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.

Dr. Westfall had a special conversation with Keller High School and Keller Center for Advanced Learning student Zachary Lehmann about the things he is grateful for and the positives he has seen come out of the challenging times we continue to face.

Coordinator of Digital Curriculum & Remote Learning Dawn Bailey chats with Dr. Westfall about remote instruction – what we've learned, how we're improving, and where we're going. Listen to hear more about resources available to students, parents, and teachers; inspiring examples of how teachers are going above and beyond; and how education has evolved through these unexpected hurdles.

Bette Perot 2nd grade teacher Karen Grantham opens up to Dr. Westfall about how she has worked through some of the challenges brought on by 2020, and shares how her experiences of caring for others and being on the receiving end of kindness has fueled her to look forward to a great school year.

Dr. Westfall and Keller ISD Education Foundation Executive Director Cameka Crawford have an engaging conversation about the numerous opportunities KEF provides educators and students. Listen in and learn more about how to get involved and support this fantastic organization!

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, Fossil Ridge High School Teacher and Coach Adam Webb tells Dr. Westfall about his journey battling cancer the last few years, and the ways others, particularly those in the Fossil Ridge and Keller ISD family, have supported him and his family through difficult times.