Empower Students Now

Show Notes, Transcript and More: https://amandawritenow.com/fixing-the-oppressive-foundations-teacher-prep-induction-and-pay/

In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, hosts Amanda and Trina dive deep into the complex and often controversial topic of teacher pay. Joined by special guest Jess, they explore the historical roots of teacher pay, referred to as "step and column". They discuss the unique challenges faced by teachers across different states and the impact of oppressive teacher pay systems on both new and veteran educators. In addition to the topic of teacher pay, the hosts unpack the topics of the high cost of teacher preparation and induction programs that require teachers to shell out even more time and money.

***Correction: Hello Listeners--Trina has issued a couple of small corrections--firstly, the two year post-graduate induction exception in California which allows a teacher to finish up in one year instead of two requires 3 not 5 years of teaching. Secondly, the year she completed her administrative services credential, in 2020, was not the first cohort required to complete induction for admin, it was the first cohort who was required to complete the CAL APA's--which is an entirely different requirement.

Show Notes, Transcript and More:

https://amandawritenow.com/educators-or-pawns-unpacking-the-realities-of-being-a-k-12-teacher-in-america/

In this thought-provoking episode, co-hosts Trina, Amanda, and Jess delve into the challenges and frustrations faced by educators in today's educational landscape. Focusing on the controversial adoption of canned curriculums in secondary education, they explore the implications for teacher autonomy, mental health, and the broader impacts on the K-12 system. Jess shares her powerful reactions and insights from a recent episode featuring two high school teachers, sparking a candid discussion about the systemic issues plaguing the profession. https://amandawritenow.com/educators-or-pawns-unpacking-the-realities-of-being-a-k-12-teacher-in-america/

Check out that previous episode here: https://amandawritenow.com/the-teacher-shortage-crisis-lessons-from-an-esl-teachers-stand-against-canned-curriculum/

Key Takeaways:

Teacher Autonomy: The episode highlights the stark contrast between the autonomy traditionally granted to secondary teachers and the rigid structures often imposed on elementary educators.

Mental Health: Amanda discusses the toll that teaching takes on mental health, especially under the current educational policies and societal expectations.

Systemic Issues: The conversation underscores the systemic problems within the educational system, including the lack of understanding and support from those outside the K-12 world.

Personal Reflections: Jess opens up about her own experiences and frustrations, offering a raw and honest look at the life of a teacher who feels more like a pawn in an ever-changing game.

Gender and Roles: Trina touches on the gendered nature of teaching roles and how societal expectations impact female educators in particular.

Quotes:

"I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't want to be in."

"Being a teacher today is like being part of a system that sacrifices your mental health for the sake of maintaining order."

"Elementary school feels high stakes, but it's treated with less urgency and respect compared to secondary education."

Discussion Points:

How the adoption of canned curriculums impacts teacher creativity and effectiveness

The importance of teacher autonomy in fostering a positive educational environment

The intersection of gender, societal roles, and the teaching profession

Strategies for teachers to advocate for their needs and mental health within the system

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Show Notes Page: https://amandawritenow.com/teaching-in-turbulent-times-our-take-on-snls-yall-won/

In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, Amanda and co-hosts Trina English and Jessica Martin react to the recent Saturday Night Live sketch "Y'all Won." As the school year comes to a close, they dive into the humor and the harsh realities depicted in the skit, sharing their mixed feelings and personal experiences from the classroom. They explore the systemic issues plaguing K-12 education, from the increase in student trauma post-COVID to the inadequacies of administrative responses. Join them for a candid discussion on the state of public education, the urgent need for systemic change, and how teachers can band together to advocate for a better future.

Ambient Cinematic | Sky by Alex-Productions |

Music promoted by http://onsound.eu/

Show Notes: https://amandawritenow.com/unpacking-the-impact-of-school-climate-and-culture-on-the-teacher-shortage-crisis/

In this podcast episode, the hosts Amanda and Trina, both teachers, are joined by guest Jessica Martin, a teacher, author, and entrepreneur. They discuss climate and culture in schools and its impact on the teacher shortage crisis. Jessica shares her diverse teaching experiences and insights from her social media followers, revealing that many teachers feel demoralized and burnt out. The conversation covers the challenges faced by educators during the pandemic, the emotional toll of student behavior, and the struggle for fair contracts and working conditions. The episode concludes with a message of solidarity among teachers and the importance of advocating for change in the education system. Jessica's social media engagement is also highlighted, with a mention of her Instagram handle so teachers listening can follow her: whimsical_teacher.

Check out the show notes and all get all the resources discussed here:

https://amandawritenow.com/our-public-education-system-is-in-crisis-and-the-solutions-are-obvious/

In this podcast episode, Trina and Amanda discuss major challenges in the American public education system, including the teacher shortage crisis, the state of reading instruction, and the impact of curriculum mandates on teacher autonomy. They reflect on previous episodes, including an interview with Amanda's sister, and express frustration with the lack of teacher agency and the systemic issues stemming from structural sexism in the profession. They criticize the dominance of certain reading programs and the pushback against the science of reading. The episode also touches on the need for teacher-led curriculum development, the problems of climate and culture in schools, and the severe impact of the pandemic on teaching conditions. They call for respect, proper compensation for teachers, and a shift in focus from strictly academics to trauma-informed practices to address the burnout and behavioral issues they're observing in students. The episode is a candid discussion about the current state of education and the urgent need for change.

Check out the episode show notes and Vanessa's book here:

https://amandawritenow.com/navigating-adult-adhd-a-personal-and-professional-journey/

In this episode, host Amanda interviews Vanessa Jones, an English teacher, writer, and voice actor who has recently authored a guidebook on adult ADHD. Vanessa discusses her personal experience with an adult ADHD diagnosis, the unnoticed symptoms in women, and the impact on her life and career. She shares insights on teaching with ADHD, the benefits of structured environments, and the accommodations that helped her succeed. The conversation also touches on Vanessa's transition to voice acting and entrepreneurship, and the importance of recognizing neurodiversity in education. Both Amanda and Vanessa reflect on the strengths that individuals with ADHD bring to teaching.

Check out the show notes, transcript, and more here:

https://amandawritenow.com/the-revealing-reality-struggling-readers-face-within-the-u-s-education-system/

In this episode of Empower Students Now, host Amanda interviews her sister Shelly Gonsalves, who opens up about her lifelong struggle with reading and learning difficulties. Shelly recounts her early educational challenges, the lack of support she faced, and the emotional toll it took on her self-esteem. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, exploring various career paths from graphic design to welding, and ultimately finding her place in law enforcement. Shelly's story is one of resilience and determination, as she now uses her experiences to advocate for children with similar struggles and to inspire others through her volunteer work and creative pursuits. The episode is a touching testament to overcoming adversity. But, it is also reveals the heart breaking reality of what happens to struggling readers in a system not built to support them, or their teachers.

Check out the episode show notes and more here:

https://amandawritenow.com/forgotten-narratives-from-frontline-of-the-reading-wars/

In this episode, hosts, Amanda and Trina, discuss the significant challenges of reading instruction in education. They delve into their personal experiences as teachers and parents, grappling with the complexities of teaching reading effectively and the impact on students. The conversation covers the history of reading, the disparities in instruction across socioeconomic lines, and the struggles faced by students with learning disabilities. The speakers call for systemic changes, emphasizing the need for high-quality curriculum, experienced teachers, and comprehensive support for struggling readers. They express frustration with the lack of resources and advocate for recognition of teachers' expertise in advancing students' reading skills.

Check out the episode show notes and more here: https://amandawritenow.com/courageous-teachers-speak-out-against-a-serious-problem-being-overlooked-in-k-12-schools/

In this episode, hosts Amanda and Trina, along with guest Manuwella Allen (Mani), discuss gender equity in education, with a focus on the intersection of race and gender. They address issues of sexual harassment and abuse in schools, highlighting several disturbing cases. The conversation covers the lack of attention given to gender equity in education, the need for a more intersectional approach, and the importance of implementing Title IX. They also discuss the adultification of black girls' bodies, the problematic nature of dress codes, and the structural sexism in the teaching profession. The episode emphasizes the urgent need for change in the American public education system.