Will This Be On The Test? Teacher Pod

This is Part 2 of our two part story about Woodland Park, Colorado, a bucolic little town in the shadow of Pikes Peak. A place where the schools have been overtaken by a group of people who know little to nothing about education. They also give zero f*cks about the faculty and staff of the school district.

It's a crazy story that gets worse by the day-mass exodus of teachers, families pulling their kids out, and things like the teachers being made members of a union-ish organization that they didn't give any indication they'd like to be part of. And in Colorado, schools are locally controlled-meaning the state can't intervene. The acting superintendent can run rampant, with the support of the board. The only way out is electing a new board.

We spoke to Logan Ruths, the former records custodian for Woodland Park, who has been embroiled in this situation as it has unfolded, and Matt Gawlowski, parent/activist and developer of the "Support Woodland Park Schools" website (https://supportwpschools.com/). It's a story you don't want to skip.

As the title says-it's a cautionary tale. For every single district out there.

Be sure to check out Miss V's terrific Substack, "Over Drinks!"

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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If you heard of a corporation that had secret meetings, non-disclosure of public documents, and a company policy that included a gag order for employees' personal social media, you might say "wow, that's a pretty toxic environment." Now...suppose you found out it was actually a school district? Shocking, right? Well, not so much these days.

We are talking about the very real Woodland Park, Colorado school district, where the interim superintendent, despite being recalled as a member of a board of education elsewhere, was the ONLY candidate considered. Where administrators and teachers are leaving in droves. Where a charter school has been placed in the middle school building, causing the sixth grade to be moved-without a discussion with building principals or teachers.

And where the Records Custodian-the person who handles all of the Open Records Requests-was unceremoniously terminated. Strangely, after he voiced objections to some of the less-than-open practices of the District, including instructing him to not fulfill requests.

We spoke to Logan Ruths, the former records custodian for Woodland Park, and Matt Gawlowski, parent/activist and developer of the "Support Woodland Park Schools" website. It's a story you don't want to skip.

Because...it could happen to you.

Be sure to check out Miss V's terrific Substack, "Over Drinks!"

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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It always sounds so glamorous, going abroad to teach. You get to travel, learn about a different country and culture, try out different food and clothing...great, right? However, just like everything else that is reality and not a fairy tale, there is two sides to the story. Meet Jessica Graham, an international teacher (up until recently) who has taught in UAE, Vietnam, and China. She tells us all about her experiences-how she started out with this gig, positives and negatives, how she got locked out of China during the pandemic, while her belongings were there. She also tells us about her new career as a copywriter and branding expert-and yes, she uses her teaching skills daily!

Last season, we spoke to the creator of the Facebook group "Life After Teaching," where teachers looking to get out of the profession can go to get information, support, and people to cheer them on. In this episode, we speak to one of the members of "Life After Teaching," who left teaching after six years and moved on to a related field, but without the BS of public education. Give this episode a listen as we interview our guest-her reasons for leaving will definitely resonate with you, and her description of her new career will make you want to run and re-do your resume!

We also talk about miserable weather conditions, getting old (yeah, Miss V is feeling ancient, which Scotty and Yo Miss think is hilarious), and foods that we love but other people think we are crazy to ingest.

Check out our new artwork, created by Miss V! And because she's multifaceted, she also has a terrific Substack, "Over Drinks!"

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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Education in Florida. What can we say about that? So many things. Book banning, "don't say gay," and the latest, a principal being asked to resign because parents objected to Michelangelo's "David" being shown in an art class. And the leader of this pack, Ron DeSantis, the governor of the Florida and expected presidential candidate, just keeps the hits coming. We talked to Mia, a Florida teacher, and heard all about how the new education policies in Florida have impacted teaching, and job satisfaction. And how having DeSantis as your governor makes a horrible time for teachers even worse.

So yeah, we're jealous of your weather. But hell no, we are not jealous of your governor!!

We also talk about the "delightful" recognition Miss V received on Facebook. What goes on with people??

Check out our new artwork, created by Miss V! And because she's multifaceted, she also has a terrific Substack, "Over Drinks!"

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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Welcome to Season 3 of "Will This Be On The Test? Teacher Pod!" We are super excited to continue on our journey to bring you content that is honest, informative, and hopefully sometimes amusing! On our first episode of this season, we are so excited to have Stacey Ogden, creator of https://sidehustleteachers.com/! Stacey takes us through the process of blogging as a side hustle that actually MAKES MONEY, and doesn't force you to ask your friends to buy candles/makeup/leggings. And guess what? In addition to bringing in some cash, blogging might just give you the outlet you need to feel happier, and less available for the drudgery of extra "teaching" responsibilities (I'm talking to you, door decorating).

Also, check out our new artwork, created by Miss V! And because she's multifaceted, she also has a terrific Substack, "Over Drinks!"

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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You know how you sit in PD workshops, thinking about how completely out of touch the presenter is with what really takes place in a classroom? You even wonder if they've actually ever taught in a real classroom-or if they did, for how long. 

So you might be thinking, "Ugh, are they really having a behavior management 'expert' on the podcast? Who needs more of that crap!" 

We get it.

But...and we promise you, this isn't BS...this is different. For real.

We interviewed Scott Ervin, of Ervin Educational Consulting, a.k.a "The Kid Whisperer." Scott not only taught (as well as held positions as an administrator and discipline specialist) in urban districts for 10 years; he requested the toughest kids, year after year. And found ways to related to them, to address discipline challenges, and to teach. And when you hear his strategies, you'll be nodding your head, because they are actionable, and they make sense. He's also written a book, "The Classroom Behavior Manual: How To Build Relationships with Students, Share Control, and Teach Positive Behaviors," that gives teachers common sense tactics to put in place. If you've pondered, during these difficult times, how you can possibly get some control over your class(es), give this episode a listen. You can thank us later.

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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After first grade teacher Abby Zwerner was shot by a six year old student in her classroom several weeks ago, the question that kept coming up was "How?" How did a six year old get access to a gun? How did no one know he had it at school? Why wasn't something done?

And then we heard-it was known. It was reported to administration. And nothing was done.

Teachers started talking, telling their own stories of violence in their schools. Of worsening student behavior, particularly since the pandemic began. And of administration sending kids back to the classrooms of teachers they had, only yesterday, punched in the face. 

This episode contains your stories, your fears, and your overriding question-"How?"

Don't forget to check out Miss V's substack, "Over Drinks!" It's fabulous!! https://overdrinks.substack.com/

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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We think that everyone would agree-student behavior is awful. And it's not just apathy, it's not just attitude-it's beyond that. We can point to the pandemic, and the impact that online learning and isolation had on kids and families, but in the end, we're still dealing with kids walking out of classrooms while cursing out teachers, and worse. 

One thing that can help is actually devoting personnel to solving behavior issues. Enter Public Enemy #1, who in fact actually is not the enemy! She is a behavior interventionist, who works with kids and teachers to resolve behavior issues in both the short and longer term. She tells us about her role, and the more she spoke, the more we realized how vital it is to have someone who is not part of admin, but can work with kids and teachers to address behavior issues!

We also talk about our special skills (Yo Miss has a weird one), and discuss what a load of bullshit The Secret is (in our opinions).

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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We don't know about you, but when we see those massive school buses filled with loud kids go driving down the street, we think to ourselves, "Holy Crap! I can't drive my Nissan Rogue when my two kids are fighting, how the hell do those school bus drivers do it?"

Listen as we chat with Miss J., a school bus driver who has dealt with it all-sick kids, unruly parents, absent admin-and yet, still refers to her passengers as "friends," and listens to countless descriptions of Pokemon without batting an eye (or hitting another car).

Oh and yeah-she saved someone's life recently too. For real!

We also discuss New Year's Eve, and what super powers we'd like to have-we all have given this way too much thought!

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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Have you ever, during your teaching career, gotten a response or comment from a parent of one of your students that is so crazy, so unbelievable that you are stunned into silence? How about a request that you think is some sort of joke, and it turns out to be an actual request?

If so, then this episode is for you! And if not, this episode is for you too (just to hear what goes on with your teacher friends)! We gathered stories from Reddit, as well as from friends, and even a few of our own, to put a sampling of parent ridiculousness out into the world that makes it even clearer: the parents are a lot harder to deal with than the kids.

We also discuss school holiday parties (has anyone else been asked to do a St. Patrick's Day party??), and what dog breeds we would be. Spoiler alert: everyone picked pretty dogs. Of course!

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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We all have daydreamed about what we'd do if we won the Powerball. But do we have to wait for that 1 in 1 billion chance to leave teaching? According to Zachary Long, the originator (along with his wife, Brittany) of the Facebook group "Life After Teaching: Educator Options Beyond the Classroom" the answer is a resounding NO! This group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/495865574323107), as well as the accompanying website (https://lifeafterteaching.com/), has so many resources and so much advice and conversation for either leaving the profession, or starting up a side gig to supplement your income. So if you've had enough of kids ignoring you, admin asking you to do ridiculous tasks, and parents blaming you for pretty much everything, take a listen to this episode, and check out the Life After Teaching: Educator Options Beyond the Classroom Facebook group!

We also dive into crappy jobs and job interviews, great moments in sports, and how being sick without having to act like you care about your classroom (aka writing sub plans) is definitely still not great, but slightly less awful.

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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There's a playbook. It's probably called something like "How To Kill Public Education, and Get The Government To Pay For Your Kids' Private School." And there is a lot of conservative money behind this playbook, and the movement it inspires that wants to do away with kids learning about racism, LGBTQ people and stories, and basically anything they don't support. In this episode, we are joined by founders of the "Support Forest Hills Public Schools," a group which started after recognition of the playbook coming to their town. Listen as we hear about how a group of moms took on the opposition in their school board elections, including holding a forum for all of the candidates!

We also spend some time denying the heinous rumor that women in New Jersey call their husbands "daddy." No, that is not a thing. Never has been a thing! Except, perhaps, with weirdos, and New Jersey does have a few of those. But in general-"daddy" is reserved for our dads. Period.

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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Do you ever shake your head and think, "How is it that book banning is a thing now, in the United States?" We do too. Because it's appalling. We spoke to Carolyn Foote, a founding member of the 13,000 follower strong #Freadom, which was started by a group of librarians, with a hashtag takeover of #txlege! This organization is dedicated to fighting censorship, by publicizing how very dangerous it can be, and by providing resources for others to also walk the walk at board meetings, and other public forums. It also has as its mission familiarizing the public-including school administrators who haven't a clue, even if they should-with the role of librarians and school libraries, and how it is not just checking out books and telling kids to be quiet.

Check out #FreadomFighters at www.freadom.us!

In keeping with our literary theme, we also talked about our fave books from elementary school, and holiday decorating contests, revealing that our annoyance at some of the over the top things people do most likely stems from the lack of winning on our part. Sigh.

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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Teachers do not make enough money. Period. But often teachers will stay in the job because they're unable to save enough money to amass the safety net of savings that would allow them to leave. Enter The Dream Teacher Project. Israel Tovar, a former teacher, and his sister Sunem, have made working with teachers to get their money right in order to gain financial peace, and have choices, their mission. While their focus is on teachers of color, whose situations and status in the profession make them particularly vulnerable, their advice and coaching is available, and valuable, to every damn teacher.

In addition to chatting with Sunem and Israel, and learning why reaching for that margarita instead of saving is not particularly kind to our future selves, we also discuss scary season, and how we're kinda a wimpy bunch. Okay, not kinda. Just wimpy.

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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We've all heard about the folks who want to "save education," who put "family first," who want to "keep our children safe." Of course, these are the same people who are banning books, and claiming that teachers are pedophiles who are grooming their students (insert eyeroll here). Enter Mike Gottesman, of Wayne, NJ, who has formed the New Jersey Coalition for Protection of Public Education, a group that is taking on the factions in the state that are backed by the deep pockets of the Conservative movement. Give a listen to our interview with Mike, and learn about the model that he and his compatriots have developed to fight against the demise of public education! And, if you are interested in learning more, you can check out their Facebook page here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/345537860890256

We also get cranky about "Days of Awesome" that aren't so awesome for kids who can't participate, and get motivated to start our letter writing campaign to get a mountain named after Scotty.

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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Come join us on this hilarious journey, as we discuss a district bringing in a Las Vegas magician to perform feats of...professional development? A retired teacher, who is a shining example of what in-class support should be for all of us, telling us about kids with challenging behaviors getting the Door Dash lunch treatment. Some regional terminology differences that have us wondering if Miss V has an odd idea of what the perfect donut tastes like. And then....then there's the little old British designer who has decided to use her talents to create sex rooms (yes, you read that right). All in one lil episode. 

If you're ever going to listen to one of our episodes, this is the one. You'll definitely laugh!

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We are super excited to have had the chance to sit down with Melissa Tomlinson, a founding member of Badass Teachers Association, as well as a member of NJ21United and NJEA! We learned a lot about what teachers like us can do in order to move agendas forward - and what unions are unable to do (since we've done some complaining about the union in our time). Overall, it was great to have Melissa on, and we hope you will listen and connect with Badass Teachers Association!

Badass Teachers:  https://www.badassteacher.org/

NJ21United:  https://www.nj21united.org/

We also partake in our usual silliness, including a discussion of animals, as well as our mea culpa concerning Flip Flippen (sorry again, Flip!).

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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Teacher shortage, no subs, book banning....and those are just today's headlines. It's ugly out there. And yet, when we asked "What are you looking forward to this school year?" you did what teachers do - you found something to hang onto, something to get you out of bed and into the classroom. And not just the kids either-new roles, new projects, a chance to light a spark in some kid, somewhere. We have tried our best to keep this episode positive - not easy, since there's so much crap going on - because if teachers can walk past that administrator who's never been in a classroom and carry on with their day, we certainly can dedicate an episode to the strength it takes to remain positive, in this chaotic and unrelentingly negative time in education.

Speaking of making a positive difference, our very own Miss V is taking on the 20 Minute Back To School Reading Challenge for the Trevor Project! If you would like to donate, here is the link:  https://www.facebook.com/donate/649606416097243.

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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Have you seen shows/movies like Glee and High School Musical, and wished that you had the talent and skill to put on a show on your school? Do you think "wow, I could discover the next ___________ (fill in talented person here), and they'll thank me at the Oscars..." Well, we have the goods on how high school musicals actually come to be, as we interviewed Nick Richardson, who has put on several. We also discuss his recent job change out of the classroom, and what drove him, and scores of other teachers, to leave teaching (aside from the existential dread that many feel as the sun rises over their classrooms). And we have a lil discussion about corn - which, we all know, is best in New Jersey!

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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In this latest episode, we are thrilled to interview Willie Carver, the 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, who recently resigned from his position as a high school teacher in a public school, due to homophobia and harrassment. Those of you who listened to our episodes about Bret Bigham, 2014 Oregon Teacher of the Year (Season 1 Episodes 26 and 27) will be struck by the similarities in these stories. Sadly, there is an eight year difference between them-meaning that even all those years later, homophobic behavior by is still present and thriving in schools.

Give a listen to Willie's interview, which will make it clear as to why he was given the Teacher of the Year honor to begin with, and will also cause you to shake your head and wonder, "What can be done to stop this from happening?"

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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We've all had students who are neurodivergent - ADHD, ODD, Dyslexia, Austism. But what is it like to discover late in life that you, the teacher, are on the autism spectrum? In our latest episode, we interview "Artie," an art teacher who was diagnosed with autism as an adult, and has found it to be a key to unlock some of the questions she's always had, about herself. We hear about her diagnosis, learn some surprising facts about autism in girls and women (for example, did you know that, rather than not feel empathy, autistic women can actually be over empathetic? We did not know that.), and discuss how she deals with the challenges that all teachers experience. We also talk about the dumbest request ever made of a group of teachers, discuss our chances of surviving the zombie apocalypse (hint: being highly effective on Danielson doesn't help), and in a related conversation, hear about Miss V's latest foray into reality television (Snowflake Mountain, anyone?)!

If you would like additional information on autism and women, please reach out and we can put you in touch with resources provided by our guest.

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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We asked you to tell us, in one sentence, about this school year. The results were consistent, not surprising, in some cases funny - but disturbing nonetheless. What is this fresh hell from which we are emerging?? Listen as Miss V and Yo Miss discuss the results of our completely unscientific survey, including quoting some of y'all, as well as Pop Quiz discoveries about our childhoods that show how we ended up this way. 

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

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We've all seen our share of a certain type of teacher TV shows - kids who love their teachers, parents who show respect to educators, teachers who perform miraculous feats with only optimism and gumption as their tools. And then...then there are the shows that portray teaching more realistically. Teachers with no money for supplies. Administrators who, for the most part, are self serving do-nothings. Kids who are..well, like real kids.

Join us as we dive into teacher TV shows; old favorites (like Welcome Back, Kotter), and new shows as well (like Abbot Elementary). You may actually learn about a show to binge during your imminent summer break!!

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

In the aftermath of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 elementary school children and two teachers were murderered, we wanted to put out an episode to verbalize what is going through many teachers' minds.

Please reach out to let us know your thoughts; our social media info is below.

If you are struggling to cope, there is help available. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, or you can text "HOME" to the Crisis Textline, at 741741.

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro.

Whether you've cried on the way to or from work, at home about work, or sometime during the school day, it's happened - that crying jag that is as forceful as a middle schooler's odor after gym. Listen as we read your stories, and tell our own, about those days when the tsunami of tears christens the faculty bathroom, or, in Miss V's case, the space under her colleague's desk.

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro!

Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, and spread the word to your fellow educators (or anyone else)! And feel free to reach out with ideas, suggestions, and of course...words of affirmation! 

Are you ready to scream when you hear the words "self care?" Have you pondered throwing something at an admin when they mention "free massages" for staff, but also say "nothing in the budget for pencils"? Are you actively daydreaming about finding a new career, instead of doing your lesson plans? Well, this episode is for you! We sat down with Chase Mielke, teacher and author of "The Burnout Cure: Learning to Love Teaching Again," to discuss the strategies he used when he was at his wits end, as well as what else is needed for teachers to feel satisfied, valued, and motivated. And no, it wasn't pizza in the staffroom (although that's never a bad thing).

Join us as we talk to Kevin DiPasquale, president of the Douglas County AFT chapter, as he takes us through the actions of the current Board of Education (with a majority of conservative "rookies"), and how teachers, students, and parents united to show their support for their former superintendent, and for public ed. We also hear about the county's history, and how many people are having a sinking feeling of deja vu.

Kevin did want to specially recognize the efforts of the DougCo Collective, a newly formed group of concerned parents that have reinvigorated efforts to organize the community. The group is working to organize volunteers to be available for the long haul for public education in Douglas County.

Thanks to Max Siskind, of the "Max and Maks in the Morning" podcast, for voicing our intro!

Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, and spread the word to your fellow educators (or anyone else)! And feel free to reach out with ideas, suggestions, and of course...words of affirmation! 

We've all been there. Something terrible happens-a school shooting, a war, a tornado-and we don't really know how to handle it in our classrooms. Our instinct is to discuss it with our students, let them process with us-but we are often told to leave it alone, to not say anything, or to read a district approved paragraph.

Enter Alyssa Hadley Dunn, an associate professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Michigan State University. Her latest book, "Teaching On Days After" is a completely readable guide to how to handle "day after" teaching, with an eye towards equity and social justice. We were so fortunate to have Alyssa on the podcast to discuss her book, and the research behind it.

Alyssa has a Facebook group, "Teaching on Days After: Dialogue & Resources for Educating Towards Justice," which provides so much amazing information and conversation for its 19K members (join it!!). 

It's an exciting new season here on "Will This Be On The Test? Teacher Pod!"  We have two new fabulous, inciteful, and funny co-hosts joining Yo Miss - Miss V. and Hey Teach! They come to the pod with awesome ideas, and ready to get the job done. Welcome!

Our guest this episode is Ms. SDK-Stay Dropping Knowledge-whose 2019 Black History month door decoration received national recognition, was shared over 100,000 times, and garnered her substantial media attention. Join us as we chat with Ms. SDK about her door, how funding does-and doesn't-work, and other topics. Here is a link to People magazine's coverage, including a pic of her fantastic, thought provoking door: 

Here is Part Two of our interview with Brett Bigham, Oregon's 2014 Teacher of the Year, and Oregon's first openly gay Teacher of the Year. If you haven't listened to Part 1 (Episode 26), you should do so-you don't want to miss any of this interview.

Brett is a fantastic Special Education educator, who was treated incredibly unfairly by his former district. Listen to the conclusion of his story, which will make you feel angry, shocked-and most importantly, hopeful. Which all of us could use right around now.

Thanks to Max Siskind, for voicing our intro!

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We were honored to have Brett Bigham, 2014 Oregon Teacher of the Year, as our guest. Not only has he done amazing things for special education students that led to his well deserved award, but he's also had to deal with his former district's complete impingement upon his rights, because he is openly gay. This is Part 1 of this two part interview. 

Welcome, and thank you, to Max Siskind, for doing our new intro!

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Join us as we discuss your many excellent responses to our question, "If you could change one thing in education what would it be?" So many good answers, for once we hope admin is actually listening to the episode! We also talk about the unique way a NJ school has chosen to solve its behavior problems (hint: it doesn't involve classroom management skills), and the usual Mr. E./Yo Miss banter!

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Welcome to the new year, where things are looking...well...not much better than the old year. We are joined by Ms. V., a newly retired teacher who tells us why she left teaching when she did-and it is incredibly relatable. We also discuss various scenarios for schools during this latest Covid surge, which could be summarized as "still a clusterf*ck."

Basically, it's either laugh or cry, my friends, so after you've cried for a bit, give us a listen for at least a wan smile.

Please subscribe, rate, and review us, and spread the word about the pod to your fellow educators (or anyone else)! And feel free to reach out with ideas, suggestions, and of course...words of affirmation! Find us at:

Join us we reminisce about door decorating, Secret Santa, and all of the other holiday activities at school that make us long for winter break even more! We will be back in 2022 with more content to make you laugh, cry and nod your head in agreement. Meantime, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

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The kids, many of whom are traumatized or have forgotton how to attend school, are a mess. The teachers, many of whom are quitting, are a mess. The powers that be, many of whom are stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place, want to pretend no one is a mess, everyone just needs a little "grace" and "self care"-and maybe a door decorating contest. Join us as we greet our guest, Dr. Chicago, and discuss what is happening in schools today, what isn't, and what you all think of it.

Join us as we share YOUR stories about parent-teacher conferences, including an Elvis impersonator, and a parent whose trip to "France" involved no air travel. We also discuss a protest at a school that turned into a chaotic melee (in Texas, no less), and announce our first foray into the world of podcast merch! Check us out!

Link to article for our current event:

Join our special guest, Mrs. B., as she tells us about her career as a speech teacher, all of the usual nonsense that related services teachers have to deal with, and her "fucking awesome" retirement. We also talk about why lap dances are considered part of "tradition" at a Kentucky school event. Because that's normal.

Join us as we discuss substitute teaching, from all angles - including the current sub shortage. We have YOUR stories about strange, great, and hilarious situations involving subbing, another current event from the Lone Star state (we really don't try to shit on Texas, these stories just abound), and just general merriment because if we don't laugh we will lose our shit.

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In this episode, we hear from a group of teachers' significant others, who confirm that it does, in fact, piss them off that we don't work during the summers! However, we also got to hear how proud they are of their teacher partners...and their opinions on kids, administrators, and teacher spending. And.....we get to meet Mrs. E.!! 

Join us as we welcome our guest, Mrs. D., whose description of a crazy teaching day leads us to a discussion of how teachers are expected to teach without appropriate resources-and how this has become the norm, not the exception. Plus, we reveal what we'd say to black out drunk administrators. And, for once-we leave Texas alone!

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Join us as we jump into the confusion that is Covid-19 policy in schools. Everyone wants kids in school; why, then, are some states banning mask mandates? Covid is still wreaking havoc in the U.S.; why, then, are states and schools playing this pretend game of "Covid? Oh, that's so 2020!" We have stats, we have your thoughts, and we get to shit on Texas yet again (nothing new there). 

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In our latest episode, we chat with Mrs. Frizzle, a retired 34 year veteran of the New York City school system, and, among other things, how her last principal threw Danielson around like a monkey slings...well, you get it. Also, our current event is....us! Look below for the link to the article about the pod that was in an actual newspaper!

https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/education/2021/08/20/education-teachers-podcast-tackles-good-bad-and-funny/8040856002/

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Join us as our guests, Faith and Hey Mr., tell us what it is like to teach a "special," including some of the treatment they receive from those of us in the core subjects (yes, I apologized).We also get to hear Mr. E. exercise his right to whine about the end of summer-and yes, he is entitled!

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Join us for lucky Episode #13, as we partake in some light summer fare-your funny stories that you just love to tell! Shout out to everyone who contributed, thank you so much! We also talk about the never ending pandemic/mask/vaccine controversy, and school traditions we hate-back to school PD, anyone?

Please subscribe, rate, and review us, and spread the word about the pod to your fellow educators (or anyone else)! And feel free to reach out with ideas, suggestions, and of course...words of affirmation! Find us at:

In this episode, Yo Miss and Mr. E. get serious, and dive into critical race theory-what it is, what it isn't, and how policies relating to it could affect your teaching, and your job. Our guest, Mr. B., tells of about his experience with equity training, and we have your views and commentary as well. On a lighter note, Yo Miss finds out that you can go home again, and you'll even get a tiara!

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It's a cohost convention as we welcome Alicia and Sarah of the podcast "Litthink!"  Join us as we discuss how different our "teacher faces" can be from our real ones, Mr. E.'s Quit Smoking journey, and a lil tidbit about our "pal," Bro Suit!

Please subscribe, rate, and review us, and spread the word about the pod to your fellow educators (or anyone else)! And feel free to reach out with ideas, suggestions, and of course...words of affirmation! Find us at: