WISEConversations: Recent Episodes
wiseconversations
In this episode, I had the pleasure to speak with Mary Byrns, Foster Grandparent Program Director at CESA 10. Also joining us was Maryann Ludwigson, a 12 year veteran Foster Grandparent. Listen in to hear about the Foster Grandparent Program and ways it is beneficial to students and schools alike.
If you would like more information about how to get involved–as a school or a potential grandparent, contact Mary Byrns (mbyrns@cesa10.k12.wi.us).
Today I spoke with Erica Zerr, CESA 10’s Business & Industry Partnership Consultant. Listen in as Erica describes the amazing opportunities being provided for students.
Today I spoke with Tonia Anderson Ruskin, Executive Director of Special Education and Pupil Services at CESA 10, as well as the Regional Special Education Network Director for CESA 10. Listen in as Tonia shares with is happening in the Special Education and Pupil Services Department at CESA 10.
In this episode, I spoke with Brianna Smit, English learner consultant at CESA 10. Listen in as Brianna shares tips for educators as they begin the school year, ways every school can empower English learners, and the tools available to help students engage.
Today I had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Bruce Perry, Principal of the Neurosequential Network and Steve Graner, the Neurosequential Networks' Project Director. Please listen as we discuss the neurosequential model, Dr. Perry’s most recent book, What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing and a unique opportunity for educators and school-associated adults in Wisconsin to learn about trauma and the brain.
For more information - https://www.neurosequential.com/nme
Today I had the pleasure to speak with John Humphries, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Association for Equity in Funding, a group of school districts advocating for financial equity in the state’s school financing system. Listen in as John talks about the association’s priorities, current projects and their upcoming conference.
For more information about AEF and the exciting things discussed during this episode, go to:
https://waef.net/
In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Hasan Davis–speaker, writer, youth advocate, and hope dealer. For more than 25 years, Hasan has worked to transform attitudes about children, their potential and the dire need to never give up.
Please listen as Hasan talks about what inspired him, resiliency, courage and how he helps youth trust others with their dreams.
In this episode, I had the pleasure to talk with two incredible people– Milaney Leverson and Kent Smith. Milaney and Kent, along with Dr. Jennifer Rose, are deeply involved in helping schools and other organizations ensure equitable outcomes. Dr. Rose was not able to join us for this conversation, however all three will be at the State Education Convention in Milwaukee in January. Please stop by the CESA 10 CORE booth.
Below are links to resources discussed in this episode:
CORE Website
https://sites.google.com/cesa10.org/core/home?pli=1&authuser=1
Leadership in Equity Series
https://www.smore.com/dzr14
In this episode, I spoke with two people who are making a difference: Wisconsin Association of School Boards Executive Director, John Ashley, and Director of Member Services, Ben Niehaus. Listen in as John and Ben talk about ways the WASB is supporting school boards and school leaders across the state and exciting news about the upcoming State Education Convention.
For more information:
The Wisconsin Association of School Boards
https://wasb.org/
The 2022 State Education Convention
https://wasb.org/meeting-and-events/convention/
Today I spoke with four leaders who are in their first year as district administrator/superintendent. Join me in getting to know more about these leaders and the ways they are making a difference on behalf of their students, staff and communities:
- Angie Hanlin, District Administrator for the Thorp School District
- Kory Rud, District Administrator for the Gilmanton School District
- Ryan Bargender, District Administrator from the School District of Abbotsford
- Jeff Rykal, District Administrator for the School District of Mondovi
In this episode, I am talking with Walter Leipart, Superintendent for the Gilman School District. Walter has been a School Administrator since 2005, is a founding member of the eSucceed Charter School, a rural school advocate and a doctoral candidate who has been studying what it takes to create environments of success for students and staff. Please listen as Walter describes what he calls "empowered schools."
I had the pleasure to reconnect with a colleague, Chris Hambuch-Boyle. In addition to serving in multiple capacities, Chris is also one of the NW Regional Organizer for the Wisconsin Public Education Network.
Milaney Leverson and Kent Smith, CESA 10 consultants working with schools to ensure equitable outcomes, discussed "identity," what it means and why it matters.
In this episode, I spoke with Milaney Leverson and Kent Smith, two consultants who came onboard CESA 10 recently to lead a new service centering on ensuring equitable outcomes for students. Listen in as Kent and Milaney describe why this is so important and what participating schools/organizations can expect.
In this episode, I spoke with Brianna Smit, CESA 10 English Learner consultant. Please listen as Brianna talks about ways English learners positively effect school culture and ways all educators can have an impact on their success.
In this episode, I had the pleasure to speak with Rob Henken, President of the Wisconsin Policy Forum. Rob has authored or co-authored five reports that won national awards from the Governmental Research Association. Rob recently was honored as the 2019 Person of the Year by the Milwaukee Rotary Club and received the 2019 Ally award from the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee. He also was named one of Milwaukee’s 100 most influential leaders and one of Milwaukee’s “Game Changers.” Rob has a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Brown University and a Master’s in Journalism and Public Affairs from American University.
This episode features teacher, coach, consultant, author, speaker Kevin Honeycutt. Please listen in to learn why he is one of the 10 people who influenced my thinking in 2021.
In this episode, I had the pleasure to talk with Mike Thompson, Wisconsin’s Deputy State Superintendent. Please listen to learn about why Mike is one of the 10 people who helped shape my thinking in 2021!
Today I had the opportunity to talk with Beth Kabes, Platform Lead for the Association of Educational Service Agencies, the national organization providing professional support, networking and learning activities for educational service agency employees and board members. During our conversation, Beth shared ways that the AESA online communities are providing opportunities for AESA members to share, network and learn from each other.
To learn more about AESA Communities, register and begin to connect, go to aesacommunity.aesa.us.
In this episode, I spoke with Dr. David Perrodin. David is an author, educator, researcher, professor, expert witness, consultant, host of The Safety Doc Podcast, and bicyclist. David received his Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he researched high stakes safety decisions in education, health care and the military. He has presented on PBS and wrote and directed a film about school safety. Dr. Perrodin has a passion for helping schools and companies design and implement safety instruction and threat reporting tools that are accessible to students with special needs.
Today I spoke with John Gaier, Superintendent for the School District of Neillsville and President of the steering committee for the Wisconsin Association for Equity in Funding, a group of school districts advocating for financial equity in the state system of school financing. Listen in as John shares what is happening in Wisconsin to ensure that all students have equitable opportunities.
For more information, visit waef.net
Today I had the pleasure to talk with Mary Jo Hanson, owner, founder, chef, and everything in between at Collycobble Confections. Before Collycobble Confections, Mary Jo ran the CESA 10 Foster Grandparent program, supporting countless children and seniors and making a positive impact on the learning environment day. Mary Jo's story provides a great example of the power of living with purpose and, in doing so, continues to model this for students and adults alike.
For more information about Collycobble Confections, visit their Etsy page at www.etsy.com/shop/collycobble.
Kalli Peterson , 3rd Grade teacher at the Osseo-Fairchild Elementary School and Jennifer Peck, STEM Consultant at CESA 10 joined me for a WISE Conversation about Project Lead the Way.
Today I had a conversation with Nick Grunseth, special education teacher at Chippewa Falls Senior High. This was our second conversation since Nick's transition to education following a notable career as a local meteorologist. Please listen as Nick shares how he and his colleagues have adjusted to the challenges brought about by the pandemic. I think you will sense the same high degree of optimism and passion that he demonstrated in our first conversation a year ago.
Today I had the pleasure to speak with three members of the College and Career Readiness team at CESA 10--Gwen Skoyen, Jennifer Peck and Erica Zerr--about some of the new and exciting services and supports being provided to students and educators in our region.
Jon Bales, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA) joined me for a conversation about school leadership and ways WASDA is supporting school leaders during a challenging time.
This episode features John Ashley, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards. Listen in to hear how WASB is serving schools and school boards during these challenging times.
For this episode, I had the pleasure to talk with Kari Eloranta and Sally Gibson, teachers at the Mounds View Area Learning Center in Shoreview, Minnesota. The Mounds View School District serves roughly 12,000 students, and the Area Learning Center is an alternative program for students who need additional credits to graduate. During our conversation, Kari and Sally described what makes the Area Learning Center unique, the relationships and trust that exist between staff and students and the ongoing commitment to professional learning by the staff.
Dr. Amy Klinger, Director of Programs from the Educator’s School Safety Network, joined me today to discuss considerations for schools and school leaders as the Safer at Home order is lifted. Dr. Klinger is presenting a virtual workshop on May 18th titled, Navigating Uncharted Waters: School Leadership in a Post-Pandemic World to discuss challenges and opportunities in the wake of the pandemic.
Today I spoke with Charlie Schneider, Executive Director of Facilities Management at CESA 10, who shared several recommendations about which school administrators and facilities staff should be aware.
Today I had the pleasure to talk with Vickie Waters, Executive Director of Special Education and Pupil Services at CESA 10. Like many of our staff and many of our listeners, Vickie and her team have been working feverishly to adapt to the safer at home order and the reality that the delivery of services and supports has to happen differently.
Over the next several days, I will be talking with each of the department leaders at CESA 10 about the things they and their staff are doing to support students, staff and administrators during this safer at home period.
To start us out, today I had the pleasure to talk with Kristen Gundry. Kristen is the Director of School Improvement Services at CESA 10. Like many of our staff and many of our listeners, Kristen and her team have been working feverishly to adapt to the safer at home order and the reality that the delivery of services and supports has to happen differently.
Today I had the pleasure to talk with Charlie Schneider and John Berget. Charlie is the Executive Director or Facilities Management for CESA 10 and John is a Project Manager. Our conversation centered on what to do, from a facilities standpoint, when schools are closed.
Leah Luke, Spanish teacher at Mauston High School and former Wisconsin Teacher of the Year joined me for a WISE Conversation. Listen in as Leah talks about making a difference and Educators Rising, a national organization for aspiring teachers.
Today I had the pleasure to talk with Nick Grunseth, former WQOW Chief Meteorologist about his decision to become a special education teacher at Chippewa Falls High School. During our conversation, Nick shared what led him to pursue a career in education, ways he connects with students and what drives him to be at his best every day so that he doesn't let students down. Please take a few minutes to listen to Nick's story.
Jennifer Peck, Educational Consultant at CESA 10, joined me to talk about some exciting new things happening in our region around STEM. Enjoy!
Kim Kaukl, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance, joined me by phone for this conversation, where we discussed state and federal efforts around rural schools.
Angie Sommers, Marketing Strategist at CESA 10, joined me for this conversation about efforts in the Chippewa Valley to combat youth vaping.
I had the honor to spend some time with Senator Kathleen Bernier (Wisconsin Senate District 23). Listen in to hear about her passions and pursuits as an advocate for community, children and a host of other efforts in Wisconsin and on the national level.
During this episode, I had the pleasure to speak with Melaney Leverson and Kent Smith from the WI RTI Center and a special guest Dr. Kent McIntosh.
Dr. McIntosh teaches and conducts research in the areas of positive behavior support, equity in school discipline, and sustainability of evidence-based interventions in schools. He is Director of Educational and Community Supports, a research unit in the University of Oregon College of Education. Kent is also Co-Director of the National Technical Assistance Center for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports out of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.
CESA 10 Audiologist, Shelly Elkin, joined me for a conversation about audiology and what every parent and educator should know about hearing.
Lance Gregorich, CESA 10's Environmental Health and Safety Manager, joined me for a conversation about lead in schools. (Lance is also the artist behind the guitar riff at the beginning.)
Cory Welke joined me for a WISE Conversation today. Cory is an educational consultant and instructional coach at CESA 10. Listen in as Cory talks about the important role of an instructional coach and the key ingredient--relationships.
Jesse Schwingle joined me for an exciting conversation about esports that you will want to hear and share! For more information, go to http://www.wihsea.org/ or contact Jesse at jschwingle@cesa10.k12.wi.us.
Milaney Leverson and Kent Smith joined me for a series of three episodes to discuss the important work happening in our schools through the RTI Center and partnering CESAs. This is the third and final episode.
Milaney Leverson and Kent Smith joined me for a series of three episodes to discuss the important work happening in our schools through the RTI Center and partnering CESAs. This is the second episode.
Milaney Leverson and Kent Smith joined me for a series of three episodes to discuss the important work happening in our schools through the RTI Center and partnering CESAs. This is the first episode.
This brief episode covers motivation and the relationship between motivation and happiness.
This brief episode covers motivation and the relationship between motivation and happiness.
This is part 2 of a 5-part series on Nurturing Happiness. In this episode, we explore "anticipation" ad "expectations."
This is part one of a five-part series on happiness. With the start of the school year just around the corner, it is an ideal time to explore this topic with educators.
I had the pleasure to speak with Cory Kulig, the Superintendent for the Eleva-Strum School District. Cory is in his second year at the helm of the district and has a lot to look forward to.
In this, unfiltered, lo-fi episode, I interviewed as many staff members I could find to ask them what they have been reading this summer. There were no scripts, no practicing, no corrections....just raw conversation.
Luke Schultz and Angie Sommers joined me for a conversation about CESA 10's referendum planning service and the Golden Achievement Award CESA 10 received for exemplary work in school communications. The award was based on the work with the Mondovi School District.
Michele Andorfer, President of Diamond Innovations joined me to talk about her program, Environments of Success. Michele joined us in an earlier episode on this topic. In this episode she shares how the Environments of Success framework was used to engage CESA 10 directors and improve the leadership team's effectiveness.
Angie Sommers joined me for a conversation about a grant CESA 10 and member districts recently received intended to combat youth vaping. Enjoy!
Today I had the pleasure to speak with Michele Andorfer, the director of the eSucceed Charter School. During our conversation, Michele described the school's purpose, its structure and what makes is unique.
I had the pleasure of chatting with CESA 10's Development Director, Kerrie Ackerson, about a new charter school being developed in Rice Lake. Kerrie was instrumental in writing the grant that will allow the school to be created and for making connections with education expert, Robert Marzano. Listen in to hear more about the Marzano Academy that will be in our "neighborhood" and why it is an incredible opportunity for students and educators in our region.
https://www.apg-wi.com/rice_lake_chronotype/free/another-rice-lake-charter-school-to-arise/article_388b8bf4-982e-11e9-914a-1f27f6fae55c.html
In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Vickie Waters regarding her work in special education and the developments about which she is enthused. Vickie is the CESA 10 Regional Service Network Director and soon to be returning to the role of Executive Director of Special Education and Pupil Services at CESA 10.
Lance Gregorich, CESA 10's Environmental Health and Safety expert talks about general liability and workers compensation insurance. For more information, Lance can be contacted at lgregorich@cesa10.k12.wi.us.
Gwen Westlund and Tonia Anderson joined me for a conversation about natural environments and how that phrase is used to refer to the provision of services for students with special needs.
Today I had a conversation with Jennifer Peck, CESA 10 Educational Consultant and STEM expert. During our conversation, I asked Jennifer to describe what the educational system would look like if we had a chance to start over. Not surprisingly, Jennifer emphasized the importance of the school community. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
I sat down with teacher, consultant, speaker, and leader in education, Kevin Honeycutt. Kevin shared a few words of wisdom about education and some of the great work he has seen in the field.
Ginger Lewman joined me for a conversation about school redesign. Ginger is a consultant for ESSDACK, an educational service agency in Kansas.
Deb Delyea joined me for a conversation regarding Project Search, a national transition to work program for students with disabilities. CESA 10 operates a Project Search program at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Menomonie, WI and may expand to another site in the near future.
Deb is a District Special Education Director working for CESA 10 and oversees the Menomonie Project Search program.
Today I had an impromptu conversation with two CESA 10 team members--Melissa Rickert and Steve Craker. Melissa and Steve both talk about their job and what enthuses them about the work they do.
Gwen Skoyen provides background and information about a national effort coming to Wisconsin. For more information see https://www.redefiningready.org/.
Gwen Skoyen is CESA 10's Director of College and Career Readiness. Gwen oversees the Youth Apprenticeship consortium, the Carl Perkins grant, Academic and Career Planning and the recently-redesigned College and Career Readiness service.
Gilman Superintendent Wally Leipart and Chippewa Valley Technical College Faculty Developer Joel Raney join me at SHIFT Cyclery and Coffee Shop in Eau Claire for an impromptu conversation about the word "fidelity."
CESA 10 literacy experts Kris Rangel and Stacey Boehm share their thoughts on literacy and approaching reading instruction from a strengths-based mindset.
This is an impromptu conversation I had with Gerri Bresina, Administrative Assistant for the Facilities Management department.
Lance Gregorich, one of CESA 10's Environmental Health and Safety experts, discusses chemical storage and shares some of the surprising finds he has encountered in schools.
Kristen Gundry joined me for this episode of the WISE Conversations podcast. Kristen leads CESA 10's School Improvement division. During this episode, Kristen shares her thoughts on a variety of subjects, including how "making connections" is a critical part of her work and the work at CESA 10.
Speaker, consultant and executive coach, Betsy Koepke shares what led her to get into the business of helping others fulfill their lives and work.
Dr. Michele Andorfer is the president and founder of Diamond Innovations LLC, an educational consulting business. Michele is also the Director of the eSucceed Charter School. During this edition, Michele shares some of the inspiring and innovative work in which she is currently engaged including launching a new virtual charter school and sharing her Environments of Success strategies with other educators and leaders.
Connie Wislinsky, CESA 10's Executive Director of Operations, provides a glimpse into the important role the Operations Department provides for the agency, our member districts and shares some of her own priorities.
Kerrie Ackerson, CESA 10's Development and Innovation Specialist, shares her thoughts on the recently released executive budget proposals for Wisconsin and the United States.
Wisconsin has experienced record-level snowfall this year, which can create a number of challenges for school officials. CESA 10's Executive Director of Facilities Management shares his thoughts on the problems that can arise as snow accumulates on school buildings and ways that schools can avoid difficulties.