In this episode (Part 1 of 2 of “Conversation with Shaker Teachers”), we talk with three teachers

• Megan Konopinski
• Mercy Jenkins
• Tim Kalan

Because these three professionals work and teach in our Shaker school buildings, we asked them to share from their experiences about the challenges they encounter in working in the existing buildings (and, in the case of Megan Konopinski, what that experience is like both before and after a renovation).

The topics we discuss include:

• What it’s like to teach in schools that don’t have air conditioning (and how that impacts the children/students)
• What challenges they’ve encountered with the current (and limited) electrical system
• How the current configuration of the building classrooms impacts teaching in the 21st century
• The positive impact of the remodeled school configuration at Fernway on the classroom experience
• Why reconfigurable space is necessary for individualized teaching and instruction
• What is needed to create or enhance school safety at the schools

I believe this episode is vital for residents interested in knowing why the school district needs this levy to pass.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation with teachers . . .

This podcast is hosted and produced by Mark Goode, a resident of Shaker Heights, on behalf of the Committee for Shaker Schools, a grassroots, citizen-based campaign organization that works to help pass Shaker Heights City School District levies and bond issues. The committee's primary mission is to inform voters about upcoming school levies and bond issues and to direct efforts toward ensuring their passage.