Episode 72: Weingarten’s Warnings & Ramaswamy’s Proposal

In hour one, Michelle reflects on key insights from AFT President Randi Weingarten’s new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education & the Future of Democracy. She unpacks Weingarten’s arguments about the central role educators play in defending democracy, the rising threats facing public schools, and why the fight for a fully funded, inclusive, and equitable public education system has never been more urgent.In hour two, Mark and Clayton break down Vivek Ramaswamy’s proposal to extend the school day and shift to a year-round school calendar. They examine the pros, the cons, the real-world costs, and the political motivations behind the idea—offering a grounded, labor-informed perspective on what such a policy would mean for students, families, and educators.Send us Fan Mail