#28 Teaching on the Edge

In this episode, host Devon Young talks with first-year educator MJ Poss, who shares an honest reflection on what it's really like to be a teacher in today's public schools. From chronic underfunding to emotional burnout, MJ doesn't hold back about the toll the system takes on its educators—and why, despite it all, they're still committed to showing up. Through their perspective as a queer, nonbinary special education teacher, MJ also speaks to the importance of community, mutual aid, and visibility in and outside the classroom. It's a raw, grounded conversation about resistance, survival, and care in a profession too often overlooked. Show notes & links: Portland Public Schools Portland Association of Teachers Union RFK's statements on autism Community Podcasting Microcredential - This 12-credit, graduate-level certification helps you build professional skills in podcasting, interviewing, and audio production to tell meaningful community stories. Thanks to Leif Olsen for composing the music for the series of Oregon Speaks: Voices from this moment.