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Shift Everything

Shift Everything

By Shift Everything

There are those who say “that’s just the way things are” and there are those who push for change. The West40 team of educators and advocates, led by Dr. Mark Klaisner, is the latter. Shift Everything challenges the education community to shake up their thinking and prepare to challenge the status quo to make the impossible become possible.
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Currently playing episode

Remote Learning Revolution

Shift Everything Aug 30, 2022

00:00
14:53
Making schools safer through grants

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.

Mar 25, 202411:35
Behind the Scenes of an Educator Job Fair

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.

Mar 11, 202414:23
Rethinking Educator Content Exams

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.

Feb 27, 202408:27
Ask Mark Anything: Volume 3

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.

Feb 14, 202427:10
Supporting Youth With Adverse Backgrounds: Former Pro Football Player Shares Valuable Advice

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.

Jan 23, 202420:13
Media Literacy

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.

Jan 10, 202417:46
Educating for the Skilled Trades

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. 

Dec 11, 202317:58
Feeding and Housing Newcomers

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.

Nov 21, 202317:41
Supporting Newcomer Students

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.

Nov 10, 202322:52
Recruiting and Retaining School District Staff

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.


Nov 03, 202313:15
What it Takes to be a Nationally Recognized School

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.

Oct 17, 202313:54
Innovation in 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.

Sep 25, 202318:45
How Student Advocates Make a Difference

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.

Sep 05, 202320:13
School Social Media: Building Connections

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.

Aug 07, 202325:49
The Future of Education

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.

Jul 13, 202319:55
Early Childhood Development

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.

Jun 28, 202313:21
Supporting Teen Mental Health

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.

Jun 12, 202314:53
School Communications Tips from the Pros

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. 

May 31, 202324:39
Community Resources

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.

May 15, 202318:39
School Safety and Threat Assessment

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.

May 01, 202322:22
Supporting Older Students

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.

Apr 17, 202313:54
Training Students to Teach

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.

Apr 03, 202312:21
How Schools are Funded

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!

Mar 20, 202319:36
Teachers Speak on the Educator Shortage

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.

Mar 07, 202332:09
Solving the Educator Shortage

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.

Feb 17, 202334:39
The Power of Youth Mentoring

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.


Feb 06, 202319:58
Leading a school district through the pandemic

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.

Jan 23, 202326:09
Ask Mark Anything Returns
Jan 09, 202317:16
Dual Language Success

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.

Dec 19, 202215:32
Ask Mark Anything
Dec 07, 202224:36
Restorative Practices

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.

Nov 21, 202216:33
Equity in Education

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.

Nov 09, 202233:23
Online Threat Training

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.

Oct 26, 202228:20
Behavioral Support

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.

Oct 12, 202213:39
Pathway to College

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.

Sep 28, 202222:59
Mental Health Needs

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!

Sep 14, 202214:40
Remote Learning Revolution

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.

Aug 30, 202214:53
Heart Healthy Month 2022 with Jennifer Smiley of AHA

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!

Feb 07, 202219:01
Policy Recommendation with Jeff Tarr

Policy Recommendation with Jeff Tarr

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

Feb 17, 202126:01
COVID-19 and Teacher Shortage with Jeff Tarr

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.

Feb 17, 202124:46
Educator Shortage Survey with Jeff Tarr

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.

Feb 17, 202118:46
The Pandemic with Jeff Tarr

The Pandemic with Jeff Tarr

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

Jan 19, 202128:28
Technology with Jeff Tarr

Technology with Jeff Tarr

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

Jan 19, 202114:22
Teacher Shortage with Jeff Tarr

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.

Nov 30, 202015:57
Rethinking School Inspections

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.

Apr 21, 202025:07
Building a Support System for Educators

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.

Apr 21, 202013:16
Race & Inequality in Education

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.

Apr 21, 202032:47
Designing the 21st Century School

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.

Apr 21, 202027:43