Podcasts about public education

On today's episode, we sit down with Sarah Kearney, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, and Todd LaPorte, CEO of HonorHealth, to explore how Scottsdale is taking bold steps toward becoming a longer-living, more connected, and more vibrant community. Website: bluezonesprojectscottsdale.com    Instagram: bzpscottsdale   BACK STORY With more than 35 years of diverse healthcare experience, Todd LaPorte leads an integrated health system with nine acute-care hospitals, numerous outpatient facilities, a research institute, and various community services impacting social determinants of health and military preparedness. HonorHealth is one of Arizona's largest employers, with a presence throughout much of the growing Phoenix metropolitan area. Since joining HonorHealth in 2001, Todd has held executive roles in which he focused on financial and strategic leadership. He has shaped a system with many access points to provide convenient, high quality care for patients, and with an ability to coordinate care efficiently and effectively. HonorHealth governs with its medical staff one of the country's highest performing ACOs in the country. For most of his twenty years at HonorHealth, Todd served as the CFO. In April 2017, he became the 10th CEO in more than 150 years of its legacy firm history. Before joining HonorHealth, Todd held senior management roles for an international CPA firm that served Arizona healthcare clients, as well as clients in high-tech manufacturing and consumer services. He was also the CFO of a privately held healthcare company that served more than a half million Arizonans. Todd is the current board chair for the Health System Alliance of Arizona, an association of the five largest healthcare systems throughout the State. He is a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership (a CEO advocacy group) and is a board member of Experience Scottsdale (a visitor's bureau). He speaks frequently to Arizona State University MBA classes and community service organizations throughout the Valley of the Sun. Todd was named CFO of the Year by the Arizona chapter of the Financial Executives International in 2012 and was recognized by Becker's Hospital Review as one of the "125 Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know" in 2013. Todd has served as board chair for a chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the nationally acclaimed Scottsdale Aquatic Club and the Paradise Valley School District's supporting Foundation for Public Education. He holds a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Arizona State University. His four daughters all swam competitively at four different D-1 schools, so his college sweatshirt collection is quite confusing.     Sarah Kearney leads Blue Zones Project Scottsdale as the Executive Director. Her leadership experience is diverse and rooted in community well-being, service, and forward-thinking optimism. She most recently worked for Experience Scottsdale, whose mission is to enhance the Scottsdale community through tourism. In Sarah's 16+ year tenure at the organization, she held several leadership roles and specialized in worldwide leisure sales, partner development strategy, membership and community engagement, program development, and more. Driven by her passion for the Scottsdale community, Sarah has served, led, and guided several local organizations, leaving a cross-sector imprint. She has served as the Board President for Scottsdale Leadership, the Board President for Community Celebrating Diversity, a Board Member for Scottsdale Sister Cities, the Officer of Membership for Millennials in Travel, and the Vice President of Community Outreach at GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale. Sarah holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a B.A. in Communication from Arizona State University. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, sports and spending time in the Scottsdale sunshine. She is a proud wife and hockey, dance, and dog mom to her two children and golden retriever.   SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much!   ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE  Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE!   JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE   FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee   Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully. TAGS: bluezonesprojectsscottsdale, honorhealth, iconichourpodcast, health, wellness, iconiclifemag, iconiclife, livebeautifully  

NY Daily News, Mamdani plan to scale back NYC gifted and talented program reignites simmering controversy, https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/10/04/mamdani-plan-to-scale-back-nyc-gifted-and-talented-program-reignites-simmering-controversy/ andJames Borland, Gifted Education Without Gifted Childre. https://assets.cambridge.org/97805215/47307/excerpt/, 9780521547307_excerpt.pdfRenzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education, and Talent Developmenthttps://gifted.uconn.edu/schoolwide-enrichment-model/ https://gifted.uconn.edu/schoolwide-enrichment-model/Jennifer Berkshire's books, The Education Wars and Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door: The Dismantling of Public Education and the Future of School , https://www.amazon.com/Education-Wars-Citizens-Defense-Manual/dp/1620978547/ and https://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Schoolhouse-Door-Dismantling-Education/dp/1620977958/ref=sr_1_1Jennifer Berkshire, Education Helped Power the Blue Wave, https://educationwars.substack.com/p/education-helped-power-the-blue-waveLaura Pappano, School Moms: Parent Activism, Partisan Politics, and the Battle for Public Education, https://www.amazon.com/School-Moms-Activism-Partisan-Education/dp/0807012661Laura Pappano, At Moms for Liberty summit, parents urged to turn their grievances into lawsuits, https://hechingerreport.org/at-moms-for-liberty-summit-parents-urged-to-turn-their-grievances-into-lawsuits/Jake Zuckerman, Culture warriors lost school board races all around Ohio, https://signalohio.org/culture-warriors-lost-school-board-races-all-around-ohio/David Pepper, Lesson: People Don't Want Crazy on their School Boards, https://davidpepper.substack.com/p/lesson-people-dont-want-crazy-on?r=g8fo&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=trueArne Duncan, America is in an ‘education depression.' This solution is a no-brainer, https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/11/03/democrats-education-tax-credit-duncan/Jessica Seaman, Colorado teacher unions ride blue wave to victory in school board races, https://www.denverpost.com/2025/11/06/colorado-teacher-union-school-board-elections/Jenny Brundin, Supporters of Propositions MM and LL declare victory, https://www.cpr.org/2025/11/04/proposition-ll-mm-funding-free-school-meals-results/Scotus Blog, Mahmoud v. Taylor https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/mahmoud-v-taylor/Maggie Scales, Lexington parent sues district over lessons that “normalize LGBTQ relationships” , https://lexobserver.org/2025/11/07/lexington-parent-sues-district-for-burdening-childs-religious-upbringing/

Scott Levy spent two decades as an investment banker at firms like J.P. Morgan, advising corporate boards and senior executives on risk, growth, and capital decisions. Then he pivoted, serving on a public school board, teaching at Harvard, and writing Why School Boards Matter.   In this episode, we discuss: How Levy broke into investment banking and the lessons that carried him through twenty years on Wall Street What he learned about resilience, risk-taking, and long-term thinking at the highest levels of finance Why he left a successful career to focus on public education and democracy How business principles can, and cannot, be applied productively to education What executives misunderstand about AI, and the questions they should be asking   Get Scott's book, Why School Boards Matter, here: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262552721/why-school-boards-matter/   Claim your free gift: Free gift #1 McKinsey & BCG winning resume www.FIRMSconsulting.com/resumePDF   Free gift #2 Breakthrough Decisions Guide with 25 AI Prompts www.FIRMSconsulting.com/decisions   Free gift #3 Five Reasons Why People Ignore Somebody www.FIRMSconsulting.com/owntheroom   Free gift #4 Access episode 1 from Build a Consulting Firm, Level 1 www.FIRMSconsulting.com/build   Free gift #5 The Overall Approach used in well-managed strategy studies www.FIRMSconsulting.com/OverallApproach   Free gift #6 Get a copy of Nine Leaders in Acton, a book we co-authored with some of our clients: www.FIRMSconsulting.com/gift

Ready to catch the biggest Caribbean stories? Here's a look at what's making Caribbean headlines.US DEA–Dominican Republic Meet on Coordinated Anti-trafficking EffortsAntigua Calls for U.S.–Venezuela diplomacy and regional stabilityCARICOM Reparations Commission Outreach and Public Education in the UKGuyana Plans Graduated Corporate Tax for Small and Medium AgribusinessesThe Region's National Culinary Teams Compete Across Categories at Taste of the Caribbean in BarbadosForbes Spotlights Royalton CHIC Antigua for Luxurious ExperienceListen and subscribe to the Pulse of the Caribbean News Round Up for news you need to know.Send news releases to news@pulseofthecaribbean.com. For the Pulse of the Caribbean marketplace feature opportunities, email biz@pulseofthecaribbean.com. Like and follow us on Facebook.

 In this episode, we sit down with Weldon Davis, the new principal of Three Lakes Middle School, who brings a strong leadership background, a student-first mindset, and a fresh perspective to the Gator community. He shares how his journey—rooted in his AAA background and sparked by a simple issue of chronic student tardiness—led him into school leadership. Principal Davis also talks about his vision for the year ahead and how he's ready to guide the Gators toward a successful and rewarding school year. 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.

On this episode of The Federalist Radio Hour, Priscilla West, researcher for the Government Accountability Institute and a chapter chair of Moms for Liberty, joins Federalist Senior Elections Correspondent Matt Kittle to unveil how diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, disguised as "social emotional learning," are sold to schools as "education" and explain how concerned parents can fight back against the collectivism controlling classrooms across the U.S.You can find West's book The New Face of Woke Education here.If you care about combating the corrupt media that continue to inflict devastating damage, please give a gift to help The Federalist do the real journalism America needs.   

On this episode of The Federalist Radio Hour, Priscilla West, researcher for the Government Accountability Institute and a chapter chair of Moms for Liberty, joins Federalist Senior Elections Correspondent Matt Kittle to unveil how diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, disguised as “social emotional learning,” are sold to schools as “education” and explain how concerned parents can fight back against the […]

In this discussion, we focus on the first principle of the Public Education Promise: Prioritizing student-centered learning. The conversation explores the shift from traditional teacher-led instruction to more engaging, project-based learning approaches that emphasize real-world applications and student involvement. The conversation also covers the AASA messaging guide created to help school leaders explain the Public Education Promise to key stakeholders. Follow on X: @ValerieTruesdal| @larawadem | @Karen Cheser @Jonharper70bd | @BAMRadioNetwork Karen Cheser, Ed.D., is the 2025 CoSN/AASA Digital Ed Superintendent of the Year, Superintendent of the Durango School District in Durango, CO and was previously superintendent of Fort Thomas Independent Schools and Deputy Superintendent/ CAO of Boone County Schools, in Kentucky. Before working in education as a teacher, coach, literacy and math specialist, and principal. Cheser was a Distinguished Educator and district administrator. Valerie Truesdale joined AASA's LN team in 2019 as assistant executive director responsible for guiding professional learning and leadership development. With years of experience in the superintendency and roles in instructional technology, she knows that professional learning through AASA's Leadership Network can be a premier resource for school leaders to keep pace with the rapidly changing K-12 education ecosystem. David Law is the superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools, one of the top school districts in Minnesota. Law earned a BA from Hamline University with a major in mathematics and a minor in education. His teaching career includes experiences in California and Minnesota at the middle school and high school level. In 1998, he began his administrative career. Law completed his K-12 principal and superintendent license at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and earned his Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2010, he was named assistant superintendent for White Bear Lake Area Schools.

We're recording this episode the week the Iowa DOGE Task Force released their final 136 page report – you heard that right, that's the state-level version of the Department of Government Efficiency convened by our governor back in February, tasked with maximizing return on investment of Iowa taxpayer dollars.As you can imagine, among their recommendations are ideas from the Return on Taxpayer Investment Working Group about improving education results “aimed at delivering greater value for taxpayers.”Fortunately for Iowans, this working group assembled a crack team of experienced education experts for the job, including the CEO of an ethanol plant, the former Chair of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, and the chair of a civil engineering firm. Among their recommendations are to:"Establish a merit-based compensation framework –including a bonus structure, teacher professional development and incentives for those in high-need schools in order to improve student outcomes and financially reward high-performing teachers.”Merit-pay is of course a tried, tested, and failed idea. But teacher salaries are just one thread in the complex tapestry of how states pay for public education and the ideological tug of war in our public debates over school funding – how we pay for buildings, pensions, special education, Title 1, school food programs…every cost that goes into making schooling work…or not.If the Iowa DOGE report and the policy agenda that will inevitably follow could be titled As Privatized as Possible – doubling down on outcome-based school funding and accountability measures and even recommending AI-based bus route optimization to “cut costs and improve service”...what's the alternative?My guest today asks, “What would it mean to democratize school resources? What would it mean to have truly public schools, down to the very means of resource creation and distribution that fuels them…what will it take to make school as public as possible.”It's also the title of his upcoming book, As Public as Possible: Radical Finance for America's Public Schools out this December. You can preorder it now from The New Press.David Backer is the author. He's an associate professor of education policy at Seton Hall University whose research, teaching, and organizing focus on ideology and school finance. A former high school teacher, his research has appeared in a half dozen scholarly journals like the Harvard Education Review as well as popular venues like The American Prospect and Jacobin. And you can find him on social media @schooldaves.As Public As Possible (The New Press)@SchoolDaves TikTok

In this engaging episode, Sarah and Cesar welcome James McNeany, a lifelong educator and the new Executive Director of the Indiana Non Public Education Association (INPEA). James shares his journey from math teacher and coach to principal and, now, state-level leader for non public schools. The discussion dives deep into topics like school choice, parent empowerment, and how non public schools contribute to Indiana's education ecosystem. Key Takeaways: James's Path in Education: From engineering student at Purdue to math teacher, coach, and school administrator, James's nontraditional journey revealed a passion for mentoring young people and making a difference in their lives. Leadership Lessons: James reflects on how each step in his career—from teaching students with diverse backgrounds to leading entire school communities—shaped his perspective on what great schools need to thrive. INPEA's Mission & Vision: Taking the helm at INPEA, James shares his excitement for supporting Indiana's non public schools, building on the legacy of previous leaders, and working to ensure school choice policies benefit all families. The Role of Non Public Schools: Spotlight on how these schools give parents the ability to find the right educational fit, create strong communities, and support missions and values that reflect diverse family needs. Universal School Choice in Indiana: What it means for families and schools after recent legislation, and how financial barriers are being reduced so all families can access quality education options. Future Challenges & Opportunities: James discusses the importance of protecting local autonomy for non public schools, guarding against overregulation, and expanding real choice for families—especially in Indiana's “education deserts.” Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

The FBI arrests 20 as part of a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Mississippi Delta. Some worked in law enforcement.Leaders in the Mississippi House and Senate disagree on what public education policy they should focus on for the 2026 legislative session. The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus hear testimony and recommendations to combat the state's highest in the nation maternal mortality rates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

- Mary Catherine Martin of the Thomas More Society explains the sick things they've found in public education, and what they're doing about it. - Is it too early to judge Cara Spencer's impact on St. Louis?- Tony Lovasco pulls the curtain back on how government operates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s program, I am talking with Toby Hancock, chair of the Public Education committee for the Washington County EMS Advisory Council, about the EMS Essential Service Tax Levy that will be on the November 4th ballot.

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.

Randi Weingarten's new book is a love letter to public school educators and an expose of the well-funded campaign behind attacks on teachers and the war on knowledge.

Originally recorded on October 16th. Dan Torres and former WHMP morning host Bobby Flaherty (The Great) on local and national politics, social media, geriatrics in the Democratic Party, and President Donald J. Trump.

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

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.

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...

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 […]

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. 

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

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.  

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.

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.