Fried Okra is first joined by a couple of members, Heather Davis (Bartlesville) and Betty Collins (Union), who became official notary publics to help Oklahomans who are unable to vote in person still be a part of the voting process. They discuss how they became notaries and how people can reach out to have them notarize their absentee ballot. Then we have a conversation with OEA members, Sharon Reese (Shawnee) and Victor Gonzalez (Stillwater), who have been involved in the candidate interview pr...
Jun 12, 2020•34 min
Andy Moore, executive director of "Let's Fix This Oklahoma," refreshes Fried Okra with a civics lesson on how and when Oklahomans can vote this year. Also, Sharica Cole and Dawn Brown from OEA's Human and Civil Rights Committee share their personal stories of dealing with race as educators. It is a difficult conversation to have, but one that is much needed in this time, as we navigate how to move forward and make progress in our schools and with our students.
Jun 05, 2020•45 min
Representative Mark Lawson of Sapulpa gives his unique perspective of what it's like to campaign in the world of COVID. He also reveals the votes of which he's the most proud during his first four years in the legislature and gives his pitch to educators for the June primary. We also continue to shine our spotlight on the caucuses of OEA this week with LeeAnn Jimenez, Tulsa science teacher, and member of the OEA Republican Caucus. No matter your race, gender, political affiliation, sexual orient...
May 29, 2020•35 min
As session winds to a close, OEA legislative guru and former Mustang teacher, Ivy Riggs, joins Fried Okra to recap all the twists and turns of this unorthodox session. Including the nearly decade-long journey for a cost-of-living adjustment for public retirees that culminated in the Governor's signature this year. We also begin our look at the different OEA caucuses with a spotlight on Lawrence Lane and Melani Ford of the Black Caucus. They tell us why caucuses are an imperative function of the ...
May 22, 2020•25 min
The Oklahoma Senate literally debated the COLA as Fried Okra was recording on Friday morning. We spoke with our legislative expert, Amanda Ewing, about what people can do to help ensure this COLA finally makes it way to our retirees after 12 years without. Call Governor Stitt and tell him to sign the COLA bill at (405) 521-2342 or find the "Contact" tab on governor.ok.gov. We also are joined by Amber England, spokesperson for State Question 802, about how its passage would improve the lives of e...
May 15, 2020•26 min
Oklahoma House Minority Leader Emily Virgin comes on Fried Okra to discuss SB210 (absentee voting with signed notary), the budget outlook, and how Governor Stitt should spend federal education dollars. We are also joined by Putnam City North social studies teacher, Aaron Baker, who reads his original poem "Those Who Can't" and answers questions on how he uses his talents to advocate for the classroom.
May 08, 2020•38 min
Paul Shinn, Budget and Tax Senior Policy Analyst with the Oklahoma Policy Institute, does a fantastic job summarizing how the legislature will even begin building a budget on Monday, what a potential financial crisis means, and the options our state has to cushion the damage for public services. Also, OEA member and Tahlequah resident Chuck Pack and President Alicia Priest break down the Association's Fund for Children and Public Education, how it helps promote education-friendly candidates outs...
May 01, 2020•35 min
After Governor Stitt announced the possibility of using federal COVID-19 dollars for school vouchers, Oklahoma educators came out in waves to let him know what students and schools in the state actually need. So much so, that they temporarily crashed the Governor's website. Amanda Ewing breaks down where those efforts currently stand. Pastors For OK Kids' Clark Frailey also joins Fried Okra to speak on the important connection between faith and the history of public schools in Oklahoma.
Apr 24, 2020•34 min
Amanda Ewing helps explain the drama at the Capitol before looking at candidate filings and how it impacts educators, including which races you will be able to vote for an OEA member. Piedmont 6th grade science teacher and 2019 Oklahoma Science Teaching Association Middle-Level Teacher of the Year, Melissa Lau, who has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and NowThis, joins the podcast to discuss how she and her students have handled the transition to distance learning. Lau also reminisces a...
Apr 17, 2020•41 min
OEA's executive director of legislative and political organizing, Amanda Ewing, returns to Fried Okra to break down the wild week at the Capitol. David Glenn from NEA Member Benefits also drops by to explain all of the incredible benefits educators receive just by being a member of OEA.
Apr 10, 2020•41 min
State Senator Roger Thompson of Oklahoma's 5th District joins friED OKra to talk about the legislature returning for a special session on Monday and answers questions on what Oklahoma's budget may look like this year and next.
Apr 03, 2020•26 min
The Congresswoman for Oklahoma's 5th District, Kendra Horn, joins friED OKra ahead of the House of Representatives' vote on the $2 trillion stimulus package that just passed the Senate and how it affects Oklahoma students, educators, and communities. We also catch up with NEA Director of Government Relations, Marc Egan, who curates the education aspects of the CARES Act in detail.
Mar 26, 2020•41 min
Oklahoma State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister returns to friED OKra to discuss the statewide school closures and answers questions to help students, educators, parents, and community members through this unprecedented time. Carrie and Alicia also speak with Terri Gray from the OEA Elections Committee, who shines a light on OEA's democratic process and how members can participate in elections happening right now.
Mar 19, 2020•32 min
In the second ever episode of friED OKra, our hosts Carrie Coppernoll Jacobs and OEA President Alicia Priest sit down with Oklahoma State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, who provides an update on the coronavirus and answers questions on what educators and parents should expect. The Oklahoma Retired Educators Association (OREA) Executive Director Sabra Tucker also joins friED OKra to discuss the house's unanimous vote to pass a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees and the years of advocac...
Mar 13, 2020•36 min
In our inaugural episode of friED OKra, our hosts Carrie Jacobs and OEA President Alicia Priest discuss the current legislative session with OEA’s associate executive director of legislative and political organizing, Amanda Ewing. Including a cost-of-living adjustment for retirees, the overall budget, and bills on virtual school boards. We also hear from Mustang ESP’s Margaret Brown and Candis Ryczkowski on their incredible story of the years-long process it took for them to organize a bargainin...
Mar 06, 2020•29 min
