The Learn and Lead Podcast is for educators, by educators, and we want to bring the world of Arizona public education to you and our thousands of members across the state. Our objective is to provide a platform for the voices of our educator leaders along with some amazing community allies and have conversations about those education topics that are on everyone’s mind.

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EPISODE 1: BE THE UNION WE NEED TODAY

Meet our new Arizona Education Association President, Marisol Garcia, the first woman of color to ever hold this statewide office. Hear about her vision for our statewide education union, and learn more about why we need to own the word "union" and use our voices to make schools safe places where students can learn!

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EPISODE 2 PART 1: WE'RE THE BEST ADVERTISEMENT FOR EDUCATION

Arizona has the highest teacher turnover rate in the country, and we’re all seeing the effects of this educator shortage - from bus routes being cut to overflowing class sizes. But what do we do about it? Come learn with us about strategies for addressing educator recruitment and retention from some educators who are doing the work. Meet Jen Fowler, a mentor to educators entering the profession & local leader in Glendale Union Education Association, and Susie Seep, President of Paradise Valley Education Association!

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EPISODE 2 PART 2: OUR MEMBERS CONTINUE TO INVEST IN THEIR OWN EDUCATION

What role does being a union member play in educator recruitment and retention? Susie Seep, President of PVEA, and Jen Fowler, Education Leader in GUEA, share their experiences and advice on how union work connects to keep educators in this profession long-term & helps members feel supported from the beginning through the end of their education career.

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EPISODE 3: WHO GETS TO SAY WHAT IS VALUABLE?

HB2495 went into effect on September 24th & HB2439 goes into effect on January 1st, but there are still a lot of questions about these book banning bills. Enter Gretchen Clifton, an English teacher & Union Region Director, & Analise Ortiz, LD24 Candidate-Elect! They shared their thoughts on what these bills means & how it could affect students & educators across the state.

 

EPISODE: 4: GET OUT THE VOTE

The only thing scarier than Halloween is November 8th's election in Arizona. We're days away, but there is still a lot of work to do. We invited Ellie Perez Pawloski, the Arizona Education Association Political Director, to share with listeners how they can still influence this important election. 

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EPISODE 5: "As A First Year Teacher, I Wish I Kne…

We asked educators in the Arizona Education Association headquarters building what some of the things they wish they knew as a first year teacher, and we shared a lot of laughter hearing about the lessons we all learned the hard way so you don't have to!

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EPISODE 6: "Warm Fuzzies" from Your AEA Staff

We know November & December get hectic for educators, so we wanted to take a few minutes & share some stories of how educators made a difference in our lives & some words of encouragement about how amazing the work you do everyday is! On behalf of the AEA staff, we are honored to get to work for educators every single day to support the work they do in schools!

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EPISODE 7: "It's a Gift!"

Winter can be a stressful time of the year with so many cultures celebrating holidays or swapping gifts. Picking out the right gift can be overwhelming, so we compiled a list of book gift recommendations for the kids in your life no matter their age. We also asked some teachers what their favorite gifts have been from students and families to give you some ideas about how best to show your appreciation for educators in your life! 

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