Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast

When most people hear the word assessment, they think of tests and scores. But in schools, assessments are used every day to understand student progress, improve teaching, and help students succeed. In this episode of Elevated Insights, educators share practical examples of how assessments inform teaching and learning, including moments when student responses reveal something completely unexpected...

Warehouse Supervisor sits down with Dr Ernst to discuss the science and planning that goes on behind the scenes at the warehouse to help our schools get many of the supplies they need each day. Learn about the growth and need of the warehouse as the district has also grown.

Cell phones in schools remain one of education's most talked-about topics. In this follow-up to one of our most popular episodes, Dr. Ernst sits down with Principal Ethan Wilford, teacher Heather Staten, and students Zayne Smith and Claire Cowley to talk about life after the policy changes, how students and staff have adapted, and whether the reality has matched expectations.

A simple question about Harry Potter opened the door to an energetic conversation about books, reading traditions, and Hogwarts houses. Whether you're a dedicated Potterhead or just curious what all the fuss is about, this Off the Record episode offers a fun glimpse into the enthusiasm of these students.

As a new NHL season gets underway and excitement around the Utah Mammoth continues to grow, we sit down with Griffin, now an eight-grade student at Grantsville Junior High School who is making a name for himself on the ice. In this episode, Griffin shares how he first discovered hockey, what the sport has taught him about leadership and resilience, and how he balances practices, travel, academics,...

What do UFC fighters, Parkinson's therapy programs, and a Grantsville High School social studies teacher have in common? In this episode, Dr. Mark Ernst talks with Brad Evans about Jukestir, an invention that challenges the brain as much as the body. What started as a better training tool for athletes has found unexpected applications in hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and beyond. Along the wa...

This episode explores the upcoming UHSAA realignment process and some of the changes being used for high school athletics across Utah. Dr. Mark Ernst is joined by TCSD Activities Director Catham Beer and Tooele High Athletic Director Cody Valdez to discuss how classifications and regions will be determined, the official introduction of competitive balance and socioeconomic factors, potential impac...

Dr Ernst sits down with Bob Curfew this week to discuss changes and updates in school and student safety. From wearable panic allerts to school guardians, tune in to learn about some of the things going on at the state and school level to help keep our students and employees safe.

We kick off another season of Elevated Insights by talking with Lisa Mecham, a teacher at Grantsville High School, and students Courtney and Chloe about the American Exchange Project. Similar to a foreign exchange program, this unique opportunity allows students from across the country to experience different communities and cultures right here in the United States. We’ll hear about their experien...

In this episode of Elevated Insights, Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst sits down with three outstanding district leaders recognized at the Annual Recognition Banquet. Lisa Erickson, Dorothy Norrington, and Megan England represent the growing group of certified non-teachers whose work often happens behind the scenes but makes a lasting impact on students, teachers, and schools. They share their journe...

What happens when students have a place where they feel supported, seen, and ready to focus on learning? In this episode of Elevated Insights, Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst records from Deseret Peak High School to spotlight the Teen Center and the people behind some of the district’s most meaningful student support services. Joined by Jennifer Firth, the district’s McKinney‑Vento Liaison; Kristine...

In this episode of Elevated Insights, we step onto the mat with members of the Grantsville High School girls wrestling team, one of the Utah's fastest‑growing sports with one of the most successful programs. Joined by Superintendent Ernst and student cohost Rebekah Smith, the athletes share what motivates them, how the sport has shaped their confidence and resilience, and what it’s like to be part...

In this episode of Elevated Insights, we take listeners inside the GEM program, where students explore creative thinking, problem‑solving, and hands‑on academic challenges. Joined by gifted‑and‑talented teacher Stacie Blake and several GEM students, Superintendent Ernst talks with them about what makes the program meaningful, how it supports different learning styles, and why providing additional...

As the Winter Olympics conclude in Italy, Elevated Insights brings the Olympic spirit close to home. Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst sits down with Tooele County’s own Olympian, Amy Palmer. Amy represented the United States in the hammer throw at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games after a record‑breaking career at Grantsville High School and Brigham Young University. Today, she teaches at Stansbury Junio...

Join us as we visit schools across TCSD to share the sounds of the season! Hear performances from West Elementary, Grantsville Junior High, Tooele Show Choir, and our transition students. It’s a festive celebration of talent and togetherness. Listen now and enjoy this holiday of music!

While recording a previous episode in a French Dual Language Immersion classroom, we decided to pull in a few students for an "OFF THE RECORD" conversation about their experience in the DLI program. This bonus clip offers a fun, candid perspective from the students themselves... and they were even allowed to speak in English (a rare treat in a DLI class!). Hear what Ashlyn, Amanda, and Keith love...

Celebrate the season of gratitude with our Thanksgiving special! We asked elementary students from Sterling, Old Mill, and Twenty Wells what they’re thankful for and their favorite Thanksgiving foods. From preschoolers to sixth graders, their answers range from sweet and simple to wonderfully unexpected. Tune in for a heartwarming collection of perspectives that will make you smile and remind you...

In this episode of Elevated Insights, Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst talks with three educators whose careers began outside the classroom. Chad Valdez (Criminal Justice), Brianna Rounds (Dental Assisting), and Jodi Cook (Computer Technology) share how their real-world experiences in law enforcement, healthcare, and tech influence their teaching, connect with students, and prepare learners for life...

Our “Off the Record” episodes shares some of the conversations that happen after the official recording ends, at least unofficially. These short bonus episodes capture candid thoughts, extra stories, and fun insights that we still want to share with you. It’s a quick listen with a lot of personality. This week listen as the Bookmobile crew talks Off the Record about building relationships, how lit...

What happens when the library hits the road? In this episode of Elevated Insights, we’re taking you inside the world of the Utah State Library’s Bookmobile—a rolling library that brings thousands of books and digital resources to rural communities across Utah. Join us as we visit Vernon Elementary and talk with the Bookmobile driver about the magic of delivering stories on wheels, the joy of conne...

Welcome back to Elevated Insights, the official podcast of Tooele County School District! We’re kicking off a new season with an inspiring episode that highlights the global reach and local impact of our French Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. In this on-site recording straight from Grantsville High School, Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst sits down with three remarkable educators whose journey...

In this special graduation week edition of Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast, we hear from some of our dedicated faculty and staff as they share thoughtful advice and encouraging words for the Class of 2025. As our seniors prepare to take their next steps beyond high school, this episode offers a collection of uplifting messages meant to inspire confidence, resilience, and hope for the future. Whe...

What happens when you ask students to name a teacher who’s changed their life? You get some genuine, heartfelt, and fun answers. In this special episode of Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast, we step out of the office and into the hallways to hear directly from our students as they give shoutouts to the teachers who’ve made a real difference. It’s a celebration of connection, gratitude, and the eve...

In this fascinating episode of Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst sits down with some talented students who have dubbed themselves The "Bee" Team and their incredible teacher, Grant Roberts, from the CLC CTE Graphic Design 3 class. These innovative students recently secured first place in the TSA Game Board Design competition and are now preparing to compete at the TS...

If you're a fan of the Rise Up Children's Choir or simply appreciate the harmony of talented voices coming together to create beautiful music, this is an episode you won't want to miss. This week, Dr. Ernst sits down with one of the shining stars of the Rise Up Children's Choir, Kenzington Anderson. Kenzie, a student at Stansbury High School and a member of the school's show choir, shares her jour...