Shift Everything

The sky is the limit students who are interested in many in-demand careers and not all of the careers require four year degrees. High school students can start their training for these careers before they graduate by participating in workforce development programs. The Shift Everything podcast highlights the programs offered by Ridgewood High School and Elmwood Park High School, whose students spend can attend training classes at area colleges and technical educational centers and get a step closer to their possible career of choice.

While a teacher shortage continues to impact schools across the nation, some districts are in the process of growing teachers from within their schools. On this episode of Shift Everything, Bellwood School District 88 superintendent Dr. Victoria Stockton explains how the district is partnering with BloomBoard to create pathways for for paraprofessionals and other school employees to become certified teachers.

Improved grades. More attention from teachers. Making friends. More creativity. That's how a family describes their child's experience with attending the West40 Remote School. Join Shift Everything and hear from the family as they explain how online learning (post pandemic) has led to positive results.

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.