MK Maslanka
@mkmaslanka.bsky.social
Education Policy PhD student, social studies teacher. Advocate for public schools and teachers.
Reposted by MK Maslanka
Why do you appreciate unions?
I’ll start:
Weekends off
Paid vacations
Work breaks
Sick leave
Paid holidays
No child labor
Safer working conditions
Health care and retirement benefits
I’ll start:
Weekends off
Paid vacations
Work breaks
Sick leave
Paid holidays
No child labor
Safer working conditions
Health care and retirement benefits
August 31, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Why do you appreciate unions?
I’ll start:
Weekends off
Paid vacations
Work breaks
Sick leave
Paid holidays
No child labor
Safer working conditions
Health care and retirement benefits
I’ll start:
Weekends off
Paid vacations
Work breaks
Sick leave
Paid holidays
No child labor
Safer working conditions
Health care and retirement benefits
Reposted by MK Maslanka
Banning books. Silencing teachers. Defunding schools.
It’s starting to feel like some folks want public education to fail. Here’s how we fight back: Run for school board and city council. Run to protect our kids.
We’ll help you start 👉 runforwhat.net
It’s starting to feel like some folks want public education to fail. Here’s how we fight back: Run for school board and city council. Run to protect our kids.
We’ll help you start 👉 runforwhat.net
August 20, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Banning books. Silencing teachers. Defunding schools.
It’s starting to feel like some folks want public education to fail. Here’s how we fight back: Run for school board and city council. Run to protect our kids.
We’ll help you start 👉 runforwhat.net
It’s starting to feel like some folks want public education to fail. Here’s how we fight back: Run for school board and city council. Run to protect our kids.
We’ll help you start 👉 runforwhat.net
Reposted by MK Maslanka
Wages of unionized workers are 13% higher than their nonunion counterparts.
But unions also set a higher pay standard that all workers enjoy.
In high-union-density states, median household income is $12,000 higher than in low-union-density states.
This is why unions are vital.
But unions also set a higher pay standard that all workers enjoy.
In high-union-density states, median household income is $12,000 higher than in low-union-density states.
This is why unions are vital.
August 20, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Wages of unionized workers are 13% higher than their nonunion counterparts.
But unions also set a higher pay standard that all workers enjoy.
In high-union-density states, median household income is $12,000 higher than in low-union-density states.
This is why unions are vital.
But unions also set a higher pay standard that all workers enjoy.
In high-union-density states, median household income is $12,000 higher than in low-union-density states.
This is why unions are vital.
Reposted by MK Maslanka
We told you they were going to do project 2025 and it’s 2025 and they’re doing project 2025
July 31, 2025 at 12:16 PM
We told you they were going to do project 2025 and it’s 2025 and they’re doing project 2025
Reposted by MK Maslanka
Just weeks before the school year begins, Secretary of Ed Linda McMahon is refusing to release $8.6 billion in federal funds that Congress approved for public schools. Tell Linda McMahon to #ReleaseFunds4Schools. We make it easy with Action Network networkforpubliceduc...
#ReleaseFunds4Schools - Network For Public Education
Just weeks before the school year begins, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon is refusing to release $8.6 billion in federal funds that Congress approved for public schools.
networkforpubliceducation.org
July 19, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Just weeks before the school year begins, Secretary of Ed Linda McMahon is refusing to release $8.6 billion in federal funds that Congress approved for public schools. Tell Linda McMahon to #ReleaseFunds4Schools. We make it easy with Action Network networkforpubliceduc...
By my count, 6 texts or review books for the AP Psychology exam. Two that primarily contain practice test questions.
The full list of 596 books removed from Dept. of Defense schools was released by order of a federal judge as part of a lawsuit brought by the @aclu.org. The list includes titles about diversity, puberty, and racism, and the aptly named YA book, "You Call This Democracy?" pen.org/books-banned...
596 Books Banned by Department of Defense Schools Include Titles on Democracy, Feminism, Racism - PEN America
A list of 596 books removed from Department of Defense schools includes Advanced Placement psychology study guides, titles about diversity, puberty, and racism, and the aptly named Young Adult book, Y...
pen.org
July 17, 2025 at 11:25 PM
By my count, 6 texts or review books for the AP Psychology exam. Two that primarily contain practice test questions.
Reposted by MK Maslanka
U.S. History teachers you have a very important job to do
The official DHS account is now tweeting about “your homeland’s heritage”
July 15, 2025 at 3:32 AM
U.S. History teachers you have a very important job to do
Phang: Teachers are some of the least paid, most underappreciated people, and they work in such an intimate way in our lives. Your kids spend more time at school than they do at home, at least in waking hours. So why not encourage our teachers? Why create this oppressive environment?
July 15, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Reposted by MK Maslanka
“Why can't we attract and retain teachers the way we used to? We know the answer: We’re forcing them to earn less & work longer. We’re telling them the bargain they made to work in public service & have the benefit of a public pension is being taken away from them.” - @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
July 9, 2025 at 5:50 PM
“Why can't we attract and retain teachers the way we used to? We know the answer: We’re forcing them to earn less & work longer. We’re telling them the bargain they made to work in public service & have the benefit of a public pension is being taken away from them.” - @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
Reposted by MK Maslanka
"You read books, eh?" A 1949 red scare Herblock cartoon about pressures on teachers that hits hard once again.
May 21, 2025 at 12:54 PM
"You read books, eh?" A 1949 red scare Herblock cartoon about pressures on teachers that hits hard once again.
NYSED: “We understand that the current administration seeks to censor anything it deems ‘diversity, equity & inclusion’… But there are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI. USDOE has yet to define what practices it believes violate Title VI.”
www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...
www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...
Trump gave states 10 days to sign anti-DEI policy. NY Education Department is refusing.
In a Friday letter to the U.S. Education Department, New York officials said they will not certify that the state is eliminating DEI in schools, despite threats to pull federal funding.
www.chalkbeat.org
April 5, 2025 at 10:40 AM
NYSED: “We understand that the current administration seeks to censor anything it deems ‘diversity, equity & inclusion’… But there are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI. USDOE has yet to define what practices it believes violate Title VI.”
www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...
www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...
Reposted by MK Maslanka
What are the “differing opinions” administrators want to make room for? “No, some people are not welcome here?” What does “here” refer to? The classroom; the school; the community; the US? Some or all of the above? This is what resegregationist politics looks like at the local level.
West Ada teacher stands firm after she’s told to remove ‘Everyone is welcome here’ signs
Sarah Inama said she was told by administrators that her signs “don’t allow people to express differing opinions.”
www.idahostatesman.com
March 15, 2025 at 11:43 AM
What are the “differing opinions” administrators want to make room for? “No, some people are not welcome here?” What does “here” refer to? The classroom; the school; the community; the US? Some or all of the above? This is what resegregationist politics looks like at the local level.
Reposted by MK Maslanka
As @nysut.bsky.social President @melindajperson.bsky.social said: "Experts say this is how to best support students’ learning and mental health, and we can’t compromise when it comes to our kids.” www.governor.ny.gov/news/what-th...
What They Are Saying: Advocates, Labor Leaders, Elected Officials, Parents and Educators Support Governor Hochul’s ‘Bell-to-Bell’ Distraction-Free Schools Proposal
Advocates, labor leaders, elected officials, parents and educators speak out in favor of restrictions on cell phone use in schools.
www.governor.ny.gov
March 16, 2025 at 11:52 PM
As @nysut.bsky.social President @melindajperson.bsky.social said: "Experts say this is how to best support students’ learning and mental health, and we can’t compromise when it comes to our kids.” www.governor.ny.gov/news/what-th...
Reposted by MK Maslanka
Instead of creating opportunity for students, the president wants to gut funding to public education and give the $ to the wealthy through tax cuts and vouchers. Thank you to @katiephangshow.bsky.social for having me on today. youtu.be/CwToTNO277E
AFT President Randi Weingarten joins The Katie Phang Show
YouTube video by AFT
youtu.be
March 8, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Instead of creating opportunity for students, the president wants to gut funding to public education and give the $ to the wealthy through tax cuts and vouchers. Thank you to @katiephangshow.bsky.social for having me on today. youtu.be/CwToTNO277E
Reposted by MK Maslanka
They don't want to teach history so they can repeat it.
February 18, 2025 at 6:13 PM
They don't want to teach history so they can repeat it.
Reposted by MK Maslanka
If you wanted to cut waste, fraud, and abuse, you would empower the inspectors general.
If you wanted more waste, fraud, and abuse, you would fire them.
If you wanted more waste, fraud, and abuse, you would fire them.
February 17, 2025 at 2:17 PM
If you wanted to cut waste, fraud, and abuse, you would empower the inspectors general.
If you wanted more waste, fraud, and abuse, you would fire them.
If you wanted more waste, fraud, and abuse, you would fire them.
Reposted by MK Maslanka
I guess we all teach History now
February 11, 2025 at 2:29 AM
I guess we all teach History now
Reposted by MK Maslanka
Trump campaigned on a fundamental paradox: Shutting the Department of Education while also using its power to investigate/control schools on race, gender and civics.
Turns out, he does have the appetite for a muscular fight to reshape public education. My story: www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/u...
Turns out, he does have the appetite for a muscular fight to reshape public education. My story: www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/u...
With Sweeping Executive Orders, Trump Tests Local Control of Schools
The orders seek to encourage “patriotic education” and restrict discussions about racism and gender by threatening to withdraw federal funding. But schools are often resistant to change.
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Trump campaigned on a fundamental paradox: Shutting the Department of Education while also using its power to investigate/control schools on race, gender and civics.
Turns out, he does have the appetite for a muscular fight to reshape public education. My story: www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/u...
Turns out, he does have the appetite for a muscular fight to reshape public education. My story: www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/u...
“Some of the high-profile orders have had little or no tangible effect on schools so far…At the same time, some observers worry schools will preemptively make changes to their teaching or programs — even if they aren’t legally required to.”
www.chalkbeat.org/2025/02/03/t...
www.chalkbeat.org/2025/02/03/t...
With a barrage of orders, Trump seeks to amplify his power over schools. Will they resist?
The president wants DEI out and school choice in. But it will take time to see just how much his executive orders about education change classrooms and schools.
www.chalkbeat.org
February 4, 2025 at 1:16 AM
“Some of the high-profile orders have had little or no tangible effect on schools so far…At the same time, some observers worry schools will preemptively make changes to their teaching or programs — even if they aren’t legally required to.”
www.chalkbeat.org/2025/02/03/t...
www.chalkbeat.org/2025/02/03/t...
Reposted by MK Maslanka
They will have our children’s data soon, including SpEd kids…
February 3, 2025 at 11:03 PM
They will have our children’s data soon, including SpEd kids…
Reposted by MK Maslanka
Americans need a federal government that works for them, not against them. The president's actions harm all Americans including children with disabilities, families in need of housing, seniors who rely on Medicaid for healthcare, and first responders. www.aft.org/press-releas...
AFT’s Weingarten on Trump Pausing All Federal Aid
WASHINGTON—AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to pause all federal aid:“The effect of the current president’s unlawful pause...
www.aft.org
January 28, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Americans need a federal government that works for them, not against them. The president's actions harm all Americans including children with disabilities, families in need of housing, seniors who rely on Medicaid for healthcare, and first responders. www.aft.org/press-releas...
Reposted by MK Maslanka
Free speech orgs denounce Ed. Dept's calling book bans a ‘hoax'
Such language is "dismissive of the students, educators, librarians, and authors who have firsthand experiences of censorship... (in) school libraries and classrooms,” said PEN America's Kasey Meehan www.nbcdfw.com/news/nationa...
Such language is "dismissive of the students, educators, librarians, and authors who have firsthand experiences of censorship... (in) school libraries and classrooms,” said PEN America's Kasey Meehan www.nbcdfw.com/news/nationa...
Free speech organizations denounce Education Department's calling book bans a 'hoax'
Organizations that track the removal of books from schools and libraries are denouncing last week’s Department of Education announcement that calls bans a “hoax.”
www.nbcdfw.com
January 28, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Free speech orgs denounce Ed. Dept's calling book bans a ‘hoax'
Such language is "dismissive of the students, educators, librarians, and authors who have firsthand experiences of censorship... (in) school libraries and classrooms,” said PEN America's Kasey Meehan www.nbcdfw.com/news/nationa...
Such language is "dismissive of the students, educators, librarians, and authors who have firsthand experiences of censorship... (in) school libraries and classrooms,” said PEN America's Kasey Meehan www.nbcdfw.com/news/nationa...
Reposted by MK Maslanka
The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
~George Orwell, 1984
~George Orwell, 1984
January 27, 2025 at 2:20 PM
The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
~George Orwell, 1984
~George Orwell, 1984
Reposted by MK Maslanka
"Religious release time" during the school day, absent an increase in the length of the school day, supplants academic education
“These girls are pressured to try to get other kids to join, so now my kids are asked to proselytize & that’s not part of the school day”
ht @tracynovick.bsky.social
“These girls are pressured to try to get other kids to join, so now my kids are asked to proselytize & that’s not part of the school day”
ht @tracynovick.bsky.social
LifeWise Academy draws criticism from some Ohio parents, support from religious organizations • Ohio Capital Journal
Ohio school districts will soon be required to have a religious release time policy, paving the way for an expansion of LifeWise Academy. While supporters praise it, some parents say their kids have b...
ohiocapitaljournal.com
January 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
"Religious release time" during the school day, absent an increase in the length of the school day, supplants academic education
“These girls are pressured to try to get other kids to join, so now my kids are asked to proselytize & that’s not part of the school day”
ht @tracynovick.bsky.social
“These girls are pressured to try to get other kids to join, so now my kids are asked to proselytize & that’s not part of the school day”
ht @tracynovick.bsky.social
Reposted by MK Maslanka
From Day 1, Biden has stood up again and again for the millions of Americans who want to pursue college without having their lives derailed by unsustainable student debt. Biden had borrowers’ backs, even after political extremists tried to derail his plans in the courts www.aft.org/press-releas...
AFT’s Weingarten on President Biden’s Approval of Student Debt Relief for 5 Million Borrowers
WASHINGTON—AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement after the Biden administration announced new measures bringing the total number of borrowers receiving debt relief to over 5 mi...
www.aft.org
January 13, 2025 at 7:48 PM
From Day 1, Biden has stood up again and again for the millions of Americans who want to pursue college without having their lives derailed by unsustainable student debt. Biden had borrowers’ backs, even after political extremists tried to derail his plans in the courts www.aft.org/press-releas...