In this episode of Teach in Ten, we sit down with Michelle Roberts, a hearing itinerant and adaptive PE teacher who reminds us that innovation doesn’t always start with a big idea; it often starts with a problem that needs solving.

Michelle talks about her work in hearing itinerant services and adaptive physical education, and how those roles pushed her to rethink what access and inclusion really look like in PE. When traditional equipment didn’t work for students in wheelchairs, especially for activities like soccer, she didn’t stop at “this won’t work.” Instead, she figured out how to make it work. She shares how she adapted materials, modified gameplay, and tested ideas until students could fully participate.

We also get into the real-life challenges of innovation: not enough time, limited space, and the constant balancing act teachers face every day. Michelle is honest about how hard innovation can be, but she also shares why it’s worth it, because when barriers are removed, student confidence, engagement, and growth skyrocket.

Kerri Faraj – Dual Credit Spanish Teacher at Cary-Grove High School

In this lighthearted and joyful episode, Steph and Todd sit down with Kerri Faraj, a Dual Credit Spanish teacher whose path to teaching is anything but ordinary. Kerri shares how her love of Gloria Estefan, Spanish soap operas, and music in general pulled her into the world of language and culture and eventually into the classroom.

Kerri talks about the excitement of designing a brand-new course at Cary-Grove: Conversational Spanish. She walks listeners through how she’s reimagining what a language class can look like by focusing on real-world communication, authentic resources, and activities that help students feel confident using Spanish in everyday situations.

She also shares practical ideas and inspiration from music and pop culture to creative speaking routines that make the course both accessible and fun for learners at all levels.

Throughout the conversation, Kerri reminds us that innovation in world languages doesn’t always require big changes; sometimes it’s simply about creating spaces where students feel free to explore, speak, and connect.

Hosts: Steph & Todd

Guest: Jason Bott – Athletic Director at Crystal Lake South High School

In this episode, Steph and Todd sit down with Jason Bott, the athletic director at Crystal Lake South, to talk about what innovation looks like through the lens of leadership, athletics, and community. For Jason, innovation starts with a fresh mindset—approaching every year as a new opportunity to grow, adapt, and improve.

He shares how his focus on “innovation with purpose” shapes programs that support leadership development for both students and coaches. Jason highlights the school’s Student-Athlete Leadership Group, open to all student-athletes and focused on building confidence, character, and mental performance. He also explains how the coaches-only Lunch and Learn sessions create space for ongoing professional growth, collaboration, and reflective practice among the coaching staff.

Jason also discusses the Coaches CLT and the MVP process (Mission, Vision, and Core Principles), which guide athletic programs toward a shared purpose. That work extends to families, too, through parent training sessions designed to align values and strengthen South athletics' overall culture.

At its core, Jason’s message is simple: innovation isn’t just about doing something new. It’s about staying adaptable, intentional, and connected to the people you lead.

Hosts: Steph & Todd

Guest: Cara Neff – Math Teacher and Head Flag Football Coach at Cary-Grove High School. In this episode, Steph and Todd talk with Cara Neff, a math teacher and coach who brings creativity and purpose to everything she builds, whether it’s a new geometry lesson, a construction project, or a first-year athletic program.

Cara shares how innovation shows up in her teaching as applied creativity, finding hands-on, meaningful ways to connect math to the real world. Her geometry-in-construction classes look different every year because the projects change each year. Students design, problem-solve, and collaborate as they turn math concepts into something tangible, learning that formulas and framing have more in common than they think.

As the head coach of Cary-Grove’s new flag football program, Cara also reflects on what it’s like to start from scratch, creating new traditions, building a culture, and learning alongside her athletes.

Throughout the conversation, Cara emphasizes that innovation doesn’t always come from fixing what’s broken; it often comes from asking, “What could be even better?” Whether she’s in the classroom or on the field, she’s constantly reimagining what learning, teamwork, and growth can look like

Guest: Anne Santucci – Social Science teacher at Crystal Lake South and Cary-Grove High School, Dual Credit U.S. History instructor at MCC, and head girls’ soccer coach at Cary-Grove

In this episode, Steph and Todd chat with Anne Santucci, a teacher who knows that innovation doesn’t always mean doing something brand new; it can also mean looking at what’s already working and finding fresh ways to make it even better.

Anne shares stories from her classroom and coaching experiences, from a well-worn globe that sparks rich conversations about global change to using AI tools that invite students to think differently. She also talks about how inviting community members and local leaders into her classes helps students see real-world connections to what they’re learning.

Throughout the conversation, Anne reflects on what it means to grow as an educator after 24 years in the classroom. She models what she hopes her students will learn: that trying new things, being open about what doesn’t work, and staying curious are all part of genuine innovation.

In this episode, Steph and Todd sit down with Ross Ryan to explore what innovation looks like in the classroom and on the mat. Ross shares how he intentionally builds an environment where it’s not only okay to fail, but it’s expected. He reminds listeners that “fail” stands for First Attempt In Learning, and discusses how embracing mistakes fosters growth and creativity.

Ross discusses moments of vulnerability in teaching, candidly examining how taking risks in front of students models the courage needed for innovation. He also highlights how zero-hour PE provides the perfect space for experimentation and connection, encouraging both students and staff to try new ideas without fear of failing.

In this episode of Teach in Ten, hosts Steph and Todd sit down with Craig Kingston, an English and Drama teacher at Crystal Lake Central High School, to discuss what innovation looks like in the classroom and on the stage.

Craig shares how he empowers his students to become co-creators of the curriculum, giving them meaningful opportunities to shape what and how they learn. By honoring the questions, ideas, and curiosities students bring to the classroom, Craig demonstrates how ownership can transform learning into a more engaging, collaborative, and student-driven experience.

Listeners will hear practical strategies for inviting student voice into curriculum design and insights into how embracing innovation through ownership strengthens classroom culture and student motivation.

In the first episode of Season 4, hosts Steph and Todd sit down with Dan Mitchell, a special education teacher at Crystal Lake South and theater director at Crystal Lake Central. Dan works with students in the functional living skills program and shares how innovation comes alive in his classroom.

The conversation explores the essential components of true innovation - trust, collaboration, and strong relationships—and how these play out both in special education and in theater. Dan offers thoughtful insights into creating spaces where students can thrive by meeting them where they are and finding creative ways to connect learning to their lives.

One of the most memorable moments of the episode is Dan’s perspective that:[Innovation] is where the moment and the need meet each other.”

This episode is an inspiring look at how educators can redefine innovation by focusing on people first.

Guest: Todd Graba (STEM Division Lead, Crystal Lake South)

Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddgraba/
Email: [email protected]

Summary: 

Meet season 4’s guest host, Todd Graba! Todd is the Division Leader of STEM at Crystal Lake South, and he’s bringing a fresh perspective to the podcast. In this kickoff episode, Todd joins Steph to explore how innovation mirrors the work of a scientist, asking questions, observing, experimenting, and learning from the results.

With his passion for systems-based thinking, Todd highlights how small changes can lead to big improvements. You’ll also get a sneak peek at the themes and topics we’ll be diving into this semester as we showcase innovative teaching practices across District 155. We’re excited to welcome Todd to the team. Tune in and join the conversation!

In the final episode of Season 3, hosts Cori and Steph sit down with Troy Buley, STEM Division Lead at Cary-Grove High School, for an insightful conversation that goes beyond the daily duties of a division leader. With 33 years in education, Troy reflects on how the role of leadership has evolved, the challenges and rewards of supporting a diverse team, and the importance of staying student-focused in a constantly changing educational landscape.

Packed with wisdom, humor, and heartfelt stories, this episode offers a meaningful close to the season and a tribute to the impact of experience, consistency, and connection in schools.