The Teacher Shortage Crisis

Send us a textIn 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.00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions00:49 Meet Elyse Dorflinger: A Veteran Teacher's Perspective03:48 The Challenges of Special Education05:21 The Fight for Support and Resources09:11 Systemic Issues in Special Education13:10 Possible Solutions and Call to Action22:55 Navigating Special Education Services23:50 Investigating the Teacher Shortage24:20 Challenges in Special Education Reporting25:01 Personal Struggles with the System26:35 Fighting for Support and Services28:17 Systemic Inequities and Advocacy34:33 The Importance of Early Intervention37:28 The Emotional Toll on Educators40:08 Resources and Recommendations44:05 Final Thoughts and Call to Actionwww.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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:Scope of the Issue: Special education's crucial role and how its dysfunction affects everyone.Factors Contributing to Shortage: Discusses low pay, credentialing requirements, and lack of teacher autonomy.Perverted Terms: The misuse of key educational terms to reduce the need for special education services.Civil Rights History: Acknowledging the historical civil rights challenges that led to the current laws.Roles and Responsibilities: Detailed look into the overwhelming roles of SPED teachers and the extensive legal and administrative challenges they face, including IEP meetings and assessment processes.Emotional and Ethical Impact: The burnout and ethical compromises faced by SPED teachers in their attempts to support students.Legal and Administrative Barriers: Explanation of the convoluted process for getting a child assessed and the intentional bureaucratic delays.Classifications of Disabilities: Overview of categories within special education and the corresponding services.Future Discussions: Previews in-depth conversations with veteran SPED teachers for nuanced insights.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 00:45 Understanding the SPED Teacher Shortage 02:00 Misuse of Educational Terms 03:11 The Role and Challenges of SPED Teachers 06:54 Legal and Bureaucratic Hurdles 15:19 Historical Context of Special Education 25:30 Categories and Services in Special Education 31:04 Mainstreaming and Inclusion Controversieswww.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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 Education00:24 Unpacking Special Education Terms01:27 Categories of Disabilities02:41 Intellectual Disability Explained05:19 Emotional Disturbance and Special Day Classes06:02 Personal Experiences with Special Day Classes14:31 Autism Spectrum Disorder and Misdiagnosis18:55 Challenges in Identifying and Supporting Neurodivergent Students20:36 Specific Learning Disabilities and Accommodations26:58 ADHD and Overlapping Diagnoses30:45 Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)31:40 Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and RTI32:57 Understanding Universal Design for Learning (UDL)33:20 Introduction to RTI and Tiered Interventions33:51 Behavioral Interventions and Tier 3 Supports34:52 General Education and Special Education Collaboration36:18 Implementing Tier 2 Interventions38:30 Challenges in Special Education42:10 The Role of Intervention Teachers52:12 Least Restrictive Environment and Full Inclusion01:00:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughtswww.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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 Introduction00:30 Guest Background: Meet Janice01:42 Teacher Pay in New England02:36 The Reality of Teacher Salaries04:16 Challenges and Decisions11:26 Certification and Relocation15:34 Navigating the Salary Schedule23:47 Certification Hurdles29:05 Navigating Professional Development Credits30:07 Challenges of Staying in the Teaching Profession31:37 Teacher Evaluation Process32:15 Tenure and Job Security Issues34:56 Side Hustles and Leaving Public Education43:24 The Petition for National Teacher Pool45:37 Systemic Issues in Education58:25 Final Thoughts and Call to Actionwww.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textThe 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.00:53 Reacting to SNL's 'Y'all Won' Sketch03:14 Challenges in Modern Education03:52 Behavioral Issues in Schools06:53 Impact of COVID on Student Behavior12:03 Administrative Responses to Behavioral Problems14:11 Teachers as Behavior Managers17:07 Systemic Issues in Education21:02 Call to Action for Teachers22:32 National Standards and Teacher Preparation23:22 Emotional Reflections on Student Progress24:35 Challenges and Emotional Struggles in Teaching24:56 End of School Year Reflections25:54 Systemic Issues in Education Leadership28:49 The Role of Teacher Leaders34:38 Evaluation and Complacency in Teaching37:53 Final Thoughts and Call to Actionwww.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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.  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 Nasirwww.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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 Overview02:55 Defining Climate and Culture in Schools08:43 Personal Experiences with School Climate16:21 Character Education Programs: Leader in Me27:09 Critique of PBIS and Behavioral Interventions34:43 Critique of PBIS and ABA Systems36:07 Issues with Reward Systems in Schools37:47 Behavioral Expectations and School Policies40:00 Impact of the Pandemic on Student Behavior42:09 Challenges in Teaching Post-Pandemic45:49 Sexual Harassment and Title IX in Schools49:23 Teacher Shortages and Systemic Issues01:01:21 Union Efforts and Teacher Contracts01:05:43 Conclusion and Call to Actionwww.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textThe 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 Episode00:41 The Role of Politics in Education02:14 Election Results and Teacher Reactions06:38 The Importance of Apolitical Teaching12:51 The Importance of Civics Education15:51 Addressing Literacy and Income Inequality21:53 The Need for Teacher Involvement in Policy35:36 Conclusion and Call to Actionwww.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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 Welcome01:27 Janet's Teaching Journey03:06 Challenges in Reading Instruction03:47 Middle School Reading Struggles06:31 Teacher Training Gaps09:42 Blame and Systemic Issues14:05 RICA and Teacher Assessments17:47 Learning to Teach Reading21:55 Pandemic and Self-Education24:50 Impact of Effective Phonics Instruction32:41 Challenging Outdated Teaching Practices33:46 Personal Experiences with Reading Instruction34:48 The Problem with Current Reading Programs37:46 Introducing a New Solution51:12 The Importance of Literacy Rates01:02:47 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionVisit teachershortagecrisis.com to join the movement of teachers speaking up about the mess in K-12 Education in the United States. www.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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 Podcast01:10 Introducing Bizarro Scenarios04:29 First Bizarro Scenario: The Punny Misunderstanding07:35 Teacher Humor Gone Wrong11:35 Amanda's Awkward Classroom Moment16:12 Weird Stuff Kids Say19:56 Awkward Icebreakers and Funny Classroom Moments21:38 A Tragic Story: School District Mismanagement22:38 The Fallout: Teacher Cuts and Budget Issues26:03 Corruption in K-12 Leadership28:39 Misappropriation of Funds and Its Impact31:57 The Chromebook Conundrum36:15 Wrapping Up: Call to ActionVisit teachershortagecrisis.com to join the movement of teachers speaking up about the mess in K-12 Education in the United States. www.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textTitle: Reading Instruction is a MESS in the USSummary: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 Setup02:53 Teaching Experiences in Oakland04:15 Understanding Reading and Language Acquisition05:17 The History of Written Language06:44 Challenges of Teaching Reading24:29 Comparing Literacy Across Cultures29:29 Addressing Literacy Issues in the U.S.38:08 The Challenges of Teaching Reading38:39 The Impact of Hiring New Teachers40:42 Economic Factors Affecting Education42:12 The Decline in Literacy Rates47:39 The Debate Over Reading Instruction Methods56:11 Proposed Solutions for Improving Reading Education56:59 The Importance of Veteran Teachers01:09:45 Conclusion and Call to ActionVisit teachershortagecrisis.com to join the movement of teachers speaking up about the mess in K-12 Education in the United States. www.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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 Mission00:52 Shelly's Early Struggles with Reading02:06 Navigating School with a Learning Disability08:20 Shelly's Middle School Challenges11:06 High School and Special Education23:37 Impact on Self-Esteem and Career Choices25:40 Post-High School Decisions and Support28:15 Financial Struggles and Debt28:41 Welding Career Path28:55 Reading Challenges and Dyslexia30:32 Parenting Fears and Dyslexia32:57 Acceptance and Adaptation36:06 Overcoming Educational Hurdles39:52 Support Systems and Encouragement44:34 Law Enforcement Career48:59 Art and Creativity50:08 Reflecting on Personal Growth51:34 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsVisit: teachershortagecrisis.com to contact us and learn more!www.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textThis 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 Education00:18 The Teacher Shortage Crisis00:57 Teacher Pay: A Complex Issue01:57 Insights from Dr. Paul Bruno03:34 Challenges in Teacher Compensation05:31 The Importance of Differential Pay13:43 Veteran Teachers and Systemic Inequities29:32 The Role of School Districts and Administrators46:21 The Impact of Housing Costs53:45 Conclusion: A Call to ActionVisit teachershortagecrisis.com to join the movement of teachers speaking up about the mess in K-12 Education in the United States. www.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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.00:00 Introduction and Episode Context00:29 Teacher Shortage Crisis Overview01:33 Challenges in Data and Accountability02:23 Debating the Terms: Shortage vs. Crisis05:06 Impact of Teacher Shortages on Students07:50 Special Education and Teacher Ratios09:33 Veteran Teachers and Retention Issues13:18 Introducing Dr. Paul Bruno14:11 Dr. Bruno's Background and Research16:52 Understanding the Teacher Shortage32:01 Methodology and Data Collection45:08 Teacher Turnover and Certification Concerns46:06 Impact of Overseas Hiring on Teacher Numbers47:13 Teacher Roles and Class Sizes48:55 Veteran Teacher Retention Issues50:25 Challenges in Teacher Credentialing59:49 Data Availability on Teacher Shortages01:05:59 Local Control and Its Impact on Data01:08:20 Proposed Solutions for Teacher Shortages01:23:23 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionVisit teachershortagecrisis.com to join the movement of teachers speaking up about the mess in K-12 Education in the United States. www.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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.00:00 Introduction: A Personal Story of Struggling to Read02:23 Family Challenges with Learning Disabilities05:26 Sister's Journey: From Struggles to Success07:14 Transition to Teaching: College and Early Career08:45 First Teaching Job: Elementary School Experience09:31 Innovative Teaching Methods and Challenges11:04 The Importance of Reading Engagement11:19 Charter School Experience and Student Challenges12:00 Addressing Reading Struggles in the Classroom13:08 The Need for Proper Teacher Training15:50 Pilot Program for Reading Intervention22:43 Reflections on Teaching and Reading Instruction27:23 Conclusion: The Need for Empowering TeachersVisit teachershortagecrisis.com to join the movement of teachers speaking up about the mess in K-12 Education in the United States. www.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textThis 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 Overview00:55 The Teacher Shortage Crisis01:49 Jess's Reaction to the Curriculum Episode04:21 Teacher Autonomy and Systemic Issues06:13 Elementary vs. Secondary Education10:21 The Role of Neurodivergence in Teaching20:11 Challenges with Canned Curriculum25:08 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionVisit teachershortagecrisis.com to join the movement of teachers speaking up about the mess in K-12 Education in the United States. www.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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.00:00 Introduction to the Teacher Shortage Crisis01:09 Background on Canned Curriculum02:51 Understanding ELPAC and Teaching Terms07:48 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests10:05 Teacher A's Journey and Challenges28:20 Teacher B's Perspective and Training29:23 Struggles with ELD Canned Curriculum30:30 Observing Other Teachers31:18 Lack of Support and Feedback32:19 Political and Systemic Issues33:18 Questioning the Curriculum's Effectiveness36:38 The Reality of Long-Term English Learners43:24 Personal Experiences and Final ThoughtsLearn more and support the work we are doing by visiting:teachershortagecrisis.comSign our petitionwww.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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.00:00 Introduction to the Teacher Shortage Crisis00:23 The Power of Big Textbook Companies01:19 What is Canned Curriculum?02:09 The Impact of Canned Curriculum on Teachers03:43 Challenges with Implementing Canned Curriculum07:57 The Role of Data and Decision Making17:40 Personal Experiences with Canned Curriculum29:38 Broader Implications and Future Episodes34:19 Conclusion and Call to ActionVisit Our Website: teachershortagecrisis.comSign Our Petition for Changewww.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a textIn 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.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:29 Understanding the Teacher Shortage Problem02:22 Financial and Emotional Investments in Teaching03:44 The Credentialing Process: California vs. Washington05:44 Challenges of Student Teaching and Internships10:56 The Burden of Continuing Education16:14 Personal Experiences and Systemic Issues18:47 The Impact on Disadvantaged Schools22:40 Clearing the Credential and Ongoing Challenges29:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWebsite: teachershortagecrisis.com www.teachershortagecrisis.comPetition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!