It’s been SAId: Conversations on Leadership

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This April 3rd episode covers week twelve.

In this special episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning Dr. Dana Schon explores the transformative power of gratitude. Moving beyond the "work-life balance" cliché toward the concept of "life fit," Dr. Schon shares five practical strategies to cultivate daily appreciation: the color of the day, the green light strategy, the "first person you see" method, notes of appreciation, and gratitude journaling.
The conversation delves deeper into "lived gratitude," distinguishing it from mere habitual practice. She challenges leaders to integrate gratitude into their very identity, helping them navigate stress and find joy even in difficult circumstances. The episode concludes with a practical challenge: open your contacts and send a message of appreciation to someone today. Find one practice you'd like to implement by listening to this 18-minute podcast.

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This March 27th episode covers week eleven.

In this reflective episode of It’s been SAId, Executive Director Lisa Remy hosts a roundtable discussion with retiring Iowa superintendents: Pella's Greg Ebeling, West Lyon's Shawn Kreman, and Burlington's Robert Scott.
As they prepare to conclude their careers in June 2026, these veteran leaders look back on the dramatic evolution of school district leadership—from navigating increased public visibility to managing the growing complexity of modern education. The conversation dives deep into the realities of the "relentless" nature of the job, offering a rare glimpse into their most challenging moments, the skills that matter most in today's climate, and the essential strategies for building trust with boards and communities.
Whether you are an aspiring administrator or a seasoned educator, this episode serves as a powerful masterclass in resilience, legacy, and the enduring hope that drives Iowa’s educational leaders. Listen to the wisdom and reflection from these three great leaders in this 45-minute podcast

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This March 20th episode covers week ten.

In this episode of the It’s Been Said Podcast, SAI Legal Services Director Matt Carver discusses some common end-of-year legal issues that school administrators face. These issues include:
Dealing with student behavior and reminding staff to remain calm and professional.
Navigating requests to exclude parents or family members from end-of-year celebrations.
Addressing requests to use alternative names during graduation ceremonies.
Managing student dress code for commencement ceremonies, especially regarding cultural or religious attire.
Clarifying the legal rights of parents and school districts regarding student retention and advancement.
Prepare for your next 10 weeks of classes by listening to this 15 minute podcast.

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This March 13th episode covers week nine.

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This March 6th episode covers week eight.

In this special edition episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, SAI's associate executive director of professional learning, explores the hidden drain on a leader's most valuable resource: cognitive energy.
Using the relatable metaphor of a web browser cluttered with dozens of open tabs, Schon illustrates how unresolved tasks, lingering worries, and unrealistic self-expectations act as "mental tabs" that leak energy throughout the day. She challenges the traditional narrative of the "always-on" leader, encouraging listeners to "close the tabs" by setting boundaries and reframing their internal stories to achieve a better leadership life fit.
Learn practical strategies to "close unneeded tabs" in this nine-minute podcast.

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This Feb. 27th episode covers week seven.