Education Buzz Podcast
Education Buzz is a new podcast from Harvard Community Unit School District 50. In each episode, Superintendent Dr. Corey Tafoya talks with leaders and innovators working in and around the world of public education.
A variety of topics will focus on the challenges and solutions facing students, teachers, administrators, and families in the landscape of 21st-century learning.
12: The School Board
Dr. Corey Tafoya records with Laura Martinez to talk about how a school board works and why someone would want to run for the board. Laura serves as the Field Services Director for Illinois Association of School Boards.
Don’t forget to check the purple podcast app on your iPhone or go to Spotify to listen!
While you’re there, subscribe to the Education Buzz Podcast and give us a 5-star rating!
El Dr. Corey Tafoya graba con Laura Martínez para hablar sobre cómo funciona una junta escolar y por qué alguien querría postularse para la junta. Laura se desempeña como Directora de Servicios de Campo para la Asociación de Juntas Escolares de Illinois.
¡No olvide revisar la aplicación de podcast púrpura en su iPhone o vaya a Spotify para escuchar! Mientras esté allí, ¡no olvide suscribirse al podcast Education Buzz y darnos una calificación!
11: College and Career Readiness
Dr. Tafoya talks with Maura Bridges who serves D50 as the Coordinator of College and Career Readiness.
Maura talks about the importance of AVID within the district and how they are working to prepare all Harvard Students to be ready for wherever their path may lead after high school.
Don’t forget to check the purple podcast app on your iPhone or go to Spotify to listen!
While you’re there, subscribe to the Education Buzz Podcast and give us a rating!
Dr. Tafoya habla con Maura Bridges, quien trabaja en el D50 como coordinadora de preparación universitaria y profesional. Maura habla sobre la importancia de AVID dentro del distrito y cómo están trabajando para preparar a todos los estudiantes de Harvard para que estén listos para donde sea que su camino los lleve después de la escuela secundaria. ¡No olvide revisar la aplicación de podcast púrpura en su iPhone o vaya a Spotify para escuchar! Mientras esté allí, ¡no olvide suscribirse al podcast Education Buzz y darnos una calificación!
Education Buzz Podcast- College and Career Readiness- Written TranscriptDownload
10: Dr. Tafoya and Mr. Cardamone
Harvard CUSD 50 Superintendent sits down to talk remote instruction with Harvard Junior High School’s Principal, Mr. Cardamone.
Tom Cardamone was new to the district right before Remote Instruction began last March. Dr. Tafoya takes the time for our listeners to learn a little bit more about Tom and his family.
El superintendente de Harvard CUSD 50 se sienta a hablar sobre instrucción remota con el director de Harvard Junior High School, el Sr. Cardamone.
Tom Cardamone era nuevo en el distrito justo antes de que comenzara la instrucción remota en marzo pasado. El Dr. Tafoya se toma el tiempo para que nuestros oyentes aprendan un poco más sobre Tom y su familia.

9: Lifelong Educator Dr. Richard Crosby – Part 2
Dr. Tafoya continues his talk with current board member and lifelong educator Dr. Richard Crosby. In the second half of this two-part episode, they discuss major inflection points for the district. Many aspects of education have changed over the decades, but Dr. Crosby’s commitment to the children of Harvard remains constant.

8: Lifelong Educator Dr. Richard Crosby – Part 1
Dr. Tafoya talks with current board member and lifelong educator Dr. Richard Crosby. In the first half of this two-part episode, they trace Dr. Crosby’s origins and experiences as a teacher, coach, principal, facilities director, superintendent, and dedicated community member of Harvard. Many aspects of education have changed over the decades, but Dr. Crosby’s commitment to the children of Harvard remains constant.

7: Instructional Consultant Lisa Westman and Remote Learning
Dr. Tafoya talks with author and educational consultant Lisa Westman. They discuss the changes schools are facing since the onset of COVID-19. Westman works with school systems across the country to effectively implement student-driven differentiation, standards-based learning, and instructional coaching programs. She’s provided support to Harvard CUSD 50 for the past three years.

6: Caring for Harvard High School Students
Dr. Tafoya talks with Principal Carl Hobbs about the end of the year planning for Harvard High School as the community deals with the impact of COVID-19.
Topics include:
Prom
Spring Sports
AP Testing and the SAT
Senior Awards and Scholarships
Graduation
During this period of uncertainty, it’s critical that students connect with their teachers, counselors, and social workers. Social distancing doesn’t mean isolation. The staff of Harvard High School is here for you.

Mr. Hobbs with students at Harvard High School.
5: Life-Changing Benefits of Community College
In this episode, Dr. Tafoya interviews McHenry County College President Dr. Clint Gabbard. The college offers a multitude of pathways for students seeking traditional degrees, technical programs, and career training. Harvard CUSD 50 and McHenry County College have a strong and growing partnership, including Upward Bound and dual credit classes.

Dr. Tafoya interviews McHenry County College President Dr. Clint Gabbard.
4: Earning Your Doctorate
Dr. Tafoya talks with Harvard’s Director of Curriculum and Assessment Dr. Mary Cooke and Harvard High School Division Chair and Science Teacher Dr. Sara Weaver.
Both guests recently completed doctoral programs. The newly minted doctors share their experiences and insights about the journey to earning a doctorate.

Dr. Tafoya talks with Dr. Cooke and Dr. Weaver.
3: Facilities Planning with Wold Architect John Maurer
Dr. Corey Tafoya talks John Maurer from Wold Architects and Engineers. With a growing student population and school facilities reaching capacity, Harvard District 50 has been examining space needs and formulating a long-range facility master plan.

Wold architect John Maurer talks with Dr. Corey Tafoya.
2: Harvard High School Senior Desiree Brady
For the second episode, Dr. Tafoya ditched his tie for a day and shadowed Harvard High School senior Desiree Brady. Ms. Brady shares her perspective on high school and what her life is like as a student.

Harvard High School senior Desiree Brady talks with Dr. Tafoya.
1: Tackling Teacher Shortages
Education Buzz is a new podcast from Harvard Community Unit School District 50. In the debut episode, Superintendent Dr. Corey Tafoya talks with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vicki Larson about hiring, retention, and dealing with the growing teacher shortage.

Dr. Vicki Larson talks with Dr. Corey Tafoya on the first episode of the Education Buzz.