Discover how Meghan Myers, a dedicated special education teacher at Oak Crest Elementary, has shaped her career driven by passion, mentorship, and community support. This episode explores the importance of inclusion, resilience, and the small victories that make a giant impact on students' lives.

Key Topics

• Meghan's journey into teaching and her path to special education
• Her experience as a paraprofessional and how it prepared her for teaching
• The role of mentorship and building community at Oak Crest Elementary
• How students teach resilience and patience daily
• The power of inclusive classrooms and community support
• Recent student wins and celebrating small victories
• Strategies for collaboration with general education peers
• The importance of asking for help and leveraging the district’s resources
• Insight into parent-partnered communication and involvement
• Meghan’s personal hobbies, favorite superheroes, and advice for future teachers

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and Meghan's personal connection to Oak Crest

01:05 - Meghan’s journey into education and what brought her to Beach Park District 3

02:10 - Moving to Wisconsin and her decision process in selecting Oak Crest Elementary

03:37 - First impressions and impressions of the community

05:07 - Discovering her "why" and early influences that motivated her to pursue special education

06:12 - Her struggles in school and her path to discovering her calling in kindness and special needs support

07:35 - The significance of her special education 101 college course

08:30 - Inspiration from her professors and her realization that every student can succeed

09:57 - How her para-professional experience shaped her teaching philosophy

11:03 - Respect for paraprofessionals and their critical role in special education

12:29 - Mentors who influenced her (fifth-grade teacher Mr. V and colleague Ebony)

15:03 - The compassionate nature of Oak Crest students and community’s inclusive culture

16:33 - The exposure and understanding built through integrated classrooms from Oak Crest to middle school

18:44 - Celebrating small wins in special education, Example of weather-themed class activity

20:52 - How collaboration ensures full inclusion and success for students

22:21 - Meghan’s extracurricular roles, including musical director and mentor teacher

23:38 - District initiatives supporting paraprofessionals and new teachers

24:55 - Lessons learned from students' resilience and life stories

25:23 - Resources and community support for educators in Beach Park

27:24 - The importance of asking for help in teaching and leadership

28:32 - Collaborating with multiple teachers and building a support network

29:17 - Partnering with parents via communication tools like Class Dojo

30:05 - Personal interests: reading, superhero comics, and music

31:46 - Favorite artists, concerts, and personal fun facts

32:29 - Closing remarks: appreciation of educators’ impact and community spirit

Resources & Links

• bpd3.org - Beach Park District 3 District Website

#bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3podcast #bpd3famliy #bpd3oc #teachers #specialeducation #paraprofessionals

The podcast episode features an interview with Taylor Hagglund, a dedicated staff member at Kenneth Murphy Elementary. Taylor shares his journey from working with the Champions program to joining Beach Park District, his role at Kenneth Murphy Elementary, and his participation in the teacher apprenticeship program. He also discusses his empathy and connection with students, the supportive culture at KM, and shares personal insights and talents. The episode concludes with a call to action for potential job seekers to join Beach Park District.

Main Topics

Taylor’s journey from childcare in high school to becoming a district staff member

• What attracted Taylor to Beach Park District and what makes it unique
• The significance of building relationships with students and staff
• The impact of district-supported programs like Bloomboard and Lake Erie College partnership
• The importance of knowing students’ names and making personal connections
• Supporting school staff through multiple roles and responsibilities
• The role of administration, especially Principal Mr. Varsati, in supporting staff
• The benefits of district initiatives like the house system & mentorship
• How being a student helps Taylor empathize with students' struggles
• Personal passions: working with animals and paracord crafts
• The value of lifelong learning and continuous growth

Timestamps

• (00:00) - Introduction to the podcast and guest, highlighting community focus
• (01:38) - Taylor’s career journey from Champions to Beach Park
• (03:25) - What sets Beach Park apart from other districts
• (04:12) - Building a community at Kenneth Murphy Elementary
• (05:34) - Reflection on district culture and shared experiences
• (06:09) - Role models and mentors that influenced Taylor
• (07:18) - Transition from Champions to school system; shifts in support
• (08:38) - Multiple roles at Kenneth Murphy Elementary
• (10:10) - Building relationships across grade levels through PE
• (11:20) - Connection between being a student and supporting students
• (13:43) - Impact of Bloomboard program on professional development
• (15:11) - Future aspirations: teaching certification and growth
• (17:22) - Empathy development through personal educational experiences
• (18:39) - Most meaningful moments supporting special needs students
• (20:01) - What makes KM School unique
• (21:07) - Support from administration, especially Principal Mr. Varsati
• (24:09) - What Taylor loves most about KM: the community/family feel
• (24:57) - Mentors and colleagues inspiring growth
• (26:31) - Alternative career in veterinary work
• (26:53) - Energy boosts: Celsius and coffee choices
• (27:36) - Surprising talents: paracord crafts
• (28:22) - Favorite books: "The Land of Stories" series
• (28:29) - Best advice received: pursue what you love
• (28:59) - Favorite concert experience with Pitbull and T-Pain
• (29:18) - Final words: encouragement and appreciation
• (30:16) - Gratitude for support and investment in growth
• (31:23) - Community and district pride
• (31:47) - Call to action for community engagement and employment opportunities
• (32:48) - Closing remarks and district pride

#bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3family #bpd3podcast #bpd3km #teachers #paraprofessionals #bpd3district

Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Principal of Newport Elementary, Dr. Laurie Garris, to explore her 27-year journey in education, community building, and leadership. Discover her insights on fostering resilient school culture, supporting teacher growth, and the importance of relationships in education.

#bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3district #bpd3family #teachers #principal #bpd3podcast

In this episode:

• Dr. Garris' educational journey from classroom teacher to school leader
• The influence of a favorite teacher and early childhood experiences on her career
• How her special education background shapes her leadership style
• The evolution of the Newport community and its resilient spirit
• Strategies for supporting teachers' professional growth and encouraging innovation
• The significance of family, community, and tradition in her school leadership
• Practical advice for staff and new teachers pursuing advanced degrees
• Maintaining open communication with students and families
• How Newport fosters a love for reading, STEM, and lifelong learning
• Personal anecdotes, favorite school traditions, and current binge-worthy shows

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Laurie Garris and her impact on Newport Elementary
02:24 - Early influences: favorite teacher Mr. DeFeo and childhood education experiences
04:48 - Transition into special education and advocacy for diverse learners
07:08 - Leadership philosophy shaped by special education background
09:36 - Supporting differentiation and innovation in the classroom
10:02 - Pursuit of advanced degrees while working full-time
13:22 - The power of perseverance and district support in professional growth
16:40 - Evolution of the Newport community and school resilience
19:37 - The rewarding aspects of transitioning from teacher to principal
22:54 - Celebrating school traditions like Reading Night and STEM activities
24:20 - Creating an open-door culture for students and staff
26:15 - Empowering teachers to experiment and grow professionally
28:33 - Communicating with parents and fostering a family-like atmosphere
36:30 - Helping students transition to middle school and fostering independence
38:33 - Favorite school spirit days and school events
39:42 - Personal life updates: daughters’ careers and their journey in education
41:11 - Daily routines: starting the day with reading and reflection
42:37 - Favorite concerts and memorable events post-COVID
44:12 - Why Beach Park District 3 is a district for career growth
45:28 - Closing thoughts and gratitude for the education community

Resources & Links:

• Beach Park District 3 Employment Opportunities
• Newport Elementary School

Connect with Dr. Laurie Garris:

• LinkedIn Profile
• Twitter