Beyond Political Attack Ads: A Real Plan for Arizona's Education | Kimberly Yee

Arizona politics is increasingly dominated by attack ads, campaign slogans, and short soundbites. But what happens when candidates have the time to actually explain their ideas? In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee for a long-form conversation about the future of Arizona education. Yee is running for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction in the 2026 election.  The conversation tackles some fundamental questions facing Arizona schools: Are students being prepared for the economy of tomorrow? How should schools respond to artificial intelligence? Why are teachers leaving the profession? What should every student know before graduating? And how should Arizona measure whether education spending is producing better outcomes? Yee discusses reading and math, STEM education, vocational training, financial literacy, teacher pay and retention, classroom management, parental involvement, and school choice. She also shares her views on preparing students for different paths after graduation, including college, skilled trades, workforce training, industry certifications, and direct entry into a career. Paul and Yee also discuss civics, U.S. history, and helping young people better understand the country they are inheriting. As Paul raises concerns about political division and a declining understanding of history, Yee explains why she wants schools to place greater emphasis on the Constitution, America’s founding principles, civil discourse, and teaching students how to understand and respectfully engage with different points of view. The conversation concludes with a broader discussion about Arizona politics and putting Arizonans ahead of politics. Paul and Yee discuss independent voters, finding common ground, and the importance of leaders working across political differences to get things done for the state. Whatever your politics, this is an opportunity to hear a statewide candidate explain her ideas at length rather than through a 30-second advertisement. Chapters:  00:00 - Arizona Politics Are Getting Ugly  05:26 - Intro  06:03 - Who is Kimberly Yee?   10:59 - What Has Arizona Education Gotten Right?  14:27 - The Billions Behind Arizona’s Public Schools  16:10 - What Should Every Student Know by Graduation?  19:41 - Is Arizona Ready for AI in the Classroom?  21:16 - Preparing Students for Arizona’s Jobs of Tomorrow  27:38 - Can AI Help Teachers Without Replacing Them?  32:31 - Why Arizona Is Struggling to Keep Teachers  37:57 - Where Are the Parents? 41:10 - Are Students Learning Enough American History?  46:02 - Can Arizona Leaders Put Party Aside?  55:45 - Final Remarks and Conclusion