The #ShiftEverything podcast starts 2025 with a focus on education advocacy. Special guest Dr. Mike Popp of West40 shares tips on how to let your state's lawmakers know what changes are needed to help schools, students, and educators succeed.

Shift Everything explores the exciting process of school construction and renovation: from the idea, to the funding, to the bidding, and to the building. This episode's special guest is Athi Toufexis of Studio GC Architecture and Interiors.

Cicero District 99, near Chicago, embarked on a journey to boost academic performance and student success through continuous improvement. The district is now seeing measurable positive results, thanks to the hard work of its students and staff. On this episode of Shift Everything, Dr. Anthony Grazzini of Cicero District 99 describes their journey and shares tips with other districts.

A conversation with West40 Chief Technology Officer, Josh Boies, about the role of information technology in supporting education. Hear how tech teams keep devices running smoothly, protect sensitive data and information, and prepare for technological advancements.

Too many foster children have no stable place to call home. Every night in Illinois, there are foster children sleeping on couches, in temporary shelters, or even in state office buildings. #ShiftEverything explores what is being done to support these children and provide them with a safe environment to learn and thrive.

The Shift Everything podcast visited the 2024 Illinois School Safety Conference to learn more about the annual event, advancements in school safety technology, and why it's important for law enforcement to build trust with students and school staff.

Chronic absenteeism is an issue that impacts schools in Illinois and beyond. That's when students miss 10% or more of school for any reason and it includes excused or unexcused absences. State records indicate nearly 30% of Illinois students are chronically absent. But it doesn't have to stay that way. In fact, organizations like West40 are helping kids get back into the classroom by actively supporting them. On this episode of Shift Everything, Nancy Debre and Jimmy Mortillaro of West40 offer tips and share success stories.

What type of educational leader are you and what impact does it have on your team's success and culture? According to James Colbert, Jr., Superintendent of the Harris County Department of Education (Texas), there are three tiers of superintendents. In this episode of Shift Everything, James describes the different leadership styles and offers advice on how teams can support their districts' top decision makers.

Join Shift Everything for a conversation with 2024 Illinois Teacher of Year Dr. Rachael Mahmood. Hear about her journey to becoming an educator, what it's like to be a student in her classroom, and why she is on a mission to highlight educators' voices so everyone feels a sense of belonging.

The 2024-25 school year is about to begin and many school districts will have new policies that restrict student cell phone usage. Some students may be disappointed to learn they may not be able to use their digital devices in some parts of the day, but supporters of cell phone restrictions say the rules will lessen classroom distractions and help improve kids' mental health. Clinical psychologist and author Dr. Roni Cohen-Sandler shares insight on the issue from both perspectives.