Shift Everything

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.

This episode of Shift Everything is about how Illinois schools can best support newcomer students, including many from Venezuela who have recently arrived in Chicago. Dr. Rebecca Vonderlack-Navarro of Latino Policy Forum and former Illinois State Board of Education State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala join the conversation.

School district administrators across the country are facing serious staffing challenges. The fact is, it’s getting more difficult to find teachers, paraprofessionals, and school staff members to hire. But it can be done! Matt Kane, HR Generalist for West40, is our guest on this episode of Shift Everything. Matt shares his experiences with the hiring process and offers tips to help others find new employees and retain current employees.

Shift Everything host Chris Coffey speaks to Pleasantdale District 107 superintendent Dr. Dave Palzet about Pleasantdale Elementary receiving a National Blue Ribbon School recognition from the U.S. Department of Education.

What does it mean to be innovative in the classroom and how can that impact the student learning experience? Shift Everything explores how innovation and technology can be difference makers in education. Special thanks to the West40 innovation team for being guests on this episode.