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

Summary

In this conversation, Steven Bigden-Russell reflects on the profound impact of relationships in life, sharing a memorable lesson he learned from a childhood encounter. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and cherishing the wisdom imparted by others.

Keywords

relationships, life lessons, personal growth, advice, memories

Takeaways

Life is fundamentally about relationships.

Building relationships is essential; tearing them down is not an option.

Memorable lessons from childhood can shape our adult lives.

Cherishing advice from others can guide us through life.

The voice of wisdom from the past can resonate throughout our lives.

Personal growth is often tied to the relationships we nurture.

Life lessons can come from unexpected places.

Reflecting on past experiences can provide clarity in the present.

The importance of gratitude towards those who influence us.

Relationships are a continuous journey of building and maintaining.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:58 Current Role and Responsibilities in the District

03:37 Initiatives and Challenges in Data Coordination

05:07 Journey into Education and Career Transition

08:05 Passion for Education and Teaching Philosophy

08:44 Years of Service

09:33 Transition from Classroom to District Office

10:14 Transitioning from Classroom to District Office

11:33 Collegiality Leads to Connection

11:44 Positive Interactions and Mentorship in the Workplace

13:47 Core Philosophy and Team Dynamics

15:30 Community Connection and Longevity in the District

16:32 Encouragement for Future Educators

16:39 Building a Family Mentality in Education

20:56 Advice for the 1st through 3rd Grade Teacher!!

25:29 Advice for New Teachers: Navigating Challenges

27:57 What's Your Hobby

28:39 Th Best Advice I've Ever Received

29:49 You've got to Eat Here!

32:39 NEWCHAPTER

In this episode of the Beach Park District 3 Teacher Spotlight podcast, host Gabriel Cappozzo interviews Stephanie Guadarrama, an EL para and co-president of the TA Union. They discuss Stephanie's journey in education, her passion for teaching, and the importance of advocating for students. Stephanie shares her experiences working in the Beach Park School District, her leadership role in the union, and her innovative approaches to curriculum that promote student self-advocacy. The conversation highlights the significance of community, personal growth, and the impact of educators on students' lives.

Keywords

education, teacher spotlight, Beach Park, union leadership, student advocacy, curriculum development, EL education, personal journey, teaching inspiration, community engagement

Takeaways

Stephanie Guadarrama has been with Beach Park for seven years.

She is co-president of the TA Union, advocating for staff.

Her passion for education stems from a family legacy in teaching.

Stephanie's journey reflects a full circle from student to educator.

She emphasizes the importance of advocating for students' names and identities.

The union's collaboration with the district is unique and positive.

Stephanie is pursuing her bachelor's degree online while working.

She believes in the power of creative curriculum to engage students.

The importance of self-advocacy among students is a key theme.

Community engagement is vital in education and personal growth.

Titles

Empowering Educators: The Journey of Stephanie Guadarrama

From Student to Advocate: A Teacher's Story

Sound bites

"I'm 100% an advocate for it."

"It felt like full circle for me."

"It's in my DNA, it's in my blood."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stephanie Guadarrama

00:40 Building Relationships and Representation

08:14 What Shaped Me

11:18 Current Classroom Focus

13:43 I Want To Be Like Ms. G Someday

14:54 What I Love Most about Education

15:52 Lets Talk About Culture

18:24 What Keeps You In Beach Park D3

20:19 Who I am Outside of Work

20:55 What Gets You Through The Day

21:18 Hobby When You're not at Work

21:40 Guess What I'm Binge Watching

21:57 Best Concert I've Ever Seen

22:08 My Walk Up Song

In this episode of Beyond the Bell, host Gabriel Cappozzo interviews Brooke Turk, a dedicated educator with over 21 years of experience in Beach Park District 3. Brooke shares her journey in education, her early influences, and her current challenges in teaching. She emphasizes the importance of community, problem-solving, and communication in education. Brooke also discusses her philosophy of teaching, her inspirations, and offers advice for new teachers. The conversation highlights the unique culture of Beach Park and the supportive environment that fosters growth and collaboration among educators.