Waukesha One Take - Perspectives on Education

Amanda Wagner: AVID and Technology- Success for All

In this episode, we talk with Amanda Wagner, the AVID coordinator for Waukesha. We talk about the changes in AVID as technology has evolved and how these two keystone features go together to support students to be college and career ready.

Lowell AVID Team: Engaging ALL Students by Getting Hands-on with Technology

The Lowell Elementary AVID Team made a decision to build upon the literacy curriculum and it's cross-grade alignment. By bringing meaningful technology use into this alignment, teachers built purposeful experiences that connected the dots between literacy, technology, student ownership of learning, and engaging experiences for students. Hear about the purpose, goals, and work it took the team to make this dream a reality for students. Bask in the victories the team shares from the day, as every student in the school was involved and given choice throughout the technology day experience.

Sandy Matheus and Devante Simmons: Promoting Kindness Through Tech

What if a simple QR code could change the culture of a school? In this episode of Waukesha One Take, we sit down with Sandy Matheus and Devante Simmons, two elementary educators from the School District of Waukesha, who turned a simple idea into a schoolwide movement of gratitude and kindness. Using tools like Google Forms, Autocrat, QR codes, and iPads, Sandy and Devante created an easy way for students and staff to send uplifting messages to one another—celebrating kindness, recognizing effort, and spreading good news throughout their building. What started as a creative tech solution quickly became something much bigger: a culture-builder that strengthens relationships, lifts spirits, and connects school and home in meaningful ways. This conversation is a reminder that innovation in education doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s about using the tools already in your hands—and a whole lot of heart—to make a lasting impact.

Kirsten Wiesneski: The Science of Using AI for Engagement

Teaching is often called an art and a science, but for Kirsten Wisneski, a high school science teacher in the School District of Waukesha, it’s also a playground for innovation. In this episode, we sit down with Kirsten to explore how she is moving beyond the AI hype to create truly transformative learning experiences. As a "notorious explorer" of educational technology, Kirsten doesn’t just use tools for the sake of novelty. She shares her "Vetting for Merit" process—ensuring every piece of tech maintains high academic rigor while making science feel accessible and alive. * Gemini Gems & Canvases: How to leverage Google’s AI to create personalized, interactive study hubs. * Blackboard AI Conversations: Strategies for using AI to facilitate deep-dive discussions and Socratic questioning. * The Rigor Balance: How to integrate AI without sacrificing student critical thinking or learning integrity. * Exploration Strategy: Be inspired by Kirsten's willingness to dig into tools to determine what they offer for her and her students. If you’ve been looking for a way to pull students more authentically into their learning—while keeping the fun and "magic" in your daily routine—this episode is your blueprint. Whether you’re an AI novice or a tech veteran, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas you can implement in your classroom tomorrow.

Brian Falk: Inspiring creativity, heart, and humanity in music class

What happens when heart, humanity, and innovation meet a thoughtful, reflective teacher in elementary music class? In Episode 15 of Waukesha One Take, elementary music teacher Brian Falk shares how he helps students find their voice—sometimes through a drum, sometimes through an experience, and sometimes through a digital tool. Brian walks us through how technology doesn’t replace music-making, but expands it, opening creative doors for even our youngest learners to compose, experiment, and express themselves in powerful new ways. This conversation is a reminder that great teaching isn’t about the tool—it’s about choosing the right tool to unlock curiosity, creativity, and connection.