Shift Everything

How do schools get funded and why do some schools get more money than others? Shift Everything examines these questions and more!

Shift Everything continues its coverage of the educator shortage by speaking to the teachers who see the impact on their classrooms.. Host Chris Coffey welcomes Kimberly Walls-Kirk of Chicago Public Schools, Brandon Thornton of Bloomington High School, Jane Russell of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and IARSS President and West40 Executive Director Dr. Mark Klaisner.

Shift Everything invites four Illinois regional education leaders to discuss how the educator shortage is impacting their regions and the possible solutions to hire and retain more teachers. This episode references information from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools 2022-23 Educator Shortage Survey.

Setting a good example and being a role model to kids can be just as important as teaching the core classes in school. Shift Everything is happy to discuss the power of youth mentoring with Cody Cotton of The Greater Good Foundation, a Chicago area organization with a mission to inspire young people and communities globally to live more holistic lives.

Chances are you will never forget how the pandemic impacted schools. Education leaders were tasked with making drastic decisions that would impact their students and staff. So what was it like to lead through those many months of uncertainty? Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kelsall of Ridgewood High School District 234 is our guest on this episode of Shift Everything.

West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner is back for another edition of "Ask Mark Anything" on Shift Everything! Dr. Klaisner answers wide-ranging questions about education in Illinois. If you'd like your questions featured in a future episode, contact us by email: [email protected]

Studies show dual language immersion at an early age can prepare children for a successful future. Shift Everything host Chris Coffey speaks to Gabi Ordonez, a parent educator in the Woodstock Community Unit School District #200, where educators have designed a model dual language program.

West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner joins us for a special "Ask Mark Anything" episode of Shift Everything. From his early teaching career, to state education funding, to the future of snow days, Mark answers your questions! Contact us with your questions by email: [email protected]

When a child expresses aggression in school, how should educators respond? Restorative Practices can be alternatives to traditional school disciplinary measures. West40 professional learning specialist Demian LaPointe explains how he was introduced to restorative practices and why they can make a positive difference in the lives of students, teachers and families.

West40 assistant executive Dr. Mike Popp is joined by Dr. Juile Morris of the West40 professional learning team for a conversation on how diversity, equity, inclusion and race play an important role in our dialogue about serving the educational needs of all students.