Listen to all podcasts here! https://anchor.fm/pft400
Or use the information below to navigate current and past PFT podcasts, plus find the relevant supporting information and related links pertinent to each podcast interview featuring PFT member educators and professionals.
Ultimately, we’re trying to explore issues and topics most relevant to the men and women doing the challenging, rewarding work in Pittsburgh Public Schools. Our goal remains… creating environments and opportunities where teachers love to teach and students want to learn.
PFT PODCAST ARCHIVE–SEASON 1
MOST RECENT:
Season 1 Episode 8 — PA Education Political Insight
Jeff Coyne
Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Podcast — July 12, 2023
Jeremiah has an in depth conversation with AFTPA Director of Government and Political Affairs — Jeff Coyne — basically, he’s our lobbyist at the state level.
Jeff has worked tirelessly to follow all the budget twists and turns and keep AFTPA leadership well-informed so that we can activate members when needed. Tune in and get all the latest details on the PA budget fight, funding initiatives and much more!
CLICK HERE TO PLAY: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yPkJGRvZ0IUMXPSYpD3jj
PFT Talk is now available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast. Search Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers!
RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:
Season 1: Episode 8 Show Notes
Guest: Jeff Coyne
Topic: PA Budget Politics and Education
Reach out to Jeff here.
Season 1 Episode 7 — The Writing Process
Saul Straussman
Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Podcast • May 3, 2023
Allderdice AP US & World History teacher Saul Straussman (E-board) candidly shares a lot in our latest episode–the core of which is his approach to dynamically getting the most out of his students as critical writers by fomenting various ways for them to think critically and meticulously about the subject matter at hand. This is a thoughtful and pensive look at the development of an expansive writing process for his students; one that challenges them every single day.
He also takes us on a trip down memory lane to a moment he was certain that he was NEVER going to become a teacher–but rather–a rock star. Saul’s union roots (beginning with his parents in the Big Apple) show proudly throughout the podcast–as does his pride in the way he helps students extend their writing reach beyond their grasp throughout the course of a carefully panned and executed curriculum.
NOTE: Be sure to stick around for the “soundcheck” discussion at the end of the pod–off the cuff insights into the makings of good teachers that will resonate for many of you!
CLICK HERE TO PLAY or Share Link: https://anchor.fm/pft400/episodes/Saul-Straussman-Writing-Process-e2330t1
PFT Talk is now available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast. Search Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers!
RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:
Season 1: Episode 7 Show Notes
Guest: Saul Straussman
Topic: The Writing Process
Reach out to Saul here.
Resources:
Books Saul is reading currently:
Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America by Pekka Hämäläinen
Devil-Land: England Under Siege, 1588-1688 by Clare Jackson
Timeless Book Recommendations:
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
Commanche Empire by Pekka Hämäläinen
Saul Podcast Recommendation: History Extra
Season 1 Episode 6 — Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
Megan Bova-Funk
Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Podcast • April 16, 2023
Teacher on Special Assignment with the District Megan Bova-Funk joined PFT TALK during our first full week back from a much-needed Spring Break to discuss the subtle nuances and not-so-subtle benefits of understanding the importance of Social & Emotional Learning as part of a student’s journey and academic evolution.
Equally important, Megan speaks candidly to the tools and resources she’s helped to make available for Teachers so SEL absolutely does NOT BECOME just another thing. In this discussion you’ll hear quite alot about the importance of SEL and how Megan has intelligently used the Clever platform to create a significant body of curriculum and support to help make educators’ lives easier when it comes to incorporating SEL informally (or formally) into the classroom.
Megan also gives us some insight into how PFT membership led her toward a grassroots committee (PSE) that would help crystallize the day-to-day benefit of union membership.
CLICK HERE TO PLAY: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/pod/show/pft400/episodes/Megan-Bova-Funk-Social-Emotional-Learning-e22dv0o
RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:
Season 1: Episode 6 Show Notes
Guest: Megan Bova-Funk
Topic: Social & Emotional Learning Made Easier Through Intelligent Access & Guidance
Reach out to Megan here.
Resources:
— What you need to access the content referenced in the podcast:
1. log onto CLEVER and choose the “Rethink Ed” square or tab to access SEL content.
2. The SEL Schoology Group Code is:: 68MF-BFSZ-QPJZ9
Season 1 Episode 5 — Professional Displacement & Response
Rob Mitchell
Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Podcast • March 21, 2023
Spanish Teacher Rob Mitchell has participated in a little bit of everything over the course of his 28-year career … African American Teacher Mentorship Program Lead, E-board member, Building Representative, Fulbright Scholar, Soccer Coach, ESSR Fund Consultant, Summer Door Knocker…
But two of his most recent turns are such that we need a podcast to unpack them. After decades at PCA, Rob was displaced this year. In this episode, Rob graciously shares his personal perspective on the process — both positive and negative — to better help other educators who might one day face a similar situation.
This event transpired almost concurrently with Rob being added to Governor Shapiro’s Educational Advisory Committee as part of our new Governor’s transition team. Rob is the only currently “active” teacher appointed to that committee.
CLICK HERE TO PLAY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2bWVpCbxEWIYBBX7dnWYfB?si=WMn5FW0WSja4ulzOegCeiQ&nd=1
RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:
Season 1: Episode 5 Show Notes
Guest: Robert Mitchell
Topic: A Veteran Educator Handles Displacement and a Gubernatorial Appointment….
Reach out to Rob here.
Resources:
— Learn more about Rob Mitchell from his PFT Member Highlight Profile here..
— For a deeper look at the Governor’s Transition Teams across the board — including the Educational Advisory Committee Rob serves on (as well as AFTPA President Art Steinberg)–Click here to read this in-depth article from Pugliese & Associates.
— If you have questions or concerns about displacement, please reach out to staff representative Harold Grant via our contact page — many answers begin with your union!
S.1 Ep. 4 — Student Travel and Fundraising
Jim Daschbach
Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Podcast • March 12, 2023
For Jim “Dash” Daschbach, the road less traveled by actually revealed his current life’s calling; with a perspective on teaching and our union that dates back to the mid-seventies.
Jim has enjoyed a colorful 34-year-career as a PPS Substitute, full-time Teacher and athletic director who “fell into” planning student trips and fundraising efforts. Since 2012, his company A.L.L. Tours ( Academic & Leisure Lifetime Tours) has provided over 100 trips and have delivered incredible experiences to over 5,000 people.
CLICK HERE TO PLAY: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pft400/episodes/Jim-Daschbach-Student-Travel-and-Fundraising-e1voo5h
RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:
Season 1: Episode 4 Show Notes
Guest: Jim Daschbach aka “Dash”
Topic: Student Travel, Fundraising & Memories from the ’76 strike
Reach out to Jim here.
Resources:
Academic and Leisure Lifetime Tours is a premier travel company based in Pittsburgh offering packaged and customizable tours for students and adults! Whether you’re a school group looking for your next field trip or you just want to get away, let us take you on a trip you’ll never forget. Click here to visit the A.L.L website to learn more!
S.1 Ep. 3 — ER&D Professional Development
Brittany Shoup, Colfax
Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Podcast • Feb 28, 2023
Can-do Special Education teacher Brittany Shoup (Sh OW p) talks us through the incredible value of ER&D.
Learn the in’s and out’s of the incredible experience, knowledge & long-term benefits of the PFT ER&D program.
Need inservice credits? Increment credits? Act 48 hours? Here’s where you start!
CLICK HERE TO PLAY: https://anchor.fm/pft400/episodes/Brittany-Shoup-and-ERD-Classes-e1vloh6/a-a9dna6j
RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:
Season 1: Episode 3 Show Notes
Guest: Brittany Shoup (Colfax)
Topic: Education Research & Dissemination (ER&D)
AFT Professional Development (Teachers Teaching Teachers!)
Reach out to Brittany via email.
Resources:
Sign up Immediately for ER&D using our on-line registration (Deadline EOD March 8, 2023)
–– NOTE: Course Descriptions and information are available on the RSVP page at the above link
Want to download and share this Spring’s ER&D class info? Click here.
— NOTE: Brittany emphasizes that there’s no substitute for the experience of someone who’s been there–
if you need to know anything about ER&D--Brittany invites you to call her directly @ 412.960.7644
S.1 Ep. 2 — GSA Program
Devin Browne, Brashear High School
Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Podcast • Feb 18, 2023
Devin Browne discusses the origin of Brashear’s GSA, what the program does and challenges it faces.
CLICK HERE TO PLAY: https://anchor.fm/pft400/embed/episodes/Devin-Browne–Brashear-High-School-e1unt6u
RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:
Season 1: Episode 2 Show Notes
Guest: Devin Browne (Brashear)
Topic: GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliances)
Reach out to Devin
Resources:
Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network https://www.glsen.org/
Trevor Project: LGBTQ suicide prevention hotline: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Click to view Pittsburgh Public Schools Trans Policy (2016)
S.1 Ep. 1 — Donors Choose
Diane Swearingen, South Brook Middle
Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Podcast • Feb 9, 2023
Teacher & E-board member Diane provides insight on how to use Donors Choose in your school.
CLICK HERE TO PLAY: https://anchor.fm/pft400/episodes/Donors-Choose-e1tv0t0/a-a976h5p
RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:
Season 1: Episode 1 Show Notes
Guest: Diane Swearingen (South Brook)
Topic: Donors Choose Project Promoter
Reach out to Diane
If you prefer a phone call rather than email? Reach out to Diane at 412-977-6098.
Teacher & E-board member Diane provides insight on how to use Donors Choose in your school.
CLICK HERE TO PLAY:
Resources:
Donors Choose is an online charity where teachers can post requests for classroom resources and supplies.
Click here to learn more about the platform and program from the Donors Choose site–-simple, easy to navigate and understand.
Have an idea for a Podcast or wish to be an interview subject with Jeremiah?
Simply click here to let us know your name, contact information and idea and we’ll reach out!
