Winnetka Voices Podcast

Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, has a conversation with Resource Center Directors Ms. Liz Delzell (Hubbard Woods) and Ms. Katie Nelson (Carleton Washburne School) about how connection is inspired through literature and the dynamic environments in which we learn. “We try to make students feel welcome no matter what,” says Ms. Nelson. “The library is the heart of the school,” affirms Ms. Delzell. As...

This episode centers on a growing topic of interest in education today: the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Guest Mr. Patrick Dawson, Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, joins Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, to provide background on the topic. He shares insights on how parents can best be equipped to address concerns surrounding AI and tools connected to the technology. Accordin...

The second season of “Winnetka Voices” begins with an episode highlighting the impact of Progressive Education, Winnetka’s educational philosophy for over 100 years, and how it shaped our newly developed Portrait of an Educator.  Two beloved members of The Winnetka Public Schools community, Betty Carbol (alum and former Crow Island art teacher) and Patti Van Cleave (alum and former parent) reflect...

Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendents, speaks to middle school  reading specialists Sheri Johnston and Suzanne Savard about how to best foster childrens’ literacy during the summer months. Along with summer reading recommendations, they provide tips on what may support your child to grow in confidence in their reading skills–whether they are an avid or reluctant reader. You may be surprised by how simpl...

Dr. Kelly Tess speaks to Denise Matthews, Director of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion and Erick Taft, District alum, parent, and a leader of a community organization “Winnetka for Belonging.” The episode centers on how fostering an environment where high-quality teaching and learning is accessible to all starts with supporting the fundamental need for belonging. A few Washburne students als...

Dr. Kelly Tess speaks to School Board President Emily Rose, Crow Island Kindergarten teacher Melissa Brody (both of whom are alumni of The Winnetka Public Schools) and Tom Flemma, Head of School at North Shore Country Day, a private school in Winnetka with a unique shared history in progressive education. Throughout the episode, learn about the unique legacy of Progressive Education in Winnetka, a...

In this episode Dr. Kelly Tess discusses the national teacher shortage with The Skokie School Principal, Michelle Cooney; Jeff Knapp, Assistant Superintendent of Professional Learning and Human Resources; and Daniel Walsh, Interim Dean of the School of Education and Associate Professor at North Park University. The guests reflect on the landscape when they initially began their careers in educatio...

Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, is joined by Dr. Becky Mathison, the District’s Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, Ms. Missy Parks, second grade teacher at Crow Island School, and Anna Karwowska, Youth Services Manager of The Winnetka-Northfield Public Library. Topics addressed include how we've seen students' needs evolve following the result of the pandemic, how the Distric...

Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, is joined by the District’s Social Emotional Learning coaches, Sachiko Kawata-Burke, Jennifer Knudson, Danielle Leitner, and Allison Szczecinski. The SEL coaches discuss the role they play in supporting students and teachers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. The coaches also share the concept behind RULER, a research-based tool from the Yale Center for Emot...

Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, speaks with Ms. Carly Andrews, Director of Alliance for Early Childhood, on how we can best support our childrens’ social and emotional needs, academic growth, and socialization in the wake of the pandemic.