What are the most important education issues of the year? WNIJ's Peter Medlin and NIU's Jason Klein share everything you need to know.

This week, we're revisiting our 2022 conversation with Dr. Kathleen “Kadi” Billman. This is an episode unlike we’ve ever had. We’re diving into some heavy, emotional topics today. Until her retirement during the pandemic, Dr. Billman was a professor of pastoral ministry, pastoral theology and director of the Master of Divinity program at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Billman also taught a class called “Caring for the dying and bereaved."

Paraprofessional. Teachers' aide. Instructional Aid. The other teacher who comes in to help. Whatever you might know them as — paraprofessionals can be the glue that keeps classrooms together.

Before 2024, we revisit a few of the education stories from Teachers’ Lounge that stuck out to us this year. Some of them are very serious, some are uplifting or even fun — but they’re all important.

A look back at some of our favorite Teachers' Lounge conversations in 2023. If you've never heard our show — think of this as a great holiday sampler!

Everybody needs a coach…including teachers.“We can spend entire careers standing by ourselves in a room full of students with nobody to bounce ideas off — and that's a shame.”How an instructional coach helps teachers help their students.

On a new Teachers’ Lounge, it’s a unique burden and responsibility to be the only Black teacher at your school.“I take it so seriously, because a lot of times this is a child's first interaction with an African American person, or at least a positive role model, unlike a stereotype which they may have seen in a movie or something. It's nerve-racking,” said Mira.Hear that conversation and much more on a new Teachers' Lounge.

On a new Teachers’ Lounge podcast, Susan’s been teaching 2nd grade for a long time and the technology changed so much. But, sometimes you still have to go old school -- literally.

This week, we’re chatting with Michelle Roberts! She teaches deaf and hard of hearing students at Community High School District 155 in Crystal Lake. She’s an adapted Physical Education teacher, helping make games and sports accessible for students with disabilities.

On a new Teachers’ Lounge podcast -- there’s something about learning in the great outdoors that makes school so much more exciting! We’re talking to a STEAM teacher with a passion for outdoor education. Listen now!