POPULARITY
Guests Dr. Ken Wallace recently retired as the longest-serving Superintendent in Maine Township High School District 207's history, which dates back to 1902. During Ken's tenure, District 207 was named one of America's most innovative districts multiple times for advances in technology, adult learning, and career advisement. Ken is currently an educational consultant for multiple organizations. Danelle Almaraz, an educational leader with over three decades of experience, is committed to advancing leadership in modern education. At InnovateED, she empowers middle-tier leaders, promoting collaboration, innovation, and growth. Danelle champions continuous improvement, student success, and curiosity, advocating for an inclusive educational experience that enables learners at all levels to drive positive change. Summary With author Jennifer Breheny Wallace's book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It as the backdrop, the podcast episode explores the toxic achievement culture in US education and its detrimental effects on today's youth. Dr. Ken Wallace and Danelle Almarez discuss how the pressure to excel academically and in extracurricular activities and gain admission to prestigious colleges is causing stress, anxiety, and mental health issues among students. They critique the narrow definition of success that prioritizes test scores and college admissions over personal growth and career readiness. The conversation covers the misalignment between traditional schooling and real-world needs, the rising student debt crisis, and the importance of career-focused education. Both guests advocate for redefining success, helping students find their passions, and giving them agency in their learning. They emphasize the value of experiential learning, internships, and understanding the economic implications of educational choices. The episode concludes by stressing the need for schools to foster a sense of belonging and “mattering,“ focusing on helping students understand who they are and on long-term student outcomes rather than short-term achievements. Social Media Dr. Ken Wallace Twitter: @KenWallace207 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-wallace-35a50b50/ Danelle Almaraz http://linkedin.com/in/danelle-almaraz https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013505683057&mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.instagram.com/dalmaraz007?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr About Jeff Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government. Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness. Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.
On this special episode (brought to you by ClassLink), Chris and Eric the Intern take a trip to Austin and spend the week at the CoSN conference! Because they interviewed so many and got such good content, we'll be breaking this into two parts. You'll hear from: -Eric Nicklas, Program Manager, MOREnet -Don Ringelestein, CTO, Maine Township High School District 207, CoSN Board -Evangelina Mendoza, CTO, San Antonio Independent School District, CoSN Board -Tim Clark & Monica Watts, 1EdTech -Melody Lam, Learning Tools Developer, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools -Dayna Aravich & Dan Stoneman, Gartner -Shahryar Khazei, retired CIO of Los Angeles Unified, CoSN Board -Tom Ryan, Co-Founder at K-12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group, former CIO of Albuquerque Public Schools, and member of the Council of Great City Schools -Jan Mills, Senior Vice President of Sales, ClassLink -Steve Langford, CIO, Beaverton School District, Retiring CoSN Chair -Marlo Gaddis, CTO, Wake County Public School System -Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN ClassLink - Cybersecurity Rubric for Schools https://www.classlink.com/news/groundbreaking-new-cybersecurity-rubric-guides-schools-toward-improved-security-practices ClassLink – DataGuard https://www.classlink.com/news/classlink-announces-dataguard-and-advanced-iam-tools
On this special episode (brought to you by ClassLink), Chris and Eric the Intern take a trip to Austin and spend the week at the CoSN conference! Because they interviewed so many and got such good content, we'll be breaking this into two parts. You'll hear from: -Eric Nicklas, Program Manager, MOREnet -Don Ringelestein, CTO, Maine Township High School District 207, CoSN Board -Evangelina Mendoza, CTO, San Antonio Independent School District, CoSN Board -Tim Clark & Monica Watts, 1EdTech -Melody Lam, Learning Tools Developer, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools -Dayna Aravich & Dan Stoneman, Gartner -Shahryar Khazei, retired CIO of Los Angeles Unified, CoSN Board -Tom Ryan, Co-Founder at K-12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group, former CIO of Albuquerque Public Schools, and member of the Council of Great City Schools -Jan Mills, Senior Vice President of Sales, ClassLink -Steve Langford, CIO, Beaverton School District, Retiring CoSN Chair -Marlo Gaddis, CTO, Wake County Public School System -Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN ClassLink - Cybersecurity Rubric for Schools https://www.classlink.com/news/groundbreaking-new-cybersecurity-rubric-guides-schools-toward-improved-security-practices ClassLink – DataGuard https://www.classlink.com/news/classlink-announces-dataguard-and-advanced-iam-tools
Wisdom and Productivity: The Podcast of An Imperfect Educator
Interviewing Ken Wallace | Wisdom & Productivity | #TeachBetter #TBPodcaster | Full episode: https://youtu.be/ukazcWDBO1M Ken Wallace is the superintendent at Maine Township High School District 207 *W&P: Notes Intro Ken Wallace is 61 years old; grandfather was in WWII; high school coach was influential in how to create #learning; how to create situations where human get to be better. // collective efficacy // was an English teacher in search of how to support others be their very best// we tend to focus on students learning but often neglect adult learning (pathway to grow adults) Teacher as a coach Teacher as a coach; get kids addicted to learning // what inhibits learning is usually punishment for being wrong; students are to know that failure is useful// every teacher has a coach in Maine Township for their entire career // coaching for adults has been transformational // in search of finding the best of themselves // not leaving anyone behind Superintendent advice on coaching The purest form of evaluation should not be evaluative; apply the science of learning// cooperative learning; scientific Aspect// apply multiple strategies // partnerships with Northwestern and NLU // design principles: teacher-learners // practice at the metacognitive level Professional Trajectory Farmer, construction experience, HS English teacher, Wrestling Coach, AP, Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction // in 2009 hired by Maine Township (longest tenure) // importance of growing other people; one as a gardener // distribute ownership; grow your own// how to you arm yourself to meet the needs of thins world // take your ego out // about charismatic leaders // you are never done What Principals Don't Know Yet? Politics / involvement // try to look at the work as a coach // make people be their best // reporting to 7 board members // 24/7 job // you are the subject matter expert and you also need to educate board members Like in Back to the Future, what would you tell the Ken Wallace of the Past? Be patient Books Upstream Influences 2 teachers // more about the question than the answer Impostor Syndrome Be about the work, not about your brand // have a foundation Productivity Mountain bike; be healthy, take care of yourself // organizations are seen from above and at the granular level // science of exercise
This episode will feature school districts with district- and school-level diversity and equity leadership teams, led by teachers and administrators throughout the district community. We are excited to welcome Mr. Tony Medina, Principal at Palatine High School in Township High School District 211; Dr. Rob Lang, Assistant Superintendent for Staff Services at Community High School District 99; Dr. Shawn Messmer, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Innovation at Maine Township High School District 207, and Franczek Partner Michael Hernandez. Kendra Yoch and Amy Dickerson serve as moderators as we discuss the models utilized at each of our speakers' districts; strategies for engaging a variety of stakeholders; maintaining strong leadership, momentum, and continuity; and legal considerations for decentralized models. We also take a closer look at the equity goals contained in ISBE's 2020-2023 strategic plan, including the plan for incorporating an Equity Journey Continuum tool into each district's public report card by the 2022 reporting year.
Last week on Anchored in Education, we spoke to Dr. Ken Wallace from Maine Township High School District #207 about Getting it "Right" for Every Student. It was an amazing episode that was well received because of the fascinating and forward-thinking approach they are taking to education. This week, we are visiting briefly with Ken again to talk about the business partners that Maine Township has to better serve their students and provide meaningful experiences. After listening, head over to www.escottengland.com to read more about Ken. You will also find a link to several articles and videos we discussed in the resource section.
How many times have students heard that they need to be preparing for college when they are in high school? Get good grades, study habits, attendance, and so forth. Colleges will look at all of it. But, what if college is not for everyone? True statement: College is not for everyone. In fact, a good portion of college graduates are in professions in which they are overqualified. And most carry unnecessary debt. Thankfully we have an amazing leader named Dr. Ken Wallace. Ken leads Maine Township High School District #207. And they are doing amazing things in preparing their high school students. Join us today as Ken talks more about how we need to be getting it right for every student. After listening, head over to www.escottengland.com to read more about Ken. You will also find a link to several articles and videos we discussed in the resource section.
Marc is joined by guest co-host, Denise Hayden, a College Board consultant and extraordinary high school educator. Their guest is Dr. Ken Wallace, Superintendent of Schools, Maine Township High School District 207, in Illinois. They discuss Ken's role as a founder of the highly acclaimed Chicago Coaching Center, how learning is often messy and the importance of building for the long haul. Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com Guest: Dr. Ken Wallace @kenwallace207 Show Notes: Chicago Coaching Center (Watch their inspiring video) Illinois Personal Learning Network Chicago Coaching Center Podcast Check out Marc's new book, FORWARD FAST, available wherever books are sold.
Maine Township High School District #207 was one of 25 school districts in the U.S. to be honored as one of the “Most Innovative School Districts” for its unique approaches to expand and support teacher learning and student success both during and after high school. The award was provided by AASA and the Successful Practices Network (SPN). In this podcast, IASA speaks to Superintendent Dr. Ken Wallace about the steps his district is taking to improve student learning. This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.
Ken Wallace (@kenwallace207) and Adam Roubitchek (@ajroub) Introduce a new podcast from the Chicago Coaching Center. They talk about the inspiration behind the creation of the Chicago Coaching Center and the history of instructional coaching in Maine Township High School District 207.
The GAFE Admin podcast is a podcast by and for GAFE Admins. Our guest this episode is Henry C. Thiele Ed.D, Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning at Maine Township High School District 207. Maine was one of the first schools in the nation to put GAFE in place.