It's not your standard science fair! Shift Everything explores the world of Impossible Science with illusionist Jason Latimer. Jason explains what can happen when learning about science goes from being mandatory to engaging.

Schools have emergency drills designed to keep students safe in moments of uncertainty. But for students with disabilities, those drills can feel different with loud sirens, rapid instructions, and sudden movements. Stefan Bjes, the Director of Safety and Security for Plainfield District 202, joined us on Shift Everything to share a perspective that shapes how he approaches safety, both at home and in schools.

West40 is partnering with AESA Global to bring exciting global learning opportunities to students and educators. Shift Everything recently interviewed AESA Global's Jason Hiruo and Meimei Zou to hear how these experiences can change perspectives.

We brought back one of our most popular episode formats, Ask Mark Anything! West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner answers questions from area superintendents about education policy on the state level, funding, reducing truancy, and more.

Shift Everything recently spoke to Michelle Gay of Safe and Sound Schools and Lori Alhadeff of Make Our Schools Safe. They each lost a child to a school shooting. They now lead organizations dedicated to helping keep schools safe. Learn more at https://www.safeandsoundschools.org and https://makeourschoolssafe.org

Dr. Lindsey Jensen of Educators Rising Illinois is a former Illinois Teacher of the Year who works with young people who want to become teachers. Hear what she says about supporting these possible future educators and how schools can get involved.

This episode of the Shift Everything podcast introduces listeners to the Academic Decathlon. Hear what it takes to build a team, practice, and ultimately compete on the state and national stages. If you would like to learn more about the Illinois Academic Decathlon or if you are interested in starting a team at your school, contact Tammy Raffen at [email protected]

Shift Everything explores the benefits of early literacy with West40 professional learning specialist Dr. Erika Lukasik. Hear how reading at a younger age can build critical skills that can lead to success in school and beyond.

Imagine being a teenager and seeing your friend collapse while on a jog. What would you do and how would you react? Four Ridgewood High School juniors experienced this in July when their friend suffered a cardiac arrest. Their quick-thinking kicked-in and they performed CPR until paramedics arrived. This episode highlights why learning life-saving measures in school is so important.

The Shift Everything podcast is back with another question and answer session with West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner. Area superintendents submitted questions covering a wide range of topics, including education-related legislation, school vouchers, leadership qualities, supporting undocumented students, and more. This is the season finale of Shift Everything. We'll be back in a few months!