Elgin Area School District U-46 is launching two online physical education courses that will allow some high school students to track their own wellness by self-monitoring and recording their weekly physical activity outside school using heart-rate monitors. In this episode, IASA speaks to Tracey Jakaitis, U-46 student wellness curriculum coordinator, about why their district elected to try this approach and how it implemented it. This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education. 

Fenton School District 100 was recently named Advanced Placement District of the Year. In this episode, IASA speaks to Fenton School District 100 Superintendent James Ongtengco about how his district was able to achieve this honor, and what other districts can do to improve AP programs in their districts.  Our podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.

Greg Dietz, an assistant superintendent at Maine Township HSD #207, has utilized computer technology, rather than face-to-face interviews, to interview job applicants for the district. In this podcast, Dietz discusses if video interviewing has increased the pool of candidates, the quality of candidates, how  districts can get started with video interviewing and if the district exposes itself to legal troubles using this method. This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education. 

Michael Doyle and Stacy Reagan, both instructional coaches at Central CUSD #301 in Burlington, launched a podcast series this school year that uses interviews to highlight district issues and programs. In this IASA Podcast, we speak to Doyle and Reagan to learn what steps they took to begin a podcast, what topics they cover and see if it's been a worthwhile experiment. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education. 

Dr. Adam Ehrman, superintendent of New Berlin CUSD #16, has been studying stress among superintendents as part of his dissertation. In this episode, Ehrman discusses findings from his research, which shines new light on what triggers stress, what superintendents experience the most stress and ways to alleviate stress. This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.

In this episode, IASA speaks to attorney David Braun, with the law firm Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk & Miller, Ltd., about the possible effects a law signed last year that allows children with debilitating conditions to take medical marijuana to school, as well as what it would mean for school districts if marijuana is legalized. This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education. 

After seeing the Undercover Boss television show, Dr. Dale Mitchell, superintendent at Homewood SD #153, tried the concept out in his district - minus the makeup. The process was eye opening, Mitchell says, and he encourages other veteran superintendents to spend the day with their staff. This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education. 

Heather Calomese, Executive Director of Special Education Services for the Illinois State Board of Education, speaks to IASA Associate Director Dr. Rich Voltz about changes in how funding for IDEA and preschool will be distributed. This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education. 

The dynamics between superintendents and union officials can sometimes create friction, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, IASA Associate Director Dr. Rich Voltz speaks to Larry Frank, a research specialist for the Illinois Education Association, about developing positive relations between union representatives and administrators. This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education. 

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.