Busted Pencils

Trending news in public education

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

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

It’s a Monday but we got this!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s almost like putting the tests ahead of the students was a bad idea…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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