Bridging the Gap

We are back with Megan, a first-year kindergarten teacher with the Lisbon Community School District and a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, as she reflects on the conclusion of her first year in the classroom. After spending a full school year navigating the joys, challenges, and realities of teaching kindergarten, Megan returns to share how she has grown both personally and professiona...

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Amanda Schmidt sits down with author, combat veteran, assistant principal, and founder of Ember-Rise Leadership Collective, Andrew Carbajal, to discuss his book, Ignite Your Grit. Andrew shares how his experiences as a husband, father of eight, educator, and leader have shaped his belief that true leadership is rooted in heart, humility, and hope. Together, the...

In this episode, we dive into  Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit  by Brené Brown. A powerful call for leaders to return to what matters most: human connection, purpose, and courage. Brown challenges the myth that efficiency and humanity are at odds, showing instead that the strongest, most innovative organizations are built...

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, we sit down with Dr. Denise Schares to explore the partnership between the Kern Family Foundation and the Institute for Educational Leadership. Dr. Schares shares how Leadership Camps for administrators are creating meaningful opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and growth while helping school leaders strengthen their impact through evaluation within t...

In this episode, we dive into the book  That One Kid: Changing Lives, One Student at a Time  by author Brian Mendler. This book is a powerful and practical guide for educators navigating disruptive, defiant, or disengaged behavior. This book challenges traditional discipline models and invites us to see behavior not as a character flaw, but as a skills gap rooted in unmet needs. In this book, we e...

In this episode of Bridging the Gap: Research Edition, we explore "Navigating (Another) Reading Crisis as an Administrator: Rethinking the ‘Science of Reading’ Movement" by P.L. Thomas from the Journal of School Administration Research and Development. We unpack the article’s central claim that much of the current “reading crisis” narrative has been shaped—and often distorted—by media and politica...

In this episode, we sit down with UNI Professor Emeritus Dr. Susan Etscheidt to preview our upcoming Collaborative 504 Conference and explore the key topics shaping the conversation. Dr. Etscheidt breaks down some of the essential components to be discussed at the conference for effective 504 implementation, including shared coordination practices, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and n...

In this episode, we will review  Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter  by Liz Wiseman. This book reveals why some leaders bring out the best in their teams while others unintentionally hold people back. Leaders who are Multipliers amplify intelligence, spark innovation, and get twice the impact from their people, not by working harder themselves, but by helping others think hard...

In this inaugural Research Edition episode, co-hosts Amanda Schmidt and Mary Sult (your resident former K-12 practitioners-turned-research-leaders) are putting a polarizing educational staple under the microscope: Direct Instruction. Inspired by Adam Grant’s Think Again, we’re ditching the oversimplified media narratives to "think like scientists." We dive into the Perspectives on Behavior Science...

In this episode of the Bridging the Gap podcast, we speak with Dr. Nicole Skaar, from the University of Northern Iowa about the origins and impact of UNI's fifth annual  Social & Emotional Learning Conference  supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral development. Dr. Skaar shares how the event began with a vision from Aricia Beckman to support students with autism and evolved—thr...

In this episode, we dive into the book  The Curious Leader  by author Jon Bassford to explore how curiosity—not just authority—is the key to breakthrough innovation and team empowerment. The book highlights several key themes regarding how shifting from a "know-it-all" to a "learn-it-all" mindset transforms how organizations operate and how cultures are built.  Study Guide for The Curious Leader 

In this episode, we explore  Coach Better, Lead Better : Coaching Excellence for School and District Leaders by Melinda Baiza and Lorna Klokkenga. This book reveals why some educational leaders get caught in the cycle of managing fires while others create self-sustaining cultures of growth. Leaders who lead through coaching don’t just delegate tasks; they ignite resilience, spark proactive problem...

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...

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 chal...

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  instituteforedlead@uni.edu  or through our social media on  Instagram  or  X . Our episodes will return early February 2026. We ho...

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 th...

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 dist...

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 ensuri...

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...

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...

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. Th...

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....

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re joined by Amanda Schmidt, Director of the  Iowa Superintendents and Finance and  Leadership Consortium  (ISFLC). In this conversation, Amanda shares insights into what ISFLC is all about, why it’s a must-attend event for educational leaders across the state, and the variety of learning tracks designed to meet participants where they are in their leadership j...

In this episode, we welcome D.T. Magee, Executive Director of the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB). With a mission to support and strengthen the effectiveness of Iowa’s more than 1,800 elected school board members, D.T. leads IASB in delivering impactful programs, services, and advocacy. He shares how IASB plays a vital role in supporting rural school leaders and boards, discusses the most...

In this episode, we’re joined by  Dr. Lori Norton-Meier , Director of the  Jacobson Center for Comprehensive Literacy  at the University of Northern Iowa. Dr. Norton-Meier brings deep expertise in literacy education and a passion for supporting teachers and leaders in building strong, research-informed literacy systems. Today, she helps us unpack what comprehensive literacy really means—beyond the...