23 JUN 2024 · On 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 diminishing depth and relevance of textbooks in the modern classroom. Takeaways - Textbooks often arrive late and may contain outdated information, making it difficult to facilitate student learning. - Textbooks vary in their alignment with the curriculum, leading to a hit or miss situation for teachers. - The political nature of textbook adoption perpetuates regional differences and stereotypes in education. - Textbooks are losing significance due to digitalization, regional biases, and the increasing availability of information online. - Teachers play a limited role in the textbook adoption process, leading to challenges in curriculum alignment and content relevance. Textbooks lack depth and relevance in the modern classroom, leading to disengagement and limited learning opportunities for students. - The education system needs to prioritize teacher input and involvement in the development and selection of learning materials, including textbooks. - There is a growing need for more interactive and visual learning materials to engage students and enhance the learning experience. - The shift towards standardized testing has had a significant impact on the use and relevance of textbooks in the classroom, leading to challenges for both teachers and students.

23 JUN 2024 · 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 schools contribute to the perceived lack of genuine appreciation. The conversation explores the disconnect between parents and teachers in the education system. There is a lack of involvement and apathy from both parties, which has led to a decline in enrollment and a decrease in teacher appreciation. Teacher Appreciation Week is seen as a superficial gesture that does not address the systemic issues in education. The conversation highlights the need for meaningful appreciation throughout the year and the importance of recognizing the value of teachers' work. The retention crisis in the teaching profession is also discussed, with the recognition that teachers need to feel appreciated and supported in order to stay in the profession.

22 MAY 2024 · 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 school shootings. The conversation explores the disconnect between urban and rural areas when it comes to guns. People in cities often see guns as tools for violence, while those in rural areas view them as tools for survival and hunting. The conversation highlights the need for a cultural shift in understanding firearms and the importance of education and exposure to guns. It also touches on the mental health crisis and the need for a more centrist approach to the issue. The conclusion is that arming teachers is not a solution in itself, but rather a band-aid for deeper societal issues.

22 MAY 2024 · In 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 start writing and sharing their stories to bring attention to the issues in education. Many teachers are already writing books and articles to shed light on their experiences. The lack of change in the education system is a common reason for teachers leaving the profession. Teachers often feel unsupported and blamed for problems that are beyond their control. The increasing violence, apathy, and lack of discipline in students make teaching more challenging. Teachers are often guilted and accused when they need to take time off for personal reasons. The system is systematically destroying itself, and teachers feel bitter about the lack of support and respect they receive.

15 MAY 2024 · 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. The speakers discuss the need to balance theory with practice and emphasize the value of teaching skills like financial algebra, reading maps, public speaking, and writing in cursive. They also stress the importance of teaching students how to think critically, identify bias, and navigate digital databases. The conversation concludes with the idea that education should focus on personal growth, pride in accomplishments, and the joy of learning. Takeaways - Teaching students how to read analog clocks is a basic skill that is often overlooked in schools, but it is still relevant in real-world situations. - Cursive writing is a lost art that can improve information retention and help students develop their own unique identity. - Home economics, including cooking and basic cleanliness, is a valuable skill that prepares students for independent living and contributes to their mental health. - Public speaking and communication skills are essential for success in various aspects of life, including job interviews, networking, and effective communication in the workplace. - The impact of technology and the lack of emphasis on these 'old school' skills have led to a decline in social development and communication abilities among students. - Teaching these skills at a young age can lead to better communication and personal development outcomes for students. Education should balance theory with practice and focus on teaching practical skills. - Skills like financial algebra, reading maps, public speaking, and writing in cursive are important for students' personal growth and real-world success. - Teaching critical thinking and the ability to identify bias in reading materials is crucial. - Education should prioritize personal accomplishments, pride, and the joy of learning. - Education should not be limited to rigorous academic subjects, but should also include practical and hands-on learning experiences.

29 APR 2024 · On 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 teachers more autonomy and creativity in the classroom. The conversation explores the broken state of the public school system and the issue of chronic absenteeism. It highlights the lack of structure, guidance, and understanding for students, leading to a lack of trust in the system. The conversation emphasizes the need for a complete overhaul of the education system, including changes in teaching methods, curriculum, and evaluation systems. It also discusses the impact of Common Core and the emphasis on inquiry-based learning, which has led to boredom and disengagement among students. The conversation concludes by questioning the goal of education in 2023 and the need to shift from survival to improvement. Takeaways - Chronic absenteeism is a significant problem in public schools, with at least a third of students considered chronically absent. - The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the issue of chronic absenteeism and led to declining enrollment in public schools. - The structure and lack of engagement in the education system, along with rigid curriculum and lack of flexibility, contribute to chronic absenteeism. - Teachers' burnout and disengagement, as well as the lack of emotional intelligence and connection with students, also play a role in chronic absenteeism. - Efforts to address chronic absenteeism include improving school culture, providing accessible childcare, and allowing teachers more autonomy and creativity in the classroom. The public school system is broken, leading to chronic absenteeism and a lack of trust in the system. - The education system needs a complete overhaul, including changes in teaching methods, curriculum, and evaluation systems. - The emphasis on inquiry-based learning and Common Core has led to boredom and disengagement among students. - There is a need to redefine the goal of education in 2023 and shift from survival to improvement.

29 APR 2024 · Kevin 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 aspects of teaching experiences, challenges, and the impact of administrators on teacher burnout. It highlights the lack of support and supervision during student teaching, the hiring and training practices in education, and the reasons why teachers leave the profession. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of the administrator-teacher relationship and the public's misunderstanding of the teaching profession. Ultimately, the conversation reveals that teacher burnout can occur regardless of positive experiences, showcasing the need for systemic changes in education. Takeaways - Teachers who leave the education field often face stigma and misconceptions from others. - There is a lack of understanding and support for teachers who choose to leave. - Parents and politicians can exert pressure on teachers to stay in the profession. - The education system needs to adapt and innovate to meet the changing needs of students and teachers. - Student teachers often face challenges and lack proper onboarding and support. Teachers often face challenges and lack support and supervision during student teaching. - Hiring and training practices in education can contribute to teacher burnout. - The administrator-teacher relationship plays a significant role in teacher satisfaction and retention. - There is a misunderstanding of the teaching profession and the realities teachers face. - Teacher burnout can occur regardless of positive teaching experiences.

25 MAR 2024 · On 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 emotional connections formed between teachers and students. There is a real national call for reasonable conversations and efforts to create inclusive and supportive school communities for every student.

24 MAR 2024 · 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. Summary Kevin 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 are key factors contributing to this new crisis. They discuss the impact of layoffs on student support services and the overall functioning of schools, the politicization of education funding, and the ineffectiveness of merit pay. The lack of transparency in decision-making and the reactive approach to budgeting as well as the role of administrators in mismanagement further proves the need for accountability and transparency in school districts. Takeaways - The recent surge in layoffs in public school districts is primarily due to funding issues and the misallocation of COVID funding. - Layoffs of support staff, such as librarians, security personnel, and office workers, have a significant impact on the functioning of schools and student support services. - The politicization of education funding, including the implementation of school voucher programs, further exacerbates the crisis. - The conversation highlights the need for systemic change in the education system to address financial mismanagement and ensure the sustainability of public schools.  - Budget deficits and optimistic budgeting practices contribute to the financial instability in districts. - The lack of transparency in decision-making and reactive budgeting hinder effective financial management. - Administrators play a significant role in mismanagement and should be held accountable for their actions. - The teacher retention and recruitment crisis is exacerbated by the mismanagement of funds and lack of accountability in school districts.

26 NOV 2023 · On 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.