Amazing Education Podcast

A podcast on education-related topics with a blend of local and national conversations. The show is produced by the Ames Community School District in Ames, Iowa.

#024 - Role of the Superintendent with Dr. Paula Vincent

On this episode, we are joined by the interim superintendent of Ames Public Schools, Dr. Paula Vincent. We had an amazing conversation about the role of the superintendent and what she is most excited about heading into the next year.

07-08
25:24

#023 - Social Justice and Storytelling with Vijay Williams

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior Vijay Williams. We had an amazing conversation about social justice, what social media high school students are using, and his storytelling aspirations.

05-25
36:49

#022 - An Unusual Year with Makenzie Grim

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior Makenzie Grim. We had an amazing conversation about what it’s been like to be a senior in a pandemic year and how she earned her CNA while in high school.

05-18
24:07

#021 - Bee Ambassador with Jason Vernon

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High junior Jason Vernon. We had an amazing conversation about his love of bees, beekeeping, hives, and harvesting honey.

05-12
26:22

#020 - Fine Arts and Optimism with Adam Wolf

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior Adam Wolf. We had an amazing conversation reflecting on his high school music career and how he approaches every situation with a sense of optimism.

05-04
28:15

#019 - Amazing Art with Yuer Zhu

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior Yuer Zhu. We had an amazing conversation about her artwork, where the inspiration comes from, and talked through some of her amazing projects. 

04-23
22:11

#018 - Storm Shelter with Andrew and Alina

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High students Alina Markutsya and Andrew Besch. We’re had an amazing conversation about the Storm Shelter, an Ames High student enterprise store, and all of the logistics that are required of operating a small business.

04-16
18:37

#017 - Ethics Bowl with Chad Zmolek

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High Ethics Bowl advisor Chad Zmolek. We had an amazing conversation about what an Ethics Bowl is, topics that students explore, and what their preparation looks like for competition.

03-08
27:34

#016 - Reflection on BLM Week with Dr. Anthony Jones

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Anthony Jones, Director of Equity for Ames Schools. We’re going to have an amazing conversation as we reflect on the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action that took place at the beginning of February.

02-11
32:34

#015 - Remote Learning with Mary Hard

On this episode, we are joined by 5th-grade elementary teacher, Mary Hard. We’re going to have an amazing conversation about teaching 100% online: how to prepare for it, what a typical day looks like, and the inherent challenges for teachers and students.

02-06
28:18

#014 - COVID-19 and Schools with Dr. Kathi Arnold

On this episode, we are joined by the Emergency Management Coordinator of Ames Public Schools, Dr. Kathi Arnold. We’re going to have an amazing conversation about the complexities that COVID-19 has had on schools and how she balances it all on the daily basis.

01-07
25:45

#013 - Civics Engagement with Kirstin Sullivan

On this episode, we are joined by long time History and Government teacher Kristin Sullivan from Ames High School. We’re going to have an amazing conversation about the importance of engaging high school students in the election process and how to be an informed voter. 

10-26
29:38

#012 - Racial Injustice with Dr. Anthony Jones

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Anthony Jones, Director of Equity for Ames Schools. We’re going to have an amazing conversation about racial injustice and how professional development and conversations of race can be embedded within school districts.

10-07
33:24

#011 - Talking Equity with Dr. Anthony Jones

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Anthony Jones, Director of Equity for Ames Schools. We’re going to have an amazing conversation about what equity means in education and why it needs to be a focus for school districts.

09-28
27:42

#010 - Return to Learn with Superintendent Jenny Risner

On this episode, we are joined by Superintendent of Ames Schools, Jenny Risner. We’re going to have an amazing conversation about the impact that COVID-19 has had on education and the importance of having an equity lens during this time.

08-26
27:52

#009 - Police in Schools with Officer Don Johnsen

On this episode, we are joined by School Resource Officer Don Johnsen. We’re going to have an amazing conversation about policing in schools, building relationships with students and staff, and how he approaches active shooter training.

03-02
27:50

#008 - Talking Dyslexia with Nina Lorimor-Easley

On this episode, we are joined by Nina Lorimor-Easley of True Potential Education. As a leader in the state on dyslexia, we are going to talk about common myths associated with it, and how understanding dyslexia can inform best practices for all students.

03-02
25:42

#007 - Data-Informed Decisions with Dr. Chad Dumas

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Chad Dumas. We’re going to have an amazing conversation about the importance of using data when making instructional decisions and what that looks like at the District, building, and classroom levels.

01-07
27:24

#006 - Critical Consciousness Part II with Dr. Katy Swalwell

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Katy Swalwell. We’re going to have an amazing conversation in this second of two episodes on critical consciousness and how school districts can have conversations about inequities and racism.

12-04
30:22

#005 - Critical Consciousness Part I with Dr. Katy Swalwell

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Katy Swalwell. We’re going to have an amazing conversation in this Part I of II episodes on critical consciousness and how school districts can have conversations about inequities and racism.

11-04
28:57

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