Keywords

education, library services, digital citizenship, Beach Park District 3, teaching journey, educational technology, literacy, STEAM programs, school libraries, teacher support

Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Bell, host Gabriel Cappozzo interviews Charles Ongena, the Coordinator of Library and Media Services at Beach Park District 3. They discuss Charles's journey in education, his experiences in the district, and the evolving role of libraries in supporting literacy and technology. Charles shares insights on digital citizenship, STEAM programs, and the unique aspects of Beach Park's libraries. He emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity and creativity in students while providing support to teachers. The conversation highlights the collaborative and innovative spirit of Beach Park District 3, encouraging educators to embrace the process of teaching and learning.

Takeaways

Charles Ongena's journey in education began with a job at the Forest Preserve.

The importance of real-world applications of learning in education.

Teaching is about following instincts and having fun.

Libraries have evolved into hubs of learning and creativity.

Digital citizenship is essential in today's educational landscape.

STEAM programs are crucial for engaging students in learning.

Beach Park District 3 supports innovative ideas and programs.

The library is a resource for both students and staff.

Embracing the process of teaching is key to success.

Support and collaboration are vital in the educational community.

#bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3podcast #bpd3family #bpd3district #teachers #teacherpodcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:18 Charles Ongena's Journey in Education

09:23 Career Path and Experiences in Beach Park

18:03 The Role of Coordinator of Library and Media Services

20:06 Shout Out to Mrs. Ongena

21:14 Understanding Library and Media Services

24:52 Shout Out to the Library Staff

25:06 How the Library is Organized

26:19 How Many Books In The Library

28:43 Middle School Shout Out

31:06 What Makes the Beach Park Library Unique

31:23 Unique Aspects of Beach Park Community and Libraries

34:23 The Role of Libraries in Education

35:35 Advice for Sparking Curiosity in the Library

36:35 Shift In Library Space Utilization

36:50 Sparking Curiosity and Dynamic Learning

40:34 Innovative Resources and Technology in Libraries

42:49 Future Vision for Library Media Centers

44:06 Supporting Teachers and Collaboration

47:58 The Pioneering Spirit of Beach Park District 3

48:50 What Keeps Me in Beach Park

49:44 Advice for Struggling Teachers

50:58 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

53:29 Books, eBooks, or Audio Books

54:17 If I wasn't in the Library, I would've...

55:16 What other than Books in my Library?

56:08 Best Concert Experience

57:02 Energy Boost for the Day

Summary

In this conversation, Traci provides valuable insights for teachers feeling overwhelmed by new educational demands. She emphasizes the importance of selecting a few key areas to focus on and mastering them, rather than trying to do everything at once. This approach not only alleviates stress but also fosters continuous improvement in teaching practices.

Takeaways

You don't have to do it all.

Pick the right things and do them well.

You will get better every year.

Focus on what you can do well.

Add stuff as you go.

Focus on important things.

Titles

Overcoming Teacher Overwhelm

Mastering the Art of Teaching

Sound bites

"You don't have to do it all."

"Add stuff as you go."

"Focus on important things."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beach Park District 3 and Tracy Griffiths

02:31 Tracy's Journey in Education

06:10 Transitioning to Leadership Roles

06:21 Scariest Part of Transitioning to Leadership

09:41 The Role of Director of Teaching and Learning

12:42 Director Duties

13:14 Professional Development Challenges

16:31 Community and Culture in Beach Park

17:00 Why I Lead in BPD3

19:51 Cohesiveness in Curriculum

20:07 When the Teacher is Overwhelmed

21:27 Teaching Spotlight

23:12 Future Directions and Innovations

26:50 What People Say about BPD3: Student Centered

28:06 Opportunities for Teacher Growth

30:03 Shout Out to Instructional Coaches

31:45 The Role of Discretion in Coaching

37:00 Lighthearted Quickfire Questions

39:44 If I Could Travel Anywhere

40:42 Best Concert I've Been To

41:41 Pursuing Higher Education

44:57 Purpose of the Podcast

Keywords

teaching advice, overwhelmed teachers, education strategies, quality teaching, teacher development

Summary

In this conversation, the importance of patience and self-compassion for new teachers is emphasized. The speaker shares personal insights on navigating the challenges of starting a teaching career, highlighting that mistakes are part of the learning process and that embracing the journey is essential.



Takeaways

Be patient with yourself as a new teacher.

Mistakes are part of the learning process.

Teaching can be a beautiful mess.

Self-compassion is crucial in education.

Embrace the journey of becoming a teacher.

Give yourself grace during challenging times.

Support from peers can be invaluable.

Every teacher's journey is unique.

Learning from mistakes leads to growth.

Teaching is a continuous learning experience.



Sound bites

"Be patient with yourself."

"It's going to be a beautiful mess."

"Give yourself some grace."



Keywords

education, teaching, advice, new teachers, patience, grace



Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Bell Podcast

02:06 Mrs. Sherry Ballard's Journey in Education

03:31 What's been your teaching journey in BPMS?

04:59 Middle School Students Explorer Journey

05:52 Transitioning to Middle School Teaching

07:49 When Did I know Teaching Was My Calling

09:04 What Do You Love Most About Working in Education

09:31 The Excitement of STEM Education

09:46 The Vibe of Mrs. Ballard's Classroom

12:04 Student Celebration

12:49 How Do You Define a Successful Day in the Classroom

13:14 Core Belief That Guides My Work

13:18 Building a Supportive Community in Education

13:57 Best Park of my BPMS Team!!

14:35 Here's What Keeps Me in Beach Park

15:08 What to Expect in BPD3

16:38 Reflections on Growth and Change

17:37 Coilleague Shout Out

18:22 Advice for a New Teacher

18:49 Advice for a Struggling Teacher

19:43 Quick Fire Questions

20:23 Personal Insights and Fun Facts

23:22 Best Advice I've Every Received

23:29 Best Concert I've Ever Attended

24:01 Advice for New and Struggling Teachers

25:13 Why I'm On Beyond The Bell

27:53 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

In this engaging episode of "HR in the Car," Dr. Denise Wilcox shares her journey from Michigan to becoming the superintendent of Beach Park District 3. The conversation highlights the importance of building relationships, fostering a positive climate culture, and the district's vision for excellence. Dr. Wilcox emphasizes the value of feedback, the joy of learning, and the district's commitment to sparking curiosity and creating core memories for students.

Keywords

Dr. Denise Wilcox, Beach Park District 3, climate culture, education, feedback, curiosity, core memories, superintendent, HR in the Car, school excellence

Takeaways

• Building relationships is key to integrating new staff.
• Positive climate culture is crucial for student growth.
• Feedback is an opportunity for learning and improvement.
• Curiosity should be encouraged in educational settings.
• Dr. Wilcox's journey from teacher to superintendent.
• The district's vision for Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.
• Importance of creating core memories in education.
• Dr. Wilcox's passion for curriculum and instruction.
• The role of leadership in fostering a supportive environment.
• The joy of learning and its impact on students.

Title Options

• Building a Culture of Excellence with Dr. Denise Wilcox
• From Teacher to Superintendent: Dr. Wilcox's Journey
• The Power of Feedback in Education
• Sparking Curiosity and Creating Core Memories
• Beach Park District 3: A Vision for Excellence
• Dr. Wilcox on Climate Culture and Student Growth
• The Joy of Learning with Dr. Denise Wilcox
• HR in the Car: Insights from Dr. Wilcox
• Leadership and Learning in Beach Park District 3
• Creating a Supportive Educational Environment

Sound bites

"Building relationships is key."

"Climate culture makes all the difference."

"Feedback is an opportunity to learn."

"Curiosity should be encouraged."

"Creating core memories for students."

"The joy of learning is impactful."

"Leadership fosters a supportive environment."

"Vision for Blue Ribbon Schools."

"Passion for curriculum and instruction."

"From teacher to superintendent."

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:00:00 Dr. Wilcox's Origin Story
• 00:00:00 Journey to Beach Park District 3
• 00:00:00 Importance of Climate Culture
• 00:00:00 Feedback and Learning
• 00:00:00 Vision for Excellence
• 00:00:01 Sparking Curiosity and Core Memories
• 00:00:01 Conclusion and Future Plans

Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Bell, host Gabriel Cappozzo welcomes Matt Russell, a dedicated special education teacher at Oak Crest Elementary. Matt shares his journey into education, revealing that he initially pursued a career in finance before realizing his true calling was in teaching. He discusses his experiences in the CABS program, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and engaging environment for his students. Matt also highlights the collaborative culture at Oak Crest, where he feels a strong sense of community among staff and students alike.

As the conversation unfolds, Matt talks about his ongoing pursuit of a master's degree in educational leadership, expressing his aspirations for future leadership roles within the district. He offers valuable advice for educators considering furthering their education, encouraging them to take the leap and pursue their goals. The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion about the impact of teaching, the importance of asking for help, and the rewarding moments that come from witnessing students' growth and success.

Takeaways

"Every day is a different challenge. It just kind of keeps me coming back."

"If you're thinking about doing it, take the leap and go for it."

"Trust your gut. If you feel it's the right decision, you need to do it."

"There's always someone willing to help you."

"The biggest advice I got was to ask for help."

Titles

Empowering Education: Matt Russell's Journey in Special Education

From Finance to Teaching: Matt Russell's Inspiring Path

Sound bites

"Every day is a different challenge."

"Take the leap and go for it."

"Trust your gut."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matt Russell

01:23 Matt's Teaching Journey and Background

04:42 Pursuing Further Education and Leadership Goals

08:57 The Joys of Teaching Special Education

15:19 Creating a Positive Classroom Environment

20:14 Support and Growth in Beach Park District

20:45 The Importance of Support in Education

21:34 Shining a Light on Teaching Assistants

23:12 Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Growth

24:46 Advice for New Teachers

25:44 Overcoming Challenges in the First Years

28:41 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

33:40 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

Keywords

special education, Oak Crest Elementary, Beach Park District, teacher journey, educational leadership, CABS program, teacher advice, community support, teaching philosophy, student success

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