Podcasts about public education

Jessie Gómez, reporter at Chalkbeat Newark covering Newark Public Schools, discusses the New Jersey gubernatorial candidates' visions for public education in the state—and how they intend to fund the schools.

Far-right activists have been targeting schools across the country with anti-trans attacks. As we've shown in the latest season of The Anti-Trans Hate Machine podcast, their efforts are part of a larger strategy to sow distrust in public education and ultimately privatize it. Today, Imara speaks with two critical sources from TransLash's investigative series. First, she talks to Eliza Byard, an advocate for LGBTQ+ kids in schools, about how this assault is central to the right-wing authoritarian project to erode democracy. Then, she chats with Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, about how teachers are coping with the weight of the attacks and what communities can do to fight back.Listen to The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: translash.org/antitranshatemachine Send your trans joy recommendations to translash_podcast @ translash [dot] org Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Facebook.Follow Imara Jones on Instagram (@Imara_jones_), Threads (@imara_jones_), Bluesky (@imarajones.bsky.social), X (@ImaraJones)Follow our guests on social media: Eliza Byard: Bluesky (@ebyard.bsky.social)Becky Pringle: Bluesky (@neapresident.bsky.social) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honour of World Teachers' Day, we sit down with Deb Summerhayes, Deputy Secretary, Public Schools, to celebrate the heart of our education system: teachers.With more than 35 years of experience in public education, Deb shares her journey from English teacher to system leader. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her path and a former student who reminded her how one school excursion can change a life. Deb discusses why authenticity matters for early career teachers, how the syllabus anchors best practice and how explicit teaching can lift outcomes for every student. At the core of her story is a deep belief in equity – that a child's postcode should never define their potential.Grounded in intelligence, integrity and kindness, Deb offers practical advice for aspiring leaders, celebrates humour as essential to great teaching and pays tribute to the 95,000 NSW public school teachers changing lives every day. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of teachers – their passion, their purpose and their power to make a difference.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.World Teachers' Day - learn more about how World Teachers' Day is celebrated in NSW and how your school community can get involved.

For many years, Diane Ravitch was among the country's leading conservative thinkers on education. The cure for what ailed the school system was clear, she believed: high-stakes standardized testing, national standards, accountability, competition, charters, and vouchers. Then Ravitch saw what happened when these ideas were put into practice and recanted her long-held views. The problem was not bad teachers or failing schools, as conservatives claimed, but poverty. She denounced privatization as a hoax that did not help students and that harmed the public school system. She urged action to address the root causes of inequality. In An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else (Columbia UP, 2025) this passionate and timely memoir of her life's work as a historian and advocate, Ravitch traces her ideological evolution. She recounts her personal and intellectual journey: her childhood in Houston, her years among the New York intelligentsia, her service in government, and her leftward turn. Ravitch shares how she came to hold conservative views and why she eventually abandoned them, exploring her switch from championing standards-based curriculum and standardized testing to arguing for greater investment in professional teachers and in public schools. Bringing together candid reflections with decades of research on education, Ravitch makes a powerful case for becoming, as she calls herself, “an activist on behalf of public schools.” Diane Ravitch is a historian of education and a prominent commentator about education and politics. Her many books include Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America's Public Schools (2013); The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education (2010); and The Great School Wars: New York City, 1805–1973 (1974). Ravitch was assistant secretary of education under President George H. W. Bush and served on the national testing board during the Clinton administration. She is cofounder and president of the Network for Public Education

Clarence Ford speaks to Dr Fatima Hoosain, a Cape Town surgeon with a special interest in breast and thyroid health, about how cultural stigmas and myths (from witchcraft to taboo) are preventing South African women from seeking timely breast cancer screening and treatment. She explains the importance of breast self-examination, early detection, and community education in turning the tide against preventable deaths. Views and News with Clarence Ford is the mid-morning show on CapeTalk. This 3-hour long programme shares and reflects a broad array of perspectives. It is inspirational, passionate and positive. Host Clarence Ford’s gentle curiosity and dapper demeanour leave listeners feeling motivated and empowered. Known for his love of jazz and golf, Clarrie covers a range of themes including relationships, heritage and philosophy. Popular segments include Barbs’ Wire at 9:30am (Mon-Thurs) and The Naked Scientist at 9:30 on Fridays. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Views & News with Clarence Ford Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to Views and News with Clarence Ford broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/erjiQj2 or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/BdpaXRn Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Rod Griffin. Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Rod Griffin. Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Rod Griffin. Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian.

We're coming to you from the 2025 Annual Leadership Conference in beautiful Traverse City! One of the most anticipated ALC sessions each year is the Michigan Council of School Attorneys Fall Conference. In this episode, we're joined by MASB's Legal Counsel and Director of Labor Relations and Policy, Brad Banasik, J.D., to share highlights from the conference and offer practical advice on how your board can stay proactive and prepared.

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:The Texas Education Agency has announced its takeover of Fort Worth ISD - behind Houston in 2023, the second-largest district they have overrun: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/10/23/texas-education-agency-fort-worth-isd-takeover/Dallas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, despite an already-crowded Democratic ticket for Senate, is still considering a run: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/10/22/congress/jasmine-crockett-texas-senate-00618545Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson gets congratulations from Donald Trump for riling up Texas MAGA over "potential noncitizens" on our voter rolls - while she ignores actual problems with our state's voter roll maintenance software: https://www.statesman.com/opinion/editorials/article/opinion-texas-election-problem-isn-t-potential-21114375.phpCongrats to our friend and Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver, who is a third-time finalist for the MLS Impact Award: https://www.austinfc.com/news/stuver-named-finalist-for-mls-audi-goals-drive-progress-impact-award...Check out our recent live recording with Brad at Hopsquad Brewing in north Austin: https://progresstexas.org/podcast/all-star-activism-live-talk-brad-stuverA new potential explanation for the unexplainable stuff that comes from the Texas State Capitol building? The granite it's built from is radioactive: https://www.kut.org/health/2025-10-23/texas-state-capitol-dome-austin-radioactive-radon-gas-atxplainedWe're excited to see YOU at one (or both!) of our 2025 Holiday Parties this December in Austin and Dallas! Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now: ⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/progress-texas-holiday-parties-2025⁠Check out our 2025 Texas Statewide Voting Guide, including a link at the bottom for a printable version you CAN take with you to the polls: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org/blog/2025-texas-statewide-ballot-guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thanks for listening! Our monthly donors form the backbone of our funding, and if you're a regular, we'd like to invite you to join the team! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

For the episode we're continuing our conversation with Rick Hester, Amy Shilze and Lucy Butler. Rick is the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado. He oversees all the zoo's behavioral programming. His work includes the zoo's animal training for husbandry, medical, and public show behaviors, enrichment, developing programs to improve problem behavior situations, the zoo's formal animal welfare assessments, and exhibit design for behavior goals. We're also joined by Amy Schilze, who has the dream job of working with the Cheyenne Mountain zoo's giraffe. Amy is the Senior Animal Behaviorist for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe, where she runs giraffe workshops and conferences, both stateside and internationally. Both Rick and Amy also partner with Dr. Susan Friedman and her Behavior Works consulting team so you'll hear a lot of references to Susan throughout this conversation. In addition to Rick and Amy, I invited Lucy Butler to join us. Lucy and her husband run the River Haven Animal Sanctuary in Rhode Island. I knew she would have a lot of questions for Rick and Amy. When you take in animals who are the victims of abuse, there's a lot to be learned from the work that goes on in zoos to reduce the stress of handling and also to improve the overall quality of life for the animals under their care. In this episode Rick and Amy talk about the educational programs which are woven into the experience Guests have as they tour the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. There are twenty-three shows for the public every day. In these shows the animals are the star. It is about showing what they can do, what their natural behaviors are - all while protecting the dignity of the animals. The shows at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo show animals controlling their reinforcers and using their bodies in ways that are natural to them. Trainers interpret both what their life in the zoo looks like, what their life in the wild environment looks like, and how capable they are of learning. They are trying to create connections between the public and the animals at the zoo in a way that elevates the animal. For Lucy this part of the conversation was especially relevant because the public is invited in to tour the River Haven Animal Sanctuary that she and her husband run. She was getting many great ideas for how they can make this experience better both for their guests and their resident animals. But even if you don't give tours, there's much here that can be used to enrich your horse's life. We begin the episode with a discussion of techniques used to introduce new animals into an existing social group.

Show #2523 Show Notes: Matt Trewhella: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AHvibRofz/?mibextid=wwXIfr Paul Harvey – Freedom to Chains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0FF13u13WE Everson Vs Board of Education: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everson_v._Board_of_Education Abington School District Vs Schempp: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abington_School_District_v._Schempp Dinosaur bones viral video: https://notthebee.com/takes/this-hilarious-dinosaur-video-has-gone-viral-and-perfectly-exposes-trust-the-science-culture Richest Pastors in America: https://yen.com.gh/183456-top-richest-pastors-america-net-worth.html […]

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Anais Favela Jaimes, the new principal at Peete Elementary — and a proud product of the school and community she now leads. Arriving at Tyler ISD at just six years old, speaking no English, she thrived through the District's bilingual program and found her passion for education in the very classrooms that shaped her future. Now, as principal, Anais shares her vision for Peete Elementary, including her top priorities for student success, community engagement, and empowering parents as partners in their children's education. With deep roots in the Peete neighborhood and extensive experience at the elementary level, she is ready to build on a strong foundation and lead with heart and academic excellence.➡️ Tune in to hear her powerful story and leadership approach rooted in connection, culture, and community.Support the showFOOTER: If you want to hear more news about the district, download our app in the app store or sign up for our district newsletter at get.TylerISD.news.

Meet Beth Bourne, a California mom and activist who's pushing back against all the woke nonsense by using common sense…demonstrating to many leftist cowards in public education what it's like for boys to change in girls' locker rooms. She's bold, unafraid and willing to take a stand when most parents, educators and administrators are too meek to utter a sound.Keep up with Beth on X@Bourne_Beth2345You can take advantage of one of the best holistic health conferences anywhere and enter Discount Promo Code – GRIT for 30% off all My EHI Aloha courses and Healing for the A.G.E.S. events and replays by visitinghttps://myehialoha.org/#GRIT--------------------------Check out all of our vendors at: https://patriotswithgrit.com/patriot-partners/ SPONSORS FOR THIS VIDEO❤️ Cardio Miracle – One Drink. Endless Benefits.Feel steady energy, sharper clarity, and stronger resilience every day.Own your freedom in health & experience the full power your body was designed for.

Joel Penton of LifeWise Academy joins Wiggins America to discuss his new film Off School Property: Solving the Separation of Church and State. Plus midterms, Fazoli's and universal basic income.

A fateful trip to Haiti showed Vienna superintendent Joshua Stafford why public education is a gift. We also talked about the history of education in America, standardized testing, school safety, and his recent journey to Singapore through the Fulbright program.

Kevin Rinke discusses literacy, leadership and lessons from politics

Nancy Loome, executive director of The Parents' Campaign public education advocacy group counters many points proponents are making in their push for more school choice in Mississippi. Loome says siphoning public money for private schools would provide no benefit to Mississippi students or taxpayers and that state leaders should instead focus on sustaining and expanding education gains made in recent years. She said opposition to school choice from parents on both sides of the political aisle in Mississippi is growing.

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Sadly, it seems that public education is more about learning what to think rather than how to think. Based on many of the discussions I've had across the country, critical thinking seems to be a skill many Americans have lost. I believe G.K. Chesterton once described our situation perfectly: “When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Sadly, it seems that public education is more about learning what to think rather than how to think. Based on many of the discussions I've had across the country, critical thinking seems to be a skill many Americans have lost. I believe G.K. Chesterton once described our situation perfectly: “When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter...

When Corey Rosser decided to lead by being his authentic self, everything changed. Now, as the 2025–26 Michigan Teacher of the Year, the North Branch Area Public Schools educator joins MISoundBoard to share how connection, honesty, and heart have shaped his journey.

Board Officers Byron Bryant and Phillip Ellison new Board Member Daniel West, CFO at Amarillo ISD. Daniel presents his story and how he got his start in school business. They then discuss ways to onboard and orient new employees.They finish up this episode with a discussion on accounting for extracurricular activities. 

In this episode, we welcome Brandy Baker, the new principal of Owens Elementary School, and a familiar face returning home to the campus where she previously served as Dean of Students and Assistant Principal. Brandy shares her journey back to Tyler ISD, the lessons she has carried with her along the way, and a touching story about her grandfather that has shaped her outlook on life. From learning to say “yes” to new opportunities to leading with heart and purpose, Brandy's story is one of growth, gratitude, and coming full circle.Support the showFOOTER: If you want to hear more news about the district, download our app in the app store or sign up for our district newsletter at get.TylerISD.news.

In this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng and Walter Blanks of the American Federation for Children interview Prof. Robert Maranto and Sean Woytek co-authors of the Education Next piece, “Why Academically Intensive Charter Schools Deserve Our Attention.” They explore how rigorous charter school networks like BASIS Ed have achieved exceptional outcomes and what their success can teach policymakers and educators nationwide about improving academic performance nationwide. Maranto and Woytek trace BASIS's origins to 1998, when it opened with 56 students in Tuscon, Arizona. Today, the network operates 40 schools across five states, consistently ranking among the nation's top performers. Despite these results, Maranto and Woytek note that “Academically Intensive Charter Schools” (AICS) remain largely overlooked, even as national reading and math scores continue to decline. They explain how AICS differ from specialized or “No Excuses” charter models by emphasizing broad, rigorous academics and high expectations for all students. Spending roughly $12,350 per student—far less than traditional public schools—AICS achieve remarkable academic outcomes and demonstrate strong accountability. Maranto and Woytek conclude by urging educators and policymakers to recognize, study, and replicate the AICS model to expand access to high-quality, academically rigorous education across the country.

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Perhaps the answer isn't that the schools aren't performing, but that their goals have changed. Perhaps the goal of public education is not to lift children up to a basic level of citizenship, but to “educate” them down to the lowest common denominator. Perhaps that explains why children who can recite the latest TikTok craze cannot read about it on X...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Perhaps the answer isn't that the schools aren't performing, but that their goals have changed. Perhaps the goal of public education is not to lift children up to a basic level of citizenship, but to “educate” them down to the lowest common denominator. Perhaps that explains why children who can recite the latest TikTok craze cannot read about it on X...

Dr. John Cox discusses the changing landscape of public education, and why he's compelled to offer his leadership to the Oklahoma Department of Education.  Then Eddie and Dave break down the shutdown.   Dave reviews the recent meeting that Democrat mayor, Monroe Nichols held with Tulsa area conservatives. Plus many more news-worthy developments.AUDIOVIDEOCatch all our shows at www.FreshBlack.CoffeeConnect with us at www.facebook.com/freshblackcoffeeOur audio podcast is at https://feeds.feedburner.com/thefreshblackcoffeepodcastOur video podcast is at https://feeds.feedburner.com/freshblackcoffee/videocastWatch the video on our YouTube channel, Facebook, website, or with your podcasting app.   We record the show every Saturday and release it later the same day.Jeff Davis commentary appears courtesy of www.theThoughtZone.comClick here to watch this episode »

October 1, 2025 City Club event description: Speakers Honorable Kimberly A. Lightford In January 2019, Kimberly A. Lightford made history when she became the firstBlack woman to serve as Illinois' Senate Majority Leader. This 104th General Assembly marks 26 years of her continued dedication to her career of championing her passion for education and youth development. As […]

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For almost four decades, DonorConnect has been dedicated to connecting donors with recipients by facilitating, coordinating, and passionately advocating for donors and their families. Director of Public Education and Public Relations, Mark Dixon, joins us with more. Mark Dixon: DonorConnect is the federally designated nonprofit that helps make miracles possible through organ, tissue, and eye donation across Utah, southeast Idaho, and parts of Wyoming and Nevada. Every day, our dedicated teams work alongside donor families, hospitals, and transplant centers to turn the generosity of donors into the gift of life. To expand this lifesaving mission, we recently launched the DonorConnect Foundation. The Foundation raises awareness, supports grieving families, engages communities, and funds essential outreach and education — helping more people say “yes” to donation. As one of the nation's top-performing organ procurement organizations, DonorConnect will soon break ground on a state-of-the-art facility in Murray. This inspiring new space, including a community center, will enhance our ability to honor donors, comfort families, and give hope to those waiting for a second chance at life. At DonorConnect, we believe every gift matters — and every life saved is a miracle. Derek Miller: DonorConnect continues growing its reach across Utah, increasing opportunities for organ and tissue donation and helping more residents receive life-saving transplants. Learn more at donorconnect.life. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 10/2/25

Moira Kaleida has a degree in education from Penn State University, and has combined her academic knowledge and lived experience (as a student, teacher, parent, school board member, and wife of a teacher) to beat the drum of public education across Pennsylvania. In 2015, Moira was elected to serve on the Pittsburgh Public School Board, leading the policy and government relations committees. As a school board member, Moira was able to pass critical policies at the local level, with the help of the local AROS affiliated group (Great Public Schools Pittsburgh), including providing LGBTQIA+ protections for students, a “Sanctuary School's” policy, a pre-K to 2nd grade suspension ban, and the creation and implementation of the first Community Schools Policy and corresponding opening of the first three community schools in the city. Professionally, Moira has served as Chief of Staff for a City Council member and a State Representative in PA. She has also worked in a variety of organizing roles in the political, electoral, and education justice settings. Most recently before arriving at AROS, she was proud to organize with Pittsburgh's own 412 Justice. In 2022, Moira joined the inaugural board of Keystone Equality, advancing civil rights for LGBTQIA+ Pennsylvanians through voter mobilization, electoral advocacy, and political organizing.

As the 2025 Annual Leadership Conference approaches, we're excited to share a conversation with one of our keynote speakers who will be joining us in Traverse City. In this episode, leadership consultant and author George Couros discusses practical ways to foster innovative mindsets in public education—and how to bring everyone along on the journey.

Guest Andrew Handel, American Legislative Exchange Council, joins to discuss latest report nationwide of states with successful education, and states with not so successful education systems. Discussion of how much money is spent, reasons for a decrease in education quality, strain on higher education, and more.  Did President Trump finally find leverage over the threats of a government shutdown from the left? Discussion of left wing power over budget process, government spending concerns, and Trump looking to cut federal employees. 

Steven Rue, a class of 2003 alumnus who is the Construction & Street Maintenance Engineer for the City of Omaha, joins host Josh Bucy for episode 22 of Eagle Tales.

Send us a textThis week we're talking with the Georgia Foundation of Early Care and Learning about a new round of Early Literacy Alignment Mini-Grants. With up to $5,000 in funding, these grants bring public elementary schools and local child care programs together to foster innovative, vertically aligned literacy practices.  Joining us to talk about the Early Literacy Alignment Mini-Grants is Laura Wagner, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning, and Paige Buzbee, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Public Education. Support the show

Lots of talk about what direction young adults should take after they graduate high school.

We are joined by Randi Weingarten, the President of the American Federation of Teachers, to discuss her new book, “Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy.” In the book, Weingarten details how there has been a systematic demonization of teachers and public education in America. She argues that one of the pillars of public education is critical thinking, which prevents fascism from flourishing in society - so fascists (and wannabe fascists) hate it. We explore a variety of topics facing schoolchildren and their parents today, including charter schools, artificial intelligence, phones in schools, and the treatment of LGBTQ+ students. We also discuss Trump's proposed elimination of the Department of Education, attacks on teachers unions, and how we may have kept the schools closed for too long during Covid-19. READ Randi's new book: https://sites.prh.com/whyfascistsfearteachers

The Dean's List with Host Dean Bowen – Parents continue to lose faith in American public education as satisfaction survey reaches a new low. Gallup's Megan Brenan wrote in a news release that “Only about one-quarter of Americans think K-12 schools are headed in the right direction, while just one in five rate them as ‘excellent' or ‘good' at preparing students for today's jobs, and one in three say the same for college.”

Back-to-school supplies are getting more expensive … so why are parents and teachers at public schools expected to foot the bill? Today on the show: An economist explains how the cost of school supplies fits into the larger history of public school funding, and what one school district is doing differently. Related episodes: A food fight over free school lunch Mailbag: Children Edition For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.  Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). They discuss her brand new book, "Why Fascists Fear Teachers. Public Education and the Future of Democracy."  The book's Publisher, Penguin House, describes it as "A rousing defense of public education as the cornerstone of American democracy, by the woman attacked by the far right as “the most dangerous person in the world” Attacks on schools and teachers have long been a hallmark of fascist regimes: Throughout history, as many dictators rose to power they began banning books and controlling curriculum. Fascists fear teachers because teachers foster an educated and empowered population that can see past propaganda and scare tactics. Fascists fear teachers because they teach young people how to think for themselves. Drawing on history, stories from teachers on the front lines, and decades of experience with America's public schools, Weingarten argues that teaching students to think critically is the key to defeating would-be dictators. She encourages teachers to continue focusing on their vital mission to help young people thrive." The book is available for purchase here: https://sites.prh.com/whyfascistsfearteachers During the second half of the show, Brad is joined by Sara Haghdoosti and she is the Executive Director of Win Without War, a diverse network of activists and organizations working towards a progressive U.S. foreign policy. She details the dangers of militarizing local law enforcement, and what it means for everyday people that the President is willing to position troops in American cities to enforce his own agenda (with Memphis, TN just the latest). Based just outside of Chicago, Sara also speaks to what the local community is experiencing right now as Trump targets the city. Sara also talks about her organization's ‘Know Your Rights Campaign' for military service members that do not want to follow unlawful orders from the Trump administration: https://winwithoutwar.org/win-without-war-launches-notwhatyousignedupfor-org-for-members-of-the-military-during-trumps-authoritarian-crackdown/  Finally, Brad and Sara talk foreign policy, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the Trump administration's controversial airstrike on a Venezuelan boat that Trump claims contained drug smugglers transporting fentanyl. Randi Weingarten is president of the 1.8 million-member AFT, which represents teachers; paraprofessionals and school-related personnel; higher education faculty and staff; nurses and other healthcare professionals; local, state and federal government employees; and early childhood educators. The AFT is dedicated to the belief that every person in America deserves the freedom to thrive, fueled by opportunity, justice and a voice in our democracy. Their website is www.AFT.org and their handle on BlueSky is @aftunion.bsky.social.  Randi's handle is @rweingarten.bsky.social. 'Win Without War' is a national grassroots organization that works with elected officials, policymakers, media, advocacy organizations, and movement leaders to promote and advance a values-based progressive national security strategy that prioritizes human security and diplomacy over war. They believe that by democratizing U.S. foreign policy and providing progressive alternatives, we can achieve more peaceful, just, and common sense policies that ensure that all people — regardless of race, nationality, gender, religion, or economic status — can find and take advantage of opportunity equally and feel secure. Their website is WinWithoutWar.org.  Their handle on BlueSky is @winwithoutwar.bsky.social.  Sara's handle is @shaghdoosti.bsky.social. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.  

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). They discuss her brand new book, "Why Fascists Fear Teachers. Public Education and the Future of Democracy."  The book's Publisher, Penguin House, describes it as "A rousing defense of public education as the cornerstone of American democracy, by the woman attacked by the far right as “the most dangerous person in the world” Attacks on schools and teachers have long been a hallmark of fascist regimes: Throughout history, as many dictators rose to power they began banning books and controlling curriculum. Fascists fear teachers because teachers foster an educated and empowered population that can see past propaganda and scare tactics. Fascists fear teachers because they teach young people how to think for themselves. Drawing on history, stories from teachers on the front lines, and decades of experience with America's public schools, Weingarten argues that teaching students to think critically is the key to defeating would-be dictators. She encourages teachers to continue focusing on their vital mission to help young people thrive." The book is available for purchase here: https://sites.prh.com/whyfascistsfearteachers During the second half of the show, Brad is joined by Sara Haghdoosti and she is the Executive Director of Win Without War, a diverse network of activists and organizations working towards a progressive U.S. foreign policy. She details the dangers of militarizing local law enforcement, and what it means for everyday people that the President is willing to position troops in American cities to enforce his own agenda (with Memphis, TN just the latest). Based just outside of Chicago, Sara also speaks to what the local community is experiencing right now as Trump targets the city. Sara also talks about her organization's ‘Know Your Rights Campaign' for military service members that do not want to follow unlawful orders from the Trump administration: https://winwithoutwar.org/win-without-war-launches-notwhatyousignedupfor-org-for-members-of-the-military-during-trumps-authoritarian-crackdown/  Finally, Brad and Sara talk foreign policy, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the Trump administration's controversial airstrike on a Venezuelan boat that Trump claims contained drug smugglers transporting fentanyl. Randi Weingarten is president of the 1.8 million-member AFT, which represents teachers; paraprofessionals and school-related personnel; higher education faculty and staff; nurses and other healthcare professionals; local, state and federal government employees; and early childhood educators. Their website is www.AFT.org and their handle on BlueSky is @aftunion.bsky.social.  Randi's handle is @rweingarten.bsky.social. 'Win Without War' is a national grassroots organization that works with elected officials, policymakers, media, advocacy organizations, and movement leaders to promote and advance a values-based progressive national security strategy that prioritizes human security and diplomacy over war. Their website is WinWithoutWar.org.  Their handle on BlueSky is @winwithoutwar.bsky.social.  Sara's handle is @shaghdoosti.bsky.social. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.  

Please note that Human Restoration Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and that this interview is not an endorsement of Morales as a candidate for office.Before Howie Morales became Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico, before he was ever a state senator, he was a teacher and a state-championship winning baseball coach in rural New Mexico. He also holds a Master's in bilingual education and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. So it'd be difficult, it seems, to understand what he's accomplished in those elected positions except through the lens of his experience in the classroom. And he joins me to talk about that experience, how it informs his work and achievements in office, and the challenges New Mexico public school students, families, and teachers still face.

Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE, sits down with MASB's newest board president, Dale Wingerd, a President's award-winning board member who serves both Clinton Community Schools and Lenawee Intermediate School District. With a lifelong passion for learning, Dale shares what he's looking forward to most this year.  

Two hundred years ago, Wilhelm von Humboldt created the education system as we know it today. At the heart of his philosophy of education was the concept of Bildung — reaching one's inner potential. Yet over the years, as his public education system was adopted, Bildung may well have been the critical piece left out. *This episode is part one of two-part series. It originally aired on April 15, 2024.

In this jampacked episode, we spotlight three important dates: 10/4, 10/6, and 8/15. October 4, 2025, is OEA's Public Education Matters Day celebration at Kings Island and Cedar Point - We have what you need to know to join. October 6th is the voter registration deadline in Ohio this year - We have more on resources and programs to bring everything from voter registration drives to mock elections to your school, thanks to Kids Voting Ohio. And, August 15th was a pay date for Dayton Education Association members, as it should have been - We hear from the Dayton EA president about why it took a court order to get that done and why the ordeal has strengthened that local association.LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP | Click here to visit the Kids Voting Ohio website to see more information about the programs available for Ohio students and educators and to check out all of the Kids Voting Ohio resources you can use in your classroom. Please note: Mock elections can be held in the weeks before Election Day or any other time of the year! CELEBRATE PUBLIC EDUCATION MATTERS DAY | All OEA members are invited to enjoy a day of fun with their family, friends, and fellow educators at Kings Island and Cedar Point on Saturday, October 4, 2025. OEA is giving each OEA member up to four free admission tickets (including access to the Halloween Haunted Attractions) on a first come first served basis at the park gates, while supplies last. Discounted parking and additional discounted admission tickets and haunted attractions passes will be available for purchase through the end of the day of the event. Keep an eye on this webpage for the links and latest updates.   SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.Featured Public Education Matters guests: Andrea Kruse, Kids Voting OhioNeil Mahoney, Dayton Education Association PresidentConnect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. Interviews for this episode were recorded on August 29 and September 2, 2025.

Looking for a fun and informative way to make sense of all the latest education news? The Education News Comedy Quiz -- Some of the Above is a new podcast you may enjoy. It's co-hosted and produced by one of the producers of Budgeting for Educational Equity.On each episode, two special guest contestants from the world of public education take the quiz and discuss key questions and topics in the news. This month you can play alongside high school senior and student advocate Luisa Sanchez and former big city schools' superintendent Richard Carranza. Both are inspiring leaders and change makers who aren't afraid to challenge the status quo to improve educational systems. Previous episodes to date have featured educators who are leading on equity, including one that focused on School Funding and featured WestEd CEO Jannelle Kubinec at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2505092/episodes/17415760Visit the Education News Comedy Quiz -- Some of the Above website.Follow the show directly on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-education-news-comedy-quiz-some-of-the-above/id1816289605?i=1000725043370“If you're an educator looking for some laughs, a sense of ‘I feel so seen' via comedy and real talk on news and policy, THIS is the podcast for you!”ABOUT THE RECENT GUESTSLuisa Sanchez is a senior at Boyle County High School in Danville, Kentucky. She serves as board president of the Kentucky Student Voice Team, a statewide organization that empowers students to use their voices to build up an educational system that values and serves them. She is also a journalist and part of her school's academic team and arts academy. Luisa is one of 12 courageous plaintiffs in a lawsuit students in her state have filed to improve opportunities for all students. Richard Carranza is an acclaimed educator who has served in virtually every role, including as Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, the largest school system in the nation. He also served as Superintendent of the Houston Independent and San Francisco Unified school districts. Richard began his career as a high school bilingual social studies and music teacher, and then as a principal in Tucson, Arizona. Throughout his career, he has championed numerous initiatives to empower students, educators, and parents. He currently serves as the chief of strategy and global Development at IXL. ABOUT THE SHOW'S HOSTSAlex Kajitani is a California Teacher of the Year and author of several books for educators, including Owning It, and You're A Teacher Now. He is an inspiring and engaging speaker, the Rappin' Mathematician, coach, and creator of programs for students and teachers, including Multiplication Nation, Math Success Camp, and the "New Teacher Success" video series.Paul Richman is a Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist who...Wait, hold on -- that's someone else. Actually, Paul is an all-purpose education policy guy who has served as a leader for several statewide education associations, coalitions and policy initiatives. He also produced the "Adventures in Ed Funding" and "Budgeting for Educational Equity" podcasts, and currently serves as an executive producer of the Inside California Education statewide TV series.  

Lori Gimelshteyn is the Executive Director of the Colorado Parent Advocacy Network (CPAN). She is dedicated to to protecting parental rights in schools and demonstrates how to build bridges with school officials, schoolboards and media while representing Christian values in public education to protect children from harmful ideology. Get a copy of Navigating Public Schools: Charting a Course to Protect Your Child's Christian Faith for a gift of any amount. Buy your copy of Jim Daly’s book, ReFOCUS! He shares how believers can engage others in the culture with the love of Christ and reveal the heart of God. Our goal is to strengthen our schools — not divide them. This information, combined with a biblical worldview, empowers parents and students to navigate the school year with grace and truth. Your role is crucial, Mom and Dad! Colorado Parents Advocacy Network - Resources for parents everywhere to adapt and use in advocating for your children Watch this inspiring documentary from Focus on the Family and the Colson Center and participate in the 4-part study on impacting the culture Opt-Out Template for Parents Support this Show! Send Jim a voicemail! Click here. Send your feedback or questions to Jim in the Contact Form.

In this episode, David Baker, TSBA President-Elect and Hardin County Vice Chairman, discusses what it means to lead from the second chair. Tune in as we explore what it means to be the Vice Chairman as well as have a strong working relationship with the Chairman as well as being in a supportive role during each board meeting. Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.

Canada's public education system has been recognized globally for decades, ranking in the top 10 countries according to the Programme for International Student Assessment, or PISA. But, since 2006, this country has seen its overall scores drop in all three areas: reading, science and especially math — leaving experts, and parents, worried. In The Current's new series, Learning Curve, we are taking a closer look into what's leading to this drop — and can our education system be improved for everyone involved.

When we talk about public education, we're talking about the heart of democracy, says today's guest Heather DuBois Bourenane, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Public Education Network. The post Public Education is the Beating Heart of Democracy appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.