Pencil Busters, 2024 has been a wild ride! Join us for this very special Homeroom, as we take a look back at the standout moments of this past year. From the lows to the highs and the laughs to the cries, 2024 gave us a lot worth remembering.

From all of us at BustED Pencils: Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny, and Producer Jess, thank YOU for a fantastic year! We wish you a very Happy New Year and we'll see you in 2025 for a fresh year of Busting Pencils!

BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

As AI grows, we've wrestled on this show with what it IS. Is it just one new technology- however revolutionary- like a calculator? Or is it a major human-culture-shifting phenomenon? Anshul Sonak, our newest Pencil Buster, joining us representing Intel's Digital Readiness Program, argues that AI is the "new electricity." It will revolutionize how we use tools, how we live our lives, and how we do our work. And we- meaning ALL of us- need to be able to navigate through the technology. Anshul promotes Intel's Digital Readiness Program as a path to empower all of us to become tech literate through public-private partnerships. There's a better world ahead of us, so how do we get there? How about together?

BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Pencil Busters, we made it to another Friday- thank goodness! Welcome to our revamped Friday podcast, Free Throws and Face-Offs, where we'll follow the winter ESSENTIAL curricular activities in Wisconsin high schools. Civic Media host and sports broadcaster Chad Holmes joins us this week to preview the hockey, basketball, and wrestling seasons. We've got so much to look forward to, and we're so thankful to have you all along with us!

BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

The Supreme Court's decision today on Presidential Immunity has shaken up our understanding of democracy. Dr. Tim and Dr. Johnny are here to break it down and talk about what it means for the future of public education. Our touchstone today is Timothy Snyder's pamphlet, On Tyranny, 20 lessons to guide us in protecting democracy. We all have a role to play in protecting the institutions that serve our democracy.

Support Busted Pencils and Civic Media's mission to refresh hometown radio and look great at the same time with merch!

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

It's been a busy week on Busted Pencils! Did you miss something? Catch up on our best segments of the week now!

Save Our Schools Arizona is fighting to keep public money in public education, for Arizona and for us all. Student Loan Debt Relief took a major blow this week, Alan Collinge, founder of Student Loan Justice breaks it down with Tim and Johnny. There are many paths to becoming a top-notch educator, whether you know you want to be a teacher as a young child or find yourself in a career; Sam Todd, current bus driver and future teacher, is Busting Pencils for the first time! Finally, we're catching up with returning Pencil Buster, the Association for College and University Educators' co-founder and current president, Jonathan Gyurko.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

The first Presidential debate was disappointing, but you know what's always exciting? BustED Pencils Friday, where we chop up the week! Tim and Johnny talk about how they felt watching the debate and their fears about what it portends for public education. We say all the time on Busted Pencils that public education is the heart of democracy, and there was absolutely no discussion of public ed in the debate. But all is not doom and gloom. Listen to hear what we can do to unite and rally for high quality public education!

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Is your state lacking public school teachers? Well, we know your state is lacking public school teachers because every state is. One option to fill that shortage is for states to grow their own teachers. That's right, start with people working full time jobs serving their communities who want to learn how to teach, and get them the training they need to flourish, then realize you have the amazing teachers you need. Samantha Todd, current bus driver and future teacher, is participating in Western Michigan University's Grow Your Own Teacher program, and today, she's Busting Pencils.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Join Busted Pencils for an eye-opening discussion with Alan Collinge, the trailblazing founder of StudentLoanJustice.Org. Since 2005, this grassroots organization has been at the forefront of exposing the predatory nature of student loans in the U.S. Alan shares compelling insights into the tangled web of federal and private student loan systems, revealing the conflicts of interest and corporate lobbying that perpetuate student debt crises.

In this episode, Alan delves into the groundbreaking research that inspired The Student Borrower Bill of Rights and led to numerous exposés in major media outlets like 60 Minutes, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Discover the real stories behind the statistics, the human impact of student loan policies, and the urgent need for systemic reform.

Don't miss this chance to hear from one of CNN/Money Magazine's "Financial Heroes" as he discusses his book, The Student Loan Scam, and shares how you can contribute to the fight for student loan justice. Tune in to understand the challenges borrowers face and the solutions that can lead to a fair lending system. Sign onto the petition at

Change.org/cancelstudentloans

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Higher Education has a lot of secrets, but this one is pretty shocking: for a long time, educators at the collegiate level have not received formal training in how to teach. So thank goodness for ACUE- the Association for College and University Educators- which has now trained over 40,000 American educators to be effective teachers in its 10 years. Jonathan Gyurko, co-founder and President of ACUE and returning Pencil Buster is here to talk educating educators.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

On the Busting Board today is Arizona's ESA program- vouchers by a new name- exposed in this recent CNN article. Beth Lewis, contributor to the CNN article, seasoned educator, mom, Executive Director of Save Our Schools (SOS) Arizona, and first time Pencil Buster is here to break it down. What's so bad about these voucher systems and how do they really affect public education? Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny, and Beth deliver a Voucher 101 lesson.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Dr. Tim Slekar and producer/guest Anya dive into the controversial topic of the 10 Commandments being mandated in Louisiana public school classrooms. They dissect the implications of this new law, questioning its impact on education and exploring the complexities of enforcing religious doctrines in a secular setting. With humor and critical insight, the episode challenges listeners to consider the broader consequences of intertwining religion and public education. Plus, don't miss their satirical take on the practicality of these commandments in a diverse classroom setting.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Dr. Tim Slekar delves into the unfiltered realities of teaching in today's politically charged environment with today's guest, Nancy Flanagan. Known for her fearless blogging and candid discussions, Nancy shares insights from her latest blog, "Ignoring the Real World in the Classroom," challenging the directives that prevent educators from addressing significant current events with their students.

Nancy recounts powerful moments from her teaching career, including the reactions and administrative challenges during major historical events like the September 11 attacks and the January 6 insurrection. The episode highlights the crucial role of teacher professionalism and the need for courageous administrators who support educators in addressing real-world issues.

Join this engaging discussion as Nancy Flanagan explores the intersection of education, politics, and the essential need for honest classroom conversations.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

They're Educators. They're Amplified. Together, it's a great show.

Dr. Tim Slecker and Teacher Halley tackle the significance of Juneteenth in today's educational landscape. They explore whether schools in 2024 would acknowledge Juneteenth as a holiday and delve into the broader implications of teaching this critical part of American history.

With insightful contributions from listeners, the episode highlights the professional dilemmas of teachers, the influence of school boards, and the importance of fostering critical thinking in students.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Returning Pencil Buster and longtime social justice educator-activist Bill Ayers joins Dr. Tim and Dr. Johnny to continue the work of naming this strange moment. Building on our conversations with Dr. Kevin Kumashiro and with David Pepper, Bill helps us reckon with where we are. It's a moment of contradiction, as American voters chose both their public schools and Donald Trump, who vows to unmake public education as we know it. This moment is one of duality as our population becomes ever-increasingly diverse while efforts to celebrate that diversity come under attack. So where do we go from here? Bill helps us chart the path forward.

BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

In this enlightening episode of Busted Pencils, Dr. Tim Slekar is joined by Curtis Cardine, the accomplished author behind the newly released book "Horace's Hope: Freedman's Folly, The Purpose and Promise of Common Schools in a Democratic Republic." Together, they delve into the profound legacy of Horace Mann, the pioneer of the American public education system. Curtis shares his extensive knowledge and passion for Mann’s visionary principles that continue to shape our educational landscape.

Curtis provides an in-depth exploration of Horace Mann's six foundational principles for public education, emphasizing their relevance and importance in today's society. From the critical notion that citizens cannot maintain both ignorance and freedom to the necessity of non-sectarian education provided by well-trained professional teachers, these principles form the bedrock of Mann's enduring legacy. Curtis also sheds light on Mann’s early advocacy for mental health reform and emancipation, showcasing his broad humanitarian impact.

Listeners are invited to re-examine the current state of public education through the lens of Mann's principles, as Curtis and Dr. Tim discuss the challenges and deviations introduced by modern privatization movements. The conversation extends to Curtis's critique of Milton Friedman's influence on educational choice and the implications for democratic values. This episode is a must-listen for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of public education.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Resources Mentioned:

• Horace's Hope: Freedman's Folly, The Purpose and Promise of Common Schools in a Democratic Republic by Curtis Cardine

In this episode of Busted Pencils, Dr. Tim Slekar and Dr. Johnny Luppinacci dive into the complexities of Milwaukee Public Schools' recent budget challenges. After a grueling weekend of travel, Tim reflects on his Father's Day celebrations and the significance of family time before getting down to business. They are joined by Heather DuBoise Bourenane and Jenni Hofschulte from the Wisconsin Public Education Network, who bring their expertise to discuss a pressing issue: the potential $50 million repayment Milwaukee Public Schools may owe due to a reporting mishap.

Heather and Jenni share their experiences and insights, emphasizing the intricate nature of school budgeting in Wisconsin. They shed light on the statutory requirements that force districts to finalize budgets before receiving confirmed state aid amounts, a process fraught with guesswork and uncertainty. The conversation covers the ripple effects of this budgeting process on local schools, highlighting the precarious position of school principals who must make staffing decisions based on tentative estimates.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the financial pressures facing public schools, the systemic issues at play, and the advocacy efforts aimed at addressing these challenges. Tune in to hear about the upcoming Wisconsin Public Education Network's summer summit, an event dedicated to strategizing and organizing around public school funding and policy.

For more info on the Summer Summit July 30-31, visit WisconsinNetwork.org/Summit

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

This week, we’re celebrating our rekindled relationship with Rethinking Schools, our continued partnership with Minocqua Brewing Company, and as always, incredible learning. This week is all about the power of education to empower people, from our youngest learners to our most experienced ones. We here at Busted Pencils are educated educators talking education AND we are learners leading learners.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Tim! Johnny! Anya? No Jess?! What is happening?!? A Friday recap of epic proportions, that's what!

Broadcasting live from a conference in Minneapolis, Tim shares his experiences with college professors who are redefining quality teaching in higher education. The conversation touches on the surprising gaps in teaching proficiency among PhD holders and explores innovative ideas for improving adult education.

The episode also highlights a unique live event at Monaco Brewing Company, where the hosts rallied for public education and voter registration. The importance of voting in both local and national elections is emphasized, particularly in supporting public education. This segment is filled with energy and community spirit, reflecting the critical role of civic engagement in educational advocacy.

Listeners are also treated to a rich discussion about the evolution of public education, featuring a recap of an insightful conversation with Kathy Greeley, a veteran public school teacher. The episode underscores the pressing need to rethink education from cradle to career, considering alternative pathways like apprenticeships and certificate programs. With guest appearances and live callers adding depth to the conversation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of education.

Dr. Tim and Dr. Johnny both have their PhDs in education, they're both experts in their field, and they recognize how much they still have to learn. Tim's joining us today live from the National Higher Education Teaching Conference. Today, we're celebrating and honoring excellent teaching and learning at all levels. We're also reflecting on the week so far, chopping up how important public education is for a healthy democracy.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Broadcasting live from four cities in three states, BustED Pencils is featuring Educated Educators talking Education at the Minocqua Brewing Company taproom! We're tackling voter registration, the absolute necessity of public education for a functional democracy, students' rights, and more! Join us and make sure to grab some progressive beer from Minocqua Brewing Company.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Busted Pencils is excited to rekindle our relationship with Rethinking Schools, a Milwaukee-based social justice education advocacy and publication group. Special guest Cierra Kaler-Jones, executive director of Rethinking Schools, is with us to bust pencils today! Rethinking Schools got their start with challenging corporate text books that further diminished marginalized perspectives. Now, they work at the national level to bring healthy challenges to classrooms and to provide support for educators.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Kathy Greeley, 40+ year career educator and author of Testing Education, is here to bust some #2, standardized-testing-ready pencils. Over the past decades, America has instituted dozens of standardized tests and policies designed to raise standards. As much as those tests and those standards were designed to measure and increase learning, they've done incredible harm to teaching as a profession and learning as a joyful endeavor. So how can we return to the joy of learning? By busting some of those pencils!

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

It's been a full week of guests, educational news, and excellent learning all around!

First up is a lesson on the Three-Cueing System with Dr. Nancy Carlsson-Paige (you might be more familiar with her son, Matt Damon).

Next hear about how we can work to make schools more public through a publicization process with Jonathan Gyurko. He's followed up by a deep discussion on what learning really looks like with Jethro Jones.

Finally, take a breath and take some some to regulate with our regular guests from Educators Amplified, Teacher Hallie and Teacher Joanna.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

It has been a FULL week on Busted Pencils! We're here chopping it up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny, and Producers Anya and Jess.

Plus, there was an outrageous bigoted incident in Baraboo, WI this past weekend. We're breaking it down and talking about how education can help us all move forward.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Join the BustED Pencils team as we continue to digest our Thanksgiving meals and conversations. This Homeroom has no trending news beyond our full bellies and full hearts. Instead, listen as Dr. Tim throws a classic "Tim Bomb" at Johnny and Jess (no Pencil Busters were hurt in the making of this podcast) taking us all into a conversation on food politics. Extend your Thanksgiving break by 20 minutes to breathe with us and take in a few minutes of peace.

BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Is there only one way that learning happens? Guest Jethro Jones is a nationally awarded educator and school leader, podcast network creator, and author. He is passionate about challenging myths surrounding learning loss and learning gaps. Just a hint- learning doesn't look the same for everyone, nor for any one person throughout their lives. And guess what: learning gets messy! Let's embrace the mess and get into it!

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

It's Wednesday and we've got Teacher Hallie and Teacher Joanna from Educators Amplified with us! The past week has been intense, for all of us as Americans and especially in matters of education. As Teacher Joanna says, "we're in the stew" of emotions and stress here at the end of the school year. So we're taking some time to talk about regulation techniques: for our students, for our friends and loved ones, and most certainly for ourselves.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

How public are our public schools, really? Guest Jonathan Gyurko, author of Publicization, president and cofounder of the Association of College and University Educators breaks it down with Tim and Johnny. Jonathan defines publicization as the opposite of privatization- moving industries from the private to public domain.- and uses the term to discuss a potential future for public schools in America. He examines schools on how exclusive or inclusive they are to determine how well they measure up as a public institution.

Get Jonathan's book here: https://www.tcpress.com/publicization-9780807769423 and use promo code nhetc for a special discount!

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Special guest Dr. Nancy Carlsson-Paige walks us through Three-Cueing system: what it is, how it's helped millions of kids learn to read, and the real controversy based on a false premise surrounding teaching with it. The Three-Cueing system, which uses context, meaning, and sound to help learners make sense of language, is now illegal to use as a pedagogy in many states. So if it's illegal to teach using context, meaning, and sound, how the heck are students supposed to learn how to read?

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Busted Pencils passes the Bechdel test and we encourage you to get to know your feelings: F with them, find them, and feel them darn it! 

The Doctors take a bit of time BEFORE addressing THE NEWS about Trump to catch back up with Tim about all that we’ve been covering in his absence.

Learning with Educators Amplified about what happens when we flip our lid. Teacher Hallie and Teacher Joanna break it down with some neuroscience on regulation.

Finally, Dr. Johnny takes the most compassionate approach possible to the news of Trump’s 34 guilty verdicts.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

We're covering the huge national news and huge emotions circulating the nation at Busted Pencils today. Dr. Tim and Dr. Johnny break down their personal and professional reactions to the 34 guilty felony counts against former president and current presidential candidate Trump. What does it all mean for the future of education in America?

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Tim is back in the saddle and ready to talk trending news-- yes we'll get to that news about 34 felony guilty verdicts-- but first, some Busted Pencils business.

Dr. Johnny and Dr. Tim bring a cogent educational view to the biggest news for our democracy in decades: a former president and current presidential candidate has been found guilty by a jury of his peers on 34 felony counts. So now what? Tim and Johnny break down the actual civics involved and discuss a potential path forward.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Today we're jamming with Teacher Hallie and Teacher Joanna of Educators' Amplified, so you know it's gonna be great! Dr. Johnny and our guests dig deeper into conversations about the importance of finding, feeling, and being able to regulate our emotions. Specifically, we're looking at the neuroscience of those big negative feelings that tend to explode when we do not have appropriate tools to manage them.

Check out Johnny's interview with Washington State Standard on the ever-increasing presence of guns in schools: https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/05/26/more-weapons-and-guns-showing-up-in-washingtons-schools/

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Dr. Johnny is back to chat with Producers Anya and Jess as Dr. Tim is still on the road. Picking the conversation back up from last Friday, we're digging into what we should do with our feelings, especially in an educational setting. With school violence unfortunately continuing to rise, we need something much more effective than more guns in schools- let's try working through those enormous feelings instead.

To read Dr. Johnn's conversation with Reporter Grace Denig on increasing weapons and decreasing safety in his home state of Washington, read here: https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/05/26/more-weapons-and-guns-showing-up-in-washingtons-schools/

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

A special weekly wrap up conversation amongst Doctor Johnny and Producers Anya and Jess! It's been such a full week, we need an opportunity to break it all down and recap. We're reminiscing on what we learned all week with each other and with our fantastic guests: Chris Saldana on school budgets, Teacher Hallie on mindfulness, Rod Gramer on protecting public schools from vampiric voucher systems.

Listen to hear educated educators talk education as it is, how it should be, and how it can be if we apply some currency to our commitments.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone! We have so much to be thankful for, and we take time to acknowledge that in this episode. We also have much to work towards, reminiscing on our interview with David Pepper. How could so many people choose both their public schools and Donald Trump, who ran on a platform of defunding public schools? Was it because too often education turns into a system of schooling that separates the "educated" from the "uneducated"? Or do we just need more than a binary system? Our educated educators kick the ideas around.

BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Doctors Tim and Johnny are joined by guest Rod Gramer from Idaho, a strong proponent of public education. Rod is connected with the Wisconsin Public Education Network, a coalition for public education and against parasitic voucher systems. Rod brought this movement to Idaho to fight off the influx of vouchers and protect their vital public schools. Rod founded the Idaho Business for Education to inject desperately needed funds into the pitifully funded public education system while protecting against the drains of vouchers. Visit Idahobe.org to learn more and connect!

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Tim and Johnny are joined by teacher Hailee fresh out of a union meeting and fired up to talk fully leaded education. Are we teaching children mindfulness techniques in order to help them grow as people or as one more desperate effort for behavior management in the classroom? One helps us as a society, one only ingrains mindless obedience and disdain for strategies to increase mental wellness. Additionally, are we using "mindfulness" techniques as an unsatisfactory stopgap because of a legitimately broken education system?

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Trending news in public education

A California district has agreed to pay a $360,000 settlement to a PE teacher who was terminated for not adhering to gender affirming practices who claims her first amendment rights were violated. Dr. Tim and Dr. Johnny break down whether this is an accurate claim or not and compare it to the example out of Montgomery country, Maryland that rejects claims that students can opt out of LGBTQ+ education on the grounds of religious exemption. Callers and texters weigh in on the place of religion and individuality when we come together to form a society.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

It's a Monday but we got this!

Join Tim and Johnny and guests Chris Saldana and Heather Dubois Bourenane as they check in on budgets that haven't kept pace with inflation and how much it really takes to education one student for one year. Chris talks us through how school budgets are determined and where they fall far, far short of the needs of the communities they are meant to serve. For some of the enormous challenges facing public education, Heather has answers! Tune in to hear what can be done to continue prioritizing the education of our children.

The birth of knowing- what education really means. In the weekly wrap-up, Tim and Johnny wrestle again with how to use powerful tools like AI in the classroom for good and what to do when curriculum mandates get in the way of real learning opportunities.

A conversation with Aaron Makelky on the pros and cons of using AI in the classroom. Is it a powerful tool that we should be teaching students to harness for good? Or is it a dangerous cesspool for nothing better than cheating?

With insights from teachers Hallie and Joanna, the conversation delves deep into the realities of the teaching profession, exploring the struggles of maintaining balance and wellness in a demanding educational environment. They address the pressing need for a shift in how well-being is integrated within schools, arguing for a system that supports both teachers and students holistically.

The episode reveals the personal toll on educators, discussing the often overlooked aspects of teacher health and the institutional barriers that exacerbate these issues. From the stigmatization of mental health struggles to the lack of proper support systems, the dialogue opens up about the adverse effects of a system ill-prepared to handle the well-being of its educators. The speakers bring to light the profound impact of these challenges, not just on teachers, but on the quality of education itself.

As solutions are proposed, the conversation turns to the potential for systemic change, emphasizing the importance of collective action and community support. The speakers advocate for a reimagined approach to educational leadership and policy that prioritizes well-being as essential to effective teaching and learning. This episode is a call to action, urging all stakeholders in education—administrators, policymakers, and the community at large—to recognize and act on the urgent need for reform in teacher support systems.

Its just Johnny, Tim, and the latest hits in education news, namely the so-called 'science' of reading.

It's almost like putting the tests ahead of the students was a bad idea...

Join Dr. Johnny on a solo show with guest Dr. Amanda Fraiser as they discuss the wide differences between the charter school conundrum from Wisconsin to Tennessee to Washington.

Dr. Amanda Fraiser is a well-published researcher who has been in and out of classrooms her whole career. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and is a former Instructor at University School in Clemmer College at East Tennessee State University.

Dr. Tim Slekar and Dr. Johnny Lupinacci, along with guest Teacher Hallie, dive into the profound impact of educators during Teacher Appreciation Week. They share personal anecdotes and heartfelt tributes to teachers who have significantly influenced their lives, underscoring the transformative power of education. The conversation extends beyond mere appreciation as they critically examine the current state of education, discussing both the challenges and inspirations encountered in the teaching profession. As the episode unfolds, listeners are invited into a candid discussion about a tragic incident involving a student and a pellet gun, prompting a broader dialogue on school safety, the accessibility of weapons, and the psychological impacts on students and teachers alike. This episode not only celebrates educators but also encourages a reflection on the societal responsibilities and systemic changes needed to support and protect our educational communities.

We've been following Wisconsin's high school football teams, both 11-player AND 8-player, since September. Here at the end of First Downs and Friday Night Lights, we check in with a brand new Pencil Buster. Travis Wilson is the general manager of the Wisconsin Sports Network (WSN). WisSports covers all of our state's high school athletics, but Travis knows that ALL of the essential curricular activities contribute to a full high school experience. He joins us to recap the end of the football season and share kudos with the state champions.

We now look ahead to the start of basketball and hockey. As we move into the winter sports, look forward to our weekly Freethrows and Faceoffs.

BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Continuing Teacher Appreciation Week, Dr. Tim and Dr. Johnny are excited to welcome Dr. Diane Ravitch to the program! She is an esteemed educator and education historian, and you can check out her books at dianeravitch.com. She talks with Tim and Johnny about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. In 2020, she published her book Slaying Goliath, and its message is as important as ever. Educators need to work together against political pressures to privatize education.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Bust-ed Pencils is glad to break up your Monday monotony by bringing you TWO excellent guests! You know her as "Matt Damon's Mom" but we get to call her Nancy Carlsson Paige - she joins us to discuss all that's happening in her wild world. Plus, Alex Bohr of the University of Michigan's 'Grow Your Own (GYO)' Grant Program joins us to discuss how his experience receiving the needed help finishing his degree in exchange for helping out his home state as a teacher.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!