Waukesha One Take - Perspectives on Education

In this episode, we talk with Amanda Wagner, the AVID coordinator for Waukesha. We talk about the changes in AVID as technology has evolved and how these two keystone features go together to support students to be college and career ready.

The Lowell Elementary AVID Team made a decision to build upon the literacy curriculum and it's cross-grade alignment. By bringing meaningful technology use into this alignment, teachers built purposeful experiences that connected the dots between literacy, technology, student ownership of learning, and engaging experiences for students.

Hear about the purpose, goals, and work it took the team to make this dream a reality for students. Bask in the victories the team shares from the day, as every student in the school was involved and given choice throughout the technology day experience.

What if a simple QR code could change the culture of a school?

In this episode of Waukesha One Take, we sit down with Sandy Matheus and Devante Simmons, two elementary educators from the School District of Waukesha, who turned a simple idea into a schoolwide movement of gratitude and kindness.

Using tools like Google Forms, Autocrat, QR codes, and iPads, Sandy and Devante created an easy way for students and staff to send uplifting messages to one another—celebrating kindness, recognizing effort, and spreading good news throughout their building. What started as a creative tech solution quickly became something much bigger: a culture-builder that strengthens relationships, lifts spirits, and connects school and home in meaningful ways.

This conversation is a reminder that innovation in education doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s about using the tools already in your hands—and a whole lot of heart—to make a lasting impact.

Teaching is often called an art and a science, but for Kirsten Wisneski, a high school science teacher in the School District of Waukesha, it’s also a playground for innovation.

In this episode, we sit down with Kirsten to explore how she is moving beyond the AI hype to create truly transformative learning experiences.

As a "notorious explorer" of educational technology, Kirsten doesn’t just use tools for the sake of novelty. She shares her "Vetting for Merit" process—ensuring every piece of tech maintains high academic rigor while making science feel accessible and alive.

• Gemini Gems & Canvases: How to leverage Google’s AI to create personalized, interactive study hubs.

• Blackboard AI Conversations: Strategies for using AI to facilitate deep-dive discussions and Socratic questioning.

• The Rigor Balance: How to integrate AI without sacrificing student critical thinking or learning integrity.

• Exploration Strategy: Be inspired by Kirsten's willingness to dig into tools to determine what they offer for her and her students.

If you’ve been looking for a way to pull students more authentically into their learning—while keeping the fun and "magic" in your daily routine—this episode is your blueprint. Whether you’re an AI novice or a tech veteran, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas you can implement in your classroom tomorrow.

What happens when heart, humanity, and innovation meet a thoughtful, reflective teacher in elementary music class?
In Episode 15 of Waukesha One Take, elementary music teacher Brian Falk shares how he helps students find their voice—sometimes through a drum, sometimes through an experience, and sometimes through a digital tool. Brian walks us through how technology doesn’t replace music-making, but expands it, opening creative doors for even our youngest learners to compose, experiment, and express themselves in powerful new ways. This conversation is a reminder that great teaching isn’t about the tool—it’s about choosing the right tool to unlock curiosity, creativity, and connection.

In this episode, Sue Poppe, principal of East High School, shares how East's project based model elevates student voice by turning student ideas into rigorous, standards-aligned, real-world learning. She highlights how non-traditional learning environments, shared ownership between staff and students, and a culture of empowerment support innovation across the campus. Listen to gain insight into how intentional leadership, shared vision and project-based learning come together to create meaningful, impactful learning experiences.

In this episode we're joined by Kim Trojanowski, System Administrator II in the Department of Technology. Kim is the genius behind ensuring every Apple device in our system is set-up, deployed, and operating optimally. Kim's role is essential in keeping our tech world turning!

Elementary art, elite baking, and AI in the same episode? Yes. And somehow it all makes perfect sense. Teacher Brianna Kutz joins us to share how intentional teaching—and a belief in students’ potential—leads to jaw-dropping work from even the youngest creators.
Come for the creativity, stay for the inspiration, and leave ready to raise the bar in your own classroom.

Brandon Egnarski, teacher of the TREK program at Waukesha West, takes us through the technology integration within the unique pathways brought about through the TREK program. He shares the skills and learning processes that students engage in and how failure can promote deeper learning.

In this episode, we follow the journey of Marlene Figueroa, an educator whose work as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator is rooted in a belief that technology can truly transform learning. Her story is shaped by compassion, ambition, and an innovative spirit that inspires those around her. Join us as we explore how Marlene leads with heart and forward-thinking vision to support students, empower teachers, and reimagine what education can be!