OEA

Bills, bills, bills. This week on Fried Okra, we sort through the stack at the Capitol and break down what’s moving on the budget, literacy, property taxes, emergency certified teachers, and more. We talk about the real opportunity in front of Oklahoma to invest in long-term strategies, bring some consistency to education policy, and decide who we want to be as a state.

This week on Fried Okra, we break down education news shaping the week, including Senate education leadership priorities on literacy, retention, leave, and classroom policy. We also discuss the State Board of Education rolling back policies and actions tied to the previous state superintendent. #oklaed

Part two of our conversation with Forrest Bennett is here. We dig deeper into his time at the Capitol, what he learned as a legislator, and why he believes organized labor is critical to Oklahoma’s future. A thoughtful, honest discussion about education, work, and where we go next.

We’re back from the holiday break with part one of our interview with Forrest Bennett, the new president of the Oklahoma AFL-CIO. Forrest brings humor, heart, and honesty as he reflects on growing up in Oklahoma, his nine years in the Legislature, and why standing up for working people is the work he believes in most.

We’re closing out the year with a look ahead. On the final Fried Okra episode of 2025, former Shawnee teacher Seth Brown joins us to talk about his journey into education advocacy and what’s coming in the next legislative session for Oklahoma educators. #oklaed

A new episode of Fried Okra features Stephen Evans of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. We explore the Road to Remembrance program with Greenwood Rising, where OKCPS and TPS students learn hard histories of hate and the powerful truth that we do not have to live that way. Stephen explains how these lessons reshape generations and strengthen our communities. #oklaed

A new episode of Fried Okra is out now! We sit down with Rep. Michelle McCane, a 14-year Tulsa Public Schools educator and former OEA member, to talk about lived experience, holding elected leaders accountable, sharing your story, and supporting the support staff who keep our schools running. #oklaed

A new episode of Fried Okra breaks down the interim studies at the Capitol on literacy, merit pay, childhood hunger, concurrent enrollment, and student violence. Learn what lawmakers are considering and how these discussions could shape the future of Oklahoma schools. #oklaed

We are thrilled to welcome back former Fried Okra host Rep. Ellen Pogemiller! She shares how her journey from PTA parent to OEA staff member to state representative shaped her work and what she has learned that can help all of us face new opportunities and challenges. #oklaed

A new episode of Fried Okra features Oklahoma Policy Institute Executive Director Shiloh Kantz breaking down how the federal government shutdown could affect Oklahoma’s public school communities. We talk about what a shutdown really means for schools, families, and educators, and what Oklahomans should be watching in the weeks ahead. #oklaed

A new episode of Fried Okra features OREA President Paula Squires and OEA Education Support Professional of the Year Kathy Hale. Paula shares how retired educators continue to protect the future for those still in the classroom, while Kathy discusses her role in Putnam City and the fight for fair pay and respect through the ESP Bill of Rights. #oklaed

In this episode of Fried Okra, we talk with Mid-Del teacher, City Councilor, and OEA member Kim Blodgett about why educators should get involved in their communities and how chaos and uncertainty often hit our most vulnerable students hardest. #oklaed

In this episode of Fried Okra, we sit down with Dalaney Santos, President of the Oklahoma Aspiring Educators Association, and OEA Organizer Josh Frazier to discuss the future of the teaching profession, the importance of supporting aspiring educators, and how OAEA is helping shape the path forward for Oklahoma public education. #oklaed

Ryan Walters is out. In this episode of Fried Okra, we break down his resignation, the timeline leading to it, his chaotic legacy, and what it means for Oklahoma education. We also look to the future with hope, while remembering the lessons of the past. #oklaed

We talk with AFL-CIO Oklahoma President Jimmy Curry and OEA Executive Director Dr. Rhonda Harlow about Oklahoma’s deep labor roots, the victories and struggles of the past, the current state of organizing, and how lessons from history can guide us toward a stronger future. 

We sit down with Heather Davis, Bartlesville teacher and Award for Teaching Excellence winner, whose “Magic in Oklahoma Classrooms” message is inspiring educators statewide. In this episode, Heather shares why she chose teaching, what makes her classroom unique, and why it’s vital for educators to tell their own stories. She also reflects on the role of OEA in uniting teachers, the importance of s...

Fried Okra is back from summer break! We recap the scandals and chaos at the State Dept. and Board of Ed, explore how new laws like the cell phone ban are hitting schools, and look ahead to a big year with the state superintendent race on the horizon. Listen now. #oklaed

The Oklahoma legislative session has officially adjourned Sine Die—but not before lawmakers overrode a wave of the Governor’s vetoes and finalized key decisions about education funding. In this episode of Fried Okra, we break down the final week at the Capitol, highlight the bills that made it across the finish line, and unpack what they mean for students and educators across the state.

We’re breaking down the Supreme Court’s decision to block the nation's first religious charter school in Oklahoma—and what it means for public education in our state. We’re also taking a look at the latest State Board of Education meeting and the education bills still on the move as the legislative session enters its final sprint.

We’re breaking down the state budget deal and what it really means for public schools. Plus, a full roundup of education legislation—what was signed (or not), what didn’t, and what you need to know moving forward. If you’re an educator or care about Oklahoma’s public schools, this one’s for you. Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5M9IBGM3WQar71SmFQAaCv Apple Podcasts: https://podcas...

We're diving into the lawsuit filed this week against Ryan Walters and the State Board of Education—brought by parents, grandparents, and educators, and led by former Republican Attorney General Mike Hunter. We’re also breaking down key education bills that survived deadline week at the Capitol—what made it through, what didn’t, and what it all means for Oklahoma public schools.

We're catching you up on everything you've missed in the past few weeks at the #okleg—including a disappointing move by lawmakers not to send the new education standards back to the State Board, despite strong concerns from educators and the public. If you're feeling frustrated, you're not alone—and this episode helps you make sense of what’s happening at the Capitol and what comes next.

OU’s Raegan Beers shines on the court—but she’s also preparing to lead the next generation as an education major. Hear why teaching is part of her game plan on this week’s Fried Okra. 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oea/id1501888562 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5M9IBGM3WQar71SmFQAaCv #oklaed

The State Supt.’s tenuous grasp on the truth continues—this time, the social studies standards presented to the board weren’t the same as those posted online. We also cover bills on student phone bans, virtual day limits, retiree pay opportunities, and school board election changes. #oklaed

New Fried Okra episode! We cover bills that could: 📌 Give teachers’ kids Oklahoma Promise tuition 📌 Extend the salary schedule 📌 Set new cell phone rules in schools