EDUcation Unscripted & Xplored

Systems & Leadership: Building Policies That Promote Educator Wellness

What if educator wellness wasn't a side initiative, but the design principle at the center of every school policy, schedule, and leadership decision? In this episode, Kari and Mark sit down with Courtney Cook, PK-12 principal at Ruthven-Ayrshire Community School [https://www.ruthven.k12.ia.us/o/racs] to explore what it really looks like to build systems that support the humans doing the hardest work in education. From rethinking dress codes and meeting structures to knowing when to abort a well-intentioned initiative, Courtney shares honest, practical leadership lessons rooted in both research and real-world experience. This conversation encourages us to reflect on how our systems are currently designed, what we actually want them to do, and the small, consistent practices that can strengthen them.  Views expressed are the co-hosts' own and not those of the University of Iowa or its College of Education.

Rural Realities: Attracting and Supporting Educators in Small Communities

This episode spotlights the unique strengths and struggles of rural schools, from limited resources and geographic isolation to the shifting landscape of state-level influence on local decision-making. West Burlington Independent School District superintendent Jason Wester joins Kari and Mark to unpack the realities of shrinking candidate pools, innovative strategies districts are using to attract and retain great educators, and how the expansion of career and technical pathways is redefining what success after high school looks like. Along the way, they explore what makes teaching in rural settings both deeply rewarding and genuinely challenging, and discuss how communities can build sustainable pipelines so rural students have consistent access to strong, thriving educators. Views expressed are the co-hosts' own and not those of the University of Iowa or its College of Education.

Everyday Counts: Tackling Chronic Absenteeism Through Connection and Care

Chronic absenteeism has surged since the pandemic, and the numbers tell only part of the story. In this episode of EDUcation Unscripted & Xplored, Kari and Mark dig into what's really driving students away from school and what it takes to bring them back.  From transportation barriers and mental health challenges to school climates where students don't feel safe or seen, the root causes are complex, deeply human, and often hidden behind a simple count of missed days. From data and empathy to flexible school designs and whole-community approaches, this episode offers practical insight for educators, administrators, families, and community members who believe that every student deserves a school that feels like a place for them. Views expressed are the co-hosts' own and not those of the University of Iowa or its College of Education.

Teacher Preparation: Developing the Next Generation of Sustainable, Healthy Educators

One bee. Thirty kids. One very real math standards test. Mark's unforgettable first-grade classroom story opens a window into what teachers actually navigate every day and why preparing the next generation of educators for that reality is so critically important. Kari and Mark sit down with Elliott Johnson [https://www.luther.edu/faculty/elliott-johnson], Associate Professor of Education at Luther College, to unpack the state of teacher preparation programs, what we are getting right, and how to amplify the true complexity of a profession that too many people underestimate. Views expressed are the co-hosts' own and not those of the University of Iowa or its College of Education.

Literacy as a Wellness Predictor: How Reading Skills Shape Lifelong Outcomes

What if literacy isn’t just an academic benchmark — but a powerful predictor of student wellbeing, identity, and opportunity? In this episode of Education Unscripted & Xplored, co-hosts Dr. Kari Vogelgesang and Dr. Mark McDermott are joined by Dr. Leah Zimmermann from the Iowa Reading Research Center to explore how reading proficiency shapes far more than classroom performance. Together, they unpack the ripple effects of reading difficulties on confidence, school avoidance, mental health, and how students imagine their future selves. Grounded in research and lived experience, this conversation reframes literacy as a public health and wellness issue — one that demands strong systems, early supports, and evidence-based instruction delivered through relationships. The episode also highlights encouraging literacy trends in Iowa, the role of policy and professional learning, and why effective reading instruction can be life-changing for students. Views expressed are the co-hosts' own and not those of the University of Iowa or its College of Education.