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OEA

Podcast by OEA
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Episodes

Episode 195 -- Sine Die and the Veto Parade

The Oklahoma legislative session has officially adjourned Sine Die—but not before lawmakers overrode a wave of the Governor’s vetoes and finalized key decisions about education funding. In this episode of Fried Okra, we break down the final week at the Capitol, highlight the bills that made it across the finish line, and unpack what they mean for students and educators across the state.

May 30, 202524 min

Episode 194 -- The Verdict: Public Funds, Public Schools

We’re breaking down the Supreme Court’s decision to block the nation's first religious charter school in Oklahoma—and what it means for public education in our state. We’re also taking a look at the latest State Board of Education meeting and the education bills still on the move as the legislative session enters its final sprint.

May 23, 202538 min

Episode 193 -- Pencils Down, Budget's In

We’re breaking down the state budget deal and what it really means for public schools. Plus, a full roundup of education legislation—what was signed (or not), what didn’t, and what you need to know moving forward. If you’re an educator or care about Oklahoma’s public schools, this one’s for you. Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5M9IBGM3WQar71SmFQAaCv Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oea/id1501888562 #oklaed

May 16, 202533 min

Episode 192 -- From Lawsuit to Lawmaking

We're diving into the lawsuit filed this week against Ryan Walters and the State Board of Education—brought by parents, grandparents, and educators, and led by former Republican Attorney General Mike Hunter. We’re also breaking down key education bills that survived deadline week at the Capitol—what made it through, what didn’t, and what it all means for Oklahoma public schools.

May 09, 202537 min

Episode 191 -- "Disappointed and dejected"

We're catching you up on everything you've missed in the past few weeks at the #okleg—including a disappointing move by lawmakers not to send the new education standards back to the State Board, despite strong concerns from educators and the public. If you're feeling frustrated, you're not alone—and this episode helps you make sense of what’s happening at the Capitol and what comes next.

May 02, 202531 min

Episode 190 -- OU All-American/Education Major Raegan Beers

OU’s Raegan Beers shines on the court—but she’s also preparing to lead the next generation as an education major. Hear why teaching is part of her game plan on this week’s Fried Okra. 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oea/id1501888562 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5M9IBGM3WQar71SmFQAaCv #oklaed

Apr 25, 202531 min

Episode 189 -- "Tenuous relationship with the truth"

The State Supt.’s tenuous grasp on the truth continues—this time, the social studies standards presented to the board weren’t the same as those posted online. We also cover bills on student phone bans, virtual day limits, retiree pay opportunities, and school board election changes. #oklaed

Apr 18, 202537 min

Episode 188 -- Oklahoma's Promise to Teachers?

New Fried Okra episode! We cover bills that could: 📌 Give teachers’ kids Oklahoma Promise tuition 📌 Extend the salary schedule 📌 Set new cell phone rules in schools

Apr 11, 202532 min

Episode 187 -- Bond, School Bond

Oklahomans just voted overwhelmingly to invest in their public schools—because when given the chance, they always do. We break down the bond election results and the latest #oklaed news.

Apr 03, 202530 min

Episode 186 -- Doing Less with Less

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is in disarray—again. This time, they failed to post an agenda on time in a week where they also handed out $600,000 in bonuses to staff. Meanwhile, critical school board elections are happening across the state, shaping the future of public education. Tune in for the latest on these pressing issues and why your voice matters. Listen now and stay informed! #oklaed

Mar 28, 202540 min

Episode 185 -- The Good, the Bad, and the Dead of Deadline Week

This week in #oklaed, we break down the biggest stories impacting public education in Oklahoma, including a huge victory against an attack on educators’ collective voice, encouraging progress on maternity leave and Oklahoma Promise, and, of course, the unfortunate updates that can’t be ignored. Stay informed and engaged—tune in now!

Mar 07, 202537 min

Episode 184 -- A Different Tone

Meet Zach Grimm, OEA’s new VP and a Spanish teacher from Moore! We get to know him and dive into the shifting tone at the State Board of Ed with Ivy Riggs at 14:05. What’s changing, what’s not, and what it all means for public schools. Don’t miss this one.

Feb 28, 202537 min

Episode 183 -- Snowed In, Tuned In: A Week in #oklaed

Oklahoma’s deep freeze didn’t stop the flurry of education bills at the Capitol. We’re breaking down the most important proposals, what they mean for schools, and what’s coming next. Stay informed, stay engaged!

Feb 21, 202539 min

Episode 182 -- "Fallen prey to needless political drama"

Big changes at the State Board of Education, state leaders at odds, and plenty of drama unfolding in #oklaed. This week on Fried Okra, we’re breaking it all down—what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for our schools. Don’t miss this one.

Feb 14, 202542 min

Episode 181 -- Fate of the State

Oklahoma’s legislative session has begun, and Gov. Stitt’s State of the State outlines his priorities: keeping education spending flat while expanding vouchers—a move that’s led to budget chaos in Arizona. What could this mean for Oklahoma? We analyze it all in the latest Fried Okra episode.

Feb 07, 202534 min

Episode 180 -- "The intent is clear and the fear is real."

If you're passionate about public education in Oklahoma, the Fried Okra podcast is a must-listen. This week we’re breaking down the latest from OSDE, including new rules, the State Board of Ed meeting, and the freeze in federal funding. Plus, we’re looking ahead to the start of the legislative session next week.

Jan 31, 202555 min

Episode 179 -- A New Chapter

Meet our new co-host, Cari Elledge, OEA President, as we chat with Ivy about the 3,000+ bills filed ahead of the OK legislative session and what’s next for #oklaed. Tune in!

Jan 24, 202538 min

Episode 177 — 2025 Threats and Opportunities

Join us on a new episode of Fried Okra: The Public Education Podcast for Oklahomans as we dive into legislative leadership heading into the 2025 session! What’s changed? What’s stayed the same? What does this mean for public education advocates in Oklahoma? We’ll break down the threats, opportunities, and key dynamics shaping the future of education in our state.

Dec 12, 202441 min

Episode 176 -- Rep. Michelle McCane | OEA Member

On this week’s Fried Okra, we’re sitting down with Rep. Michelle McCane—Tulsa Library media specialist, OEA member, and newly elected member of the Oklahoma State House of Representatives! Join us as we explore Michelle's incredible 13-year journey as an educator and her courageous decision to step into the political arena to fight for Oklahoma’s future. What inspired her leap from the classroom to the Capitol?

Dec 05, 202458 min

Episode 174 -- Post-Election Pod

In our latest episode of Fried Okra, we’re breaking down the election results and examining the state superintendent’s shocking statement on preparing Oklahoma for a future without the U.S. Department of Education. What would this mean for our schools, students, and communities? Tune in as we dive deep into what’s at stake for public education in Oklahoma.

Nov 08, 202448 min

Episode 173 -- Five Years of Insights

Tune in for Ellen’s potential farewell episode as we approach Election Day! With five years of insights, she’s breaking down the stakes for #oklaed, plus how unity and policy can change the future. Vote, Oklahoma! 🗳️

Nov 01, 202425 min

Episode 172 -- "A pattern of seemingly being above the law."

We’re diving into the Attorney General's lawyer changing the tone of this month's OSDE board meeting—plus, it’s the final stretch to Election Day! Learn about the candidates, issues, dark money in our elections, and ways you can get involved. You can also now find Fried Okra available on Spotify!

Oct 25, 202430 min

Episode 171 -- State Questions with OK Policy Institute

🎙️ On this episode of Fried Okra we're joined by the experts from @OKPolicy to break down the two upcoming state questions that could reshape the Oklahoma Constitution. 🗳️ Tune in to stay informed and be ready for the vote! Get all the details at okpolicy.org/sq833 or okpolicy.org/sq834

Oct 18, 202429 min

Episode 170 -- Rep. Daniel Pae (R-Lawton)

🎙️ New episode of Fried Okra is live! We’re joined by Rep. Daniel Pae (R-Lawton) to talk about his education-related interim studies—from AI in schools to student health care, bullying, and more. Plus, hear what voters (across all parties) are saying about holding a certain Superintendent accountable.

Oct 11, 202428 min

Episode 169 -- Shady Bid-ness

On this episode of Fried Okra, we dive into the power of educators at the polls! 📊 OEA members vote at a much higher rate than the general public—proving that educators are not just advocates in the classroom but at the ballot box too! But here's the thing: We need EVERYONE to get involved. Educators are some of the most trusted voices in our communities, and when they show up, they make a difference. Let’s activate, engage, and encourage others to vote! 🗣️ PLUS: We discuss Ryan Walters and th...

Oct 04, 202445 min

Episode 168 -- "What could we use $3 million for?"

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ In this week's Fried Okra: The Public Education Podcast for Oklahomans, we're breaking down the latest chaos at the State Board of Education meeting. - A deep dive into the proposed budget 🧾 - $3 MILLION for Bibles in classrooms 📚✝️ - The legal battles shaking up public education ⚖️ Tune in to get the facts, the context, and our take on what it all means for Oklahoma schools.

Sep 27, 202425 min

Episode 167 -- Register to Vote! (Provided you're still alive)

🎙️ New Episode Alert from Fried Okra — the public education podcast for Oklahomans! 🎙️ This week, we’re diving into the results of this summer’s primary elections and runoffs and gearing up for the general elections this fall. As educators, it’s easy to assume that everyone knows what we do, but we need to engage our families, friends, and neighbors about what’s at stake for public education in Oklahoma. Our state ranks lowest in voter turnout — let’s change that by advocating for pro-public e...

Sep 20, 202430 min

Episode 166 -- Summer of Chaos

🎙️ Fried Okra is BACK! After a wild "Summer of Chaos" in Oklahoma education, we're breaking down everything you need to know about the scandals from the State Supt. and the State Dept. of Ed. ➡️ Mismanagement of funds meant for schools? ✅ ➡️ Defiance of the Attorney General & Open Meetings Act? ✅ ➡️ Bible mandates in classrooms? ✅ ➡️ Out-of-state podcasters shaping OUR education standards? ✅ This avalanche of chaos is taking the focus away from our students, instead serving the political am...

Sep 13, 202443 min
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