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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 like Wonders 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.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
03:14 Initial Reactions to 'The Right to Read'
04:57 Personal Reflections and Experiences
08:34 Challenges in Literacy Education
13:46 Parental Involvement and Early Literacy
23:19 Systemic Issues in Education
39:36 Reflecting on the Documentary's Relevance Today
40:20 Curriculum and Phonics Instruction'
42:28 Challenges in Implementing New Programs
44:23 The Importance of Foundational Skills
48:12 Assessment Data and Its Reliability
58:44 The Role of Teachers and Structural Issues
01:03:00 Social Justice and Literacy
01:07:10 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Topics/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
The Right to Read Documentary (free to watch with ads)

Scarborough's Rope

Interview with Janet Nasir

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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.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
02:55 Defining Climate and Culture in Schools
08:43 Personal Experiences with School Climate
16:21 Character Education Programs: Leader in Me
27:09 Critique of PBIS and Behavioral Interventions
34:43 Critique of PBIS and ABA Systems
36:07 Issues with Reward Systems in Schools
37:47 Behavioral Expectations and School Policies
40:00 Impact of the Pandemic on Student Behavior
42:09 Challenges in Teaching Post-Pandemic
45:49 Sexual Harassment and Title IX in Schools49:23 Teacher Shortages and Systemic Issues
01:01:21 Union Efforts and Teacher Contracts
01:05:43 Conclusion and Call to Action

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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.

Link to the "This American Life" episode referenced: "It's My Party and I'll Try if I Want To."

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode
00:41 The Role of Politics in Education
02:14 Election Results and Teacher Reactions
06:38 The Importance of Apolitical Teaching
12:51 The Importance of Civics Education
15:51 Addressing Literacy and Income Inequality
21:53 The Need for Teacher Involvement in Policy
35:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

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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.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:27 Janet's Teaching Journey
03:06 Challenges in Reading Instruction
03:47 Middle School Reading Struggles
06:31 Teacher Training Gaps
09:42 Blame and Systemic Issues
14:05 RICA and Teacher Assessments
17:47 Learning to Teach Reading
21:55 Pandemic and Self-Education
24:50 Impact of Effective Phonics Instruction
32:41 Challenging Outdated Teaching Practices
33:46 Personal Experiences with Reading Instruction
34:48 The Problem with Current Reading Programs
37:46 Introducing a New Solution
51:12 The Importance of Literacy Rates
01:02:47 Final Thoughts and 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.

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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!

They share humorous anecdotes about misunderstandings with students and the challenges of using humor in the classroom. The episode also delves into more serious topics, like the misappropriation of funds by school superintendents and its impact on teachers and students. The hosts invite listeners to submit their own bizarre stories and join them in their mission to save public education.

00:00 Introduction to the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast
01:10 Introducing Bizarro Scenarios
04:29 First Bizarro Scenario: The Punny Misunderstanding
07:35 Teacher Humor Gone Wrong
11:35 Amanda's Awkward Classroom Moment
16:12 Weird Stuff Kids Say
19:56 Awkward Icebreakers and Funny Classroom Moments
21:38 A Tragic Story: School District Mismanagement
22:38 The Fallout: Teacher Cuts and Budget Issues
26:03 Corruption in K-12 Leadership
28:39 Misappropriation of Funds and Its Impact
31:57 The Chromebook Conundrum
36:15 Wrapping Up: Call to Action


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Title: Reading Instruction is a MESS in the US

Summary:

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.

Episode one includes a candid conversation, Trina and Jess discuss the significant challenges facing reading instruction in the United States. The discussion touches upon the struggles both have encountered in teaching reading, the flawed methodologies like the queuing method and whole language approach, and systemic issues in the educational framework. Jess shares her frustrations with a strict, ineffective curriculum that has led her to leave a previous school. They both emphasize the importance of phonics while acknowledging that a balanced approach is crucial for effective reading instruction.

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.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
02:53 Teaching Experiences in Oakland
04:15 Understanding Reading and Language Acquisition
05:17 The History of Written Language
06:44 Challenges of Teaching Reading
24:29 Comparing Literacy Across Cultures
29:29 Addressing Literacy Issues in the U.S.
38:08 The Challenges of Teaching Reading
38:39 The Impact of Hiring New Teachers
40:42 Economic Factors Affecting Education
42:12 The Decline in Literacy Rates
47:39 The Debate Over Reading Instruction Methods
56:11 Proposed Solutions for Improving Reading Education
56:59 The Importance of Veteran Teachers
01:09:45 Conclusion and Call to Action

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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.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast's Mission
00:52 Shelly's Early Struggles with Reading
02:06 Navigating School with a Learning Disability
08:20 Shelly's Middle School Challenges
11:06 High School and Special Education
23:37 Impact on Self-Esteem and Career Choices
25:40 Post-High School Decisions and Support
28:15 Financial Struggles and Debt
28:41 Welding Career Path
28:55 Reading Challenges and Dyslexia
30:32 Parenting Fears and Dyslexia
32:57 Acceptance and Adaptation
36:06 Overcoming Educational Hurdles
39:52 Support Systems and Encouragement
44:34 Law Enforcement Career
48:59 Art and Creativity
50:08 Reflecting on Personal Growth
51:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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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.

Trina emphasizes issues such as the historical underpayment of teachers due to structural sexism, while both underscore the significant differences in teaching conditions and pay across districts and states, and the lack of effective support for teachers in high-cost urban areas.

They call for a reevaluation of teacher pay structures, better support systems, and broader socio-economic reforms to address these issues.

00:00 Introduction: The Future of Education

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

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Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!