Best Publicschool Podcasts (2026)

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A Special Interview with TASB President Tony Hopkins 27:25

Play Pause

28d ago27:25

27:25

In this special episode, learn more about new TASB President Tony Hopkins. He discusses his goals and hopes for the future, his background as a trustee, how to advocate in the interim, and upcoming TASB events in the new year.

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Legislative Update: November 2025 17:51

2M ago17:51

17:51

Host Matt Mitchell is joined by Kelly Rasti from TASB Governmental Relations to break down recent state and federal public education news.

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Policy Update: October 2025 16:47

2M ago16:47

16:47

Host Matt Mitchell is joined by Amanda Bigbee, division director, for an update from TASB Policy Service.

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Legislative Update: October 2025 7:49

3M ago7:49

7:49

Host Matt Mitchell and TASB Director of Federal Affairs Ruben Longoria discuss the federal government shutdown and what it could mean for public education.

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Legislative Update: September 2025 – Pt. 2 22:43

3M ago22:43

22:43

Host Matt Mitchell is joined by TASB Governmental Relations' Kelly Rasti and Legal Services' Mark Tilley to discuss legislative and policy updates from the 89th Texas Legislature.

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Legislative Update: September 2025 19:34

4M ago19:34

19:34

TASB Governmental Relations' Kelly Rasti joins host Matt Mitchell to recap the 89th Texas Legislature's second special session and preview txEDCON 2025 in Houston.

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Leading from the Second Chair - the Role of the Vice Chairman 30:24

4M ago30:24

30:24

In this episode, David Baker, TSBA President-Elect and Hardin County Vice Chairman, discusses what it means to lead from the second chair. Tune in as we explore what it means to be the Vice Chairman as well as have a strong working relationship with the Chairman as well as being in a supportive role during each board meeting. Click here if you wish…

1
Leading from the Second Chair - the Role of the Vice Chairman 30:24

4M ago30:24

30:24

In this episode, David Baker, TSBA President-Elect and Hardin County Vice Chairman, discusses what it means to lead from the second chair. Tune in as we explore what it means to be the Vice Chairman as well as have a strong working relationship with the Chairman as well as being in a supportive role during each board meeting. Click here if you wish…

1
Legislative Update: August 2025 12:54

5M ago12:54

12:54

Host Matt Mitchell is joined by Dax Gonzalez and Ruben Longoria from TASB Governmental Relations for a federal update + what's next for public education in the special session.

1
Legislative Update: July 2025 12:54

6M ago12:54

12:54

Dax Gonzalez and Kelly Rasti from TASB Governmental Relations join the show to preview the upcoming special legislative session.

1
Calling the Shots with TSSAA 44:59

6M ago44:59

44:59

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) and its impact on students, schools, and communities across the state. Mark Reeves, Executive Director of TSSAA, shares insights on how TSSAA supports both athletic excellence and academic integrity. Tune in as we explore what it means to lead, pla…

1
Calling the Shots with TSSAA 44:59

6M ago44:59

44:59

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) and its impact on students, schools, and communities across the state. Mark Reeves, Executive Director of TSSAA, shares insights on how TSSAA supports both athletic excellence and academic integrity. Tune in as we explore what it means to lead, pla…

1
Legislative Update: Recapping the 89th Texas Legislature 26:49

7M ago26:49

26:49

Host Matt Mitchell is joined by Dax Gonzalez and Kelly Rasti from TASB Governmental Relations to recap the 89th Texas Legislature. They break down important bills impacting Texas public education, discuss ways trustees and advocates can stay involved in the interim, and recount their favorite moments from the session.…

1
Cultivating Excellence: A Conversation with the 2024 National Teacher of the Year 28:27

7M ago28:27

28:27

In this episode, we join Missy Testerman, Rogersville City School, as she discusses her achievement as the 2024 National Teacher of the Year and shares her journey from the classroom to national recognition. Tune in as she provides insights into her teaching philosophy, innovative practices, and strategies on building meaningful connections to stud…

1
Cultivating Excellence: A Conversation with the 2024 National Teacher of the Year 28:27

7M ago28:27

28:27

In this episode, we join Missy Testerman, Rogersville City School, as she discusses her achievement as the 2024 National Teacher of the Year and shares her journey from the classroom to national recognition. Tune in as she provides insights into her teaching philosophy, innovative practices, and strategies on building meaningful connections to stud…

1
Legislative Update: May 2025 – Pt. 2 12:53

7M ago12:53

12:53

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Legislative Update: May 2025 7:23

8M ago7:23

7:23

Matt and Dax give a quick update on House Bill 2 and other public education bills from the past week at the 89th Texas Legislature.

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Ask the Attorney: Special Education Edition 29:33

8M ago29:33

29:33

In today's episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of "Ask the Attorney" focuses solely on questions regarding the law around board policy. Questions from "what is the function of the policy committee" to "how can a board member propose a poli…

1
Ask the Attorney: Special Education Edition 29:33

8M ago29:33

29:33

In today's episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of "Ask the Attorney" focuses solely on questions regarding the law around board policy. Questions from "what is the function of the policy committee" to "how can a board member propose a poli…

1
Legislative Update: April 2025 – Pt. 2 11:41

9M ago11:41

11:41

Matt is joined by Dax to recap Texas House debates and votes on HB 2 (school funding) and SB 2 (vouchers) + other updates from this week at the Texas Legislature.

1
Legislative Update: April 2025 16:50

9M ago16:50

16:50

Matt and Dax discuss the latest updates on ESA vouchers and school funding bills (SB 2 and HB 2) + budget day in the Texas House.

1
Lights, Camera, Education: Inside Warrior Media at White County Schools 39:43

9M ago39:43

39:43

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Warrior Media, the educational media program at White County Schools that's empowering students to create, collaborate, and develop A/V production skills. Join us as we discuss this program with Jayson McDonald, 2025 TSBA President and White County Board Member; Kurt Dronebarger, Director of Schools at White…

1
Lights, Camera, Education: Inside Warrior Media at White County Schools 39:43

9M ago39:43

39:43

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Warrior Media, the educational media program at White County Schools that's empowering students to create, collaborate, and develop A/V production skills. Join us as we discuss this program with Jayson McDonald, 2025 TSBA President and White County Board Member; Kurt Dronebarger, Director of Schools at White…

1
Legislative Update: March 2025 - Pt. 2 14:37

9M ago14:37

14:37

Matt is joined by Dax for a 'State of the Legislature' update + information about TASB Spring Workshops.

1
Legislative Update: March 2025 12:10

10M ago12:10

12:10

Matt and Dax discuss new public education developments from the 89th Texas Legislature, including recent hearings for House Bills 2 and 3.

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Unveiling the Artificial Intelligence Toolkit for School Board Members 21:43

10M ago21:43

21:43

In this episode, we're excited to discuss TSBA's latest resource: the TSBA School Board Member Toolkit for Artificial Intelligence. Join us as we sit down with Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations and one of the developers of this innovative toolkit, to explore how AI is shaping the future of K-12 education and why it's essential for …

1
Unveiling the Artificial Intelligence Toolkit for School Board Members 21:43

10M ago21:43

21:43

In this episode, we're excited to discuss TSBA's latest resource: the TSBA School Board Member Toolkit for Artificial Intelligence. Join us as we sit down with Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations and one of the developers of this innovative toolkit, to explore how AI is shaping the future of K-12 education and why it's essential for …

1
Legislative Update: Feb. 2025 – Pt. 3 17:32

10M ago17:32

17:32

Matt and Dax recap a busy week at the 89th Texas Legislature and provide updates on public education bills.

1
Legislative Update: Feb. 2025 – Pt. 2 5:58

11M ago5:58

5:58

Matt and Dax discuss the newly announced Texas House committee assignments in this special mini episode.

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Legislative Update: Feb. 2025 11:44

11M ago11:44

11:44

Matt and Dax discuss the latest news from the 89th Texas Legislature, including Gov. Greg Abbott's State of the State address and update on Senate Bill 2.

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[Re-Air] Getting on Board: Tips for New School Board Members 27:54

11M ago27:54

27:54

Due to the amount of recent new board members, we wanted to relaunch the following podcast to help navigate this time as a new board member. During this podcast episode, Candy Morgan, Former TSBA President (Maryville); Keys Fillauer, Former TSBA President (Oak Ridge); Dr. Dale Viox, Former TSBA President (Arlington); and Marty Burlison (Tipton Coun…

1
[Re-Air] Getting on Board: Tips for New School Board Members 27:54

11M ago27:54

27:54

Due to the amount of recent new board members, we wanted to relaunch the following podcast to help navigate this time as a new board member. During this podcast episode, Candy Morgan, Former TSBA President (Maryville); Keys Fillauer, Former TSBA President (Oak Ridge); Dr. Dale Viox, Former TSBA President (Arlington); and Marty Burlison (Tipton Coun…

1
Legislative Update: Jan. 2025 17:01

12M ago17:01

17:01

Host Matt Mitchell is joined by Kelly Rasti, associate executive director of TASB Governmental Relations, to recap the first week of the 89th legislative session and preview what's next.

1
From Classroom to Boardroom: The Importance of Student Representatives in Education 25:27

1y ago25:27

25:27

In today's episode, Mark Clark, Board Chairman, Fayetteville City, Eric Jones, Director of Schools, Fayetteville City, and Braila, a Senior at Fayetteville City Schools, discuss the role of student representatives on Boards of Education and their impact on shaping the future of our schools. Listen today to hear insights on why student voices are es…

1
From Classroom to Boardroom: The Importance of Student Representatives in Education 25:27

1y ago25:27

25:27

In today's episode, Mark Clark, Board Chairman, Fayetteville City, Eric Jones, Director of Schools, Fayetteville City, and Braila, a Senior at Fayetteville City Schools, discuss the role of student representatives on Boards of Education and their impact on shaping the future of our schools. Listen today to hear insights on why student voices are es…

1
Student Congress on Policies in Education Conference – Everything You Need to Know About SCOPE 18:53

1y ago18:53

18:53

In today's episode, Jennifer White, TSBA Director of Policy Services & Staff Attorney, discusses the Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) conference. Annually, TSBA hosts this event which brings together 9th-12th grade students from across the state to discuss current topics in education. Tune in today and listen to how participants ex…

1
Student Congress on Policies in Education Conference – Everything You Need to Know About SCOPE 18:53

1y ago18:53

18:53

In today's episode, Jennifer White, TSBA Director of Policy Services & Staff Attorney, discusses the Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) conference. Annually, TSBA hosts this event which brings together 9th-12th grade students from across the state to discuss current topics in education. Tune in today and listen to how participants ex…

1
Legislative Interim Update: Nov. 2024 8:50

1y ago8:50

8:50

Matt Mitchell is joined by Dax Gonzalez and Whitney Broughton from TASB Governmental Relations to recap the latest from the Texas Legislature, including recent SBOE discussions.

1
Getting Ready for Election Day- Oct. 2024 13:16

1y ago13:16

13:16

1
Why Advocacy Matters in Public Education 24:05

1y ago24:05

24:05

In today's episode, Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations, discusses the importance of advocacy in public education and why it matters to be an effective advocate. Whether you are a board member or a Director of Schools, today's episode contains helpful information when considering the legislative landscape for the school district.…

1
Why Advocacy Matters in Public Education 24:05

1y ago24:05

24:05

In today's episode, Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations, discusses the importance of advocacy in public education and why it matters to be an effective advocate. Whether you are a board member or a Director of Schools, today's episode contains helpful information when considering the legislative landscape for the school district.…

1
Recapping txEDCON24 11:52

1y ago11:52

11:52

Matt Mitchell and Dax Gonzalez recap a busy txEDCON24, including the SBAN luncheon and Delegate Assembly. Then, they discuss what other advocacy events are around the corner.

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Enhancing Education for English Learners at Collierville Schools 44:12

1+ y ago44:12

44:12

In today's episode, Wright Cox, Collierville Board Chairman; Leigh Anne Rainey, Chief Academic Officer; and Jana Church, Intervention and Special Populations Supervisor, discuss their English Learners program and how they are using this program to empower students from diverse backgrounds to overcome language barriers and succeed academically. List…

1
Enhancing Education for English Learners at Collierville Schools 44:12

1+ y ago44:12

44:12

In today's episode, Wright Cox, Collierville Board Chairman; Leigh Anne Rainey, Chief Academic Officer; and Jana Church, Intervention and Special Populations Supervisor, discuss their English Learners program and how they are using this program to empower students from diverse backgrounds to overcome language barriers and succeed academically. List…

1
Legislative Interim Update Sept. 2024 8:14

1+ y ago8:14

8:14

TASB Talks returns from hiatus, as host Matt Mitchell is joined by Dax Gonzalez, Division Director of TASB Governmental Relations. Dax provides an update on what's been going on in the legislative interim, and what trustees can be doing in the last few months leading up to the session. He also discusses recent meetings held by the Senate Finance Co…

1
TN Bass Nation High School and Youth Program 32:26

1+ y ago32:26

32:26

In today's episode, David Lowrie, State Director, and Jake Davis, State President, discuss the TN Bass Nation High School and Youth Program and how this program has impacted students across the state of Tennessee. Listen today to learn how to get your school district involved. https://tbnhsy.com David Lowrie, TN State Director [email protected]…

1
TN Bass Nation High School and Youth Program 32:26

1+ y ago32:26

32:26

In today's episode, David Lowrie, State Director, and Jake Davis, State President, discuss the TN Bass Nation High School and Youth Program and how this program has impacted students across the state of Tennessee. Listen today to learn how to get your school district involved. https://tbnhsy.com David Lowrie, TN State Director [email protected]…

1
It's All About the Data 33:54

1+ y ago33:54

33:54

In today's episode, Dr. Tammy Grissom, TSBA Executive Director, Ben Torres, TSBA Assistant Executive Director/General Counsel, and Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations, discuss the importance of data and why it is such an important tool for school boards to utilize when making decisions for their school districts. Listen today to lear…

1
It's All About the Data 33:54

1+ y ago33:54

33:54

In today's episode, Dr. Tammy Grissom, TSBA Executive Director, Ben Torres, TSBA Assistant Executive Director/General Counsel, and Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations, discuss the importance of data and why it is such an important tool for school boards to utilize when making decisions for their school districts. Listen today to lear…

1
[Re-Air] Attributes of an Effective Board Chairman 39:29

1+ y ago39:29

39:29

[Re-Air] In today's episode, I'm speaking with Keys Fillauer, 2021 President-Elect and Board Chairman of the Oak Ridge Board of Education, as he discusses the top attributes needed to be an effective board chairman. The chairman carries a heavy responsibility, and certain skills and actions are required in order for the chairman to conduct his/her …