In this upcoming episode, we sit down with Dr. Matt Townsley to reflect on what we’ve learned from the first two years of our Standards-Based Grading Conference—now entering its third annual convening on June 15, 2026. Drawing from insights across districts and leadership teams, Dr. Townsley highlights the key similarities and differences in the planning of the conference and how changes have been made based on feedback from past participants. 

The interview is a quick overview of the purpose of this collaborative conference and what attendees can expect. If your team is serious about ensuring grading practices accurately reflect student learning, this episode offers both reflection and forward momentum as we share about this upcoming opportunity. 

Conference Registration 

Meet Megan, a first-year kindergarten teacher with the Lisbon Community School District and a recent graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. After a few months in her very own classroom, Megan returns to share what she’s learned, what’s surprised her, and how her expectations have evolved since the start of the school year. In this follow-up conversation, she reflects on her wins and her challenges of her first months of teaching and highlights the crucial role of mentorship and administrative support in helping new teachers grow. Whether you’re a future teacher, seasoned educator, or school leader, Megan’s story offers real and relatable insights into the journey of becoming a confident and capable educator.

In this wrap-up episode of 2025 - we wish to thank you for listening to our episodes and share a few ideas for next season's episode line-up. If you know of a person, topic, or article that you would like to recommend to our team, please feel free to email our team at [email protected] or through our social media on Instagram or X. Our episodes will return early February 2026. We hope to see you then! 

In this episode, we will review The Power of Positive Leadership by Jon Gordon. This book is a guide to leading with optimism, resilience, and purpose. For leaders, this book offers practical strategies to build a culture of belief, connection, and perseverance. Join me as I explore the key elements of this book that show how choosing positivity in the face of obstacles can transform not only the way we lead, but the legacy we leave behind as a leader. 

The Power of Positive Leadership Website 

Video - The Power of Positive Leadership 

Book Study Questions

In Part 2, Amanda continues her conversation with Ken Sturgis, who joined ISFIS in January 2025 to support school finance across Iowa. With over 15 years of experience in finance, government, public policy, and critical analysis, Ken brings a unique perspective to the table. He shares insights into the most pressing financial challenges facing rural schools today, explores creative strategies districts are using to navigate these obstacles, and highlights how ISFIS works to support rural leaders across the state. Ken also offers thoughtful advice for those considering educational leadership in a rural setting. Don’t miss this valuable conversation packed with practical takeaways for current and aspiring rural school leaders.

In this episode, Dr. Susan Etscheidt—UNI Emeritus faculty specializing in Special Education Law and Policy, Administrative Law Judge, and state-level mediator for the Iowa Department of Education—joins us to unpack the three most critical elements every district should examine within their special education systems. She offers clear, research-informed guidance on strengthening practices and ensuring high-quality supports for all learners. Dr. Etscheidt also shares insights from her recent work leading Leadership Camps across the state, highlighting how these experiences are helping administrators build capacity, deepen collaboration, and elevate outcomes for students with disabilities.

Leadership Camps | Upcoming Dates 

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Sturgis, who joined ISFIS in January 2025 to support school finance across Iowa. With over 15 years of experience in finance, government, public policy, and critical analysis, Ken brings a unique perspective to the table. He shares insights into the most pressing financial challenges facing rural schools today, explores creative strategies districts are using to navigate these obstacles, and highlights how ISFIS works to support rural leaders across the state.  Don’t miss this valuable conversation packed with practical takeaways for current and aspiring rural school leaders. This is part 1 of a 2-part series. Turn in next week for part 2! 

Today’s episode features a conversation with Dr. Adam Magliari, Superintendent of Mediapolis Community Schools and recent graduate of the University of Northern Iowa’s EdD program. Dr. Magliari joins us to unpack his dissertation, Understanding the Problem of the Modern-Day Teacher Shortage: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study of the Stories of Teachers in the Profession.

In this interview, he shares the lived experiences he uncovered through his research, what those stories reveal about the complexity of the teacher shortage, and the practical recommendations he offers for school and district leaders navigating this ongoing challenge through the lens of transformational leadership. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, administrator, or policymaker, Dr. Magliari’s insights shed light on both the human side of the profession and the systems-level changes needed to support and retain educators today.

The 4 I's of Transformational Leadership 

In this episode we dive into The Leader You’re Not, a refreshing and thought provoking take on what authentic leadership really looks like. The author, Scott Borba, invites us to embrace the strengths, limitations, and uniqueness that shapes us into who we are and who we are not. We explore how rejecting false expectations of leadership can free us to lead with integrity, humility, and courage. This book is both a mirror and a guide to unlearn the pressure to perform as someone we are not and lean into the kind of leader we truly are meant to be. Join us as we explore the challenges to rethink leadership, resist comparison, and lead from a place of authenticity.  

Book Study Questions

We will be talking with Dr. Roark Horn, Associate Professor of Practice in Educational Leadership at the University of Northern Iowa. With over two decades of experience in school leadership, Dr. Horn brings a wealth of practical insight to the conversation. He shares how UNI’s Superintendent Program is designed to prepare and support leaders for the unique demands of school districts across Iowa. From mentoring aspiring superintendents to guiding current leaders through the transition into district leadership, Dr. Horn offers invaluable advice and firsthand knowledge on what it takes to lead with impact in rural education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in educational leadership, rural schools, and the future of superintendency in Iowa.