Transparency in Teaching (stuff)

Transparency in Teaching (stuff)

Transparency in Teaching is education reform from the front lines. Hosted by current K–12 classroom teachers with nearly 80 years of combined experience, this monthly 45–60 minute podcast examines how education policies and mandates actually impact real classrooms. We challenge public narratives, break down today’s biggest education debates, and offer solutions grounded in daily classroom reality — for parents, policymakers, and anyone who wants honest insight into public education.

Recent Episodes

We're Back and Ready to
June 23, 2026

We're Back and Ready to

Anne and Jen talk about where they've been and preview this season's upcoming educational topics. Jen had quite the school year, buried in new administration and navigating how to stay afloat. Now that summer vacay has arrived, Jen took lots of naps and has now found time to catch her breath and sit down for a preview of the episodes to come! Join us for all the banter you've missed!
062 Fix Public Schools By Fixing the Public First
Aug. 2, 2025

062 Fix Public Schools By Fixing the Public First

In today's episode, Jen and I solve the problem with schools, and spoiler alert! It's not the schools! It's the people who attend them. More specifically, the economic status of the neighborhoods and the people who have to live in them. It's just a plain fact that students from lower-income and impoverished communities have worse educational outcomes than their more economically stable counterparts. If you want schools to improve, stop blaming the schools and start working to improve the lives o
Madeleine Goes to College: From Newbie to Online Prof
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July 11, 2025

Madeleine Goes to College: From Newbie to Online Prof

In this episode of Transparency in Teaching, I had the pleasure of speaking with Madeline, a former student teacher of mine who is now an adjunct faculty member at Chaffey College. Madeline shared her unique journey into the field of education, highlighting her initial struggles with dyslexia and how overcoming these challenges inspired her to help others learn to read. Madeline discussed her current role as a part-time professor, teaching English to a diverse group of community college students
060 Texas Adopts School Vouchers! Pros, Cons & Controversy
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May 14, 2025

060 Texas Adopts School Vouchers! Pros, Cons & Controversy

As of 2025, 32 states, along with Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, have some form of school voucher or voucher-like program (such as education savings accounts or tax-credit scholarships). Seems that voucher programs are spreading across the US like hot TikTok influencer video, captivating, but ya better check your facts first! And I, unfortunately, don't think voucher programs will be retreating back into the Pandora's box of alternate education any time soon. So public school teachers and the
059 The Rookie Report: Teaching & Parenthood: Balancing the First-Year Struggle
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Feb. 28, 2025

059 The Rookie Report: Teaching & Parenthood: Balancing the First-Year Struggle

In this episode of Transparency in Teaching , host Anne sits down with Zach, a recent intern turned full-time educator, who opens up about the highs and lows of his first year in the classroom—all while adjusting to life as a new parent. Zach shares the realities of teaching, emphasizing that it's far more than a nine-to-five job. From building meaningful relationships with students to navigating the demanding workload beyond school hours, he offers an honest look at what it takes to thrive in e
058 Public money for Private School Choice: Who Benefits and Who Pays the Price?
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Jan. 28, 2025

058 Public money for Private School Choice: Who Benefits and Who Pays the Price?

In this episode of "Transparency in Teaching," we tackle the hot topic of school choice and its potential impact on public education. On the surface, letting families decide where to spend their educational tax dollars on the school of their choice seems to make sense. But once we pull back the curtain on the consequences of this financial diversion of public funds, the idea seems more like nonsense. Are the potentially devastating effects school choice can wreak on public school resources and t
Navigating the Digital Classroom: Insights from Rookie Online Teacher Steven Arredondo
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Jan. 14, 2025

Navigating the Digital Classroom: Insights from Rookie Online Teacher Steven Arredondo

🎙️ Welcome to Transparency in Teaching! In this episode, Anne reconnects with her first-ever student teacher, Steven Arredondo, now a first-year educator navigating the world of online teaching. Steven shares insights on managing virtual classrooms, acing the CalTPA, and balancing workload, offering fresh perspectives for teachers curious about the digital side of education. Tune in for stories, tips, and laughs, and explore more at TransparencyinTeaching.com . Perfect for educators, from classr
The Rookie Report: How New Music Teacher Mark Inspired a Whole New Band Program
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Dec. 12, 2024

The Rookie Report: How New Music Teacher Mark Inspired a Whole New Band Program

In this episode of the new series The Rookie Report, Transparency in Teaching, host Anne interviews Mark Garcia, a passionate music educator currently teaching at a high school in Rialto. Mark shares his journey from his master's program at the University of Redlands to his current role, where he teaches a diverse range of music subjects, including music education, theory, marching band, jazz band, mariachi, and concert band. The episode aims to provide insights for aspiring educators by highlig

Recent Blog Posts

WTF Education News: Promotion Policies, Armed Teachers, and Mandatory Anthem Singing
May 15, 2025

WTF Education News: Promotion Policies, Armed Teachers, and Mandatory Anthem Singing

052 WTF Education News: Promotion Policies, Armed Teachers, and Mandatory Anthem SingingIn this post we delve into three education-related news stories that are either influential or just plain odd. Add your opinion in the comments section below. …
Are Transgender Students’ Rights at Odds with Parents’ Rights?
May 15, 2025

Are Transgender Students’ Rights at Odds with Parents’ Rights?

Are Transgender Students’ Rights at Odds with Parents’ Rights?The California lawsuit over transgender students’ rights policy in the Chino Valley Unified School District has sparked a heated debate about parents' rights and the r…
Navigating the Digital Classroom: Insights from Rookie Online Teacher Steven Arredondo
Jan. 14, 2025

Navigating the Digital Classroom: Insights from Rookie Online Teacher Steven Arredondo

If you had the pleasure (or displeasure) of teaching online during the Pandemic, you may not have developed a fondness for that medium. When I think about my classroom experience during that time, I certainly didn’t.  All I can recall are…

About the Host

Anne K. Profile Photo
Anne K.

A 36-year veteran of middle school teaching, Anne is now happily retired. But just because she gave up her room keys doesn't mean she's given up her passion for public education. Anne now works as a university supervisor, helping student teachers and interns navigate the credentialing process while maintaining their sanity in their classrooms. As the creator, producer, editor, and one of the hosts of Transparency in Teaching, Anne hopes to shed light on the plight of public school teachers and the issues that affect them the most. Her mission is to open the classroom doors so that people everywhere can see the real problems educators at all levels deal with, not the politicized garbage that comes out of Aunt Mary's Facebook feed.

When not working to enlighten the masses, Anne enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs (an adorable Italian greyhound mix thingy and a Boston Terrier, courtesy of the local shelters. Adopt a pet! They need you more!). She also enjoys spending time with her two grown sons when they can break away from young adulthood to spend time with their mother. (read that last sentence in the voice of a guilt-anointing Jewish mother)