E56: Educator Roundtable: Testing, Tenure, and Tradition w/ Teachers Josh Bender and Courtney McHughes

04/24/24 • 45 min

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.

Send us a text

Support the show

Previous Episode

E55: Teacher Freedom Summit 2024 Sneak Peek w/ Eloise Smith of Freedom Foundation

Send us a text

Unlock the potential to transform education from within as Eloise Smith from the Freedom Foundation joins us for a pivotal discussion on the Teacher Freedom Summit 2024. This episode isn't just another conversation; it's a rallying cry for educators with conservative values looking for union alternatives and a sense of community. We dissect the summit's core objectives, from promoting strategies that challenge the status quo to shining a spotlight on the inspirational Miami Dade initiative, proving that change is necessary and achievable.
The classroom battleground takes center stage as we delve into the foremost challenges educators face today. Mark Janus and James Lindsay headline our list of distinguished speakers, tackling everything from Janus rights to the pernicious creep of communist ideology into our schools. We share the palpable excitement for the personal growth and actionable insights offered at the summit, illustrating the profound impact the event has already had on educators, like those who courageously stood up to the United Teachers of Dade.
Ready your teaching arsenal for the upcoming school year, and join us on this journey toward empowerment at the Teacher Freedom Summit 2024. Register using code: classroom2024!
Links:
Click here to register. Hint: Use referral code: classroom2024
Email: [email protected]
FreedomFoundation.com
OptOutToday.com
@FreedomFdtn on X
@Freedom4Teachrs
@OptOutToday

Support the show

Next Episode

E57: Championing Equality: Constitutional Law, DEI, and Compelled Speech w/ Attorney Dan Lennington

Send us a text

Attorney Dan Lennington from the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty joins us to tackle the tough issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and equality in education. We dive into the shift from critical race theory to DEI in schools, explore the resurgence of race-based policies, and discuss the crucial role parents play in navigating their children's education amid controversial policies. Dan shares his insights on defending constitutional rights in landmark cases, underscoring the importance of parental authority.

This episode is a must-listen as we dissect how DEI policies, often derived from critical race theory, may lead to reverse discrimination and suppress free speech. We discuss real-life instances of renewed segregation and the push for drastic educational reforms under the guise of tackling racial injustices. The conversation also covers the challenges of compelled speech and pronoun preferences, highlighting the conflicts teachers face between personal beliefs and professional obligations. We conclude with a powerful message: discrimination in any form is indefensible, emphasizing the need for vigilance to preserve the core values of our education system.
Links:
WILL-law.org
@DanLennington on X
Email: [email protected]

Support the show

The Conservative Classroom - E56: Educator Roundtable: Testing, Tenure, and Tradition w/ Teachers Josh Bender and Courtney McHughes

Transcript

Mr. Webb00:00:00.040

Does standardized testing cause teachers to teach to the test ? What's it like being a conservative teacher in the teacher's union ? What's it like teaching at a charter school ? What challenges do teachers face near the end of a school year ?

Mr. Webb00:00:19.801

Welcome to the Conservative Classroom , where we're teaching the truth and preserving our values .