Elevate Education Podcast
Welcome to Elevate Education, a podcast presented by Jeffco Public Schools! Join us as we explore topics in education - providing valuable insights, expert interviews and practical advice to parents, students, school leaders and the community!
Hosted by Tara Peña, Matt Palaoro and Jason Firestone, this podcast aims to elevate the discourse around education by fostering a community of informed and empowered individuals committed to the success of students of today and tomorrow. Education is the key to a brighter future and together, we will elevate it to new heights!
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Episodes
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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!
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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.
![Columbine Flower Illustration]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1713468474/jeffcopublicschoolsorg/rxqa9c2eimqotrdeoqah/columbine-post-thumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1713468474/jeffcopublicschoolsorg/rxqa9c2eimqotrdeoqah/columbine-post-thumbnail.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1713468474/jeffcopublicschoolsorg/rxqa9c2eimqotrdeoqah/columbine-post-thumbnail.jpg","width":600}])
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."
Meet the Team
Matt Palaoro
Matt Palaoro is the Chief Student Success Officer for Jeffco, dedicated to preparing students for bright futures. With a rich background in special education and leadership, Matt brings a wealth of experience to the podcast.
Holding degrees in Business Administration and Educational Leadership, Matt excels in developing and managing programs that support students' diverse needs.
Tara Peña
Tara Peña is the Chief of Family and Community Partnerships for Jeffco, leading efforts to strengthen family and community engagement.
She has served as an executive director, teacher, counselor, and principal. She holds degrees in English and Educational Counseling and serves on the executive board of the Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents (CO-ALAS).
Jason Firestone
Jason is the Assistant Director of Student Engagement for Jeffco, strengthening partnerships and engagement amongst Jeffco students.
Jason has served Jeffco with his expertise in Dropout Prevention, Restorative Practices, Fostering Opportunity, Indian Education, Drug Prevention and Intervention, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Stay Connected
Do you have questions from today's episode? Or ideas for a future podcast topic? Share your thoughts with us through this form. Stay connected with Elevate Education by subscribing today!