Shows
IASA PodcastUnpacking Farm to School Initiative in Southern IllinoisLocally 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. 2025-05-0632 minIASA PodcastNights and Weekends Back With AI: Breaking Down Upcoming WorkshopsIn this episode, we detail how IASA’s upcoming Super Region workshops series can help educators build AI capacity in their school districts, streamline operations and create efficiencies. Our guests are Dr. Dawn Bridges, Dr. Bill Daggett and Thomas Hawkins. Thomas is the Content and Innovation Manager for Successful Practices Network and will be co-presenting at the workshops with Dr. Bridges.2025-03-2623 minIASA PodcastAI Solutions for Schools by ECRADr. John Gatta, CEO of the ECRA Group, discusses AI solutions for schools, specifically AI assistants. As part of an expanded partnership with IASA, ECRA has developed three AI assistants to help school districts in the areas of the Illinois School Code, Parent Questions and Human Resources.2025-02-0731 minIASA PodcastA Closer Look at IASA's AI Super Region WorkshopsIn this episode, Dr. Dawn Bridges and Dr. Bill Daggett discuss the importance of school districts embracing AI, what to expect at the upcoming AI Super Region workshops, tangible tips that will be covered and how AI can give your teachers nights and weekends back. To learn more and register for IASA Super Region AI workshops, click here. 2025-01-1328 minIASA PodcastWinter Break Tips for SuperintendentsIn this episode, IASA Field Services Directors, Dr. Vic Zimmerman and Dr. Brian Harris, share tips and strategies for superintendents heading into, during and post-Winter Break. 2024-12-1623 minIASA PodcastAnalytics for Educators: Learn About New IASA PartnershipIn September, IASA and IASB announced a new joint partnership with Munetrix + SchoolData Solutions. Hear from the company’s CEO, Ginny Norton, on the capabilities of the powerful school performance analytics tool on this episode of the IASA Podcast. 2024-10-1719 minIASA PodcastA Look at ISAL Through a Research LensIn this episode of the IASA Podcast, Chris Grode, superintendent of Columbia CUSD #4, shares insights from his dissertation on the benefits of executive coaching programs, with a specific look at IASA's School for Advanced Leadership. Applications are now being accepted for the eighth cohort. 2024-09-1213 minIASA PodcastAI in Education: A Superintendent's GuideDr. Mike Lubelfeld, superintendent of North Shore SD #112, joins the IASA Podcast to discuss the various ways he utilizes AI in his district. Dr. Lubelfeld also discusses the benefits of generative AI in education and the safeguards his district implements. 2024-08-1623 minIASA PodcastIllinois School for the DeafThe Illinois School for the Deaf is celebrating 185 years of educating and serving members of the Deaf community. We dive deep into the services offered at the school in this episode of the IASA Podcast. 2024-06-1818 minIASA PodcastFocus Areas for Superintendents in the SummerWhat should superintendents be focusing on during the months of June, July and August? In this episode of the IASA Podcast, we talk to Dr. Brian Harris, one of IASA's newest Field Services Directors, on focus areas for district leaders in the summer.2024-06-0619 minIASA PodcastLocking Up Phones During the School DayLast March, Flossmoor SD #161 purchased Yondr bags to streamline the process of having students lock up their phone during the school day. In this episode of the IASA Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Dana Smith shares why he implemented the ban at the Junior High, how it's went so far and the impact he's noticed on student learning and engagement. 2024-04-2622 minIASA PodcastAcademic Growth in Schiller Park SD #81In 2023, NWEA released a study that describes high-quality teaching practices in place in Schiller Park SD #81. In this episode of the IASA Podcast, we speak to Schiller Park's Superintendent, Dr. Kimberly Boryszewski, about instructional strategies that are driving student improvement. 2024-02-1220 minIASA PodcastIASA Aspiring Superintendent AcademyIn this episode, we go behind the curtain of IASA's Aspiring Superintendent Academy. Hear from two graduates - Dr. Tiffany Brunson and Travis Titsworth - about how the experience helped them make the transition to the superintendency. Also, Dr. Nick Polyak breaks down what participants can expect and explains how the academy aims to demystify the superintendency. Click Here to apply. 2024-01-3018 minIASA PodcastCompliance Plus Participants Share FeedbackIn this episode, hear from Andy Johnson, superintendent at Effingham CUSD #40, and Jeff Abell, superintendent at Griggsville-Perry CUSD #4, about how IASA Compliance Plus is benefitting their districts. In addition, Robert Wolfe shares how he's helped districts with everything from transportation, EBF reports, bid proposals and indirect costs. Furthermore, Robert discusses a new resource he and Cheryl Graff created that is exclusively for IASA Compliance Plus participants. 2023-10-0618 minIASA PodcastPreviewing IASA's 59th Annual ConferenceWant to know more about this year's keynote speakers? Learn how IASA picks breakout sessions? And gain practical tips to maximize your conference experience? This podcast is all about IASA's 59th Annual Conference, Sept. 27-29 in Springfield. Our guests are Dr. Roger Alvey, IASA President, and Dr. Courtney Orzel, Associate Director of Professional Development. 2023-08-2316 minIASA PodcastEBF Making a Difference: Big Hollow SD #38IASA's series on how Evidence-Based Funding is helping Illinois students returns in podcast form. In this episode, learn how the state's investment has helped Big Hollow SD #38 gain its footing financially and add more academic and behavior supports for students.
2023-08-1109 minIASA PodcastIASA Compliance PlusIASA has expanded our team to launch IASA Compliance Plus, a pilot program for the 2023-24 school year designed to help districts save time on compliance matters. In this episode, hear from IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark, IASA General Counsel and the two people picked to facilitate this initiative, Cheryl Graff and Robert Wolfe. Cheryl is a retired regional superintendent and Robert retired after serving as Chief Financial Officer of ISBE. Visit the IASA website to learn more and apply.
2023-07-1120 minIASA PodcastCPPRT Uncertainty in FY 2024In May, the Illinois Department of Revenue released a memo that indicated school districts, and other government bodies, would see a reduction in Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax funding. On the IASA Podcast, we spoke to Dr. Vic Zimmerman, IASA Field Services Director, about this announcement and what it means for school districts trying to budget for FY 24.
2023-06-2723 minIASA PodcastISBE Extends Deadline of Early Childhood Block GrantIllinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders joins IASA for a quick podcast about ISBE extending the application deadline for the Early Childhood Block Grant to June 30. Also, we ask Dr. Sanders about his new leadership team and the role they will fill. 2023-06-2005 minIASA PodcastCommunity Eligibility ProvisionCEP is an alternative to collecting, approving, and verifying household eligibility applications for free and reduced price eligible students in high poverty local educational agencies (LEAs) for schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. In this episode, IASA speaks to Roxanne Ramage, ISBE's Nutrition Principal Consultant, about the advantages the federal program offers to school districts. More information about CEP can be found at https://www.isbe.net/cep or requested via email at cnp@isbe.net
2023-06-1618 minIASA PodcastReimagining Rural LeadershipIASA is accepting applications for our newest cohort - Reimagining Rural Leadership. In this podcast, hear from cohort organizers about why you should apply, what each session will entail, what guest speakers to expect, how a cohort learning experience can help you grow professionally and personally and much more! Our guests are Dr. Courtney Orzel, Todd Dugan, Dr. Jennifer Garrison and Larry Lovel. 2023-05-0423 minIASA PodcastCapitol Watch Legislative UpdateMadeline McCune and Emily Warnecke join the IASA Podcast to provide a legislative update on where things stand. Ms. McCune and Mrs. Warnecke discuss unfunded mandates, curriculum mandates, literacy initiatives, the teacher shortage and more. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2023-04-0532 min
IASA PodcastWomen in Leadership RoundtableIn honor of Women's History Month, IASA asked the group of female leaders who helped launch Women in Leadership in Illinois. This podcast features a lively an inspiring discussion about the history of WIL, misconceptions about the initiative, barriers women face entering the superintendency and why it's important that Illinois continues to grow the number of female leaders. Guests are Dr. Courtney Orzel, Sara Boucek, Dr. Carrie Hruby, Dr. Crystal Johnson-Maden, Dr. Bhavna Sharma-Lewis and Julie Kraemer. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2023-03-0948 minIASA PodcastA Conversation With Dr. Sonya Whitaker on Equity, Politics, Black History Month and MoreIn honor of February being Black History Month, IASA invited Dr. Sonya Whitaker on the podcast to discuss a variety of issues around equity and diversity in public education. Dr. Whitaker is the Deputy Superintendent of Schools at Dolton School District 148 and serves as National Education Policy Director for PUSH Excel. In this podcast, we discuss her work at PUSH Excel; the teacher shortage and increasing the pool of black teachers and educators; tips for school leaders on maximizing Black History Monty; polarized politics in school board races and much more! The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2023-01-2726 minIASA PodcastNew Approach to Substitute Teacher ShortageLike many districts, Oakwood CUSD #76 struggled attracting substitute teachers. Earlier this month, district hosted its first ever Aspiring Substitute Academy to recruit and educate people from the community about what it takes to become a substitute teacher. In this episode, Oakwood's superintendent, Larry Maynard, discusses the substitute teacher shortage, what the academy entailed and how big of a boost the district has already seen in its applicant pool. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2023-01-1319 minIASA PodcastLeading Through Chaos: New book by Dr. Lisa LealiIASA interviews Dr. Lisa Leali, superintendent of Lake Bluff ESD #65, about her new book, Leading through Chaos: Ten Strategies for School Leaders during Crises. In the interview, Dr. Leali discusses why she wrote the book and shares different strategies for school leaders. The book is available for purchase here. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2022-12-0628 minIASA PodcastWhat Participants in IASA's New Elevate SuperWomen Cohort Can ExpectRegistration is now open for Elevate, IASA's new cohort for female superintendents. In this episode, Dr. Courtney Orzel, Dr. Carrie Hruby and Dr. Crystal Johnson-Maden share why they designed this first of its kind professional development opportunity for female superintendents in Illinois. In addition, the three leaders share what will occur in each session, how the cohort will elevate your leadership capacity, how WIL has helped them grow personally and professionally and what makes Elevate unique from other Women in Leadership opportunities. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2022-10-3118 minIASA PodcastPassing the Superintendency BatonA major component of leadership is creating a transition plan to ensure the district can function well going forward after you leave, whether that be from retirement, transferring or a separation agreement. In this episode, Dr. Vic Zimmerman shares advice and insights into his experience of passing the superintendency baton when he retired from Monticello CUSD #25. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2022-10-2424 minIASA PodcastTownship HSD #214 Recognized as Lighthouse District for Career PathwaysIn May, Township HSD #214 was named a Lighthouse District by AASA for its career pathways program. In this episode, IASA speaks to Superintendent Dr. David Schuler about the district's journey and how school leaders can strengthen career exploration for students in their districts. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.2022-10-1221 minIASA PodcastNaperville CUSD #203 Recognized as Lighthouse District for Social-Emotional LearningIn May, Naperville CUSD #203 was one of 13 districts across the country named as a Lighthouse District by AASA for its emphasis on social-emotional learning. In this podcast, Dan Bridges shares why Naperville CUSD #203 doesn't approach SEL as another program on top of a crowded plate, but rather the district approaches SEL as the plate. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.
2022-09-1520 minIASA PodcastEffective Communications: How Evanston/Skokie SD 65 Told its StoryEarlier this year, Evanston/Skokie School District 65 received the Golden Apple from the National School Public Relations Association for its “outstanding communication and engagement efforts.” In this podcast, Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton and Melissa Messinger, executive director of communications, discuss how an effective communications plan was pivotal in the passage of new student assignment plan. In addition, Dr. Horton and Messinger offer tips about programs and platforms the district uses to engage the community. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2022-09-1227 minIASA PodcastWhy Harvard CUSD #50's Dual Language Program Was Recognized as a Lighthouse DistrictIn May, the School Superintendents Association (AASA) announced Harvard School District 50 as a “Lighthouse” system, serving as a model to transform America’s education system. Harvard CUSD 50’s Dual Language program was selected for designation by a panel of independent education leaders from across the country. In this podcast, hear from Dr. Corey Tafoya on how the the Dual Language program prepares students to be future-ready, but also enhances their social, emotional and cognitive skills. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.2022-08-1122 minIASA PodcastKeep Kids Fed Act: What Schools Need to KnowIn this IASA Podcast, we speak to Tara Thomas, AASA Policy Analyst, about the Keep Kids Fed Act and the implications the new law has on school districts.
Update: Since the podcast was recorded, the USDA issued or extended six waivers for Summer 2022. Click Here to read a blog post from AASA about what this development means for schools.
Webinars: In the podcast, Tara mentions webinars on the Community Eligibility Provision. Here are the links:
CEP Kickoff Webinar – Preparing for SY22-23 – Recording
CEP: Overcoming the Loss of School Meal Application Data...2022-07-0816 min
IASA PodcastHigh Impact TutoringState Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala joins the IASA Podcast to discuss the Illinois Tutoring Initiative. Tune in to learn more about the initiative, including how it works and what school districts are eligible to apply. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2022-06-0909 minIASA PodcastElectrify Your School Bus Fleet: Why Now is the Time to ActThe federal government plans to distribute $5 dollars over five years (FY 2022-2026) to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. In this podcast, learn how the Future Green Energy Consortium can help your district make the transition to an electric bus fleet. Guests are Dr. Brent Clark, IASA Executive Director; Haj Young, Associate Manager of the Future Green Energy Consortium; and Tim Farquer, superintendent of Williamsfield CUSD #210 and leader of the Bus 2 Grid initiative. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2022-04-0619 minIASA PodcastCapitol Watch Legislative UpdateIs the substitute shortage going to improve? What's the latest on school construction and paid administrative relief? And is it true that school administrators might not have to fill out as many redundant reports with ISBE? Those questions and more will be answered on this episode of the IASA Podcast, sponsored by American Fidelity. 2022-03-1721 min
The Argument: Better Architecture EverydayMashup Series Part 2How do we know architects are architects? Why does the industry continue to have such collisions in definitions, direction, and roles if architecture is so important to continual outcomes? This two-part continuation of the architecture mashup series provides insight into a murky topic area in search of answers. Architect Tomorrow - https://youtube.com/ArchitectTomorrow/ Business Architecture Straight Talk https://bit.ly/st-podcasts / https://bizarchmastery.com/straighttalk Consultants Saying Things - https://www.consultantssayingthings.com The Argument by IASA - https://iasaglobal.org/Public/Connect...Tech After Five - https://www.techafterfive.com/...2022-03-1432 minThe Argument: Better Architecture EverydayMashup Series Part 1How do we know architects are architects? Why does the industry continue to have such collisions in definitions, direction, and roles if architecture is so important to continual outcomes? This two-part continuation of the architecture mashup series provides insight into a murky topic area in search of answers. Architect Tomorrow - https://youtube.com/ArchitectTomorrow/ Business Architecture Straight Talk https://bit.ly/st-podcasts / https://bizarchmastery.com/straighttalk Consultants Saying Things - https://www.consultantssayingthings.com The Argument by IASA - https://iasaglobal.org/Public/Connect...Tech After Five - https://www.techafterfive.com/...2022-03-1426 minIASA PodcastDoes Remote Learning Still Have a Place in Schools?Remote learning isn't a popular term in Illinois. However, maybe is still has a place in schools. In this episode of the IASA Podcast, we speak to Dr. Victor Simon, superintendent of Gower SD #62. The preK-8 elementary district in DuPage County has continued to offer a Remote Education Program to students. Dr. Simon shares why his district still values remote learning, what the program looks like and if it could become a trend in schools after the shock of remote learning during the pandemic wears off. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2022-03-0422 minIASA PodcastIs Your Staff Trained To Use an AED or Perform CPR?At the age of 28, Heather Baker suddenly went into cardiac arrest during a morning meeting at school. Her life was saved because a school staff member had recently been trained on CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). In this podcast, Baker shares her story and offers advice and tips to for how school administrators can provide training to their staff at no cost. The American Heart Association also made this video about her story. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2022-02-0813 minIASA PodcastWhat To Expect This Legislative SessionIASA's two newest additions, Emily Warnecke and Madeline McCune, preview the Illinois General Assembly legislative session and address school administrators biggest questions about EBF, mandates, COVID issues and more. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Since 1960, American Fidelity has focused on providing a different opinion for school districts and currently serves 4,300 districts across the country.
2022-01-1414 minIASA PodcastIASA Aspiring Superintendent AcademyApplications are now being accepted for the 2022 IASA Aspiring Superintendent Academy scheduled for June 27-July 1, 2022, in Springfield. This four-day academy is intended for school leaders wondering if becoming a superintendent is the right choice for them. Learn more about the academy in this podcast from its three presenters, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, superintendent of North Shore SD #112; Dr. Courtney Orzel, IASA Associate Director of Professional Development; Dr. Nick Polyak, Leyden Community High School District #212. 2021-12-1516 minIASA PodcastSolar On Site: How Illinois' New Energy Law Benefits SchoolsTucked inside the state's gigantic new energy law is a unique provision that creates a pathway for school districts to install solar panels on site at no cost and reduce energy costs. In this podcast, IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark and Haj Young, Associate Manager of the Future Green Energy Consortium, discuss how schools can take advantage of this special opportunity. 2021-10-2716 minIASA PodcastClosing the Digital Divide in PontiacThis episode of the IASA Podcast focuses on one strategy two districts are deploying to close the digital divide in their community. Jon Kilgore, superintendent of Pontiac HSD #90, and Brian Dukes, superintendent of Pontiac CCSD #429, are partnering together to build a LTE system, exclusive to students, that will greatly expand and improve internet connectivity. Learn how the initiative will work, how the districts plan to pay for it and how you can start a similar initiative in your community. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. 2021-09-0916 minThe Argument: Better Architecture EverydayGrady Booch on ArchitectureI have been fortunate enough to know Grady Booch for almost 20 years and I have always remained a fan. Without his advice Im not sure how far Iasa would have come. This interview was as great a conversation as always. In it we cover a lot of territory. We start out with understanding architecture, software and engineering. And in a very candid way get to know what it is like to be an industry leader at the top of his game in 'A day in the life of Grady', we dicuss AI and ethics, and what Grady calls embodied...2021-08-1932 minThe Argument: Better Architecture EverydayGrady Booch on Architecture Part 2I have been fortunate enough to know Grady Booch for almost 20 years and I have always remained a fan. Without his advice Im not sure how far Iasa would have come. This interview was as great a conversation as always. In it we cover a lot of territory. We start out with understanding architecture, software and engineering. And in a very candid way get to know what it is like to be an industry leader at the top of his game in 'A day in the life of Grady', we dicuss AI and ethics, and what Grady calls embodied...2021-08-1942 min