Shift Everything

The Shift Everything podcast is back with another question and answer session with West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner. Area superintendents submitted questions covering a wide range of topics, including education-related legislation, school vouchers, leadership qualities, supporting undocumented students, and more. This is the season finale of Shift Everything. We'll be back in a few months!

Welcome to Shift Everything! In this episode, West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner recaps his Spring 2025 trip to Asia, where he was one of approximately twenty educators from across the US selected to join an international delegation to South Korea and Singapore. Dr. Klaisner explains how they explored innovative education systems, leadership practices, and global perspectives on learning.

There could be any number of reasons why graduating from high school in four years does not work out for a young adult.  But there are solutions for those looking to restart or finish high school.  In this podcast episode, hear from a current student and a recent graduate of the West40 Seniors Plus program.  Seniors Plus offers students a second chance to finish high school in a setting built on respect and support.

The Shift Everything team attended the ICEARY (Illinois Coalition for Educating At-Risk Youth) Conference in Bloomington in early March. We chatted with several attendees and an organizer to hear their thoughts on the conference, what they hoped to learn there, and what misconceptions about at-risk kids they hope to get cleared up.

Yessenia Olivas is West40's Director of ALOP Operations. Her work often involves visits to advocates and students at schools in West40 partner districts. Yessenia explains why it's important to build strong connections with team members so they can walk further with students.

The sky is the limit students who are interested in many in-demand careers and not all of the careers require four year degrees. High school students can start their training for these careers before they graduate by participating in workforce development programs. The Shift Everything podcast highlights the programs offered by Ridgewood High School and Elmwood Park High School, whose students spend can attend training classes at area colleges and technical educational centers and get a step closer to their possible career of choice.

While a teacher shortage continues to impact schools across the nation, some districts are in the process of growing teachers from within their schools. On this episode of Shift Everything, Bellwood School District 88 superintendent Dr. Victoria Stockton explains how the district is partnering with BloomBoard to create pathways for for paraprofessionals and other school employees to become certified teachers.

Improved grades. More attention from teachers. Making friends. More creativity. That's how a family describes their child's experience with attending the West40 Remote School. Join Shift Everything and hear from the family as they explain how online learning (post pandemic) has led to positive results.

The #ShiftEverything podcast starts 2025 with a focus on education advocacy. Special guest Dr. Mike Popp of West40 shares tips on how to let your state's lawmakers know what changes are needed to help schools, students, and educators succeed.

Shift Everything explores the exciting process of school construction and renovation: from the idea, to the funding, to the bidding, and to the building. This episode's special guest is Athi Toufexis of Studio GC Architecture and Interiors.

Cicero District 99, near Chicago, embarked on a journey to boost academic performance and student success through continuous improvement. The district is now seeing measurable positive results, thanks to the hard work of its students and staff. On this episode of Shift Everything, Dr. Anthony Grazzini of Cicero District 99 describes their journey and shares tips with other districts.

A conversation with West40 Chief Technology Officer, Josh Boies, about the role of information technology in supporting education. Hear how tech teams keep devices running smoothly, protect sensitive data and information, and prepare for technological advancements.

Too many foster children have no stable place to call home. Every night in Illinois, there are foster children sleeping on couches, in temporary shelters, or even in state office buildings. #ShiftEverything explores what is being done to support these children and provide them with a safe environment to learn and thrive.

The Shift Everything podcast visited the 2024 Illinois School Safety Conference to learn more about the annual event, advancements in school safety technology, and why it's important for law enforcement to build trust with students and school staff.

Chronic absenteeism is an issue that impacts schools in Illinois and beyond. That's when students miss 10% or more of school for any reason and it includes excused or unexcused absences. State records indicate nearly 30% of Illinois students are chronically absent. But it doesn't have to stay that way. In fact, organizations like West40 are helping kids get back into the classroom by actively supporting them. On this episode of Shift Everything, Nancy Debre and Jimmy Mortillaro of West40 offer tips and share success stories.

What type of educational leader are you and what impact does it have on your team's success and culture? According to James Colbert, Jr., Superintendent of the Harris County Department of Education (Texas), there are three tiers of superintendents. In this episode of Shift Everything, James describes the different leadership styles and offers advice on how teams can support their districts' top decision makers.

Join Shift Everything for a conversation with 2024 Illinois Teacher of Year Dr. Rachael Mahmood. Hear about her journey to becoming an educator, what it's like to be a student in her classroom, and why she is on a mission to highlight educators' voices so everyone feels a sense of belonging.

The 2024-25 school year is about to begin and many school districts will have new policies that restrict student cell phone usage. Some students may be disappointed to learn they may not be able to use their digital devices in some parts of the day, but supporters of cell phone restrictions say the rules will lessen classroom distractions and help improve kids' mental health. Clinical psychologist and author Dr. Roni Cohen-Sandler shares insight on the issue from both perspectives.

This episode of Shift Everything focuses on the Combat Hate initiative, a classroom-based digital media literacy workshop that engages students in critical thinking for decoding and rejecting online hate. Our guest is Jacqueline Carroll, director of the Mobile Museum of Tolerance, based at the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Midwest Region in Chicago, 

It's Teacher Appreciation Week 2024 and West40 thanks EVERY teacher! West40 has teachers who support students in our Regional Safe School, Remote School and Seniors Plus program. Hear from two teachers who talk about their roles and why they got into education!

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.

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.

Members of the West40 School Safety and Threat Assessment Team describe how TVTP grants can help schools keep students and staff safe.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 do schools get funded and why do some schools get more money than others? Shift Everything examines these questions and more!

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.

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.

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.