Welcome to a brand new episode of our podcast! In this episode, we discuss the current accreditation crisis facing Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) with Ana Barros, a seventh-grade geography teacher at Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences and an active leader of the Protect TPS movement.

Key points discussed in this episode include:

- An in-depth look at the complex issues surrounding the accreditation of Tulsa Public Schools (0:00:15). Anna explains the different levels of accreditation, the potential implications of losing it, and how the accreditation status of a school is not directly connected to the quality of education provided.

- Ways you can support TPS and help protect its future (0:12:04). This includes writing emails to legislators, signing the Protect TPS petition, and attending a student-led town hall.

- The significance of local leaders, business leaders, and elected officials in shaping the future of Tulsa's school district (0:19:53). We also explore the consequences of a state takeover of a school district and discuss the power of the Protect TPS movement.

- Anna shares her experiences teaching seventh-grade geography and the unique challenges it presents (0:27:06). We also delve into the developmental stages of preteens and how it affects their learning.

- A deep dive into the profound impact of language and the role of names in shaping our worldviews (0:31:21). We discuss the confusion of spelling and pronouncing countries in different languages and the implications of colonizers giving countries their names.

- A light-hearted discussion about the recent McDonald's ice cream crisis and the fascinating history behind the location of state capitals (0:41:16).

Remember to follow Protect TPS on Instagram or visit www.protecttps.com for more information on how you can support Tulsa Public Schools. Be sure to attend the student-led town hall on Saturday and reach out to state board members before the state board meeting on August 24th.

Stay tuned for more enlightening and engaging episodes!