EDUcation Unscripted & Xplored
Claim This Podcastby University of Iowa College of Education
Podcast Overview
<p>EDUcation Unscripted & Xplored, co-hosted by University of Iowa College of Education professors Kari Vogelgesang and Mark McDermott, is a research- and reality-backed podcast for anyone passionate about harnessing the power of education for positive change.</p><p><br></p><p>Unlike most education podcasts that stick to classroom strategy or faculty development, we bring together teacher preparation, K–12 systems, and wellness to ask the hard questions about what actually drives meaningful change for people and systems.</p><p><br></p><p>Our goal is to explore the hopes, tensions, and trends shaping the field today and to offer listeners honest, evidence-based conversations that help them think differently about the work. Join us as we help schools better serve students, families, and communities—and empower those same communities to support schools in return.</p><p><br></p><p>Sound Effect by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/shidenbeatsmusic-25676252/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=21690">Shiden Beats Music</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=21690">Pixabay</a></p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/7/2026
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Recent Episodes
April 24, 2026
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 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 sha...
April 16, 2026
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...
March 31, 2026
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 em...
6 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is EDUcation Unscripted & Xplored?
<p>EDUcation Unscripted & Xplored, co-hosted by University of Iowa College of Education professors Kari Vogelgesang and Mark McDermott, is a research- and reality-backed podcast for anyone passionate about harnessing the power of education for positive change.</p><p><br></p><p>Unlike most education podcasts that stick to classroom strategy or faculty development, we bring together teacher preparation, K–12 systems, and wellness to ask the hard questions about what actually drives meaningful change for people and systems.</p><p><br></p><p>Our goal is to explore the hopes, tensions, and trends shaping the field today and to offer listeners honest, evidence-based conversations that help them think differently about the work. Join us as we help schools better serve students, families, and communities—and empower those same communities to support schools in return.</p><p><br></p><p>Sound Effect by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/shidenbeatsmusic-25676252/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=21690">Shiden Beats Music</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=21690">Pixabay</a></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
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