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Prepare for an exploration of the crossroads between education and tradition as we dissect the hot-debate issue of cancelling Halloween celebrations in school districts. Witness an engaging discussion that spans from voicing out concerns about traditional values, student financial struggles, to cultural and religious rights infringements. Learn why we shouldn't discard our fun traditions, but should let kids be kids. Speaking of letting kids be kids, learn about a policy in California that requires social workers to ask children as young as 10 about their sexual orientation.
Finally, venture with us into the realm of homeschooling's rise and the challenges that it brings along. Unravel data pointing towards decreasing public school attendance and growing inclination towards private schooling and homeschooling. Hear about the tussle between lack of homeschooling regulations and the mounting pressure on education budgets. We don't just stop at criticisms, we take you into the heart of homeschooling's socialization opportunities and the role of homeschool co-ops.
Links to sources mentioned in today's episode:
The Hill's YouTube Video: "Halloween CANCELLED at NJ Schools Over WOKE DEI CONCERNS"
Route-Fifty's article, "Why some schools are halting Halloween celebrations."
Christian Posts article: "LA County tells social workers there is 'no right or wrong age to ask a child about their sexual orientation'"
@BillboardChris's post and video on X
Washington Post article: "Home schooling's rise from fringe to fastest-growing form of education"

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Visit The Conservative Classroom Bookstore!
TCC is THE podcast for conservative teachers, parents, and patriots who believe in free speech, traditional values, and education without indoctrination.
Thanks for listening to The Conservative Classroom.
Teaching the truth. Preserving our values.
Click here to become a monthly subscriber.
Click here to sponsor an episode or make a one-time donation.
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Music by audionautix.com
The views and opinions expressed by me are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any employer, school, or school district I have worked with in the past or present.

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As the school year reaches its crescendo, the quiet rumblings of discontent among conservative educators find a voice on our latest episode. Joined by passionate teachers Josh Bender and Courtney McHughes, we peel back the curtain on the trials and triumphs of instilling conservative values amidst the modern educational landscape. Their stories, marked by influential high school mentors and the seismic waves of political change, offer a beacon for those navigating the testing tides of standardized assessments and union politics.
Amid the fervor for educational reform, our guests shed light on the contentious tenure system, sparking a debate over its necessity and the implications for student success. We share candid accounts of our journeys into the teaching sphere, reflecting on the stark political dichotomies within the profession and the push for balance as the academic year wanes. The question of whether to embrace or reform the tenure system lingers, as we grapple with the pressures of testing and the looming specter of burnout that all educators face. Courtney recounts her transition from public to charter education, where the promise of pedagogical freedom and the integration of traditional values breathe new life into her classroom. Finally, they give their parting advice to listeners that you are not alone and to keep fighting the good fight.
Links:
Speechless with Kev Phares YouTube Channel
Kev Phares Linktree
Courtney McHughes on Facebook
Courtney McHughes on LinkedIn

Support the show

Visit The Conservative Classroom Bookstore!
TCC is THE podcast for conservative teachers, parents, and patriots who believe in free speech, traditional values, and education without indoctrination.
Thanks for listening to The Conservative Classroom.
Teaching the truth. Preserving our values.
Click here to become a monthly subscriber.
Click here to sponsor an episode or make a one-time donation.
Click here for my Linktree to our website, email, merch store, email, social media, and more!
Music by audionautix.com
The views and opinions expressed by me are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any employer, school, or school district I have worked with in the past or present.

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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Michael Hartney, a Hoover Fellow and assistant professor of Political Science at Boston College, as we dissect the influential role of teachers' unions in American politics. Michael’s unique insights shed light on how these unions operate differently from other labor unions, wielding power to impact educational policies at state and local levels. Discover how their strategic successes in competitive school board elections have allowed them to block or prevent various educational reform proposals.
As we delve deeper, we uncover the broad political stance of these unions, aligning themselves with a range of progressive issues. This episode exposes the influence of COVID on the dynamics between unions, teachers, and parents, and the way it has underscored the power these unions hold.
In the final part of our conversation, we explore the results of Michael's research on teachers' unions and their influence on school board elections. Brace yourself for some surprising revelations - the unions' endorsement of incumbents is more often driven by salary increases rather than student academic performance. Michael urges the political right not to lose sight of student academic achievement amid their focus on cultural issues. Tune in for a fresh perspective on the politics of education and the tangible impact of teachers' unions.
Help out Michael and The Conservative Classroom. Pick up your copy of his book in this link:
"How Policies Make Interest Groups: Governments, Unions, and American Education"
Note: As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Follow @MichaelTHartney on X (formerly Twitter)
Michael T. Hartney's webpage
Hoover Institution website

Support the show

Visit The Conservative Classroom Bookstore!
TCC is THE podcast for conservative teachers, parents, and patriots who believe in free speech, traditional values, and education without indoctrination.
Thanks for listening to The Conservative Classroom.
Teaching the truth. Preserving our values.
Click here to become a monthly subscriber.
Click here to sponsor an episode or make a one-time donation.
Click here for my Linktree to our website, email, merch store, email, social media, and more!
Music by audionautix.com
The views and opinions expressed by me are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any employer, school, or school district I have worked with in the past or present.

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Do you ever crave a conversation that not only informs but also inspires? This week in the Conservative Classroom, we invite you to join us and our esteemed guest, Harvard graduate and prolific author, Bracha Goetz. Amidst the recent Hamas attacks, Bracha, who resides in Israel, offers us a deep dive into her life in a war-torn country, emphasizing the urgency of education and the need to untangle the web of misinformation about the ongoing conflict.
Braka's narrative is a powerful journey of transformation. She candidly explores her shift from her liberal upbringing to embracing her Jewish heritage, her battle with food addiction, and her spiritual quest for nourishment and joy. We also get an insightful look into her memoir "Nourish the Soul" as well as her passion for crafting children's books that infuse happiness skills and moral values into young minds. Bracha's story serves as a beacon of inspiration, shedding light on the power of personal growth and the pursuit of authentic happiness.
In the concluding part of our conversation, we delve into the transformative potential of gratitude. How can a mindset of thankfulness help one sail through difficulties and even addictions? Bracha elaborates on this while underlining the necessity of instilling this virtue in children from an early age. Tune in to this week's Conservative Classroom for an enlightening conversation that underscores the significance of education, personal evolution, and the enduring power of gratitude.
Pick up one or more of Bracha's books by clicking on the link below to her Amazon page:
Bracha Goetz books on Amazon
Note: As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commissions on qualifying purchases.
Links:
The Goetz Bookshop
The Pleasure Ladder
Contact Bracha

Support the show

Visit The Conservative Classroom Bookstore!
TCC is THE podcast for conservative teachers, parents, and patriots who believe in free speech, traditional values, and education without indoctrination.
Thanks for listening to The Conservative Classroom.
Teaching the truth. Preserving our values.
Click here to become a monthly subscriber.
Click here to sponsor an episode or make a one-time donation.
Click here for my Linktree to our website, email, merch store, email, social media, and more!
Music by audionautix.com
The views and opinions expressed by me are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any employer, school, or school district I have worked with in the past or present.

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Strap in for a compelling journey into the world of higher education as we welcome Kristine Spasato, author, founder, and program director of RISE Student Coaching. Kristine unveils the struggle of conservative students navigating college campuses— a struggle rooted in bias, discrimination, and a radical shift in what is perceived as normalcy.
It's a tough terrain, but Kristine has been there, done that, and written a book on it! We dissect the overwhelming liberal bias in academia, its impact on conservative students, and the role parents can play in safeguarding their children's traditional values. Kristine's experience pinpoints the harsh realities and provides practical tools to counteract the indoctrination that is rampant in academic institutions.
Moreover, we delve into the reality of how extreme manifestations of bias aren't just emotional, they're physical. Kristine's advice for parents— setting clear boundaries, enforcing non-negotiables, and facilitating open conversations— serves as a guiding light to those wondering how to support their children in an increasingly liberal academic setting. Join us for this enlightening conversation, and arm yourself with the necessary tools to navigate these challenges. You don't want to miss this!
Click the link below to purchase your own copy of Kristine's book. Note: As an Amazon Affiliate, we make a small commission from each sale, so you'll be supporting the author's efforts to combat liberalism and The Conservative Classroom.
Links for this episode:
Buy your copy of "Student Voices Silenced" on Amazon here.
KristineSposato.com
Email Kristine
@KrisSposato on X (formerly Twitter)
"Conservative Voices Silenced" Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Support the show

Visit The Conservative Classroom Bookstore!
TCC is THE podcast for conservative teachers, parents, and patriots who believe in free speech, traditional values, and education without indoctrination.
Thanks for listening to The Conservative Classroom.
Teaching the truth. Preserving our values.
Click here to become a monthly subscriber.
Click here to sponsor an episode or make a one-time donation.
Click here for my Linktree to our website, email, merch store, email, social media, and more!
Music by audionautix.com
The views and opinions expressed by me are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any employer, school, or school district I have worked with in the past or present.