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Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationFiscal Crisis and the Chicago School SystemWelcome back to Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education! On this episode, David and Kevin delve into the current crisis facing Chicago Public Schools, highlighting issues of financial mismanagement, leadership changes, and the impact on teachers and students. The hosts discuss the implications of a $300 million loan to pay teachers amidst a $7 billion debt and a $500 million deficit, the resignation of the school board, and the political dynamics at play. They emphasize the need for genuine community engagement and the importance of addressing the real concerns of teachers to create a sustainable educational environment.Takeaways2024-12-0239 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationGross Mismanagement Creates Turmoil in Chicago SchoolsWelcome back to Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education! On this episode. David and Kevin delve into the current crisis facing Chicago Public Schools, highlighting issues of financial mismanagement, leadership changes, and the impact on teachers and students. The hosts discuss the implications of a $300 million loan to pay teachers amidst a $7 billion debt and a $500 million deficit, the resignation of the school board, and the political dynamics at play. They emphasize the need for genuine community engagement and the importance of addressing the real concerns of teachers to create a sustainable educational environment.Takeaways2024-11-0641 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationLack of Respect Creates Low Morale: One Factor Driving the Teacher Retention CrisisWelcome back to Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education! Thank you for being here, we appreciate our listeners and the feedback they give us. We welcome everyone to the 2024-2025 school year with the hope that this is the year educators everywhere speak up with one, unified voice to improve our schools. So, here we go with Season 4 of BTFWPE! Thank you for your support!In this conversation, Kevin and Dave discuss a disturbing incident where students impersonated their teachers on TikTok, posting false and hateful content. They express their anger and frustration at the lack of...2024-09-1844 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationThe Complexities of Textbook AdoptionOn this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education, Kevin and David delve into the complexities of textbook adoption in education, highlighting the challenges and limitations of traditional textbooks. They explore the impact of regional differences, historical revisionism, digitalization, and the role of teachers in the adoption process. The conversation continues about the challenges and complexities of the education system, particularly focusing on the issues surrounding textbooks and their impact on teaching and learning. This episode highlights the lack of teacher input, the shift towards standardized testing, the need for more interactive and visual learning materials, and the...2024-06-2341 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationWhat Does Teacher Appreciation Look Like?Teacher Appreciation Week is often seen as lacking authenticity and genuine appreciation. Many teachers feel that it is just window dressing and lip service from administrators. The timing of Teacher Appreciation Week, at the end of the school year, is seen as convenient but also a busy and stressful time for teachers. Some teachers feel that they receive more appreciation from their students and parents on a daily basis. There is a need for more meaningful gestures of appreciation, such as acknowledging teachers' accomplishments or providing bonuses.The lack of funding and the decline of parental involvement in...2024-06-2342 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationDo Teachers Need to be Armed?The conversation explores the topic of arming teachers in schools. The hosts discuss recent developments in states like Tennessee and Alaska that allow teachers to carry firearms. They examine the pros and cons of arming teachers and the potential impact on the education system. The conversation highlights the need for practical considerations, such as the amount of training required and the ability of teachers to handle active shooter situations. They also discuss the potential negative effects, including the added responsibility and liability for teachers, the impact on students' sense of safety, and the need to address the root causes of...2024-05-2243 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationTeacher Attrition Continues for Good ReasonsIn this conversation, Kevin and David discuss the reasons why teachers leave the education profession. They highlight several common themes, including the lack of substitutes and secretaries, the absence of work-life balance, low salaries, and inadequate health insurance. They also touch on the issue of violence in schools and the lack of support from administrators. The conversation emphasizes the need for administrators to fulfill their responsibilities and address these issues to retain teachers. The hosts express frustration with the lack of accurate data on teacher attrition and the media's failure to cover the retention crisis in education. Teachers need to...2024-05-2257 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationDo These Skills Matter?In this conversation, David and Kevin discuss the importance of teaching certain skills that are often overlooked in schools. They highlight the significance of teaching students how to read analog clocks, write in cursive, and engage in home economics. They also emphasize the importance of public speaking and communication skills. The conversation touches on the impact of technology and the need to prepare students for real-world situations. Overall, they argue that these 'old school' skills are still relevant and necessary for students' personal and professional development. The conversation highlights the importance of teaching practical skills and real-world knowledge in education...2024-05-1544 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationPublic Schools are Akin to the Post OfficeOn this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education, David and Kevin discuss how chronic absenteeism in public schools has become a significant issue, with at least a third of students across the country considered chronically absent. The problem has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to declining enrollment in public schools. The structure and lack of engagement in the education system, along with the rigid curriculum and lack of flexibility, contribute to chronic absenteeism. Teachers' burnout and disengagement also play a role. Efforts to address chronic absenteeism include improving school culture, providing accessible childcare, and allowing...2024-04-2949 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationThe Transitioning Teacher with Guest Lauren GreenerKevin and David welcome guest Lauren Greener. Lauren is a newly transitioned teacher who left the classroom to explore other options. Together, they explore the stigma and misconceptions surrounding teachers who leave the education field. Lauren highlights the lack of understanding and support from both within and outside the education system. The pressure from parents and politicians to stay in the profession is discussed, as well as the political nature of education. The conversation also touches on the need for innovation and change in the education system, as well as the challenges faced by student teachers. The conversation explores various...2024-04-291h 01Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationPoliticians, Teachers, and Student RightsOn the latest episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education David and Kevin discuss a proposed bill in Missouri that would label teachers as sex offenders for helping transgender students in any way. The role of teachers is to support all students, regardless of their gender identity. The bill would harm both students and teachers, as it would discourage students from seeking support and potentially lead to teacher discipline. Kevin and David contiue the conversation about the increasing number of anti-LGBTQ bills and the impact of compliance on teachers. They emphasize the community aspect of schools and the e...2024-03-2542 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationReturn of the Pink Slip + Gross Mismanagement = Teacher Shortage?Welcome back to another season of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education! David and Kevin are excited to be back for this new season after taking some time off to refund the project. We're back and ready for another great conversation about public education in the US today. Here's what you'll find on this all new episode.SummaryKevin and David discuss the recent surge in layoffs in public school districts across the United States due to funding issues. The misallocation of COVID funding and the failure of administrators to properly manage the budget...2024-03-2551 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationWhere are the Real Solutions to Teacher RetentionOn this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education Kevin and David disucss the ongoing teacher retention issue in the US. They explore a myriad of topics from buying teachers townhomes as an incentive to work to the hypycrital strings many politicians pull when it comes to providing the youth of our nation a fundamental education. If you want to hear Dave's NY accent shine, this is the one. Join us as we discuss some "real" solutions to to teacher retention. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breaking-the-fourth-wall-of-public-education--5692690/support.2023-11-2647 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationDallas plays Follows the Leader and No One Wins2023-11-1334 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationEducation and Substance Abuse: A Conversation with Jessica DuenasJessica Dueñas, Ed.S., the founder of Bottomless to Sober and 2019 Kentucky State Teacher of the Year, is an educator in recovery who provides coaching services to individuals needing support in accomplishing their goals. In addition, Jessica facilitates professional development for organizations on wellness, leads workshops on writing and wellness, and is also available as a speaker for events.Bottomless to Sober’s blog captures stories that highlight the strength, beauty, and hope of living in recovery. Submissions are always welcome.If you are interested in sharing your story, email Jessica at jessica@bottomlesstosober.comwww...2023-10-0347 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationPaying Teachers for Standardized Test Results?Welcome back to Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education. On this episode, Kevin and David discuss the terrible idea of paying teachers for standardized test results that Houston, TX has decided to give a whirl. The issues within this idea are unpacked throughout this episode as Kevin and David attempt to make sense of this, somehow. Enjoy the show!!If you would like to get in touch with Breaking the Fouth Wall of Public Education our email address is:btfwpodcasts@gmail.comThanks for listening, we hope you are enjoying...2023-08-2844 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationAn Interview with Eric Franzen from The Ideal SchoolWelcome back to Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education. On this mid-week episode, we discuss The Ideal School with Eric Franzen. He is the director of the school and he requested a spot on the show to discuss his vision for education of the future. Listen as David and Kevin discuss these new and interesting ideas for education.If you would like to get in touch with Breaking the Fouth Wall of Public Education our email address is:btfwpodcasts@gmail.comThanks for listening, we hope you are enjoying the...2023-08-2432 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationTeachers Resign for Many Reasons - A Conversation With Danielle MarshallWelcome back to another entertaining and insightful episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education. On this episode, David and Kevin interview former teacher Danielle Marshall about why she decided to leave education. Her story will resonate with anyone who ever worked in public education. Danielle worked overseas, has won awards, and was a highly respected public school teacher for many years. Her story of gaslighting and intimidation tactics at the hands of school administration shed light on why there is such a temendous Teacher Retention Issue in the United States today. Listen in as Danielle, Kevin, and David...2023-08-211h 03Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationWhy We Decide to Leave Education: An Interview with Yehee SonWelcome back to another entertaining and insightful episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education. On this episode, David and Kevin interview former teacher Yehee Son about why she decided to leave education. Her story of teaching will be familiar to educators everywhere. However, the story Yehee shares about finally attaining her dream job as a teacher, only to find it utterly disapppinting, is certainly more unique and rife with challenges most people never face to get where they want to be. This is certainly one episode you do not want to miss!Yehee Son ...2023-07-3053 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationHow Covid Changed Public EducationWelcome back listeners! Thank you for tuning in and sharing your time with us. On this episode, Kevin and David discuss some of the lasting effects of COVID on public education. Coming back into the classroom after almost two years of distance learning has had lasting effects on how public schools operate as well as policies that have altered the landscape of public education. If you are interested in the opinion of teachers who taught during the COVID crisis, this is the episode for you.Thank you for listening! If you enloy the show, please click that like...2023-07-2343 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationCellphones are Disrupting EducationWelcome back listeners! Kevin and David are back with another controversial topic that teachers and educators deal with every day, cellphones. The collective grown of teachers everywhere can be heard loud and clear at Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education. On this episode, David and Kevin swap some great stories relating to their experiences with cellphones in the classroom as well as provide some insights into public school policies regarding cellphones that erode the authority of educators, demoralize teachers, and promote a culture of noncompliance in classrooms and schools across the nation. Join us as we tackle this controversial...2023-07-2357 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationThe Story of Transitioning TeachersWelcome back to another episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education. On this episode, we discuss the many aspects and experiences of teachers transitioning out of the classroom into new careers. Since 2020, over 600K teachers have left the classroom to pursue other options. This has caused a teacher shortage, which is a teacher retention and recruitment issue brought upon by decades of de-professionalization and malignment of teachers by the media, administrators, and the public at large. Teachers will continue to leave the profession in droves and recruitment of new professionals will continue to decline until these and a...2023-07-0552 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationIs Banning Books Really a Good Idea? A Conversation with Carla GoldbergWelcome back to an all new episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education. This week we discuss book banning in the U.S. Regardless of your opinion on this topic, this episode will surely inform and entertain you. Carla Goldberg is a former teacher in Alaska, who has since moved on to new pastures and is now living in Texas. She has a passion for the topoic of book banning and is quite vocal about the inherent dangers of this ever growing trend in states and school districts across the nation. Join us for a hard look at...2023-06-2054 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationThe Dangers of Social PromotionSocial Promotion has been an issue in puiblic schools since they were formed. However, in our ever increasingly competitive world social promotion is something parents and our communities at large should be more concerned about. Listen as Kevin and David explore this important topic facing education today. In fact, social promotion is a contributor to teacher burnout, lack of job satisfaction, and the growing Teacher Retention Issue that will eventually change the way public schools operate in the future. Thank you for listening and we apprecite your support.Reach us by email at: btfwpodcasts@gmail.comBecome...2023-06-1246 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationWhat is Special Education Really About? An Interview with April MauleIn this episode, Kevin and David continue to expose the many reasons for the Teacher Retention Issue with a candid discussion about special education with special guest and former teacher, April Maule. April lives in Pennsylvania and taught there for two decades before reinventing herself as a Learning Specialist. April provides real insight into the challenges faced by SPED teachers across the country. She also gives us some real pearls of wisdom in this very lightly edited conversation. Some silly moments and a really natural dynamic between three experienced teachers are awaiting your listening skills, right here on Breaking the...2023-06-0555 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationSchool Schedule SolutionsIn this episode, Kevin and David continue to expose the many reasons for the Teacher Retention Issue with a candid discussion about school scheduling. Your hosts offer some solutions to the issue that will improve outcomes, relieve some anxiety, and create an improved school experience for students and staff alike. Dave contuinues his loud call for Competency Based Education and Kevin solves a scheduling probelm. Join us for another episode where your hosts provide unapologetic proof of the massive U.S. Teacher Retention Issue, which will continue to worsen if those in power keep refusing to give teachers the collective...2023-05-0553 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationYour Tax Dollars in Action: Part II of our Discussion about Accountability with Pete MercierIn Part II of our conversation with former teacher turned Learning Specialist, David, Kevin, and Pete discuss the current violence plaguing our public school system. Together, they offer some candid reasons why this upward trend seems to have a life of its own in modern schools. They point out the fact that decades of de-professionalizing teachers has resulted in fewer young peopole choosing education as a career and the mass exodus of experienced teachers fed up with a broken system with leaders unable or unwilling to do the hard work it takes to fix things properly. The panel discusses...2023-04-281h 01Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationSchool Shootings, Accountability, & Observations: An Interview with Pete MercierJoin our conversation with Pete Mercier as we discuss the recent shooting of a sixth grade teacher that made national news. Pete taught in the school district where this violence occured and offers his unique perspective on the situation. Kevin, David, and Pete discuss school violence, accountabilty, discipline codes, and defend schools administrators who are also stuck in the middle of a systemic failure quickly becoming out of their control. As the Teacher Retention Issue rages on, we begin to touch on some of the solutions to the problem from the perpsective of the people leaving education in...2023-04-2756 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationGaslighting is Emptying the TankGaslighting teachers and students is one of the leading causes of the systemic Teacher Retention Issue. In this episode, Kevin and David discuss how gaslighting has become normalized within many schools across the country, and how this is one of the most important issues at the heart of the mass exodus of highly qualified teachers from public schools. Funny stories, great examples, and a light-hearted approach to this week's topic of gaslighting is what to expect in this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education.If you are enjoying the podcast, please take a moment to...2023-04-0246 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationTeachers are Data ExpertsWelcome back! David and Kevin discuss school data on this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education. Continuing the expsoure of the Teacher Retention Problem currently plaguing the national public education system, your hosts unpack the concerns most teachers have with school data, particularly how it is used within the system. Teachers are data experts that use their own data every day to inform instruction, to create assessments, and to make important decisons regarding the education of the students they teach. Join Kevin and David as they explore the reason why teachers find school data to be mostly...2023-03-2446 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationProfessional Development is a MisnomerKevin and David are back after some health issues interupted production. This week they discuss how absoluelty useless most professional development really is for teachers and school staff. They offer a few suggestions for improving the system ans also dive into a few stories about PD disasters.Thank you for hanging in there with us while we were gone. We are back with all new episodes for seaon two of Breaking the Fouth Wall of Public Education, where we continue to provide firsthand evidence of the Teacher Retention problem that seems permentantly embeded into the national public education system...2023-03-0737 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationStep One: Please Let Them TeachIn this episode, Kevin and David discuss a simple idea that will certainly help schools retain more teachers. Let the teachers teach. Although, this would be only part of the solution to the current Teacher Retention Issue, stepping back from administrative micromanagement and learning from the professionals that are in classrooms every day would go a long way to improving the lives and education of our nation's youth. Trust in your staff is also a great way to improve teacher morale.Join us for another insightful episdeo of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education.Thank...2023-01-0543 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationPart 2 - Gotcha, Gaslighting, and Solutions: An Interview with Kimberly Phinney M.Ed.Welcome back to part two of our interview with award winning teacher and published author, Kimberly Phinney. Kimberly discusses gaslighting and 'gotcha culture' with hosts, Kevin and David, along with the occasional relatable teacher story. Kimberly's perspective on what it means to be a teacher offers solutions to a broken system. We want to thank Kimberly for her appearance as well as for her refreshing insights on education.Kimberly Phinney earned Educator of the Year with the Nobel Family and NSHSS Honor Society. Contact her on Instagram @thewayback2ourselves or visit her website at www.thewayback2ourselves.com....2022-12-3054 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationPart 1 - Teacher Demoralization and Burnout: An Interview with Kimberly Phinney M.Ed.This episode is part one of a two part interview with published author and former public school teacher, Kimberly Phinney. Kimberly furthers our discussion about work life balance and the teacher retention problem currently plaguing the nation. Feedback loops, teacher burnout and demoralization, facilitaing meaningful change to the system, and the occasional quip are all here for your listening enjoyment. Kimberly brings a unique and refreshing perspective to the conversation, including facts and analysis from her doctoral studies and a great book suggestion for anyone interested in education.Kimberly Phinney earned Educator of the Year with the Nobel Family...2022-12-2427 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationNew Discipline Codes Continue to Wreak Havoc on School CultureIn episdoe six, Kevin and David continue their discussion about the Teacher Retention Issue facing the nation. The subject of this podcast focuses on how recent changes to discipline codes to better align with the Progressive Discipline model are erodong the very fabric of public school culture. Through examples and personal experience, hosts David and Kevin make valid points concerning the extereme differences between elementary and high school students, which should have influenced the decision making and implementation of Progressive Disciplne for obvious reasons.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breaking-the-fourth-wall-of-public-education--5692690/support.2022-12-1641 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationTrue Stories of Teacher BurnoutIn episode five, Kevin and David discuss teacher burnout from personal experience. They share details about teaching that are often not discussed as they continue to unwrap the reasons for the teacher retention problem plaguing public education today. Kevin opens up about why he left teaching.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breaking-the-fourth-wall-of-public-education--5692690/support.2022-12-0140 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationThe Truth about Public School TenureTenure is a highly debated issue in the U.S. today. The media has portrayed public school tenure as "guaranteed lifetime employment", which is so far from the truth it boggles the mind. In episode four, David and Kevin discuss public school tenure law and why due process rights are necessary for teachers to effectively teach their students and to perform their job functions. In addition, they discuss the common school district practice of untenured teacher turnaround as well as the fact that tenured teachers are more frequently and more easily removed from their careers than the media would have...2022-11-1825 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationThe Truth about Public School TenurePublic school tenure is a highly debated topic. However, there should be no reason for such concern, considering the fact that public school tenure is absolutely not a guarantee of "lifetime employment" nor is it the overly protective system that so many in the media have portrayed. In episode 4, David and Kevin discuss the facts about public school tenure and offer their take on how outdated tenure laws are actually contributing to the teacher retention issue. They begin with the fact that public school tenure is nothing more than a similar system of due process protection offered to police officers...2022-11-1725 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationGuest Stephen Guerriero Discusses Teacher Strikes and Work Life BalanceIn this episode, Kevin and David interview former Massachusetts teacher, Stephen Guerriero, about the Teacher Retention crisis. They explore the reasons for the strikes in Massachusetts and how striking opened the door to serious dialogue with school boards about working conditions and work life balance for public school educators. In addition, Stephen contributes a new dynamic to our continuing conversation about what it really means to be a career teacher today, and how the demands of teaching have become unmanageable for one individual.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breaking-the-fourth-wall-of-public-education--5692690/support.2022-11-1045 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationWork Life Balance and De-ProfessionalizationIn episode two, hosts Kevin and David continue their discussion about the teacher shortage myth, which is actually a systemic teacher retention problem. They make direct connections to how a poor work life balance and increasing unrealistic expectations have only served to push more teachers away from the classroom and into other related professions. From the guilt and stress of taking a sick day to how today's definition of a teacher has expanded to include unrealistic responsibilities we are often not trained to complete, Kevin and David continue to Break the Fourth Wall of Public Education. Welcome and thank you...2022-11-0431 minBreaking the Fourth Wall of Public EducationEducated out of the ProfessionOn episode one, hosts Kevin and David introduce what the show is all about and immediately dive into the sham teacher shortage. They discuss the retention problem schools are facing today as the real culprit of the teacher shortage and begin to touch on the systemic problems facing public education that are driving teachers away from their careers by the thousands.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breaking-the-fourth-wall-of-public-education--5692690/support.2022-10-2834 min