Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast

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...

Join Dr Ernst on Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast this week as he explores the world of kindergarten with three of our dedicated elementary educators: Meghan Mouritsen, Michelle Bruderer, and Thomas Trotter. They share their experiences, challenges, and joys of teaching kindergarten, along with insights into recent legislative changes and the registration process. Terra Sherwood also provides val...

Join Superintendent Ernst and special guests Corley Ward, Silvia Robles Juhas, and Lois Simpson as they discuss the power of learning about different cultures and the growth of the district’s upcoming Culture Fest event. In this episode, we explore the benefits of cultural education and share inspiring stories of communities coming together thanks to the languages being taught in our schools. They...

Get ready for a mouth-watering episode of "Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast"! This week, Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst takes us on a flavorful journey through the Stansbury High cafeteria. We'll be joined by Casey Kress, Child Nutrition Director, and Rose Tovar, SHS Child Nutrition Manager, to uncover the secrets behind planning nutritious and delicious school meals. But that's not all! Listen to...

Legendary coaches do more than win games; they shape lives. This week, we celebrate the extraordinary journey of Coach Barry Pitt, soon to be enshrined in the Utah's Coaches Hall of Honor. Dr. Ernst explores Barry's remarkable success on the diamond and the behind-the-scenes efforts that forged a unified, hardworking, and disciplined team built on positivity and trust. We'll also hear from Coach P...

There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of a teacher watching their students blossom and find their passion. In this episode of Elevated Insights, we get a glimpse into what that is like with Tooele High art teacher Ruth Nichols. She joins Superintendent Ernst along with a couple of her talented students as we dive into the vibrant world of art and creativity Recorded right from Ms. Nichols' c...

Join us for an enlightening episode of "Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast" as we sit down with two of our dedicated board members, board president Melissa Rich and newly elected Todd Thompson. Discover what it's like to serve on the board, the unique responsibilities they hold, and the motivations behind their decision to get involved. Gain valuable insights into the differences between board duti...

Join us for a special episode of Elevated Insights as we take a break from our usual format! This week, Communications Director Brett Valdez steps in for Superintendent Ernst to share some of the funniest and most memorable outtakes from our first 39 episodes. Get ready to laugh and reflect on the wonderful things our teachers and students say. Don't miss these behind-the-scenes moments that showc...

As the holidays approach, we hit the schools this week to ask students and teachers about their Christmas favorites! From beloved songs and movies to tasty treats and special traditions, this episode is packed with classic holiday cheer, unique perspectives, and answers that will keep you smiling. Whitney Wallace, Terra Sherwood, and Brett Valdez visited elementary schools in Dugway, Grantsville,...

In this special episode of Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast, we celebrate the incredible legacy of Coach Mel Roberts, who dedicated nearly five decades to building the Tooele High School swim program and shaping the lives of countless athletes. Superintendent Ernst is joined by an inspiring lineup of guests: former swimmers Staci Smith, Denise Manzione, and Stuart Smith, as well as Holly Tate, th...