Summary

In this episode of Beach Park District 3's podcast, host Gabriel Cappozzo interviews Allison Olenek, a dedicated special education teacher at Oak Crest Elementary. They discuss Allison's journey in education, her transition from early childhood to K-1 CABS, and the challenges and rewards of pursuing a master's degree while balancing family life. Allison shares valuable advice for new educators, emphasizing the importance of support from colleagues and the joy of seeing students succeed. The conversation highlights the strong community within Beach Park District 3 and concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal more about Allison's personal interests and beliefs.

Takeaways

Allison Olenek has been a teacher for 10 years at Oak Crest Elementary.

She transitioned from early childhood education to K-1 CABS to meet changing student needs.

Pursuing a master's degree was challenging but rewarding, supported by her family.

New educators should lean on their colleagues for support and guidance.

Success in education is defined by students coming to school happy and leaving happy.

Building relationships with students is crucial for their independence and growth.

The community at Beach Park District 3 is supportive and engaged.

Allison emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment with students.

Education has always been a part of Allison's life, influenced by her family.

Allison believes that anyone can be a leader, regardless of their title.

Sound bites

"Just do it, honestly. Just keep going."

"Lean on the people that you work with."

"The people is what keeps me here."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Allison Olenek

03:02 Allison's Journey in Education

05:55 Transitioning to K-1 CABS

09:00 Pursuing a Master's Degree

11:47 Advice for New Educators

14:55 The Importance of Support

17:52 Defining Success in Education

21:00 The Joy of Teaching

23:45 Community and Colleagues

25:53 Rapid Fire Questions

29:11 Closing Thoughts

Keywords

education, special education, Beach Park District 3, teaching, K-1 CABS, master's degree, support, community, success, advice for teachers

Summary

In this episode of the Beach Park District 3 podcast, host Gabriel Cappozzo interviews Jason Smith, a dedicated PE teacher at Oak Crest Elementary. They discuss Jason's journey in education, the importance of building relationships with students, and the supportive culture within the Beach Park community. Jason shares impactful moments from his teaching career, advice for new educators, and the significance of personal connections in the classroom. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of teaching, the value of supportive administration, and the joy of making a difference in students' lives.

Takeaways

Building relationships is crucial in education.

Teachers may not realize their impact on students until years later.

Reflecting on teaching practices is essential for growth.

Students remember how teachers made them feel, not just the lessons.

Supportive administration fosters a positive work environment.

Education is a journey filled with challenges and rewards.

It's important to listen to students and colleagues alike.

The culture in Beach Park is like a family.

Personal connections with students enhance the teaching experience.

Never burn bridges in your professional journey.

Titles

Building Relationships in Education

The Journey of a Dedicated Educator

Sound bites

"Every day is a new opportunity to connect."

"It's the students that keep me here."

"Don't burn bridges in your career."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beach Park District 3 Podcast

00:57 Meet Jason Smith: A Journey in Education

02:51 Transitioning from Classroom to PE Teacher

05:03 The Challenges of Balancing Work and Education

07:34 Inspiration and Growth in Education

08:04 Education was My Calling

09:34 I'm from the Neighborhood:)

10:01 Building Relationships in Education

10:35 What I love Most About Education

12:28 The Impact of Teachers on Students' Lives

14:42 Lessons Learned from Teaching Experiences

17:12 What Guides My Work Everyday?

17:16 Advice for New Educators

19:58 The Importance of Supportive Culture in Education

22:45 The Value of Relationships in Education

24:09 The Importance of Community and Support

25:50 Why Beach Park? A Teacher's Perspective

27:07 Accessibility and Support in the District

28:29 Inspiration and Growth in Education

31:26 Creating Memorable Experiences for Students

33:45 Passions Beyond Education

36:17 Life Lessons and Advice

38:06 Local Favorites and Community Connections

Keywords

education, Beach Park, relationships, teaching, support, community, personal growth, advice, podcast, culture

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Denise Wilcox and Gabriel Cappozzo discuss the importance of empowering teachers and fostering their passion for education. They emphasize that when educators are given a voice, they can collaborate and problem-solve effectively, leading to significant improvements in student learning and long-lasting positive change within the educational system.

Takeaways

Empowering teachers is crucial for educational success.

Passionate educators can drive significant change.

Collaboration among teachers enhances problem-solving.

A supportive environment fosters innovative teaching methods.

Giving teachers a voice leads to better student outcomes.

Long-lasting change in education comes from within the staff.

Teachers' passion can transform the learning experience.

Empowerment leads to a shift in educational practices.

Like-minded collaboration is essential for growth.

Positive change in education requires a collective effort.

Keywords

education, teacher empowerment, student learning, passion in teaching, positive change, collaborative problem solving

Titles

Empowering Educators for Lasting Change

The Role of Passion in Teaching

Sound bites

"Passion drives the educational experience."

"Teachers' ideas can transform education."

"Voice and empowerment lead to better outcomes."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Denise Wilcox

04:55 Reflecting on the School Year

08:37 Building a Positive Culture

09:53 Celebrating Staff and Community

13:10 Return from Winter Break - Reimagining Learning Initiatives

16:28 The Impact of Accountability

20:46 Encouraging Rest and Reflection

21:30 Strengthening Community Relationships

22:48 Dishing with Dr. D

25:27 Fun and Personal Insights

28:24 Best Advice I've Ever Received

29:07 Here's What I'm Binging:)

29:48 How do you Decompress

30:20 What's a Childhood Memory; Those Were The Days!

31:10 Bringing You On A Fieldtrip

32:28 Quick Fire Round

36:27 Closing Thoughts and Future Initiatives