West Aurora 129 Podcast

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Smith, is joined by members of the West Aurora 129 community, including students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders, to discuss personal stories and issues relevant to our school district community.

West Aurora 129 Podcast is a education podcast hosted by West Aurora District 129, with 56 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

West Aurora District 129 hosts West Aurora 129 Podcast, a education show with 56 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  West Aurora 129 Podcast

  Episode 57 - In the Classroom on 9/11 with Oswaldo De La Hoya, Courtney Harvey, and Teresa Waldinger

  Sep 17, 202628 min

  In Episode 57 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, by looking back at what that day was like inside SD129 schools. Joined by educators Teresa Waldinger and Courtney Harvey and former West Aurora student (and current SD129 educator) Oswaldo De La Hoya, Dr. Smith reflects on their experiences as teachers and a student as the events unfolded. They share vivid memories of the uncertainty of that day, the challenge of processing their own emotions while supporting students, and how the experience influenced them in the years that followed. Tune in for a unique and personal reflection on a defining moment in history through the eyes of those who experienced it inside West Aurora classrooms.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  West Aurora 129 Podcast

  Episode 56 - Mia Gianfrancesco and Heather Van Lear

  May 19, 202619 min

  In Episode 56 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith welcomes Jewel Middle School special education teachers Mia Gianfrancesco and Heather Van Lear for a conversation about mentorship, relationships, and supporting students with diverse needs. Mia, a second-year teacher in a self-contained classroom, and Heather, a veteran educator and mentor teacher, reflect on the connection they’ve built through the district’s teacher induction program and how that support system helps new-to-SD129-educators grow with confidence. The episode also offers an inside look at the different roles special education teachers play in supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. Tune in for an encouraging conversation about collaboration, growth, and the relationships that help both students and teachers thrive in West Aurora School District 129.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  West Aurora 129 Podcast

  Episode 55 - Dexter McWilliams

  Apr 17, 202621 min

  In Episode 55 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith is joined by West Aurora High School senior and student board representative Dexter McWilliams for a student-centered conversation on the district’s “off and away” cell phone policy. Dexter shares his journey through SD129, highlighting the relationships, activities, and experiences that shaped his high school years, while offering an honest perspective on how the policy has impacted learning and classroom culture. The discussion explores both the challenges and unexpected benefits, including increased focus, stronger peer connections, and improved productivity. Tune in for a thoughtful look at this initiative through the lens of a student voice and what it means for the future of learning at West Aurora.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  West Aurora 129 Podcast

  Episode 54 - Dr. Robert Halverson

  Mar 20, 202629 min

  In Episode 54 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith sits down with Dr. Robert Halverson, Superintendent of East Aurora School District 131, for a crosstown conversation rooted in shared experiences and community. They reflect on their similar paths from classroom teachers to district leadership and the mentors and relationships that shaped their journeys. The discussion highlights how those lessons influence their leadership today, while also looking ahead to expanded opportunities for students and stronger East-West collaboration. Tune in for a thoughtful look at leadership, partnership, and the shared commitment to supporting every student in Aurora.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  West Aurora 129 Podcast

  Episode 53 - Kelly Cook and Carlos Guillen

  Feb 24, 202634 min

  In Episode 53 of the West Aurora 129 Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith centers the conversation on a core question in the district’s strategic framework: what it really means to support every learner. Joined by Kelly Cook, Assistant Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and Carlos Guillen, Community Agency and Restorative Practices Coordinator, Dr. Smith explores how strong Tier 1 instruction, structured responsive teaching time (SRTT), and restorative practices work together to meet students’ academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs. The discussion highlights a shift from “wait to fail” to early identification and proactive support—building consistent expectations, relationships, and psychological safety so students can learn and grow. Tune in for a clear, behind-the-scenes look at the systems and mindsets that help SD129 serve all students, all the time.

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on West Aurora 129 Podcast. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.