Who puts the FUN into School Funding and Policy? (We Do!)

Need an extra serving of laughter to help the latest education news go down a bit easier? In this month's quiz, play alongside special guest contestants Jannelle Kubinec and Kevin Gordon. Both are school finance and policy advocates who’ve played a vital role fighting for more education funding in California and nationally -- and both offer terrific insights into the issues facing public schools.

Laugh some, learn some and grab a few nuggets of wisdom you can pass off as your own in our quiz games like Surfing the Headlines, Education Data Points of the Month, Classroom Management Techniques, and True, False, or Whaaaaat? We ask questions about school vouchers, budget cuts, mobile devices in schools, carrying concealed weapons onto campus, perfect attendance, and more. Oh, and we pick on the State of Oklahoma again in this episode – why not?

“If you are an educator looking for laughs, a sense of “I feel so seen” via comedy and real talk on news/policy, THIS is the podcast for you!”

"I laughed a lot as I learned -- this is a fun way to catch up on significant education news -- and the insights from the guests are first-rate."

ABOUT OUR HOSTS

ALEX KAJITANI is a California Teacher of the Year and author of several books for educators, including "Owning It," and "You're A Teacher Now." He is an inspiring and engaging speaker, the Rappin' Mathematician, coach, and creator of powerful programs for students and teachers, including Multiplication Nation, Math Success Camp, and the "New Teacher Success" video series.

PAUL RICHMAN is a Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist who...Wait, hold on -- that's someone else. Actually, Paul is an all-purpose education policy guy who has served as a leader for several statewide education associations, coalitions and policy initiatives. He also produced the "Adventures in Ed Funding" and "Budgeting for Educational Equity" podcasts, and he currently serves as an executive producer of the Inside California Education statewide TV series.  

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

KEVIN GORDON is widely viewed as one of the top education advocates in California. He is the President and a founding Partner of Capitol Advisors Group. Previously he served as the longtime Executive Director of the California Association of School Business Officials, and as the Chief Lobbyist and Assistant Executive Director of the California School Boards Association. He also served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Robert T. Matsui and as a legislative advocate for the California Building Industry Association (CBIA). 

JANNELLE KUBINEC serves as Chief Executive Officer for WestEd. She brings over 20 years of experience transforming outcomes for children, youths, and their families through research, policy, and technical assistance. She has led major federally funded centers and is nationally recognized for her work related to school finance and effective resource allocation. Notable contributions include guiding California through a once-in-a-generation redesign and transformation of its K–12 funding formula and accountability system and serving as principal architect and manager of a diverse team of researchers and policy experts to craft the California Master Plan for Early Learning and Care. 

ABOUT OUR MUSIC

Tommy Dunbar is a musician, songwriter, and producer best known as the founder and lead guitarist of the power pop band The Rubinoos. His music can be heard in many films and TV shows, including Revenge of the Nerds, Bachelor Party, Sex Education, Lizzie McGuire. 

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