This episode is part one of an audio recording of the experts' panel Q&A conversation that took place as part of the Westside Personalized Summit in late May 2019. Everyone in this panel has extensive practice implementing personalized practices into their own classroom, and they all are recognized presenters and... Read More

This was a terrific conversation where Allison and I spent some time talking about the changes that come along with moving to a more student-centered approach to learning. This episode approaches that topic for the complexities of functionally making those aspirations a reality while also being sensitive to the methodical... Read More

In this episode, Michael and I cover the topic of games in education from defining terms like gamification and game-based learning to sharing practical classroom examples to insights as to the reasons why teachers should consider adding game elements and practices to a lesson, unit, or an entire course/year. This... Read More

In this episode, Jaime shares the story behind the 2nd-grade spelling website that she created with as apart of a team of 2nd-grade teachers in District 66 in order to personalize that learning experience for her students. The pod delves into everything from how our 3rd-grade spelling site inspired this... Read More

Westside's Superintendent Blane McCann joins us this week on the podcast to reflect on the seven-year story of the implementation of personalized learning in District 66. In this episode, Dr. McCann shares the backstory behind creating a strategic plan for the district and how personalized learning came to be a... Read More

In this episode, Kristen Hogan shares how Westside teachers in 3rd and 4th grade have been personalizing their morning routines to foster learner agency and their abilities to complete a series of tasks independently. The resources that accompany this podcast offer teachers an example and also a blank template that... Read More

In this episode, Andi and I have a fun conversation that covers a variety of topics. Andi shares about her book "Genius Hour: Passion Projects that Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry" and her upcoming follow-up text, "A Meaningful Mess." The pod serves as an insightful preview to the sessions Andi... Read More

In this episode, Kathleen McClaskey and I have a chance to chat about the purpose behind personalized learning: learner agency and empowerment. We delve into Kathleen's recent ponderings related to learners setting, owning, and pursuing their dreams, which is a topic she plans to explore as a portion of one... Read More

In this episode, Stephanie Pueppka and Stephanie Heitmann share their vision for and implementation of a nonfiction unit in their English 1 Honors class that afforded learners their choice in which book they read. In order to support learners with this freedom, they compiled a list of 200+ books, complete... Read More

This week's pod is the audio from a video you can watch at https://youtu.be/MovUqoRFWr4. In the episode, Michael shares his passion for creating authentic learning experiences through game-based learning practices. As Michael shares the nuances of the game he created, we discuss the personalized aspects of that experience; and while... Read More