Randi Weingarten

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers and education advocate, weighs in on AI and screens in schools. She discusses risks to attention and learning, why early grades need limited screens, concerns about social chatbots for under-16s, the case for active, project-based learning, and calls for independent research, privacy standards, and classroom guardrails.

Five centuries ago, Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press shattered the barriers to knowledge. Today, AI is doing the same. Sharon takes you on a journey into history that is strikingly similar to where we are today. Plus, she’s joined by Randi Weingarten, author of Why Fascists Fear Teachers whom critics have called “the most dangerous person in the world.” Together, they explore why teachers remain democracy’s first line of defense against authoritarianism. And Sharon answers your most pressing questions: Why is the US giving Argentina a $40 Billion bailout? Are there ways Trump could run for a third term?  Can Biden’s pardons be overturned? If you’d like to submit a question, head to thepreamble.com/podcast – we’d love to hear from you there. And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join the 350,000 people who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

Randi Weingarten, the President of the American Federation of Teachers, passionately advocates for public education amid challenges from the Trump administration. She discusses the potential devastation of dismantling the Department of Education, emphasizing the risks to safety and support for low-income and rural students. Weingarten critiques proposed voucher systems that may deepen educational inequities and highlights the critical need for federal funding to protect students' rights and education quality.

Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, delves into her polarizing portrayal as 'the most dangerous person in the world' by Mike Pompeo. The discussion uncovers the intersection of politics and education, revealing how teachers' unions have become flashpoints amid national debates over school policies. Weingarten shares insights on the tumultuous dynamics during the pandemic, the rise of groups like Moms for Liberty, and the growing tensions around school choice and union influence in shaping educational futures.

In this engaging discussion, philosopher Jason Stanley and education advocate Randi Weingarten delve into how authoritarian regimes target education to undermine democracy. They explore the chilling effects of book bans and teacher vilification, linking school closures during COVID to a push for privatization. Using insights from Toni Morrison, they highlight the intertwining of education, citizenship, and critical thought. The duo also discusses the importance of unions and collective action in resisting these threats, offering both an analysis and a call to action.

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers and author of 'Why Fascists Fear Teachers', dives into the critical role of education in democracy. She argues that civics education is essential to combat polarization and tyranny. The conversation explores the impact of social media on learning and challenges in teaching civics amidst political backlash. Weingarten also highlights how demagogues target schools to suppress critical thinking, and discusses innovative approaches to student engagement and resource allocation.

Randi Weingarten, President and CEO of the American Federation of Teachers, discusses the importance of education for democracy and the insights from her book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers. She highlights the dangers of current policies on vulnerable students and outlines the AFT's advocacy efforts in public health. The conversation also dives into persuasive messaging for healthcare issues and the implications of recent election results for civic engagement. Randi emphasizes the need for grassroots organizing to protect educational resources and democratic values.

Jamieson Greer, a former chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer and a key figure in Trump’s trade strategies, shares insights on the surprising bipartisan support for tariffs and the complexities behind global trade deals. He also addresses the stalled negotiations with India and potential future trade with Russia. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers and advocate for public education, discusses the importance of school funding, democratic education, and the need for improved parent-teacher relationships amid recent challenges.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers and longtime labor leader, argues for limits on early-screen use and a cautious roll‑out of AI in schools. Short takes cover teachers’ confusion amid scant federal guidance. She defends training partnerships with big tech while calling for strong guardrails and renewed public investment in education.

Microsoft President Brad Smith, a technology policy leader, and AFT President Randi Weingarten, a public education advocate, discuss student privacy, teacher control, and responsible AI in classrooms. Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican known for bipartisan cooperation, explores political peacemaking, loneliness, and online polarization. He also addresses Utah’s data center expansion, energy, water, and community impact.