Podcasts about Chicago Public Schools

After growing concern and anxiety about how Chicago Public Schools would close a $700 million deficit before the end of August, we finally got our first look at the district's 2026 budget proposal. We are breaking down the key points with author and professor Arionne Nettles and Block Club Chicago's Atavia Reed. Plus, will the Uptown Theatre ever get new life? Why is Illinois lowering standardized testing requirements? And, where can you get some of the city's best watermelon?  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast Chicago swag. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 15 episode: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Window Nation Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Summer is coming to an end, and it's time to go back to school. Today, the number of Chicago Public School students complaining about school lunch might only be matched by the complaints over homework assignments. So it may come as a surprise that decades ago CPS students actually looked forward to eating cafeteria lunch. In our last episode, WBEZ's Sarah Karp found that privatization of food services and revamped health guidelines shifted the menu for CPS students. During Karp's reporting, many alumni kept mentioning an old lunchtime staple, the famed CPS butter sugar cookie. This was a cookie served district wide and baked fresh by lunchroom staff during the 1960s-1980s. The cookie has long been discontinued in schools, but there's still a cult following. Dozens of copycat recipes pop up on a simple internet search, and one woman even turned it into a business. Curious City decided to put this cookie to the test. With the help of CPS culinary instructor Jeffrey Newman and a dupe recipe, we re-created this classic lunchroom treat. Is it worth all the hype? Will current CPS students like it? Or is this merely a dose of childhood nostalgia?

The clock is running out for Chicago Public Schools to solve its $734 million problem, as the district has until Aug. 13 to release a public budget proposal. Axios Chicago's Carrie Shepherd and The Triibe's Corli Jay are here discussing the available, yet not so popular, finance options CPS is mulling over. Plus, investment in the Pullman community is seeing real returns, Uptown's Weiss Memorial Hospital could shut down this weekend, and the Bears preseason kicks off Sunday. Good News:  Chicago Palestine Film Festival's “Art Under Occupation”, Dorian Sylvain's “Raised In It”, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's “Billie Jean”  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 8 episode: Paramount Theatre Overlook Maps Window Nation Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The FBI is said to be helping find Democratic Texas legislators who fled to Illinois. Indiana expands immigrant detention centers. The last of four convicted ComEd co-conspirators has been sentenced to prison. Chicago Public Schools cuts custodians in an effort to save money. Reset breaks down those stories and much more with Chicago Tribune political writer, Dan Petrella, Chicago Sun-Times reporter, Mary Norkol, and anchor of WTTW's “Chicago Tonight” and host of “Chicago Tonight: Black Voices,” Brandis Friedman. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Senior mayoral advisor Jason Lee discusses the various challenges Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration faces in balancing Chicago's budget. Topics include progressive revenue strategies, potential cost-cutting measures, environmental justice initiatives, and affordable housing policies. Lee also addresses the controversy around Aldermanic prerogative, the impact of pension costs, and the contentious proposals to raise the garbage collection fee and introduce video gaming at airports. Additionally, he touches on the mayor's approach to Chicago Public Schools' financial crisis, transit funding, and future development projects such as the proposed stadium for Chicago Fire at the 78. 

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Summer is far from over. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro discuss the festivals and restaurants they are looking forward to checking out. Plus, they discuss stories they are following throughout the month, including Chicago Public Schools' looming budget and community organizers asking ICE to stay out of Chicago summer festivals.   If you're new here, welcome! We've put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Chicago community. For even more tips on how to make the most of August in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago's take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago is powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Chicago. City Cast Chicago's guide to August is made possible by our sponsors, Top Marks Prep, Broadway in Chicago, Overlook Maps, Framebridge, and Big Onion Hospitality Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Reach us at chicago@citycast.fm

Former U.S. Secretary of Education, 3x3 basketball champion, and leader of an anti-gun violence organization are all on Arne's resume. He's also Steve's neighbor. The two talk about teachers caught cheating in Chicago public schools and Steve shares a story he's never told Arne, about a defining moment in the educator's life. SOURCES:Arne Duncan, the 9th U.S. Secretary of Education; founder of C.R.E.D.; former head of Chicago Public Schools; and former professional basketball player. RESOURCES:How Schools Work, by Arne Duncan (2018)."Benji," (ESPN's 30 for 30, 2012). EXTRAS:Chicago C.R.E.D.

In this episode of Hanselminutes, Scott Hanselman chats with Brenda Darden Wilkerson, the President and CEO of AnitaB.org, about her journey in technology and advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry. Brenda shares her inspiring story of entering computer science by accident, overcoming societal perceptions, and her impactful work advancing tech education in Chicago Public Schools. Together, Scott and Brenda explore pivotal topics such as access to technology, unconscious bias, the transformative power of exposure, and the role of AI in the modern era. They also discuss the significance of the Grace Hopper Celebration and its global influence on women technologists.Key Topics with TimestampsBrenda's Journey into Tech (00:49)How Brenda accidentally discovered computer science and the systemic barriers she overcame.Access, Exposure, and Opportunity (02:55)The impact of access and exposure in shaping careers and creating pathways for innovation.Breaking Gender Norms in STEM (06:40)The historical assumptions around computers being "for boys" and dispelling these myths.The Role of Luck and Preparedness (08:19)How preparedness and access create opportunities for success in technology.AI's Impact on Creativity and Knowledge (10:35)Brenda's perspective on AI as a tool, not a replacement for human ingenuity.Diversity in Tech and Creating Curricula (14:11)Encouraging creativity, diverse backgrounds, and inclusive thinking in tech education.The Ripple Effect of Representation (19:29)Representation's impact on individuals and their broader communities.Grace Hopper Celebration: Breaking Myths and Building Networks (21:33)How the conference fosters inclusivity and dispels misconceptions in tech spaces.Community and Collaboration Beyond Events (28:03)The power of year-round networks and online platforms for fostering innovation and connection.Main TakeawaysAccess and exposure are key catalysts for innovation. Brenda's journey highlights how transformative opportunities spark enduring passion and remarkable careers.Representation dispels myths. The Grace Hopper Celebration is a powerful example of visibility's impact on inspiring and sustaining individuals in tech.Diverse perspectives lead to impactful solutions. We need cross-disciplinary individuals who bring unique expertise and creativity to solve complex problems.AI should complement human creativity, not replace it. Maintaining foundational knowledge and critical thinking is essential in the age of AI.Building inclusive systems helps everyone succeed. Systemic change, such as inclusive curricula and diverse pipelines, is essential for sustainable equity in tech.Notable Quotes“The assumption was that computers were for boys. That creates the myths we have to dispel.” – Brenda Darden Wilkerson“Luck is being prepared plus opportunity. How can we create luck for others?” – Scott Hanselman“If you don't take time to research reality, you perpetuate the images presented to you.” – Brenda Darden Wilkerson“The highest and best use of tech is at service of people.” – Brenda Darden Wilkerson“More than one thing can be true at the same time.” – Brenda Darden WilkersonResources MentionedAnitaB.org (Organization advancing women in tech): AnitaB.orgGrace Hopper Celebration (Women in tech conference): GHC.AnitaB.orgTED Talk: Sir Ken Robinson – Do Schools Kill Creativity?Grace Hopper Celebration Dates:November 4-7: Chicago, U.S.December 2-4: Bangalore, IndiaCall to ActionInterested in advancing diversity in tech or making connections with like-minded individuals?Join the AnitaB.org membership community for discussions, resources, and collaboration opportunities.Check out the upcoming Grace Hopper Celebration in person or engage with their network online.These show notes were automatically generated based on the podcast transcript.

Congress cuts federal funding for public media. Chicago Public Schools lays off nearly 1,500 staff. Disgraced former congressman Jesse Jackson prepares for a possible comeback. And Chicago City Council fails to override a mayoral veto of the “snap curfew.” Reset breaks down those stories and more with AXIOS Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd, WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp and Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Public Schools has a $734M deficit after paying for illegals.These are funds that should ONLY go to American citizens. When they do bond elections for education, do you want to pay to educate the children of illegals? CPS is laying off. That's the best news for CPD they've had in years. 1458 employees will be laid off.432 teachers, 677 special ed classroom assistants.Sex Offender freed in COA sex offender was freed, and he was caught on camera trying to abduct a childhttps://nypost.com/2025/07/14/us-news/registered-sex-offender-to-walk-free-after-elementary-school-kidnapping-attempt-prosecutors-say/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Stories from the Field, host Doug sits down with Dr. Matthew Wienclawski, Superintendent of Pathways in Education in Chicago. Matthew shares insights into the unique model of alternative education that Pathways offers, supporting students aged 16 to 22 who are overage and under-credited, and often juggle life responsibilities, such as work or caregiving, alongside their education.Discover how Pathways provides flexible programming,students attend just four hours per day, with options for one-on-one, small group, or online learning. Matthew discusses the challenges and benefits of partnering with Chicago Public Schools under a contract model, maintaining autonomy while meeting district metrics, and running four campuses spread across the city (all coincidentally on the same avenue!).Listen as Matthew reveals the entrepreneurial spirit behind Pathways, from individualized student success plans and hands-on mentorship to building an active alumni network and hiring graduates. He also opens up about his leadership journey, the impact of mentorship, and his focus on leading with humanity and grace, encouraging staff to learn from mistakes and fostering a responsive, supportive school culture.Tune in for practical lessons in alternative education, flexible pathways to graduation, and creating a caring environment that values both students and staff.Key Moments00:00 Flexible programming limits student tenure to prevent disservice; offers varied teaching modalities: 1-on-1 instruction and small group instruction.05:48 Model for integrating young adult components in high schools, emphasizing hands-on training and trades over traditional college paths.09:23 Early in my career, as a principal in Oakland, my mentor emphasized purpose using the proverb: "One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade." This taught me that our actions now may not show immediate results, but will eventually flourish, much like nurturing students despite their hardships.12:24 Embrace imperfection and encourage mistakes for learning without fear of repercussions.13:54 Guiding students to complete plans and hearing their success stories later is fulfilling and highlights the lasting impact of Pathways.Why You'll Love This Episode:Be inspired by Dr. Matthew Wienclawski's authentic leadership journey rooted in community, driven by equity, and focused on transforming educational outcomes through collaboration and clarity.Discover how he is working to increase the retention of Black male educators, address the “invisible tax” many educators face, and build leadership pipelines grounded in mentorship, representation, and respect.Gain insight into school turnaround strategy, leadership density, and how he leads with clarity, compassion, and cultural relevance, alongside a powerful vision for future superintendency rooted in impact, not ego.Connect with Dr. Matthew WienclawskiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wienclawski-5869489 Website: https://pathwaysineducation.org/ Follow Us OnHost LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/ Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more conversations on building powerful school cultures one little win at a time.

After four people were killed and 14 others were wounded late Wednesday outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge, the local alder is pushing to revoke the River North spot's business license. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what happened and the pressure the venue is facing. They also discuss Chicago Public Schools' ongoing financial trouble and they review “Ironheart” and “The Bear.” Some good news: The African and Caribbean International Festival of Life will be back in Washington park this weekend, instead of South Loop. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

June 23, 2025 City Club event description: Stacy Davis Gates took office as President of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) in July of 2022 and is a national leader in the labor movement and progressive political organizing efforts. President Davis Gates taught high school social studies in Chicago Public Schools before joining the CTU staff, […]

Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! Summer Summit may be over, but the value continues. Today, I'm chatting with one of our incredible Summit speakers, Joyce Harduvel, about a topic every school counselor needs—sustainable self-care. If you missed the Summit, it's not too late! All the recordings and PD hours are still available when you join the IMPACT membership. You'll get access to this session and so much more. Joyce is a licensed clinical social worker. She is a passionate advocate for youth and the school counselors and social workers who support them. She worked in Chicago Public Schools for seven years, where she specialized in evidence-based and trauma-informed behavior intervention for students with chronic challenging behaviors. Joyce is an advocate for proactive professional self-care that allows school-based professionals to build the sustainable careers of their dreams so that they can do what is really important: support their students! She now works with school counselors and social workers as a coach and clinical supervisor while pursuing a law degree to further her skills in championing youth. In this episode, we talk about: How to create proactive, sustainable self-care routines Why burnout is a systems issue, not a personal failure Simple ways to make your workspace more peaceful for you and your students The power of building a support system at work and at home What it means to reconnect with your "why"   Joyce shares what a typical day looks like for her now: Seeing 2–3 private practice clients (individuals, couples, kids) Attending clinical supervision sessions with small counselor/social worker groups Reading (a lot!) for law school—she recommends Speechify for educators to save time Intentional self-care moments like unplugged lunch breaks, short naps, and reading for pleasure Her routine emphasizes boundaries, rest, and balance, something we can all learn from.   Joyce's biggest tip: Don't wait to start taking care of yourself. Create a proactive self-care plan now, not once you hit burnout Give yourself grace and go slow; this work is a marathon, not a sprint Set boundaries around your time and energy (especially your lunch break!) Remember: You don't need to do everything all at once Connect with others who “get it” and lean on your community As Joyce puts it, "If you want to stay in schools, I want to help you stay in schools and make it sustainable."   Don't miss out! Want access to this session and more? Join the IMPACT membership to get all Summer Summit replays, monthly PD trainings, downloadable resources, and a community of fellow school counselors.   Resources Mentioned:   Join IMPACT   Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube Connect with Joyce: Instagram  www.joyce-lcsw.com   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

June 16, 2025 City Club event description: On September 29, 2021, Pedro Martinez, who has more than 30 years of experience in the private, nonprofit, and public education sectors, began serving as CEO of Chicago Public Schools. Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Mr. Martinez came to Chicago with his family at the age of 5 in […]

It's the last day of class for Chicago Public Schools. But while most students and faculty are excited for summer break, the school board and district officials will be hammering out the budget, working with a new interim CEO, and lobbying the city for more funding. City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Chalkbeat Chicago's bureau chief Becky Vevea and reporter Samantha Smylie to discuss the biggest CPS stories heading into the summer. Good News: Open Stage Festival Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

In this Father's Day episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Alex Fernandez, an educator and father who's been working in Chicago Public Schools for 17 years. As someone who works at my son Diego's school and presented on restorative practices, Alex brought such valuable insights about intentional parenting from the Latino dad perspective. Our conversation really resonated with me, especially as we discussed the challenge of breaking generational cycles while honoring our cultural roots.For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode129What You'll Hear:Why "what are you modeling?" is the most important question we can ask ourselves as parentsHow to validate our children's feelings while still maintaining boundariesBalancing traditional Latino values with intentional parenting approaches and handling family criticismWhy therapy and personal growth are essential, plus how modeling accountability changes everythingResources Mentioned:Mistaken Goal ChartLove this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Apple podcasts.Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamamiJoin the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Viva la Mami newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you won't miss a thing!Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HEREHave a suggestion for a guest? Click HEREVisit the Viva la Mami Websitewww.vivalamami.comHave questions or want to connect? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@vivalamami.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode, Caroline Pilman, a fellow Chicago Public Schools teacher, and I discuss the many ways of reading, all of which are acceptable. We also discuss a shared pet peeve in children's literature, how a seasonal career can affect the reading life, and how Chicago Public Schools does one thing right.    American Library Association Lists  CPS Battle of the Books 2025   Books mentioned in this episode:    What Betsy's reading:  There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak  Amatka by Karin Tidbeck Devil House by John Darnielle   Books Highlighted by Caroline: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt  One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia   All books available on my Bookshop.org episode page.   Other books mentioned in this episode: Kristy's Great Idea (The Babysitters Club #1) by Ann M. Martin The Giver by Lois Lowry  A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle  Dog Man by Dav Pilkey The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai  Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña & Christian Robinson  Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña & Christian Robinson

Scott Plencner, Chicago Public School teacher and coach of the Bass FishingTeam at Taft High School, joins John Landecker to talk about how he coaches CPS'only competitive bass fishing team. Listen in while Scott shares details surrounding thegrowing sport, the Skokie Lagoons tournament, which Taft hosted for the first time sincestarting its team in 2009, […]

This week, we welcome Chef Marcos Ascencio, the man behind Taqueria Chingón and Mariscos San Pedro. Taqueria Chingón is a Mexico City-style taqueria known for its bold Al Pastor and playful takes on classic tacos. From his early days at NoMi under Chef Sandro Gamba to mentoring young chefs in Chicago Public Schools, Ascencio has carved out a path that blends fine dining precision with street food soul. His collaboration with Oliver Poilevey at Taqueria Chingón honors tradition while embracing reinvention—offering tacos that celebrate the past and explore bold, new conceptions. His latest venture, Mariscos San Pedro, brings that same spirit to seafood. We've got an action-packed episode—sinkholes, days working for Jerry Springer, tales of jailbirds on the lam—full of practical advice and culinary insight from one of the city's most grounded and generous chefs.

Don’t be fooled, the fight for the lives of the pre-born doesn’t stop just because the political climate in Washington D.C. changes. On In The Market with Janet Parshall, a regular guest on the program addressed the ongoing battle against the abortion pill that has gone from being an outlier to one of the most widely used means of taking the life of the unborn. He warned us of the inherent danger of this option and why it may be time for this drug to have more government regulation over its distribution and use. Then we took a hard look at the recent massive power outages in Spain and Portugal where millions were without power after a celebration just weeks before in Spain where they touted 100 percent energy from renewable sources. Our climate expert addressed whether this is a neon warning sign to the United States about our own futures if we turn to complete dependance on alternative energy sources and whether or not this is the first major sign of what he calls “the green breakdown”. Is it possible that the anxiety and depression that many believers struggle with is less physical and more spiritually rooted in how our personal relationship with God operates? Our guest explained what an “insecure attachment to God” looks like and how it can have a dramatic impact on our mental wellbeing. She also explained how repairing that connection opens the door for God to share His healing story through our lives as a platform to lift up and encourage others who struggle with their own attachment relationship with Him. We boarded another radio flight to the land down under for more enlightening conversations with our favorite Scottish apologist. He addressed the effort to redefine womanhood in Scotland and whether or not believers should support corporations that support abortion among other thought-provoking topics. We gave you the opportunity to hear from a respected attorney who detailed a recent religious liberty victory out the Chicago Public School system and what the larger scale ramifications of this win means for religious liberty across the country going forward. We also spoke to that man who has turned statistics into powerful tools for ministry as he laid out the findings of this year’s American Worldview Inventory and explained why we are seeing significant faith shifts across the nation. Once again, we invite you to join us for another important discussion of the news of the week through the lens of God’s unchanging truth.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready to think biblically and critically this hour. We start by discussing a seismic victory for religious liberty coming out of the Chicago Public School system. We then talk with Dr. George Barna about his latest American Worldview Inventory report that reveals a significant shift in faith allegiance. Don’t miss this timely conversation.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

407: As the year winds down, Ryan gets into the frustrations of Senioritis and entitlement, ChalkBeat's article on Chicago Public Schools' rising truancy but somehow rising graduation rate, IEP and 504 meeting etiquette/head-scratchers, and more! Patreon: www.patreon.com/classroombrew Instagram: www.instagram.com/classroombrew

Dr. Hermene Hartman, Chicago media pioneer and founder of N'Digo, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the Chicago Teachers Union which reelected Stacy Davis Gates as president, and Dr. Hartman shares what she might do if she were the superintendent of Chicago Public Schools.

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Scot and Greg react to the breaking news of Joe Biden's advanced prostate cancer diagnosis and the new questions it raises about his administration's transparency, the painful recordings of Biden and Special Counsel Robert Hur, and shocking attendance failures in Chicago Public Schools that officials keep rewarding.First, they discuss the serious and sad revelation that former President Biden is battling prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. But this news also shines the spotlight even brighter on what Biden and his staff knew while he was president and whether they covered up this health crisis as well as his cognitive decline. And can we believe anything they tell us?Next, Scot and Greg examine the newly released audio from Biden's October 2023 interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur. The tapes directly contradict Democrats' spin and support Hur's conclusion that Biden was mentally diminished. Scot also stresses that the recent revelations in books and interviews are just a drop in the bucket and there are still many serious questions that linger. But the Biden team and the media have little incentive to answer them.Finally, they spotlight alarming data out of Chicago, where 25 percent of public school students missed at least 35 days of school last year. That's double the pre-pandemic absentee rate. But somehow graduation numbers continue to rise. Local school officials blame parents for no longer prioritizing in-person school attendance, but Scot and Greg know exactly who is responsible for creating that mindset.Please visit our great sponsors:If I needed to find a doctor quickly, Zocdoc is what I'd use. Stop putting off those doctor's appointments and head to https://zocdoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.It's free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in Understanding Capitalism with Hillsdale College. Visit https://hillsdale.edu/MartiniThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase!  Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini

What happens when schools focus on the right kind of data? Elaine Allensworth joins the Leaders Coaching Leaders podcast to discuss the transformative power of meaningful metrics in education. Drawing from her groundbreaking work in Chicago Public Schools, Elaine shares how identifying critical data points, like ninth-grade course failures, can create a ripple effect of dramatic improvements in student outcomes. With decades of experience in education research, Elaine highlights the role of ninth-grade success as a foundation for long-term achievement and explains why data is best used as a tool for communication and collaboration. Unraveling the complexities of data overload, she outlines ways for educators and district leaders to prioritize actionable insights that lead to meaningful impact. Inspiring, insightful, and packed with strategies, this conversation will leave you rethinking how data can fuel positive change in education.Let us know what you think!

Meet Charles Williams--education leader, author, podcaster, and more. Charles is an active Assistant Principal in Chicago Public Schools--and the founder of CW Consulting: learn-grow-lead. He is also the host of the Counter Narrative Podcast. Charles and I connected at the Illinois Principals Conference in Peoria, fall of '24--and here we are today, May 13th, 2025--LIVE on the #ELB podcast at 7:45 EST.Join us talking leadership, education, and Charles' journey! #SurviveThriveLearn more about Charles here: https://www.cwconsultingservice.com/m...This podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by more than 1 million teachers each day. It is also the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/ELBIXL

May 7, 2025 City Club video

Chicago Way w/John Kass (05/05/25): This week, former CEO of the Chicago Public Schools (1995-2001) & candidate for mayor, Paul Vallas joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin with a look at how Governor JB ‘Master Oligarch of Illinois’ Pritzker is doing running the state and shares a stories about being brought before the him to […]

Ben Felton, Chief Talent Officer of Chicago Public Schools, joins Lisa Dent on the show to kick off Teacher Appreciation Week. Listen in while Ben discuss teaching position openings, what teachers need in the classroom to make their job less stressful, and more.

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, hosted by Sylvie Légère, the focus is on educational choice and the challenges faced by homeschooling families in Illinois due to the House Bill 2827. The show brings together Leslee Dirnberger and Aziza Butler, two leaders in the homeschooling community, to discuss the implications of this bill. Leslee and Aziza share their personal journeys in homeschooling and the benefits of individualized education for their neurodiverse children. The conversation emphasizes the flexibility, diversity, and tailored nature of homeschooling as opposed to traditional public schooling. The episode delves into the content of House Bill 2827, which mandates homeschooling families in Illinois to register with local school districts and submit curriculum reviews, sparking concerns about increased government oversight and limited parental choice. Utilizing SEO-focused keywords, the discussion highlights key issues such as government overreach, educational innovation, and the constitutional rights of parents. Aziza and Leslee articulate their viewpoints on how the bill might stifle educational innovation and infringe on parental rights, encouraging listeners to engage with legislators to voice opposition.  About the Guests: Leslee Dirnberger is the founder of Aspire Education, a consultancy dedicated to helping families create individualized education plans for their children. As a former homeschooler of four neurodiverse children who are now thriving, Leslee combines her personal experience with her professional expertise to support parents seeking alternative educational paths. Aziza Butler is a homeschool mom of six and the founder of We School Academy, a flexible schedule learning community based in Chicago. A former Chicago Public Schools teacher, Aziza is committed to removing barriers for families choosing to homeschool or privately educate their children. Her diverse teaching experience and passion for educational choice make her a leading advocate in her community. Resources: Aspire Education: Aspire Education US Illinois Christian Home Educator Association (organization engaged in the bill discussion) Illinois Homeschool Association (organization engaged in the bill discussion) Homeschool Legal Defense Association: A national organization providing updates on homeschooling legislation.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sits down with Dr. Vincent Iturralde, Chief Operations Officer for North Chicago School District 187. Dr. Iturralde shares insights from his educational journey, emphasizing the need for schools to update emergency response protocols, strengthen communication systems, and prioritize collaboration over mere compliance to ensure the safety of students and staff. Through real-world examples, he illustrates the challenges of reunification efforts and underscores the critical role of proactive planning.KEY POINTS:Emergency management is more than drills and compliance—it is critical all stakeholders understand the why.Reunification planning is complex and must be practiced and continued to be refined.Emergency management is bigger than one person and collaboration is key to success.Our guest, Dr. Vincent Iturralde is the Chief Operations Officer for North Chicago School District 187 and oversees the district's operations, security, facilities, and school leadership. Dr. Iturralde has proven experience as an Educational Leadership Consultant, a Transformational Coordinator for North Chicago School District 187, a Leadership Coach for the University of Illinois Center for Urban Education Leadership, and a Part-Time Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign and Concordia University. Before these positions, Dr. Iturralde was the founding principal of the Tarkington School of Excellence in Chicago, IL. He has his Educational Doctorate and Master of Education from the University of Illinois in Chicago. He was an educator in the Chicago Public Schools system for 20 years as a teacher, technology coordinator and school improvement coordinator. In 2008, Dr. Iturralde became a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and, in 2009, received the Re-Generation Award for Excellence in Environmental Education from the U. S. Department of Green Building Council.

Lindsay Barnett founded Playground Productions after she spent close to a decade teaching second grade in a Chicago Public School in addition to manufacturing educational products. She gained national attention, as a semi-finalist on Live with Kelly and Ryan's Top Teacher Search. Now, she has curated a slate of IP in the children's space and collaborates directly with authors and writers to ensure that Playground's content will make families proud and kids love learning. Lindsay received her Bachelor of Science in Communications: Radio, Television, and Film as well as an Interactive Arts and Entertainment Module from Northwestern University. She then earned her Master of Science in Education in Elementary Teaching at Northwestern.

This is the full 4-13-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. On the latest episode of Labor Express Radio, CTU members vote on a historic tentative agreement between the teachers' union and Chicago Public Schools.  CTU VP Jackson Potter discusses what was won in this TA.  Omar Lopez of Consejo de Defensa de Inmigrante discusses plans for May Day 2025 in Chicago.Labor Express Radio is Chicago's oldest labor news and current affairs radio program. News for working people, by working people. Labor Express Radio airs every Sunday at 8:00 PM on WLPN in Chicago, 105.5 FM. For more information, see our Facebook page...   laborexpress.organd our homepage on Archive.org at:http://www.archive.org/details/LaborExpressRadioLabor Express is a member of the Labor Radio / Podcast Network, Working People's Voices – Broadcasting Worldwide 24 Hours A Day. laborradionetwork.org  #laborradionetwork  #LaborRadioPod  #1u  #UnionStrong

Jackson Potter, Vice President of the Chicago Teachers Union, discusses the tentative agreement between the union and Chicago Public Schools management.  The outcome of the TA depends on the vote of the full membership this Thursday and Friday (April 10th and 11th).  Potter argues that if ratified, this will be by far the best contract ever negotiated by the CTU.  He discusses highlights of the TA, what it took to get here as well as the next steps for the union once a contract is signed.

The Chicago Teachers Union reaches tentative contract deal with Chicago Public Schools. Teen violence in Streeterville has alder calling for earlier curfew. Jewish students at DePaul sue the university over alleged antisemitic attack. Reset dives into these and other top local stories with ABC 7 News anchor Ravi Baichwal, WBEZ senior education editor Kate Grossman and Better Government Association president David Greising. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union have been negotiating a contract for nearly a year. This week, a key CTU bargaining committee approved the tentative deal, bringing the teachers one step closer to a final contract. Reset hears what's in the contract – and how it impacts schools – from WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Crain's politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about details of the tentative contract agreement between Chicago Public School and the Chicago Teachers Union.Plus: Discover ups CEO's pay as it looks to close Capital One deal, Lakeview property up for sale as senior housing to rentals conversion, SEC drops crypto trading case against Don Wilson's firm and Northwestern details progress in combating antisemitism on campus.

Chicago Public Schools and a suburban school district are under a civil rights investigation from the Department of Education. And the center of the investigation? School locker room policy. The investigation, announced last week, comes after politically conservative groups filed complaints about trans students being allowed to change in the locker room that lines up with their gender identities. The Trump Administration says it is investigating alleged violations of Title IX, while the Chicago and Deerfield school districts insist they are in accordance with Illinois law. Reset digs into what's at stake with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Violet Miller. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by the National Math Improvement Project. You can access the webinar recording here.Algebra I is a critical gateway to advanced mathematics and future academic success, yet systemic barriers continue to limit access and opportunity for many students, particularly those from historically underserved communities. Listen to this illuminating discussion with leaders from three of the nation's largest school districts who are pioneering innovative approaches to ensure all students can thrive in Algebra I.Drawing from a new case study examining successful district initiatives, this edWeb podcast brings together academic officers from Chicago Public Schools, Los Angeles Unified School District, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools who discuss how districts can transform Algebra I from a gatekeeper into a gateway of opportunity. Don't miss this chance to hear directly from district leaders about concrete strategies for:Creating multiple on-ramps to algebra successBuilding teacher content knowledge and instructional expertiseExpanding early access programs and acceleration pathwaysFostering positive math identity and student belongingUsing data to inform and improve algebra readiness effortsListen to this edWeb podcast about making Algebra I success achievable for all students. This edWeb podcast is of interest to middle and high school district leaders.National Math Improvement ProjectNMIP elevates best practices in support of academic outcomes, educator capacity, and math mindsets. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

The Regional Transit Authority, which oversees CTA, Metra, and Pace, put out an alarming forecast of service cuts if the state fails to close a $770 million budget gap for next year. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea go through this “doomsday” scenario. They're also discussing the latest on negotiations between Chicago Public Schools and the teachers union, including a delayed budget amendment vote. Plus, they're sharing some of their favorites from our list of 1,000 things we love about Chicago. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25 episode: Bookshop.org — Get 15% off your next order with code CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

What Do The Incredibles and Educators Have in Common? In our latest Better Learning Podcast episode, we dive into The Incredibles (2004) and uncover powerful insights for educators. Just like Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl face lawsuits that restrict their powers, teachers often feel held back by red tape and policies that limit their ability to innovate in the classroom. We explore how educators can break free from these constraints, unlocking their creativity, adaptability, and empathy to make a bigger impact. Plus, we break down fun film moments that mirror real-life school experiences.   Takeaways: Everyone wants to be special and normal at the same time Teachers aren't the only adults that can have an impact Everyone has their own superpowers Different is okay   About Mercedes Johnson: In 1995, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson narrowly survived a commercial airplane crash that killed 160 people, including her parents. She presents her proprietary Second Chance Living concept, an innovative mindset and approach with a proven track record, to organizations such as General Electric, ExxonMobil, Microsoft, NASA, Chevron, and the various branches of the US Armed Forces. Before becoming a speaker, Mercedes spent nearly a decade in high-level sales in the pharmaceutical and medical software industries. A record-breaking, multimillion dollar producer, she became the youngest female and sole Latino account executive at Cerner Corporation. She is an active leader in philanthropic organizations advocating for special needs children and children's health initiatives, notably for Make-A-Wish and The National MPS Society. Mercedes and her story have been the subject of considerable national and international media coverage.   About Katie Riley: Katie Riley's extensive career reflects a strong dedication to transforming education, particularly for students with diverse learning needs. With 25 years of experience in various educational settings, including public and private schools, and her work in parish schools, she has built a reputation as an educator passionate about making a difference for all students. Her journey began in the challenging but rewarding environments of Chicago Public Schools and Dallas Independent School Districts, where she was determined to improve educational outcomes for students with different learning styles. As her career progressed, her expertise expanded, and she took on leadership roles as an educational consultant and an administrator of high-impact schools in Dallas. Katie continues her deep commitment to innovation in education and a drive to advocate for students who may otherwise be overlooked. She is currently an educational consultant who works with schools and families to help ensure all students find an environment where they can be successful.     Connect with Mercedes Ramirez Johnson: Website: https://www.mercedesramirezjohnson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-ramirez-johnson-5536234/ X: https://x.com/MRamirezJohnson     Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/     Episode 223 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Hackers stole information for more than 700,000 Chicago Public Schools students late last year, the district said Friday. While officials say sensitive information like social security numbers were not affected, host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss why the hack is so troubling. They also go over the results of Illinois' new flag poll, and we're hearing from listeners! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 11 episode: Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

This month we have 2020 MBA alumnus Anthony Wojtal, Budget Manager at Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Anthony leads the budget team for the country's third largest school district and after 12 years has a veteran's perspective to offer. CPS delivers a public good and, as such, must serve everyone in its district equally, without exclusion. For this reason, it's a fool's errand to compare them to private firms that make such choices to maximize profit. So, how does CPS focus its organization when they cannot choose the services they offer, or customers they serve? The answer, an endless pursuit of operational efficiency with the guidance of a strong mission. Listen in to hear how, year after year, CPS delivers more with less using the most common approach there is, efficiency.

Schools have become sites of policing and surveillance that mirror the criminal legal system. To address this, we need to understand what our guest calls the “school-to-prison nexus,” the intersecting web of racist, carceral systems that criminalize our youth.We discuss the history of organizing against the school-to-prison pipeline and how the call for “Counselors Not Cops” needs an abolitionist framework to succeed. We also highlight important wins from decades-long fights like the recent vote to end the school resource office (SRO) program in Chicago Public Schools.Episode Guest:Erica Meiners is a writer, educator and organizer. Their recent books include For the Children? Protecting Innocence in a Carceral State, a co-edited anthology The Long Term: Resisting Life Sentences, Working Towards Freedom, and the co-authored *Feminist and the Sex Offender: Confronting Sexual Harm, Ending State Violence* as well as 2022's Abolition. Feminism. Now. Most importantly, Erica has collaboratively started and works alongside others in a range of ongoing mobilizations for liberation, particularly movements that involve access to free public education for all, including people during and after incarceration, and other queer abolitionist struggles. They are a member of Critical Resistance, the Illinois Death in Custody Project, the Prison+Neighborhood Arts and Education Project, and the Education for Liberation Network. Erica is also a sci-fi fan, an avid runner, and a lover of bees and cats.Episode Notes:Transcript: upendmovement.org/podcast/episode-205/Support the work of upEND: upendmovement.org/donateTo understand the difference between reforms and abolitionist steps to end family policing, explore our framework tool at upendmovement.org/frameworkWe mention the Repeal CAPTA episode of The upEND Podcast. Learn more about the efforts to repeal the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act at repealcapta.orgErica encourages people to check out the work of organizations like Critical Resistance, Dream Defenders, Movement for Family Power, and the blog Black on Both Sides.

Nearly 300 new laws are now in effect in Illinois in 2025. Chicago Public Schools parents are under the microscope after a damning report from the district's inspector general. Meanwhile, former Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan spoke candidly about his life and work for the first time in years during his federal corruption trial. Reset discusses those stories and much more with Chicago Sun-Times education reporter Nader Issa, WTTW political correspondent Amanda Vinicky and ABC7 News anchor Ravi Baichwal. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

After eight months of contentious talks that cost CEO Pedro Martinez his job, Chicago Public Schools teacher contract negotiations are entering a decisive phase. Chalkbeat Chicago's Becky Vevea explains. Host - Jon HansenReporter - Becky VeveaRead More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way.We amplify positive stories, cover development and local school council meetings and serve as watchdogs in neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch five years ago, we've published more than 25,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 130,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

Chicago Public Schools start off the new year with more controversy as the teachers union accuses CEO Pedro Martinez of being responsible for stalled contract negotiations, a claim he disputes. “In fact, it's just the opposite,” he says. So, what's next? And could there be a strike? Reset gets the latest from Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Reema Amin. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Public Schools has an interesting 2025 ahead. CPS CEO Pedro Martinez has been fired. A new hybrid school board will take office in two weeks. And the district is still without a teachers union contract. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down the latest developments. Plus, will the city get a new stadium (or two…or three…or four…)? And we've got good news we're watching in 2025. Good News: Starting at 9 a.m. Friday, click here and follow the steps on the Instagram post to enter to win a Year's Worth of City Cast Chicago's Favorite Restaurants. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago.