It’s been SAId: Conversations on Leadership

Reflection and planning with Jason Groendyke

This episode features a conversation between SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy and 2024 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year Jason Groendyke from Sheldon, who offers insights on effective planning, data-driven decision-making, and fostering a positive school culture.Listeners can expect key takeaways on
The importance of early planning — starting the planning process for the next school year in spring, particularly April and May.
Using a student-centered approach — the importance of keeping students at the forefront of all decision-making, using four key questions to guide planning and instruction.
Collaborative leadership — the value of collaborating with administrative teams, building leadership teams, and staff members when making decisions and planning for the school year.
Data-driven decision-making — using data, such as climate surveys, to inform changes and improvements in school culture.
Professional development strategies — organizing effective professional development for staff and setting clear expectations.
Building school culture — strategies for fostering a positive school climate, including implementing restorative practices and incorporating student feedback.
Embracing discomfort for growth: The discussion emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with discomfort to promote personal and professional growth.

Partnering with the community to support students with Laura Medberry

Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy as she gains an insightful look into College Community's comprehensive system of supports for students from Laura Medberry, the district's executive director of learning supports.This episode showcases the district's comprehensive and collaborative approach to supporting the holistic well-being of students, involving community partnerships, trauma-informed practices, data-driven decision-making, and a shared vision for meeting students' social, emotional and behavioral needs.

When Tragedy Strikes - A District and Building Response with Jason Toenges

Tragic. Sudden. Terrible. Words to describe a moment when death or tragedy strikes your school. But what should you do next? Often, we are unprepared for these events because we've never thought about them in advance. Join SAI President and Union High School Principal Jason Toenges as he provides real-life stories and considerations if you are ever faced with a death or tragedy in your building or district.

Creating a continuum of supports for student mental wellness with Jenny Barnett

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.

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.