Our latest episode of Fried Okra is live! Here’s what we’re covering: - The legislature's lack of action on critical SDE rules 📜 - A look into the budget process and what it means for our schools 💰 - Last-minute education bills 🏛️ Tune in to get the scoop on the latest education developments affecting Oklahoma’s students, teachers, and parents. Let’s stay informed and involved in shaping our state’s future!
Fried Okra, your go-to podcast for everything public education in Oklahoma, is back with a brand-new episode! This week, we're diving into: 🗂️ The current stalemate on the budget ⚠️ Dangerous SDE rules being pushed through the legislature 📜 A surprise education bill that popped up this week Stay informed and join the conversation on the issues that matter most to our schools and communities.
This week on the public education podcast for Oklahomans we break down budget talks after deadline week and another report of the current Oklahoma State Department of Education administration dropping the ball. Come join us!
After a whirlwind deadline week at the Capitol and another rollercoaster State Board of Education meeting, we're dishing out all the latest updates and insights. From wins for the little guy to the twists and turns of education policy, we've got you covered. Tune in now to stay in the loop and join the conversation!
Dive into the heart of Oklahoma's education matters with the Fried Okra Podcast! This week, we unpack the proposed support professional stipend, dissect a voucher bill threatening local school funds, and discuss the superintendent's challenges in Stillwater. Stay informed, stay engaged—tune in now!
Dive deep into Oklahoma's budget battle with us on the latest episode of Fried Okra, as we dissect the brewing clash between the House and Senate over crucial budget allocations. From funding disputes to policy priorities, we break down the complexities behind the scenes. Tune in now to stay informed and engaged in the issues shaping Oklahoma's future!
In our latest episode, we're thrilled to host Traci Manuel, the State Teacher of the Year and renowned English teacher from Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa! Tune in to hear Traci's incredible journey and insights into the world of education.
Tune in to the Fried Okra podcast, as we dissect the latest Oklahoma chaos stirred by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, plus key updates in education news. Don't miss the breakdown!
Former Norman 5th-grade teacher and current OEA Vice President Cari Elledge joins Ellen as co-host this week with legislative expert Ivy Riggs returning for a lively discussion on the pros and cons of deadline week and yet another reported scandal about the State Superintendent.
Ellen and Ivy agree it was a "weird week at the Capitol" with multiple anti-educator voice bills making it through the State Senate, but some promising legislation making its way through the State House. The two legislative experts have a candid conversation about it all.
The indominable Ivy Riggs returns to the pod to discuss Public Schools Day at the Capitol, the good and the bad of education bills making it through committee, and responds to the continued onslaught of false and inflammatory rhetoric coming from the State Superintendent.
Ellen relates the podcast to weekly "legislative therapy" and this week OEA legislative and political organizer Tyler Outlaw returns to the therapy couch to break down some education bills that made it through committee — including another teacher pay raise and a controversial cell phone bill.
On Monday, the governor gave his annual "State of the State" address to the legislature to kick off the 2024 legislative session. Ivy Riggs returns to analyze what was said and give us insight on what to expect at the Capitol over the next few months.
Following back-to-back weeks of State Board of Education meetings, another lawsuit aimed at the State Superintendent, and legislative session kicking off next week, we had to bring back Ivy Riggs to break it all down.
If you come to the Capitol on a Tuesday during legislative session, you are likely to run into a cadre of educators who made the three-hour drive from northeast Oklahoma to advocate for public schools. Kaci Hoffer, a 14th-year reading interventionist from Miami, explains why that journey for Civication helps them build relationships with legislators and share the real issues facing public education in Oklahoma.
Tyler Outlaw, OEA legislative and political organizer and former Norman teacher, rejoins the pod to discuss the State Department of Education's latest budget proposal to the legislature and how you can connect with your lawmakers about the needs of your students, colleagues, and school.
Per hungerfreeok.org, 14.5% of Oklahoma households are food insecure, 67% of SNAP participants are children, elderly, or disabled, and hunger costs Oklahoma over $1.4 billion each year through increased illness and decreased academic achievement alone. Chris Bernard, president and CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma, joins the podcast to discuss this serious issue that affects our students.
What are the State Board of Education's changes to rules and accreditation and what do they mean? How did Tulsa maintain local control of their schools? Are private schools sending materials about vouchers to families who already attend private school? Find out on this week's episode of Fried Okra!
The OEA is an association of educators, by educators, and that means Oklahoma teachers and support staff make up the elected leadership roles within the organization. Tiffany Johnson and Krista Farris are each teachers in Shawnee and both offer their spare time to be their zone's board member and president of the Shawnee Association of Classroom Teachers, respectively. They discuss the importance of getting involved in the OEA from the state to the local level.
Unfortunately, it is the fine arts that are often the first to go when facing budget cuts. OEA member and Noble High School drama teacher Kevan Dunkelberg has still found a way to provide a pocket for arts through the creativity of his students, the generosity of a small-town community, and his own passion and hard work. Through determination and imagination, a third-year Oklahoma teacher has improved the lives of Noble students and the community.
Months ago, Ashley Daly visited a mostly empty State Board of Education meeting as a Tulsa parent, never imagining the political spectacle they would become. Daly has traveled from Tulsa before the sun rises to speak at board meetings for nearly a year. She wants other actual parents of public school children to find their voices and not be intimidated by the current charged climate around the State Department of Education.
The Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation addresses the ongoing educator shortage crisis in Oklahoma by helping current education employees earn their degree to become certified teachers, while supporting high school graduates to work for public schools as they attend college. We speak with their CEO and President, Mary Mélon-Tully, about the successes they've had and how it can be replicated across the state.
Today, we are joined by Fort Gibson school board member and former Oklahoma State School Board Association (OSSBA) President Scott Abbott about the importance of running for school board, keeping them non-partisan, and the direct impact they have on schools. Visit ossba.org to find information on how you can run for your local school board. Candidate filings are open December 4-6!
Legislative expert Ivy Riggs returns to the pod to break down the special session, the State Board of Education meeting and accreditation, interim studies, and the reports that the Governor failed to spend a single cent of nearly $18 million of our taxpayer dollars designated for public education.
Putnam City 3rd-grade teacher Jordann Hardin stood on the floor of the assembly hall, tears rushing down her face, as she shared her story with a teacher from New Jersey she just met. It was a moment that propelled Hardin to become a national trailblazer by ratifying the first ever miscarriage bereavement leave in the nation at Putnam City Public Schools. Her story shows the impact one educator can make, the importance of bargaining, and how we need to continue to share our stories and find ways...
Fund for Teachers supports educators' efforts to develop skills, knowledge and confidence that impact student achievement. We spoke with their Chief Development Officer, Stephen Butler, about trusting teachers to design unique fellowships and grants to validate teachers' professionalism and leadership. Since 2001, Fund for Teachers has invested $35 million in nearly 9,200 teachers, transforming grants into growth for teachers and their students. Visit fundforteachers.org to find out more!
Your friends at Fried Okra return after an eventful summer and back-to-school season that saw OEA visit over 150 school districts. Legislative expert Ivy Riggs is back to break down the chaos created by the state superintendent with the accreditation of Tulsa Public Schools, the chaos created by the state superintendent targeting a librarian and the subsequent bomb threats, the chaos created by the state superintendent and PragerU, etc.
Another State Board of Education meeting brought yet another barrage of attacks from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction towards educators and their right to a professional association, as he presented an incorrect and manipulated video to direct hate towards the professionals who serve our public schools. This type of incendiary political rhetoric is not only unhelpful, it is dangerous to the educators of Oklahoma. On a day when we should be celebrating the signing of a historic inve...
The Fried Okra team convenes to discuss the $625 million education budget deal announced last Tuesday after weeks of deliberations between the House and Senate. The deal includes a $3,000 - $6,000 pay raise for certified educators depending on years of service and three weeks of maternity leave. Ellen, Katherine, and Ivy react to the historic investment, why it's a great step in making public education a priority in Oklahoma, and the need for support professionals to receive a raise from this fu...
We are two weeks from the end of session (barring a special session) and the House, Senate, and Governor's office are still mediating an education deal that could add $600 million to the education budget. Also, a week after calling teacher associations "terrorist organizations," Superintendent Walters is in hot water again after a longtime SDE grant writer claimed Walters "lied to lawmakers" and has not applied for any new federal grants since she left the department. Legislative expert Ivy Rigg...
