An Introduction to the Mess
Episodes Live!
Episode 0: We Don’t Need Another Hero: A Short Introduction to this Ground Breaking Podcast
In this short, scripted introductory episode of less than 10 minutes, the co-hosts outline the dire state of affairs in K-12 Education, and make a clear case for what needs to change—. One this she does like about the current conversation about K-12 Education in America today? Someone in FINALLY talking about it! But the REAL culpable parties are at the micro local level—and in corporate America, not at the Fed.
Introduction to the Messes: K-12 Education is BIZARRE!
In the first episode of The K-12 Confidential Podcast, guest host Mandy Walker, interviews the regular host and Executive producer (Trina English) about why this podcast exists, and the dire stakes are on the line for our nation’s youth, and the future of our democracy. She introduces the podcast’s mission to create a teacher-led space to address systemic issues in K-12 education. They both emphasize that the podcast is apolitical, welcoming diverse perspectives from public and private K-12 teachers nationwide. The hosts highlight several critical 'messes' in the education system, such as the teacher shortage crisis, inadequate teacher pay, excessive teacher preparation requirements, the canned curriculum mess fueled by corporate greed, and the broader K-12 governance failures. They assert that these problems are bipartisan, and require urgent attention from policymakers by amplifying teachers' voices and expertise. The episode serves as an introduction to their investigative journalistic series aiming for a national professional governing board of teachers to fix these entrenched issues in the education system.
Introduction to the Mess: Experts Chime In
In this introductory episode of the K-12 Confidential podcast, hosts Shawn and Trina—a married couple with over 35 years of teaching experience—discuss the current state of K-12 education in the U.S., touching on various systemic issues such as poor literacy rates, teacher shortages, inadequate pay, and flawed teacher preparation programs.. The episode sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of 'messes' in the education system, with the goal of mobilizing teachers and stakeholders towards systemic reforms. Special guests, including fellow teachers, experts, and the hosts’ supportive family members, will join future episodes to explore themes such as special education, school climate and culture, DEI initiatives, canned curricula, and governance issues. The hosts also promote a petition to establish a national governing board for K-12 educators, aiming to give teachers a significant role in educational decision-making.