educational Support Association to create Volusia United Educators(link is external). The new union has nearly 3,800 members and represents more than 6,000 teachers, paraprofessionals and office specialists in Volusia County Schools. Throughout his career, Spar has served on committees and task forces for the AFT. At FEA, he spent eight years on the executive cabinet. He also has served on the executive board of the Florida AFL-CIO(link is external) and was secretary-treasurer of the organization from January 2016 until September 2020. Spar's wife, Vernell, is also a public school music teacher. The Spars have two daughters; both girls attend public schools. Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll  Follow and Support Pete Coe

Air Date 8/6/2023 Today, we take a look at the education curriculum reforms currently being pushed through in Florida through the lens of the long pattern of choosing to see our history in a way that comforts the comfortable and afflicts the afflicted. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Meet the Man Driving the Right's Culture War Panic - Deconstructed - Air Date 7-28-23 The Republican Party's full embrace of the culture war as a political tactic — from drag queen story hour to critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives — has been chiefly guided by activist and polemicist Christopher Rufo Ch. 2: DeSantis culture war drives AP Psychology out of Florida schools - Alex Wagner Tonight - Air Date 8-4-23 Rachel Chapman, who teaches AP Psychology in Florida, talks with Alex Wagner about being an educator in Florida why psychology can't pick and choose which people to consider. Ch. 3: We Actually Have To Explain To DeSantis Why Slaves Didn't Benefit From Slavery - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 7-25-23 Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman had to break down why the new curriculum in Florida that requires teachers to explain how slaves benefitted from slavery is racist Ch. 4: PragerU in Florida Schools - I Doubt It Podcast - Air Date 7-28-23 Jesse and Brittany discuss the heat wave wreaking havoc on the nation as well as their recent adventures engaged in tourist activities in DC, listener communication related to Biden's re-election and the new Florida education guidelines Ch. 5: Why a Leftist is Defending Conservatives Over Desantis' Racist Florida Curriculum - The Benjamin Dixon Show - Air Date 7-30-23 Highlighting some of the gentle pushback from Black Republicans to the new Florida education curriculum Ch. 6: Fox News BUSTED For Rewriting History Of Slavery - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-26-23 Jesse Watters spoke with William Allen, one of the authors of Florida's revised Black History curriculum, about Vice President Harris's representation that one of the standards outlined implies teaching that slavery in some ways benefitted Black Americans Ch. 7: I was teaching before he was born: Professor slams DeSantis for quashing Black history education - The Reidout - Air Date 1-23-23 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is trying to control the type of education that Florida students can receive, most recently rejecting an advanced placement course in African-American studies, claiming it was “contrary to Florida law” MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: It's hard to vilify DEI training, without announcing one's racism - Think About It with Michael Leppert - Air Date 8-1-23 If the average American were to learn about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training through its discussion in the political arena alone, suspicion of it should be expected, and hostility toward it would be understandable. Duh. Ch. 9: Andrew Spar, Florida Education Association President and Scott Slawson, UE Local 506 President - America's Work Force Union Podcast - Air Date 7-26-23 Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the fight over African American studies in Florida's curriculum Ch. 10: The Court Room of History - Why Now? A Political Junkie Podcast - Air Date 7-29-23 In this episode, we are talking about her most recent book, Sisters and Rebels: A Struggle for the Soul of America (W.W. Norton, 2019), which tells the story of three sisters, women from the slave-holding Lumpkin family of Georgia. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on how education curriculum is helping maintain power imbalances MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the fight over African American studies in Florida's curriculum and a recent bump in membership thanks to an attack on teachers. Scott Slawson, United Electrical Workers Local 506 President, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast and announced Local 506 members who work at Wab-Tec have gone on strike after management's refusal to pay employees what they believe is deserved compensation.

Thomas Martel, 22, turned himself in to police Monday after a woman accused him of animal cruelty. He is accused of drowning and squeezing two cats to death and killing a third by mutilation. A kitten was found by police officers in a plastic bag at Martel's apartment. The woman who filed a complaint against him said the cat had been put in the microwave. They said he had been prescribed medications and had serious mental issues Houston health department issues warning about syphillis outbreak with 128% increase in cases among men Nikko Japanese Steakhouse in Pace, FL closes door as customers test positive for meth after eating there. On June 9th customers were claiming they were feeling sick afterward. 3 out of the 7 affected individuals tested positive for methamphetamine Boosie and his daughter Tori been going back and forth on IG. She said it was about her leaving town to see her mama who had a wreck in a car she just painted and bought. He said she left with his mama to help her put him on child support when she bout to turn 18 after he done took care of her her whole life. Sexxy “My Booty hole red” Red posted how she performed at a high school and then she posted “Where should she perform next?” 29 year old, Tierra Young Allen has been detained in Dubai for over 2 months. According to her mother, Tierra was at a car rental service, she had a wreck and wanted to retrieve her belongings. She was told she could only get her money if she paid an undisclosed amount. That's when things began to escalate. Her mother says, “She dealt with a very aggressive individual, a young man who was screaming at her.” Tierra screamed back. America got y'all fucked up 25 year old nursing student, Carlee Russel, who was missing over 48 hours because she pulled over when she seen a toddler on the side of the road and disappeared out of nowhere. She was on the phone with her brother's gf when it happened. She asked was the child okay and then heard a scream from Carlee. She popped back up at the home she shared with her parents 48 hours later. She was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Come to find out, the officers researched to see what happened before and during her “abduction” and it revealed some rather strange shit Houston health dept issues warning about syphillis outbreak with 128% increase in cases among women Chad African story Florida's state board of education has voted to approve new rules for how black history will be taught in public schools despite criticism from the Florida Education Association and NAACP. The updated standards including noting that enslaved people developed skills that could be applied for their personal benefit. State Rep. Anna Eskamani stated “The notion that enslaved people benefited from being enslaved is inaccurate and a scary standard for us to establish in our education system.” These mfs tryna rewrite history. Home school First generation IPhone from 2007 sells for more than 190k at an auction SUPPORT MANESTREAM PODCASThttps://youtube.com/@youknowmaaacus#5150 #Manestream #5150nation Seamoss promowww.nickokitchenshop.compromo code: MANESTREAM Mane Stream: Country Folk In The City Podcast

Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing attacks on educators in Florida. Spar also talked about the increasing trend of banning books in schools, the growing pressure on school superintendents and how recent laws have forced public sector unions to reassess their position. President and Business Manager of the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 39, Kathryn Bartlett-Mulvihill, joined the America's Work Force Radio Podcast to discuss the ongoing strike at Trustage. Bartlett-Mulvihill also highlighted the multiple stalling practices being used by the employer and what issues still remain unresolved in the bargaining process.

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 740 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls. 13 mins Andrew Spar is president of the Florida Education Association, the state's largest association of professional employees. Spar was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, attending public schools. A violinist since age 6, he earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Ohio State University, graduating in 1994. That same year, he went to Daytona Beach to teach at Turie T. Small Elementary School, where more than 90 percent of the students lived in poverty. The music teacher soon found his voice as an advocate and has worked ever since on behalf of public school students, schools, teachers and education staff professionals. “I could not read when I was in first grade,” Spar recalls. “I struggled in school. But the educators in my life were empowered to make my success a priority, and that's just what they did. I want the same world for my family and for all of Florida's children.” At Turie T. Small, Spar served as school-improvement chair for two years and as a union steward for seven years. He would go on to become president of his local union in May 2003 and led Volusia United Educators until he was elected FEA vice president in 2018. In September 2020, he was named FEA president after the previous president, Fedrick C. Ingram, was elected secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Spar negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. In 2017, he led the merger of the Volusia Teachers Organization and the Volusia Educational Support Association to create Volusia United Educators(link is external). The new union has nearly 3,800 members and represents more than 6,000 teachers, paraprofessionals and office specialists in Volusia County Schools. Throughout his career, Spar has served on committees and task forces for the AFT. At FEA, he spent eight years on the executive cabinet. He also has served on the executive board of the Florida AFL-CIO(link is external) and was secretary-treasurer of the organization from January 2016 until September 2020. Spar's wife, Vernell, is also a public school music teacher. The Spars have two daughters; both girls attend public schools. 33 mins Maura Quint  is a humor writer and activist whose work has been featured in publications such as McSweeneys and The New Yorker. She was named one of Rolling Stone's top 25 funniest twitter accounts of 2016. When not writing comedy, Maura has worked extensively with non-profits in diverse sectors including political action campaigns, international arts collectives and health and human services organizations. She has never been officially paid to protest but did once find fifteen cents on the ground at an immigrants' rights rally and wanted to make sure that had been disclosed. She was the co founder and executive director of TaxMarch.org  Check out all things Jon Carroll Follow and Support Pete Coe Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page

U.S. News & World Report has released its new law school rankings after a boycott by nearly one-third of law schools and a three-week delay due to data problems. Changes in the methodology of the publication led to notable shifts among elite law schools and significant movement among many schools further down on the list. The changes increased the weight of employment outcomes and bar passage rates and reduced the weight of Law School Admission Test scores and undergraduate grade-point averages. U.S. News defended its rankings as vital sources of information for prospective students. The final rankings show Stanford Law School and Yale Law School tied at the No. 1 spot, with the University of Chicago School of Law holding steady at No. 3. The year's rankings shakeup was most apparent outside the elite schools, with 62 law schools seeing their ranks increase or decrease by double digits this year compared with 27 schools last year. Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law saw the single largest increase, moving up 40 spots to No. 89, and Florida International University College of Law was next with an increase of 38 spots to land No. 60.Revamped US News law school rankings yield major shifts | ReutersThe Biden administration's plan to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants aims to require the nation's coal plants and the largest gas-fired units to cut nearly all of their emissions. However, the proposed limits would apply to less than 20% of US natural gas-based power generation capacity, and utilities would have over a decade to comply with greenhouse gas caps. Some industry groups are warning the plan could force power plants to adopt costly technologies that aren't economically or technically feasible, while environmental advocates say it doesn't go far enough, and too many gas-fired plants are exempt. The EPA proposal, which aims to be finalized in 2024, would inevitably face legal and political challenges. Some Republican attorneys general who successfully battled an earlier Obama-administration plan in court are expected to mount similar challenges. The foundation of the plan is the EPA's determination that for many power plants, the "best system of emission reduction" is carbon capture technology, which is barely in commercial use at the sites today. Coal power plants could keep operating through 2040, as long as they substituted natural gas for 40% of their fuel. The EPA predicts that the industry's demand for natural gas would fall 36.8% during the same time frame. The plan would increase electricity prices by 0.24% in 2035, while unlocking up to $85 billion in climate and public health benefits through 2042. The requirements would keep as much as 617 million metric tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere through 2042, according to the government's projections.Biden's Plan to Cut Climate Pollution Spares Most Gas PlantsNew York Congressman George Santos will continue serving despite facing criminal fraud and money laundering charges. There is no law or rule stopping him from staying in Congress. Santos entered a plea of not guilty to all 13 counts in the indictment against him. If he is found guilty, Speaker Kevin McCarthy has indicated he would ask him to resign, but don't count on it. Any member of the House can offer a privileged resolution to expel a colleague, but in the past, lawmakers have waited until after their accused colleagues had their day in court. Santos has introduced 11 bills and cosponsored 82. He has filed paperwork to raise money for a re-election bid, and his campaign raised just $5,333 in this year's first quarter. If he quits, there would be a special election if there's a vacancy before July 1, 2024, and Governor Kathy Hochul would call it. New York's 3rd Congressional District backed President Joe Biden in the 2020 election by 8 percentage points.George Santos Will Stay in Congress and No Rule Stops Him (2)Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and teachers' unions are in a legal dispute over a new law that places certain restrictions on teachers' unions. Before the law, unions could collect dues directly from teacher paychecks, but now that is prohibited. The Florida Education Association believes the law violates their First Amendment rights, while DeSantis argues it is in the best interest of teachers. The law also requires unions to notify teachers of membership costs, prohibits unions from using government resources to deduct union dues directly from employee paychecks, and requires unions be made up of at least 60% of eligible employees who pay dues. If they can't hit the new benchmark, unions would have to be recertified as bargaining agents. The FEA says the law is unfairly applied because it exempts unions representing law enforcement, corrections officers, and firefighters – how strange. The suit names Donald Rubottom, the chair of the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission, as a defendant, as well as commissioners Jeff Aaron and Michael Sasso. The lawsuit is ultimately asking the courts to keep the defendants from implementing and enforcing provisions of the law, which is SB 256.New Florida law putting restrictions on teachers' unions leads to federal lawsuit against state officialsA US bankruptcy judge has blocked the NBA's Phoenix Suns from proceeding with a TV and streaming rights deal with Gray Television and Kiswe, as it violated the rights of its current broadcast partner, Diamond Sports Group. The bankrupt subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group holds the contractual right to negotiate a contract extension, which the Suns' new TV deal interfered with, according to US bankruptcy law. The Suns' lawyers had argued that the team's previous deal with Diamond Sports Group had expired. Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein has said the team would work towards “a fair resolution” that benefits its fans, community, and players. The financial terms of the Phoenix Suns' contract with Diamond Sports and Gray TV were not disclosed in bankruptcy court. Diamond broadcasts games for nearly half of all teams in the NBA, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League. Diamond filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March.US bankruptcy judge blocks NBA team Phoenix Suns' new TV deal | Reuters Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

February marks Black History Month in the United States and that's definitely been reflected this last week on the Labor Radio Podcast Network.  On El Cafecito del Día, Janella Hinds from the United Federation of Teachers in New York discussed the importance of centering Afro-Latina voices within the contemporary labor movement, and the need to address the continued under-representation of black members within positions of union leadership. The following two shows are really a tale of two different states: On the OEA Grow Podcast, Natika Samuels interviewed Kevin Adams, a Colorado social studies teacher and the host of the Two Dope Teachers podcast.  Adams discusses the full gamut of activities that are on offer to students during black history month and how to create a positive environment where students feel free to explore questions of culture, politics and heritage in a lively and meaningful way. By contrast is a new report on the stifling environment that teachers are facing in the Sunshine State on Educating From the Heart, from the Florida Education Association.  Tina and Luke spoke to Raegan Miller, Jabari Hosey, and Jen Cousins, - not professional educators themselves but rather parent advocates and activists – who describe some of the classroom realities faced by teachers when they're attempting to teach black history, and how parents can respond in productive ways that avoid the shouting and hectoring of adversarial school board meetings. In the second half of today's show we go to the Heartland Labor Forum where Bloomberg News' labor reporter Robert Lafolla brings us an update from the National Labor Relations Board. We stay in the Midwest where WORT community radio in Madison, Wisconsin, reports on recent charges of a hostile work environment at the Henry Vilas Zoo.  It has nothing to do with the animals. Then we visit New Zealand where Auckland union representative Justine Sachs digs into the mailbag on Red Dead Redemption and addresses the age old question of what to do when your workplace has a moldy carpet. We began with Black History Month and that's where we end today's show, with a trailer for AFSCME's new I AM Podcast, a forthcoming series that explores the legacy of the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike. Please help us build sonic solidarity by clicking on the share button below. Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people's issues and concerns. #LaborRadioPod @AFLCIO @LCLAA @95bFM @FloridaEA @Heartland_Labor @oregoneducation @MachinistsUnion Edited by Patrick Dixon and Mel Smith, produced by Patrick Dixon and Chris Garlock; social media guru Mr. Harold Phillips.

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 800 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Check out StandUpwithPete.com to learn more Andrew Spar is president of the Florida Education Association, the state's largest association of professional employees. Spar was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, attending public schools. A violinist since age 6, he earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Ohio State University, graduating in 1994. That same year, he went to Daytona Beach to teach at Turie T. Small Elementary School, where more than 90 percent of the students lived in poverty. The music teacher soon found his voice as an advocate and has worked ever since on behalf of public school students, schools, teachers and education staff professionals. “I could not read when I was in first grade,” Spar recalls. “I struggled in school. But the educators in my life were empowered to make my success a priority, and that's just what they did. I want the same world for my family and for all of Florida's children.” At Turie T. Small, Spar served as school-improvement chair for two years and as a union steward for seven years. He would go on to become president of his local union in May 2003 and led Volusia United Educators until he was elected FEA vice president in 2018. In September 2020, he was named FEA president after the previous president, Fedrick C. Ingram, was elected secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Spar negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. In 2017, he led the merger of the Volusia Teachers Organization and the Volusia Educational Support Association to create Volusia United Educators(link is external). The new union has nearly 3,800 members and represents more than 6,000 teachers, paraprofessionals and office specialists in Volusia County Schools. Throughout his career, Spar has served on committees and task forces for the AFT. At FEA, he spent eight years on the executive cabinet. He also has served on the executive board of the Florida AFL-CIO(link is external) and was secretary-treasurer of the organization from January 2016 until September 2020. Spar's wife, Vernell, is also a public school music teacher. The Spars have two daughters; both girls attend public schools. Check out all things Jon Carroll Follow and Support Pete Coe Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page      

American Federation of Teachers Secretary-Treasurer and immediate past president of the Florida Education Association on the banned course, and the myriad of other issues Florida's students, parents and teachers face which DeSantis ignores. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 800 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Check out StandUpwithPete.com to learn more Andrew Spar is president of the Florida Education Association, the state's largest association of professional employees. Spar was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, attending public schools. A violinist since age 6, he earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Ohio State University, graduating in 1994. That same year, he went to Daytona Beach to teach at Turie T. Small Elementary School, where more than 90 percent of the students lived in poverty. The music teacher soon found his voice as an advocate and has worked ever since on behalf of public school students, schools, teachers and education staff professionals. “I could not read when I was in first grade,” Spar recalls. “I struggled in school. But the educators in my life were empowered to make my success a priority, and that's just what they did. I want the same world for my family and for all of Florida's children.” At Turie T. Small, Spar served as school-improvement chair for two years and as a union steward for seven years. He would go on to become president of his local union in May 2003 and led Volusia United Educators until he was elected FEA vice president in 2018. In September 2020, he was named FEA president after the previous president, Fedrick C. Ingram, was elected secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Spar negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. In 2017, he led the merger of the Volusia Teachers Organization and the Volusia Educational Support Association to create Volusia United Educators(link is external). The new union has nearly 3,800 members and represents more than 6,000 teachers, paraprofessionals and office specialists in Volusia County Schools. Throughout his career, Spar has served on committees and task forces for the AFT. At FEA, he spent eight years on the executive cabinet. He also has served on the executive board of the Florida AFL-CIO(link is external) and was secretary-treasurer of the organization from January 2016 until September 2020. Spar's wife, Vernell, is also a public school music teacher. The Spars have two daughters; both girls attend public schools. Check out all things Jon Carroll Follow and Support Pete Coe Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page

Dr. Paul Ortiz is a 1st generation college student and 3rd generation military veteran. He is a Professor of History and Director of the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program at the University of Florida. He is the author of "An African American and Latinx History of the United States." Dr. Ortiz is president of the United Faculty of Florida, AFL-CIO, He is the Recipient of the Cesar Chavez Award, Florida Education Association. He is also a former organizer with the United Farm Workers of Washington State and the Farm Labor Organizing Committee.

On today's show: Mel Buer of The Morning Riot podcast joins The Valley Labor Report to talk about a wild white paper from a union busting group that compares union organizers to IEDs in Iraq. On the latest Solidarity Center Podcast, Carmen Foro, secretary-general of the Central Union of Workers in Brazil, describes how an Amazon community is standing up to plans for a river project that would destroy their livelihoods. While education should not be partisan, it is most definitely political. On Educating from the Heart sits down with three members of the Florida Education Association's Republican Cadre to discuss their challenges and successes. On Labor Vision, James and Charles talk unions, coalition building, broadband infrastructure and more. We wrap up this week with Working to Live In Southwest Washington, which returns this week to explain why the Evergreen Schools Replacement Levy is important to everyone. Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people's issues and concerns. #LaborRadioPod @AFLCIO @LaborReporters @SolidarityCntr @FloridaEA @seelaborvision @SWWACLC Edited by Patrick Dixon; produced by Chris Garlock; social media guru Mr. Harold Phillips.

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 800 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Check out StandUpwithPete.com to learn more Andrew Spar is president of the Florida Education Association, the state's largest association of professional employees. Spar was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, attending public schools. A violinist since age 6, he earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Ohio State University, graduating in 1994. That same year, he went to Daytona Beach to teach at Turie T. Small Elementary School, where more than 90 percent of the students lived in poverty. The music teacher soon found his voice as an advocate and has worked ever since on behalf of public school students, schools, teachers and education staff professionals. “I could not read when I was in first grade,” Spar recalls. “I struggled in school. But the educators in my life were empowered to make my success a priority, and that's just what they did. I want the same world for my family and for all of Florida's children.” At Turie T. Small, Spar served as school-improvement chair for two years and as a union steward for seven years. He would go on to become president of his local union in May 2003 and led Volusia United Educators until he was elected FEA vice president in 2018. In September 2020, he was named FEA president after the previous president, Fedrick C. Ingram, was elected secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Spar negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. In 2017, he led the merger of the Volusia Teachers Organization and the Volusia Educational Support Association to create Volusia United Educators(link is external). The new union has nearly 3,800 members and represents more than 6,000 teachers, paraprofessionals and office specialists in Volusia County Schools. Throughout his career, Spar has served on committees and task forces for the AFT. At FEA, he spent eight years on the executive cabinet. He also has served on the executive board of the Florida AFL-CIO(link is external) and was secretary-treasurer of the organization from January 2016 until September 2020. Spar's wife, Vernell, is also a public school music teacher. The Spars have two daughters; both girls attend public schools.   Christian Finnegan  is an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor based in New York City. BUY HIS NEW ALBUM--- "Show Your Work: Live at QED" Check out Christian's new Substack Newsletter! What is New Music for Olds? This newsletter has a very simple premise: You don't have time to discover new music. I do. Here's what I've discovered. Finnegan is perhaps best known as one of the original panelists on VH1's Best Week Ever and as Chad, the only white roommate in the “Mad Real World” sketch on Comedy Central's Chappelle's Show. Additional television appearances as himself or performing stand up have included “Conan”, “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”, "Would You Rather...with Graham Norton", “Good Afternoon America” and multiple times on The Today Show and Countdown with Keith Olbermann, and on History's I Love the 1880s. He hosted TV Land's game show "Game Time". As an actor, Finnegan portrayed the supporting role of "Carl" in the film Eden Court, a ticket agent in "Knight and Day" and several guest roles including a talk show host on "The Good Wife". In October 2006, Finnegan's debut stand up comedy CD titled Two For Flinching was released by Comedy Central Records, with a follow-up national tour of college campuses from January to April 2007. “Au Contraire!” was released by Warner Bros. Records in 2009. His third special "The Fun Part" was filmed at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston on April 4, 2013 and debuted on Netflix on April 15, 2014.   Ophira Eisenberg is a Canadian-born standup comedian and writer. She hosted NPR's nationally syndicated comedy trivia show Ask Me Another (airing on 400+ stations) where she interviewed, joked, and played silly games with some of the biggest and funniest folks in the world.  Lauded as “hilarious, high risk, and an inspiration,” Ophira filmed her comedy special Inside Joke, when she was 8½ months pregnant. The show's material revolves around how she told everyone that she was never going to have kids, and then unexpectedly found herself expecting at “an advanced maternal age.” Inside Joke can be found on Amazon and iTunes, along with her two other comedy albums, Bangs!and As Is. She has appeared on Comedy Central, This Week at The Comedy Cellar, Kevin Hart's LOL Network, HBO's Girls, Gotham Live, The Late Late Show, The Today Show, and VH-1. The New York Times called her a skilled comedian and storyteller with “bleakly stylish” humor. She was also selected as one of New York Magazine's “Top 10 Comics that Funny People Find Funny,” and hailed by Forbes.com as one of the most engaging comics working today. Ophira is a regular host and teller with The Moth and her stories have been featured on The Moth Radio Hour and in two of The Moth's best-selling books, including the most recent New York Times Bestseller Occasional Magic: True Stories About Defying the Impossible. Ophira's first book, Screw Everyone: Sleeping My Way to Monogamyi s a comedic memoir about her experiments in the field as a single woman, traveling from futon to futon and flask-to-flask, gathering data, hoping to put it all together and build her own perfect mate. She is also sought after as a brilliant interviewer and moderator, and has interviewed dozens of celebrities, writers, and actors. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Ophira graduated with a Cultural Anthropology and Theater degree from McGill University. She now lives in Brooklyn, NY where she is a fixture at New York City's comedy clubs All things Jon Carroll  Follow and Support Pete Coe Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page

Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 800 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Check out StandUpwithPete.com to learn more All this month and next I will be promoting GiveWell.org and I hope you will consider sending Andrew Spar is president of the Florida Education Association, the state's largest association of professional employees. Spar was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, attending public schools. A violinist since age 6, he earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Ohio State University, graduating in 1994. That same year, he went to Daytona Beach to teach at Turie T. Small Elementary School, where more than 90 percent of the students lived in poverty. The music teacher soon found his voice as an advocate and has worked ever since on behalf of public school students, schools, teachers and education staff professionals. “I could not read when I was in first grade,” Spar recalls. “I struggled in school. But the educators in my life were empowered to make my success a priority, and that's just what they did. I want the same world for my family and for all of Florida's children.” At Turie T. Small, Spar served as school-improvement chair for two years and as a union steward for seven years. He would go on to become president of his local union in May 2003 and led Volusia United Educators until he was elected FEA vice president in 2018. In September 2020, he was named FEA president after the previous president, Fedrick C. Ingram, was elected secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Spar negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. In 2017, he led the merger of the Volusia Teachers Organization and the Volusia Educational Support Association to create Volusia United Educators(link is external). The new union has nearly 3,800 members and represents more than 6,000 teachers, paraprofessionals and office specialists in Volusia County Schools. Throughout his career, Spar has served on committees and task forces for the AFT. At FEA, he spent eight years on the executive cabinet. He also has served on the executive board of the Florida AFL-CIO(link is external) and was secretary-treasurer of the organization from January 2016 until September 2020. Spar's wife, Vernell, is also a public school music teacher. The Spars have two daughters; both girls attend public schools. Paul  Rieckhoff is an American writer, social entrepreneur, advocate, activist and veteran of the United States Army and the Iraq War. He is the President of Righteous Media Inc and the host of the Independent Americans podcast  prior to that, he was the founder, CEO and executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA),a non-partisan non-profit founded in 2004 with tens of thousands of members in all 50 US states. IAVA is America's first and largest Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans group. He served as an army first lieutenant and infantry rifle platoon leader in Iraq from 2003 through 2004. He wrote an awesome book about his time in Iraq called Chasing Ghosts Listen and Subscribe to Paul's Podcast Independent Americans   Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page

Roofers Local 65 President Taylor Nelson joined today's edition of the America's Work Force Union Podcast. He spoke about Local 65, a jurisdictional dispute between the Roofers and Carpenters Unions and the Local's apprenticeship program. Florida Education Association (FEA) President Andrew Spar was also featured on today's episode. He discussed staffing shortages in Florida public schools. He discussed the root cause to these issues and how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated them.

At Florida Education Association's 2021 Delegate Assembly, we sat down with the newly re-elected leadership of FEA to discuss the challenges facing education in Florida right now and how unions can help to overcome those challenges as well as the officers' vision for what public education should look like in the years ahead. Episode 11 Show Notes: Guests Show resources Transcript GuestsAndrew Spar, FEA PresidentCarole Gauronskas, FEA Vice PresidentNandi Riley, FEA Secretary-Treasurer  ResourcesLearn more about FEA LeadershipCheck out FEA History TranscriptAndrew Spar, President of FEA: Hi, this is FEA President Andrew Spar. To stay on top of all the latest news and issues impacting our public schools, be sure to follow FEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on this podcast, visit FEAweb.org/podcast.  Sharon Nesvig, Announcer: You're listening to Educating from the Heart. Thank you for joining our lively conversations with teachers, support professionals, parents and students as they share issues that matter most in our public schools. Here are your hosts Tina Dunbar and Luke Flynt.  Tina Dunbar, Host: Hello, and welcome to Educating from the Heart. I'm Tina, and I'm here with Luke Flynt.  Luke Flynt, Host: Hello!  Tina: We have been so busy lately because we've been involved in a very important event. You know, every fall the Florida Education Association hosts its annual meeting called the Delegate Assembly, or the DA as some call it. At this event hundreds upon hundreds of members unite to discuss important education issues and policies. They elect leaders and set and organizational path for the future. Educators also take time to recognize important events. So, Luke, I'd like to open this episode by saying congratulations for 20 plus one years of merger.  Luke: Congratulations indeed. It really is a big deal. Let me give a little history lesson for the listeners that might not know that FEA used to be two separate unions of educators. Following years of competition between both organizations, the FEA United and FTP, the Florida Teaching Profession NEA, they decided it would be smarter to begin working together instead of against one another. After years of talk, the two unions merged into one much larger and more powerful organization in the year 2000.  Tina: And now 20 plus one years later the FEA is considered the largest labor union in the South, representing public school teachers throughout Florida. We've accomplished a lot since 2000, and we firmly stood together through adversity and some challenging times. Our success is directly related to our strong leadership.  Luke: To the newly elected leadership: Congratulations! And I guess where I want to start is at some point, everybody was just an infant in their union journey. Right? But before you even become a delegate or a local leader or a state leader, you make a decision to become involved in your local union. So share with us why did you decide to get involved in your local union in the first place? And President Spar I'll start with you.   Andrew Spar, President of FEA: First and foremost, I grew up in New York, just outside of New York City. And my mom was a teacher and a member of the Yonkers Federation of Teachers. And so, it was just kind of in me, that when you come into the profession, you join your union. And so that's what I did. Right when we started out in the new teacher orientation, I joined, and about two years later in Volusia, they were offering, the district was saying, “well, all we got money for is a 1% raise.” And the steward, is what we call them in Volusia, the building rep. But the steward at the school, her husband was really ill, and so she was not able to be at school all the time.

A judge once again shuts down the Governor's attempt to block local mask mandates. But even before the judge's ruling, Gov. Ron DeSantis vowed that he would fight back through appeal and win. Also, on today's Sunrise: — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried touted the safety of vaccines during her COVID-19 briefing, but issued a statement calling on news outlets to stop broadcasting “the Governor's misinformation without immediate editorial correction with the facts.” — And Florida's largest teachers' union weighs in on the judge's mask ruling against the state. — On the Sunrise Interview, Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, says they are prepared for the Governor's appeal as they continue the fight to keep teachers and students safe. — And finally, a Florida Man fed up with a private road in poor condition near his Southwest Florida business produced a novel solution: plant a banana tree in a pothole to warn motorists away.

Being an educator is always hard work. As we enter the third school year impacted by Covid, being an educator is harder than ever. Before the start of the 2021-22 school year, we sat down with a veteran high school history teacher to discuss the upcoming school year. Filled with equal parts optimism and concern for the year ahead, Elizabeth Rasmussen shares the importance of taking charge, engaging in advocacy and being the change she wants to see. Episode 9 Show Notes: Guests Show Resources Transcript Guest Elizabeth Rasmussen, History teacher Polk County Resources Polk Schools have more than 400 openings (Lakeland Ledger) FL Grapples with Record COVID Surge (NBC News) FEA's Safe Schools Report Florida Has A Critical Shortage Of Teachers. Here's Why. (WFME, NPR) featuring FEA VP Carole Gauronskas. Why is FL DOE behind on getting billions of federal dollars to schools recovering from COVID pandemic? Transcript [00:00:00] Announcer: Sharon: You're listening to “Educating from the Heart.” Thank you for joining our lively conversations with teachers, support professionals, parents, and students, as they share issues that matter most in our public schools. Here are your hosts, Tina Dunbar and Luke Flynt. [00:00:27] Tina Dunbar, Host: Welcome back to “Educating from the Heart,” the Florida Education Association podcast for teachers, support professionals, parents, community leaders and students. Together, we engage in monthly conversations, exploring all aspects of education and the impacts of policy decisions on our students and their schools. I'm Tina Dunbar, and with me is my co-host, Luke Flynt. Hey, Luke! [00:00:53] Luke Flynt, Host: Hey, Tina. [00:00:54] Tina: Good to see you again. [00:00:55] Luke: You too. [00:00:56] Tina: Well, after our brief summer break, we're back to kickoff season two of “Educating from the Heart.” I am so excited, and I know you are too, because we've got a lot planned for this season. [00:01:07] Luke: Absolutely, Tina. This season, we're going to talk about everything from teaching accurate history and civics in today's K-12 classrooms, to the attack on academic freedom at Florida's colleges and universities. And, of course, during the legislative session, we will keep everybody updated on what's happening in the State Capitol. But let's back up a bit and talk about this month's episode. [00:01:31] Tina: Well, Luke, as you know, back in July FEA held its annual professional development gathering called Summer Academy. It's our largest training for teachers and support professionals from across the state. And it was held in-person and, you know, everybody was looking forward to that. So, we decided to take the podcast on the road. Well, educators generally take advantage of this event and network with their colleagues, and one of the top conversations dealt with the new school year and the unknowns surrounding the virus. Luke, all school employees, regardless of where they work, had been looking forward to a fresh start this year and a return as close as possible to normal for this school year. [00:02:16] Luke: We open season two with a high school history teacher from Polk County who has been in the classroom for 14 years and seen a lot of change during that time. Elizabeth Rasmussen shared her hopes for her students, as well as her fears for what this school year could bring. “Raz” as she is affectionately known, spoke about the importance of unionism and legislative advocacy, but she begins by sharing what inspired her to become a teacher and how her students motivate her to remain in the profession, despite its many challenges. [00:02:50] Elizabeth R.: When I look back at the reason why I do what I do: It's my kids. It's kids like, and these are pseudonyms, because like Veronica and Juan that I've written about that really inspired me to keep educating, and I'm actually getting a PhD right now. So,

The results of Census 2020 is out and it reveals that this country is becoming more diverse and multiracial. Joe discusses this report and also Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association and V.P. of the American Federation of Teachers, talks on the threat from Gov. DeSantis withholding funds from school staff that enact mask mandates and a state representative from Tennessee call into the Madison show discussing about police having military weapons. 

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every week day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of almost 800 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous soul. sign up now and join us every Thursday night for a virtual happy hour. Now on to today's show notes Andrew Spar is president of the Florida Education Association, the state's largest association of professional employees. Spar was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, attending public schools. A violinist since age 6, he earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Ohio State University, graduating in 1994. That same year, he went to Daytona Beach to teach at Turie T. Small Elementary School, where more than 90 percent of the students lived in poverty. The music teacher soon found his voice as an advocate and has worked ever since on behalf of public school students, schools, teachers and education staff professionals. “I could not read when I was in first grade,” Spar recalls. “I struggled in school. But the educators in my life were empowered to make my success a priority, and that's just what they did. I want the same world for my family and for all of Florida's children.” At Turie T. Small, Spar served as school-improvement chair for two years and as a union steward for seven years. He would go on to become president of his local union in May 2003 and led Volusia United Educators until he was elected FEA vice president in 2018. In September 2020, he was named FEA president after the previous president, Fedrick C. Ingram, was elected secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Spar negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. In 2017, he led the merger of the Volusia Teachers Organization and the Volusia Educational Support Association to create Volusia United Educators(link is external). The new union has nearly 3,800 members and represents more than 6,000 teachers, paraprofessionals and office specialists in Volusia County Schools. Throughout his career, Spar has served on committees and task forces for the AFT. At FEA, he spent eight years on the executive cabinet. He also has served on the executive board of the Florida AFL-CIO(link is external) and was secretary-treasurer of the organization from January 2016 until September 2020. Spar's wife, Vernell, is also a public school music teacher. The Spars have two daughters; both girls attend public schools. Christian Finnegan  is an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor based in New York City. Finnegan is perhaps best known as one of the original panelists on VH1's Best Week Ever and as Chad, the only white roommate in the “Mad Real World” sketch on Comedy Central's Chappelle's Show. Additional television appearances as himself or performing stand up have included “Conan”, “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”, "Would You Rather...with Graham Norton", “Good Afternoon America” and multiple times on The Today Show and Countdown with Keith Olbermann, and on History's I Love the 1880s. He hosted TV Land's game show "Game Time". As an actor, Finnegan portrayed the supporting role of "Carl" in the film Eden Court, a ticket agent in "Knight and Day" and several guest roles including a talk show host on "The Good Wife". In October 2006, Finnegan's debut stand up comedy CD titled Two For Flinching was released by Comedy Central Records, with a follow-up national tour of college campuses from January to April 2007. “Au Contraire!” was released by Warner Bros. Records in 2009. His third special "The Fun Part" was filmed at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston on April 4, 2013 and debuted on Netflix on April 15, 2014. Check out all things Jon Carroll Follow and Support Pete Coe Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page

Houston area plumbing apprentices are now being trained at a newly expanded training center that is capable of accommodating 600 apprentices. United Association Local 68 Business Agent Rick Lord joined AWF to discuss the training center expansion and the workload in their jurisdiction. Public school educators have come under frequent attack since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar discussed these attacks and more on today's episode of the show.

Lizz Winstead, Abortion Access Front’s founder and chief creative officer, is one of the top political satirists working today. As co-creator and head writer of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” she forever changed the way people get their news. In 2004, Winstead also co-founded Air America Radio, while also co-hosting “Unfiltered” every morning with the amazing Rachel Maddow and Hip Hop legend, Chuck D. Now with Abortion Access Front, Winstead has taken her satirical brilliance one step further, combining it with her passion for reproductive rights to expose anti choice hypocrisy and inspiring a whole new model of activism. Buy or Rent her new special. But also buy it This Thursday at 8 ET join comedians  @GuyBranum @funnyhelenhong @morgan_murphy and @lizzwinstead as they riff along to Dirty Dancing. Get tix @ http://aafront.org/dd and join us to see the most famous lift of all time. Andrew Spar is president of the Florida Education Association, the state’s largest association of professional employees. Spar was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, attending public schools. A violinist since age 6, he earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Ohio State University, graduating in 1994. That same year, he went to Daytona Beach to teach at Turie T. Small Elementary School, where more than 90 percent of the students lived in poverty. The music teacher soon found his voice as an advocate and has worked ever since on behalf of public school students, schools, teachers and education staff professionals. “I could not read when I was in first grade,” Spar recalls. “I struggled in school. But the educators in my life were empowered to make my success a priority, and that’s just what they did. I want the same world for my family and for all of Florida’s children.” At Turie T. Small, Spar served as school-improvement chair for two years and as a union steward for seven years. He would go on to become president of his local union in May 2003 and led Volusia United Educators until he was elected FEA vice president in 2018. In September 2020, he was named FEA president after the previous president, Fedrick C. Ingram, was elected secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Spar negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. In 2017, he led the merger of the Volusia Teachers Organization and the Volusia Educational Support Association to create Volusia United Educators(link is external). The new union has nearly 3,800 members and represents more than 6,000 teachers, paraprofessionals and office specialists in Volusia County Schools. Throughout his career, Spar has served on committees and task forces for the AFT. At FEA, he spent eight years on the executive cabinet. He also has served on the executive board of the Florida AFL-CIO(link is external) and was secretary-treasurer of the organization from January 2016 until September 2020. Spar’s wife, Vernell, is also a public school music teacher. The Spars have two daughters; both girls attend public schools. Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. I have one sponsor which is an awesome nonprofit GiveWell.org/StandUp for more but Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 800 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls. Subscribe to Pete's YouTube Channel Pete Dominick on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers was one of our featured guests today on AWF Union Podcast. She spoke about Ohio Senate Bill 17, fair funding for schools in Ohio, how vouchers have taken money out of Ohio school systems and COVID-19 vaccines for teachers.Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association also joined the podcast today. He discussed funding in Florida schools, the state diverting money to private schools and not helping the underfunded public schools and how Florida teachers have been attempting to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Please sign up for a paid subscription to this daily podcast Andrew Spar is vice president of the Florida Education Association (FEA), the state’s largest association of professional employees. He also serves as secretary-treasurer for the Florida AFL-CIO. Andrew was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, attending public schools. He has become a great friend to me and I would follow him anywhere  JEFF JARVIS is the author of Geeks Bearing Gifts: Imagining New Futures for News (CUNY Journalism Press, 2014), Public Parts: How Sharing in the Digital Age Improves the Way We Work and Live (Simon & Schuster, 2011), What Would Google Do? (HarperCollins 2009), and the Kindle Single Gutenberg the Geek. He blogs about media and news at Buzzmachine.com and cohosts the podcast This Week in Google. He is the Leonard Tow Professor of Journalism Innovation and director of the Tow-Knight Center for Entrepreneurial Journalism at the City University of New York’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism. He has advised media companies, startups, and foundations and is a public speaker. Until 2005, he was president and creative director of Advance.net, the online arm of Advance Publications. Prior to that, Jarvis was creator and founding editor of Entertainment Weekly; Sunday editor and associate publisher of the New York Daily News; TV critic for TV Guide and People; a columnist on the San Francisco Examiner; and assistant city editor and reporter for the Chicago Tribune. I love talking to Jarvis. Such a breadth of experience and a sound moral compass

A Leon County Circuit Judge delivered a swift gut punch to Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran by blowing up their emergency order forcing Florida schools to reopen classrooms by the end of the month or lose money. It was a huge win for the Florida Education Association. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Meanwhile, in Miami, DeSantis sounds like he’s warming up for a victory lap in the fight against COVID-19. — Before the judge issued his ruling on school reopening, DeSantis said the Department of Health reported 2,258 new cases of coronavirus Monday, with 72 more fatalities. The statewide death toll is 10,534 and the total number of infections is just short of 603,000. — The Republican National Convention is underway. Florida Republicans are getting screen time while Florida Democrats trash the President from the sidelines. — Sunrise takes a deep dive into the huddle as the Miami Dolphins announce the reopening of Hard Rock Stadium for football fans next month. Seating is limited, masks are mandatory. — Checking-in with a Trump-supporting Florida Man who is facing criminal charges after deputies say he punched a neighbor in a dispute over their yard signs.

A Leon County judge says he will decide next week on a lawsuit brought on by the Florida Education Association that aims to stop school districts from opening brick and mortar schools.

Florida’s Department of Health reported relatively good news — there were only 2,678 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday. That’s the lowest number of cases in a day since the middle of June; 576,000 Floridians have been infected so far during the pandemic. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — The state is reporting 87 more fatalities Monday, bringing the coronavirus death toll to 9,647. And Gov. Ron DeSantis says the key indicators are headed in the right direction. — But those trends may be in jeopardy now that schools are welcoming kids back to the classroom. New cases have been linked to the reopening of schools in several counties; Professor Sarah Matthews says more closings are inevitable. — Andrew Spar with the Florida Education Association will discuss the specter of COVID-19 in the classroom, along with the micromanaging by education commissioner Richard Corcoran. — It’s primary day in Florida, and polls are open until 7 p.m. If you requested a vote-by-mail ballot and haven’t mailed it yet, make sure you drop it at the nearest elections office in person if you want it to count. The U.S. Postal Service is having all sorts of problems and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Shultz says it’s all because of Donald Trump. — And checking-in with two Florida Men, who are having problems with Florida Women.

On this episode of Intersection, political analysts Dick Batchelor and Tico Perez discuss the 2020 election season and Florida Education Association president Fedrick Ingram talks about the challenge of teaching in the pandemic and how to safely reopen schools.

Is our education system supporting the needs of kids with disabilities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic? That’s the question host Annette Hines, Psychologist Allison Brooks, and Special Education teacher Megan Parker discuss during Episode 64 of Parenting Impossible.   Allison Brooks is a psychologist working in the Seattle Washington area. She has an extensive history speaking about topics such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), Autism, educational advocacy, motivation for middle schoolers, ADHD, and anxiety. Brooks has also served on state advisory councils for autism, FAS, and school refusal.   Megan Parker is a Special Needs teacher working in Florida; a state that’s currently embattled in a controversy over how to handle the 2020 school year. This week, some districts started in-class learning despite a lawsuit filed by the Florida Education Association to delay classroom learning.   Annette Hines has been practicing in the areas of Special Needs, Elder Law, and Estate Planning for more than 20 years. Ms. Hines brings personal experience with special needs to her practice and podcasts as the mother of two daughters, one of whom passed away from Mitochondrial disease in November 2013. This deep, personal understanding of special needs fuels her passion for quality special needs planning and drives her dedication to help others within the special needs community.

The battle over reopening schools is moving to Tallahassee, where the Florida Education Association is suing the Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran over their emergency order forcing schools to reopen by the end of August. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — While the lawsuit was filed in Miami — the epicenter of Florida’s COVID-19 outbreak — the judge says it belongs in Tallahassee. So, the lawsuit is delayed, but it will continue. — As lawyers were in court defending the reopening plan, DeSantis was on a basketball court in Jacksonville, encouraging the return of high school athletics. — The state sales tax holiday for back-to-school shopping began at midnight and lasts through the weekend. Scott Shalley of the Florida Retail Federation talks about what to expect. — Checking-in with a Florida Man who was arrested with a beer in one hand and a gun in the other.

Ryan and Felix discuss an injunction filed by the Florida Education Association to delay the reopening of schools statewide until specific criteria are met. Ryan gets into a heated discussion with a caller on the topic.

Florida is now facing a lawsuit over the reopening of public schools. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — The Florida Education Association says no one should be forced to return to schools until the COVID-19 crisis is under control. And it’s not. The state reported 92 new fatalities Monday, as well as more than 10,000 newly confirmed cases of coronavirus. — Gov. Ron DeSantis travels to Orlando to ask COVID-19 survivors to donate blood that can be used to treat other victims. Once again, protesters confronted the Governor and interrupted his spiel. — If you listen closely, you can hear the protesters say “shame on you” and “you’re lying to the public.” This is the second time in eight days protesters heckled DeSantis at a news conference — and both happened on a Monday. — A group representing nursing homes and senior care facilities says the COVID-19 crisis has them hurtling toward a financial cliff; they’re calling on Congress for a bailout. — An in-depth look at the settlement between the state and a coalition of liberal voting-rights groups trying to force Florida to make it easier to vote-by-mail during the COVID-19 crisis. — Also, a Florida Man went to jail for stealing $2 million from a small school district in Texas.

Ryan discusses the latest developments on the school reopening issue, including a major lawsuit filed by the teachers union against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, the protester at a news conference who shouted and called for the resignation of Governor Ron DeSantis over his handling of the pandemic says he would do it again. Gomes talks with Thomas Kennedy, a longtime Miami-Dade advocate for undocumented immigrants, about his vocal opposition. Also, former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum breaks his silence, opening up and discussing his time in rehab and therapy. Plus, the Florida Education Association president Fedrick Ingram says they have filed suit against the state of Florida over Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran's order to open school buildings in August as coronavirus infections surge. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes’ latest episode of The Rotunda, the protester at a news conference who shouted and called for the resignation of Governor Ron DeSantis over his handling of the pandemic says he would do it again. Gomes talks with Thomas Kennedy, a longtime Miami-Dade advocate for undocumented immigrants, about his vocal opposition. Also, former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum breaks his silence, opening up and discussing his time in rehab and therapy. Plus, the Florida Education Association president Fedrick Ingram says they have filed suit against the state of Florida over Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s order to open school buildings in August as coronavirus infections surge. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

Author of "AMERICAN RULE: HOW A NATION CONQUERED THE WORLD BUT FAILED ITS PEOPLE" Jared Yates Sexton begins at 4:30   Fed Ingram and Andrew Spar of The Florida Education Association starts at 56:20   Writer Activist and Executive Director of TaxMarch.org Maura Quint starts at 1 35:24   Please sign up for a paid subscription 

Gov. Ron DeSantis says there’s been a lull in the violence that arose from protests against police brutality in the state. Hopefully, it will stay that way. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — There were 70 more fatalities from COVID-19 in Florida, making it one of the worst days on record. Now, there are 57,447 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Sunshine State — an increase of more than 600 in one day. — The Florida Education Association releases its plan for the safe reopening of public schools. The teachers want COVID-19 testing for everyone on campus and social distancing, even on school busses. They also want the state to suspend school grades and other accountability procedures during the upcoming school year. — A deep dive into two cases at the Florida Supreme Court where Attorney General Ashley Moody is asking for another chance to execute former death row inmates spared by the courts in 2017.  But her lawyers ran into a lot of skepticism when they made their case to the high court. — Today’s Florida Man story includes a somewhat-famous Florida Woman — Carol Baskin. If you have Netflix, you know who she is.

Gov. Ron DeSantis faces more backlash over claims that his administration is manipulating the official stats for COVID-19 and unemployment claims. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Democrats in the Legislature are dismissing the Governor’s claim that the unemployment system is now working — and that it has paid 97% of valid claims. — They’re also demanding an investigation into the firing of the woman who worked on the state’s computerized dashboard that tracks coronavirus cases after raising concerns about hiding data from the public. — More prison inmates are testing positive for COVID-19, with nearly 1,200 confirmed cases in the Florida corrections system. — A new COVID-19 scam is making the rounds. Con artists claiming to be contact tracers for the health department are trying to get your personal information. — Florida teacher unions were NOT invited to participate in the Governor’s reopening task force; the state education commissioner ignored their request to create separate committees on the reopening of schools. So, the Florida Education Association and the United Faculty of Florida have set up their own committees, meeting for the first time today. FEA Vice President Andrew Spar talks about the details. — Sen. Marco Rubio about coronavirus, giving the view from the chair the Senate Intelligence Committee. — The latest on Florida Man, who just got out of prison and is already back behind bars after he was found in a stranger’s kitchen without a shred of clothing.

As Karla, Antonio and Mindy recognize Teacher Appreciation Day, the discussion focuses on when school could safely reopen. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) introduced a science-based plan of 5 public health and safety pillars as keys to reopening safely. The Florida Education Association is calling for educator and medical professional representation on a task force about when to reopen schools. On today's show, School Board member Dr. Steve Gallon joins the discussion about the efforts teachers are making to keep education going through distance learning while the school buildings are closed.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has decided kids will NOT be going back to school on May 4 after all. The class of 2020 will finish off the school year virtually. Both DeSantis and the Florida Education Association president weigh-in. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — The Governor also decided to reveal more information about the COVID-19 problem in nursing homes and seniors living centers, which now number over 300. — The state’s unemployment rate for March shot up from 2.8 to 4.3%, but that does not include hundreds of thousands of Floridians who could not get through the phones or the web portal to file a claim. So, it is not really an accurate reflection of just how bad things are right now. — At some point today, DeSantis will announce the members of his new task force on Economic Rebounding and Resurgence of Florida after the pandemic. The panel expects to have a short-range plan by the end of the week. — Beaches in Jacksonville and Saint Johns County have reopened; where officials have imposed time limits and insist on social distancing while in the sand. But pictures of people returning to the beach led to a new trend on Twitter over the weekend: #FloridaMorons. — Sunrise remembers Matthew Gotha, who passed away Saturday at the age of 36. Rep. Chip LaMarca offers his remembrance. — The latest in Florida Man, with not one, but two stories that revolve around golf carts.

On the eve of the Session, thousands of teachers will converge on The Capitol to push for better education funding. While Gov. Ron DeSantis is recommending close to a billion dollars in new money for salaries and bonuses, the Florida Education Association says it doesn’t go far enough, though it’s a good start. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — The Florida Sierra Club releases its report card on the Gov.’s first year in office. Although DeSantis has received glowing reviews on environmental issues, after eight years of Rick Scott, it’s almost impossible not to do better. — Bear poachers are in the crosshairs. A bill seeking to increase penalties for people who kill bears out of season is already moving in the Legislature. There is no season now and there hasn’t been a legal bear hunt in Florida in almost 4 years, but poaching is a problem — thanks to sky-high prices in China for bear bile and gall bladders. — State Rep. Byron Donalds is a pro-Donald Trump, pro-gun, anti-abortion Republican running for Congress, which is nothing unusual. However, he is African American, making him something of a political unicorn. — Today’s Florida Woman update: A former beauty queen accused of keeping the Social Security money that was supposed to pay for her mom’s nursing home.

Florida's Legislature formally kicks off its 2020 session on Jan. 14. Several key education issues will hit the fan a day earlier. The Florida Education Association expects thousands of teachers to rally in Tallahassee for improved public school funding, while the Senate Education Committee is set to consider bills on several hot-button issues include teacher pay, voucher eligibility and charter school authorization. Will Monday foreshadow the tenor of Florida's education debate for the next few months? Reporters Emily Mahoney and Jeff Solochek discuss. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s edition of Coffee with Comrades, we chat about the state of public education in Florida with Leah Delaney and Candi Churchill. We also discuss the upcoming Take on Tallahassee/Fund our Future Rally happening January 13, 2020.  Check out the Florida Education Association and the Graduate Assistants United. Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and visit our website. Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network. Coffee with Comrades is a proud part of the Rev Left Radio Federation. Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art. Music: Intro: "I Ain't Got No Home in this World" by Woody Guthrie Interlude: "This is Class War” by the String-bo String Duo Outro: "Your Heart is a Muscle the Size of Your Fist” by Ramshackle Glory

As Florida lawmakers have gathered in the state capitol to debate education issues such as teacher pay, prekindergarten funding and student-athlete health protections, leaders of the state's largest teacher union hit the road. They launched a five-week, 50-stop bus tour aimed at drawing attention to their positions on the issues, which often differ from those of the governor and legislative leaders. What's do they hope to accomplish? Florida Education Association vice president Andrew Spar discusses the group's objectives, as well as the barriers they face, with reporter Jeff Solochek. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this special edition of the Florida Bar Podcast recorded at the Annual Convention in June, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt sit down with Judge Nina Ashenafi Richardson to hear about her personal journey in the legal profession. She describes the path she took to eventually become Leon County Judge and shares valuable wisdom for lawyers on breaking through self-imposed barriers and creating personal meaning in the practice of law.Judge Nina Ashenafi Richardson has served as a Leon County Judge in Tallahassee, Florida since 2008. Prior to her election, she spent the majority of her career representing teachers and university faculty as in-house counsel with the Florida Education Association and as adjunct faculty at Barry University's Tallahassee campus. She has distinguished herself as a first in many categories, including as the first Ethiopian-American judge in the United States and the first African-American elected president of the Tallahassee Women Lawyers and the Tallahassee Bar Association. She is also a former president of the William H. Stafford American Inn of Court. The Conference of County Court Judges of Florida awarded her the Distinguished Leadership Award in 2016, and she was also the recipient of the Florida Bar's 2019 Distinguished Judicial Service Award.

Episode 127: Everyone measures the morality or immorality of society based on different criteria. For some, it’s the huge numbers of people who pay outrageous amounts for prescription drugs or just go bankrupt because of health care costs. For others, it’s racism permeating our economic and social fabric or the permanent war economy the country has had for generations, wasting trillions of dollars on behalf of the military-industrial complex. Today, I hone in on the immorality of how the country, mainly its right-wing politicians, treats teachers. And we’re going to dig into that with a look at two new teacher uprisings on the two coasts. I talk with David Fisher, president of the Sacramento City Teachers Association, about the strike starting tomorrow over the scandalous conduct of the education bigwigs who are engaging in widespread unfair labor practices, violating a contract agreed to last year by the union and management. Then, I take our listeners across the country to Florida to discuss with Fed Ingram, president of the Florida Education Association, what he calls a “silent strike.” -- Jonathan Tasini Follow me on Twitter @jonathantasini Sign up for The Working Life Podcast at: www.workinglife.org Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jonathan.tasini.3

On Trimmel Gomes’ latest episode of The Rotunda, a look at the early successes from the #NeverAgain movement as Gov. Scott and Republican legislators defy the National Rifle Association with gun restriction proposals that would ban the sale of firearms to anyone under 21. Gomes interviews David Hogg, Ashley Santoro, and Sammy Feuerman, all students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School visiting Tallahassee to share their stories of survival while demanding change to Florida’s gun laws. Gomes also talks with Florida Education Association president, Joanne McCall, Republican strategist Rick Wilson and more. The Rotunda podcast is available each Monday via iTunes, Stitcher or Soundcloud. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, a look at the early successes from the #NeverAgain movement as Gov. Scott and Republican legislators defy the National Rifle Association with gun restriction proposals that would ban the sale of firearms to anyone under 21. Gomes interviews David Hogg, Ashley Santoro, and Sammy Feuerman, all students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School visiting Tallahassee to share their stories of survival while demanding change to Florida's gun laws. Gomes also talks with Florida Education Association president, Joanne McCall, Republican strategist Rick Wilson and more. The Rotunda podcast is available each Monday via iTunes, Stitcher or Soundcloud. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.