Elevate Education Podcast

In this episode of Elevate Education, host Matt Palaoro sits down with Jeffco alum and leadership expert Shawn Vanderhoven, partner at the Wiseman Group and co-creator of the best-selling book Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter. They explore the difference between leaders who amplify the talent around them and those who unintentionally diminish it.

The Open Sardines from Jeffco Open School are making their debut on our Tiny Library Concert series! This middle and high school band came together as part a class called "School House Rock". Listen now!

In this episode of Elevate Education, Dr. Brooks reflects on the experiences that shaped her belief in the power of learning and how those experiences led her to stand up for students, support families, and model leadership rooted in service.

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.

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.

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.

In the second episode of our "State of Our District" series, Superintendent Tracy Dorland discusses school safety with two of Jeffco Public Schools’ top leaders: Chief Human Resources Officer Amanda Pierorazio and Executive Director of School Safety Jeff Pierson.

In this first episode of our "State of Our District" series, Superintendent Tracy Dorland and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kym LeBlanc Esparza reflect on and share gains in early literacy, preparing graduates and how our schools are supporting all students.

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.

We are joined by Dr. Jessica Hawkes, a leading child and adolescent psychologist from Children's Hospital Colorado. We explore mental health's critical role in students’ overall development, academic success and well-being from early childhood through adolescence.

Creighton Middle School's talented young musicians perform an intimate Tiny Desk-style concert. These young musicians demonstrate how arts education builds confidence, community and cognitive skills.

Jason Firestone sits down with John Thanos, Principal at Chatfield Senior High School, to talk about rethinking the high school experience.

Matt Palaoro sits down with Brenna Copeland, Chief Financial Officer for Jeffco Public Schools to break down school finances. Brenna’s expertise makes navigating the maze of school funding and budgets manageable.

Crisanta Duran, a trailblazer in public service and a passionate advocate for education and social justice joins the podcast. We dive into the critical topic of empowering communities through education and civic engagement.

The impact of banning cell phones in classrooms has become a hot topic in recent years. Chris Hagel shares how these restrictions have had some lasting impacts. 

Ready to master the college admissions process?  Join us on the Elevate Education Podcast as we sit down with Kelly McLean, founder of KMAC, to uncover the secrets to college success!

In this special live episode, we 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.

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

Jeffco’s Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kym LeBlanc Esparza, provides her expert insight on chronic absenteeism. Join the conversation as we discuss complexities surrounding chronic absenteeism and explore why school attendance is more important now than ever.

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

Twenty-five years ago, the Columbine community was shaken by an unimaginable tragedy. This year, we are sharing the inspirational stories of how the Columbine community fostered positive change out of heartbreak and has emerged stronger and more resilient. 

Listen to the first episode of the Elevate Education podcast featuring Superintendent Tracy Dorland - "The Mindset You Need to Succeed in Leadership: Leaning in to Listen and Learn."