IASA Podcast

About IASA Podcast

The Illinois Association of School Administrators is the state's premier advocacy organization for public school superintendents. This podcast tackles the most important issues facing public education in Illinois and provides knowledge and insight from experts about how to run the best school district possible. To listen to the podcast from your computer use Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari. It may not play in Internet Explorer.

Publisher

IASA Communications

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Mar 2018

Latest episode

27 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

3 of 164 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   27 Jul 2026

   Inside IASA's 62nd Annual Conference: What to Expect in Springfield

   With IASA's 62nd Annual Conference just around the corner, Dr. Dawn Bridges joins the podcast for a behind-the-scenes preview of what's in store September 30 through October 2 in Springfield. She unpacks this year's theme, "Founding Principles to Future Possibilities: America at 250 - Leading Education's Next Chapter," and shares what school leaders can expect from a keynote lineup that includes 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year Dr. Nick Polyak, ISBE Chief of Staff Dr. Kimako Patterson, and three superintendent keynotes — plus a hint at a mystery speaker joining the Second General Session. Dr. Bridges also walks through this year's Ignite lineup, the professional learning connections happening across the three days, and how IASA selects the breakout sessions attendees will experience.

2. 

   15 May 2026

   Beyond the Screen: How Palos Heights Is Inspiring Kids to Unplug

   In this episode of the IASA Podcast, we sit down with a Palos Heights School District 128 administrator to discuss the district's Screen-Free Summer initiative, a community-wide effort to get kids off devices and into enriching, hands-on experiences. From a family event drawing dozens of community partners to a summer challenge designed to keep the momentum going, Palos Heights offers a replicable model for districts looking to promote student wellness beyond the classroom — and a timely conversation as statewide cell phone legislation moves through Springfield.

3. 

   8 May 2026

   Taking Control of Your Energy Costs with IEC Powered by Future Green

   Illinois school districts are facing rising utility costs, volatile energy markets, and a flood of vendor pitches — and it can be hard to know where to turn. In this episode, IASA Director of Communications Jason Nevel sits down with Andrew Bittner, Director of the Illinois Energy Consortium Powered by Future Green, to break down what's driving energy cost increases, how collective purchasing protects districts, and how the IEC's no-cost program helps cut through the noise and create a clear path forward.

Inside a recent episode

Reimagining Rural Leadership

Published 4 May 2023 · Transcript excerpt

[…] Garrison it was a brief introduction and throughout the two -year cohort it allowed those introductions to expand upon not only collegiality but also a friendship and it's it's incredibly important to recognize that we need as administrative leaders in our respective schools to know that there are other individuals just like us that we are not alone and that conversations that take place in those cohorts ultimately to decisions that provide focus for the entire district and it's not just day -to -day but a focus on the future. I can't say enough about what cohorts do and not only personally but also professionally it's time that many other educators invest in themselves and take part in cohorts just like this. […]

Who has been a guest on IASA Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jason Hayes
• Dr. Vic Zimmerman
• Dr. Brian Harris

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

53

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

81