Ep 4 - Conversation with Shaker Teachers, Part 1

In this episode (Part 1 of 2 of “Conversation with Shaker Teachers”), we talk with three teachers - Megan Konopinski - Mercy Jenkins - Tim Kalan Because these three professionals work and teach in our Shaker school buildings, we asked them to share...

Episode 4 of the A Solid Future for Shaker Schools podcast, hosted by Mark Goode, titled "Ep 4 - Conversation with Shaker Teachers, Part 1" was published on October 16, 2023 and runs 57 minutes.

October 16, 2023 ·57m · A Solid Future for Shaker Schools

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Summary

In this episode (Part 1 of 2 of “Conversation with Shaker Teachers”), we talk with three teachersMegan KonopinskiMercy JenkinsTim KalanBecause these three professionals work and teach in our Shaker school buildings, we asked them to share from their experiences about the challenges they encounter in working in the existing buildings (and, in the case of Megan Konopinski, what that experience is like both before and after a renovation).The topics we discuss include:What it’s like to teach in schools that don’t have air conditioning (and how that impacts the children/students)What challenges they’ve encountered with the current (and limited) electrical systemHow the current configuration of the building classrooms impacts teaching in the 21st centuryThe positive impact of the remodeled school configuration at Fernway on the classroom experienceWhy reconfigurable space is necessary for individualized teaching and instructionWhat is needed to create or enhance school safety at the schoolsI believe this episode is vital for residents interested in knowing why the school district needs this levy to pass.Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation with teachers . . . This podcast is hosted and produced by Mark Goode, a resident of Shaker Heights, on behalf of the Committee for Shaker Schools, a grassroots, citizen-based campaign organization that works to help pass Shaker Heights City School District levies and bond issues. The committee's primary mission is to inform voters about upcoming school levies and bond issues and to direct efforts toward ensuring their passage.

Episode Description

In this episode (Part 1 of 2 of “Conversation with Shaker Teachers”), we talk with three teachers

Megan Konopinski
Mercy Jenkins
Tim Kalan

Because these three professionals work and teach in our Shaker school buildings, we asked them to share from their experiences about the challenges they encounter in working in the existing buildings (and, in the case of Megan Konopinski, what that experience is like both before and after a renovation).

The topics we discuss include:

What it’s like to teach in schools that don’t have air conditioning (and how that impacts the children/students)
What challenges they’ve encountered with the current (and limited) electrical system
How the current configuration of the building classrooms impacts teaching in the 21st century
The positive impact of the remodeled school configuration at Fernway on the classroom experience
Why reconfigurable space is necessary for individualized teaching and instruction
What is needed to create or enhance school safety at the schools

I believe this episode is vital for residents interested in knowing why the school district needs this levy to pass.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation with teachers . . .

This podcast is hosted and produced by Mark Goode, a resident of Shaker Heights, on behalf of the Committee for Shaker Schools, a grassroots, citizen-based campaign organization that works to help pass Shaker Heights City School District levies and bond issues. The committee's primary mission is to inform voters about upcoming school levies and bond issues and to direct efforts toward ensuring their passage.