It’s been SAId: Conversations on leadership

Learn with incoming SAI Associate Professional Learning Director Al Neppl

Join us for a captivating conversation with Al Neppl, the incoming Associate Professional Learning Director at SAI!
In this episode of "It's been SAId: Conversations on leadership," you'll hear:
Al's unique insights from working in both small and large school districts.
His passionate perspective on the transformative power of professional learning.
Exciting plans for the future as he connects with SAI members across the state.
Al's recent learning experiences and a few resources relevant to your own educational journey.
Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

Radical Leadership Reset: Get serious about getting results (4 Disciplines of Execution)

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.

Legislative Advocacy with Dave Daughton

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 ramifications
Listen now as there are actions you can take even before the legislative session begins.

A Framework for Social and Emotional Learning with Maria Lantz

Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy and Maria Lantz of Ottumwa as they delve into the importance of collaboration in cultivating a culture that embraces social and emotional learning in schools and districts.
During their conversation, Maria discussed key components of a sustainable SEL program, emphasizing the need for adults to actively engage in social and emotional learning themselves. She also shed light on the significance of embedding SEL into all aspects of education, from the classroom to the curriculum.
Maria also shares methods for overcoming concerns, including transparent communication and learning nights with families and providing educators with the necessary resources and professional development opportunities.
Tune in and gain ideas!
Access Maria's resources: 
Google Class
Guide using Iowa's Social Emotional Learning Competencies

Restorative Justice in a Secondary Setting with Kristen Souza and Sam Pohl

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
gives students voice. 
Learn more about a common misconception that RJ replaces discipline and how that is managed.

Preparing students with relevant skills and helping them find their purpose and passion with Cedar Falls CAPS and Woodbine IGNITE Pathways

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.

Registered apprenticeships, competency- and work-based learning and more with Kris Byam from Iowa Workforce Development

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 opportunities for younger kids, authentic work-based learning and training in high school, and fostering a community perspective in classrooms.
Interestingly, there have been 30 new occupations in registered apprenticeships in the last few years, with 1,500 careers in registered apprenticeships.
He also offers examples of how even rural areas without a variety of employers are able to provide work-based learning opportunities. 
Join us for this important conversation about registered apprenticeships, competency-based learning, and opening as many pathways as possible for students.

Computer science at the elementary level with Ryan Marzen of Perry CSD

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 digital leaders.
So tune in to learn more about how Perry Elementary School is demystifying computer science and embedding it into instruction to prepare students for pathways to employment.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the podcast:
Perry Elementary's Computer Science Professional Development program is a success and is propelling this high-performing school.
It has helped nurture a passion for technology among students and promote innovative thinking.
Students are preparing for future career opportunities in computer science.
Teachers have developed their computer science skills and many are using the endorsement toward their pursuit of a master's degree.
Thanks for listening!

2023 Principals of the Year — Jake Feldmann, Dana Nally and Toby Young

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.

2023 Central Office Administrator of the Year Chad Lang

Join us for this episode of It's been SAId as SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy chats with Central Office Administrator of the Year Chad Lang of Glenwood. They discuss the importance of evolving and adapting to prepare students for life outside the school doors. They also talk about technology in the classroom, an innovation center matching what's offered in schools with what jobs require, programs to help with teacher recruitment and retention, and community involvement.
This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in education, innovation, and the future of work.