Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy as she discusses the mental wellness continuum of supports implemented by the Harlan School District with Superintendent Jenny Barnett. This conversation will not only explore Harlan's successful strategies, but also equip you with valuable tips on finding additional resources to bolster student mental health in your own community. Learn more about creating a supportive school environment where students can thrive ..read more

Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy as she talks with Al Neppl, who will join the staff as associate professional learning director on August 1. Al shares his experiences in small and large districts, the power of professional learning and how he looks forward to working with members around the state. He also references some of his recent learning and what may also be of interest to you as a listener ..read more

Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy as she talks with Adel-De Soto-Minburn Superintendent Greg Dufoe about how the district embraced the 4 Disciplines of Execution to create breakthrough results. Listen now to learn more about the 4 Disciplines—focus, leverage, engagement, and accountability—and how they might reset your school improvement process ..read more

Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy as she talks with the association's Government Relations Director Dave Daughton. In this episode, Dave shares Why education advocacy is important How administrators can effectively communicate the needs of their schools to policymakers and legislators Key strategies for building community support and involvement in advocating for public education Advice on how administrators should interact with elected officials and encouragement for those who may feel hesitant or unsure about engaging in political advocacy due to the complexities or potential ramificati ..read more

Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy and Maria Lantz as they delve into the importance of collaboration and cultivating a culture that embraces social and emotional learning in schools and districts. In their conversation, Maria and Lisa discuss key components of a sustainable SEL program, emphasizing the need for adults to actively engage in social and emotional learning themselves. They also shed light on the significance of embedding SEL into all aspects of education, from the classroom to the curriculum. And for those wondering about the importance of social-emotional learning, Maria shar ..read more

Hear from High School Principal Kristen Souza and Instructional Coach Sam Pohl from PCM about their rural high school's journey in implementing Restorative Justice and the reasons it was started.  Restorative Justice helps strengthen relationships and build community while resolving problems that have caused harm or damaged relationships. RJ focuses on accountability and healing over punishment. In this episode, we explore how Restorative Justice provides students with conflict-resolution skills, decreases office referrals, improves culture, strengthens student-teacher conversations and ..read more

This episode features Ethan Wiechmann from Cedar Falls CAPS and Justin Wagner from Woodbine’s IGNITE Pathways. Justin and Ethan shared their districts’ work including providing individualized learning plans, preparing students with relevant skills for the workforce, and helping students find their purpose and passion.  Additionally, they discussed the importance of having a strong "why" in education and finding like-minded individuals to support and overcome challenges. They emphasized the uniqueness of each community's needs and the necessity to celebrate and adapt programs accordingly ..read more

In this podcast, Kris Byam, registered apprenticeship liaison with Iowa Workforce Development, and SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy explore the benefits of creating as many learning options as possible for students. It's about bringing learning to life for students and creating on-ramps and off-ramps based on their interests. Students need to build good employability skills of  collaboration communication self-awareness global awareness Additionally, students require skills that allow them to be flexible problem solvers innovative creative nimble Kris also highlights shadowing opportu ..read more

In this edition, SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy talks with Principal Ryan Marzen about Perry Elementary School's successful Computer Science Professional Development program. The program has helped over 15 teachers earn computer science endorsements. It has helped to nurture a passion for technology among students and promote innovative thinking. The school has been able to provide state-of-the-art equipment, resources, and valuable learning to students, regardless of their background or ability. The school aims to prepare students for future career opportunities and foster a generation of ..read more

For the 10th episode of the “It’s been SAId” podcast, host SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy is excited this month to welcome Elementary Principal of the Year Dana Nally from Bedford, Middle Level Principal of the Year Toby Young from MMCRU and Secondary Principal of the Year Jake Feldmann from Western Dubuque. Listen as they share challenges they’ve faced and overcome, how they involve student and staff voice and foster innovation and creativity, and experience in the role itself ..read more