L3 - Listen, Learn, and Lead with the Utah Education Association

This episode dives into a topic at the heart of strong public schools: association membership —what it means, why it matters, and how staying informed empowers us to advocate for the profession we love. I am thrilled to be joined by Lisa Nentl-Bloom , Interim Executive Director of the Utah Education Association. With extensive experience—both here in Utah and through her work with the NEA Center f...

This episode explores how school mental health efforts in Utah are growing from local, culturally responsive practices to statewide impact. We sit down with the Associate Director of School Mental Health Technical Assistance & Consultation at the UTTEC Lab, University of Utah, to discuss collaborative approaches, whole‑child practices, and the evolving work of the Utah School Mental Health Col...

In this episode, Lillian sits down with Dr. Sara Jones , Government Relations Director for the Utah Education Association . Dr. Jones is a leading voice for Utah’s educators and students, advocating for strong, effective education policy at the Utah Legislature. With her background as an educator, leader, and policy expert, she brings clarity, insight, and a deep commitment to ensuring that legisl...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Holly Todd —former elementary teacher, school counselor, and state‑level specialist—to explore what educator wellness truly looks like from someone who has lived it at every level of the system. Holly brings a grounded, compassionate perspective shaped by years of supporting both students and the educators who care for them. Holly shares personal wellnes...

In this episode, we sit down with Sayre Posey , an educator whose impact reaches far beyond her classroom walls. Sayre’s commitment to literacy‑based social studies instruction and her passion for helping students build meaningful connections with history make her a powerful voice in today’s teaching landscape. Her work continues to inspire not only her students, but also the colleagues and commun...

We are honored to speak with Michele Gay , founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools . Michele is a former elementary school teacher, a parent of a child with special needs, and a nationally recognized leader in school safety. Her mission is deeply personal: Michele lost her daughter, in the Sandy Hook School tragedy. In the years since, she has transformed unimaginable loss into a...

Introduction to the Utah Education Association L3 Listen, Learn and Lead Podcast serves as a vital platform for educators in Utah, amplifying their voices and fostering dialogue on pressing educational topics that affect students, teachers, and the broader community. By featuring insights from a diverse range of educator leaders, school administrators, and community allies, the podcast aims to eng...