PCTA FYRE Podcast

PCTA FYRE Podcast

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PCTA FYRE Podcast episodes

  • State of the Union: August 2023

    Welcome to the State of the "Union"! Word play... get it?

    Join Brennen Pickett, Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them), and Ramsey Aziz as they talk about the current state of affairs of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association with the president himself, Mr. Lee Bryant.

    In this series, Lee will provide updates and answer the important questions our members have left us.

    Do you have any pressing questions about the state of our union? Email us at [email protected].

    Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov and Jacob Albert.

    25 min
  • A Rumble in the Jungle

    It's time for our school year kick off!


    We're back with Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them), Philip Belcastro, Ramsey Aziz, and Kelsey Donegan to discuss the recent school board meeting on August 1st as well as reflect on where we are, mentally, as educators. Spoilers: Florida is a dumpster fire being railroaded by the true believers.

    Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov and Jacob Albert.

    1 hr 3 min
  • 2023 NEA Convention: Part 2

    This is part 2 of a multipart mini-series. Join Brennen Pickett (he/him), Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them), and Kelsey Donegan (he/him) travel to the National Education Association Representative Assembly and share their experiences as first-time delegates. In this series, we are centered around explaining the following questions: What are union conventions and why do we go to them?


    Learn about how unions work and join us as we figure it out with you.


    Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov and Jacob Albert.

    26 min
  • 2023 NEA Convention: Part 1

    In this mini-series, Brennen Pickett (he/him), Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them), and Kelsey Donegan (he/him) travel to the National Education Association Representative Assembly and share their experiences as first-time delegates. In this series, we are centered around explaining the following questions: What are union conventions and why do we go to them?


    Learn about how unions work and join us as we figure it out with you.

    Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov and Jacob Albert.

    18 min
  • Ep. 23 - DeSantis v Birkenstock

    Small man, big mouth.

    In this episode, we are joined by alumni Brandi (she/her) and student activist Josh Epstein (he/him) to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by faculty and students at New College of Florida, located in Sarasota, since Governor DeSantis's overhaul of the board of directors on January 6th, 2023. We primarily explore the impact these changes have had on campus culture and student life, shedding light on the nature of these changes. Additionally, we delve into the actions taken by students, alumni, and activists in their efforts to resist and counter the policies implemented by the DeSantis administration.

    Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov and Jacob Albert.


    PODCAST UPDATE:

    Weekly episodes are returning within the next 1-2 weeks with a new schedule to be announced soon for SEASON 2! Stay tuned for our new "Mini Series" covering the Representative Assembly at the National Education Association convention that happened recently in Orlando, Florida from July 2-6.

    52 min
  • Ep. 22 - The Union's Not AAA
    In this episode, we are joined by Rob Kriete (he/him), President of the Hillsborough Classroom Teacher Association, along with our friend from across the bay, Emily Griest (she/her). During our discussion, Kriete and Griest enlighten us on the details of their recent labor victory—a two-year struggle with a contractual impasse. Together, explore the pros and cons of this commonly feared union challenge and explore its strategic significance within the collective bargaining process. Later, we engage in speculation about the future of public education in the Tampa Bay area, examining the far-reaching implications for teachers across the state of Florida.
    44 min
  • Ep. 21 - "Rules to Win By: Power & Participation in Union Negotiations" With Abby Lawlor


    In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them) to interview Abby Lawlor (she/her), co-author of the bestselling book "Rules to Win By: Power & Participation in Union Negotiations." During our discussion, we explore various strategies and approaches that unions can adopt to bolster membership through activism and foster member engagement during Collective Bargaining. Finally, we speculate on the current political landscape by discussing effective measures unions can take navigate the challenges posed by culture wars.

    Update: Starting May 28th, we will be releasing episodes biweekly until the 2023-24 school years restarts in August. Stay tuned for "In the Union Hall", a miniseries discussing the business conducted at The National Education Association Representative Assembly with Kelsey Donegan (he/him), Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them), and Brennen Pickett (he/him). Weekly content returns August 4th!

    46 min
  • Ep. 20 - We Did It With Cars
    What do a couple of Schmoes and a cop think about gun violence?
    In this episode, we're joined by Ken Afienko (he/him) and Lee Bryant (he/him) to discuss gun violence in American culture. We touch on gun safety, mental health, and the role of public servants in addressing mass shootings. While delving into the importance of responsible firearm ownership, we also emphasize the importance of proper training and education and the need for accessible mental health services to prevent acts of gun violence.
    To what extent does the government mediate this issue and how can our communities help when looking for pathways to meaningful reform? Find out here.
    47 min
  • Ep. 19 - Andrew Spar

    What's the state of our "union"?

    In this episode, we examine the existential crisis teachers face in organized labor with the president of the Florida Education Association, Andrew Spar (he/him) and the president of the Pinellas Classroom Teacher Association, Nancy Velardi (she/her). During our discussion we shed light on a multitude of challenges, achievements, and ongoing impact on the education landscape. Later, we speculate at the direction Florida's education system. We look at where we're heading by exploring recent developments, policies, and their potential implications for students and educators alike.


    Is the state of our "union" stronger than ever?

    49 min
  • Ep. 18 - Q&A with HCTA
    *EXPLICIT LANGUAGE AND MATURE THEMES ARE DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE*
    Surprise! We have a "lost episode" for you today.
    Enjoy an unedited conversation we have with the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association's finest, Emily Griest (she/her) and Rob Kriete (he/him). Our discussion floats around a couple different tangents that loosely answer some questions provided by Orlando Weekly's McKenna Schueler.
    How off-script does it get? Find out here!
    33 min

About PCTA FYRE Podcast

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