School Me

Mentioned in this episode:Take the Rise Up Pledge: https://www.glsen.org/riseupAsk Congress to Rise Up: https://act.glsen.org/a/congress-rise-up-2023Rise Up Proclamation Map: https://maps.glsen.org/rise-up-proclamations/State and Local Rise Up Proclamation toolkit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jEaB3suSlfuX42aBc1xSeR54_hEiLfWcocuz2Rt8qro/edit

Student behavior is a major challenge for educators these days, and it’s more important than ever to learn how to respond to those behaviors in a compassionate, effective, and safe way. To discuss these strategies, Rosa DiPiazza, a school psychologist and behavioral specialist in Delaware, joins the show.

Mentioned in this episode:Find "A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters" on this year's Read Across America Calendar!  Take action on book banning - https://educationvotes.nea.org/bannedbooks/Pen America - https://pen.org/Every Library - https://www.everylibrary.org/Learn more about Duncan and his books - https://duncantonatiuh.com/

Parents, guardians, and family members are essential parts of every school community—Their involvement can not only improve the learning experience for students but also the working conditions of educators. To discuss how family engagement can be a game changer for educators, Maria Miranda, current UTLA Elementary Vice President, joins the podcast.

Teachers are making $3,644 less, on average, than they did 10 years ago, adjusted for inflation. In this episode, two guests who were part of successful efforts to win higher pay for educators in their states share their experiences, strategies, and insights on how they and their fellow union members achieved victory, and share how you can do the same in your state.

Mentioned in this episode:Member-to-member organizing article: https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/educators-are-stronger-together-0

From free speech rights to religious freedom, equal access to education, and the delicate balance between privacy and safety, the legal intricacies and real-world implications of Supreme Court rulings cannot be understated. Alice O’Brien, NEA’s General Counsel, returns to the show to discuss the recent Supreme Court decisions that have had major effects on our country and what they mean specifically for educators and students.

Mentioned in this episode: Read the full Educator Advocacy Rights report: https://www.nea.org/advocacy-rights

Alice O'Brien, NEA’s General Counsel, is back to give an update on Florida's "Don't Say Gay" and "Don't Say They" laws, and discuss which states have been following in its footsteps by introducing their own discriminatory laws.

Each year, the NEA searches the country for school support staff who are going above and beyond for their students, their school, and their communities, and names one outstanding member as the National Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year. Pamella Johnson, a Behavioral Interventionist from Washington state, was given this prestigious honor in 2023. Learn about the path that led to her career in education, how she became NEA’s ESP of the Year, and what she’ll be focused on this year as a spokesperson for ESPs and issues affecting ESP nationwide.