Explore every episode of the podcast Rebel Teachers Rising
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12. The Man Who Studied The Size of the Mess, An Interview with Dr. Paul Bruno | 22 Sep 2024 | 01:25:49 | |
In this podcast episode, Trina introduces an episode recorded with Amanda and Dr. Paul Bruno, co-author of a critical article on the teacher shortage crisis. She discusses the major findings of Dr. Bruno's article, emphasizing the chaos in data reporting and the challenges it brings to understanding the true scope of the teacher shortage. Dr. Paul Bruno provides nuanced insights into how teacher vacancies and lack of veteran teachers particularly impact student learning. The podcast delves into the methodology Dr. Bruno used in his research, challenges in collecting reliable data, and how local control in the education system complicates efforts to quantify and solve the shortage problem. Dr. Bruno suggests targeted solutions and improved data collection to address the issues effectively. In the interview, Trina and Dr. Bruno exchange thoughts on the necessity and efficacy of teacher preparation programs, the impact of local control on K-12 educational governance, and potential solutions like differential pay for hard-to-staff positions and promoting teacher leadership. They conclude with a call to recognize and address the highly localized nature of teacher shortages and their profound impact on disadvantaged students.
00:29 Teacher Shortage Crisis Overview 01:33 Challenges in Data and Accountability 02:23 Debating the Terms: Shortage vs. Crisis 05:06 Impact of Teacher Shortages on Students 07:50 Special Education and Teacher Ratios 09:33 Veteran Teachers and Retention Issues 13:18 Introducing Dr. Paul Bruno 14:11 Dr. Bruno's Background and Research 16:52 Understanding the Teacher Shortage 32:01 Methodology and Data Collection 45:08 Teacher Turnover and Certification Concerns 46:06 Impact of Overseas Hiring on Teacher Numbers 47:13 Teacher Roles and Class Sizes 48:55 Veteran Teacher Retention Issues 50:25 Challenges in Teacher Credentialing 59:49 Data Availability on Teacher Shortages 01:05:59 Local Control and Its Impact on Data 01:08:20 Proposed Solutions for Teacher Shortages 01:23:23 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 11. The Reading Mess Part II: Teachers Aren't Taught How to Teach Reading | 05 Sep 2024 | 00:29:44 | |
In this episode, Amanda shares a deeply personal story about her family's struggles with reading and the educational system. The narrative begins with Amanda recounting her own challenges in a special reading class in third grade, only to realize it was a lesser struggle compared to her sister's. Amanda's sister had significant difficulties with reading, eventually diagnosed with dyslexia, leading the family to invest in extensive phonics programs. Amanda describes the emotional and financial toll these struggles had on her family, including her sister's sense of isolation and the inadequacy of the school's support. The story transitions to Amanda's experience as a teacher. She shares various strategies and observations throughout her teaching career to help struggling readers, highlighting systemic issues in education. Amanda details an innovative, self-created guided reading program, the obstacles she faced, and the mixed success. She acknowledges the significant gap in teaching reading effectively, pointing to a lack of proper training for teachers in phonics and reading interventions. The episode concludes with Trina and Amanda discussing potential solutions, including the need for trained volunteers or retired teachers to provide targeted phonics instruction, and calls for systemic change to prioritize and compensate high-quality reading instruction in schools. The segment ends with a call to action for education reform to address reading challenges and support all students. Visit teachershortagecrisis.com to join the movement of teachers speaking up about the mess in K-12 Education in the United States. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 3. The Teacher Pay Mess Part I: The Oppressive and Misunderstood History of Teacher Pay | 13 Aug 2024 | 00:44:07 | |
In this episode, Amanda and Trina English delve into the critical issue of the teacher shortage crisis, focusing primarily on the history and issues surrounding teacher pay. They discuss the historical context for why teacher salaries are designed the way they are, touching on themes of structural sexism and income inequality. They also explore the broader implications of the teacher pay structure on attracting new talent, especially from diverse backgrounds. They emphasize the need for systemic change and offer insights on how to address these entrenched issues. The conversation sets the stage for a series of episodes aimed at uncovering the underlying factors contributing to the teacher shortage, all from teachers' point of view. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 2. How Big is the Mess in K-12 Education? | 09 Aug 2024 | 01:00:11 | |
In this episode, host, Trina English, dives into the complexities of the teacher shortage crisis in the United States. Using AI and a scholarly article by Drs. Tuan Nguyen, Chan Lam, and Paul Bruno as reference points, the discussion touches on teacher job satisfaction, the dangers of accepting simplistic answers, and the lack of comprehensive data on teacher vacancies. The speaker also highlights the uneven distribution of teacher shortages across subject areas and socioeconomic demographics, criticizing current recruitment practices and suggesting the establishment of a national professional teacher workforce. The episode concludes with reflections on how systemic issues in K-12 education impact both teachers and students.
www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 1. Meet the Teachers Behind the Podcast--We End at the Beginning | 08 Aug 2024 | 00:40:57 | |
In the premiere episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast, hosts Amanda Werner, Jessica Martin, and Trina English introduce themselves and discuss the urgent teacher shortage crisis in the United States. They recount their diverse teaching experiences across various schools, highlighting the systemic issues that have worsened post-COVID. The hosts express their emotional and spiritual struggles as educators and emphasize the need to amplify teachers' voices in the conversation. They call for listeners to join the movement to save K-12 education by signing a petition at teachershortagecrisis.com. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 10. The Curriculum Mess Part III: Candid Conversations | 02 Sep 2024 | 00:30:10 | |
This episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast features hosts Amanda, Jess, and Trina discussing Jess's reaction to a previous episode about the harmful impacts of adopting canned curriculum at the secondary level. The discussion delves into the differences between elementary and secondary education, teacher autonomy, the importance of early education, systemic issues related to gender and educational practices, the role of neurodivergence in teaching, and challenges with canned curriculums. The episode emphasizes the need for teacher involvement in policy-making and advocates for a more supportive, professional environment for educators. A call to action encourages listeners to join the movement to improve K-12 education and uphold democracy. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 9. The Curriculum Mess Part II: The Brave Story of an ESL Teacher Who Fought Hard Against Harmful Canned Content | 30 Aug 2024 | 00:50:23 | |
In this episode, hosts Trina and Amanda delve into the teacher shortage crisis through the lens of canned curriculum and its oppressive impact on teachers and students. They interview two anonymous teachers who share harrowing personal experiences of being forced to use rigid, formulaic, and dense teaching materials. The episode provides a comprehensive breakdown of key educational acronyms and frameworks such as ELPAC, EL, ELD, and SDIAE, and discusses the systemic issues exacerbated by canned curricula. Additionally, it highlights how these practices affect new teachers and marginalized student groups, proposing a shift towards trusting teachers' expertise and forming meaningful student relationships. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 8. The Curriculum Mess Part I: Outsourcing Teacher Expertise to Canned Curriculum | 26 Aug 2024 | 00:34:58 | |
In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast host, Trina English, discusses how canned curriculum (lesson plans, workbooks, assessments created by curriculum companies) contributes to the teacher shortage crisis. Trina explains the nature of canned curriculum and its limitations, stressing how it suppresses teacher autonomy and creativity, leading to teacher burnout. She provides personal anecdotes and outlines the systemic issues with decision-making in education that exclude teacher input. She also previews upcoming episodes which include interviews with teachers impacted by canned curriculum and a candid discussion with co-hosts Amanda Werner and Jessica Martin. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 7. The Teacher Preparation Mess Part I: 8 Years, 50 Grand and Your Soul, The High Cost of Becoming a Teacher | 26 Aug 2024 | 00:32:38 | |
In this episode, Trina and Amanda delve into the complex and often misunderstood process of becoming a teacher in the United States, particularly in California. They discuss the extensive financial, emotional, and time investments required, highlighting how these barriers contribute to the current teacher shortage. The conversation explores the disparities in teacher preparatory programs, the bureaucratic hurdles faced by new teachers, and the systemic income inequality that prevents many potential educators from entering or staying in the profession. Through personal anecdotes and critical analysis, they shed light on the oppressive elements of the certification process and offer potential solutions for making it more accessible and equitable. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 6. The Teacher Preparation Mess Part II: Take This Mess and Shove It! "Induction" is a Dirty Word | 25 Aug 2024 | 00:22:51 | |
In this episode, hosts Trina and Amanda delve into the teacher shortage crisis, focusing on the high costs and issues related to the teacher induction process. They are joined by Kelvin, who shares his experience of leaving the profession after just two years, despite the extensive financial and time investments required to become a teacher and the burdensome teacher induction process. They describe the ways in which schools pile more requirements on an already overstretched new teacher, and provide little to no support. They also explore the systemic issues within the education system and the broader impacts on the teaching profession and education quality. The episode aims to provide validation and insight to current teachers while offering an eye-opening perspective for administrators and the general public. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 5. Candid Conversations about the Teacher Pay and Preparation Mess | 18 Aug 2024 | 00:50:32 | |
A year after recording their first episodes about the bizarre and oppressive teacher pay and preparation processes, Amanda and Trina chat with Jess and learn how bizarre things are in Nevada. The three talk candidly about how utterly ridiculous and expensive this whole process is, and that the only way to get through it relatively unscathed is to have access to generational wealth. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 4. The Teacher Pay Mess Part II: A Discussion with a New Teacher Who Chose to Leave the Profession | 18 Aug 2024 | 00:25:14 | |
In this episode, Amanda and Trina interview Kelvin Mak, a UC Berkeley and Standford educated teacher who quit the profession after only two years due to the oppressive pay system in place in our nation's schools. He reacts to the revelation he learned while listening to the previous epsiode that teachers are only paid a fraction of a complete salary due to the system sexism baked into our profession. Both Amanda and Trina struggle with his decision to leave feeling simulataneously happy for him, and sad for their profession at the loss of exciting new talent. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 19. The Climate & Culture Mess Part I: The Jaw Dropping Truth about How Unsafe and Chaotic K-12 Schools Have Become | 17 Nov 2024 | 01:07:05 | |
In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast, Trina, Amanda, and Jess delve into the issues of school climate and culture. The conversation centers on how chaotic, unsafe environments contribute to the teacher shortage, particularly in urban and marginalized communities. They critique programs like PBIS and various character education curriculums, arguing that these often fail to address the root causes of behavioral issues and lack student and teacher buy-in. Jess shares her experiences from different schools, noting significant changes in student behavior post-pandemic. The episode also touches on the systemic problems in education, including inadequate responses to sexual violence and the broader implications for teacher recruitment and retention. The hosts emphasize the need to empower students and teachers to create sustainable changes in school environments. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 18. Special Edition Episode--Our Reaction to the 2024 Election | 10 Nov 2024 | 00:37:04 | |
The episode is a candid, unscripted reaction to the 2024 election results, featuring Trina and Amanda. They strive to maintain an apolitical focus despite having strong political opinions. The podcast underscores the importance of working across political lines to address the issues in K-12 education, and the role teachers play in fostering critical thinking in students. Trina shares her belief that the failures in K-12 education are contributing to the erosion of democracy and emphasizes the need for teachers' voices in educational policy. Amanda adds that teachers have historically managed to facilitate constructive conversations without political bias, and they discuss the broader implications of the election, including threats to the Department of Education and the impact on marginalized student populations. They argue for campaign finance reform and more civics education to combat societal issues such as illiteracy and political ignorance. The discussion includes references to a "This American Life" episode about political and income inequality, and both hosts call for more teacher involvement in governance. They stress the importance of unity and love across political divisions and invite listeners to join and contribute to the ongoing conversation about improving K-12 education and protecting democracy.
www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 17. The Reading Mess Part IV: Veteran 2nd Grade Teacher & Instructional Coach Janet Nasir Shares Her Story | 10 Nov 2024 | 01:07:14 | |
In this podcast episode, the host welcomes Janet Nasir, a veteran second-grade reading teacher and instructional coach in Southern California. Jess and Trina engage in a discussion with Janet, who shares her extensive experiences and challenges with reading instruction in the U.S. Janet details her journey from teaching middle school to second grade, highlighting the systemic issues she encountered that lead to inadequate foundational reading skills instruction. They explore the broader implications of illiteracy on society and the need for comprehensive, explicit phonics instruction. Trina introduces a solution framework involving seasoned reading teachers mentoring new teachers to improve literacy rates. The episode culminates in a discussion on the importance of reading in a democratic society and the potential for systemic change. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 16. Bizzaro Scenarios: Puny Puns, Runaway Spit, and Superintendents Who Misplace Millions | 03 Nov 2024 | 00:38:50 | |
In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast, hosts Amanda Werner, Jessica Martin, and Trina English introduce their new comedic segment, 'Bizarro Scenarios,' to share funny, weird, and sometimes tragic stories from K-12 education. WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 15. The Reading Mess Part I: The US Is a Mess! | 27 Oct 2024 | 01:17:14 | |
In this episode, Trina introduces the theme of the Reading Mess, with stark warnings about the severity of the issue in the United states. She outlines the episodes that will be on the theme, why it is so important to discuss, and makes the case that the illiteracy problem in the United States is eroding our ability to effectively self-govern, and is the biggest civil rights issue facing our nation today. Trina highlights the poor literacy rates in the U.S., referencing her own struggles in getting data and the alarming findings from sources like the CIA World Factbook and the U.S. Department of Education, which suggests that the country may have a literacy rate as low as 64%. They discuss the impact of socioeconomic factors, the importance of veteran teacher knowledge, and the need for meaningful investments in teacher support rather than over-reliance on pre-packaged curriculums. Throughout the discussion, they advocate for the creation of highly paid veteran reading teachers who can support new teachers, emphasizing the need for a professional designation recognizing teacher leaders. They conclude with a call to action, inviting listeners to sign a petition advocating for these necessary changes in the education system. Visit teachershortagecrisis.com to join the movement of teachers speaking up about the mess in K-12 Education in the United States. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 14. The Reading Mess Part III: The Reality Struggling Readers Face in the U.S. Public Education System | 20 Oct 2024 | 00:54:30 | |
In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast, the focus is on the oppressive nature of the U.S. educational system, particularly for individuals with learning disabilities. The host interviews Shelly Gonzalez, who shares her journey of navigating school with a reading disability. Shelly discusses the emotional challenges, lack of adequate support from the educational system, and the impact on her family. The narrative covers personal experiences of being moved to lower-level classes, the role of supportive art teachers, and struggles with self-esteem. Additionally, Shelly reflects on her career choices, from attending a technical school to joining a male-dominated welding profession and ultimately working in law enforcement. The episode underscores the need for systemic reforms, early reading instruction, and the importance of personal support and resilience. It also highlights the association between dyslexia, creativity, and other learning challenges, while offering valuable insights and advice for teachers, parents, and students. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 13. The Teacher Pay Mess Part III: An Interview with Dr. Paul Bruno | 13 Oct 2024 | 00:54:31 | |
This episode centers on a discussion about teacher pay, featuring Trina and Dr. Paul Bruno from the University of Illinois. The conversation highlights the complexity and inadequacies of teacher compensation systems, particularly focusing on the disparity in pay between veteran and novice teachers, the rigidity of step and column salary schedules, and the broader socio-economic challenges impacting education funding and teacher retention. 00:18 The Teacher Shortage Crisis 00:57 Teacher Pay: A Complex Issue 01:57 Insights from Dr. Paul Bruno 03:34 Challenges in Teacher Compensation 05:31 The Importance of Differential Pay 13:43 Veteran Teachers and Systemic Inequities 29:32 The Role of School Districts and Administrators 46:21 The Impact of Housing Costs 53:45 Conclusion: A Call to Action Visit teachershortagecrisis.com to join the movement of teachers speaking up about the mess in K-12 Education in the United States. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 31. The DEI Mess Part III: The Intersection of Racial and Gender Equity Issues in K-12 Education | 08 Mar 2025 | 00:44:24 | |
This episode of the Rebel Teachers Rising podcast is about the intersection of gender and race in K-12 schools. In this important episode, Manuela Allen, a high school teacher and advocate for an intersectional approach to equity, discusses her work and experiences. Topics covered in this episode include Title IX implementation issues, the lack of awareness and training on gender equity, and the pervasive challenges faced by marginalized students, especially girls and African American females. This episode delves into the need for better reporting mechanisms for sexual harassment and abuse in schools, the role of male privilege, and the conspicuous absence of gender equity in education frameworks. Lastly, it calls for greater solidarity among teachers and the necessity of male allies in addressing these systemic issues. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 30. The DEI Mess Part II: Red States vs. Blue States, No One is Doing it Right | 23 Feb 2025 | 01:00:46 | |
This episode, recorded a few years ago, explores the complexities and pitfalls of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in K-12 education. The hosts discuss the superficial virtue signaling associated with DEI movements and its consequences. They emphasize the need for authentic inclusivity and intersectionality, pointing out the negative impact of ignoring historically marginalized identities. The conversation also covers the ongoing culture wars affecting educators and students, with a detailed critique of current educational frameworks. The hosts share personal stories, highlighting the importance of understanding varied forms of trauma and invisible marginalization. They call for open, honest conversations and genuine empowerment of teachers and students to foster a truly equitable educational environment. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 21. The Climate and Culture Mess Part II: Teaching in Turbulent Times-A Reaction to the SNL Skit Y'all Won | 30 Nov 2024 | 00:42:52 | |
The Realities of Teaching: Reflections on SNL's 'Y'all Won' In this episode of the The Teacher Shortage Crisis podcast, Amanda ,Trina English and Jessica Martin, react to the recent 'Saturday Night Live' sketch 'Y'all Won.' The conversation delves into the current state of K-12 public education, exploring the challenges teachers face, including behavior management, systemic issues within school districts, and the impact of COVID-19 on student behavior. They also highlight the need for structural changes, increased collaboration, and teacher leadership to address these pressing issues. The episode calls for solidarity among educators and the sharing of personal stories to push for change in the education system. 03:14 Challenges in Modern Education 03:52 Behavioral Issues in Schools 06:53 Impact of COVID on Student Behavior 12:03 Administrative Responses to Behavioral Problems 14:11 Teachers as Behavior Managers 17:07 Systemic Issues in Education 21:02 Call to Action for Teachers 22:32 National Standards and Teacher Preparation 23:22 Emotional Reflections on Student Progress 24:35 Challenges and Emotional Struggles in Teaching 24:56 End of School Year Reflections 25:54 Systemic Issues in Education Leadership 28:49 The Role of Teacher Leaders 34:38 Evaluation and Complacency in Teaching 37:53 Final Thoughts and Call to Action www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 20. The Reading Mess Part V: "The Right to Read"--a Reaction Episode with Amanda, Janet, Jess, and Trina | 23 Nov 2024 | 01:19:01 | |
In this episode, we are joined once again by Janet Nasir, who shares her insightful experiences and reactions to Kareem Weaver's impactful film, "The Right to Read." The discussion opens with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Janet’s admirable work and dedication to the field of education. The conversation dives into the critical themes of the documentary, exploring the longstanding issue of literacy in America. Janet and the hosts discuss the inadequate preparation provided to teachers, the flaws in current curriculums, and the significant shifts occurring, particularly with the Science of Reading movement. Janet shares her district's efforts involving science of reading training and its impacts. Particularly poignant moments from the film are analyzed, such as the transformation of students under effective literacy instruction and the challenges faced by families moving between states with varying educational standards. The inefficacy of curriculums and the evolving steps taken by districts to align with scientifically based reading instruction are discussed in depth. The hosts and guests highlight the role of social justice in literacy, touching on the historical context and systemic issues that continue to affect educational equity. They critically analyze the influence of commercial interests in educational materials, including the controversial stance of figures like Lucy Calkins. Finally, the episode concludes with reflections on the broader implications for the education system and the crucial need for comprehensive teacher-led reforms. The necessity of quality early reading education, the misuse of technology in reading instruction, and the pursuit of genuine educational equity through informed and courageous action are reiterated as key takeaways. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 29. The DEI Mess Part I: Exclusive Inclusivity? Bad Ideas Abound in K-12 Educational DEI Frameworks | 16 Feb 2025 | 01:03:45 | |
In this episode of the DEI Mess series, the hosts explore the complexities and confusions surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), particularly in the context of K-12 education. They discuss the broad definitions of DEI, its narrow and often exclusive application in schools, and the resistance from different societal groups. The episode features Trina English, who shares her extensive experience in DEI work, from identifying marginalized identities in schools to creating student unions that address a variety of intersections. They also touch upon innovative solutions like civic engagement and the urgent need for a national organization of teachers to lead educational reforms. The conversation wraps up with insights on how educators at all levels can begin to implement DEI initiatives in their schools, emphasizing the necessity of creative problem-solving and inclusive practices. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 28. Bizzaro Scenarios: Sub Plans, Sick Days, and Admin Who Text You Right Outta Surgery! | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:49:47 | |
In this episode, veteran teachers and hosts Amanda, Jess, and Trina share their bizarre and often heartbreaking experiences dealing with sick days and sub plans in the teaching profession. They discuss the immense pressure on teachers to come to work even when ill, and the systemic challenges that exacerbate such situations. Through personal anecdotes, they address the lack of support from administrators, the emotional and physical toll on educators, and offer a glimmer of hope by highlighting solutions and coping strategies. This candid conversation sheds light on the hidden struggles teachers face, urging a reevaluation of how teacher well-being is valued. Resource Mentioned: www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 27. A New Year's Special Edition Episode: The Healing Power of Radical Love for All Teachers | 26 Jan 2025 | 01:02:50 | |
In this special New Year's episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis podcast, hosts Amanda, Jess, and Trina come together to discuss their reflections, challenges, and goals for the coming year. The conversation covers the emotional toll of teaching, ways to replenish as educators, and the importance of radical love and community among colleagues. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right by Bob Dylan Big 5 Personality Test www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 26. The Special Education Mess Part IV: Elyse Dorflinger, A Transitional Kindergarten Teacher's Fight to Acquire Support for Her Autistic Son | 12 Jan 2025 | 00:45:42 | |
In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast, a transitional kindergarten teacher, Elyse Dorflinger, shares her unique insights as both a general education teacher and the mother of an autistic child. Elyse describes the painstaking process of securing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for her son, highlighting systemic inadequacies in special education support. The discussion addresses the overwhelming struggles faced by teachers, the lack of proper resources and training, and the significant impact on students with disabilities. Elyse's story sheds light on the broader issue of educational inequity and emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 25. The Special Education Mess Part III: A Discussion with Manuwella Allen-Why She Left Sped After 20 Years | 28 Dec 2024 | 00:57:47 | |
In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast, co-host Trina welcomes Manuwella ("Mani") Allen, a former special education teacher with over 20 years of experience, to discuss the unique challenges and insights of the special education field. Recorded just before the 2024 school year, Manny shares her profound experiences and the struggles she faced while working with students of varying disabilities in a moderate to severe special day class. The conversation covers the complexities of balancing the needs of medically fragile, emotionally disturbed, and intellectually disabled students in one classroom. Mani recounts the physical, emotional, and spiritual tolls of the job, emphasizing the burnout that comes from always prioritizing students' needs over administrative and systemic demands. Key topics include the burdensome and often superficial IEP (Individualized Education Program) processes, inadequate support and training for paraprofessionals, and the systemic flaws in how special education is managed and executed in schools. Mani also touches on the challenges new special education teachers face, the administrative pressures to downplay students' needs, and the emotional resilience required to continue advocating for students in a broken system. Mani's story is both inspiring and sobering, shedding light on the critical yet often under-appreciated role of special education teachers. She offers advice for parents navigating the IEP process and stresses the importance of finding supportive connections within the educational community. The episode concludes with a call to action for educators, parents, and policymakers to recognize and address the dire state of special education to support these essential educators and their students better. www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 24. The Special Education Mess Part II: A Brief Overview of the Complexities and History of the Special Education Mess | 21 Dec 2024 | 00:34:23 | |
In this episode, Trina English takes listeners on a dive deep into the complexities and challenges faced by special education within the K-12 education system, particularly in the context of the national teacher shortage crisis. This discussion highlights the multifaceted issues causing a significant shortage of highly qualified special education (SPED) teachers, the bureaucratic hurdles, and the ethical dilemmas involved. Key Points:
This episode sets the stage for an ongoing, honest discourse about the shortcomings in special education and the systemic changes needed to address them. 00:00 Introduction to the Special Education Crisis www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 23. The Special Education Mess Part I: A Comprehensive Discussion of Terms, Challenges, and Insights | 14 Dec 2024 | 01:03:32 | |
In this episode, hosts Amanda Werner and Trina English discuss the complexities of special education, exploring its oppressive nature and the civil rights journey that has shaped it. They delve into various terms and acronyms such as IEP (Individualized Education Plans), 504 Plans, and disabilities categories including Intellectual Disability, Emotional Disturbance, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Amanda shares her first-hand experience being an intervention teacher and subbing in special day classes. They underline the systemic issues like teacher shortages, the lack of nuanced care, and the correlation between special education and broader educational problems. The conversation also touches on the importance of relationship building in intervention, and the need for supporting neurodivergent students more effectively. 00:00 Introduction to Special Education 00:24 Unpacking Special Education Terms 01:27 Categories of Disabilities 02:41 Intellectual Disability Explained 05:19 Emotional Disturbance and Special Day Classes 06:02 Personal Experiences with Special Day Classes 14:31 Autism Spectrum Disorder and Misdiagnosis 18:55 Challenges in Identifying and Supporting Neurodivergent Students 20:36 Specific Learning Disabilities and Accommodations 26:58 ADHD and Overlapping Diagnoses 30:45 Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) 31:40 Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and RTI 32:57 Understanding Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 33:20 Introduction to RTI and Tiered Interventions 33:51 Behavioral Interventions and Tier 3 Supports 34:52 General Education and Special Education Collaboration 36:18 Implementing Tier 2 Interventions 38:30 Challenges in Special Education 42:10 The Role of Intervention Teachers 52:12 Least Restrictive Environment and Full Inclusion 01:00:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||
| 22. The Teacher Pay Mess Part IV: A Candid Conversation with a Veteran Teacher Who Chose to Leave Teaching | 07 Dec 2024 | 01:02:36 | |
In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast, the hosts welcome Janice Cook, a veteran teacher from New England. They delve into the critical issues surrounding teacher pay and the hardships teachers face trying to make a living in this profession. Janice shares her personal journey, discussing the difficult choices she made due to insufficient salaries, taxes, high, cost of living, and excessive bureaucratic hurdles. They explore the idea of forming a national professional teacher association with innovative teachers leading the way. Throughout, they highlight the disconnect between different stakeholders in education and the need for systemic reforms. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:30 Guest Background: Meet Janice 01:42 Teacher Pay in New England 02:36 The Reality of Teacher Salaries 04:16 Challenges and Decisions 11:26 Certification and Relocation 15:34 Navigating the Salary Schedule 23:47 Certification Hurdles 29:05 Navigating Professional Development Credits 30:07 Challenges of Staying in the Teaching Profession 31:37 Teacher Evaluation Process 32:15 Tenure and Job Security Issues 34:56 Side Hustles and Leaving Public Education 43:24 The Petition for National Teacher Pool 45:37 Systemic Issues in Education 58:25 Final Thoughts and Call to Action www.rebelteachersrising.com | |||