Sherrilynn Bair works in a traditional Idaho public school and serves on the board of the Idaho Public Charter School Commission. In this episode, she clarifies misconceptions and discusses the benefits inherent to both learning environments.

Superintendent Critchfield and Certification and Professional Standards Director Cina Lackey sit down to talk about Idaho's teacher code of ethics, student safety, teacher certification and the state’s Professional Standards Commission.  

For children of military families, frequently changing schools can add significant stress and uncertainty to their academic journey. Stephensen Elementary in the Mountain Home School District is the first Idaho school to receive a Purple Star designation—a national recognition of its ability to meet the unique needs of military-connected students. Principal Robynn Schipani explains more.

2024 Idaho CapEd Credit Union Teacher of the Year Trent Van Leuven teaches nine different career technical and agricultural classes at Mackay High School. For the last 12 months, in addition to teaching, he has worked overtime to help and celebrate Idaho educators. Hear his thoughts about the experience of being Idaho's teacher of the year. 

Department of Education Indian Education Director Jennifer Stadum joins Superintendent Critchfield to talk about Idaho’s five federally recognized tribes, student needs, and introduce a few of her initiatives.

Despite the fact it’s summer, there is a lot going on at the Idaho Department of Education right now. Superintendent Critchfield sits down with Communications Director Scott Graf to talk about two of the initiatives underway this summer: an update to the state’s high school graduation requirements and a new student well-being assessment being piloted this fall. 

Most of Idaho’s educators are trained at our state’s institutions of higher education. And as the role of educator has evolved, so too have the institutions that prepare them. Dr. Brooke Blevins, Dean of the University of Idaho’s College of Education joins Superintendent Critchfield to talk about what teacher prep looks like in Idaho today. 

Brian Darcy has one of the most unique jobs in Idaho education. And he loves it. The administrator of the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind in Gooding joins Superintendent Critchfield to talk about his work – and brag about his school! 

It’s summer in Idaho and that means most of our teachers are not in the classroom. But that doesn’t mean they’re not working or honing their craft. Superintendent Critchfield talks with Idaho Falls educator Julie Nawrocki about what summer looks like for our state’s teachers. 

IDLA Superintendent Jeff Simmons is an early adopter of Artificial Intelligence in the education setting. He joins Superintendent Critchfield to talk about why the technology is something to embrace and not fear.