The Inside Wayzata Podcast

Wayzata Public Schools
  • 5.0 (3)
  • EDUCATION

Inside Wayzata is your exclusive backstage pass to Wayzata Public Schools! We dive deep into the heart of our district, featuring insightful conversations with students, teachers, administrators, and community members. Discover innovative programs, celebrate inspiring achievements, and gain insights into the important topics and vibrant voices dedicated to creating an exceptional learning environment for each and every student in Wayzata Public Schools.

  1. JAN 29

    Empowering Students Through Mentorship

    On this episode of The Inside Wayzata Podcast, host Zach Nelson engages with guests Jess Duncan, Tim Sievert, and student Brooklyn to discuss the Career and Technical Education (CTE) and COMPASS program at Wayzata High School. The conversation explores the impact of mentorship on students, the real-world applications of skills learned, and the importance of community engagement. Brooklyn shares her personal experiences and how the program has shaped her career aspirations, while Jess and Tim reflect on their roles as mentors and the value of connecting with students. The discussion emphasizes the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing society and encourages local businesses to get involved in supporting educational initiatives. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to CTE and Compass Programs 00:57 Student Perspectives on CTE Programs 05:18 Mentor Experiences and Expectations 09:59 Engagement and Real-World Applications 14:57 Finding the Right Fit in Mentorship 19:37 Impact on Career Aspirations 20:38 Preparing for a Changing Society 24:32 The Value of Flexibility and Adaptability 26:53 Advice for Future Students and Mentors

    32 min

  2. JAN 21

    Navigating Change and Supporting Teachers at Kimberly Lane | The Inside Wayzata Podcast

    In this episode of the Inside Wayzata Podcast, we interview Dr. Kari Wehrmann, the principal of Kimberly Lane Elementary. Dr. Wehrmann shares her insights on what makes Kimberly Lane special, emphasizing the strong community ties among families, students, and staff. She reflects on the significant changes the school has undergone over her 13 years as principal, including shifts in student population due to boundary changes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on educational practices. Dr. Wehrmann highlights the importance of collaboration and adaptability in navigating these changes, showcasing the school's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for both students and teachers. The conversation delves into the implementation of the 5D+ rubric, a tool designed to enhance instructional practices through structured feedback and professional development. Dr. Wehrmann explains how this framework helps teachers assess their own practices and encourages student self-assessment, ultimately aiming to improve educational outcomes. The episode concludes with Dr. Wehrmann discussing her hopes for the future of Kimberly Lane, focusing on building a culture of continuous improvement and community engagement. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Kimberly Lane Elementary 00:58 The Unique Community at Kimberly Lane 06:06 Dr. Wehrman's Journey in Education 10:23 Understanding the 5D Plus Rubric 22:54 Collaborative Teaching and Learning Practices 26:59 Understanding Student Self-Assessment 30:12 The Role of Success Criteria in Learning 33:22 Normalizing Vulnerability Among Teachers 38:50 Creating a Supportive School Environment 40:13 Lightning Round: Fun Insights and Favorites

    51 min

  3. 12/19/2025

    12 Years of Service: Reflections with Sarah Johansen | The Inside Wayzata Podcast

    In this episode, Sarah Johansen reflects on her 12-year tenure on the Wayzata School Board, discussing her decision to step down, the lessons learned, and the evolving needs of students and families. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement, adaptability in education, and the challenges ahead for the district. Sarah shares her proudest accomplishments and expresses gratitude for the trust placed in her by the community. 00:00 Reflecting on a 12-Year Journey 10:03 Navigating Challenges and Changes 15:37 The Role of a School Board 22:28 Looking Ahead: Future Challenges 27:28 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

    33 min

  4. 12/12/2025

    Empowering Students Through Career and Technical Education | The Inside Wayzata Podcast

    This episode of The Inside Wayzata Podcast explores the impact of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Wayzata High School, featuring insights from Scott, the CTE coordinator, and students Noah and Reese. They discuss the strategic organization of courses into career spheres, the benefits of CTE in providing real-world experience, and the importance of mentorship and community partnerships. The conversation highlights how CTE helps students discover their interests, gain valuable skills, and prepare for future careers. 00:00:00 Introduction to CTE 00:07:08 Strategic Organization of Courses 00:15:00 Real-World Experience and Mentorship 00:25:00 Student Perspectives and Success Stories 00:35:00 Future Career Preparation

    38 min

  5. 11/25/2025

    "Parenting is hard." - Navigating Parenting Challenges on The Inside Wayzata Podcast

    In this episode of The Inside Wayzata Podcast, Naomi Huso, a licensed parent educator, discusses the complexities of parenting young children. The conversation covers various themes including behavior and discipline, emotional coaching, establishing routines, potty training, dealing with picky eaters, and the pressure of perfection in parenting. Naomi provides practical strategies and insights to help parents navigate these challenges, emphasizing the importance of understanding children's emotions and developmental stages. Links: www.wayzataschools.org https://www.wayzataschools.org/earlylearning/ecfe Chapters 00:00 Navigating Parenting Challenges 18:04 Understanding Behavior and Discipline 34:39 Emotional Coaching and Development 45:41 Establishing Routines and Bedtime Strategies 48:58 Potty Training Insights 52:54 Dealing with Picky Eaters 01:00:32 Letting Go of Perfection in Parenting

    1h 6m

  6. 11/13/2025

    Exploring Community Ed's Unique Value

    The Inside Wayzata Podcast episode celebrates National Community Ed Day by exploring the impact and offerings of community education in the Wayzata school district. We discuss the diverse programs available for all ages, from early childhood to adults. The conversation highlights the importance of community connection, lifelong learning, and the unique opportunities provided by Community Ed, including after-school programs, adult education, ECFE, and volunteer initiatives. 00:00:00 Introduction to Community Ed00:01:45 Programs for All Ages00:03:00 After-School Opportunities00:04:20 Adult Education00:06:45 Funding and Scholarships00:08:45 Putting the Community in Community Ed00:10:20 Volunteer Initiatives and Community Engagement00:12:34 Welcome Center00:13:50: Wayzata Kids and other opportunities00:16:15 Unique opportunities00:19:50 Future Initiatives and Expansion00:23:08 Rapid Fire Questions

    30 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    The Fall Musical - Anything Goes with Wayzata High School Students and Staff

    On today's episode, Zach sits down with the director and a couple of stars from the fall musical at Wayzata High School: Anything Goes! The conversation emphasizes the significance of community involvement in local high school musicals, highlighting how these events are integral to the high school experience and provide a platform for young artists to showcase their talents. Get your tickets today! https://www.whstheatre.com/

    29 min

  8. 10/02/2025

    Birth to Five: Talking about our Youngest Learners

    In this episode of the Inside Wayzata podcast, host Zach Nelson speaks with Michele Bedor, the director of early learning, about the Wayzata Early Learning School. They discuss the various programs offered, including Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and preschool options, emphasizing the importance of community support for parents and the developmental benefits for children. The conversation also covers the transition to kindergarten and the Connect at Three initiative, which aims to engage families early in their child's education. Takeaways The Wayzata Early Learning School offers programs for children from birth to five years old. ECFE provides support and community for parents of young children. Building connections among parents is a key goal of ECFE. Children learn social skills and independence through early learning programs. Preschool focuses on learning through play and exploration. Full-day preschool is integrated with childcare services. Connect at Three is an early childhood screening initiative. The focus is on preparing schools and communities for children, not the other way around. Parents can schedule tours to see the early learning environment. The early learning programs aim to make families feel connected to the district. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Early Learning at Wayzata 01:08 Overview of Early Learning Programs 03:38 The Role of ECFE in Parenting Support 07:52 Benefits for Children in Early Learning 10:11 Transitioning from ECFE to Preschool 12:38 Learning Through Play in Preschool 14:54 Understanding Full Day vs Part Day Preschool 17:41 Connect at Three: Early Childhood Screening 21:51 Preparing for Kindergarten 23:44 Conclusion and Resources for Families

    27 min
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About

Inside Wayzata is your exclusive backstage pass to Wayzata Public Schools! We dive deep into the heart of our district, featuring insightful conversations with students, teachers, administrators, and community members. Discover innovative programs, celebrate inspiring achievements, and gain insights into the important topics and vibrant voices dedicated to creating an exceptional learning environment for each and every student in Wayzata Public Schools.

Information

  • Creator
    Wayzata Public Schools
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Inside Wayzata Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Inside Wayzata Podcast