Public Education Unfiltered
By Educators. For Educators.
Public education is facing new challenges, and it’s time for real talk.
Public Education Unfiltered, hosted by public education expert Brian J. Stephens, goes beyond the headlines to tackle the biggest challenges facing public school districts— without the sugar coating.
Through raw, unfiltered conversations with superintendents, policymakers, and education reform leaders, this podcast breaks down the real issues affecting schools today, from chronic absenteeism and student recruitment to funding struggles and policy shifts. But this isn’t just talk— it’s about real-world solutions that help educators, administrators, and decision-makers take action.
If you care about the future of public education, this is the podcast you need to hear.
Have a topic you want to hear about next? Email caroline@caissaps.com to share your thoughts.
Episodes
27 episodes
Navigating the Competition: How Public Schools in Newark Stay Ahead
With school choice here to stay, public school districts must evolve to embrace the reality of competition. Rochanda Jackson, Executive Director of the Office of Policy, Planning, Evaluation, and Testing at the Newark Board of Education, joins ...
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42:59
Addressing Comments on Caissa K12's New York Times Feature
Following Caissa K12’s recent feature in The New York Times, Brian sits down to directly respond to some of the reactions and comments it sparked. Joined by producer Caroline Christian, he addresses common misconceptions about public s...
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30:49
A Future Without Public Education
What happens when a society turns its back on public education? In this episode, we look at education’s past and present to uncover the devastating consequences cultures face when public education systems are dismantled or neglected. The loss o...
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20:14
The History That’s Shaping Tomorrow’s Schools
What can the history of public education teach us about its future? Across centuries and civilizations, public education has always played a central role in shaping societies and developing productive citizens. Learn how this global evolution d...
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28:49
Public Schools Must Choose To Compete
The future of public education depends on our willingness to face reality: traditional public schools are in a competition, whether they want to be or not. In this episode, explore why districts must choose to compete, and how their communities...
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20:06
What School Choice Means in Florida: Lessons for District Leaders Nationwide
School choice legislation aims to create competition, but how can it be fair when public schools play by different rules? Scott Howat, the Chief Communications Officer of Orange County Public Schools, joins to discuss the financial impact of un...
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44:32
Navigating The Intersection of AI & Education
AI’s relevancy has increased drastically in recent years, but is it education’s cornerstone or its crutch? This episode explores the benefits and consequences of AI in the classroom, as well as the long term repercussions on students of a growi...
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15:37
How Public Schools Took On The Statehouse
Public education supporters across the nation have watched one community’s battle against unfair state legislation, a battle led by Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson. In this episode, featuring guest host Paige Walk...
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42:01
Why Public School Districts Are Suing Social Media Companies
Across the country, public school districts are taking tech giants like Meta and TikTok to court, blaming them for a mental health crisis unfolding in America's classrooms. This episode dives into the details behind local school district’s laws...
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28:08
Should Public School Districts Outsource?
As more public schools face budget shortfalls, many districts are considering outsourcing school services to cut costs, but is it the right move? This episode clarifies the conversation around outsourcing in public school districts, covering co...
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25:43
What Every Public School Leader Needs to Know About DEI
The Department of Education's decision to eliminate DEI initiatives will have lasting effects on public school districts. This episode dives into the legal landscape surrounding public education and DEI by breaking down what is currently permit...
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24:13
The Impact of Immigration Policies on Student Attendance
This episode examines how immigration enforcement and recent ICE raids are impacting public school attendance and dismantling safe spaces for students. It explores the decline in attendance among undocumented students, widespread walkouts, and ...
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23:51
MSCS Board Member Tamarques Porter on District Success
This episode features a candid conversation with Memphis-Shelby County Schools board member Tamarques Porter, who shares his perspective on the district’s success and potential challenges. The discussion covers the heated debate around school c...
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43:47
Can Public Schools Display The Ten Commandments?
This episode dives into the legal and legislative battle over religious displays in U.S. public school classrooms. We unpack why the Ten Commandments were originally banned, explore the efforts to reverse that decision in prominent Supreme Cour...
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7:49
Is Texas Trying To Destroy Public Schools?
Learn who benefits and who gets left behind in the education budget recently passed by the Texas Legislature. From promised teacher raises for only 50% of staff to missed opportunities for traditional public schools, the universal voucher progr...
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19:24
Are Vouchers Designed To Destroy Public Schools?
School choice is gaining momentum across the country, with initiatives like vouchers, education savings accounts, and charter school expansions moving quickly through state and federal legislatures. Supporters say these programs empower parents...
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17:47
Supreme Court Ruling On The ADA & The Impact On Public Schools
A recent Supreme Court decision has reshaped how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is applied— and public school districts across the country will feel the impact. In this episode, we break down what the ruling means, why it mat...
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11:01
PART 2: Impact of the Department of Education on Public Schools
We are continuing the conversation about the impact and future of the Department of Education. This is the second part to Public Education Unfiltered’s episode on the potential ED shutdown. Discover the misplaced blame that often gets ...
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28:41
PART 1: Impact of the Department of Education on Public Schools
What actually is the department of education? A question many are asking recently, so learn what the department of education does and does not do, along with what the impacts of its “shutdown” will be. In the face of ...
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33:51
Decide and Defend: The Strategy Behind Making the Call
Ever feel stuck between options or overwhelmed by competing priorities? You’re not alone. This episode will give you a toolkit for making decisions. Dive into the mindsets that help leaders make tough calls. Unpack what it means to make the rig...
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20:18
How To Fund The Future Of Public Schools
Want strategies for budgeting and competing in a changing landscape? In this episode, learn more about how public school districts face mounting financial pressures and fierce competition from alternative schooling models. Inspired by the key t...
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42:27
Webinar: National Immigration Policy Impacts Student Attendance
This national poll gauges parents' attitudes on attendance and immigration policy changes, giving public school district leaders the tools they need to make the best decisions for their communities. Brian Stephens breaks down the top-line findi...
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36:57
Public Schools Can’t Reach Their Goals
Discover effective goal-setting strategies designed to drive success. Hear real-world examples of how public school districts can apply SMART goals to achieve meaningful results in both short- and long-term initiatives. While districts need the...
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37:59
Student Recruitment: Higher Education VS. K-12 School Districts
How Can K-12 Schools Improve Student Recruitment? Insights from Orange County Public Schools' James Gregory.In this episode, James Gregory from Orange County Public Schools, FL, shares expert insights on student recruitment strate...
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35:04
Interview with CCO, Scott Howat, on how they passed a ballot initiative to help fund the district!
Orange County Public School's Chief Communicators Officer explains how they won a one-mill ad valorem property tax ballot initiative that helped fund the district. With this funding, they've been able to increase their graduation rate and have ...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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31:30