Shift Everything

Sometimes students need a safety net at their school to get the support they need to improve their behavior, attendance, and academics. Student advocates can be that support system. This episode of Shift Everything is a discussion with two West40 student advocates, who share what it's like to help make a difference in the lives of students.

Social media is one of the most important ways that a school can communicate with families and their communities. On this episode of Shift Everything, we talk to Andrea Gribble, author and owner of #SocialSchool4EDU, to learn what types of social media posts can help boost "likes" and build strong community connections.

What will be different about education as the learning experience evolves? Shift Everything explores this topic in a conversation with West40 Executive Director Dr. Mark Klaisner. Dr. Klaisner shares his thoughts on the steps that are being taken now to improve the overall education experience and what it could lead to in the future.

Shift Everything explores the importance of early childhood education and care. Illinois recently approved big investments in initiatives for young learners and their families, early intervention, and the creation of new preschool opportunities. Vivian Palicki, a professional learning specialist at West40 with experience as an education and health and well-being liaison and advocate for children in Illinois' child welfare system, is our guest.

The events of the past several years have taken a toll on the mental health of many people, including teenagers. Supporting their mental health journey is a priority for many families and schools. Shift Everything talks to Adrian Cardenas, coordinator of The Loft, a new program in the Chicago suburbs that has a team of support specialists and mental health professionals that encourages teen voices to empower and advocate for their own services and family support.

We talk to communications professionals who explain what goes into effective school messaging, whether it is positive news updates or responding to crisis situations. 

Community resources can include assistance with food, clothing, medical and behavioral health, educational materials and much, much more. Shift Everything interviews the West40 community resources team as they describe step by step how they plan, conduct, and ultimately assess the impact of community resource activities and events.

Schools can never be too safe when it comes to protecting students and staff. That's why it's best to have a plan in place for a variety of possible threats and emergency situations. Shift Everything discusses this important topic and how West40 assists school districts.

There could be a variety of reasons why a student does not graduate high school as a 17 or 18 year old. But support is available for those who choose to go back to school as a slightly older student. Shift Everything talks to members of the West40 Seniors Plus advocacy team.

Imagine being a high school junior or senior interested in an education career and getting the opportunity to lead classroom activities as a student teacher. Shift Everything explores how student teaching programs at Chicago area high schools can benefit current students and help ease the nation's educator shortage.