State of the District 2026: A Shared Investment in Jeffco’s Students
Elevate Education
State of the District 2026: A Shared Investment in Jeffco’s Students At the 2026 State of the District, Superintendent Tracy Dorland shared a transparent look at where Jeffco Public Schools stands today—highlighting strong student outcomes, ongoing challenges, and the shared responsibility required to sustain excellence for the future. Student Success at Every Stage Jeffco continues to see strong gains for students across every stage of learning. In elementary school, more students are building strong foundations. In middle school, students are finding belonging while exploring interests...
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Multipliers in Action: How Great Leaders Unlock Potential with Shawn Vanderhoven
Elevate Education
What makes a leader truly transformative? In this powerful 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. Through personal stories and practical strategies, Shawn unpacks what it means to be a "multiplier" and how educators at every level can cultivate curiosity, create space for...
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So You Want to Run for School Board: Practical Advice and Insights from Board Members
Elevate Education
Thinking about running for school board, or just curious what the role actually entails? In this bonus episode of Elevate Education, guest host and former Jeffco Board President Stephanie Schooley sits down with current Board members Paula Reed and Erin Kenworthy for a conversation about what it’s like to campaign, serve, and make decisions that impact students. This episode offers valuable reflections and practical advice for anyone considering stepping up to serve their community. Whether you're ready to run or just exploring the idea, this is a must-listen conversation that pulls back the...
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Reflections on a Year of Learning in Jeffco Public Schools
Elevate Education
As the school year winds down, our Elevate Education hosts; Matt Palaoro, Tara Peña and Jason Firestone, come together to reflect on the moments, challenges and growth that shaped this year in Jeffco Public Schools. In this wrap-up episode, the trio shares the words that defined their leadership journeys: voice, gratitude, and community and revisit some of the season’s most impactful conversations, from student leadership, AI in education to mental health and the joy of tiny library concerts. Tune in as they highlight how student and family voices helped shape decisions, celebrate the...
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Tiny Library Concert: The Jeffco Open Sardines
Elevate Education
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 of a special music experiment, and they’re bringing their incredible energy and talent to the stage with live performances of "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac and "When I Come Around" by Green Day. In this episode, hear from the band about how music has helped them grow both as musicians and individuals, and how it’s brought them closer as a group. .
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Advocacy for Our Students: Dr. Joyce Brooks on Being a Lifelong Champion of Public Education
Elevate Education
Dr. Joyce Brooks’s story is one of transformation, from a young girl growing up in the segregated South to a respected educator, community leader, and lifelong advocate for public education. 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. You’ll hear: How early life experiences can shape a commitment to advocacy What educators and families can do to form strong, trusting partnerships Why...
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Project Based Learning Meets AI Innovation: A conversation with Skills21
Elevate Education
In this episode of the Elevate Education Podcast, 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. From enhancing personalized learning experiences to fostering critical thinking through project-based learning, they explore the transformative power of combining AI tools with student-driven projects. Learn how AI is supporting students in overcoming learning roadblocks, fueling creativity, and offering real-world applications that make learning more...
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Who’s Investing in the Future of Public Education? A conversation with Tracie Rainey
Elevate Education
Where does school funding come from, and why does it feel like there’s never enough? 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. They tackle common misconceptions about property taxes, how Colorado’s funding model impacts local schools, and what recent statewide financial adequacy studies reveal about the gaps in K-12 education funding. 💡 Why does Colorado rank 50th in teacher wage competitiveness? 💡 How do neighboring...
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What should Middle School and High School Really look like? A conversation with Shannon Vigil and Emily Johnson
Elevate Education
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. Hear their thoughts on real-world, relevant learning experiences, durable skills like collaboration and critical thinking and innovative approaches such as career-focused pathways and concurrent enrollment. This episode...
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Prioritizing Safety in Education: Inside Jeffco’s Security Approach
Elevate Education
In this special episode of Elevate Education, we discuss school safety with two of Jeffco Public Schools’ top leaders: Chief Human Resources Officer Amanda Pierorazio and Executive Director of School Safety Jeff Pierson. Join Superintendent Tracy Dorland and her guests as they share the district’s multi-layered approach to keeping students and staff safe, from proactive security measures to emergency preparedness and community partnerships. Learn about the role of Jeffco’s 145-member safety and security team, the importance of fostering a culture of psychological safety, and how...
info_outlineThe 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 of a special music experiment, and they’re bringing their incredible energy and talent to the stage with live performances of "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac and "When I Come Around" by Green Day. In this episode, hear from the band about how music has helped them grow both as musicians and individuals, and how it’s brought them closer as a group. Learn more about Jeffco Open School on their website.