We Love Illinois Schools
We are the Illinois State Board of Education, and we love Illinois schools. We are inspired by the passionate and innovative people who have dedicated their lives to Illinois students. Join us as we learn about their journeys into education, what they’re proud of, and what keeps them coming back to education every day. Listen in to a new podcast from ISBE. Have an idea for a great guest? Email Dusty Rhodes at drhodes@isbe.net.
Podcasting since 2020 • 20 episodes
We Love Illinois Schools
Latest Episodes
We Can Do It Differently
“Some of us come into teaching because we always loved school. Some of us come into teaching because we didn't love school, and we want to change something about it.” That’s a glimpse into Dr. Rachael Mahmood’s journey. With ...
•
Episode 20
•
43:35
BEACON Lights the Way for Families in Crisis
BEACON is the state’s new online portal designed to help Illinois families connect to behavioral health resources. Available for use by state agency staff, healthcare providers, schools and families, it streamlines the process of finding and ac...
•
Episode 19
•
19:45
A Short Course on Parenting Teaches Students Essential Social-Emotional Skills
Focused on our mission to prepare all students for success in college and careers, it’s easy to overlook the fact that some instruction on caregiving would be useful. Katharine Bensinger took on a request from a student club and ended u...
•
Episode 18
•
22:02
Lassoed: How Illinois SEL Leaders Use the Hit Show to Inspire Educators
Ryan Wamser and Matt Weld from Regional Office of Education 40 are leaders in the world of school Social-Emotional Learning, or SEL. Together, they staff the Area 5 SEL Hub in Southwestern Illinois – one of seven regional hubs that offer profes...
•
Episode 17
•
28:00
Briana Morales Just Wants to Change the World
Briana Morales is our 2023 Illinois State Teacher of the Year. She’s a high school English teacher at Gordon Bush Alternative Center – the alternative school for East St. Louis School District 189. To learn more about our Teacher of the Year pr...
•
Episode 16
•
30:47