In the Spotlight

In the Spotlight is a science communication podcast where we interview graduate students or postdoctoral fellows in the sciences about their research and how it relates to the world around us. What problems are they trying to solve? What should we all understand about their work? What policies may be needed to support this research? These are the questions we will try to answer on In the Spotlight. This podcast is hosted and produced by Emily Schafer and Nicolas Scrutton Alvarado, and supported by Northwestern University's Science Policy Outreach Taskforce (SPOT).

All Episodes

In the Spotlight

Science Policy in the Spotlight: COVID-19 and Schooling 1

March 28, 2022 • Season 3

We are introducing a new monthly policy episode series called "Science Policy in the Spotlight," where we will focus our attention on a timely and local policy topic in the greater Chicago area and understand how science helps inform the topic. This series, we're focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 schooling.
In the 1st episode of this 4 episode series, we will hear from Chicago Public Schools nurse and active member of the Chicago Teachers Union, Dennis Forsuth, to best understand the teacher experience during the changing safety guidelines of COVID-19.
If you want to learn more about the information discussed throughout this episode, our sources are listed here:

"90% of U.S. school boards are picked by voters, but not in Chicago. Here's why that could change" news article
"Chicago will have the largest elected school board of any major U.S. city" news article
Nationwide analysis of school boards from the Pew Charitable Trust
COVID-19 Vaccine Doses by ZIP Code reported and updated by the city of Chicago
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Data reported and updated by the Illinois Department of Public Health
"South Siders In Chicago’s Least-Vaccinated Areas Say Misinformation, Mistrust Behind The Lag. Here’s What They Say Can Help" news article
"Chicago teachers approve deal to end walkout over COVID safety protocols" news article
Risk of diabetes diagnosis in kids after COVID-19 as studied by the CDC and as reported by the New York Times
"What's new in the January 2022 Safety Agreement?" summary fact sheet by the Chicago Teachers Union
What is an unfair labor practice (ULP)? from the U.S. Federal Labor Relations Authority
Update on the CTU: "ULP charge now moves to trial before an administrative law judge" news article

If you want to follow the Chicago Teachers Union, you can follow them on Twitter or check out their website and blog for updates.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @SpotlightThePod to stay up-to-date on all news and episode releases! Learn more about Northwestern University SPOT on Twitter @SPOTForceNU or at our website spot.northwestern.edu