Building Educator Capacity with CESA 2

Effective literacy instruction looks to support all students through intentional learning. CESA 2 Consultant Kris Statz chats with Lindsay Kemeny, author of the book "7 Mighty Moves," around the world of teaching literacy to teach students not just to memorize patterns, but to follow structured literacy practices.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15th! Join Language & Culture Senior Director Audrey Lesondak and Heather Robertson-Devine from Books del Sur as they discuss the joys of reading and how important Hispanic authors are to readers across the world.

With teachers leaving the profession at high rates, schools and districts need to keep their educators and get more college students to enter the education field. CESA 2's Dr. Valerie Schmitz chats with Associate Dean for Teacher Education, Dr. Tom Owenby, to see what the University is doing to help their students get into teaching and stay there, particularly with the UW-Madison Teacher Pledge.

Is ChatGPT the end of writing papers as we know it? Will it make school easier or harder? CESA 2 Digital Learning consultant Frank Devereaux talks with the Director of Technology of Beloit Turner and the Superintendent in Norway Jt. 7 on how it's changing the school landscape and what they do in their school districts.

High school mathematics is failing our students. How do we change our teaching practices to empower students? CESA 2 Math consultant Steven Mijajlovic chats with Steve Leinwand, principal research analyst at the American Institutes for Research, on the challenges current high school math faces and what we can do to bring change for the better.

How have games and VR impacted the classroom so far? Digital Learning consultant Frank Devereaux continues his talk with three experts on specific stories regarding these technologies in the classroom and considerations as we continue implementing new methods of learning. Just us for this 2nd part of the discussion!

Do games and VR have any place in the classroom? Digital Learning consultant Frank Devereaux discusses with three experts on the current state of educational games and technology in the classroom and where schools can go from here. Join us for part one of this two part series.

Part 2 coming soon!

GamestormEDU: https://gamestormedu.com/

Is your school trauma sensitive? To become more inclusive and welcoming for all students, the Trauma Sensitive School is an essential lens for schools to create an optimal learning environment. CESA 2 consultant Elizabeth Freeman and JEDI virtual school director Jamie Syvrud chat about their experience with Trauma Sensitivity and what you need to know to begin to break down learning barriers. 

As hands-on learning becomes more essential in our schools, Makerspaces are changing the way students learn and grow, especially in the STEM fields. CESA 2 consultant Frank Devereaux chats with Makerspace experts Dr. Bob Dillon, Don Sidlowski, and Nicholas Provenzano about the best considerations and practices to include Makerspace practices in your classrooms. In part two of this two part series, we look at how Makerspaces address equity and change lives for a variety of students.

As hands-on learning becomes more essential in our schools, Makerspaces are changing the way students learn and grow, especially in the STEM fields. CESA 2 consultant Frank Devereaux chats with Makerspace experts Dr. Bob Dillon, Don Sidlowski, and Nicholas Provenzano about the best considerations and practices to include Makerspace practices in your classrooms. In part one of this two part series, we focus on how the classroom environment affects learning and engagement and how to improve it on a limited budget.

How can teacher mentoring change student achievement and teaching practices? This episode examines how the training from the New Teacher Center (NTC) and CESA 2 transformed experiences for educators across southern Wisconsin. Beth Clarke and Lynee Tourdot from CESA 2 talk with NTC Program Consultant Kenya Nelson and various mentors about the impact the training has had on them and those around them. Come hear these unique mentoring stories!

Join us for a conversation to better prepare for a new virtual world! CESA 2 Consultant Valerie Schmitz talks with Susan Kennedy from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about what parents and educators need to consider as children navigate the digital landscape. With new apps and social networks changing day by day, we'll hear how to best respond to situations that your children may experience.

Today's episode covers the impactful "First Five Initiative" where Jennifer Skibba, Early Learning Coordinator for the Verona School District, talks about implementing equitable practices to support kids in their first five years of learning. CESA 2 consultant Karen Russell asks about the implementation of the program through supportive community members and experiences along the way.

Join us for a lively discussion on what our school districts are doing with technology! CESA 2 Digital Learning & Leadership consultants Beth Clarke and Frank Devereaux chat with Dr. TJ McCray, the Executive Director of Library and Technical Services for the Madison Metropolitan School District, Dr. Robert Smiley, the Chief Information Officer and International Program Director for the Janesville School District, and Sarah Straka, the Director of Instruction for the Mount Horeb Area School District. See how each school district is transforming learning to prepare kids for the working world!

With our first episode of the season, CESA 2 Consultant Elizabeth Freeman meets with Wisconsin Heights Superintendent Jordan Sinz to discuss leadership tactics and how to best lead school staff through systemic change. When challenges come your way, how do you overcome them?

Join Beth Clarke from CESA 2 as she engages in a roundtable discussion with members from the Arts and Technology Professional Learning Network. Hear from experts from multiple backgrounds as they share why we need more creative practices in the classroom!

Participants in this discussion:
Cathy Houchin

Rita Mortenson, Educational Technology Coach - Verona Area High School, Verona, WI

Brendan McCann, Digital Media Art Teacher - Canyon High - Los Angeles, CA

Tim Needles, Smithtown HS East - St. James, NY

Jeanne Bjork, Art Teacher - Pewaukee High School - Pewaukee, WI

Jessie Erickson, District Assessment Coordinator - Grand Forks Public Schools, Grand Forks, ND

Kerry Parrish

Elizabeth Freeman and Ed O'Connor join us once again as they host a discussion with Liz Dostal at Wisconsin Heights. Hear exactly how she works with teachers and school boards to develop improved school systems!

Join Elizabeth Freeman and Ed O'Connor as they discuss CESA 2's new Building Capacity Framework. Hear exactly how they're implementing this into trainings and your professional development, and learn the basis of our podcast!

Donna Hutson from CESA 2 describes how important the ATLC is, especially  with it's trial services of expensive equipment! She and Kellie Bews  talk about the importance of trying before buying. If you're in  Wisconsin, hear how you can use the ATLC today!

Dr. Moore talks with Gretchen Lettau and Kim Stieber-White from CESA 2 and guides us through understanding white privilege. Dr. Moore answers questions such as "What is the equity situation in Wisconsin school districts?" and "How should administrators and teachers be thinking about equity?" Listeners will be able to walk away with clear action steps for equity.

Equity in our schools is one of our top priorities. It starts with examining conscious and unconscious biases we may have and what we can do to change for the better. Join consultants Steven Mijajlovic and Mary Jo Ziegler from CESA 2 and David M. Quinn, an assistant professor of education at the Rossier School of Education, as they discuss his research and his top findings and recommendations to reduce racial bias in our grading.

How can we avoid online  enticement and keep our students safe? Join Dr. Valerie Schmitz from CESA 2 and Belinda Swan from the National Center for Missing &  Exploited Children as they converse about the dangers to be vigilant of  as students engage in online learning. Join us for the second part of  this 2-part series!