We’re playing this popular episode as teachers are relearning how to support themselves during this challenging school year. (Originally aired March 29, 2021).

Educators are natural nurturers, but taking care of themselves often falls to the bottom of the list...if it even makes the list at all. In this conversation with self-care advocate Julie Gentile, we learn how educators can actually have more of themselves to give to their students when they stop to take care of themselves.

Julie Gentile is an award-winning author, yoga instructor, and self-care advocate. Her books include 108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas and How to Stay Calm in the Chaos: An Everyday Self-Care Guide, which was written and published during the pandemic. She received the 2019 bronze medal in Exercise/Fitness/Yoga from IPPY Living Now Book Awards, which recognizes “books for better living” and authors “changing lives and changing the world,” and she is a 2019 Book Excellence Awards Finalist in Mind, Body, Spirit for her book 108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas. 

Her content has appeared on numerous websites and in multiple publications, including Yoga Chicago, Chicago Parent  and Mantra Wellness. She has been a guest on multiple, including The Relentless Pursuit Podcast and the Chicago Parent Masters in Parenting podcast. Subscribe to her newsletter Nourish Note to get a monthly self-care boost and 25% off her books (https://juliegtheyogi.ck.page/82df536c1f). She teaches yoga in the evenings when busy parents, teachers and caregivers can actually attend class. Learn more about her work on her blog www.JulieGtheYogi.com, her YouTube channel “Stand Up for Your Self-Care” and on on Instagram and Facebook @juliegtheyogi, which she maintains in addition to being a wife and full-time working mom of two young children.

So often our experience with our team meetings can feel unproductive or basic - how do we really leverage our Professional Learning Community into dynamic teams that truly impact our students? Join us for today's conversation with Professor Douglas Fisher as we dive into the elements of PLCs and what actually makes them effective.

Dr. Douglas Fisher, is Professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High. Previously, he was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. Dr. Fisher is the recipient of an International Reading Association William S. Grey citation of merit and an Exemplary Leader award from the Conference on English Leadership of NCTE. He has published numerous articles on teaching and learning as well as books such as The Teacher Clarity Playbook, PLC+, Visible Learning for Literacy, Comprehension: The Skill, Will, and Thrill of Reading, How Tutoring Works, and most recently, How Learning Works. Dr. Fisher loves being an educator and hopes to share that passion with others. 

The Fall of 2021 will quickly be here, and although it might feel like we're "back to normal" in many ways, it will be a far cry from the normal we felt like we had in previous school years. But that's not a bad thing - in fact, we prefer to see it as an opportunity, and our conversation with Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Josh Schumacher will help reflect on what our experience was this past year and how we can best prepare for the fall. 


Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Joshua Schumacher directs District programs that provide student instruction and curriculum services, as well as long-range planning for education programs. Mr. Schumacher also oversees District student activities and athletics, as well as student college and career readiness. He is responsible for staff professional development planning, district and school improvement planning, and the English as a Second Language program. Prior to being named assistant superintendent, Mr. Schumacher served as principal at Hoffman Estates High School from 2016-2020. Before being named principal, he served as an assistant principal at Hoffman Estates High School with responsibilities as activities director and overseeing building and grounds from 2014-2016, and responsibilities in the discipline office from 2011-2014.  He served as the school’s dean of students during the 2009-2010 school year. Mr. Schumacher began his teaching career as a biology and physical science teacher at Hoffman Estates High School in 2003, also serving as the boys swimming head coach from 2003-2011 and the girls swimming head coach from 2004-2010. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biological science from Illinois State University and his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Olivet Nazarene University. He earned a second master’s degree in educational administration from Northern Illinois University and is working on his doctorate in teaching and learning through Illinois State University. Mr. Schumacher is a nationally certified teacher through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and also was recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education with a Those Who Excel award in 2014 as part of the Hoffman Estates High School SOAR Core Committee.

Forget the worksheets, timed tests, and grades. This episode features several of our outgoing seniors to share what memories stand out to them the most, and there is a lot to learn from the themes their answers share. 

It's been said that if you want to know what's up ahead on the road, you should probably ask someone who has already traveled down it. We are privileged to share a conversation with two of our colleagues who are retiring very soon who share their wisdom and perspectives. 

Sharon McCoy is the Science Department Chair and the Building Representative for the union and is completing her 33rd year. She is the co-sponsor for the HOSA club. She has earned a Those Who Excel award and leads the GEMS club. 

Yvette Jones is a counselor and is currently a sponsor for the RISE (Reaching Individuals by Supporting Every girl) club. She is part of the Social Committee, the retirement committee, and the D211 Black Educators Affinity Group. 

Although our co-curricular activities and sports were heavily impacted this past year, there is still so much to gain from the unique experiences and community they offer. Welcome new host English teacher and theater director Katie Apperson to the show as she explores the role student involvement plays with three of senior students. 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and as part of our ongoing campaign to equip staff, students, and families to prevent and confront sexual harassment and assault, we sit down with Assistant Principal Jeannette Ardell.


Mrs. Ardell currently serves as an assistant principal at Conant High School, a position she has held since 2016. During this school year, she has served as the school’s lead discipline administrator. Prior to her administrative position, she was a school psychologist at District 211’s Therapeutic Day School Academy North,  and also served as the District’s lead psychologist. Mrs. Ardell began her career in District 211 in 2002 as a school psychologist at Schaumburg High School, and also served one year as the school’s dean of students during the 2011-2012 school year. Mrs. Ardell earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University in 1996, her master’s degree in school psychology from the University of Massachusetts-Boston in 1999, and a second master’s degree in educational administration from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb in 2012.

As we approach the end of the school year, we are habitually confronted with our students who are on the border between passing and failure. This year more than any other we must consider how we can support our students who may be struggling to cross the finish line this year.


Dave Torpe has come through many seasons of his teaching career. He transitions between Teacher, Athletic Coach, App developer, Mentor, Theater Tech Director, Dean of students, and is now set to become the next Science Department Chair. Across all of these things, his main passion has always been rooted in developing and supporting people.