We’re playing this popular episode as teachers are relearning how to support themselves during this challenging school year. (Originally aired March 29, 2021). Educators are natural nurturers, but taking care of themselves often falls to the bottom of the list...if it even makes the list at all. In this conversation with self-care advocate Julie Gentile, we learn how educators can actually have more of themselves to give to their students when they stop to take care of themselves. Julie Gentile is an award-winning author, yoga instructor, and self-care advocate. Her books include 108 Yoga an ..read more

So often our experience with our team meetings can feel unproductive or basic - how do we really leverage our Professional Learning Community into dynamic teams that truly impact our students? Join us for today's conversation with Professor Douglas Fisher as we dive into the elements of PLCs and what actually makes them effective. Dr. Douglas Fisher, is Professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High. Previously, he was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. Dr. Fisher is the recipient of an International Re ..read more

The Fall of 2021 will quickly be here, and although it might feel like we're "back to normal" in many ways, it will be a far cry from the normal we felt like we had in previous school years. But that's not a bad thing - in fact, we prefer to see it as an opportunity, and our conversation with Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Josh Schumacher will help reflect on what our experience was this past year and how we can best prepare for the fall.  Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Joshua Schumacher directs District programs that provide student inst ..read more

Forget the worksheets, timed tests, and grades. This episode features several of our outgoing seniors to share what memories stand out to them the most, and there is a lot to learn from the themes their answers share.  ..read more

It's been said that if you want to know what's up ahead on the road, you should probably ask someone who has already traveled down it. We are privileged to share a conversation with two of our colleagues who are retiring very soon who share their wisdom and perspectives.  Sharon McCoy is the Science Department Chair and the Building Representative for the union and is completing her 33rd year. She is the co-sponsor for the HOSA club. She has earned a Those Who Excel award and leads the GEMS club.  Yvette Jones is a counselor and is currently a sponsor for the RISE (Reaching Individ ..read more

Although our co-curricular activities and sports were heavily impacted this past year, there is still so much to gain from the unique experiences and community they offer. Welcome new host English teacher and theater director Katie Apperson to the show as she explores the role student involvement plays with three of senior students.  ..read more

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and as part of our ongoing campaign to equip staff, students, and families to prevent and confront sexual harassment and assault, we sit down with Assistant Principal Jeannette Ardell. Mrs. Ardell currently serves as an assistant principal at Conant High School, a position she has held since 2016. During this school year, she has served as the school’s lead discipline administrator. Prior to her administrative position, she was a school psychologist at District 211’s Therapeutic Day School Academy North,  and also served as the District’s lead ps ..read more

As we approach the end of the school year, we are habitually confronted with our students who are on the border between passing and failure. This year more than any other we must consider how we can support our students who may be struggling to cross the finish line this year. Dave Torpe has come through many seasons of his teaching career. He transitions between Teacher, Athletic Coach, App developer, Mentor, Theater Tech Director, Dean of students, and is now set to become the next Science Department Chair. Across all of these things, his main passion has always been rooted in developing a ..read more

As the number of students returning to campus increases, we want to examine what we can do to make sure we're making that return genuinely worthwhile. Today we speak with three staff members - Matt Marks, Monika Aubin, and Kalli Dalton - and we close by listening to students themselves about how to enhance their in-person learning experience.  Matthew Marks teaches in the Business Education Department.  Monika Aubin teaches in the Science Department. Kalli Dalton teaches in the Special Education Department.  ..read more

Educators are natural nurturers, but taking care of themselves often falls to the bottom of the list...if it even makes the list at all. In this conversation with self-care advocate Julie Gentile, we learn how educators can actually have more of themselves to give to their students when they stop to take care of themselves. Julie Gentile is an award-winning author, yoga instructor, and self-care advocate. Her books include 108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas and How to Stay Calm in the Chaos: An Everyday Self-Care Guide, which was written and published during the pandemic. She rec ..read more