It’s been SAId: Conversations on Leadership

School Administrators of Iowa
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement

Conversations to inform and inspire educational leaders.

  1. 5d ago

    Leadership Life Fit: Beyond the Noise — The Power of Intentional and Empathic Listening

    In this Leadership Life Fit episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon explores how listening—both to our bodies and to others—strengthens leadership and wellbeing. She explains the listening continuum (from ignoring to empathic listening), the importance of nonverbal cues, and practical tools like body scans and box breathing. Listeners will learn concrete habits to slow down, hold space, and respond more effectively—so you can make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and create a higher-quality leadership life fit. Listen and learn a lot in this 17-minute podcast.

  2. Sep 24

    Legislative Update: September 2026

    Dave Daughton, government relations director with School Administrators of Iowa, summarizes September legislative and policy updates for school districts in this episode of the It's Been SAId podcast.  He addresses the  Department of Education guidance on Senate File 2428 and open enrollment, work groups on concurrent enrollment and cybersecurity, and the potential FCC E‑Rate rule changes that could reduce internet funding. The update also highlights scholarship‑granting organizations (SGOs) as a funding opportunity and he urges superintendents to contact Dr. Buck for more information. The podcast wraps up with a preview of the upcoming November 3 election and proposed Amendment 1 that would require a 2/3 legislative majority to raise state income taxes. This podcast covers a lot in under four minutes.

  3. Sep 17

    Legal Vortex: Senate File 2428, Round Two!

    In this follow-up to last month's deep dive into Iowa’s new behavior bill (SF 2428), SAI’s Legal Vortex, Legal Services Director Matt Carver returns to address key questions, legal nuances, and practical scenarios raised by educators and administrators. This episode explores: Non-Violent Removals: Understanding teacher discretion and the three main options available for addressing non-violent disruptions. Special Education & IEPs: How 2428 applies to students with IEPs, including support provisions, documentation, and guidelines around expanded IEP meetings. Meeting Requirements: Clarifying when meetings are required for general education students versus IEP students following classroom removals. Oversight Review Committees: The specific role and limits of building committees in shaping removal and return policies. Tracking & Resetting: How the tracking of removals resets with grading periods. Teacher Support & Leave: Best practice recommendations for supporting injured educators. Disclaimer: This podcast reflects current legal interpretations and guidance from the Department of Education. Always consult your district's legal counsel for specific guidance. Thank you for your leadership and dedication to Iowa’s students! Listen and learn a lot in this 15-minute episode.

  4. Sep 1

    Leadership Life Fit: Intentional Visualization & Well-Being

    In this episode Leadership Life Fit edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning Dr. Dana Schon explores a powerful strategy to enhance your leadership life fit: intentional visualization and manifestation. Drawing from her early days in sports to modern neuroscience, Dana breaks down how unexamined self-talk can trigger stress and default "worst-case scenario" thinking. She contrasts simple goal-setting with intentional living, explaining how aligning daily intentions with core values rewires neural pathways, engages the prefrontal cortex, and shifts the body out of fight-or-flight mode. Plus, Dana outlines a practical, six-step morning routine incorporating breathwork, intentionality, writing, verbalization, and visualization to help you navigate constant distractions, reduce cortisol levels, and lead with clarity, courage, and joy. Listen and learn a lot in this 20-minute podcast.

  5. Aug 27

    Legislative Update: Student Behavior, Physical Fitness, and Civics Mandates

    As the new school year kicks off, Dave Daughton, government relations director for School Administrators of Iowa, provides a quick rundown of critical legislative updates affecting Iowa schools. In this legislative episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Daughton breaks down key compliance requirements and points to essential resources for Iowa educators: Senate File 2428 (Student Behavior Bill): Insights from recent discussions, the joint SAI, Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) and Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) town hall, and navigating implementation guidance. House File 2676 (Physical Activity and Fitness Testing): Requirements for physical fitness testing covering first through 12th grades. Senate File 369 (Civics Test Mandate): Updates on administering the required civics test for students in ninth through 12th grades, including senior-plus students. Catch up in this short three-minute podcast.

  6. Aug 20

    Legal Vortex — Navigating Senate File 2428: A Guide to Iowa’s New Behavior Bill

    In this episode of SAI’s Legal Vortex, host Legal Services Director Matt Carver breaks down Senate File 2428 (the Behavior Bill) and what it means for Iowa superintendents and principals. From defining non-violent and violent disruptions to handling student removals, IEP requirements, and Oversight Review Committees, Matt provides practical legal insights to help school administrators navigate these new expectations. Tune into this 28-minute podcast to ensure your building policies align with statutory changes and the Iowa Department of Education guidance.

  7. Aug 6

    Leading for Tomorrow: A Six-Minute Morning Reflection for Educational Leaders

    Before the emails, the meetings, and the demands of the day begin, take six minutes to pause, breathe, and center yourself. Designed specifically for school administrators and educational leaders, this short guided reflection invites you to set aside the pressure of having all the answers and reconnect with your purpose. Through gentle breathing exercises, mindful reflection, and empowering affirmations, you’ll release perfectionism and embrace a mindset grounded in curiosity, compassion, and courage. Remember: leadership isn’t about solving everything in a single moment—it’s about the small, intentional choices we make every day. Tune in, take a deep breath, and start your day ready to lead with vision and heart.

  8. Jul 8

    Relationships, Resilience, and Reflection: A Conversation with Retiring SAI Executive Director Dr. Lisa Remy

    In this episode of It’s Been Said, guest host Dana Schon turns the tables on SAI’s retiring Executive Director, Lisa Remy, to discuss her four-year leadership journey. Lisa reflects on the transition from school superintendent to executive director, comparing the experience to both a sunny day at the beach and a winding kayaking trip. She shares heartfelt thoughts on the resilience of Iowa's school leaders, the importance of collaboration, and the painstaking care that goes into supporting SAI's members. Finally, Lisa shares a few laughs about family-like dynamics in the office and reveals what she’s most looking forward to in retirement. Enjoy this thoughtful 28-minute conversation with Dr. Remy.

See All (89)

About

Conversations to inform and inspire educational leaders.

Information

You Might Also Like