In this episode, we talk to Dr. Nathan Schilling, superintendent of Lansing SD #158. Dr. Schilling is the co-author of a new research paper in the Journal of Educational Administration titled, "Superintendent Resilience: A Qualitative Exploration of Resilience Leadership Skills."

In this episode, IASA speaks to Dr. Nick Polyak, the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year, about successes during his 17-year tenure at Leyden CHSD #212. At the end of the podcast, we talk about the Aspiring Superintendent Academy and advice he has for new district leaders.

As part of the Illinois Vision 2030 School Safety Initiative, IASA has partnered with the Illinois Fire Service (IFSI) Institute to raise awareness of free, comprehensive crisis response and reunification training available to school districts across Illinois. In this episode, hear from JP Moore, Deputy Director of the Illinois Fire Service Institute; Mary Vogt, Superintendent of Bement CUSD #5 and Dr. Dawn Bridges about what this training consists of, why it is important and the benefit it can have with your community and staff.

Learn about IASA's new bi-monthly virtual meetings designed to give school district leaders bite-sized, digestible AI learning in 15 minutes or less. This podcast features the leaders of the virtual series: Dr. Nick Sutton, superintendent of Addison School District #4; Brian Bates, Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning for the Learning Technology Center; Dr. Dawn Bridges, Associate Director of Professional Learning for IASA

With less than a month until IASA's Annual Conference, join us for an inside look at what's in store for attendees. We'll highlight key speakers, dive into the exciting breakout sessions planned, and explore why IASA selected "Pathways to the Future: Innovating for the Next Generation" as this year's conference theme. Whether you're already registered or still deciding, this episode will help you make the most of your conference experience and understand how the event connects to the future of our industry.

In this episode, Dr. Ben Collins, superintendent of Park Ridge CCSD #64, and Jennifer Gill, superintendent of Springfield SD #186, discuss the importance of documenting progress and providing updates to your community during major school construction projects. Each superintendent has placed a strong emphasis on communications that has led to an increase in community engagement.

In this episode, we talk to Superintendent Jason Hayes about how a focus on data and continuous school improvement helped the Massac School District accelerate learning. The southern Illinois district was ⁠identified by researchers⁠ as one of the 100-plus districts nationwide performing above pre-pandemic levels in reading and math. This episode is part 3 of an 11-part series of Illinois school districts who made the ⁠list⁠.

Locally sourced food and scratch cooking. In this episode of the IASA Podcast, we talk to Matt Hickam, Regional Superintendent of ROE 30, and Greg Christian, CEO of Beyond Green Partners, about efforts to leverage a state grant to implement scratch cooking in Cobden and Murphysboro schools.

In this episode, Dr. Tony Sanders, Illinois' State Superintendent, discusses how ​the Illinois State Board of Education is engaging stakeholders in the redesign of its system of assessment, accountability and statewide support. ISBE is currently conducting a Listening Tour to gather feedback. Click here to view dates and locations.

In this episode, we talk to Superintendent Dr. Kelly Gallt about how a focus on data and continuous school improvement helped the district not only recover , but accelerate students past pre-pandemic levels. Lake Zurich CUSD 95 was identified by researchers as one of the 100-plus districts nationwide performing above pre-pandemic levels in reading and math. This episode is part 2 of an 11-part series of Illinois school districts who made the list.