School Me

Latest Episodes:

All the Books for All the Kids With Kwame Alexander Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

A conversation with Kwame Alexander: a poet, educator, and best-selling author of The Crossover, Booked, The Door of No Return, and so many other books that have inspired young readers across the country. In celebration of NEA’s Read Across America, Kwame has teamed up with NEA for a unique project—bringing literature and music together with a jazz-infused reading of The Crossover. You can hear Kwame’s special 10th anniversary reading at https://www.nea.org/crossover.

Collective Bargaining is Back in Fairfax Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

In 2020, collective bargaining for public sector workers returned to Virginia after a nearly 50-year ban—a huge win for Virginia educators. But change doesn't happen overnight. Fairfax Education Association President Leslie Houston joins the show to talk about how educators in Fairfax, Virginia came together to create their first collective bargaining agreement since the ban, and what other districts can do to bring similar wins to their schools.

Moments From a Teacher’s Monthly Grocery Run Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Read more from Mary Ellen about how low pay affects education across the nation, and how unions are helping educators get the pay increases they deserve:

https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/dear-educators-youre-still-not-paid-enough

As the nation’s largest labor union, we stand in solidarity with the Costco Teamsters in their fight for a fair contract. Just as we fight for the rights and dignity of educators and their communities, we proudly stand with all workers demanding the wages and benefits they deserve.

An Innovative Apprenticeship Program for Teachers Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

Learn more about the Washington Education Association’s Apprenticeship Residency in Teaching https://www.washingtonea.org/events-training/residency/

Read (and Rap) Across America with Dwayne Reed Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

Learn more about Read Across America, and access the calendar: https://www.nea.org/readacrossamerica

Check out Simon B. Rhymin' : https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america/find-your-book/simon-b-rhymin

Your Questions About Retirement Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

Mentioned in this episode:

Pensions, Explained for Educators - https://www.nea.org/resource-library/pensions-explained-educators

Frequently Asked Questions about Pensions - https://www.nea.org/resource-library/frequently-asked-questions-about-pensions