“If you care about the future of democracy then you need a daily dose of Bust•ED Pencils.”
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Dr. Tim Slekar
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Dr. Tim Slekar is a higher education strategic design consultant. With a career spanning over 30 years, Dr. Tim Slekar began as a 2nd grade teacher and has since taught 5th, 7th, and 8th grades, as well as undergraduate and graduate students at the State University of New York at Cortland & Penn State University. He also served as the Executive Director of Education Studies at Muskingum University and prior to that as the Dean of the School of Education at Edgewood College.
Dr. Tim Slekar’s academic contributions include peer-reviewed research published in multiple academic journals. He has been an education blogger for the Huffington Post and has guest posted on various education outlets. His expertise has led to appearances on CNN, MSNBC, and FOX News. In 2011, Dr. Tim Slekar and his wife were one of the first parents to opt their children out of No Child Left Behind Testing (first in PA), a decision that helped spur the nationwide opt-out movement against high-stakes standardized tests. Both of their children graduated high school and went on to college without ever taking mandated standardized tests.
In 2014, Dr. Tim Slekar created the Bust•ED Pencils podcast, and in 2020, he launched the radio show Bust•ED Pencils Live, continuing his advocacy for public education through these dynamic platforms.
Founder | Co-host
Dr. Johnny Lupinacci
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Dr. Johnny Lupinacci is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Washington State University (WSU). He began his career as a high school math and science teacher in Detroit. At WSU, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci teaches pre-service teachers and graduate students in the Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education (CSSTE) program, advocating for the development of scholar-activist educators.
In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci is the head coach of the WSU Hockey team, a parent, and a staunch believer in the power of democracy to foster strong neighborhoods and communities. In 2020, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci joined Dr. Tim Slekar on Bust•ED Pencils, bringing his unique perspective and passion for education to the airwaves. Together, they continue to challenge and inspire listeners with their insightful and provocative discussions on public education.
Co-host
Fully leaded Education Talk™:
Educated Educators Talking Education™
Bust•ED pencils is a dynamic radio show and podcast dedicated to public education, known for delivering hard facts with a humorous twist. Hosted by Dr. Tim Slekar and Dr. Johnny Lupinacci, the show tackles the real issues in education, providing an alternative space for discussing education reform from a progressive perspective.
Their approach is funny, edgy, passionate, witty & gritty, featuring a diverse array of guests. Bust•ED pencils delves into the political and commercial influences behind education policy, offering trending education news without the jargon. Most importantly, we promote a vision of public schools that all children deserve.
Bust•ED pencils appeals to a broad audience, including parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, policymakers, taxpayers and students. Join us as we explore the crucial issues facing public education today.
More About Dr. Tim slekar & Dr. Johnny Lupinacci:
While they have multiple degrees, numerous books they’ve written, and a multitude of articles they’ve published as experts in education, Dr. Tim Slekar & Dr. Johnny Lupinacci are two down-to-earth guys who care deeply about all communities. They truly believe that better schools and improved conditions for teachers, students, and families are possible.
Growing up in the industrial centers of Pittsburgh and Detroit, Dr. Tim Slekar & Dr. Johnny Lupinacci bring their working-class roots to the forefront of public education advocacy as “Blue-Collar Scholars.” They are “Educated Educators Talking Education”, dedicated to making a difference.
Join Dr. Tim Slekar & Dr. Johnny Lupinacci on Bust•ED pencils for insightful, passionate, and often humorous discussions about the real issues in education.