The Canned Curriculum Mess

Part I: Stuffing the Mess Into a Can

In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast host, Trina English, discusses how canned curriculum (lesson plans, workbooks, assessments created by curriculum companies) contributes to the teacher shortage crisis. Trina explains the nature of canned curriculum and its limitations, stressing how it suppresses teacher autonomy and creativity, leading to teacher burnout. She provides personal anecdotes and outlines the systemic issues with decision-making in education that exclude teacher input. She also previews upcoming episodes which include interviews with teachers impacted by canned curriculum and a candid discussion with co-hosts Amanda Werner and Jessica Martin.

Part II: The High Cost of Fighting Back

In this episode, hosts Trina and Amanda delve into the teacher shortage crisis through the lens of canned curriculum and its oppressive impact on teachers and students. They interview two anonymous teachers who share harrowing personal experiences of being forced to use rigid, formulaic, and dense teaching materials. The episode provides a comprehensive breakdown of key educational acronyms and frameworks such as ELPAC, EL, ELD, and SDIAE, and discusses the systemic issues exacerbated by canned curricula. Additionally, it highlights how these practices affect new teachers and marginalized student groups, proposing a shift towards trusting teachers' expertise and forming meaningful student relationships.

Part III: Real Talk

This episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast features hosts Amanda, Jess, and Trina discussing Jess's reaction to a previous episode about the harmful impacts of adopting canned curriculum at the secondary level. The discussion delves into the differences between elementary and secondary education, teacher autonomy, the importance of early education, systemic issues related to gender and educational practices, the role of neurodivergence in teaching, and challenges with canned curriculums. The episode emphasizes the need for teacher involvement in policy-making and advocates for a more supportive, professional environment for educators. A call to action encourages listeners to join the movement to improve K-12 education and uphold democracy.