The West40 podcast, Shift Everything, goes behind the scenes at a recent school-based mental health roundtable to explore the importance of prioritizing the well-being of students and support staff. Special thanks to Cicero District 99 and Sustainable Mental Wellness, Inc.

How can schools prepare for the AI revolution? This episode of Shift Everything focuses on AI and Education. Our guest is Micah Miner, District Administrator for Instructional Technology and Social Studies at Maywood, Melrose Park, Broadview School District 89.

Members of the West40 School Safety and Threat Assessment Team describe how TVTP grants can help schools keep students and staff safe.

The Shift Everything podcast goes behind the scenes at the recent West40 Spring 2024 Educator Job Fair. Hear from the host organization, participating school districts, and a prospective educator.

Imagine being a prospective teacher and earning great grades in college and receiving strong letters of support for the start of your career, but a roadblock is preventing you from achieving your dream job. West40 talked to two new teachers who said it took them multiple attempts to pass the Illinois licensure test for early childhood education. Public records show they are not alone. This is happening during a nationwide teacher shortage. Because of the concerns, the Illinois State Board of Education has approved moving forward with a review of the exam.

West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner returns for another edition of Ask Mark Anything! Dr. Klaisner talks about the Super Bowl and answers questions about the teacher shortage, state mandates, resources for migrant students, and more.

Shift Everything welcomes former NFL player Gaelin Elmore, a speaker and presenter who shares his story growing up in the foster care system and explains the importance of giving a young person with an adverse background a sense of belonging.

Media literacy allows people to critically analyze stories that are presented in the media and to figure out what to trust and share. In fact, media literacy is now required in the curriculum of all Illinois public high schools. Alba Mendiola, a former broadcast journalist who was recently named educator of the year by the News Literacy Project, helps explain media literacy and how educators can learn more.

West40 explores pathways for students who are interested in pursuing careers in skilled trades. Host Chris Coffey is joined by Triton College faculty member Antigone Sharris for this episode of Shift Everything. 

In our continuing discussions about supporting newcomers to Chicago, this episode of Shift Everything focuses on how many of the recently arrived migrants are being housed and fed. Chi-Care, a non-profit organization that cares for the unhoused across the Chicagoland area, joins us for the conversation. Chi-Care provides foods and essentials to the migrant families, in addition to supporting families served by West40.