The Inside Wayzata Podcast

Navigating Change and Supporting Teachers at Kimberly Lane | The Inside Wayzata Podcast

Wayzata Public Schools Episode 13

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 50:35

In this episode of the Inside Wayzata Podcast, we interview Dr. Kari Wehrmann, the principal of Kimberly Lane Elementary. Dr. Wehrmann shares her insights on what makes Kimberly Lane special, emphasizing the strong community ties among families, students, and staff. She reflects on the significant changes the school has undergone over her 13 years as principal, including shifts in student population due to boundary changes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on educational practices. Dr. Wehrmann highlights the importance of collaboration and adaptability in navigating these changes, showcasing the school's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for both students and teachers.

The conversation delves into the implementation of the 5D+ rubric, a tool designed to enhance instructional practices through structured feedback and professional development. Dr. Wehrmann explains how this framework helps teachers assess their own practices and encourages student self-assessment, ultimately aiming to improve educational outcomes. The episode concludes with Dr. Wehrmann discussing her hopes for the future of Kimberly Lane, focusing on building a culture of continuous improvement and community engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Kimberly Lane Elementary
00:58 The Unique Community at Kimberly Lane
06:06 Dr. Wehrman's Journey in Education
10:23 Understanding the 5D Plus Rubric
22:54 Collaborative Teaching and Learning Practices
26:59 Understanding Student Self-Assessment
30:12 The Role of Success Criteria in Learning
33:22 Normalizing Vulnerability Among Teachers
38:50 Creating a Supportive School Environment
40:13 Lightning Round: Fun Insights and Favorites