Mr. Phillip Burchell and Ms. Christina Venos, Kindergarten teachers in The Winnetka Public Schools, join Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess for an engaging conversation about this formative year in school. They share insights into how early literacy, social skills, and curiosity are developed through creating opportunities for play and fostering a love of learning. Tune in to hear how Winnetka’s youngest students begin their educational journey. As Mr. Burchell notes, “At the end of the day, we’re building good humans and that is the most important part of all of it.”

In this episode, Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, explores the essential role of service in Progressive Education. Dr. Tess is joined by Carleton Washburne School teacher and Student Ambassador Faculty Sponsor Mr. DJ Barraca, along with Brian Floriani, founder of Bernie’s Book Bank.

Mr. Barraca shares how engaging in service activities helps shape a well-rounded middle school experience, allowing students to develop an awareness of the world that extends well beyond the classroom. Floriani reflects on creating an organization rooted entirely in giving back, and why literacy has become his life’s work. As Floriani notes, “Nothing worth doing is easy… and there’s nothing more rewarding than serving other people.”

The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent (and New Trier alum), Dr. Kelly Tess, and New Trier High School Superintendent, Dr. Peter Tragos, reflect upon the joys and complexities of leading for the next generation in public schools. Dr. Tragos reflects, “We are producing and preparing good people for the world.” “We are all temporary stewards of a long rich history and our job is to make it better,” emphasizes Dr. Tess.

Season 4 of the “Winnetka Voices,” kicks off with a conversation on how new teachers are equipped to succeed in a robust two-year Mentorship program in The Winnetka Public Schools. Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess and special guests Jeff Knapp, Assistant Superintendent of Professional Learning and Human Resources and Ruthie Helmer, 5th grade math and science teacher and Mentorship Coordinator, reflect on the District’s commitment to supporting new teachers so they are best equipped to tend to their students’ academic, social and emotional needs. “We want them to feel like this is home and in turn make it “home” for our kids,” says Mr. Knapp. Ms. Helmer reflects, “We really are making an impact on future generations…Being a teacher is a true calling and Winnetka is a special place. Everyone here has that same calling.”

A Filter-Free Conversation on Parenting the Digital Generation

In this special book club edition of the podcast, The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess and Dr. Devorah Heitner, bestselling author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World, have a candid conversation about helping kids navigate today’s complex digital landscape. From privacy and 'cancel culture' to AI, sexting, going viral, and the nonstop cycle of sharing and comparing, Dr. Heitner offers practical, research-backed advice to guide children toward thoughtful, responsible use of technology.

Dr. Tess and Dr. Heitner explore Chapters 7–9, tackling how to manage social media missteps, the lasting impact of digital footprints, and the crucial role of teaching children conflict resolution and social skills. They discuss preparing kids for high school—and beyond—in an ever-changing digital landscape. Dr. Heitner highlights the importance of fostering independence while recognizing the joy and opportunities technology offers. She emphasizes using tech with empathy and intention to ensure we’re living a balanced life. As Dr. Tess says, “Moderation is an important practice to model for our kids.”

A Filter-Free Conversation on Parenting the Digital Generation

In this special book club edition of the podcast, The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess and Dr. Devorah Heitner, bestselling author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World, have a candid conversation about helping kids navigate today’s complex digital landscape. From privacy and 'cancel culture' to AI, sexting, going viral, and the nonstop cycle of sharing and comparing, Dr. Heitner offers practical, research-backed advice to guide children toward thoughtful, responsible use of technology.

Are you overwhelmed by the constant stream of performance data about your child? Do you find yourself tracking their every move and wondering where to draw the line? In this episode, Dr. Kelly Tess and Dr. Devorah Heitner explore Chapters 3–6 of Growing Up in Public, focusing on how to navigate conversations around online safety, the risks of sexting explicit image sharing, and the fine balance between freedom and privacy in the digital age.

Special Summer Series, Episodes #1-3:

A Filter-Free Conversation on Parenting the Digital Generation

In this special book club edition of the podcast, The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess and Dr. Devorah Heitner, bestselling author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World, have a candid conversation about helping kids navigate today’s complex digital landscape. From privacy and 'cancel culture' to AI, sexting, going viral, and the nonstop cycle of sharing and comparing, Dr. Heitner offers practical, research-backed advice to guide children toward thoughtful, responsible use of technology.

This episode centers on Chapters 1–3 of Growing Up in Public, unpacking how our culture became obsessed with going viral, building personal brands, unboxings, “Get Ready With Me” videos, and more. Dr. Heitner explores how these digital trends shape kids’ social lives—creating space for both connection and anxiety. What does it mean to 'sharent' in an age where children are growing up in the public eye? The key takeaway: 'You have to know your kid,' says Dr. Heitner.

In this special series, The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, and guests, Dr. Tom Flemma, Head of North Shore Country Day; Dr. Becky Mathison, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Teaching and Learning; and Dr. Luke Livingston, Principal of Carleton Washburne School, embark on a deep dive into the history and impact of Progressive Education, including how neuroscience informs current teaching practices. Their conversations touch on themes in the book Loving Learning: How Progressive Education Can Save America's Schools by Tom Little and Katherine Ellison.

Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, and Dr. Becky Mathison, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Teaching and Learning; discuss how educators design experiences that encourage curiosity through project-based learning. From studying bugs to folktales to Pioneers, Progressive Educators equip students to connect with the world beyond their classroom walls. Hear more about how Winnetka educators bring Progressive Education to life in our schools.