The Teacher Shortage Crisis

By: Trina English Jessica Martin Amanda Werner
  • Summary

  • Even before the pandemic lock-downs, American teachers from sea to shining sea reported a critical shortage of teachers within their ranks, and have watched in horror at the crippling levels of greed, arrogance, apathy, and ignorance at every level of K-12 educational governance.While embattled teachers have continued to try in vain to draw attention to the issues, our leaders have failed to acknowledge the problems at all. But since covid, the nation’s teachers have borne witness to a break neck hastening pace of this downward spiral–and a total avoidance of a conversation from our leaders.


    This a-political podcast, created and produced exclusively by teachers, gets into the nitty gritty details of why teachers are leaving the profession in droves, and uncovers huge contributing structural problems baked into the teaching profession which are not discussed or understood even within the K-12 educational world, which also explain why so much of what is done in K-12 is ineffective. These desperate, passionate, highly qualified teachers use this podcast series to insert teachers forcefully into the national conversation about the critical issues plaguing K-12 education, because no one else was letting them in–a fact which belies a central thesis about the roots of the problems discussed throughout the episodes. Listeners will be gripped by the reality that without substantial reforms which empower teachers to lead the work, the inevitable result is a collapse of our very ability to effectively self-govern–a process which they argue is already well underway.


    Listen as they describe the problems in teacher pay, teacher preparation requirements, special education, climate and culture, reading instruction, the false promise of existing DEI based frameworks in K-12, and the problems inherent in outsourced canned curriculums. Become a part of the solution as they outline a framework to authentically fix these problems, which require all hands on deck from both inside and outside of K-12 education.


    © 2024 The Teacher Shortage Crisis
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Episodes
  • 20. The Right to Read"--a Reaction Episode with Amanda, Janet, Jess, and Trina
    Nov 23 2024

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    In this episode, we are joined once again by Janet Nasir, who shares her insightful experiences and reactions to Kareem Weaver's impactful film, "The Right to Read." The discussion opens with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Janet’s admirable work and dedication to the field of education.

    The conversation dives into the critical themes of the documentary, exploring the longstanding issue of literacy in America. Janet and the hosts discuss the inadequate preparation provided to teachers, the flaws in current curriculums, and the significant shifts occurring, particularly with the Science of Reading movement. Janet shares her district's efforts involving science of reading training and its impacts.

    Particularly poignant moments from the film are analyzed, such as the transformation of students under effective literacy instruction and the challenges faced by families moving between states with varying educational standards. The inefficacy of curriculums like Wonders and the evolving steps taken by districts to align with scientifically based reading instruction are discussed in depth.

    The hosts and guests highlight the role of social justice in literacy, touching on the historical context and systemic issues that continue to affect educational equity. They critically analyze the influence of commercial interests in educational materials, including the controversial stance of figures like Lucy Calkins.

    Finally, the episode concludes with reflections on the broader implications for the education system and the crucial need for comprehensive teacher-led reforms. The necessity of quality early reading education, the misuse of technology in reading instruction, and the pursuit of genuine educational equity through informed and courageous action are reiterated as key takeaways.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
    03:14 Initial Reactions to 'The Right to Read'
    04:57 Personal Reflections and Experiences
    08:34 Challenges in Literacy Education
    13:46 Parental Involvement and Early Literacy
    23:19 Systemic Issues in Education
    39:36 Reflecting on the Documentary's Relevance Today
    40:20 Curriculum and Phonics Instruction'
    42:28 Challenges in Implementing New Programs
    44:23 The Importance of Foundational Skills
    48:12 Assessment Data and Its Reliability
    58:44 The Role of Teachers and Structural Issues
    01:03:00 Social Justice and Literacy
    01:07:10 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    www.teachershortagecrisis.com
    Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • 19. It's SO Much Worse Than You Think–The Jaw Dropping Truth about How Unsafe and Chaotic K-12 Schools Have Become
    Nov 17 2024

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    In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast, Trina, Amanda, and Jess delve into the issues of school climate and culture. The conversation centers on how chaotic, unsafe environments contribute to the teacher shortage, particularly in urban and marginalized communities. They critique programs like PBIS and various character education curriculums, arguing that these often fail to address the root causes of behavioral issues and lack student and teacher buy-in. Jess shares her experiences from different schools, noting significant changes in student behavior post-pandemic. The episode also touches on the systemic problems in education, including inadequate responses to sexual violence and the broader implications for teacher recruitment and retention. The hosts emphasize the need to empower students and teachers to create sustainable changes in school environments.

    00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
    02:55 Defining Climate and Culture in Schools
    08:43 Personal Experiences with School Climate
    16:21 Character Education Programs: Leader in Me
    27:09 Critique of PBIS and Behavioral Interventions
    34:43 Critique of PBIS and ABA Systems
    36:07 Issues with Reward Systems in Schools
    37:47 Behavioral Expectations and School Policies
    40:00 Impact of the Pandemic on Student Behavior
    42:09 Challenges in Teaching Post-Pandemic
    45:49 Sexual Harassment and Title IX in Schools
    49:23 Teacher Shortages and Systemic Issues
    01:01:21 Union Efforts and Teacher Contracts
    01:05:43 Conclusion and Call to Action

    www.teachershortagecrisis.com
    Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 18. Special Edition Episode--Our Reaction to the 2024 Election
    Nov 10 2024

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    The episode is a candid, unscripted reaction to the 2024 election results, featuring Trina and Amanda. They strive to maintain an apolitical focus despite having strong political opinions. The podcast underscores the importance of working across political lines to address the issues in K-12 education, and the role teachers play in fostering critical thinking in students. Trina shares her belief that the failures in K-12 education are contributing to the erosion of democracy and emphasizes the need for teachers' voices in educational policy.

    Amanda adds that teachers have historically managed to facilitate constructive conversations without political bias, and they discuss the broader implications of the election, including threats to the Department of Education and the impact on marginalized student populations. They argue for campaign finance reform and more civics education to combat societal issues such as illiteracy and political ignorance.

    The discussion includes references to a "This American Life" episode about political and income inequality, and both hosts call for more teacher involvement in governance. They stress the importance of unity and love across political divisions and invite listeners to join and contribute to the ongoing conversation about improving K-12 education and protecting democracy.



    Link to the "This American Life" episode referenced:
    "It's My Party and I'll Try if I Want To."

    00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode
    00:41 The Role of Politics in Education
    02:14 Election Results and Teacher Reactions
    06:38 The Importance of Apolitical Teaching
    12:51 The Importance of Civics Education
    15:51 Addressing Literacy and Income Inequality
    21:53 The Need for Teacher Involvement in Policy
    35:36 Conclusion and Call to Action




    www.teachershortagecrisis.com
    Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!

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    37 mins

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