Dr. Westfall speaks with Director of Career and Technical Education Dr. Robert Wright in celebration of CTE Month to explain more about everything you ever wanted to know about CTE and more, the impact these programs have on our students' futures, and how our community can become more involved and benefit from this unique partnership.

As we are in the height of "giving season," Dr. Westfall welcomed Director of State and Federal Programs Leigh Cook to share with our community more about how we discover and meet the needs of our students, and how the giving opportunities in our District are available and a necessity year round.

Dr. Westfall sits down with Fossil Hill Middle School Instructional Support Teacher Shaunna Hanby to take a stroll down memory lane. Hanby has been in the District for 19 years, serving almost her entire tenure at FHMS. She shares about how she has had the opportunity to educate children from all over the world; bond with colleagues through periods of rapid growth, and now, through physical updates and additions to the school; and connect with former students who have now returned to FHMS as fellow educators. She is one of many who are #ThankfulinKISD and Keller ISD invites you to join her in sharing what you are thankful for this holiday season. 

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Dr. Westfall speaks to special guest – Director of Customer Experience for Hillwood Development Company – Amanda Migura about an exciting new opportunity our Keller ISD students have this year, serving as Student Influencers for the group. Take a listen as they discuss what this selection process looked like, what our students are gaining out of the experience, and the positive impression they have made on our business community.

Be sure to stay connected to Keller ISD by following us at @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/KellerISD.

Dr. Westfall is joined by Heritage Elementary School teacher Meagan McDaniel, who – along with some fellow teachers in Keller ISD's LADDER cohort – has reimagined what the elementary school experience could be like, and now they have been given the opportunity to implement their vision at HES.

The Keller ISD podcast, "Westfall One-on-One," is entering its third season, and we've incorporated new hosts to introduce each conversation! This month, we're excited to hear from Valerie Minor about the incredible variety of professional development and mentoring services available to our staff as we prepare for a wonderful year ahead.

Chief Human Resources Officer Tracy Johnson and Dr. Westfall dive into the busy summer season of hiring in a school district, how the process works, the challenges of staffing a large district, and what makes Keller ISD a great place to work.

Dr. Westfall talks to Indian Springs Middle School Principal Sandy Troudt, as she prepares for retirement after a 43-year career in education. (WOW!) She shared memories, lessons learned, and advice. Congratulations to Sandy, and all of the retirees this year. We are so thankful for your service to our students, staff, and community.

While virtual learning took on a new meaning in 2020, Keller ISD has been embarking on this journey for a few years through the iChoose program – designed to address the needs of students by providing opportunities for students to complete foundation courses in CTE pathways, accelerate completion of language acquisition courses, pursue their interests during the school day, and prepare them for success in online coursework as they continue their education past high school. Hear iChoose student Skyler Standridge speak with Dr. Westfall about the opportunities this program has afforded him and check out more information about iChoose at www.kellerisd.net/iChoose.

Nearly a year ago, Keller ISD announced its exciting plan to open a Collegiate Academy in the fall of 2021. Shortly after that, the District was impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic and all the challenges it presented. Still, we are proud to say that we are still on track and just accepted our first students into the Keller Collegiate Academy for the 2021-22 school year! Listen as Keller Collegiate Academy Principal Tracy Arsenault explains the exciting new opportunities our students will have at this campus.