Empower Students Now Amanda Werner

Check out the show notes and all get all the resources discussed here:
https://amandawritenow.com/our-public-education-system-is-in-crisis-and-the-solutions-are-obvious/

In this podcast episode, Trina and Amanda discuss major challenges in the American public education system, including the teacher shortage crisis, the state of reading instruction, and the impact of curriculum mandates on teacher autonomy. They reflect on previous episodes, including an interview with Amanda's sister, and express frustration with the lack of teacher agency and the systemic issues stemming from structural sexism in the profession. They criticize the dominance of certain reading programs and the pushback against the science of reading. The episode also touches on the need for teacher-led curriculum development, the problems of climate and culture in schools, and the severe impact of the pandemic on teaching conditions. They call for respect, proper compensation for teachers, and a shift in focus from strictly academics to trauma-informed practices to address the burnout and behavioral issues they're observing in students. The episode is a candid discussion about the current state of education and the urgent need for change.

Check out the episode show notes and Vanessa's book here:
https://amandawritenow.com/navigating-adult-adhd-a-personal-and-professional-journey/

In this episode, host Amanda interviews Vanessa Jones, an English teacher, writer, and voice actor who has recently authored a guidebook on adult ADHD. Vanessa discusses her personal experience with an adult ADHD diagnosis, the unnoticed symptoms in women, and the impact on her life and career. She shares insights on teaching with ADHD, the benefits of structured environments, and the accommodations that helped her succeed. The conversation also touches on Vanessa's transition to voice acting and entrepreneurship, and the importance of recognizing neurodiversity in education. Both Amanda and Vanessa reflect on the strengths that individuals with ADHD bring to teaching.

Check out the show notes, transcript, and more here:
https://amandawritenow.com/the-revealing-reality-struggling-readers-face-within-the-u-s-education-system/

In this episode of Empower Students Now, host Amanda interviews her sister Shelly Gonsalves, who opens up about her lifelong struggle with reading and learning difficulties. Shelly recounts her early educational challenges, the lack of support she faced, and the emotional toll it took on her self-esteem. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, exploring various career paths from graphic design to welding, and ultimately finding her place in law enforcement. Shelly's story is one of resilience and determination, as she now uses her experiences to advocate for children with similar struggles and to inspire others through her volunteer work and creative pursuits. The episode is a touching testament to overcoming adversity. But, it is also reveals the heart breaking reality of what happens to struggling readers in a system not built to support them, or their teachers.

Check out the episode show notes and more here:
https://amandawritenow.com/forgotten-narratives-from-frontline-of-the-reading-wars/

In this episode, hosts, Amanda and Trina, discuss the significant challenges of reading instruction in education. They delve into their personal experiences as teachers and parents, grappling with the complexities of teaching reading effectively and the impact on students. The conversation covers the history of reading, the disparities in instruction across socioeconomic lines, and the struggles faced by students with learning disabilities. The speakers call for systemic changes, emphasizing the need for high-quality curriculum, experienced teachers, and comprehensive support for struggling readers. They express frustration with the lack of resources and advocate for recognition of teachers' expertise in advancing students' reading skills.

Check out the episode show notes and more here: https://amandawritenow.com/courageous-teachers-speak-out-against-a-serious-problem-being-overlooked-in-k-12-schools/

In this episode, hosts Amanda and Trina, along with guest Manuwella Allen (Mani), discuss gender equity in education, with a focus on the intersection of race and gender. They address issues of sexual harassment and abuse in schools, highlighting several disturbing cases. The conversation covers the lack of attention given to gender equity in education, the need for a more intersectional approach, and the importance of implementing Title IX. They also discuss the adultification of black girls' bodies, the problematic nature of dress codes, and the structural sexism in the teaching profession. The episode emphasizes the urgent need for change in the American public education system.

Check out the episode show notes and more here: https://amandawritenow.com/gender-equity-issues-in-k-12-schools-are-undervalued-and-neglected/

In this podcast episode, Trina shares her expertise around gender equity in K-12 schools. She discusses the lack of support and unjust treatment of female students in schools, emphasizing the need for comprehensive discussions on gender equity. Amanda and Trina discuss topics such as period equity, the inclusion of girls in STEM programs, biases in the education system, anti sexist dress codes, and the lack of  implementation of Title IX in our public education system. Trina shares her frustration with the lack of support for girls who experience sexual harassment and violence in schools. The episode ends with a teaser for the next episode, which will focus on the intersectionality of race and gender in educational equity.