Episodes

In this episode, we chat with Carmen Daubs, a 2nd-grade teacher at Northwest Elementary School in Lincoln ESD # 27. She is a dedicated educator passionate about creating enriching learning experiences for her students!

In this episode of ROE 17 POD, we sit down with Mike Jones, a passionate middle school science teacher with nearly 30 years of classroom experience, and the past 10 years at Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School at Illinois State University. Mike was recognized as Illinois’ 2017 STEM Teacher of the Year by the Illinois Science Teachers Association and is known for his creative, inquiry-based approach to science education. Join us as Mike shares how he leverages Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS...

In this episode, we explore how Lincoln Elementary School District #27 is making the most of the USDA’s Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program. Join us as we sit down with District Superintendent Kent Froebe, Director of Finance Colleen Jodlowski, and Food Service Director Connie Crawley to discuss their commitment to serving fresh, from scratch meals—and what makes their program a success.

In this week's episode, we talk to Gary Tipsord about school finance basics. Mr. Tipsord is the current Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) and a retired superintendent.

In this episode, Guest Host Kayla Arnolts talks to Julie Burke and Michelle Maris about how ROE 17 and our local districts serve students who are experiencing homelessness. They discuss local resources, common misconceptions, and how community partnerships help fill existing gaps.

In this episode, we talk to Emily McCusker, the Director of Youth & Family Education for the McLean County Museum of History. We learn about their recent Día de los Muertos event, and their new Spanish language audio Tour of the "Making a Home" Exhibit. https://mchistory.org/

Established in 2004 by World War II veterans Dal Estes and Neil Bach as a living, hands-on museum to recognize the sacrifices and service of U. S. military veterans from Livingston County and Central Illinois. The goal is to educate schools, civic groups, and the general public about the history of local veterans from World War I to the present conflicts. The museum is staffed by both veteran and non-veteran volunteers. Learn more at www.livingstoncountywarmuseum.com

In this episode, we talk to Lisa Kendall, the Director of the Heart of Illinois Low Incidence Association. HILIA was formed to promote, establish, and maintain a continuum of comprehensive services for children with the low incidence eligibility of Deafness, Hearing Impairment and/or Visual Impairment. Learn more about HILIA at https://roe17.org/programs/hilia

In this week's episode, we talk to Anita Beaman, the District Librarian at Blue Ridge CUSD 18. We discuss the process of becoming a school librarian, technology in the library, and keeping students in grades K-12 involved.

In this episode, we talk to Matt Sherrill, the Regional Educational Technology Coordinator for the East Central Region with the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. We talk to Matt about his role with LTC, AI in the classroom, and more! https://www.ltcillinois.org/

In this episode, we chat with Beth Steffens and Emilie Young, teachers at Chester-East Lincoln School. To kick off the school year they offered "Speed Date with a Book" as an activity to get their 7th and 8th graders excited about reading. We talk about this event and other ways they keep reading, such as fun and engaging, to develop lifelong readers.

Tina Rose has served as the teacher for the McLean County Juvenile Detention Center for 12 years. The JDC is a short-term secure facility that houses juveniles who have been accused of serious crimes or have been sentenced to confinement for a short period. The JDC serves the 11th judicial circuit in Central Illinois.

In this episode, we talk with Brian O'Kraski, a veteran teacher at the Regional Alternative School Bloomington Campus. Brian graduated with a bachelor's degree in History-Social Science Education from Illinois State University and also received a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS 1) endorsement from Eureka College. Some of his current responsibilities at RAS include managing the Work Based Learning Program, postsecondary advising for students, job coaching and assistance, creating a Career Exp...

In this episode, we talk with Gary Tipsord, the Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Regional School Superintendents. Mr. Tipsord just completed his first six months on the job, he reflects on what he has learned, and what he hopes to see in the future. Learn more about IARSS at https://iarss.org/

Dr. Anthony Jones currently serves as the Director of the laboratory school and Assistant Dean of the College of Education at Illinois State University. Before this position, he served as the Director of Equity, Director of Student Services, principal, assistant principal, teacher, and coach in Iowa and Tennessee. Dr. Jones has been in education for 24 years and is passionate about the role of equity, diversity, inclusion, sense of belonging, and access in leadership to create a welcoming enviro...

Jenna Cicciarelli Wiesner is Vice President, Client and Community Relations Director for PNC Bank in Central Illinois. In this role, she allocates PNC’s philanthropic dollars locally and directs PNC’s local client and community relations activities, including event production, sponsorships, grant-making, employee engagement, and contract negotiations. In addition, she represents PNC in the community through board memberships, speaking engagements, and managing community relationships. 2024-2025 ...

In this bonus segment, we sat down with Roger Kutzner, a Livingston County War Museum historian. Roger shared the story of Eleanor Ewing, a Pontiac native, and mathematician who worked on the IBM Calculating Team during the Manhatten Project. Learn more about Eleanor at: https://ahf.nuclearmuseum.org/ahf/profile/eleanor-ewing/ Learn more about the Livingston County War Museum at: www.livingstoncountywarmuseum.com

Established in 2004 by World War II veterans Dal Estes and Neil Bach as a living, hands-on museum to recognize the sacrifices and service of U. S. military veterans from Livingston County and Central Illinois. The goal is to educate schools, civic groups, and the general public about the history of local veterans from World War I to the present conflicts. The museum is staffed by both veteran and non-veteran volunteers. Learn more at www.livingstoncountywarmuseum.com