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. 

13 NOV 2023

3 OCT 2023 · Jessica 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.com www.bottomlesstosober.com

28 AUG 2023 · 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.com Thanks for listening, we hope you are enjoying the podcats. If you are, remember that like button helps us to produce more episodes. Have a great week and enjoy the show!

24 AUG 2023 · Welcome 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.com Thanks for listening, we hope you are enjoying the podcats. If you are, remember that like button helps us to produce more episodes. Have a great week and enjoy the show! Producers Note: Kevin, David, and Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education do not endorse any specific educational or schooling options presented on the show. We will at times provide a foram for guests to discuss education ideas, concepts, and curriculum.

21 AUG 2023 · Welcome 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 take another gloves off approach to the issues facing public education on this epsiode of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education. If you would like to get in touch with Breaking the Fouth Wall of Public Education our email address is: btfwpodcasts@gmail.com Thanks for listening, we hope you are enjoying the podcats. If you are, remember that like button helps us to produce more episodes. Have a great week and enjoy the show!