Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast

Hosted by Tooele County School District

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Welcome to "Elevated Insights: A TCSD Podcast," your backstage pass to the heart of what and who makes Tooele County School District run. In this podcast, we're breaking down classroom walls and opening up conversations with students, educators, community leaders, and more. Whether you're a lifelong learner, a dedicated educator, or just passionate about education, join us on this journey of discovery as we uncover the stories, achievements, and heart of our educational community.

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April 22, 2026Episode 6220 min

EPISODE 62: Behind the Scenes, Making a Difference

In this episode of Elevated Insights, Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst sits down with three outstanding district leaders recognized at the Annual Recognition Banquet. Lisa Erickson, Dorothy Norrington, and Megan England represent the growing group of certified non-teachers whose work often happens behind the scenes but makes a lasting impact on students, teachers, and schools. They share their journeys from the classroom into specialized roles, discuss how their work supports instruction and student success, and reflect on what it means to be recognized for contributions that are not always visible. This conversation highlights the teamwork, trust, and shared commitment that help schools thrive.

April 8, 202619 min

EPISODE 61: Removing Barriers: Inside the Teen Center at Deseret Peak High School

What happens when students have a place where they feel supported, seen, and ready to focus on learning?In this episode of Elevated Insights, Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst records from Deseret Peak High School to spotlight the Teen Center and the people behind some of the district’s most meaningful student support services. Joined by Jennifer Firth, the district’s McKinney‑Vento Liaison; Kristine Naylor, Director of At‑Risk Students and Teen Centers; and Denise Martin, Teen Center aide at DPHS, the conversation explores how removing everyday barriers can completely change a student’s school experience.Listeners hear how access to resources like food, hygiene items, laundry, quiet study space, and trusted adults helps students feel confident, connected, and ready to learn. The episode also features a powerful student letter describing how the DPHS Teen Center helped her improve her grades, rebuild confidence, and find a place where she truly belongs.This is an uplifting, honest look at how schools, community partners, and the Tooele Education Foundation work together to support students not just academically, but socially and personally as well — and why these quiet supports matter more than most people realize.

March 18, 202620 min

EPISODE 60: Grantsville Girls Wrestling - A Budding Dynasty

In this episode of Elevated Insights, we step onto the mat with members of the Grantsville High School girls wrestling team, one of the Utah's fastest‑growing sports with one of the most successful programs. Joined by Superintendent Ernst and student cohost Rebekah Smith, the athletes share what motivates them, how the sport has shaped their confidence and resilience, and what it’s like to be part of a program that has earned multiple state titles and top finishes in its early years. With stories of teamwork, grit, and personal growth, this episode showcases the heart of a program that’s inspiring students and redefining what’s possible in girls wrestling across Utah.

March 4, 202616 min

EPISODE 59: Small Thinkers, Big Ideas... A Visit with GEM Students

In this episode of Elevated Insights, we take listeners inside the GEM program, where students explore creative thinking, problem‑solving, and hands‑on academic challenges. Joined by gifted‑and‑talented teacher Stacie Blake and several GEM students, Superintendent Ernst talks with them about what makes the program meaningful, how it supports different learning styles, and why providing additional learning options helps students grow. The students even share a fun challenge for the Superintendent to try on air. It’s a fun, uplifting look at how the GEM program sparks curiosity and confidence in young learners.

February 23, 202630 min

EPISODE 58: From Grantsville to Sydney... A Conversation with Olympian Amy Palmer

As the Winter Olympics conclude in Italy, Elevated Insights brings the Olympic spirit close to home. Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst sits down with Tooele County’s own Olympian, Amy Palmer.Amy represented the United States in the hammer throw at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games after a record‑breaking career at Grantsville High School and Brigham Young University. Today, she teaches at Stansbury Junior High School, inspiring students in the classroom and in life.In this episode, Amy reflects on her journey from local competition to the world stage, the lessons she learned as a competitor, and how she now brings that experience into her teaching. Join us for this fun and insightful discussion with our own Olympian... and did anyone notice the “6/7” reference Amy made along the way? Her students are sure to catch it.

December 18, 202512 min

EPISODE 57: A Holiday of Music

Join us as we visit schools across TCSD to share the sounds of the season! Hear performances from West Elementary, Grantsville Junior High, Tooele Show Choir, and our transition students. It’s a festive celebration of talent and togetherness.Listen now and enjoy this holiday of music!

December 3, 20254 min

EPISODE 56: From Paris to the Classroom "OFF THE RECORD"

While recording a previous episode in a French Dual Language Immersion classroom, we decided to pull in a few students for an "OFF THE RECORD" conversation about their experience in the DLI program. This bonus clip offers a fun, candid perspective from the students themselves... and they were even allowed to speak in English (a rare treat in a DLI class!).Hear what Ashlyn, Amanda, and Keith love about learning in two languages and how the program is shaping their education in unique ways.

November 27, 20259 min

EPISODE 55: Thanksgiving Special

Celebrate the season of gratitude with our Thanksgiving special! We asked elementary students from Sterling, Old Mill, and Twenty Wells what they’re thankful for and their favorite Thanksgiving foods. From preschoolers to sixth graders, their answers range from sweet and simple to wonderfully unexpected. Tune in for a heartwarming collection of perspectives that will make you smile and remind you what Thanksgiving is all about.

November 21, 202525 min

EPISODE 54: From Industry to Instruction

In this episode of Elevated Insights, Superintendent Dr. Mark Ernst talks with three educators whose careers began outside the classroom. Chad Valdez (Criminal Justice), Brianna Rounds (Dental Assisting), and Jodi Cook (Computer Technology) share how their real-world experiences in law enforcement, healthcare, and tech influence their teaching, connect with students, and prepare learners for life beyond school. Discover the challenges, benefits, and unique perspectives that come from bringing industry expertise into education.

November 17, 20253 min

EPISODE 53: The Bookmobile "OFF THE RECORD"

Our “Off the Record” episodes shares some of the conversations that happen after the official recording ends, at least unofficially. These short bonus episodes capture candid thoughts, extra stories, and fun insights that we still want to share with you. It’s a quick listen with a lot of personality.This week listen as the Bookmobile crew talks Off the Record about building relationships, how literacy opens up the world, and the new Reading Rainbow.

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