Special Episode of BustED Pencils: Busting Pencils in Chicago

In this special episode of BustED Pencils, Jed and Tim talk to 3 Chicago educators about the April 1st Day of Action. Let’s Bust some Pencils with Chicago Teachers’ Union President Karen Lewis, Chicago teacher and union activist Michelle Gunderson, and Chicago principal Troy LaRaviere!

Episode 13: Civil Rights, Inequities and History

In this episode of BustEd Pencils Dr. Yohuru Williams explores the Civil Rights movement’s unique history in relation to Opt Out. Our Activist/Blogger of the Week talks about how certain inequities remain “cloaked.” Welcome to the show Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig. Also, wait till you hear what Matt Damon’s Mom has to say about a… Read more »

Episode 12: “In the Middle” with Nancie Atwell

In 2015, Nancie Atwell won the Global Teacher Prize. SInce winning the award what has she been up to? Listen to Nancie as she talks to Jed and Tim about receiving the award and her continued advocacy for all teachers and her special love for reading. Don’t call our Blogger/Activist of the Week a curmudgeon…. Read more »

Episode 11: All In with Marion Brady, Morna McDermott, and Matt Damon’s Mom

In this episode of BustED Pencils Jed and Tim talk to life long educator Marion Brady about how to engage children in the “construction” of knowledge. Blogger/Activist of the Week Morna McDermott exposes us to “Education Alchemy.” Have you ever heard of Dr. Jill Stein? Matt Damon’s Mom has. Don’t forget trending news and our… Read more »

Episode 10: Teacher Education Under Assault: Busting Pencils with Dr. Ken Zeichner

The new Every Student Succeeds Act encourages the dumbing down of teacher education. Renowned teacher education researcher Dr. Ken Zeichner joins Jed and Tim to talk about the ramifications and offers advice on how to maintain high standards for teacher education. Our Activist of the Week—Peggy Robertson—is an award winning educator for her tireless “defense… Read more »

Episode 9: Common Core : Complex or Critical? @ChrisTienken says…

Are the common core state standards complex? Jed and Tim talk to Seton Hall University’s Associate Professor of Education Chris Tienken about his new research. Seems that what you actually mean by “complex” matters. Radical scholarship and a “pedagogy of kindness?” BustED Pencils Activist of the Week—Paul Thomas—says absolutely. And when it comes to education… Read more »

Episode 8: Busting Pencils with Alfie Kohn!

The “schools our children deserve?” Yep! Join Jed and Tim as they talk to the man who literally wrote the book–Alfie Kohn Also, have you ever heard a teacher say “just let me teach?” Well then be sure to check out BustED Pencils Activist of the Week. And what would BustED Pencils be without trending… Read more »

Episode 7: BustED Pencils goes Bad Ass! Bad Ass Teachers that is

Join Jed and Tim as they attempt to catch a few BATS.  You know. Bad Ass Teachers. Two BAT leaders —Steven Singer and Marla Kilfoyle —talk to Jed and Tim about everything Bad Ass and some of the battles BATS are engaged in fighting corporate education reform. Also sticking with the Bad Ass theme, our… Read more »

Episode 6: Bertis Downs, REM, NPE and one BAT

Just who is Bertis Downs?  In this episode Jed and Tim talk to the man, the myth, the legend.  OK maybe that’s too much hype but check it out as Bertis Downs talks to Jed and Tim about his 30 years as manager of the mega rock band REM and how he came to be… Read more »

Episode 5: Admiring Administrators

In this episode of BustED Pencils Jed and Tim talk educational administration with administrators.  Sounds boring, huh? But instead of “administrators” what if we got to hear from “leaders” in education? First, from Chicago, we talk to principal Mr. Troy LaRaviere who exemplifies leadership over compliance.  Our Activist of the Week is an administrator from… Read more »