Shift Everything
By Shift Everything
Shift Everything Apr 05, 2024
Prioritizing Well-Being
The West40 podcast, Shift Everything, goes behind the scenes at a recent school-based mental health roundtable to explore the importance of prioritizing the well-being of students and support staff. Special thanks to Cicero District 99 and Sustainable Mental Wellness, Inc.
AI and Education
How can schools prepare for the AI revolution? This episode of Shift Everything focuses on AI and Education. Our guest is Micah Miner, District Administrator for Instructional Technology and Social Studies at Maywood, Melrose Park, Broadview School District 89.
Making schools safer through grants
Members of the West40 School Safety and Threat Assessment Team describe how TVTP grants can help schools keep students and staff safe.
Behind the Scenes of an Educator Job Fair
The Shift Everything podcast goes behind the scenes at the recent West40 Spring 2024 Educator Job Fair. Hear from the host organization, participating school districts, and a prospective educator.
Rethinking Educator Content Exams
Imagine being a prospective teacher and earning great grades in college and receiving strong letters of support for the start of your career, but a roadblock is preventing you from achieving your dream job. West40 talked to two new teachers who said it took them multiple attempts to pass the Illinois licensure test for early childhood education. Public records show they are not alone. This is happening during a nationwide teacher shortage. Because of the concerns, the Illinois State Board of Education has approved moving forward with a review of the exam.
Ask Mark Anything: Volume 3
West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner returns for another edition of Ask Mark Anything! Dr. Klaisner talks about the Super Bowl and answers questions about the teacher shortage, state mandates, resources for migrant students, and more.
Supporting Youth With Adverse Backgrounds: Former Pro Football Player Shares Valuable Advice
Shift Everything welcomes former NFL player Gaelin Elmore, a speaker and presenter who shares his story growing up in the foster care system and explains the importance of giving a young person with an adverse background a sense of belonging.
Media Literacy
Media literacy allows people to critically analyze stories that are presented in the media and to figure out what to trust and share. In fact, media literacy is now required in the curriculum of all Illinois public high schools. Alba Mendiola, a former broadcast journalist who was recently named educator of the year by the News Literacy Project, helps explain media literacy and how educators can learn more.
Educating for the Skilled Trades
West40 explores pathways for students who are interested in pursuing careers in skilled trades. Host Chris Coffey is joined by Triton College faculty member Antigone Sharris for this episode of Shift Everything.
Feeding and Housing Newcomers
In our continuing discussions about supporting newcomers to Chicago, this episode of Shift Everything focuses on how many of the recently arrived migrants are being housed and fed. Chi-Care, a non-profit organization that cares for the unhoused across the Chicagoland area, joins us for the conversation. Chi-Care provides foods and essentials to the migrant families, in addition to supporting families served by West40.
Supporting Newcomer Students
This episode of Shift Everything is about how Illinois schools can best support newcomer students, including many from Venezuela who have recently arrived in Chicago. Dr. Rebecca Vonderlack-Navarro of Latino Policy Forum and former Illinois State Board of Education State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala join the conversation.
Recruiting and Retaining School District Staff
School district administrators across the country are facing serious staffing challenges. The fact is, it’s getting more difficult to find teachers, paraprofessionals, and school staff members to hire. But it can be done! Matt Kane, HR Generalist for West40, is our guest on this episode of Shift Everything. Matt shares his experiences with the hiring process and offers tips to help others find new employees and retain current employees.
What it Takes to be a Nationally Recognized School
Shift Everything host Chris Coffey speaks to Pleasantdale District 107 superintendent Dr. Dave Palzet about Pleasantdale Elementary receiving a National Blue Ribbon School recognition from the U.S. Department of Education.
Innovation in Education
What does it mean to be innovative in the classroom and how can that impact the student learning experience? Shift Everything explores how innovation and technology can be difference makers in education. Special thanks to the West40 innovation team for being guests on this episode.
How Student Advocates Make a Difference
Sometimes students need a safety net at their school to get the support they need to improve their behavior, attendance, and academics. Student advocates can be that support system. This episode of Shift Everything is a discussion with two West40 student advocates, who share what it's like to help make a difference in the lives of students.
School Social Media: Building Connections
Social media is one of the most important ways that a school can communicate with families and their communities. On this episode of Shift Everything, we talk to Andrea Gribble, author and owner of #SocialSchool4EDU, to learn what types of social media posts can help boost "likes" and build strong community connections.
The Future of Education
What will be different about education as the learning experience evolves? Shift Everything explores this topic in a conversation with West40 Executive Director Dr. Mark Klaisner. Dr. Klaisner shares his thoughts on the steps that are being taken now to improve the overall education experience and what it could lead to in the future.
Early Childhood Development
Shift Everything explores the importance of early childhood education and care. Illinois recently approved big investments in initiatives for young learners and their families, early intervention, and the creation of new preschool opportunities. Vivian Palicki, a professional learning specialist at West40 with experience as an education and health and well-being liaison and advocate for children in Illinois' child welfare system, is our guest.
Supporting Teen Mental Health
The events of the past several years have taken a toll on the mental health of many people, including teenagers. Supporting their mental health journey is a priority for many families and schools. Shift Everything talks to Adrian Cardenas, coordinator of The Loft, a new program in the Chicago suburbs that has a team of support specialists and mental health professionals that encourages teen voices to empower and advocate for their own services and family support.
School Communications Tips from the Pros
We talk to communications professionals who explain what goes into effective school messaging, whether it is positive news updates or responding to crisis situations.
Community Resources
Community resources can include assistance with food, clothing, medical and behavioral health, educational materials and much, much more. Shift Everything interviews the West40 community resources team as they describe step by step how they plan, conduct, and ultimately assess the impact of community resource activities and events.
School Safety and Threat Assessment
Schools can never be too safe when it comes to protecting students and staff. That's why it's best to have a plan in place for a variety of possible threats and emergency situations. Shift Everything discusses this important topic and how West40 assists school districts.
Supporting Older Students
There could be a variety of reasons why a student does not graduate high school as a 17 or 18 year old. But support is available for those who choose to go back to school as a slightly older student. Shift Everything talks to members of the West40 Seniors Plus advocacy team.
Training Students to Teach
Imagine being a high school junior or senior interested in an education career and getting the opportunity to lead classroom activities as a student teacher. Shift Everything explores how student teaching programs at Chicago area high schools can benefit current students and help ease the nation's educator shortage.
How Schools are Funded
How do schools get funded and why do some schools get more money than others? Shift Everything examines these questions and more!
Teachers Speak on the Educator Shortage
Shift Everything continues its coverage of the educator shortage by speaking to the teachers who see the impact on their classrooms.. Host Chris Coffey welcomes Kimberly Walls-Kirk of Chicago Public Schools, Brandon Thornton of Bloomington High School, Jane Russell of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and IARSS President and West40 Executive Director Dr. Mark Klaisner.
Solving the Educator Shortage
Shift Everything invites four Illinois regional education leaders to discuss how the educator shortage is impacting their regions and the possible solutions to hire and retain more teachers. This episode references information from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools 2022-23 Educator Shortage Survey.
The Power of Youth Mentoring
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.
Leading a school district through the pandemic
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.
Ask Mark Anything Returns
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
Dual Language Success
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.
Ask Mark Anything
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
Restorative Practices
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.
Equity in Education
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.
Online Threat Training
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.
Behavioral Support
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.
Pathway to College
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 Needs
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 Revolution
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.
Heart Healthy Month 2022 with Jennifer Smiley of AHA
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!
Policy Recommendation with Jeff Tarr
Dr. Klaisner is joined by Jeff Tarr, Communications Specialist, to discuss policy recommendations regarding the teacher shortage in Illinois.
COVID-19 and Teacher Shortage with Jeff Tarr
Dr. Klaisner is joined by Jeff Tarr, Communications Specialist, to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the teacher shortage in Illinois.
Educator Shortage Survey with Jeff Tarr
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.
The Pandemic with Jeff Tarr
Dr. Klaisner is joined by Jeff Tarr, Communications Specialist, to discuss the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Technology with Jeff Tarr
Dr. Klaisner is joined by Jeff Tarr, Communications Specialist, to discuss Technology.
Teacher Shortage with Jeff Tarr
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.
Rethinking School Inspections
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.
Building a Support System for Educators
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.
Race & Inequality in Education
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.
Designing the 21st Century School
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.