EleMMentary: What We Have Learned

Summer is a time for relaxation, reflection, and...reading!! Listen and learn from three experts regarding the benefits of reading during the summer, and how to engage your child (of any age) in leisure reading. Who knows, you might find yourself wrapped up in a good book as well.

Our guest this episode is Dr. Steven L. Walts, Superintendent of Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS). One of the country’s largest and fastest growing school systems, PWCS serves over 90,000 students in 100 schools and centers and employs more than 11,500 staff members, making it the largest employer in Prince William County, and the second-largest school division in Virginia. During Dr. Walts’ tenure, 24 new schools have opened on time and within budget. His trademark includes at least one visit to every school every year. The GOAT joins us to reminisce about memorable Code Red Days and maybe a little more.

It's April and that means Autism Awareness! The focus of this episode is on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism. Our guest this episode is Nationally Distinguished Principal and NAESP Senior Fellow, Dr. Andy Jacks, principal of the award-winning Ashland Elementary School in Northern Virginia, he serves as a board member with the Autism Society of Northern Virginia, he's an advocate for the autism community, and proud parent of a child with autism.  Join us as he shares why the autism community needs support, kindness and compassion.  

With the year anniversary of state-wide school closures due to the pandemic upon us, we are trying to help teachers to see and understand that social emotional success (Episode 2 Topic) is not possible without managing our own mental health. Elisa Pickette joins us for this episode, bringing her 30+ years experience in the employee benefits field to discuss resources school divisions have available for their staff through things like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).  Be in the know so you can help yourself and others as we continue to find our way through education. Give a listen.  We promise you will learn something!

Our guest this episode is Anne Henry, Administrative Coordinator for School Counseling K-12 for Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS). She currently serves on the Virginia Department of Education SEL Standards Workgroup, and coordinates ACE Interface Training for PWCS. The focus of our discussion will revolve around Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed Education and how we can reduce Adverse Childhood Experiences that can mean the difference between success and failure for students.

In this episode we chat with two Instructional Technology Coaches from the elementary and high school levels.  They share some tips and strategies to help current and incoming teachers with the challenges they face with the concurrent teaching model.  Join us to hear some great conversations that hopefully help to reduce the anxiety with the upcoming return to in-person teaching on a larger scale.  Know that you are not alone and being open to collaboration will help you to be the best you can be so our students can be the best they can be.