Public Education Matters

History's unsung heroes have been getting their long-overdue moments in the spotlight in Ben Purdy's Rocky River Middle School classroom, thanks to a totally made-up holiday that has delivered very real results by getting students excited about learning social studies. On this episode, the teacher who invented a day to celebrate The Un-Famous People Of History (aka TUFPOH) tells the story of how one small idea became a beloved tradition that helps inspire students to see themselves as the next generation of innovators and changemakers. And, he shares some of other innovative ways he sparks his students' curiosity and love of learning through creative lessons in his classroom. BONUS BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO | Ben Purdy believes in the power of having students see and touch history, so he turned his classroom into a living history museum full of real-world historical artifacts for his students to engage with and enjoy. Watch the video at the bottom of these show notes or click here to see Mr. Purdy show off some of his favorite historical pieces in his collection while diving deeper into why his classroom-turned-history museum can make such a big impact on students' learning. SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email [email protected]. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here. Featured Public Education Matters guest: Ben Purdy, Rocky River Teachers Association MemberBen Purdy has taught social studies and English/Language Arts for 28 years, the last 26 of which has been in the Rocky River City School District. He has surpassed 50 seasons coaching, including girls tennis and boys basketball. As you would expect from a social studies teacher, he loves traveling and loves talking with people he meets along the way. Ben lives in Rocky River with his two daughters, a yellow lab, and a golden retriever. In this episode: 00:00 - Inventing a Holiday 03:05 - TUFPOH's Origin Story 06:06 - Ruth Wakefield, Q-Tips, and Unsung Innovators 08:17 - Songs, Traditions, and TUFPOH Celebrations 09:59 - Researching History’s “Unfamous” People 11:18 - Ben Purdy’s Family Connection to History 13:34 - The Power of Getting Students Excited to Learn 15:15 - Innovative Classroom Traditions That Stand the Test of Time 15:59 - March Madness Meets American History 16:47 - Fantasy History League: Drafting Africa 17:46 - Today's Kids Deserve More Credit than We Give Them 21:19 - What Students’ TUFPOH Choices Reveal 23:56 - Shark Tank Comes to Social Studies 24:35 - The Lasting Legacy of TUFPOH 25:58 - A Classroom That Feels Like a History Museum and Closing Thoughts Connect with OEA: Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics Like OEA on Facebook Follow OEA on Twitter Follow OEA on Instagram Get the latest news and statements from OEA here Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch About us: The Ohio Education Association represents approximately 115,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools. Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on July 15, 2026.

Growing up in a neighborhood known as "Drug City USA," Judge Marilyn Zayas never imagined she would one day run for Ohio’s highest court. In this episode, the OEA member-recommended State Supreme Court candidate shares how the power of education and a belief in opportunity and fairness helped shape her journey, and why judicial independence and the decisions of the Ohio Supreme Court are so important for the future of every public school educator, student, and community in the state. JUDGE ZAYAS' RECORD | Click here to learn more about Judge Marilyn Zayas' background, experience, and the judicial philosophy that drives her service on Ohio's courts. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRO-PUBLIC EDUCATION, PRO-LABOR CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT | OEA members can click here to check out the list of all the OEA-member recommended candidates running for state and federal office. SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email [email protected]. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here. Featured Public Education Matters guest: Judge Marilyn Zayas, OEA member-recommended Ohio Supreme Court candidateJudge Marilyn Zayas has served on the First District Court of Appeals since 2016, when she was elected as the first Latina Court of Appeals judge in Hamilton County history. She is one of the most experienced appellate judges serving in Ohio. Since joining the court, Judge Zayas was appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court’s Chief Justice to sit on the Second, Sixth, Eighth, and Tenth District Courts of Appeal. Judge Zayas was also selected by the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court to serve by special assignment at the Supreme Court for a criminal case in June 2018, and for a series of complex civil cases for March 13, April 2, and April 22, 2025. Judge Zayas’ judicial record shows that she faithfully applies the law and our state and federal constitutions equally to all, independent of outside influence and politics. Zayas earned an “Excellent” rating, the highest rating from the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and the Norman S. Minor Bar Association. Judge Zayas is the product of hard-working parents who migrated from Puerto Rico and worked in factories and the printing industry. She overcame numerous obstacles earning a college degree in computer science. After experiencing the devastation that drugs and crime had on her working-class childhood neighborhood, she found a new home in Ohio in 1988. Prior to attending law school, she had an esteemed career as an IT Manager at Procter & Gamble, where she managed teams and international projects, with multi-million-dollar budgets. After her election, Judge Zayas created the Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders program, an educational program for high school, undergraduate, and law school students. The program invites students to the Court of Appeals to interact with judges and attorneys, learn about the law, and inspire them to dream big and to never give up. Judge Zayas has also spearheaded initiatives at the court that provide cost savings and enlarged access for the community, including a user-friendly guide, designed to assist those who do not have an attorney. Prior to joining the Court of Appeals, Zayas served the community as an attorney for nearly 20 years, litigating in both state and federal courts. She began her legal career as an intellectual property litigator at Holland & Hart, one of the most prominent law firms in Colorado. After returning to Ohio, Judge Zayas worked for the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office, and ultimately founded her own boutique law practice where she helped business owners, asylum applicants, and families successfully navigate the complex immigration system. Judge Zayas earned a reputation as an attorney who provides honest and zealous representation while navigating complex and extremely intricate cases. She also served as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Further, recognizing the significance of safe communities, she spent several years partnering with various law enforcement agencies for community initiatives. Judge Marilyn Zayas brought national attention to Ohio in 2024 when her judicial excellence was celebrated in Washington, D.C. upon her selection as the 2024 Judge of the Year by the preeminent National Hispanic Bar Association. Judge Zayas was also recognized for her judicial excellence and many contributions locally in 2024 by the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners proclaiming October 11, 2024 as Judge Marilyn Zayas day. Her family includes her three adult children and rescue grand-fur-babies, Sparkle Lou and Kiwi. In this episode: 0:00 - Accountability, Balance, and Ohio’s Future 2:51 - Meet Judge Marilyn Zayas 3:30 - An American Dream Rooted in Education 8:02 - Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders 10:59 - The Teachers Who Changed Her Life 12:50 - Why the Ohio Supreme Court Matters to Educators 13:20 - How Supreme Court Decisions Affect Everyday Ohioans 17:58 - School Funding and Constitutional Questions 19:58 - A Judicial Philosophy Built on Fairness 21:45 - Facts, Evidence, and the Challenges of AI 23:44 - Calling Balls and Strikes, Not Politics 25:52 - Why Voters Should Look Beyond Party Labels 27:14 - Judicial Independence and Public Trust 29:42 - Why This Election Matters for Public Education Connect with OEA: Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics Like OEA on Facebook Follow OEA on Twitter Follow OEA on Instagram Get the latest news and statements from OEA here Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch About us: T...

What happens in Congress makes a big impact on Ohio's public school students and educators, and when Rep. Greg Landsman is re-elected to represent the people of Ohio's 1st Congressional District, he has big plans for ensuring Ohio's public school students and educators can get what they need to succeed. The Cincinnati-area Congressman joins us for this episode to share more on the Every Child Education Act component of his broader "Our Great American Moment" legislative platform, how he wants to continue to work across the aisle on Capitol Hill, and why he says setting up young Ohioans for academic and economic success has to start well before their first day of Kindergarten. LANDSMAN ON THE ISSUES | Rep. Landsman is running for re-election in a newly redrawn district that stretches from Cincinnati through Warren and Clinton Counties - Click here for the latest on his campaign. Click here to read his full "Our Great American Moment" legislative platform, introduced in Congress in November, 2025. SUPPORTING STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, AND FAMILIES | The Every Child Education Act component of Landsman's legislative platform is rooted in early-childhood-development research, arguing that investment in the prenatal-through-early-childhood period has outsized long-term impact on educational and economic outcomes. Key provisions include: Expansion of paid family and medical leave Expanded, subsidized access to childcare and preschool An additional funded year of preschool for children not yet kindergarten-ready Expanded access to prenatal care for expecting mothers Increased teacher pay and expanded after-school/summer academic support Full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Free two-to-four-year community college and trade school, paired with expanded financial aid and loan forgiveness LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRO-PUBLIC EDUCATION, PRO-LABOR CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT | OEA members can click here to check out the list of all the OEA-member recommended candidates running for state and federal office. And listen to Season 7, Episode 2, starting around 28:55, for more on what goes into these candidate recommendations. SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email [email protected]. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here. Featured Public Education Matters guest: Rep. Greg Landsman, OEA Member-Recommended Candidate for Ohio's 1st Congressional DistrictGreg Landsman serves as the U.S. Representative for Ohio’s First Congressional District. He is a proud father and husband who calls Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio home. Greg is a former teacher and son of teachers. He spent most of his career working on behalf of children and families, especially those who have been left out and left behind. Before joining Congress in 2023, Greg successfully led a ballot measure to make Cincinnati the first city in America to provide two years of quality preschool. He also served five years on Cincinnati City Council, where he led efforts to strengthen core services – from public safety to paving roads. Greg also led comprehensive eviction prevention reforms and new investments in children and families: prenatal care, childcare, affordable housing, and youth jobs. In his first term in Congress, Greg took on the Speaker of the House to force a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. The bill finally passed after it had been sitting in Congress for 25 years. It returns $20 billion a year to public retirees – such as police officers, firefighters, teachers, and letter carriers. Greg has secured tens of millions of dollars for Southwest Ohio projects and hosted over 30 town halls and community conversations. He is a reformer, and one of only a few members of Congress who sold all their stocks because he believes members of Congress should not be trading stocks. Greg also suspended his pay during the government shutdown, and is a leading voice in banning dark money and getting big money out of politics. He serves as co-chair of the bipartisan What Works Caucus, co-founder of the Lowering Costs Caucus, and holds a leadership role in the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, where he works across the aisle to deliver real results. Greg earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio University and a master’s in theology from Harvard. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife, Sarah, and their two children, Maddie and Elijah. Connect with OEA: Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics Like OEA on Facebook Follow OEA on Twitter Follow OEA on Instagram Get the latest news and statements from OEA here Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch About us: The Ohio Education Association represents approximately 115,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools. Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's public school students, including her own two children. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband, children, and cat, Davis, who is cute, but mean, which just makes her all the more lovable. This episode was recorded on August 24, 2026. In this episode:

Every student deserves to walk into school with confidence, dignity, and the tools they need to learn. In this episode, Chardon High School teacher Kelly DiCato shares the story of the Chardon Care Closet and the community effort that is changing lives one backpack, toothbrush, notebook, and tube of chap stick at a time. SUPPORT THE CHARDON CARE CLOSET | If you would like to make a donation to support the Chardon Care Closet's mission, you can learn more on the Chardon Care Closet's Facebook page, buy and send items through its Amazon wish list, or make a financial donation - Checks should be made out to: "Chardon Board of Education - Attn: Care Closet" CONTACT KELLY | If you're thinking about bringing a Care Closet to your own school and would like to pick Kelly DiCato's brain about the lessons she's learned along the way with her project in Chardon, you can email her at [email protected]. SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email [email protected]. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here. Featured Public Education Matters guest: Kelly DiCato, Chardon Education Association MemberAn Algebra One teacher at Chardon High School, Kelly lives in Chardon with her two boys and her husband of 12 years. This school year is her 21st year of teaching, and her 21st year of teaching Algebra One - plus other preps, of course. DiCato loves exercising and running, gardening, playing her boys, and now, making sourdough bread :) Connect with OEA: Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics Like OEA on Facebook Follow OEA on Twitter Follow OEA on Instagram Get the latest news and statements from OEA here Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch About us: The Ohio Education Association represents approximately 115,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools. Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on July 20, 2026. In this episode: 00:00 -A Community Steps Up 00:25 - Podcast introduction 02:37 - Meet Kelly DiCato 02:45 - From One Student's Story to a Schoolwide Resource 05:11 - Finding Space Inside the School 06:47 - The First Donations Arrive 08:49 - $17,000 in Community Support 11:41 - The Work Behind the Mission 13:30 - Why Helping Students Matters 15:42 - Removing Barriers to Student Success 17:48 - A Community That Always Says Yes 19:35 - Expanding the Impact Beyond Chardon 21:14 - A Community Effort 21:58 - Closing Thoughts 22:13 - Support the Chardon Care Closet

What happens when one of the key legislative champions behind the Fair School Funding Plan sets his sights on statewide office? In this episode, OEA member-recommended candidate Jay Edwards reflects on his record of fighting for public schools in the Ohio legislature and explains how, as Ohio's next state treasurer, he would use the office's influence to strengthen educator retirement security, elevate educator voices, and continue advancing policies that help Ohio students succeed. EDWARDS ON THE ISSUES |Click here to visit EdwardsForOhio.comand learn more about Jay Edwards' priorities as Ohio's next State Treasurer. Click here to read the write-up in OEA's Ohio Schools magazine about why Edwards was named a Legislative Champion for Public Education at OEA's Representative Assembly in Spring, 2025. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRO-PUBLIC EDUCATION, PRO-LABOR CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT | OEA members can click here to check out the list of all the OEA-member recommended candidates running for state and federal office. SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email [email protected]. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here. Featured Public Education Matters guest: Jay Edwards, OEA member-recommended candidate for State TreasurerJay Edwards is a native son of Southeast Ohio. Born and raised in Nelsonville, Jay attended Nelsonville-York High School before going on to Ohio University on a football scholarship, where he graduated with his degree in mathematics. Jay first ran for public office in 2016 at the age of 27, becoming a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing Athens, Meigs, Washington, Vinton and Morgan counties. During his time in the legislature, Jay served as Chairman of the House Finance Committee, where he wrote and sponsored the state's operating and capital budgets. As Finance Chair, Jay successfully fought for a billion dollar increase in public education funding and helped secure nearly $400 million for higher education capital projects across Ohio. Jay lives in Nelsonville with his partner, Jayde, and their three children. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome & Why This Election Matters 02:48 - Meet Jay Edwards, OEA's 2025 Legislative Champion for Public Education 05:05 - Fighting Student Hunger and Expanding School Meals 07:53 - The Fair School Funding Plan and School Funding Reform 09:54 - What Does the Ohio State Treasurer Do? 11:08 - Protecting Educators' Retirement Security Through STRS 13:19 - Changes to the STRS Board and Why They Matter 15:12 - Transparency, Accountability, and Teacher Voices 17:31 - Listening to Ohioans Across the State 18:05 - Using the Treasurer's Office as a Voice for Public Education 19:48 - A Direct Invitation to Ohio Educators 21:58 - Closing Thoughts and Next Steps Connect with OEA: Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics Like OEA on Facebook Follow OEA on Twitter Follow OEA on Instagram Get the latest news and statements from OEA here Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch About us: The Ohio Education Association represents approximately 115,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools. Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on September 8, 2026.