PCTA’s FYRE Podcast: Recent Episodes
Brennen Pickett
Incredibly B A S E D and Millennial Co-Chairs of the Florida’s Young Remarkable Educators, Brennen and Philip, discuss ways to organize, communicate news, and encourage their colleagues to join and get involved with their local union. Solidarity is fine and all, but it’s more about the friends they make along the way. Email us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com
In this episode, we sit down with Eileen Long to discuss her achievements as the elected board member of Pinellas County School District 4 and her plans if re-elected for another term.
Eileen is endorsed by PCTA for the upcoming August 20th election. Her opponent is proudly supported by Moms for Liberty.
You can find more information about Eileen at EileenLong2024.com.
We're joined by fellow FYRE activists Emily Griest and Heather Fox to talk about their recent lobbying efforts in Tallahassee. During our conversation, we hear some funny stories while questioning the importance of the teacher's voice while the legislature is in session.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
On this episode of the podcast, the gang takes on the role of film critics to analyze "Lean on Me," starring Morgan Freeman, exploring its message on the career of teaching and the underappreciation of educators in late-stage capitalist society. Join us as we make some laughs, gaffes, oopsies and daisies while losing our minds to this 1980s classic. This one's for you, Gen X.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
Happy New Year, everyone!
Philip and Brennen are joined by PCTA President Lee Bryant and Executive Director Lindsey Blankenbaker for another important update regarding union leadership, union recertification, and our collaboration with the Common Good Campaign.
The state of our union is stronger than ever as we enter 2024.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
Brennen and Philip meet with two fellow executive board members, Paula Stephens and Tracey McConnell, to discuss behavior problems and discipline procedures that happen in the Pinellas County School District.
During the discussion, we look at behavior issues as they apply to K-12 students, talk about why it is overwhelming to instructional and administrative staff on school sites, and reflect on how parents can help intervening with their children.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
On this State of the Union, Brennen and Lee discuss some critical action steps all members and nonmembers need to follow through to save the PCTA from decertifying in January.
In what may seem like another doomsday message is actually some really great news about our union's plan to remain active all the way throughout this next school year.
We're not going anywhere. Tune in to find out how you can help us make this happen!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
In this episode, we interview executive producer Jeff Mann about the inspiration behind his latest documentary, "Americonned": a "David vs. Goliath story" that pits the working class against corporate giants.
During our discussion, we reflect on the documentary's relevance in regard to recurring inequality and inflation plaguing the country, significant movements of the past that have led us to this point, and how the role of unions might help into play a part in the possible solution. You can stream Americonned on all major platforms. For more information on the documentary, visit www.americonned.com
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
Brennen, Philip, and Dr. Anna get together with PCTA President Lee Bryant for their monthly update.
Tune in for for updates concerning our membership deadlines and progress in bargaining. Also, stick around to hear about local community outreach events PCTA has participated in to spread awareness about what's happening in public schools. At the end, we have a quick FAQ with the Bin Questions from the last Faculty Rep Meeting.
Do you have any pressing questions about the state of our union? Email us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov, Jacob Albert, and Kathleen and Greg Thomas
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
After a hellish School Board meeting in August, the hobbits organized with their union and marched onward to get to the meeting an hour early; thus, finally destroying the one ring of power into the fiery depths of Mount Doom...
...Or at least before the Mom's for Liberty could arrive and not have a seat at the meeting...
Here's our report of the September 12 school board meeting at the Pinellas County School District office in Largo. There are laughs, there's goofing, and we endorse an unlikely force of nature.
You can watch the September 12th SB meeting here: Pinellas County School Board Meeting 9_12_23 - YouTube
Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov, Jacob Albert, and Kathleen and Greg Thomas
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
*STIRKING IS NOT ENDORSED BY PCTA OR FEA*Brennen, Ramsey, Kelsey, Anna, and Philip debate about the history and concept of striking in Florida.During this episode we discuss the nuances and common frustrations that anyone would hear a young educator air out about their standing in the profession.Special thanks to Philip Belcastro, Artifact, and Danya Vodovoz for allowing their music to air on this episode.Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov, Jacob Albert, and Kathleen and Greg Thomas
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
Welcome to the State of the "Union"! Word play... get it?
Join Brennen Pickett, Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them), and Ramsey Aziz as they talk about the current state of affairs of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association with the president himself, Mr. Lee Bryant.
In this series, Lee will provide updates and answer the important questions our members have left us.
Do you have any pressing questions about the state of our union? Email us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov and Jacob Albert.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
It's time for our school year kick off!
We're back with Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them), Philip Belcastro, Ramsey Aziz, and Kelsey Donegan to discuss the recent school board meeting on August 1st as well as reflect on where we are, mentally, as educators. Spoilers: Florida is a dumpster fire being railroaded by the true believers.
Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov and Jacob Albert.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
This is part 2 of a multipart mini-series. Join Brennen Pickett (he/him), Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them), and Kelsey Donegan (he/him) travel to the National Education Association Representative Assembly and share their experiences as first-time delegates. In this series, we are centered around explaining the following questions: What are union conventions and why do we go to them?
Learn about how unions work and join us as we figure it out with you.
Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov and Jacob Albert.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
In this mini-series, Brennen Pickett (he/him), Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them), and Kelsey Donegan (he/him) travel to the National Education Association Representative Assembly and share their experiences as first-time delegates. In this series, we are centered around explaining the following questions: What are union conventions and why do we go to them?
Learn about how unions work and join us as we figure it out with you.
Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov and Jacob Albert.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
Small man, big mouth.
In this episode, we are joined by alumni Brandi (she/her) and student activist Josh Epstein (he/him) to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by faculty and students at New College of Florida, located in Sarasota, since Governor DeSantis's overhaul of the board of directors on January 6th, 2023. We primarily explore the impact these changes have had on campus culture and student life, shedding light on the nature of these changes. Additionally, we delve into the actions taken by students, alumni, and activists in their efforts to resist and counter the policies implemented by the DeSantis administration.
Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov and Jacob Albert.
PODCAST UPDATE:
Weekly episodes are returning within the next 1-2 weeks with a new schedule to be announced soon for SEASON 2! Stay tuned for our new "Mini Series" covering the Representative Assembly at the National Education Association convention that happened recently in Orlando, Florida from July 2-6.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
In this episode, we are joined by Rob Kriete (he/him), President of the Hillsborough Classroom Teacher Association, along with our friend from across the bay, Emily Griest (she/her). During our discussion, Kriete and Griest enlighten us on the details of their recent labor victory—a two-year struggle with a contractual impasse. Together, explore the pros and cons of this commonly feared union challenge and explore its strategic significance within the collective bargaining process. Later, we engage in speculation about the future of public education in the Tampa Bay area, examining the far-reaching implications for teachers across the state of Florida.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them) to interview Abby Lawlor (she/her), co-author of the bestselling book "Rules to Win By: Power & Participation in Union Negotiations." During our discussion, we explore various strategies and approaches that unions can adopt to bolster membership through activism and foster member engagement during Collective Bargaining. Finally, we speculate on the current political landscape by discussing effective measures unions can take navigate the challenges posed by culture wars.
Update: Starting May 28th, we will be releasing episodes biweekly until the 2023-24 school years restarts in August. Stay tuned for "In the Union Hall", a miniseries discussing the business conducted at The National Education Association Representative Assembly with Kelsey Donegan (he/him), Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them), and Brennen Pickett (he/him). Weekly content returns August 4th!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
What do a couple of Schmoes and a cop think about gun violence? In this episode, we're joined by Ken Afienko (he/him) and Lee Bryant (he/him) to discuss gun violence in American culture. We touch on gun safety, mental health, and the role of public servants in addressing mass shootings. While delving into the importance of responsible firearm ownership, we also emphasize the importance of proper training and education and the need for accessible mental health services to prevent acts of gun violence. To what extent does the government mediate this issue and how can our communities help when looking for pathways to meaningful reform? Find out here. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
What's the state of our "union"?
In this episode, we examine the existential crisis teachers face in organized labor with the president of the Florida Education Association, Andrew Spar (he/him) and the president of the Pinellas Classroom Teacher Association, Nancy Velardi (she/her). During our discussion we shed light on a multitude of challenges, achievements, and ongoing impact on the education landscape. Later, we speculate at the direction Florida's education system. We look at where we're heading by exploring recent developments, policies, and their potential implications for students and educators alike.
Is the state of our "union" stronger than ever?
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
EXPLICIT LANGUAGE AND MATURE THEMES ARE DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODESurprise! We have a "lost episode" for you today. Enjoy an unedited conversation we have with the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association's finest, Emily Griest (she/her) and Rob Kriete (he/him). Our discussion floats around a couple different tangents that loosely answer some questions provided by Orlando Weekly's McKenna Schueler. How off-script does it get? Find out here! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
The band is back together!
In this episode, we're joined by our friends Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them) and Kelsey Donegan (he/him) to discuss the recent school board meeting on April 25th. During our discussion we delve into the nuances of the recent business conducted concerning the district wide bus shortage as well as the heated public comments that shortly followed.
The teacher's rallied. Hear all about it.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
Gotta go F.A.S.T! In this episode, we're joined by Tracey McConnell (she/her) and Ramsey Aziz (he/him) to discuss the role of standardized testing in elementary schools, with a particular focus on the new roll out of the Formative Assessment System for Teachers (FAST). We explore the social and emotional effects that testing has on students, and how this may contribute to apathy towards education in later years. We also question the effectiveness of standardized testing as a means of educating young children and debate the usefulness of the data collected from these tests, considering the stress and anxiety they may cause. Tune in and find out if cool rebranding solves the system issues behind standardized testing! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
"Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees" or WOKE or "We Thought of a buzzword First" or WTF? Uhh... In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them) and the United Faculty of Florida's UCF President, Robert Cassanello (he/him), as we discuss the decades long "History Wars" in the state of Florida and the controversial HB 7, also known as the "Stop WOKE Act." During the show, we speculate on the far-reaching implications of this legislation for educators, students, and parents across the state, while also examining the true intentions of the state legislature. As always, we emphasize the importance of solidarity and highlight the crucial role that teachers unions play in defending public institutions from attacks on academic freedom - from K-12 schools to the university level. It makes you think, are we counteracting or heightening the "Wrongs"? We highly appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your opinions and ideas. You can reach out to us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
We've heard of Florida's teacher shortage, but what does this look like in practice?
In this episode, we are joined by mathematics teacher Stephanie Rozell (she/her) and ESE support Mary Gressle (she/her) to discuss the impact of the lack of personnel in their field on their day-to-day work. We hope to shed some more light on how this shortage of professional support can contribute to overall student performance and behavior on campus. Furthermore, we reflect and speculate on the recent signing of HB 1 into law by Ron DeSantis, which will divert billions of taxpayer dollars away from public schools and into private and charter voucher programs.
You think it's bad now? This is just the tip of the iceberg.
We highly appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your opinions and ideas. You can reach out to us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
The Educator Strikes Back!
In this episode, Ramsey Aziz (he/him) hits the streets once again to interview a variety of demonstrators at "The Rally to Defend Public Education" in St. Petersburg that took place on April 1st. We reflect on the demonstration with Stephanie Rozell (she/her) while discussing the significance of the teacher unions as it advocates for the rights of educators and students. We also examine the effectiveness of this demonstration as well as speculate on its potential to influence legislators in Tallahassee.
We highly appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your opinions and ideas. You can reach out to us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
When will it end?
In this episode, we are joined by Hayley Hamblin (she/her) and Emily de la Paz (she/her) to discuss the issue of gun violence in schools. Hayley shares her personal experience as a witness to the 1988 shooting at Pinellas Park High School, where an assistant principal was shot and killed. We gear our discussion around how the incident affected Hayley both as a student and later as a mother. Finally, we end our conversation by speculating on why this issue keeps occurring in America and brainstorming potential solutions.
We highly appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your opinions and ideas. You can reach out to us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
Kids these days... Am I right?
Brennen and Philip continue their discussion on teacher burnout by exploring the cultural apathy that is developing within the public school system. They are joined by Shannon Vincent (she/her) and Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them), who share their own experiences with apathy within schools. Together, they examine the challenges that overwhelm teachers on a daily basis and reflect on possible remedies from both the past and present.
If you would like to share your experience on our upcoming episode, please send us a voice recording including your name, profession, and why you support the PCTA. We also encourage members of the community to share their reasons for standing alongside teachers. We highly appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your opinions and ideas. You can reach out to us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support
In this episode, we are joined by former PCTA President Mike Gandolfo (he/him) and Ramsey Aziz (he/his) to discuss role unions play in collective bargaining for teachers.
We explore the definition and legislative history of collective bargaining in Florida and discuss the benefits of union representation in negotiating for teachers, with a focus on the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association (PCTA). We also examine the potential impact of Senate Bill 256 on collective bargaining in education and what happens when teachers lack union representation in collective bargaining.
Would you like to share your experience on our upcoming episode? If so, please send us a voice recording with your name, your profession, and why you support the PCTA. We also encourage members of the community to share their reasons for standing alongside teachers. We highly appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your opinions and ideas. You can reach out to us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pctafyre/support
In this episode, we're joined by two HCTA teachers, Emily Griest (she/her) and Nicole Teagarden (she/her), to discuss the harmful impact of the "do it for the kids" mentality on teacher burnout and the exacerbation of the teacher shortage crisis.
We delve into what this mentality entails and why it is detrimental to teachers' wellbeing and job satisfaction. We also explore how state, district, and administration's actions in circumventing or exploiting class size amendment laws add to the complexity of a teacher's job. Lastly, we provide a call to action, discussing the physical and mental consequences of the frustration and stress resulting from large class sizes and how unions can use this to channel productive organizing techniques.
Would you like to share your experience on our upcoming episode? If so, please send us a voice recording with your name, your profession, and why you support the PCTA. We also encourage members of the community to share their reasons for standing alongside teachers. We highly appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your opinions and ideas. You can reach out to us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
In this episode, we will be joined by returning guests, Kelsey Donegan (he/his) and Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them), to give a wrap-up of the school board meeting that took place on February 28th.
During our discussion, we will explore the various agendas from the interest groups and stakeholders who participated in the meeting such as the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association (PCTA), Families for Strong Public Schools, and the Mom's for Liberty. Additionally, we will express our concerns about recent legislation moving quickly through Tallahassee, such as HB 1, the universal voucher bill proposed by the Republican supermajority, as well as other district initiatives surrounding potential budget cuts and book banning.
Would you like to share your experience on our upcoming episode? If so, please send us a voice recording with your name, your profession, and why you support the PCTA. We also encourage members of the community to share their reasons for standing alongside teachers. We highly appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your opinions and ideas. You can reach out to us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
In this episode, we had a conversation with Anita Green (she/her) and Ramsey Aziz (he/him) about the recent protest at TD Ballpark during the Governor's Baseball Dinner. Our discussion focused on exploring the identities of the protesters, their concerns, and ways in which the public can engage more with educational issues in Florida.
Would you like to share your experience on our upcoming episode? If so, please send us a voice recording with your name, your profession, and why you support the PCTA. We also encourage members of the community to share their reasons for standing alongside teachers. We highly appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your opinions and ideas. You can reach out to us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
In this episode, we sat down with veteran teacher Brandt Robinson (he/him) and Lee Bryant (he/him) to discuss the issue of political extremism in our school curricula and the targeted attacks on equity-based components within our education system. Our conversation centered around gaining a deeper understanding of "restorative practices" - its intended purpose, how it is meant to function, and why political opponents, such as Mom's for Liberty, have taken a strong stance against it.Would you like to share your experience on our upcoming episode? If so, please send us a voice recording with your name, your profession, and why you support the PCTA. We also encourage members of the community to share their reasons for standing alongside teachers.We highly appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your opinions and ideas. You can reach out to us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
In this episode, we had the opportunity to speak with veteran teacher Shannon Vincent (she/her) and first year teacher Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them) about the challenges posed by standardized testing in public schools. Our discussion centered around the effects of excessive testing on school climate, culture, staff, and students. We delved into the intricacies of the topic, examining both the purpose of standardized testing and its actual impact on education.
Would you like to share your experience on our upcoming episode? If so, please send us a voice recording with your name, your profession, and why you support the PCTA. We also encourage members of the community to share their reasons for standing alongside teachers.
We highly appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your opinions and ideas. You can reach out to us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
In this episode, we sat down with first-year teacher Dr. Anna Margiotta and veteran teacher Lee Bryant to discuss their reasons for joining the union and how they maintain strong union membership at their school. Our conversation explored the question of how to effectively organize at a worksite. We delved into the complexities of recruitment, asking whether friendship or solidarity comes first.
Do you want to share your story on our next episode? If so, send us a voice clip with your name, what you teach, and why you love PCTA. We also welcome community members to share their reasons for standing with teachers.
We value your feedback and would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Please feel free to reach out to us at pctafyrepod@gmail.com.
In this episode, we chat with first-year teacher Ramsey Aziz (he/him) and Mr. Teacher-Trainer-Coach Joey D'Alessandro (he/him) about the nuances driving the teacher shortage in the state of Florida. We speculate on the question, "Is it just the low salary?" Our discussion only scratches the surface, as we gain the perspectives of different teachers and what might be driving them out of the profession.
In this episode, we chat with first-year teacher Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them) and veteran teacher Shannon Vincent (she/her) about the recent PCTA town hall meeting on February 1st and the "Empower Educators" agenda proposed by the DeSantis administration for the next legislative session. We speculate on the question, "What does DeSantis hope to achieve in this next legislative session?" Our discussion delves into the intricacies of these anti-teacher policies and their potential consequences should they become law.
In this episode, we speak with first year teachers Kelsey Donegan (he/his) and Dr. Anna Margiotta (they/them) about their experiences at the recent school board meeting on January 24th. During our discussion, we explore the question, "Why must the community rally behind teachers in support of Public Education at a school board meeting?" We also address our concerns about recent changes in Florida law and how we're currently at the epicenter an alt-right culture war within the United States.