NKC Schools

This podcast is to provide professional development for NKC Schools’ teachers. Host, Susan Hiland, talks with District Instructional Coordinator, Casi Hodge, along with author and writing consultant, Matt Glover. In part one of four, the focus is on writing development and how teachers can view student writing through a strengths-based lens to make instructional decisions.

There is a lot happening in NKC Schools’ Transportation Department. Director of Transportation, Mike McQuillen, joins host Susan Hiland with updates on a new app. It shows students the location of their bus in real time eliminating the need for students to wait at the bus stop in cold or rainy weather. Mike also shares big news about the recent state safety inspection. NKC Schools reached a milestone after receiving a 100% approval rating. Looking for a job with great benefits and a competitive salary? We’re hiring bus drivers! Mike explains the benefits of working for NKC Schools and the process to become a bus driver.

Taking care of your health and wellness is even more important now as we cope with the pandemic. Amber Paxton, NKC Schools’ Wellness Specialist, joins host Susan Hiland with some tips on self-care and managing your physical and mental health. Amber shares news about several programs available to support staff. Joyages, a new app, provides encouragement and information on various health topics. A step challenge underway is proving to be successful at motivating staff to exercise. Amber outlines options for counseling whether it’s for nutritional guidance or mental health concerns. In addition, a new book club will create dialogue and support for staff.

We’ll discuss the coursework and experiences for students who choose this school. Topics covered include:
- Careers in each pathway
- Personality type, traits or strengths that would be a good fit for this pathway
- Classes included in this school
- Switching pathways
Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Dr. Chris Sartain, Oak Park principal, and Winnetonka business teacher, Ashley Lee, about how pathway learning can prepare students for post-graduation success.

We’ll discuss what type of student would be interested in this school and how students can engage throughout their high school years. Topics covered include:
- Careers in each pathway
- Resources to help students share their interest
- Real-world experiences for students
- Can I change my mind?
Host, Susan Hiland, discusses the experiences for students who choose this pathway with Dr. Larry Smith, principal at Staley High School, and Eric Whited, business teacher at Oak Park.

We’ll discuss matching a student’s interests to a learning pathway and how building community within the pathway sets students up for success. Topics covered include:
- Careers in each pathway
- Benefits of selecting a school within a school
- Student coursework and authentic experiences
- Resources for parents and students
Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Dr. Drew White, principal at NKCHS, and Lewis McKenzie, computer science teacher, also at Northtown, to learn more about how they are working to individualize learning for each student to ensure success.

We’ll discuss what makes this opportunity exciting and how this selection affects students’ choice of classes. Topics covered include:
- Careers in each pathway
- Incorporating coursework into pathway learning
- Real-world experiences
- Am I locked in after I choose a pathway?
Host, Susan Hiland, speaks with Dr. Eric Johnson, principal at Winnetonka High School, and Susie Helwig, a Staley science teacher, about the advantages for students as they choose a school and a pathway.

Teachers face many challenges during a pandemic. How do you keep students engaged? What can band classes look like? Host, Susan Hiland, discovers how this year is forcing two teachers to reevaluate their approach to educating students. Meara Mitchell, NKC Schools’ Coordinator of Instrumental Music and Kristin Bundy, English Language Arts teacher at New Mark Middle School, explain the changes they believe are making them better teachers. Hear what they plan to continue doing even after the pandemic is over, based on all they’ve learned.

How is the pandemic impacting the way we teach? How are teachers managing all the changes? Two elementary teachers discuss what's working and how they are overcoming the challenge of teaching in-person and virtually at the same time. Host, Susan Hiland, talks with two teachers from Meadowbrook Elementary; Ambra Robinson, 5th grade and Emily Lynch Deegan, 3rd grade.

CONNECT-ED
NKC Schools works to redesign high school so students are more engaged and successful. Learning pathways have been designed to benefit all students no matter their area of interest. Ensuring all classes have practical, real-world experiences is the cornerstone of the program developed by ConnectEd. Susan Hiland delves into the new initiative with ConnectEd CEO and President, Dr. Gary Hoachlander, and NKC Schools' Mark Maus, Executive Director of College and Career Readiness.