Panthers Podcast

Podcast 15 is with High School Counselor Josh Smith and High School Senior Lisa Woolworth. Topics range from the day in a life of a counselor to preparing for college. We hope you'll take the time to listen to the Panthers Podcast Episode 15.

Episode 14 highlights the one and only Suzanne Woolworth! Suzanne was recently named, Jackson Magazine Teacher of the Year! We are excited to have Suzanne share on the podcast. Check it out -

Podcast #12 highlights the Western Varsity Girls Basketball team. In this episode Colby and Ben ask tough questions of Coach DeBacker. Coach is up to the task and really shines a positive outlook on the future. Check out the episode!

Colby Sharp and Ben Gilpin kick off 2015 in style with special guest Ryan Mulnix. Ryan is new to the Western District and he is both teacher and coach. We are excited to learn more about our new additional to the Panther Family!

In episode #11 Colby and Ben kick off 2015 with a BANG! This Panthers Podcast introduces Western Educator and Boys Basketball Coach Ryan Mulnix to the Western Community. Listen in to learn more about Ryan and the program.

Episode 10 highlights Mrs. Micki Archer as she discusses the Classroom Laboratory professional development with Colby and Ben. In this episode we take the time to discuss walking side by side with colleagues and encouraging a growth mindset.

Panthers Podcast #9 highlights Parma Gal and High School teacher Erika Sponsler as she discusses history and all things Western. Be sure to check out this episode and gain valuable insight into amazing things happening in the Western School District!

Episode 8 has a real buzz! Coach Mifsud and Captain Easton Oliver talk football, reading and new beginnings at Western. This is a can't miss episode that really brings our community together. Check it out!

Episode 7 of Panthers Podcast highlights Dr. Jared Vickers and our very own Western Options. I for one, am excited about the prospects of Personalized Learning and the opportunities that our Options center is giving students.

Episode six was shot live during the 2nd Annual Ed Tech Kickoff at Western High School. Colby Sharp and Ben Gilpin had two phenomenal Western Educators, Alaina Sharp and Suzanne Gibbs, sharing one major focus for the upcoming school year. After a 2+ month hiatus Panthers Podcast is back and ready to share the great stories of Western Educators!

In episode five Colby Sharp and Ben Gilpin discuss "Leader in Me" with Paul Wiley. Paul also discusses the impact of transforming Parma to a Leader in Me school. Paul also talks about data collection and the ownership that students receive from "owning" their data. This is a terrific episode that is highlighted by real honesty from Paul! Paul Wiley's Bio: This is Paul's 15th year at Parma Elementary and 2nd year as the Physical Education teacher. Paul was born and raised in the state of Indiana. He is a graduate of Spring Arbor University with an additional degree from Indiana University. Paul's family includes - his wife, Stephanie, and three amazing girls: Madison, Summer, and Paige. Madison turned 9 in April and is in 3rd grade at Parma Elementary. Summer and Paige turned 7 in October and are in 1st grade at Parma. Paul says, "In my free time I love to spend time with family, golf, listen to music, and just sit and stare at my girls."

In episode 4 Colby Sharp and Ben Gilpin talk with Warner Physical Education teacher Nicole Kelly. Nicole highlights the importance of relationships with both colleagues and students. She also gives several great reminders about the importance of TEAMWORK! Nicole Kelly Bio: Nicole is married to her best friend, Sean. Sean and Nicole have four children. Carson is the oldest. He is six years old and attends 1st Grade at Warner. Claire is the only girl. She is five years old and will be attending kindergarten next year at Warner. Connor and Cole are fifteen-month old twin boys! They are currently working on walking, in opposite directions of course, and getting into as many things as possible :D This is Nicole's first year at Warner. Prior to coming to Warner she taught Science at the Western Middle School. Nicole says, "Elementary PE is a GREAT fit for me because I have a passion for kids, sports, and living healthy, plus I like to have fun."

In episode three Colby and Ben talk with Nancy about the changes in her teaching this year, and she highlights two amazing projects that speak directly to her ability to be student-centered. Nancy is a 31 year veteran with a never ending passion to educate! Be sure to listen and follow her @mrspackteacher Nancy Pack's Bio: Nancy is married to Ben and has three children. Aisleen is a first year teacher at Western High School. Ben and Gus, our twin sons, are soon to be juniors at CMU! Nancy was born and raised in Jackson along with seven brothers and sisters. She graduated from U of M and taught fifth grade for six years before coming to Western. Nancy has been teaching at Bean for the past 25 years. In her free time she loves to walk, read, and bake as well as spend time with my family.

In episode two Colby Sharp and Ben Gilpin interview High School teacher Steve Kim. Steve discusses his transformation as an educator and shares how his classroom has been reinvented. Steve Kim Bio: I'm married to Christina, and have two boys, Brennan( 6th grade) and Hayden (1st grade). I started my teaching career at JHS and moved to Western in 2005. I've taught all levels of HS English while at Western, but for the most part teach English 9 and 10. When I'm not teaching I love to play golf, coach my boys in basketball, watch them play baseball and read as much as possible.

In this inaugural podcast Mr. Colby Sharp and Mr. Ben Gilpin interview Middle School Assistant Principal Ryan Tripp. Ryan talks about the wall of greatness and how the middle school has flipped the focus. Sit back and enjoy the story of Western Educators. Ryan Tripp's Bio: Personal: I am married to my wonderful wife, Olivia, and am the father to two amazing boys (Caleb and Coby). Experience coaching football, baseball and basketball at the Youth, MS and HS levels. Hobbies include Golf, Basketball, and spending time with my family. Experience: Western Middle School Assistant Principal (2011-Present) Western Middle School History, Computers and Physical Education Teacher (2000-2011) Education: Bachelor's Degree: Secondary Education, Social Sciences and Exercise and Sport Science (Spring Arbor University) Master's Degree: Educational Technology (Western Michigan University) Professional Certificate: Educational Leadership (Eastern Michigan University) Favorite Books: "Lead, For God's Sake" by Todd G. G