We Educate Miami

As Karla, Antonio and Mindy recognize Teacher Appreciation Day, the discussion focuses on when school could safely reopen. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) introduced a science-based plan of 5 public health and safety pillars as keys to reopening safely. The Florida Education Association is calling for educator and medical professional representation on a task force about when to reopen schools. On today's show, School Board member Dr. Steve Gallon joins the discussion about the efforts teachers are making to keep education going through distance learning while the school buildings are closed. 

April 28 is Workers Memorial Day, to remember those who have suffered and died on the job, and to renew the fight for safe jobs. Workers are taking action and fighting back to keep each other safe. Nurses in the Jackson Health System, represented by SEIU 1991, are protesting for N95 masks and appropriate health protections. Transit operators, represented by TWU 291, are suing for safe working conditions, launching the #RideNotDie campaign and daring the authority's director to ride the bus one day with an operator. Karla, Antonio and Mindy interview TWU President Jeffery Mitchell about the struggle his members face. Thousand of Miami-Dade parents are getting information about where school lunches are being distributed at https://freeschoollunch.info, where Miami-Dade County Public Schools are providing free meals to students at 50 locations in the county. 

In this episode Karla, Antonio and Mindy celebrate the coming 50th anniversary of Earth Day and announce the launch of https://freeschoollunch.info/ to help Miami parents and students find food distribution sites at schools. Also, when are stimulus checks coming?  

Schools must remain closed this year Gov. DeSantis. Miami can give back or find help at www.unitedwaymiami.org/covid19 . Op-ed: Now that parents are the teachers, they might better appreciate the profession  'One parent wrote “If you see me talking to myself, don’t worry about me. I’m not crazy yet. I’m just having a parent-teacher conference.”'

Celebrating "Music and Arts Education" month. Obama on music education. Guest Music Education teacher Seth Patterson talks about his work at  Whispering Pines Elementary. "Everyone has a different pathway to success," said Patterson. 

Karla, Tony and Mindy are joined in studio by Dr. Ruth Doriscar to talk about 2020 School Social Work Week and the important role School Social Workers play in students' lives. Women active in the trade union movement, including Tony telling a story about Dolores Huerta. 

End of second grading period. Maintain back-to-school routines. New Years resolutions broken already (lol). Consider these resolutions:  Utilize Parent Resource Centers in district, join Parent Teacher Association (PTA), take your children to the library on a regular basis. Make change: don't just talk about it, be about it. 

Christmas memories emphasizing giving. The value of spending time with family; limiting screen time. Recycling through crafts.