Waukesha One Take - Perspectives on Education

What if a simple QR code could change the culture of a school?In this episode of Waukesha One Take, we sit down with Sandy Matheus and Devante Simmons, two elementary educators from the School District of Waukesha, who turned a simple idea into a schoolwide movement of gratitude and kindness.Using tools like Google Forms, Autocrat, QR codes, and iPads, Sandy and Devante created an easy way for students and staff to send uplifting messages to one another—celebrating kindness, recognizing effort, and spreading good news throughout their building. What started as a creative tech solution quickly became something much bigger: a culture-builder that strengthens relationships, lifts spirits, and connects school and home in meaningful ways.This conversation is a reminder that innovation in education doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s about using the tools already in your hands—and a whole lot of heart—to make a lasting impact.

Teaching is often called an art and a science, but for Kirsten Wisneski, a high school science teacher in the School District of Waukesha, it’s also a playground for innovation. In this episode, we sit down with Kirsten to explore how she is moving beyond the AI hype to create truly transformative learning experiences.As a "notorious explorer" of educational technology, Kirsten doesn’t just use tools for the sake of novelty. She shares her "Vetting for Merit" process—ensuring every piece of tech maintains high academic rigor while making science feel accessible and alive.Gemini Gems & Canvases: How to leverage Google’s AI to create personalized, interactive study hubs.Blackboard AI Conversations: Strategies for using AI to facilitate deep-dive discussions and Socratic questioning.The Rigor Balance: How to integrate AI without sacrificing student critical thinking or learning integrity.Exploration Strategy: Be inspired by Kirsten's willingness to dig into tools to determine what they offer for her and her students.If you’ve been looking for a way to pull students more authentically into their learning—while keeping the fun and "magic" in your daily routine—this episode is your blueprint. Whether you’re an AI novice or a tech veteran, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas you can implement in your classroom tomorrow.

What happens when heart, humanity, and innovation meet a thoughtful, reflective teacher in elementary music class?In Episode 15 of Waukesha One Take, elementary music teacher Brian Falk shares how he helps students find their voice—sometimes through a drum, sometimes through an experience, and sometimes through a digital tool. Brian walks us through how technology doesn’t replace music-making, but expands it, opening creative doors for even our youngest learners to compose, experiment, and express themselves in powerful new ways. This conversation is a reminder that great teaching isn’t about the tool—it’s about choosing the right tool to unlock curiosity, creativity, and connection.

In this episode, Sue Poppe, principal of East High School, shares how East's project based model elevates student voice by turning student ideas into rigorous, standards-aligned, real-world learning. She highlights how non-traditional learning environments, shared ownership between staff and students, and a culture of empowerment support innovation across the campus. Listen to gain insight into how intentional leadership, shared vision and project-based learning come together to create meaningful, impactful learning experiences.

In this episode we're joined by Kim Trojanowski, System Administrator II in the Department of Technology. Kim is the genius behind ensuring every Apple device in our system is set-up, deployed, and operating optimally. Kim's role is essential in keeping our tech world turning!

Elementary art, elite baking, and AI in the same episode? Yes. And somehow it all makes perfect sense. Teacher Brianna Kutz joins us to share how intentional teaching—and a belief in students’ potential—leads to jaw-dropping work from even the youngest creators.Come for the creativity, stay for the inspiration, and leave ready to raise the bar in your own classroom.

Brandon Egnarski, teacher of the TREK program at Waukesha West, takes us through the technology integration within the unique pathways brought about through the TREK program. He shares the skills and learning processes that students engage in and how failure can promote deeper learning.

In this episode, we follow the journey of Marlene Figueroa, an educator whose work as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator is rooted in a belief that technology can truly transform learning. Her story is shaped by compassion, ambition, and an innovative spirit that inspires those around her. Join us as we explore how Marlene leads with heart and forward-thinking vision to support students, empower teachers, and reimagine what education can be!

In this episode Dr. Jim Sebert sits down with us to discuss how technology looks in Waukesha for our teachers and students noting the differences he has seen across his career in education. He talks us through the "School System" approach and how the technology and one to one iPad system has impacted student learning and experiences.

In the first episode of Behind the Mic, Brian, Kristin, and Brianna talk about the their path from the classroom to their current role as Instructional Technology Coordinators. They discuss the transition of educational technology throughout the years and its impact on teaching and learning.

In this episode we talk with Evan Riske, a former student in Waukesha South's Engineering Academy. Evan has come full circle, now leading in the same academy he was once enrolled as a student. Join us as we explore his journey and examine the lasting impact of Waukesha South's Engineering Academy, and discuss Evan's insights for our current and future students.

What happens when science, sustainability, and student choice come together? In this episode, we dig into the School District of Waukesha’s innovative Embedded Agriculture program with Mollie Haubenschild and Erica Yoss. From hydroponic stations in classrooms to CTE culinary courses using student-grown produce, this hands-on learning model helps students explore passions, build real-world skills, and grow community impact. If you're into project-based learning, STEM, food systems, or rethinking how schools prepare kids for life—this one's for you.

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of technology in mathematics education. Our guest, 6-12 Math Coordinator Leslie Waltz, discusses the core values driving effective mathematics instruction and how technology can support them. Join us to discover practical strategies and visionary ideas that are reshaping math education and empowering future problem solvers.

On this episode we talk with Laura Ryan about her experiences with technology throughout her career and her recent practice change of modeling professional development with her iPad, instead of her Macbook. We talk about all aspects of this transition, including the uncomfortable. Throughout the transitions in technology Laura has taken it in stride and even shared her thoughts on the future of technology and education with AI.

What if math class looked more like an app lab or a drone hangar? In this episode, we chat with Kristin Kamenar, Waukesha high school math and computer science teacher, who’s redefining what’s possible in the classroom. Whether students are building iOS apps with Swift in the Mobile Makers EDU program, piloting drones, or coding through math problems, Kristin creates a space where curiosity leads and failure is just part of the plan. With a focus on inclusion, creativity, and competition-ready skills, she’s helping students discover their inner coder—and launching some straight into tech careers.

At South High School the Vanguard team never fully disappeared, but what happens when a new Assistant Principal who is self proclaimed "not techy", gets tasked with leading the team? Patrick Rooney shares his very successful resurgence of Vanguard and how it has not only shifted his understanding but increased engagement for students and improved teaching practices for staff .

🎙️In this episode of One Take, we talk with Library Media Specialist Jill Waggoner about the shift from microfiche and periodical rooms to podcasting labs, VR headsets, and online databases. Jill shares her experience transitioning the library spaces to ensure teachers and students have the curated resources, spaces, and skills that they need to be successful as the world continues to evolve! ✨ Listen now and discover how the the librarians and spaces and we have in Waukesha are designed to support teachers and students!

🎙️ Welcome to the debut episode of One Take! Dive into the technology journey of the School District of Waukesha as we celebrate 10 years of innovation with the Waukesha One program.Join the instructional tech team as they sit down with Chief Information Officer Steve Schlomann to uncover the secrets behind a decade of success in providing one-to-one mobile computing tools to students and staff. From overcoming challenges to building a culture of innovation, this conversation explores the impact of technology on education and the lessons learned along the way.If you’re passionate about educational technology, digital transformation in schools, or creating equitable learning opportunities, this episode is for you!✨ Listen now and discover how the Waukesha One program became a model for success in K-12 education.