Send us a text

In this episode of the DEI Mess series, the hosts explore the complexities and confusions surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), particularly in the context of K-12 education. They discuss the broad definitions of DEI, its narrow and often exclusive application in schools, and the resistance from different societal groups. The episode features Trina English, who shares her extensive experience in DEI work, from identifying marginalized identities in schools to creating student unions that address a variety of intersections. They also touch upon innovative solutions like civic engagement and the urgent need for a national organization of teachers to lead educational reforms. The conversation wraps up with insights on how educators at all levels can begin to implement DEI initiatives in their schools, emphasizing the necessity of creative problem-solving and inclusive practices.

00:00 Introduction to DEI Mess
00:44 Understanding DEI in K-12
01:58 Interview with Trina English
04:58 Defining DEI and Its Challenges
08:10 DEI in Practice: K-12 Focus
12:52 The Role of Teachers in DEI
16:23 Systemic Issues and Solutions
26:14 The Petition for Teacher Leadership
32:31 The Unending Role of a Teacher
33:54 Teachers as Leaders: A Solution to Educational Issues
35:25 The Deep-Rooted Problems in K-12 Governance
36:44 Advice for Rebel Teachers
37:24 Implementing DEI: A Practical Approach
40:05 Creating Inclusive Student Unions
46:36 Addressing Specific Issues: Dress Code and Period Equity
49:42 Elementary School Perspective on Student Agency
01:01:24 Final Thoughts on DEI and Education Reform

www.rebelteachersrising.com
Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a text

In this episode, veteran teachers and hosts Amanda, Jess, and Trina share their bizarre and often heartbreaking experiences dealing with sick days and sub plans in the teaching profession. They discuss the immense pressure on teachers to come to work even when ill, and the systemic challenges that exacerbate such situations. Through personal anecdotes, they address the lack of support from administrators, the emotional and physical toll on educators, and offer a glimmer of hope by highlighting solutions and coping strategies. This candid conversation sheds light on the hidden struggles teachers face, urging a reevaluation of how teacher well-being is valued.

00:00 Introduction to Bizarro Scenarios
00:37 The Struggles of Sick Days and Sub Plans
01:34 Amanda's Ongoing Illness
02:34 Teacher Poll Results on Sick Days
05:11 Jess's Heartbreaking Story
12:10 Amanda's Husband's Experience
13:58 Trina's Challenging Cohort
20:44 Therapy and Self-Care for Teachers
23:48 Veteran Teachers and Classroom Management Challenges
24:36 Implicit Bias in the Classroom
26:43 Systemic Failures in Education
28:16 Teacher Health and Well-being
31:38 The Martyr Teacher Mentality
36:01 Support Systems and Union Help
45:44 The Impact of Teacher Shortages

Resource Mentioned:

Take Out Therapy: Stop Absorbing Start Thriving The Key to Staying Empathetic Without Sacrificing Your Inner Peace

www.rebelteachersrising.com
Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a text

In this special New Year's episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis podcast, hosts Amanda, Jess, and Trina come together to discuss their reflections, challenges, and goals for the coming year. The conversation covers the emotional toll of teaching, ways to replenish as educators, and the importance of radical love and community among colleagues.

They introduce a new approach to the podcast, including a rebranding to 'Rebel Teachers Rising,' and highlight their involvement with a solution framework aimed at empowering teachers to lead their profession.

The episode also touches on the Big Five personality test, revealing insights about each host's traits and how it influences their teaching and collaboration. They wrap up by offering practical advice for teachers experiencing burnout while emphasizing the need for collective action and support.

00:00 Introduction: The Teacher Shortage Crisis
01:04 New Year's Special: Caring for Rebel Teacher Souls
02:30 Reflecting on the Challenges of January
03:45 A Love-Hate Relationship with Teaching
09:27 Dealing with Interpersonal Conflicts
13:55 Books to Inspire and Reflect
16:55 Practicing Radical Love and Protection
30:05 Understanding Ourselves: The Big Five Personality Test
33:50 Scoring High on Openness
35:43 Understanding Conscientiousness
37:11 Diving into Neuroticism
46:17 Reimagining the Podcast
55:37 The Solution Framework
01:01:29 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Resources Discussed:

Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right by Bob Dylan

Big 5 Personality Test

The 4 Agreements

The Courage to be Disliked

What’s Your Dream

The Goddess Pose

Pedagogy of the Oppressed

Headspace

Diane Ravitch

www.teachershortagecrisis.com
Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a text

In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast, a transitional kindergarten teacher, Elyse Dorflinger, shares her unique insights as both a general education teacher and the mother of an autistic child. Elyse describes the painstaking process of securing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for her son, highlighting systemic inadequacies in special education support. The discussion addresses the overwhelming struggles faced by teachers, the lack of proper resources and training, and the significant impact on students with disabilities. Elyse's story sheds light on the broader issue of educational inequity and emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change.

00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions
00:49 Meet Elyse Dorflinger: A Veteran Teacher's Perspective
03:48 The Challenges of Special Education
05:21 The Fight for Support and Resources
09:11 Systemic Issues in Special Education
13:10 Possible Solutions and Call to Action
22:55 Navigating Special Education Services
23:50 Investigating the Teacher Shortage
24:20 Challenges in Special Education Reporting
25:01 Personal Struggles with the System
26:35 Fighting for Support and Services
28:17 Systemic Inequities and Advocacy
34:33 The Importance of Early Intervention
37:28 The Emotional Toll on Educators
40:08 Resources and Recommendations
44:05 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

www.teachershortagecrisis.com
Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a text

In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast, co-host Trina welcomes Manuwella ("Mani") Allen, a former special education teacher with over 20 years of experience, to discuss the unique challenges and insights of the special education field. Recorded just before the 2024 school year, Manny shares her profound experiences and the struggles she faced while working with students of varying disabilities in a moderate to severe special day class.

The conversation covers the complexities of balancing the needs of medically fragile, emotionally disturbed, and intellectually disabled students in one classroom. Mani recounts the physical, emotional, and spiritual tolls of the job, emphasizing the burnout that comes from always prioritizing students' needs over administrative and systemic demands.

Key topics include the burdensome and often superficial IEP (Individualized Education Program) processes, inadequate support and training for paraprofessionals, and the systemic flaws in how special education is managed and executed in schools. Mani also touches on the challenges new special education teachers face, the administrative pressures to downplay students' needs, and the emotional resilience required to continue advocating for students in a broken system.

Mani's story is both inspiring and sobering, shedding light on the critical yet often under-appreciated role of special education teachers. She offers advice for parents navigating the IEP process and stresses the importance of finding supportive connections within the educational community.

The episode concludes with a call to action for educators, parents, and policymakers to recognize and address the dire state of special education to support these essential educators and their students better.

www.rebelteachersrising.com
Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a text

In this episode, Trina English takes listeners on a dive deep into the complexities and challenges faced by special education within the K-12 education system, particularly in the context of the national teacher shortage crisis. This discussion highlights the multifaceted issues causing a significant shortage of highly qualified special education (SPED) teachers, the bureaucratic hurdles, and the ethical dilemmas involved.

Key Points:

1. Scope of the Issue: Special education's crucial role and how its dysfunction affects everyone.
2. Factors Contributing to Shortage: Discusses low pay, credentialing requirements, and lack of teacher autonomy.
3. Perverted Terms: The misuse of key educational terms to reduce the need for special education services.
4. Civil Rights History: Acknowledging the historical civil rights challenges that led to the current laws.
5. Roles and Responsibilities: Detailed look into the overwhelming roles of SPED teachers and the extensive legal and administrative challenges they face, including IEP meetings and assessment processes.
6. Emotional and Ethical Impact: The burnout and ethical compromises faced by SPED teachers in their attempts to support students.
7. Legal and Administrative Barriers: Explanation of the convoluted process for getting a child assessed and the intentional bureaucratic delays.
8. Classifications of Disabilities: Overview of categories within special education and the corresponding services.
9. Future Discussions: Previews in-depth conversations with veteran SPED teachers for nuanced insights.

This episode sets the stage for an ongoing, honest discourse about the shortcomings in special education and the systemic changes needed to address them.

00:00 Introduction to the Special Education Crisis
00:45 Understanding the SPED Teacher Shortage
02:00 Misuse of Educational Terms
03:11 The Role and Challenges of SPED Teachers
06:54 Legal and Bureaucratic Hurdles
15:19 Historical Context of Special Education
25:30 Categories and Services in Special Education
31:04 Mainstreaming and Inclusion Controversies

www.teachershortagecrisis.com
Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a text

In this episode, hosts Amanda Werner and Trina English discuss the complexities of special education, exploring its oppressive nature and the civil rights journey that has shaped it. They delve into various terms and acronyms such as IEP (Individualized Education Plans), 504 Plans, and disabilities categories including Intellectual Disability, Emotional Disturbance, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Amanda shares her first-hand experience being an intervention teacher and subbing in special day classes. They underline the systemic issues like teacher shortages, the lack of nuanced care, and the correlation between special education and broader educational problems. The conversation also touches on the importance of relationship building in intervention, and the need for supporting neurodivergent students more effectively.

00:00 Introduction to Special Education

00:24 Unpacking Special Education Terms

01:27 Categories of Disabilities

02:41 Intellectual Disability Explained

05:19 Emotional Disturbance and Special Day Classes

06:02 Personal Experiences with Special Day Classes

14:31 Autism Spectrum Disorder and Misdiagnosis

18:55 Challenges in Identifying and Supporting Neurodivergent Students

20:36 Specific Learning Disabilities and Accommodations

26:58 ADHD and Overlapping Diagnoses

30:45 Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

31:40 Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and RTI

32:57 Understanding Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

33:20 Introduction to RTI and Tiered Interventions

33:51 Behavioral Interventions and Tier 3 Supports

34:52 General Education and Special Education Collaboration

36:18 Implementing Tier 2 Interventions

38:30 Challenges in Special Education

42:10 The Role of Intervention Teachers

52:12 Least Restrictive Environment and Full Inclusion

01:00:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

www.teachershortagecrisis.com
Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

Send us a text

In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast, the hosts welcome Janice Cook, a veteran teacher from New England. They delve into the critical issues surrounding teacher pay and the hardships teachers face trying to make a living in this profession. Janice shares her personal journey, discussing the difficult choices she made due to insufficient salaries, taxes, high, cost of living, and excessive bureaucratic hurdles. They explore the idea of forming a national professional teacher association with innovative teachers leading the way. Throughout, they highlight the disconnect between different stakeholders in education and the need for systemic reforms.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:30 Guest Background: Meet Janice

01:42 Teacher Pay in New England

02:36 The Reality of Teacher Salaries

04:16 Challenges and Decisions

11:26 Certification and Relocation

15:34 Navigating the Salary Schedule

23:47 Certification Hurdles

29:05 Navigating Professional Development Credits

30:07 Challenges of Staying in the Teaching Profession

31:37 Teacher Evaluation Process

32:15 Tenure and Job Security Issues

34:56 Side Hustles and Leaving Public Education

43:24 The Petition for National Teacher Pool

45:37 Systemic Issues in Education

58:25 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

www.teachershortagecrisis.com
Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!