Public #onted with Greg Cawsey
115 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 days ago -For people who support our public schools but want real talk about the issues they are facing. Everyone has an opinion, but few are in the classroom and without an agenda. Hosted by award winning teacher Greg Cawsey, Public #onted tackles today’s hot button issues so you can get a balanced view to inform your own. New episodes weekly.
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Episodes
School Boards in Glass Houses Shouldn’t Throw Stones
April 04, 2024 23:43 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBThis episode Greg applauds the decision for school boards to sue social media companies, but cautions that schools need to do more to get cell phones out of the classroom. Ted also asks Greg about Parent Teacher interviews and the Tech teacher shortage. Follow past episodes and articles at the Public # onted Newsletter at https://gregcawsey.substack.com/s/public-onted-with-greg-cawsey
School Boards in Glass House Shouln't Throw Stones
April 04, 2024 23:43 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBThis episode Greg applauds the decision for school boards to sue social media companies, but cautions that schools need to do more to get cell phones out of the classroom. Ted also asks Greg about Parent Teacher interviews and the Tech teacher shortage. Follow past episodes and articles at the Public # onted Newsletter at https://gregcawsey.substack.com/s/public-onted-with-greg-cawsey
Racist School System? Not Buying It.
March 11, 2024 07:51 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBThe need to shock people to gain attention is nothing new. Advertisers have been doing it for years. Remember those cheesy ad headlines - SEX - now that I have your attention. Well now the protest movements have taken a page from Madison Avenue to do their own version. They describe anything they believe needs changing and describe it in alarmist terms. Canada is a racist country that commits genocide. Excuse me, what was that? Now that social justice warriors have your attention a stunned...
Classroom Management Tips
February 17, 2024 03:09 - 28 minutes - 26.6 MBToday Greg offers classroom management tips to foster a positive learning environment for students. Check out essays and comentary at: https://gregcawsey.substack.com/s/public-onted-with-greg-cawsey
Tips For Overcoming Test Anxiety
February 03, 2024 00:55 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBStudents face a number of stressors in their lives from many things out of their control. Today, Greg gives advice on how teachers and students can alleviate test anxiety by taking ownership of what they can control - preparation and letting go of what they can’t - the mark. Greg also answers Ted questions on Alberta’s Parental Rights legislation and updates on teacher contracts. Check out the past posts at Public #onted Newsletter:
Kindergarten Coding? Ministry Needs More Input From Classroom Teachers
January 25, 2024 01:25 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBDiscuss the recent kindergarten curriculum revision announcement from the Ministry. While the update is welcome, it does continue a pattern of top down changes. While some call for more teacher union input in the curriculum process, Greg calls for more input from teachers that are actually still in the classroom. Check out the Public #onted Newsletter at https://gregcawsey.substack.com/s/public-onted-with-greg-cawsey
Kindergarten Coding? Ministry Needs More Input From In Class Teachers
January 25, 2024 01:25 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBDiscuss the recent kindergarten curriculum revision announcement from the Ministry. While the update is welcome, it does continue a pattern of top down changes. While some call for more teacher union input in the curriculum process, Greg calls for more input from teachers that are actually still in the classroom. Check out the Public #onted Newsletter at https://gregcawsey.substack.com/s/public-onted-with-greg-cawsey
If Schools Are About Community Then Police Need To Be In Them
January 13, 2024 00:57 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MBI do appreciate the importance of always looking at something with a fresh set of eyes. We should always be looking at how we can do things better. The desire to improve should also come with some reverence for how we got here. Without that understanding we tend to tear down rather than build upon. Take for example the decision from some Ontario school boards to remove uniformed officers from visiting or working within schools. The rationale is that the police uniform is a negative emoti...
Deja De-streaming
January 04, 2024 22:33 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBToday’s episode discusses Ontario’s move to de-streaming. Explain the rationale and implications as we navigate through this transitionary period in Ontario secondary education. Greg also offers why parents need to stay involved throughout the entire K-12 school years. Follow the Public #onted Newsletter on Substack and @publiconted https://gregcawsey.substack.com/s/public-onted-with-greg-cawsey
Let's Talk About Math
December 08, 2023 00:34 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBJust like the province tries to play catch up on falling math scores, we will catch up on the two math related stories from the last two weeks. Today, discuss the reinstatement of a mandatory math qualification test for new teachers and the recent PISA Math results from the OECD. Ended with a teaser to the next Public #onted episode on de streaming.
Where Are The Curriculum Cops?
November 24, 2023 00:37 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBPlenty of discussion on mandating or beefing up Holocaust education, which I fully support. But where is the oversight to make sure this actually followed? Will outline the issue and the solutions to make sure what is supposed to be taught - is taught. Will also discuss the recent deal between the Elementary Teachers’ Union and the Province. Listen to all episodes at justcaws.ca, apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow @publiconted on X or facebook as well.
Are District School Boards Still Needed?
November 23, 2023 22:34 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBToday discuss Bill 98 and the recent historical role of provincial school boards. Greg will explain why he believes that they are still needed even if under greater provincial control. Greg will also answer Ted’s questions asking for updates on this show and contracts. Finally, an update on how implemented changes in the class this year are going thus far to manage cell phones and AI.
Teacher Discipline Triage Needed
November 23, 2023 22:33 - 21 minutes - 20.2 MBIn today’s hyper sensitive climate, school boards’ disciplinary process is under increased pressure. The process itself is not the issue, but the time taken to adjudicate a complaint is hurting the system. Today examine the issue and explain why more resources are needed to be employed by school boards to ensure the quality of everyone’s education is not compromised.
Fact-Based News
November 18, 2023 21:18 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBTrust but verify. News media needs to regain the former, so it can develop a new business model providing the latter.
Knowing What Side You're On
November 10, 2023 01:29 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBWorld events, our politics and social media are all doing their part to drive people apart. Time to discuss what are the ties that bind. If you find yourself disagreeing with fellow citizens - perhaps it's time you moved beyond domestic issues and see if you can find common ground on more international values, like democracy, rule of law, freedom of expression, even humanity to name a few. If those aren’t your values or you prefer to be the contrarian in the crowd, perhaps it’s time for you ...
Giving Canadian Federal Parties Political Advice
October 29, 2023 19:20 - 28 minutes - 26.8 MBMany of my posts focus on American politics, so today I want to give some attention to Canadian politics. I want to lay a non- partisan, serious pathway forward for each. 2025 is still a long way out to sit around in self induced political paralysis. All three parties need a plan to victory, or for the NDP, relevance. My bad. Again, no partisan rheoteric. Here goes… The NDP needs to end its alliance with the Liberals. Use a wedge issue, like national pharmacare to be the line in the sand ...
Coverage For Canadian University Sport
October 21, 2023 14:59 - 10 minutes - 9.48 MBI would be less agreeable to defunding the CBC, if it got back to its mandate and started telling our stories. Our own Canadian University athletes are one group that deserves some attention from the public broadcaster. The venues, cast and storylines are all ready to go. Greg makes the case why this programming is needed to introduce the next generation to the CBC.
Understanding The Mideast, Still
October 21, 2023 00:40 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBMaybe it’s social media or mainstream media, but I find myself looking at history and the current situation and seeing things a little differently from my last post. Either way, I have always known how a friend and ally is supposed to act. Recent actions by the Canadian government shows it can talk it, but certainly does it walk it. As soon as Trudeau Jr. had the opportunity to distance himself from supporting Israel - he took it. Shameful, but not surprising. Latest Column on Issue... P...
Trying To Understand Conflict in the Middle East
October 12, 2023 23:56 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBProtests in support of Palestine are growing here at home and across the world. This is not surprising when seeing images of war and brutality coming out of Gaza. There has also been a call for a ceasefire in the region getting louder as well. I would support this call, if I thought it meant the hostages would be freed and Hamas would also stop its attacks. Our own Liberal government does not believe that would happen, so you can pray or shout for it, but any type of peace in Gaza is not hap...
Killing The Carbon Tax
October 11, 2023 03:11 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBSo here we go again. More self - inflicted pain felt most by the working poor. Right on the heels of the pandemic where the less important delivered food to the too important to go out crowd. Now we have record food and gas prices. I am not going debate the merits of our covid lockdown response here - but it is rather clear suffering was not evenly felt. The line "we are all in this together" - became a punchline rather than a rallying cry. Covid was the threat and we were told to shut d...
Peace For Ukraine
October 07, 2023 18:50 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBI find stalemates frustrating at the best of times. Arm wrestles and tugs of war that don’t end quickly seem to go on forever. Sadly, for the citizens of Ukraine these are not good times indeed. The months of this war risk spilling into another year and no one sees an end to this conflict coming anytime soon. Ukraine’s latest offensive has not been the success once hoped. It is becoming increasingly clear that without the West’s continuing supply of weapons and equipment, Ukraine can onl...
School Overcrowding
September 28, 2023 23:36 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBToday Greg warns of the coming crisis in many parts of the province as more homes will soon mean we need more schools. In fact, the crisis is already here but attention has been on other things. Speaking of which Greg addresses Ted’s question on the protests and whether Greg will be wearing an Orange shirt tomorrow - he will - along with a Canadian Flag pin. Listen to let him explain why.
The Diagnostic - EQAO
September 22, 2023 00:23 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBIn a system that is an accountability wasteland, the EQAO is the report card for the publc system. Today discuss why despite its expense and challenges the EQAO not only should remain, but should expand to a graduation assessment tool.
Talking Contract Talks
September 15, 2023 00:42 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBToday examine the merits of the binding arbitration process being endorsed by the secondary union provincial leadership. See where this all goes, but no news is usually good news.
I Want My AC
September 08, 2023 00:42 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBToday Greg asks, how much would you give up in the next contract if all public schools in the province had air conditioning installed? Also, get into how the first week back has gone. For full episode summary subscribe to the Public #onted newsletter at https://gregcawsey.substack.com
Ontario Public Education Needs a Hero - Right Now
August 31, 2023 20:24 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBFormer teacher union District VP and nomination candidate for the Progressive Conservatives, Greg shares his unique perspective on the current #onted dispute. Dark clouds are hovering over Ontario public education, right now. Whether you blame the government or the unions it doesn’t matter, schools are closed – again, and parents are fed up. This will be a pivotal week in determining if the Ford government cares about public education or is purposely creating havoc in the system to undermin...
Welcome Back Trifecta!
August 31, 2023 18:47 - 29 minutes - 27.8 MBToday we will hit upon three topics for our back to school episode. First, discuss the latest contract talks and the arbitration proposal by the government. Next, a reminder for teacher’s to check their privilege when back in class this fall. . Finally, will weigh in on the parents consent issue and discuss my post “Love and Respect - https://gregcawsey.substack.com/p/love-and-respect-we-can-do-both on the Public #onted newsletter last week.
Attendance Part 2
August 22, 2023 10:29 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MBSo switch things up this week and discuss the issue of attendance with respect to teachers. The number of teacher sick days gets the attention of many, but Greg explains why he doesn’t believe that should be the main concern.
Attendance Is ___?
August 17, 2023 16:34 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBThis week examines attendance and engagement issues for today’s students. Educators already know the challenges students face. Mental and physical health, not to mention the rise of incredible stay at home entertainment options available for many. So what to do? Also, discuss what the current strike vote means and why Greg is not overly concerned over a September work stoppage.
Priceless - The Value of Extracurriculars
August 10, 2023 21:27 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBThis week examine the important role extracurriculars play in the public education system. For many students their continuing engagement in their education is dependent upon them. That importance sadly makes them a repeated target, used as a bargaining chip by teacher unions when contract talks stall. Also discuss from the perspective of a twenty plus year vet of coaching or running something in the school some advice on how to avoid the bitter trap and make your experience a lifelong joy...
Playing With Fire - School Choice Within Public Education
August 02, 2023 14:21 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBWhen school boards allow parents to choose a school to isolate them from the mainstream they diminish the unifying power of our public school system. Discuss how we can allow for choice within a public system, but still educate all in unity, not separation.
Professional Activity Days Gone ____?
July 29, 2023 19:21 - 31 minutes - 29 MBDiscuss what takes place during the professional development days teachers take part. They are beneficial, but their ill timing during the school year serves more as a mental health break for reflection, rather than an opportunity for implementing real change. Will also comment on the very unfortunate suicide of a TDSB Principal, who was accused of racism during a professional training session.
Parent Blowback?
July 20, 2023 14:26 - 31 minutes - 29 MBToday, discuss whether hot button topics like Drag Queen story time are just media fuelled smoke. Or do they have the potential to be a fire of genuine controversy beyond the political extremes?
Teacher Performance and Pay
July 18, 2023 23:57 - 25 minutes - 24 MBToday we continue the discussion on rating teachers, perforamce and pay. End episode with a pessimistic assessment of where I believe things are headed this fall.
Rating Teachers
July 12, 2023 15:02 - 22 minutes - 21.1 MBThis episode discusses the teacher evaluation process. We do a good job of understanding that teaching is a craft that requires continuous development and reflection. The issue is judging performance. Teacher unions have taken any recognition out of the evaluation process. That may work at the bargaining table, but it hinders public education. It’s hard to follow the path of a great teacher if the criteria that determines their success is allowed to be unclear.
Private vs Public Schools
July 10, 2023 13:02 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBIt is vital that we maintain the confidence in our Public education system. Yes, it’s far from perfect, but it’s still churning out a record number of top notch grads each year who appreciate the importance of education in shaping their future. Today I will discuss its inherent advantages and shortcomings. It may not be what the far right wants or runs the way the far left likes, but our public education system still works very well for most of the middle. For the sake of our society, we mu...
Teaching In An AI World
July 06, 2023 14:55 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBThe impact of AI on education will be profound. Unlike the internet which is used primarily as a research and reference tool,, AI is about creation. This does create challenges, but it will force reforms that I believe can improve outcomes and equity. So let’s unpack AI, and today discuss its impact and strategies to adapt to this new reality. And yes, this was created with 100% human content.
Mark Inflation - You Don't Say
July 03, 2023 23:36 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MBGrocery prices are not the only thing going up. Today we will explore mark inflation and some of its underlying causes. Also discuss how post secondary admissions are coping and how this may become a bigger issue in the future.
Lobby For Public Ed By Dressing Like A Professional
June 21, 2023 01:17 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBUpdate on contract talks - there is none. Unions have begun their public whine campaign for more funding. How about doing something you can control and show public education the respect it deserves by dressing up to work.
Cellphones In The Classroom
June 16, 2023 00:19 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBNext week we will talk about politics and education funding, but for today the topic is cellphones. Examine the role parents and teacher's play with cell phone use in the classroom and where this issue may be heading. Follow and give your comments @publiconted on twitter, facebook and substack at gregcawsey.com
Welcome to Public #onted
June 12, 2023 00:54 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBPublic #onted is a current affairs newsletter for people interested in what’s going on inside Ontario Public Schools today. Award winning, veteran teacher Greg Cawsey breaks a hole in the red brick wall so you can get an inside perspective of the issues, challenges, and progress going on in your schools. Today's topic is social activism in schools. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greg-cawsey5/message
Finding Balance in Social Activism
June 12, 2023 00:54 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBPublic #onted is a current affairs newsletter for people interested in what’s going on inside Ontario Public Schools today. Award winning, veteran teacher Greg Cawsey breaks a hole in the red brick wall so you can get an inside perspective of the issues, challenges, and progress going on in your schools. Today's topic is social activism in schools.
Here We Go Again - So Tired Of The Neverending Contract Battles
August 23, 2022 19:21 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBUnions don't support pushing for essential service status because it cuts the size and influence of their organizations.I f you agree that teachers would get a better deal if deemed essential - then members will ask why are we paying so much in dues. An association can do contract maintenance for much less. rather than spending millions on ad buys during contract talks. The government may not want this, but the public does . They are tired of the current adversarial system of endless contra...
We Need School Trustees
August 12, 2022 16:05 - 13 minutes - 12.9 MBIf public education is in fact in trouble, the one terrible sign would be public apathy. Sadly, in some municipalities the indifference is on full display with some school trustee positions being unfilled or uncontested individuals being acclaimed. The system needs input from the public to be at its best. Secondary issue is that teachers have flexed their political muscles in endorsing candidates who see public education through their lens. With limited numbers running for the position, te...
No More Strikes
July 27, 2022 19:12 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBToday's idea is to take away teacher's unions' right to strike by making teaching an essential service.
Public #Onted - It's Another JUSTCAWS... Podcast - Season 2
July 27, 2022 19:00 - 2 minutes - 2.78 MBWelcome to Advancing Public Education, hosted by Gregory Cawsey. Here to give voice to ideas on advancing public education.
Public #Onted - Is a JUSTCAWS Podcast
July 27, 2022 19:00 - 2 minutes - 2.78 MBWelcome to Advancing Public Education, hosted by Gregory Cawsey. Here to give voice to ideas on advancing public education.
Advancing Public Education - It's a JUSTCAWS
July 27, 2022 19:00 - 2 minutes - 2.78 MBWelcome to Advancing Public Education, hosted by Gregory Cawsey. Here to give voice to ideas on advancing public education. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greg-cawsey5/message
Advancing Public #Onted - It's a JUSTCAWS Podcast
July 27, 2022 19:00 - 2 minutes - 2.78 MBWelcome to Advancing Public Education, hosted by Gregory Cawsey. Here to give voice to ideas on advancing public education. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greg-cawsey5/message
Public Education
July 16, 2022 13:48 - 30 minutes - 28 MBA strong Public Education system is vital for a functional democracy. So many important parts of our society are supported by an educated electorate that learns perspective in an environment that reflects the society they want to change. Equity within public education is vital, but it must be done right. An uncompromising push for equity is going to push out families that have time, money and influence. Their absence will disrupt the diversity needed for the magic of public education to work...