Of all the education legislation passed this session, HB 1, the Universal Voucher bill, is likely to have the greatest long-term impact. In this episode of Educating from the Heart, we are joined by Norin Dollard, PhD, of the Florida Policy Institute and Rev. Dr. Russel Meyer, Executive Director of the Florida Council of Churches. Together, we discuss both the financial and the moral implications of Florida becoming the latest state to offer universal vouchers. Episode 23 Show Notes: Guests Show Resources Transcript Guests Norín Dollard, PhD, Florida Policy Institute, Senior Policy Analyst Rev ..read more

A growing number of Florida parents are expressing their opposition and concerns over the increasing list of books that are being removed from Florida public school classroom and district libraries. They say it’s another attack on education that could impede student success and push more educators out of the classroom.In this episode, you'll hear how these parents are mobilizing support and fighting back within their local communities. And you'll learn what you can do to become an education activist and join the movement to regain safe schools and the freedom for students to read, learn, and t ..read more

Megan Betche has been teaching since 2004. Much has changed during that time; she notes that it is now harder than ever before to strike a work-life balance. The need to see a positive change led Betche to step outside her comfort zone and run for political office.In this episode of Educating from the Heart, we talk with Betche about her successes, her challenges, and her view of what public service should be about.  Episode 21 Show Notes: Guests Show Resources Transcript GuestMegan Betche, Seminole County ESE teacher ResourcesSee Educators Run Candidate Training, NEAHundreds of Teachers ..read more

Like most Floridians, Charlie Crist and Karla Hernandez believe every child in Florida should have the freedom to learn and to thrive. Together, they have a plan to improve the lives of Florida's students and educators alike. In this month’s episode of Educating from the Heart, we talk with them about how they will increase educators’ pay and retirement benefits and lower healthcare costs while also making sure educators have the time, resources and freedom they need to do their jobs. Episode 20 Show Notes: Guests Show Resources Transcript /*! elementor - v3.10.1 - 17-01-2023 */ body.elementor ..read more

We kick off this year in conversation with Alex McKean, an art teacher from St. Johns County. As you’ll hear her explain, even pre-kindergarten art class is not immune from the culture wars certain politicians are waging on public education.Nonetheless, she has a hopeful vision for the future and works to make sure her art classroom is a place where all students have fun while learning new skills and gain confidence in themselves. Episode 19 Show Notes: Guest Show Resources Transcript GuestAlex McKean, Art teacher, St. Johns County ResourcesArts Curriculum – St. Johns County School District (s ..read more

As the third Covid-impacted school year draws to a close, we sat down with two experienced teachers to get their take on this school year and the importance of cultivating positive relationships with parents and students.It's a heartwarming discussion that highlights the passion and dedication of Florida's teachers and shines a light on the value of experience.  Episode 18 Show Notes: Guests Show Resources Transcript /*! elementor - v3.10.1 - 17-01-2023 */ body.elementor-page .elementor-widget-menu-anchor{margin-bottom:0} GuestsMorgan Mousley, English teacher, Creekside High School, St. A ..read more

While education should not be partisan, it is most definitely political. From dictating what can, and cannot, be taught to developing laws that constrain pay raises for experienced teachers, politicians have inserted themselves into every aspect of public education in Florida.For the past few legislative sessions, members of FEA’s Republican Cadre have been working to build relationships with their legislators in the hopes of influencing legislation in a positive way.On this episode of Educating from the Heart, we sit down with three members of the cadre to discuss their challenges and success ..read more

 Our conversation about testing was so robust that we broke it into two parts. Did you miss the first part of "Assess the Test"? Listen to it here.The impact standardized testing has on students, educators and school communities extends long beyond test day.In Part II of Assess the Test, we move beyond talking about the tests themselves and discuss the overall accountability system.Join us for this exploration of how 20 years of "accountability" in Florida have drained the joy out of teaching and learning. Episode 16 Show Notes: Guests Show Resources Transcript /*! elementor - v3.10.1 - 1 ..read more

Don't miss part 2 of "Assess The Test": Our conversation about testing was so robust that we decided to continue it to a second episode. Listen to the 2nd part of here.Change is coming to Florida's system of standardized testing. Parents, students and educators alike are wondering if we will see the significant changes that are needed to create a system that actually works towards improving teaching and learning or if this will be just the same old testing regime with a new name.  Join us for part one of a two part series where we Assess the Test. Episode 15 Show Notes: Guests Show R ..read more

While some politicians have tried to limit what students can learn when it comes to America’s history, Rep. Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando) has been advocating for a fuller teaching of Black history in Florida’s schools for years. We sat down with her recently to discuss why this issue is so important to her and why students need to be taught Black history year-round, not just on special occasions like Dr. King’s birthday or Black History Month. Episode 14 Show Notes: Guest Show Resources Transcript /*! elementor - v3.10.1 - 17-01-2023 */ body.elementor-page .elementor-widget-menu-anchor{margin ..read more