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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. Thank you to the following monthly supporters: Misha Chernov and Jacob Albert. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pctafyre/support