Education Buzz Podcast

Join Superintendent Dr. Corey Tafoya and BPAC President Ana Morales in this historic Education Buzz podcast—the first ever in Spanish! They explore the rich history of Harvard, how to get involved in BPAC and the impactful Bilingual and Dual Language Programs in our schools with Director of Bilingual and Dual Language Programs Amber Bowgren.    Únase al Superintendente Dr. Corey Tafoya y a la Presidenta de BPAC Ana Morales en este histórico podcast de Education Buzz, ¡el primero en español! Exploran la rica historia de Harvard, cómo participar en BPAC y los impactantes Programas Bilingües y de Idioma Dual en nuestras escuelas con la Directora de Programas Bilingües y de Idioma Dual Amber Bowgren. 

In this episode of Education Buzz, hear from BPA advisor Amy Meza and HHS Senior Payton Halfpenny as they talk about all the success the BPA program has had this year and the history behind the club!

Hear from CUSD 50's CFO Melissa Geyman Sell and her background, district plans, tax levy information, and much more!

Dr. Tafoya sits down with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vicki Larson and Crosby Elementary Principal Natalie Cowley to ask the important question; How do we grow better readers? 

Dr. Corey Tafoya sits down with Crosby Elementary Assistant Principal Yolanda Roldan and 2nd Grade Dual Language Teacher Maria Mercado to talk about their experiences in education and much more!

Dr. Corey Tafoya sits down with the new Head Athletic Director in CUSD 50 Barry Gurvey, to talk all things athletics, his experience, and some exciting developments happening within the Athletic Department!

Dr. Corey Tafoya sits down with members of the graduation requirements committee, HHS principal Carl Hobbs and HHS Math Teacher Ashley Smith to talk all things graduation!

Dr. Corey Tafoya sits down to begin his fourth season of the Education Buzz Podcast. His first guest is new to Harvard and comes all the way from Alaska. Get to know Crosby's new principal, Natalie Cowley!

In May 2022, Harvard High School graduated a record number of students who had earned their Seal of Biliteracy. Bilingual and Dual Language Coordinator, Amber Bowgren, is here to celebrate this victory with Dr. Corey Tafoya. 

Dr. Tafoya is joined by Harvard High School Principal, Mr. Carl Hobbs, and Harvard Junior High School Principal, Mr. Tom Cardamone.  As education evolves, so does the grading. It is hard to understand philosophies around the new grading tactics. Dr. Tafoya breaks down why grading has changed to better serve students and their learning. 

Harvard's Wrestling program is no stranger to success. This year, Coach Schultz led his team to 4th place at State and their first trophy since 2000.  Dr. Tafoya is joined by HHS Wrestling Head Coach and one of the state placing wrestlers. 

Dr. Tafoya is joined by Bill Palladino to talk about Harvard CUSD 50's initiative; The Happiness Advantage - Orange Frog. Bill Palladino, is a well-known consultant, speaker, writer, and leader. The Happiness Advantage | Orange Frog Workshop™ provides a blueprint for increasing staff and student engagement, enhancing SEL, and tapping into people's intrinsic motivations.

Harvard CUSD 50 Superintendent Dr. Corey Tafoya examines the Return to School process with Jefferson Elementary School Principal Dr. Judy Floeter. 

Dr. Tafoya sits down with Laura Martinez to talk about school boards. Laura serves as the Field Services Director for the Illinois Association of School Boards. Together, they have a conversation about school board elections and why someone would choose to run for the school board. 

Dr. Tafoya talks with Maura Bridges who serves D50 as the Coordinator of College and Career Readiness.  Maura talks about the importance of AVID within the district and how they are working to prepare all Harvard Students to be ready for wherever their path may lead after high school.

Harvard CUSD 50 Superintendent sits down to talk remote instruction with Harvard Junior High School's Principal, Mr. Cardamone.  Tom Cardamone was new to the district right before Remote Instruction began last March. Dr. Tafoya takes the time for our listeners to learn a little bit more about Tom and his family. 

Dr. Tafoya continues his talk with current board member and lifelong educator Dr. Richard Crosby. In the second half of this two-part episode, they discuss major inflection points for the district. Many aspects of education have changed over the decades, but Dr. Crosby’s commitment to the children of Harvard remains constant. 

Dr. Tafoya talks with current board member and lifelong educator Dr. Richard Crosby. In the first half of this two-part episode, they trace Dr. Crosby's origins and experiences as a teacher, coach, principal, facilities director, superintendent, and dedicated community member of Harvard. Many aspects of education have changed over the decades, but Dr. Crosby's commitment to the children of Harvard remains constant. 

Dr. Tafoya talks with author and educational consultant Lisa Westman. They discuss the changes schools are facing since the onset of COVID-19. Westman works with school systems across the country to effectively implement student-driven differentiation, standards-based learning, and instructional coaching programs. She’s provided support to Harvard CUSD 50 for the past three years. https://www.lisawestman.com/ After the Pandemic: Our Children Deserve an Education Revolution 9 Ways School Will Look Different When We Open  Permission To Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Our Kids, Ourselves, and Our Society Thrive

Dr. Tafoya talks with Principal Carl Hobbs about the end of the year planning for Harvard High School as the community deals with the impact of COVID-19. During this period of uncertainty, it's critical that students connect with their teachers, counselors, and social workers. Social distancing doesn't mean isolation. The staff of Harvard High School is here for you. 

Dr. Tafoya interviews McHenry County College President Dr. Clint Gabbard. The college offers a multitude of pathways for students seeking traditional degrees, technical programs, and career training. Harvard CUSD 50 and McHenry County College have a strong and growing partnership, including Upward Bound and dual credit classes. 

Dr. Tafoya talks with Harvard’s Director of Curriculum and Assessment Dr. Mary Cooke and Harvard High School Division Chair and Science Teacher Dr. Sara Weaver. Both guests recently completed doctoral programs. The newly minted doctors share their experiences and insights about the journey to earning a doctorate.

Dr. Corey Tafoya talks John Maurer from Wold Architects and Engineers. With a growing student population and school facilities reaching capacity, Harvard District 50 has been examining space needs and formulating a long-range facility master plan.

Dr. Tafoya ditched his tie for a day and shadowed Harvard High School senior Desiree Brady. Ms. Brady shares her perspective of high school and what her life is like as a student. 

Dr. Corey Tafoya talks with Harvard's Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Vicki Larson, about hiring, retention, and dealing with the growing teacher shortages.