It’s been SAId: Conversations on Leadership

Leadership Life Fit: Know Your Ultradian Rhythm to Balance Rest and Productivity

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, associate executive director of professional learning with SAI, delves into the nature of rest, and in particular, our body's rhythms related to productivity and rest.
Dana defines what ultradian rhythm is and the importance of being in tune with our rhythm so we can incorporate needed rest breaks throughout the day.
She emphasizes the importance of rest for an optimal leadership-life fit. Learn more in this 15-minute podcast.

Learn About Ames Community School District's PK & Beyond Learning Model

In this episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with Superintendent Scott Grimes with the Ames Community School District. 
Together they discuss the background and implementation of this learning model and the intended long-term outcomes. The core goal of creating a unified pathway for career exploration that begins at age four differentiates Ames from most school districts. 
Learn more about how the broader Ames community supports this learning model by listening to this 27-minute podcast conversation.

Who Can Make Decisions Related to a Student’s Education?

Listen to Matt's November edition of Legal Vortex where he addresses decision-making as it pertains to a student’s education. He covers examples related to joint legal custody, step-parents, grandparents, and/or other significant others involved in a student’s life. He also discusses court-ordered guardianship and homeless student caregiving authorization situations.
You will glean helpful advice by listening to this 17-minute podcast.

From Consequences to Connection: Reimagining In-School Suspension with Restorative Practices

In this episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with three leaders from Danville Community Schools. 
“From Consequences to Connection,” shines a light on how Danville reimagined in-school suspension—not as a place for punishment, but as an opportunity for growth.
The conversation covers what it takes to move from a traditional discipline model to one centered on restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and authentic accountability. Pat Wallace, Danville Superintendent, Jaci Thornburg, JH/HS Principal, and Liz Long, Curriculum Director and Dean of Students have led this shift in their own district and have seen powerful results—more than 80% of students who go through the process never return to in-school suspension. 
Enjoy this in-depth 48-minute podcast conversation!
Access Danville's Restorative Action Plan

How to Address Employee Investigations When There May Be An Unreported Diagnosis or Disability

Listen to Matt's October edition of Legal Vortex where he addresses the sensitive topic of employee investigations. Specifically, what should you do if you are investigating an employee who may have an unreported diagnosis or disability? He provides guidance on what questions to ask how to prioritize the safety of students, staff, and the employee.
Matt covers a lot of ground in this 19-minute podcast.

Leadership Life Fit: Just Say No

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, associate executive director of professional learning with SAI, shares how you can discover how learning to say “no” can strengthen your leadership, protect your energy, and sharpen your focus on what matters most. Learn more in this 15-minute podcast.

Leadership Life Fit: Two Words to Determine Your Next Steps

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, associate executive director of professional learning with SAI, shares two words that can transform how you approach determining your next steps. Learn what these two simple words are in this 10-minute podcast!

SAI's New AI Chatbot: Your Teacher Evaluation Partner

In this episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Lisa Remy and Al Neppl, SAI's associate professional learning director, preview the new AI chatbot SAI plans to provide as a new member benefit: Your Teacher Evaluation Partner.
This AI tool is being created with one goal in mind—making the evaluation process more meaningful, efficient, and supportive for administrators and teachers alike. 
Listen to this 30-minute podcast to learn more about the chatbot and how it can help you as an administrator.

Where Does the Line for Public Employee Speech Get Drawn?

Listen to Matt's September edition of Legal Vortex where he delves into the timely discussion on employee speech in light of recent national, politically-charged events. He provides advice on what type of speech may result in a recommendation to a board of education for employee termination.
Carver also covers the overall considerations a district must make when an employee has said, posted, or written something that may cause concern. Listen now!

Leave Balance Behind in Favor of a Fit

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, professional learning director with SAI, shares why she doesn't like the phrase "work/life balance" and encourages listeners to instead consider finding a leadership life fit. 
Listen now and hear why words matter!