Duty Free Lunch

By Pennsylvania State Education Association, PSEASociety & Culture Education Government

Duty Free Lunch episodes

June 11, 2025 How PSEA Lobby Days turn passion into policy
This episode was recorded during PSEA’s ACE Lobby Days, where educators from across Pennsylvania come together to meet with lawmakers and make their voices heard. Joining us are two advocates, teachers, and local presidents Amanda Simcoe and Mike Soskil. They join Aaron and Rachael to talk about what it means to lead not just in their schools, but in their communities and at the Capitol, on issues like school funding, educator shortages, student teacher stipends, and the critical need to support every school staff member.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
24 min
May 28, 2025 Father and daughter's shared path to teacher certification
What happens when a father and daughter go from paraprofessionals to certified teachers together? The officer team sits down with Jermaine and ShaWanna Bailey, a dynamic duo from the York City School District who did exactly that. They share their powerful story of career transformation through the “Grow Your Own” program, the challenges they overcame, and why representation in the classroom matters.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
23 min
May 21, 2025 What happens at the House of Delegates…
…doesn’t always stay at the House of Delegates. In fact, this is the episode where all is revealed – the ins and outs and goings on at the twice-yearly gathering of our union brothers and sisters. The officer team welcomes back Executive Director Jim Vaughan to break down everything that goes into this important event – from delegate elections and new business items to behind-the-scenes prep and personal reflections. Whether you’re a first-timer, a veteran, or just House-curious, this episode gives you an inside look at how your union gets things done.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
26 min
May 14, 2025 Why IUs are the backbone of Pennsylvania's education system
The PSEA officer team speaks with two frontline IU educators – Kathy Dunkle from IU #24 and Tina Giazzoni-Fialko from IU #22 – to unpack the real story behind Pennsylvania’s Intermediate Units. What exactly are IUs? Why do they matter? And how do they quietly power some of the most essential educational services across the state? Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or just IU-curious, this episode is for you.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
25 min
April 30, 2025 Burnout and breakthroughs: Special education in focus
The officer team dives into the powerful conversations that came out of PSEA's recent special education roundtables. More than 100 educators sat down with lawmakers to talk about challenges and brainstorm solutions. Two of those roundtable participants - special ed. teacher Cassie McCabe and speech therapist Christina Rojas - join us to share their experiences.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
26 min
April 16, 2025 The great MRE cook-off
Aaron and Jeff chat with Tiffany Zook, a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Penn Manor High School, who shares how she turned military-style MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) into a hands-on cooking competition for her students. With help from a Marine Corps staff sergeant, the project gave students a taste of field rations and a big serving of creativity, collaboration, and practical skills.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
25 min
April 04, 2025 Fighting back against Trump's attack on education
Public schools are under attack, and educators need to fight back. Aaron and Jeff are joined by expert guests to dig into the latest threats to public education, like devastating federal budget cuts, and what we can do about them. NEA’s Mary Kusler and PSEA’s Jen Statler discuss the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to the U.S. Department of Education, the impact on Pennsylvania schools, and how educators can take action.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
28 min
March 26, 2025 The fight for a living wage: ESPs take a stand
We take you straight from the steps of the state Capitol to the podcast studio, where we break down the first ESP Lobby Day and the fight for a living wage. Our support professionals keep our schools running, yet nearly half of them make less than $20 per hour. The officer team interviews ESP President Rudy Burruss and Vice President Marc Howshall on a promising new House bill, the impact of raising ESP wages to at least $20 an hour, and what comes next in the fight for fair pay.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
24 min
March 12, 2025 PA Teacher of the Year Leon Smith on representation, retention, and the future of teaching
Aaron, Jeff, and Rachael sit down with 2025 PA Teacher of the Year Leon Smith to discuss the challenges facing education today. From the shrinking teacher pipeline to the urgent need for more diverse educators, Leon shares his insights on why representation matters, how to rebuild the profession, and what gives him hope for the future.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
27 min
February 26, 2025 From classroom to cockpit: How one high school is changing aviation education
Join us as we explore an extraordinary high school program that’s preparing students for careers in aviation. Aaron and Rachael sit down with Eric Greenberger, the creator and lead instructor of the Wallenpaupack Aeronautical Science & Aviation program, as well as senior Josh Griffiths, a student pilot in the program. Learn how this one-of-a-kind program is giving students hands-on experience in professional piloting, air traffic control, and aircraft maintenance while helping them earn certifications and launch their careers before they even graduate.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
24 min

About Duty Free Lunch

From the publisher's feed

Duty Free Lunch is the official podcast of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. Join us as we unpack the issues that matter most to Pennsylvania educators and especially PSEA members. From…