Winnetka Voices Podcast

Winnetka Voices
  • 3.9 (7)
  • Education
  • Updated Monthly

Winnetka Voices is a podcast hosted by The Winnetka Public Schools, featuring candid conversations on issues relevant to education and shared resources to support our students and families.

  1. Jun 12

    Winnetka Native Johnny Hilbrant (a.k.a."PE Guy") Gets Real

    The meteoric rise of Johnny Hilbrant, the comedian and content creator who stars as the viral social media character “PE Guy,” was featured in The New York Times and Business Insider earlier this month. Hilbrant, an alum of The Winnetka Public Schools, joins Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess for a special summer episode of “Winnetka Voices.” Hilbrant honed his early creative talents at Crow Island School and later graduated from Carleton Washburne School (2004) and New Trier High School (2008). He reflects on pursuing an unconventional path shaped by curiosity, authenticity and a willingness to take risks that may lead in unexpected directions. Learn more about the inspiration behind Hilbrant's unique brand of satire, and his thoughts on tempering success with gratitude.

  2. May 22

    The Art & Science of Differentiation

    Veteran Winnetka educator Mr. Steve Agouridis and new-to-Winnetka teacher Ms. Kate McCarthy join Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, for a thoughtful conversation about differentiation to meet the needs of every learner. Together, they explore how differentiated instruction looks in Winnetka classrooms and reflect on effectively teaching students with different interests and learning styles. Learn more about how Winnetka teachers build connections with students, facilitate experiential and meaningful learning and consider the whole child to differentiate for every student.

  3. Mar 27

    Kindergarten Confidential

    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.”

  4. Feb 27

    Elevate the Good: Modeling Hope, Practicing Positivity & Fostering Empathy Through Service

    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.”

  5. 12/19/2025

    A Conversation with New Trier High School Superintendent Dr. Peter Tragos

    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.

  6. 10/24/2025

    Mentoring New Teachers by Cultivating & Growing Our Talents Together

    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.”

  7. 08/21/2025

    Episode 1 of Digital Generation; Sharenting 101: Knowing Your Kid

    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.

  8. 08/21/2025

    Episode 2 of Digital Generation; Too Much Information (TMI)

    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.

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Ratings & Reviews

3.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Winnetka Voices is a podcast hosted by The Winnetka Public Schools, featuring candid conversations on issues relevant to education and shared resources to support our students and families.

Information

  • Creator
    Winnetka Voices
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Winnetka Voices Podcast
  • Show Website
    Winnetka Voices Podcast