Shift Everything

Setting a good example and being a role model to kids can be just as important as teaching the core classes in school. Shift Everything is happy to discuss the power of youth mentoring with Cody Cotton of The Greater Good Foundation, a Chicago area organization with a mission to inspire young people and communities globally to live more holistic lives.

Chances are you will never forget how the pandemic impacted schools. Education leaders were tasked with making drastic decisions that would impact their students and staff. So what was it like to lead through those many months of uncertainty? Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kelsall of Ridgewood High School District 234 is our guest on this episode of Shift Everything.

West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner is back for another edition of "Ask Mark Anything" on Shift Everything! Dr. Klaisner answers wide-ranging questions about education in Illinois. If you'd like your questions featured in a future episode, contact us by email: shifteverything@west40.org

Studies show dual language immersion at an early age can prepare children for a successful future. Shift Everything host Chris Coffey speaks to Gabi Ordonez, a parent educator in the Woodstock Community Unit School District #200, where educators have designed a model dual language program.

West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner joins us for a special "Ask Mark Anything" episode of Shift Everything. From his early teaching career, to state education funding, to the future of snow days, Mark answers your questions! Contact us with your questions by email: shifteverything@west40.org

When a child expresses aggression in school, how should educators respond? Restorative Practices can be alternatives to traditional school disciplinary measures. West40 professional learning specialist Demian LaPointe explains how he was introduced to restorative practices and why they can make a positive difference in the lives of students, teachers and families.

West40 assistant executive Dr. Mike Popp is joined by Dr. Juile Morris of the West40 professional learning team for a conversation on how diversity, equity, inclusion and race play an important role in our dialogue about serving the educational needs of all students.

Shift Everything host Chris Coffey speaks to Rich Wistocki, a retired suburban Chicago police detective who has dedicated his career to protecting children from online threats. He travels the country to educate law enforcement using cutting edge investigative techniques and schools, parents and children on responsible digital activity. Warning: this episode includes references to crime topics, including sexual assault and gun violence.

For many students, help in the classroom goes beyond academic support. Host Chris Coffey talks to West40's behavior analyst Holly McCarthy to hear how behavioral support for students can positively impact lives.

A student's pathway to college can look any number of ways. West40's Chris Coffey talks to Blanca Jara of Morton College to hear how high school students and their families can prepare for the college experience and how a two year college can open up doors to more opportunities.

Mental health support is more accessible than ever for Illinois' students and educators. West40's Nicole Pieranunzi describes a new state program that school districts can use to create their own mental health action plans.  And there's no cost to the district!

Remote learning changed the definition of school for millions of American students and teachers during the pandemic.  Opinions and results were mixed at the time.  While in-person learning has since returned, some educators continue to teach digitally and their students are thriving.  West40's Chris Coffey talks to Melissa Hoskins to learn about her experiences as a teacher during the pandemic and how she now heads a full-time remote school.

Dr. Klaisner is joined by Jennifer Smiley, Youth Market Director of the American Heart Association, to discuss heart healthy suggestions for our students and teachers!

Dr. Klaisner is joined by Jeff Tarr, Communications Specialist, to discuss policy recommendations regarding the teacher shortage in Illinois.

Dr. Klaisner is joined by Jeff Tarr, Communications Specialist, to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the teacher shortage in Illinois.

Dr. Klaisner is joined by Jeff Tarr, Communications Specialist to discuss the education shortage survey in Illinois. Dr. Klaisner, President of IARSS, explains how IARSS is at the forefront of assessing the teacher shortage in Illinois.

Dr. Klaisner is joined by Jeff Tarr, Communications Specialist, to discuss the Covid-19 Pandemic. 

Dr. Klaisner is joined by Jeff Tarr, Communications Specialist, to discuss Technology. 

Dr. Klaisner is joined by Jeff Tarr, Communications Specialist, to discuss the educator shortage in Illinois and across the country.  Dr. Klaisner, President of IARSS,  explains how IARSS is in the forefront of assessing the teacher shortage in Illinois.

Steve Bogren, Director of Compliance at West40, joins the podcast to explain how West40 has transformed the perception of compliance in West Suburban Cook County. Along with Dr. Klaisner, Steve explains how ISCs can shift their approach to compliance to become an encouraging partner for local schools.

Dr. Klaisner and Sharon Balderas, West40 Licensure Specialist, talk about the teacher shortage in Illinois and discuss how West40’s forward-thinking approach helps teachers and administrators to keep up with changing requirements.

How can we change our thinking to address inequality in our school system? For this discussion of difficult issues, Dr. Mike Popp, Assistant Executive Director of West40, joins Dr. Klaisner to talk about implicit bias among school faculty, the impact of No Child Left Behind, and much more.

Dr. Klaisner is joined by Dr. Mike Popp, Assistant Executive Director of West40, and Steve Bogren, Director of Compliance at West40, to discuss how to create a school for 21st century learning. They cast a vision for how classroom design can evolve, how to create more equitable funding for districts across Illinois, and more.