Elevate Education

In this episode of the Elevate Education Podcast, Jason Firestone sits down with Matt Mervis, Director of AI Strategy, and Dr. Elizabeth Rowley, Director of Research and Innovation at Skills 21, to discuss how AI is reshaping K-12 education. From enhancing personalized learning experiences to fostering critical thinking through project-based learning, they explore the transformative powe...

Where does school funding come from, and why does it feel like there’s never enough? 

In this episode of Elevate Education, Superintend Tracy Dorland sits down with Tracie Rainey, Executive Director of the Colorado School Finance Project, to break down the complex world of school funding. They tackle common misconceptions ...

Join Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kim LeBlanc Esparza as she hosts a conversation with principals Shannon Vigil from Bear Creek High School and Emily Johnson from Carmody Middle School. In the third episode of our "State of the District" series, we explore how Jeffco Public Schools is reshaping the middle and high school experience to better prepare students for their futures. Hear their thoughts on real-worl...

In this special episode of Elevate Education, we discuss school safety with two of Jeffco Public Schools’ top leaders: Chief Human Resources Officer Amanda Pierorazio and Executive Director of School Safety Jeff Pierson.

Join Superintendent Tracy Dorland and her guests as they share the district’s multi-layered approach to keeping students and staff safe, from proactive security measures to emergency preparedness and community part...

In this first episode of our "State of Our District" series, Superintendent Tracy Dorland and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kym LeBlanc Esparza reflect on the state of the district. They share  compelling gains in early literacy, the efforts to prepare students for both college and careers through durable skills, and the work being done to support students in both traditional and alternative education environments. Tracy and Kym also d...

In this episode, we dive into the world of artificial intelligence in education with Victor Lee, a Professor at Stanford University and a leading voice in AI research. Victor takes us on a journey through the myths and realities of AI in schools, from concerns about cheating to its potential as a teaching tool. Whether you're an educator or a parent, this conversation will provide clarity on how AI can empower both students and tea...

In the continuation of our conversation with Dr. Jessica Hawks, a child psychology expert from Children's Hospital Colorado, we go deeper into the critical topic of emotional regulation. Tara and Dr. Hawks explore how adolescence manage stress and anxiety, how they should be managing these emotions, and the role parents play in modeling and teaching these skills.

Dr. Hawkes shares invaluable insights into:

• The natural process ...

We are joined by Dr. Jessica Hawkes, a leading child and adolescent psychologist from Children's Hospital Colorado and Associate Professor at the University of Colorado. Together, we explore the critical role mental health plays in students’ overall development, academic success and well-being from early childhood through adolescence. This is part one of a two part series on mental health in K-12 education. 

In this special edition of the Elevate Education Podcast, we bring the magic of music into focus with our Tiny Desk Concert series! Join us as we visit Creighton Middle School and experience the incredible talent of their 8th-grade performers. From instrumental duets and ensembles, these young artists share their passion and creativity through music, showcasing the vibrant arts culture thriving in Jeffco Public Schools. Tune in to ...

As the world changes rapidly, traditional high school education remains largely the same. In this episode, host Jason Firestone sits down with John Thanos, a forward-thinking leader, to discuss how high schools can evolve to better prepare students for the future.

From personalized learning and real-world skills development to navigating challenges like curriculum innovation, John shares his insights on transforming education to me...

Matt Palaoro sits down with Brenna Copeland, Chief Financial Officer for Jeffco Public Schools to break down school finances.

Brenna’s expertise and sense of humor make navigating school funding and budgets manageable! In this episode you will learn: 

• How public school districts like Jeffco are funded
• How schools develop their budgets and decide where to allocate funds
• Ways that you, as a parent or student, can get involved in...

In this episode of Elevate Education, we are thrilled to have Crisanta Duran, a trailblazer in public service and a passionate advocate for education and social justice. Join us as we dive into the critical topic of empowering communities through education and civic engagement. Crisanta shares her journey from growing up in Jefferson County to becoming the first Latina Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives. 

In today's fast-paced, tech-driven world, cell phones are a constant companion—but what happens when schools hit the brakes and say, "No phones allowed?" On this episode of the Elevate Education Podcast, host Matt Palaoro talks with Chris Hagel, Chief Information Officer at Peninsula School District in Washington. With over two decades of experience in K-12 technology, Chris shares how his district navigated restricting cellphones ...

In this episode of the Elevate Education Podcast, host Jason Firestone welcomes Kelly McLean, the president and founder of the Kelly McLean Achievement Center (KMAC). Based in Ohio, KMAC specializes in guiding students through the complex world of college admissions, from finding the perfect college fit to mastering ACT/SAT prep and securing scholarships.

Tune in as Kelly shares insider tips on navigating ...

In this special live episode, hosts Matt Palaoro, Tara Pena, and Jason Firestone kick off Season 2 of the Elevate Education Podcast with a live episode from Jeffco Public Schools’ Leadership Launch. They invite the Jeffco Student Leadership Board to share about the theme of belonging. 

Join us as our student leaders share their insights on what gets them excited about returning to school, the importance of...

Welcome back to Elevate Education! In our sixth episode, the hosts chat with Tara Peña, the Chief of Family and Community Partnerships at Jeffco Public Schools. Tara shares how schools can integrate family and community partnerships to boost student success.

Tune in as we discuss:

• The importance of family engagement in education.
• Practical ways schools can strengthen relationships with families.
• Current and upcoming initiative...

In this episode of Elevate Education, we are joined by Jeffco's Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kym LeBlanc Esparza! Join us as we discuss the complexities surrounding chronic absenteeism and explore why school attendance is more important than ever.

Dr. Kym  brings three decades of expertise to shed light on the significance of addressing chronic absenteeism and how it impacts student success. She highlights the pivotal role families an...

On this episode of Elevate Education, we discuss special education, while getting to know one of our hosts, Matt Palaoro, a bit more. He shares his journey from a para educator to his current role as the Chief Student Success officer for Jeffco Public Schools, detailing the pivotal moments and passions that have shaped his career.

Matt's experience is a testament to the power of the transformative impact of inclusive education. He...

Join us for a heartfelt conversation on the 25th rememberance of the Columbine tragedy. In this episode, we welcome Mr. Frank DeAngelis, retired principal of Columbine High School, who shares his insights and reflections. From his 40-year dedication to education to his role as a leading advocate for school safety, Mr. DeAngelis offers perspectives on post-tragedy recovery and resilience.

Listen as he shares personal stories, lesson...