In this episode, as Park Tudor enters its new season of Professional Learning Communities, Laura Gellin and I talk with three of our new PLC leaders: Jamie Salatich, Carrie Payline, and Liz Odmark. We discuss what success in PLC groups looks like, as well as the main hopes and goals for the coming weeks and months.

About our Guests from Parktudor.org

Jamie Salatich - Mrs. Salatich came to Park Tudor in 2013 from St. Richard's, where she taught first grade and helped implement a variety of programs, including project-based learning and various STEM initiatives. She has received multiple teaching awards, including MSD Perry Township Teacher of the Year 2006, Indiana PTA State Life Award 2007, and the Indiana Ice/Sharp Business Systems Educator of the Year Award 2011. Prior to St. Richard's, Jamie taught at the Paramount School of Excellence, where she chaired the School Improvement Committee, which focused on creating a culturally responsive environment. She currently coaches Lower School robotics.

Liz Odmark - Mrs. Odmark has taught English at Springfield North High School in Ohio, and at North Central High School and the Hasten Hebrew Academy in Indianapolis. She started the Upper School Speech and Debate Team in 1992, serving as coach for five years, and has served as advisor of The Artisan, Park Tudor’s Upper School art and literary magazine. She also served as English Department Chair from 2002-2007 and served on an ISACS school evaluation committee in 2014. She started a Middle School Speech and Debate Team in 2015.

Carrie Poehlein - Prior to joining Park Tudor, Carrie was College and Career Counselor at Roncalli High School and College Advisor at Cathedral High School. She also has experience on the other side of the college admissions process, having been an Admissions Counselor/Senior Admissions Counselor at Butler University for three years. Carrie is a leader in the field; in addition to her work at Park Tudor, she is a Course Instructor for the University of California, Berkeley Extension, teaching two foundational courses within their Certificate in College Admissions Advising program. In this graduate certificate program for school counselors and independent educational consultants, Carrie teaches both new and seasoned professionals from across the world regarding college application procedures, standardized testing requirements, and admissions requirements for public and private universities. In addition, Carrie also works as an Advanced Placement (AP) Coordinator Workshop Consultant for the College Board - one of only 25 training consultants nationwide. In this role, Carrie conducts training programs for AP Coordinators during interactive, virtual workshops. Carrie is very active in the Indiana Association of College Admissions Counselors, frequently presenting at their conferences and serving on a variety of committees. She is a 2020 recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago. Carrie earned a B.A. degree in French and Business Studies, as well as a Master of Science in Effective Teaching and Learning, both from Butler University.