Bridging the Gap

In this episode, we unpack  Pound the Stone  by Joshua Medcalf. This book is a powerful parable about persistence, resilience, and the unseen work behind success. Through the story of a young man’s life, this book illustrates that true growth doesn’t come from quick wins but from showing up consistently day after day. We give an overview of the book’s lessons on grit, integrity, and staying commit...

Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Tim Gilson, associate professor and coordinator of both the Educational Leadership and International Teacher Leader programs at the University of Northern Iowa. With expertise in principal preparation and education law, Dr. Gilson shares how the programs he leads are designed to strengthen rural schools and communities across Iowa and beyond. He discusses how di...

Part 2 of our discussion around AI in K-12 Education with  Dr. Ron Rinehart, Associate Professor and Department Head of Learning, Leadership, and Community at the University of Northern Iowa. Dr. Rinehart’s background spans instructional design, science education, epistemic cognition, and educational technology—making him uniquely positioned to help us unpack one of today’s most pressing topics: t...

In this 2-part segment, we sit down with Dr. Tim Gilson, associate professor and coordinator of both the Educational Leadership and International Teacher Leader programs at the University of Northern Iowa. With expertise in principal preparation and education law, Dr. Gilson shares how the programs he leads are designed to strengthen rural schools and communities across Iowa and beyond. He discuss...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, where we explore the intersections of research, leadership, and practice in education. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Ron Rinehart, Associate Professor and Department Head of Learning, Leadership, and Community at the University of Northern Iowa. Dr. Rinehart’s background spans instructional design, science education, epistemic cognition, and educational technolo...

In this episode, we explore Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. This book is a guide on how courage, vulnerability, and empathy redefine what it means to lead. Years of research is drawn upon to reveal that true leadership is not about titles or power, it’s about stepping into hard conversations, embracing discomfort, and creating spaces where trust and innovation can thrive. This book offers practical t...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Nicole Skaar, professor and coordinator of the School Psychology program at the University of Northern Iowa. With a passion for school-based mental health and transition services, Dr. Skaar shares how UNI’s innovative programs are making a lasting impact, particularly in rural schools and communities across Iowa. She dives into how these programs support districts...

Welcome to today’s episode of Bridging the Gap, where we explore the people and ideas shaping the future of educational leadership. Our guest today is Dr. Roark Horn, former Executive Director of the School Administrators of Iowa and now Assistant Professor of Practice in the University of Northern Iowa’s superintendency program. Dr. Horn brings decades of experience leading and supporting school...

In this episode, we welcome Margaret Buckton, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of legislative and lobbying experience. As a partner at Iowa School Finance Information Services (ISFIS), Margaret provides expert communication strategies, training, and policy support to school districts and educational leaders across Iowa. She plays a key role in local and state policy development, communic...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Beth VanMeeteren, Director of the  Regents’ Center for Early Developmental Education  at the University of Northern Iowa, to explore what administrators, educators, and policymakers need to understand about the critical early years of learning. Dr. VanMeeteren shares her deep expertise on how young children think, learn, and make sense of the world...

In this episode, we explore  All In: An Educator’s Manual for Winning Hearts, Minds and High Performance by Intentionally Leading School Culture  by Kelsey LaVigne. This book is a practical and inspiring guide for educators who want to transform school culture into one that fuels both achievement and belonging. Culture isn’t an afterthought, it’s the foundation of high performance and shows how le...

In this episode, we sit down with Tony Hiatt, the new shared superintendent for the Northwood-Kensett and St. Ansgar Schools Districts. As he steps into his first role as superintendent, Tony reflects on what it’s like to lead two rural districts, the unique dynamics of shared leadership, and how his experiences compare to working in urban education. He discusses the pressing challenges rural scho...

In this episode, Dr. Tim Gilson from the University of Northern Iowa joins us to talk about preparing school leaders to better support special education programs. Sparked by recent reports showing that only 12% of principals feel ready to meet the needs of students with disabilities, Dr. Gilson shares research-driven insights and practical strategies for bridging that gap. We discuss UNI’s unique...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jill Schany, a dedicated educator at Emmetsburg Community School District and recent graduate of the University of Northern Iowa’s EdD program. Dr. Schany shares insights from her dissertation, Socioeconomic Status and Educational Opportunities Through the Eyes of Students and Teachers: Diverse Realities, Shared Insights, offering a powerful look at how socioe...

Part 2:  Dr. Sharon Dentlinger shares her passion for instructional leadership and the importance of creating consistency across schools and districts. She outlines the top actions leaders can take to stay engaged in classroom instruction, strategies for building a culture of shared responsibility, and routines that provide teachers with meaningful feedback. Dr. Dentlinger also offers practical gu...

Part 1: Dr. Sharon Dentlinger shares her passion for instructional leadership and the importance of creating consistency across schools and districts. She outlines the top actions leaders can take to stay engaged in classroom instruction, strategies for building a culture of shared responsibility, and routines that provide teachers with meaningful feedback. Dr. Dentlinger also offers practical gui...

In this episode, Amanda reviews the book  Think Again  by Adam Grant. This book invites leaders to see the power of curiosity, humility, and flexibility in driving lasting change. Amanda highlights the four parts of the book--Updating our own views, Opening other people's minds, Creating communities of lifelong learners, and Reconsidering our best laid career and life plans. Think Again argues tha...

Join Mike, an advisor at the University of Northern Iowa, as he shares his passion for helping students take the next step in their journey to becoming licensed teachers. Through his work with the 2+2 Programs and the Purple Pathways, Mike is committed to growing educators from within their own communities, especially those who balance work, life, and school while pursuing their dreams. Guided by...

In this episode, Dr. Denise Schares shares insights on the power of leadership coaching for educational leaders. She highlights the role of ethical decision-making, the practice of “doing the next right thing,” and the value of having a trusted thought partner to navigate complex challenges. Whether you’re a new or seasoned leader, this conversation offers practical wisdom for leading with integri...

Join Jenny, a passionate advisor in the College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa, as she shares her journey of guiding future educators. With a deep commitment to helping students achieve their goals, Jenny focuses on empowering aspiring teachers, especially those who dream of returning to their rural communities to inspire the next generation. This podcast offers meaningful convers...

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, we sit down with Dr. Matt Townsley—known to many as the “Sportscaster of Standards-Based Grading”—to explore the first two foundational steps in implementing Standards-Based Grading (SBG). Drawing from his experience as a school leader, author, and assistant professor, Dr. Townsley shares practical insights that help demystify the early stages of SBG and offer...

In this episode, Amanda Schmidt offers a concise and insightful review of  The Four Disciplines of Execution  by Chris McChesney, Jim Huling, and Sean Covey, tailored specifically for educational leaders. Drawing from her experience in school leadership, Amanda breaks down the core concepts of the book—focus, leverage, engagement, and accountability—and explains how these powerful principles can b...

Meet Megan, a new kindergarten teacher with the Lisbon Community School District and a recent graduate from the University of Northern Iowa. As she steps into her very first classroom this fall, Megan shares her excitement, hopes, and honest reflections about starting her journey as an inspiring educator. In this podcast, she opens up about the challenges and joys of being a new teacher and the im...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Maureen Spelman from North Central College to explore her  insightful model  for ethical decision making. Drawing on years of academic research and real-world experience, Dr. Spelman presents a reflective framework designed to guide individuals through complex moral choices with clarity and integrity. Whether you're an educator, leader, or simply someone seeki...

Welcome to the premiere episode of Bridging the Gap, an Institute for Educational Leadership podcast from the University of Northern Iowa, hosted by Dr. Mary Sult. In this introductory episode, Dr. Sult shares the vision behind the podcast: connecting the world of academic research with the daily work of educational leaders. With over 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Sult understands the c...