OEA: Recent Episodes
OEA
One last Fried Okra before our summer hiatus. We look back at a legislative session that started with talk of flat budgets but, through educator advocacy, ended with major investments in Oklahoma public education. We recap the wins, the fights, and what comes next for #oklaed
Sine Die is here, and the dust is still settling. On this week's Fried Okra, we break down what moved at the Capitol, which education bills were vetoed, and what the governor signed into law for Oklahoma public schools. #oklaed
This week at the Capitol had a little bit of everything as lawmakers pushed hundreds of bills through late-night House sessions just one week before Sine Die. We break down what it means for public education, educators, and students. #oklaed
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.
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.
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/5M9IBGM3WQar71SmFQAaCvApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oea/id1501888562#oklaed
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Rep. Cyndi Munson shares her inspiring journey as the first Asian-American woman elected to the state legislature and how political attacks on inclusive programs erode opportunities for underrepresented Oklahomans.
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.
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?
On this episode of Fried Okra, we dig in to what it would mean to lose the US Department of Education, who in our schools would be impacted, how would it even happen, and most importantly — who would be excluded?
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.
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! 🗳️
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!
🎙️ 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
🎙️ 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.
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 the OSDE's controversial bid for 55,000 Bibles, with parameters benefiting one specific version connected to a presidential candidate.
🎙️ 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.
🎙️ 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 education candidates and getting involved in the issues that matter most.Check your voter registration today at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp!
🎙️ 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 ambitions of one man. Want the full scoop? We’re unpacking it all.
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 weekStay 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 to support our dedicated education employees.
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 investment into public education, we instead react to a historic threat.
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 funding.
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 Riggs returns to break it all down.
"It was a doozy of a week" is Ellen's understatement of the pod, as we wrap-up a week that began with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction referring to education associations comprised of Oklahoma educators as "terrorist organizations." We also saw the legislature agree to pass one standalone aspect of the education budget. Was it teacher or support staff salaries? (Spoiler alert: No, it's vouchers).Erika Wright, an Oklahoma public school parent and founder of the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition joins Ivy Riggs, Katherine Bishop, and Ellen Pogemiller to break it all down.
Katherine is in DC to celebrate Union's Rebecka Peterson, friend of the pod, being named National Teacher of the Year! So Fried Okra used this opportunity for you all to get to know your OEA legislative team a little better. Ivy, Ellen, and Tyler tell their unique stories on their way to becoming an OEA legislative and political organizer. The trio also breaks down the education news from the week at the Capitol, including an update on education budget talks and a positive bipartisan professional development bill that passed.
After last week's negotiation by press release, the Oklahoma State House and Senate are now having in-person conversations surrounding a compromise between the two sides' education plans. There was also major national news regarding an Oklahoma church seeking virtual charter status and a change at Secretary of Education. Ivy Riggs returns to break it all down.National Board Certified Teachers in Oklahoma used to receive a $5,000 stipend until it was removed several years ago. A NBCT stipend is a positive incentive that rewards dedicated teachers through an equitable system and keeps them in the classroom. Jennifer Gambrell, director of the Office for Educational Quality and Accountability, joins the pod to encourage you to reach out to your Senator and tell them to vote for HB 2558, which would return the $5,000 stipend for NBCT educators.
It was a week of press releases as the Oklahoma Senate and House continue their stalemate on education funding bills and the State Superintendent grapples with the ruling by Attorney General Drummond that the State Department of Education does not get to create its own laws. The incomparable Ivy Riggs returns to break it down and give you the scoop of what's going on behind the scenes.
With so much tumult and confusion around the Capitol this week, there's only person who can break it all down for your education news. Ivy Riggs returns to provide a peek behind the curtain of competing education proposals in the legislature, a State Superintendent spreading vicious content without proof or accountability, and what it all means for the bigger picture of a potentially historic investment in public education and its professionals.
After an "inaccurate, cruel, and politically motivated" state board of education meeting on Thursday and deadline week at the Capitol, it is time to check in with OEA's legislative expert Ivy Riggs.Your first years as an educator can be especially difficult, so the OEA created the New Educators of Oklahoma Network (NEON) to help those newest to the classroom network and feel supported. Melani Ford, a Mid-Del pre-K teacher, and Kevan Dunkelberg, a Noble drama teacher, are joined by OEA early career coordinator Josh Frazier to talk about the benefits of NEON, the relationships they have made along the way, and their vision for growing the network of future leaders.
As an OEA member, you are automatically allowed special benefits through NEAMB.com on everything from insurance (life, home, car, even pet!) to student loan forgiveness to discounts on travel and online shopping at over 3,000 sites. Please check it out to ensure you are making the most of your OEA membership.We also share the story of Terri Story, Mustang Creek Elementary's library media specialist, and the school's media assistant Salinda McCubbins, who transform the inside of their library into a magical Polar Express for students as part of their professional mission as educators to cultivate a lifelong love of reading.
This week we are joined by Rep. Mark Vancuren (R-Owasso), a 32-year biology teacher and basketball coach before running for office in the 2018 wave of educators. The House Common Education Committee Vice-Chair speaks about multiple education bills he authored, including the HB 1423 Education Employee Assistance Program that would provide mental health and counseling for any education employee. Katherine and Ellen also recap a robustly successful organizing conference, SB 99, and the Teacher of the Year announcement.
Isabelle Esau is a junior Elementary Education major at UCO and president of the Oklahoma Aspiring Educators Association (OAEA). She joins OEA Aspiring Ed Coordinator Josh Frazier to talk about the return of "Outreach to Teach," a yearly OAEA program that collects donations to improve an Oklahoma public school. On Friday, March 3, they will paint, clean, and beautify Coolidge Elementary in Enid — all while getting to know each other and making an impact in the community.Ivy Riggs also returns to break down the education bill that passed the house, the apparent defeat of an anti-OEA bill, deeply concerning statements made by the State Superintendent at the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, and the response by House Republicans like Mark McBride who disagree with the Superintendent's rhetoric.
The Oklahoma House Republican Caucus unveiled their education plan, which differentiated from agendas laid out by the Governor and State Superintendent. It included a $2,500 pay raise for all teachers, a substantial investment into the general education fund, but also included tax credits for private and home schooling. While there is still a long way to go, and the legislation can still change dramatically, OEA legislative expert Ivy Riggs breaks it all down — the good, the bad, and the could be prettier.
In an eventful week for education news in Oklahoma, we break down the Governor's State of the State from Monday, as well as a poll conducted by the Tarrance Group released by the Oklahoma Education Coalition on Tuesday that showed 74% of Oklahomans oppose giving tax dollars to private schools.
Dr. Nicole Been, University of Oklahoma Associate Athletic Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, joins the pod to discuss how DEI strategies and initiatives help everyone reach their highest potential.
Former teacher, principal, and friend of the pod, Rep. Melissa Provenzano, returns to Fried Okra to preview the legislative session, including education bills she has authored and the importance of listening to what actual Oklahoma educators say they need.(25:20)If you thought a budget proposal would be uneventful, think again. Ivy Riggs returns to break down what happened with the State Superintendent's inauspicious rollout of his plans to allocate Oklahoma education dollars.
It's deadline week for bills at the Capitol with over 3,000 total bills submitted. Sen. Adam Pugh (R-Edmond), chair of the Senate Education Committee, also rolled out 13 proposed bills comprising his education plan. During a press conference, Sen. Pugh laid out a vision that included teacher pay raises, maternity leave, and increased funding. Ivy Riggs returns to break down why there are plenty of signs for optimism.Fried Okra also welcomed Rep. Ronny Johns (R-Ada) to the pod to break down his four education bills, including HB 2412 that would give education support professionals an overdue and well-earned 6% pay raise.
This week we are excited to be joined by Woodward teacher Jolynn Love and Superintendent Kyle Reynolds from Woodward Public Schools. They share their success stories from getting students involved in "Teach Oklahoma" that allows them to explore a future in teaching at education programs in colleges across the state. Find out how to get your district involved here.Ivy Riggs also returns to the pod to break down the recent changes at the State Board of Education, plus the inauguration of the Governor and new State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Fried Okra kicks off the new year with Oklahoma's newest teacher of the year, Tulsa Union's Rebecka Peterson. Rebecka shares her inspiring story as an immigrant who lived all over the globe to being a beacon of hope as a math teacher for her students in Tulsa by finding the good in each day.She will travel to all 77 counties in Oklahoma interviewing teachers who are making a difference and sharing their stories to offer words of encouragement for teachers, students and their communities. Nominate yourself or a teacher at sde.ok.gov/teachersofok.
In our last episode of 2022, we speak with two members of the OEA Trauma Cadre, which was created to provide free strategies-rich, trauma-informed presentations to Oklahoma educators. While many Oklahoma educators have attended professional development on the theory of trauma exposure and how it impacts children, OEA’s cadre presentations focus on in-the moment and curricular strategies. Emerging scientific findings and theory are also discussed but are linked to practical strategies.All eight cadre members are Oklahoma educators with varied certifications and advanced degrees who are exemplary educators in their subject areas and school districts and deeply familiar with Oklahoma student demographics. We spoke to two members of the cadre, Amy Castro Braun (principal of Sky Ranch Elementary in Moore) and Cheryl Card (Nicoma Park Intermediate school counselor), about this exciting new opportunity for Oklahoma educators. You can sign up to attend a training, request the cadre come to your school, or find out more information at okea.org/trauma.
Recently, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that Senate Bill 658, a bill that prohibited local school boards from instituting a mask policy unless the governor declared a state of emergency, was unconstitutional and impermissible.
The decision was a win for local control of public schools and one that may not have happened without the voices of two Stillwater parents, including an OEA member. Stillwater Education Association President Jenny Bobo and her husband Preston joined Fried Okra to talk about their experience standing up for their daughter and the rights of parents, educators, and school boards to have control over their own communities.
While the vast majority of OEA Fund for Children and Public Education endorsed candidates prevailed, there were devastating results at the top of the ballot.
Ivy Riggs reflects on how educators are feeling and what it all means for the future of public education in Oklahoma.
On the last Fried Okra before an extremely close and consequential 2022 general election, we encourage you to not only vote, but engage everyone in your sphere of influence to get out and vote. We also speak with candidate for Oklahoma Senate District 2, Jennifer Esau.
A proven advocate for Oklahoma students and teachers, Jennifer Esau has been an educator at Claremore Public Schools for more than 20 years. She is currently a special education teacher at Will Rogers Junior High, and was previously at Claremont Elementary, and Westside Elementary. Jennifer serves on the board of directors for OEA representing Northeast Oklahoma. She is currently President of Claremore Classroom Teachers Association (CCTA) and has served in leadership roles with the organization for the past 10 years. Esau would make providing adequate funding for public education her top priority because "it is the cornerstone of our communities."
2020 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, candidate for State Superintendent, and friend of Fried Okra, Jena Nelson, returns to the podcast. She discusses how an educator at her school (1996 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Stephen Smallwood) changed her life and motivated the 17-year educator to fulfill the legacy of her mentor by continuing to give every child a chance at something better.
She also shares the stories of families across Oklahoma concerned about vouchers and the uncertain future for public schools, especially in rural communities, if her opponent were to win.
Oklahoma Parent Teacher Association President Lori Wathen joins the pod to discuss the support parents across the state have for their educators, regardless of the narratives some may push, and the important GOTV efforts the PTA is doing to encourage parents to vote for pro-public education candidates.
OEA Vice President Cari Elledge also stops by to break down the OEA's member-driven budget process and how crucial it is for their input to be heard. If you are an OEA member, be on the lookout for an email/text with a link to the budget survey over the next week.
Gabrielle Jacobi joined the Oklahoma Policy Institute as its Child Well-Being Policy Analyst / KIDS COUNT Coordinator in March 2021 after more than two years as a Program Coordinator at the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness. KIDS COUNT provides legislators, public officials and child advocates with reliable data, policy recommendations and tools to advance policies that benefit children. Gabrielle breaks down the newest release of data and where Oklahoma ranks.
Fried Okra also brings back Tyler Outlaw for some insight on another week of education-related interim studies on four-day school weeks, athletic transfer rules, and sex education in the classroom.
State Superintendent, Gubernatorial Candidate, and friend of Fried Okra, Joy Hofmeister, returns to highlight the Dolly Parton Imagination Library initiative in Oklahoma, why she prioritized pay raises for educators in the education budget sent to the legislature, and her vision of a future where Oklahoman fully invests in public education.
We are also joined again by Tyler Outlaw, who breaks down some education-related interim studies -- including an exciting community schools program.
A recent report showed positive gains across Oklahoma in state testing, as we continue to climb out of the pandemic. Deputy Superintendent of Assessment, Accountability, Data Systems, and Research at the State Department of Education, Dr. Bryan Koerner, breaks down the numbers and the positive outcomes from the perseverance and hard work of the state's students and educators. Parents and school leaders can access assessment guidance, tools, and support resources for understanding these results at sde.ok.gov/assessment-guidance.
Ivy Riggs also returns to provide an update on the legislative special sessions, the beginning of interim studies (including community schools), and why the recent polling for governor and state superintendent is both hopeful and motivation to get more involved.
It was a busy week in legislative news, as the state board of education approved Superintendent Joy Hofmeister's proposed budget that would include a $5,000 raise for teachers and $66 million in additional funds for school districts for counselors and support staff. Ivy Riggs joins the show to break it all down.
We are also joined by Vicki Behenna, candidate for Oklahoma County District Attorney. Behenna was on the team of lawyers to help convict Timothy McVeigh and has been the head of the Oklahoma Innocence Project for the last eight years. She shares her lifelong love of Oklahoma public education and the importance of a community meeting all children's needs at an early stage.
Veteran, teacher, and State Rep. Logan Phillips (R-Mounds) was not re-elected after his district was gerrymandered, but that doesn’t mean his advocacy for public education is done. He discusses the importance of federal funding in Oklahoma, broadband access, and his revealing new data-driven study just released on the dangers vouchers pose to Oklahoma communities by siphoning precious resources from our public schools.
Chair of the Oklahoma Parent Legislative Action Committee, Misty Bradley, discusses how her upbringing in rural Oklahoma gave her a lifelong appreciation for public schools and how becoming a mother encouraged her to get involved. Visit okplac.org for more information.
We are also joined by former history teacher and current OEA election guru Tyler Outlaw on not just making sure you are registered to vote, but sharing information on how to vote and which candidates are best for public schools within your sphere of influence. Poll after poll continues to show educators are one of the most trusted members of their community and your voice has power.
For Labor Day Weekend, Fried Okra is excited to be joined by Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborne, who was captivating speaking about educators as a workforce and what Oklahoma must do to fix a critical labor shortage. (Spoiler alert: Pay educators more and treat them with more respect!)
Legislative expert Ivy Riggs returns to the pod to discuss the fallout from last Tuesday's primary runoff results, what it means for public education, and why our advocacy for pro-public education candidates must grow louder.
We also bring back friend of Fried Okra, Andy Moore, CEO of Let's Fix This OK, to talk through Oklahoma's abysmal numbers in voter participation, what we can do to get more people to the polls, and the opportunity it creates moving forward into the general election.
Dr. April Grace joins the podcast to share why she's running for state superintendent, her solutions to the issues facing public education, and how disheartening it can be when people tear away at the fiber of what it means to be an educator.
In our last episode for this legislative session, we recap the wild season at the Capitol, where #oklaed stands going into next year, and a look-ahead to the imperative June primaries.
We also speak with Jason Harris from the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center about opportunities for educators to visit museums this summer to discover field trip and curriculum opportunities.
Fried Okra will be on a short hiatus, but no worries, Okrazies, we will be back for next school year. Have a great summer!
In a year with huge numbers available for the state budget, it was disappointing to see the lack of urgency to support public education in resources, pay, and respect. We wrap up how so many missed the bigger picture and the few who attempted to address real issues like the teacher shortage.
First, the Oklahoma legislature calls for a special session. Now, the governor wants in on the action by calling a special session of his own. We break down what it all means on what should have been Sine Die at the Capitol.
On this week's episode, we break down why a "flat" budget for education fell flat, how it seems like a super majority of his own party doesn't even trust the governor to distribute funds and has called for a special session, plus we connect the dots on out-of-state billionaires paying the secretary of education well over six figures to lobby for voucher schemes.
It is an honor to bring you our 100th episode of the public education podcast for Oklahomans! Thank you for being a part of the Fried Okra family and we hope to be with you for hundreds more.
This episode, we recap the joy of returning to an in-person Delegate Assembly last week, where OEA members join together in camaraderie and sharing input and ideas from all over the state. We also discuss the home stretch of legislative session, including where education stands in the budget process.
As the Oklahoma legislative session completes deadline week, we recap it all.
From the highs of defeating SB 1647 in a marathon late-night vote to the lows of political retaliation against those educators whose voices defeated the monstrous voucher bill to everything in between. If it's #oklaed related from this year's legislative session, we break it down.
Two bills, SB 638 and SB 1579, target the voices of educators with surgical precision. Ivy Riggs explains where these targeted attacks on education associations originate and wonders why state leaders are not using their time and energy to focus on real problems like the teacher shortage.
Then we are excited to be joined by Katy Leffel, Director of the Oklahoma School Foundations Network at the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Leffel is a former Putnam City teacher who helps support school foundations across the state and shares services/programs/awards/etc. that all educators should take advantage of. Learn more at ofe.org.
We are thrilled to be joined by Jessica Eschbach, the 2021 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year from Norman, about her year representing teachers throughout the state and her perspective on the work Oklahoma educators do every single day.
Legislative maestro Ivy Riggs also returns to breakdown where things stand with committee and filing deadlines. We also discuss how so many bills seem to target only educators.
Each week during session, one of OEA's legislative and political organizers joins the pod to break down what's happening at the Oklahoma Capitol. This Friday, we'd like to introduce you to our newest legislative and political organizer, Tyler Outlaw! Tyler was a middle school social studies teacher before joining OEA's staff. He talks about going from teaching about the civics process to living it every day.
Then Rep. Mark McBride (R-Moore) makes his first appearance on Fried Okra to discuss HB 3364, a bill he authored to provide stipends to new teachers and college students training to become educators in Oklahoma. Rep. McBride shares conversations he's had with the education community about the dire need for more teachers in the classroom and how they are the greatest commodity our for our state.
On this episode of Fried Okra, legislative guru Ivy Riggs breaks down how a small group of people with a large pool of money can turn their wish lists into copy-and-paste legislation in states across the country.
Then we are thrilled to be joined by former educator and OEA member, Rep. Melissa Provenzano, on her journey through the various levels of public education all the way to fighting for public schools as an elected representative inside the Capitol.
SB 1647, a voucher bill that could have destroyed rural public education, was defeated on the senate floor after a marathon vote late Wednesday night. We discuss the huge victory, the anxiousness of the evening, and how there are so many people to thank for protecting our public schools.
Then we are thrilled to be joined by Rep. Tammy West, who authored HB 3374, a bill that would institute a pilot program for community schools in Oklahoma. The bill passed the house by a vote of 78-12 and now moves on to the senate. Community Schools make use of up to $100,000 per school district of federal funds to allow schools to hire a resource coordinator who becomes familiar with individual student and family needs and pulls together resources available in the local community help meet those needs.
After many expected SB 1647 to be heard on the Senate floor this week, the Senators left for the weekend without holding a vote on the massive voucher bill. This delay is almost entirely due to the advocacy of you, OEA members, our partners in the Oklahoma Education Coalition, and all the community members who have used their voices to stand up for public schools. Ivy Riggs reminds us, though, that just because it doesn't have the votes now, doesn't mean it won't in the future. So stay vigilant.
We are also thrilled to speak with Brittany Hayes, policy director of the Healthy Minds Initiative. Hayes was originally a public school teacher in Oklahoma before noticing "a lot of the issues I was facing were at the policy level." Through their research, Healthy Minds help bring mental health services and systems to the forefront with legislators and communities.
Legislative expert Ivy Riggs returns to the pod to break down the first "deadline week" at the Capitol. Find out the good, the bad, and the ugly on where education bills stand, including a monster voucher bill making it through committee. Please contact your lawmakers, share your story, and let them know our public dollars need to remain in public schools that serve over 90% of Oklahoma kids!
Each year, the Oklahoma Aspiring Educators Association selects a school to receive funds for the Outreach to Teach program that honors service to a community. Our winner this year is Lincoln Elementary in Lawton, OK. It is the oldest school in Lawton — established in 1908. They have around 350 student and 91% of their students qualify for free and reduced lunch. Heather Cody from OAEA and Darrell Morris from Lincoln Elementary join us to talk about the impact of this program.
In Carrie's final show as host, she delivers a heartfelt eulogy for her childhood teacher and an important message for all educators to understand the lasting impact they create.
We also speak with Fried Okra's next host moving forward, friend of the show and legislative wizard, Ellen Pogemiller, on the current state of the fight against vouchers at the Capitol.
Following Governor Stitt's divisive State of the State that promoted voucher schemes, and House Speaker McCall's statement that the House will not hear the SB1467 voucher bill, legislative expert Ivy Riggs returns to break down what it all means for educators.
Ted Dintersmith is one of America's leaders in innovation, entrepreneurship, and education. He's written books such as What School Could Be and produced films like Most Likely to Succeed aimed at empowering educators already doing incredible work, inspiring innovation, and improving the student experience. Mr. Dintersmith joins the podcast ahead of his upcoming appearance as the keynote speaker at this year's OEA Organizing Conference Feb. 25-26.
We are just days away from this year's legislative session, which is sure to require our collective energy as much as any other with another onslaught of efforts to divert public funds to private schools and attempts to divide our communities through public education. OEA is also pushing ahead with positive bills — like a much needed pay raise for education support professionals. The dynamic duo of Ivy Riggs and Ellen Pogemiller return to the pod to break down what we can do to help.
The Oklahoma Education Association prides itself on being comprised of educators elected by their fellow members across the state. Adrienne Hall, chair of OEA elections committee, a volunteer position, joins the pod ahead of candidate filing this election season beginning in February.
Our local legislative expert, Ivy Riggs, returns to Fried Okra to discuss a recent OEA member survey on the current state of education, how they are doing, and how the substitute shortage is affecting people. Spoiler alert: educators are feeling disrespected, undervalued, and exhausted.
We are so honored to have Dr. Brian Duke, interim dean of college of education and professional studies at the university of central oklahoma, to talk about the teacher pipeline.
Stay tuned following Dr. Duke's interview for
Friend of the pod and recently retired Paul Shinn, former Budget and Tax Analyst at the Oklahoma Policy Institute drops by to provide a helpful civics lesson on how this state formulates a budget and why this year's budget could have been better if lawmakers of the past had not been so short-sighted.
The OEA Organizing Conference is always a fun and informative experience where members descend from across the state for an opportunity to come together and grow as advocates for their students, their colleagues, themselves, and public education. This year's conference, Better Together: Organizing Through Advocacy, will be Feb. 25-26 and members can sign up for an early bird rate of $35 through Feb. 4 and $50 afterwards.
Legislators have enormous power and control over our state's public school system, but how many of them actually know what goes inside the buildings? Oklahoma PTA's Vice President of Advocacy, Tammy McCartney, joins the podcast to discuss an exciting new chance for lawmakers to attend school for a day. Whether it's teaching a classroom, riding the bus, serving meals, or anything in between, the PTA is asking lawmakers to see their schools and educators in action.
Speaking of legislators, a new session is just around the corner and our resident Legislative and Political Organizing expert, Ivy Riggs, returns to break down what is on the horizon — including another potential cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees.
Educators in the OEA elect their peers to represent them at the local and state level. The national association is no different. National Education Association President Becky Pringle currently advocates for public schools in rooms with some of the most influential leaders in the United States, but that journey began as a science teacher in Pennsylvania. Fried Okra is thrilled to welcome back President Pringle to discuss the importance of amplifying the stories of students and educators around the country, as well as the fight and recent gains made at the national level in student loan forgiveness.
The OEA has recently partnered with Dr. Elizabeth Risch from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine to tackle mental health issues in education. Dr. Risch is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Center on Child Abuse and Neglect in the Department of Pediatrics and her clinical work focuses on assessment and treatment of youth who have experienced trauma. She joins Fried Okra to explain, among other things, why compassion, not "self care," is a more sustainable solution.
We are also thrilled to have a coversation with Alison Black, President of the Oklahoma Council for Indian Education, who breaks down the importance of Native American studies in curriculum and where educators can access reliable materials.
Heather Warfield, clinical and program director of Calm Waters, joins the podcast to shed light on a program that helps students through grief and what we can do to support those who have suffered a loss through this holiday season.
OEA is a member-driven organization and its budget process is no exception. We speak with Vice President Cari Elledge, who chairs the budget committee, about how members can have input in where their dues dollars are allocated.
Due to a late return in the Census, the Oklahoma legislature returns for a special session on Monday. OEA director of legislative and political organizing, Ivy Riggs, returns to the pod to explain why it must happen, what bills have been filed, and how the timeline is expected to go.
Dr. Michael Crespin, director and curator of the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, and political science professor, at the University of Oklahoma joins Fried Okra to break down the recent redistricting of congressional districts in Oklahoma, how that process works, and why certain groups use it to benefit themselves.
Then Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association President Shawna Mott-Wright speaks with Katherine and Carrie ahead of OEA's Committee Saturday. It's an illuminating look inside the member-driven processes the association uses to navigate its path forward.
You can't spell Fried Okra without FEIO.
The executive director of the Film Education Institute of Oklahoma, Trevor Rogers, joined the pod to discuss the booming film and television industry in our state, the opportunities it provides our students, and how educators can connect with FEIO to access their free programs and curriculum. (Visit feiok.org for more info)
The illustrious Ellen Pogemiller makes another return from Capitol Hill to discuss the interim studies being presented on the record number of emergency certified teachers in Oklahoma and how legislators can lead us out of an extremely stressful period in public education.
Minco Superintendent Kevin Sims and Noble County Assessor Mandy Snyder recently presented to lawmakers for the interim study period on protesting property taxes, ad valorem, and the complexities of education funding in Oklahoma. They simplify and explain how these impact districts and communities throughout the state.
When it comes to education, educators are the experts. When it comes to health, health professionals are the experts. So Katherine and Carrie spoke with Dr. Mary Clarke, President of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, about the current state of the pandemic, what we can do to keep schools as safe as possible, how we can take care of each other while getting back to normal through vaccines and masks, and the appreciation both professional communities have for each other's care for children.
The OEA recently surveyed its members and the results are staggeringly clear; COVID is still an issue in our schools and educators desperately need our support. President Katherine Bishop and Vice President Cari Elledge look at the numbers and provide perspective on the human lives they represent.
Then newly named associate executive director of legislative and political organizing, Ivy Riggs, returns to the podcast to talk about an exciting opportunity provided by OEA called "Run the Race," which will provide free training to members considering a run for an elected position. It can be statewide to a local school board race. Republican, Democrat, Independent, we don't care. As long as you have a desire to help children.
Edmond Santa Fe student Bri Johnson joins the podcast to explain the importance of caring for everyone in your community, especially those who can't care for themselves.
Then Dr. Kathy Dodd, Chief Innovation Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Federal Programs for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, has a conversation with Carrie and Katherine about how the SDE is helping keep educators' focus in the classroom in a time of COVID.
Governor Stitt recently requested an audit of the entire State Department of Education that raised some eyebrows. OEA legislative and political expert Ellen Pogemiller to break down what it all means and the potential political motivations behind it.
Fried Okra then has a great conversation with Amy Curran, executive director of Generational Citizen Oklahoma, about her role in presenting for an interim study to the legislature and the foundational nature of civics education for our democracy.
Ellen Pogemiller returns to Fried Okra only to be teased for nerding out on interim studies and how they can actually affect change in the minds of lawmakers.
Then Heather Cody from OEA's Teaching and Learning Center joins the pod to highlight an exciting new free professional development series — Knowledge is Power.
Friend of the pod and OEA legislative expert, Ellen Pogemiller, returns to discuss the deteriorating educator shortage, the consequences it has on our students, and what the state of Oklahoma can do to begin valuing education as it should.
We also speak with newly elected NEA Director for the OEA, Zach Grimm, about his journey becoming a Spanish teacher, life as the president of The Education Association of Moore, winning a statewide election among members, and the importance of representing Oklahoma educators with the NEA.
This week, the OEA Board of Directors voted to stand in solidarity with another professional labor organization, the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA), in their lawsuit against SB 658. Elected local school boards have a constitutional right to do what is best for their communities.
Our Labor Day episode continues by introducing Cari Elledge, OEA's newly elected vice president and a 5th grade teacher from Norman. She chronicles her journey from growing up in a union household to an educator making a difference through her professional association.
Sarah Green, executive director of the Oklahoma Teachers' Retirement System, breaks down a crucial component in the lives of professional educators, both new and experienced.
We also talk with Heidi Russell, executive director of the Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates (COBA), on the impacts of SB 121 and why it is so important to support working mothers in our schools with safe, clean lactation rooms.
State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister returns to Fried Okra to discuss another hectic back-to-school period, the responsibilities we have to protect our schools, and new opportunities for student teachers across Oklahoma.
One of the two pediatric infectious disease experts in the state of Oklahoma, and friend of the pod, Dr. Donna Tyungu of OU Health, returns to shed light on where things stand with COVID, the Delta variant, and the best ways to keep our children safe as school returns.
Fried Okra returns with new OEA President Katherine Bishop, in her first podcast as co-host, to speak with legislative guru Ivy Riggs on interim studies at the Capitol related to education.
We also hear from teachers, Rowdy Washburn and Amber Taylor, who chair OEA's Democratic and Republican caucuses respectively, on the importance of educators coming together and fighting for what's best in the classroom, regardless of political affiliation.
After serving her full two terms as OEA president, Alicia Priest reflects on an incredibly eventful six years that included a state-wide walkout and a pandemic. On her final Fried Okra, she looks back on her journey from Yukon Public Schools educator to being elected OEA's 97th president and her hopes for the future of a state hopefully finding its focus on public education.
Following a short discussion with legislative guru Amanda Ewing on the status of education funding for next year and the interim studies being pursued by the legislature this summer, Fried Okra is joined by three members of said legislature who are former history teachers. State Senator J.J. Dossett and State Representatives John Waldron and Jacob Rosecrants talk about their time in the classroom teaching history and the special perspective it gives them at the Capitol.
After a quick recap on the legislative session from Ivy Riggs, we are joined by Rep. Monroe Nichols of Tulsa to discuss the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre and how Oklahoma can lead by reconciling with our history, telling those stories, and addressing the inequities caused that we still face today.
Friend of the pod (and public education) Joy Hofmeister returns to Fried Okra to discuss what is on the horizon for education in Oklahoma, including a needed increase in the number of counselors across the state, continued distress in the teaching pipeline, summer learning programs, and the constant concern that all children in this state are still getting meals.
engage.ok.gov
The Oklahoma Education Association is a member-driven organization. There are no million benefactors calling the shots at the top. Instead, it is a collection of educators coming together to do what is best for public education in Oklahoma. When choosing their leaders, each OEA member has the same power as the next. One person, one vote.
Alicia Priest has served as the OEA president for the past six years, serving two three-year terms. Reaching her term limit, OEA members elected a new president last May, Katherine Bishop, a Putnam City elementary special ed educator, building rep, and current OEA vice president.
The Oklahoma Legislature wrapped up their 2021 legislative session this week, so that means our guru on all things happening at the Capitol, Amanda Ewing, returns for a final update and review of the myriad of impacts on education.
Fried Okra also speaks with the executive director of the Council of American-Islamic Relations Oklahoma, Adam Soltani, who discusses the challenges our Muslim students face in school and the importance of fighting for the rights of all. You can find more information and resources at cairoklahoma.com.
Friend of Fried Okra, Amanda Ewing, helps share a final look at the budget, what it means for education, and the profound disappointment in our state expanding voucher schemes that do not benefit the vast majority of Oklahoma families who attend public schools.
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Oklahoma is fortunate to have bipartisan AAPI representation in the legislature. State Representatives Cyndi Munson and Daniel Pae join the pod for a great discussion on AAPI Heritage Month, representation in leadership, standing together against hate, and the importance of teaching history holistically.
Governor Stitt and other state leaders announced a proposed budget deal on Thursday that includes over $3 billion in education funding, a state record. However, the resurrection of vouchers defeated earlier this session and shoe-horning that bad policy into a budget deal is an issue.
Ellen Pogemiller and friend of the show, Paul Shinn, senior policy analyst at the Oklahoma Policy Institute, return to provide an in-depth look at what yesterday's proposed budget deal means for education -- the good, the bad, and the indifferent.
While we do not see the conversations behind closed doors, many state leaders have publicly proclaimed that education should see an increase in the next budget. Amanda Ewing returns to let us know how optimistic we should be and if there's reason to ask the question: "What's the catch?"
Fried Okra is ecstatic to welcome Quraysh Ali Lansana, author of Opal's Greenwood Oasis and Oklahoma native, to discuss why he wrote the book and the importance for the lessons of Black Wallstreet, Greenwood, and the Tulsa Race Massacre to be taught and passed on.
OEA's legislative director, Amanda Ewing, returns to the pod to provide insight on the education bills that have made it to the governor's desk, both signed and vetoed. She also breaks down the budget outlook for education and why the process is so frustrating for Oklahomans looking for transparency.
Fried Okra also has a great conversation with Dr. John Cox, President of the Organization of Rural Elementary Schools in Oklahoma, and Superintendent of Peggs Elementary School, about some of the serious issues facing our rural schools that have only become exacerbated this past year.
SB 634, a bill designed to attack the collective voices of educators, was not heard during deadline week! Ellen Pogemiller returns to thank all those who advocated to their legislators and provide an update on the status of other education bills.
Fried Okra then has an important conversation with Zach Grimm, chair of the OEA LGBT Caucus, and Tessa White, vice president of PFLAG OKC, about some of the hateful rhetoric and discriminatory bills floating around the Capitol this session and how that affects our students and educators.
OEA legislative expert Ivy Riggs returns to Fried Okra after another active week at the Capitol. She explains why there is some good news for our support professionals with SB 807 before sorting through the bog of bad bills burgeoning through the legislature.
We also celebrate National Librarian's Day by speaking with Ashleigh Dauterman, chair of the Oklahoma School Librarian's Division of the Oklahoma Library Association, about the continued importance of librarians in the modern world of media literacy, why we don't have enough, and even received some book recommendations that kids and adults will both enjoy.
With so many education bills gaining traction that received no support from the education community, including a clear attack on the voice of educators with SB 634, Fried Okra asks legislative guru Ivy Riggs to shed a light on why this is happening and the motivations behind placing a singular target on a woman-dominated profession that has a track-record of holding Oklahoma lawmakers accountable in their commitment to public education.
Alicia and Carrie then have a fascinating conversation with Reverend Shannon Fleck from the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, who discusses "No Hate in the Heartland" and why education is such an important tenant of their work.
In such a tumultuous time at the Capitol, Ivy Riggs returns to the podcast to provide all the context and information you need to understand what is going on with education bills, such as the destructive SB 634, and what you can do to help.
Jennifer Seal, former AP US history and elementary music teacher, current Putnam City Foundation executive director, and chair of the Forces on Education Committee at OEA, discusses the "forces on ed" that are reigning down upon public education in this current session across the state and why we must stay vigilant as watch dogs defending the future of children.
Thursday, the State Board of Education surprisingly settled a four-year-old lawsuit that could give all charter schools, including EPIC, access to millions of dollars in local school property taxes. OEA general counsel Richard Wilkinson makes a special appearance on Fried Okra to provide an extremely informative break down on those actions, what the legal ramifications may be, and what you can do to help.
LPO guru Ellen Pogemiller also returns to provide updates on the multiple bills working their way through the legislature that affect public education, including multiple bills that could severely damage the progress made through the walkout just three years ago.
It was deadline week at the Capitol, so our legislative guru Amanda Ewing returns to break down where things currently stand this session. Believe it or not, she comes bearing some good news.
Oklahoma History Center's Director of Education, Sarah Dumas, also joins the pod to discuss all they have to offer for Women's History Month. We highlight hands on items, curriculum, multimedia, and other digital resources for educators to use in their classroom.
https://www.okhistory.org/historycenter/resources
While SB 634 passed through the Senate and on to the House by a vote of 25-21, it was much closer than many thought possible and had strong bipartisan opposition. OEA legislative guru, Amanda Ewing, returns to explain why this is a direct result of your advocacy and how it will affect the bill's perception as it moves through the legislative process. We also break down HB 2701, another terrible voucher bill, and where it stands currently in the state's lower house. Please visit okea.org/2021session to find out what actions you can take to help.
Fried Okra then kicks off Women's History Month with Shaylyn Sawyer and Lisa Cotham of the 99s Museum of Women Pilots. They shine a spotlight on one of Oklahoma City's hidden gems and how educators can take advantage of their museum through field trips, virtual tours, and even a traveling trunk full of exhibits and curriculum for all ages.
With the events of the last week at the Capitol, it's hard not to feel like public education is currently under attack. OEA legislative guru, Amanda Ewing, returns to break down one of the toughest weeks in recent sessions and educates you on what you can do to help fight some troubling bills.
Erika Wright of the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition also joins the podcast to discuss how many of these bills, especially vouchers and tax credits, do nothing to help 52 of the 77 counties in Oklahoma whose only option is a public school in their community.
OEA's director of legislative and political organizing, Amanda Ewing, returns to provide updates on HB2078 ("ghost students") and HB1982/HB2651 (vouchers) that could negatively affect education moving through the legislature.
Then the pod has a great discussion with Monica Whiteley of the Oklahoma Parent Legislative Action Committee (PLAC) about "Public Schools Week" next week and what we can all do to show our support for public education.
Legislative and political organizer, Ellen Pogemiller, returns to discuss the details from this week's announcement all educators would be eligible to receive the vaccine on February 22. She also breaks down the current state of education bills moving through the legislature, including Rep. Rosecrants play-based learning bill.
Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration executive director, Dr. Pam Deering, provides diagnosis on how the funding formula for education actually works and why it's crucial in ensuring our schools aren't even more underfunded and understaffed than they already are.
As the legislative session gets underway, one of OEA's Capitol gurus, Ivy Riggs, joins the pod to break down Governor Stitt's State of the State from earlier this week and look ahead to what we can expect from lawmakers this session.
Pastors for Oklahoma Kids executive director and friend of Fried Okra, Pastor Clark Frailey, returns to speak about his recent op-ed in the Daily Oklahoman, how vouchers hurt our rural communities, and why it is imperative to maintain a separation of church and state.
Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro joins our own legislative guru, Amanda Ewing, for a fascinating (almost terrifying) conversation about what it looks like when a state starts down the slippery slope of vouchers and the negative consequences it has on our students.
Then Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Sean McDaniel gives an insightful breakdown on the current condition of education funding, the forecast for the future, and what our state lawmakers need to do to support the over 90% of Oklahoma children who attend our public schools.
OEA legislative and political organizer Ellen Pogemiller discusses the outlook for the upcoming Oklahoma legislative session and how they dissect the mountain of bills proposed. She also shares the importance of local school board elections and the ways in which we can get involved.
We are also joined by Elizabeth Suddath, executive director of prevention services at the State Department of Education, who will hold their fifth annual trauma summit, "Awareness to Action: Creating Trauma-Informed Schools Through Multi-Tiered Systems of Support." The event will be held virtually on February 15.
Misty Bradley, vice chair of the Oklahoma Parent Legislative Action Committee (PLAC) joins the podcast to discuss how parents and educators are allies in the fight for the future of public education and getting all of our students back in the classroom safely.
Alicia and Carrie then have an informative and timely conversation with Dr. David Chansolme, medical director of infection prevention at Integris, who breaks down the challenges of misinformation in pandemic.
Our first guest in the new year is the executive director of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, Kari Watkins, and we talk about how we can engage with students after watching an attack on our federal government my American citizens -- something our state is unfortunately familiar with. OKCNM has released a "Better Conversations" series to help educators and parents facilitate these discussions in healthy ways.
Fried Okra is also joined by Oklahoma State Treasurer Randy McDaniel, who discusses the budgetary process and the outlook for our state's funding after an extraordinarily trying year.
Friend of the podcast, Dr. Donna Tyungu, who is a pediatric infectious disease specialist at OU Health Children's Hospital, returns to Fried Okra alongside first-timer, Dr. Chris Aston, who is a Research Associate Professor in Pediatrics at OU Health. They join Alicia and Carrie to share important data they have collected regarding the pandemic in our schools.
We are also had the profound pleasure to be joined by Darcy Stowe and Dr. Jace Wolfe from Hearts for Hearing. Stowe is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist and Dr. Wolfe is the Chief of Audiology and Research at the Hearts for Hearing Foundation in Oklahoma City. They put a spotlight on groundbreaking technologies. “Every child born with hearing loss in Oklahoma has the opportunity to listen and talk if they have access to the types of services we offer at Hearts for Hearing.”
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Jena Nelson joins a special edition of Fried Okra to break down the wild week in education from the state board meeting on A-F grading to Governor Stitt releasing a video mentioning OEA.
State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister returns to Fried Okra to give us up-to-the-minute details on where things stand currently across Oklahoma public schools, what qualities make a good school member, and what the outlook is for a new year with a vaccine on the horizon. Stay tuned until the end where we lighten things up with a holiday lightning round!
Known primarily as 'The Voice of the Sooners,' Toby Rowland has recently added children's book author to his resume with his debut book "Unhitch the Wagon: The Story of Boomer and Sooner." Fried Okra had the pleasure of speaking with him about that journey from Oklahoma kid to sports media stardom to becoming a published writer. You can purchase his book online and in stores where books are sold or visit the website unhitchthewagon.com.
Brittany Phillips is the Oklahoma FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) state advisor. She joins the podcast to discuss how family and consumer science (formerly home economics) plays a vital role in the development of our students.
Oklahoma State School Board Association executive director Dr. Shawn Hime joins the podcast to break down the role of school boards across the state, their importance, and how you can run to make a difference in your community. Visit ossba.com for more information on how or someone you know can run for school board.
Friend of the pod, David Glenn, returns to Fried Okra to discuss benefits our members can take advantage of, especially NEA's Discount Marketplace for the holiday season. Visit neamb.com if you are an OEA member to access these savings!
OEA recently joined the MASK (Masks Are Saving Kids) Coalition recently, spear-headed by Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy CEO Joe Dorman. Dorman joins the pod to break down their campaign to have a statewide mask policy, which included a billboard you may have seen, and the frustration of the state school board's recent vote.
State Senator-Elect JoAnna Dossett, an educator and OEA member, takes time from her Senate orientation to speak with Fried Okra. She discusses how she went from an Owasso teacher with a spark to make change in public education to being sworn in as an elected representative in the Oklahoma Capitol.
OEA's Ellen Pogemiller makes her podcast debut to break down what the election meant for the Oklahoma legislature, how the education caucus was able to add new members, and how successful the Fund for Children and Public Education's candidates were on Tuesday.
Friend of the pod, Andy Moore from Let's Fix This OK, returns to our post-election show to provide a civics lesson and a little less politics for these historically unusual times.
As educators know, state questions in Oklahoma can be a contentious avenue to try and create change within our state. Carrie and Alicia speak with OK Policy's Damion Shade about SQ805 and the empirical data you need to know before casting your vote.
A former Yukon elementary school teacher, middle school principal, and Canadian County current poll inspector, Tresa Smith, explains the election process, its rules and procedures, and why Oklahomans can feel confident in their vote being counted.
"Calm Waters" began as an idea 28 years ago from a nine-year-old boy who had just lost his father. It now fulfills its mission to help suffering from grief and loss. Jordan Park shares how any school or student can seek out Calm Waters' services if they are dealing with death, divorce, incarceration, deportation, foster adoptive care, and/or deployment. Go to calmwaters.org for more information.
Fried Okra also had the pleasure of being joined by longtime Norman educator, and National Teacher Hall of Fame semifinalist, Claudia Swisher, who shares her incredible journey through the profession and why she's not very good at resting during retirement by continuing to advocate for public education. Stay tuned for her Friday prayer at the end!
OEA Legislative and Political Organizer and friend of the show, Ivy Riggs, returns to Fried Okra to break down everything we know so far regarding EPIC's current scandal and what can be done to prevent this kind of abuse of millions of dollars intended to help students in the future.
Lee Ann Smith, director of single family programming at the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, joins the podcast to share some valuable information for educators who are looking to buy a home. OHFA has designed a special down payment program specifically for teachers. Visit ohfadownpayment.org for more details.
There is less than a month until the election. These are crazy times. Which makes us all the more pleased NEA President Becky Pringle was able to join Fried Okra to discuss her vision for the future of public education and the role educators play in shaping it. Enjoy another special video addition of the interview above!
Rowdy Washburn and Rena Grissom of New Educators of Oklahoma Network, or NEON, explain the value of NEON and other resources within OEA for professionals in their first few years in the classroom. They also explain that, while this may be unprecedented times for everyone, new teachers especially are looking for guidance and understanding.
Heather Sparks joined the OEA while still a student and has been a member and avid supporter ever since. The 2009 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year currently oversees a program at Oklahoma City University that educates new teachers embarking on their classroom career. While she sees the struggles the future of education faces every day, Sparks lets us know these new educators are up for the challenge in creating a brighter future for our students.
The State Department of Education has a Child Nutrition program that oversees federal food service programs, national school lunches, child and adult food care program, daycare centers, and many others that help feed Oklahoma children. Alicia and Carrie speak with their executive director, Jennifer Weber, about this important work.
Alison Taylor is the president of the Oklahoma PTA and she joins the pod to discuss the importance of parents and education professionals working together with a common goal of improving public education for our students/children.
This Friday we are joined by Kris King, lead organizer for VOICE (Voices Organized In Civic Engagement), who discusses their upcoming roundtable for Congressional District 5, which will include candidates and lawmakers from every level in the state.
Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer, or P-EBT, provides benefits to people across Oklahoma. You may have received a letter with a card with their information. Do not throw it away! Jordan Park and Devin Schroeder from Hunger Free Oklahoma explains why it's so important, as one in five kids in this state were food insecure even before this pandemic.
Go to hungreeok.org/pebt for more information.
The Census is a crucial aspect of how we count every person to ensure the proper amount of resources are allocated to your area, including representation. They happen every 10 years, which includes 2020, so Fried Okra spoke with Josh McGoldrick, chief of staff and general counsel for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce about how educators can help. If you have not filled out the census, please do so here or by phone at (844) 330-2020.
OEA's Center for Advocacy is on the front lines ensuring that the rights of educators are met. Every advocate we send across the state has worked in a classroom before and understands the challenging situations that can arise. One of those advocates, Cal Ware, joins the show to shine a light on him and the hard work advocates do fighting for educators.
In honor of this extended weekend holiday, Fried Okra presents a special Labor Day episode. We are joined by American Federation of Teachers OKC's first ever Black president, Torie Shoecraft, about the importance of solidarity among workers and what the role of the labor movement going forward.
We are also joined by the Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Labor, Leslie Osborn, who explains the unique and necessary functions of her department, like ensuring escalators and roller coasters are safe, to her evolution from a successful business owner, to lawmaker, to a state commissioner who advocates the importance of this state investing in itself.
Also, stick around for a terrific performance by OEA member, and friend of the pod, Aaron Baker, of a song dedicated to the labor movement. Solidarity!
Our head of legislative and political organizing, Amanda Ewing, returns to the show to discuss recent primary elections in Oklahoma and what we need to be doing down this final stretch before the major election this November.
OEA's teaching and learning center is a terrific resource that provides services such as traveling (or Zooming) to districts across the state offering free professional development. Laura Miller, one of our T&L specialists, joins the show to discuss their new "Tips and Tricks Tuesday" series for educators that will premiere as a Facebook Live on Tuesday, September 2, at 4pm on OEA's page.
Legislative guru, Ivy Riggs, returns to the pod with Choctaw-Nicoma Park Association of Classroom Teachers President, Amber Spradlin, to discuss how people can still get involved in campaigns during a pandemic.
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Jena Nelson, also shares her incredible journey from a life-changing high school teacher, to a career in the film industry, a switch to education, and ultimately using her voice to stand up for students and educators as Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister returns to Fried Okra to discuss everything back-to-school; the process, her proposal to the state board, how districts have responded, and how we adapt in the future.
Local author and educator, Dennis Mathew, who was featured on our DEAR Oklahoma series last April, hops on the podcast to talk about his journey into being both a writer and speech pathologist. You can find his work at booksbydennis.com.
OEA legislative guru, Amanda Ewing, returns to Fried Okra to discuss the process of interim studies at the Capitol and which ones of the over 100 recently approved affect education.
Speaking of interim studies, Rep. Jacob Rosecrantz, and Norman educator, Hailey Couch, speak on their collaboration for "How Play-based Learning Leads to Better Mental Health and Better Academic Outcomes" interim study. Research shows that play-based learning is essential for children's academic, social, emotional, and physical development. Additionally, play is the most accessible approach to learning for young children. Evidence suggests that children love playing because it allows them to practice, apply, and extend new learning.
OU Medicine’s pediatric infectious disease expert, Dr. Donna Tyungyu, for a special video edition of Fried Okra to provide up-to-date accurate information that schools must understand in order to return safely.
Stick around to just after the 28-minute mark to hear a fascinating conversation between members of OEA’s Native American Caucus, NEA Alaska President Tom Klaameyer, and Fairbanks, Alaska Athabascan educator Lynda Leal Prince. It’s an open and honest look at how Native American images have an impact on our students and our indigenous brothers and sisters, and how we all can do better when we know better.
Friend of the show and OEA Swiss Army Knife Ivy Riggs returns to Fried Okra and reacts to the State Board of Education voting 4-3 to not have any minimum safety requirements for Oklahoma school districts returning to in-person learning.
We are also joined by Jarrod Scott, electrician for Putnam City Public Schools, about how education support professionals in his district organized to fight against outsourcing and how others in similar situations in Oklahoma can use their voices for power.
We hope you didn't miss us too much last week! But we're back this Friday with a special Fried Okra including former OEA members and current Oklahoma state representatives, Melissa Provenzano and Mark Waldron, who discuss their COVID-19 plan for the state moving forward.
Also, we highlight yesterday's press conference calling for schools to return safely that included Alicia Priest, President of the Oklahoma Education Association; Clark Frailey, Executive Director of Oklahoma Pastors for Kids; Jami Cole, Edvocates Facebook Group; Dr. Dwight Sublett, president of the Oklahoma chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; and Morgan McLellan, a student at Rattan Public Schools.
Links from the pod
okea.org/elections2021
Oklahoma Education Association legislative guru and friend of the pod, Amanda Ewing, is back on Fried Okra to break down Tuesday's election results, what the passing of State Question 802 means for education, and how educators fared in their races across the state.
Bargaining equitable and fair contracts that allow educators to advocate for the best policies for their students is an integral part of OEA's work. Rhonda Harlow has been on the front lines of bargaining, both as a member and an advocacy specialist for the Association, and she explains how you can become a part of that process in your district.
Fried Okra spans across the entire career journey of an educator, as we are first joined by Oklahoma Aspiring Educators Association (OAEA) President Nancy Melendez and Chair of the NEA Aspiring Educators, Rachel Immerman. They are two of over 50,000 future educators across the country, on over 1,000 college campuses, who have already begun advocating on behalf of their eventual students.
Then, Alicia and Carrie have a conversation with two of the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association's most steadfast advocates for Sooner State retirees, in executive director Sabra Tucker and President Polly Christian. They discuss the dedication, effort, and time it took to fight for a cost-of-living adjustment for retirees and how rewarding it felt to finally see it come to fruition this session.
This week's episode is all about health, as our first guests are Corey Lively, CEO of the Elk City Hospital, and also friend of the pod, LeeAnne Power Jimenez, science and STEAM academic director for Tulsa Public Schools. They break down State Question 802 and why it is important for Oklahomans to vote YES on June 30.
Fried Okra then has the pleasure of being joined by nurses Beverly Burk (Jenks Public Schools) and Tammy Kain (Mustang Public Schools), of the School Nurse Organization of Oklahoma, who examine the data OEA collected from its member survey on returning to schools safely.
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 process for the OEA Fund for Children and Public Education (FCPE) PAC. They explain how these conversations with potential elected officials go, the process to get involved, and where advocates for public education can make donations (no member dues dollars go towards the PAC or any political activity).
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.
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 orientation, etc., there is an OEA caucus for you to channel your energy into positive change.
Links from the pod:
Join VOICE and ACTION on June 1 at 7pm to discuss the upcoming mass eviction issue facing our communities.
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 Association, how the different perspectives create better understanding of issues, and what people can do to get involved.
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 every Oklahoman, including our students and schools, without any cost to public education.
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.
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 outside of member's dues dollars, and how you can create great change by giving just a little.
Links from the podcast FCPE - okea.org/fcpe
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Horace Mann e-learning library: https://www.horacemann.com/teaching-online
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NEA COVID-19 Grants: https://www.neafoundation.org/for-educators/covid-rapid-response-grants/
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.
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 about her time as a PolarTREC educator traversing the north slope of Alaska with scientists and how that has shaped her paradigm as a teacher.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 advocacy that led to this moment.
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 bargaining local from scratch.