Bridging the Gap
Where Research Meets Practice in Education
Bridging the Gap delivers bite-sized episodes that translate cutting-edge academic research into practical insights for educational leaders. Each episode breaks down complex studies into clear, actionable takeaways to support informed decision-making in schools and districts. Each episode shares practical wisdom and resources for today's educational leader in about 10 minutes.
Episodes will be released on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and every other Friday starting September 2, 2025.
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In addition to the Bridging the Gap podcast, we offer two recurring segments to further support educational leaders:
- A Rural Perspective – Released every Wednesday, this segment is hosted by former superintendent Amanda Schmidt. Amanda explores issues unique to rural education through interviews and research reviews tailored specifically to the rural context.
- Leadership Book Reviews – Every other Friday, we share concise reviews of current leadership books, offering insights and key takeaways to help guide your professional growth and that of your team.
Current Episodes
Introduction
Welcome to the premiere episode of Bridging the Gap, an Institute for Educational Leadership podcast from the University of Northern Iowa, hosted by Dr. Mary Sult. In this introductory episode, Dr. Sult shares the vision behind the podcast: connecting the world of academic research with the daily work of educational leaders.
With over 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Sult understands the challenges leaders face in accessing and applying research while managing the demands of their roles. This episode sets the stage for what listeners can expect from future conversations—clear, practical, and relevant insights that support evidence-informed decision making in schools.
Whether you’re a principal, superintendent, instructional coach, or future leader, Bridging the Gap is your space to learn, reflect, and grow—without paywalls or academic jargon.
Episode 1: Ethical Decision-Making
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Maureen Spelman from North Central College to explore her insightful model for ethical decision-making. Drawing on years of academic research and real-world experience, Dr. Spelman presents a reflective framework designed to guide individuals through complex moral choices with clarity and integrity. Whether you're an educator, leader, or simply someone seeking to make more thoughtful decisions, this conversation offers practical tools and deep wisdom. Tune in as we unpack the steps of her model, discuss its applications, and learn how intentional reflection can lead to more ethical outcomes.
Episode 2: New Teacher Perspective: What Supports Do You Need From Your Admin?
Meet Megan, a new kindergarten teacher with the Lisbon Community School District and a recent graduate from the University of Northern Iowa. As she steps into her very first classroom this fall, Megan shares her excitement, hopes, and honest reflections about starting her journey as an inspiring educator. In this podcast, she opens up about the challenges and joys of being a new teacher and the importance of having strong support from administrators and mentors along the way. Whether you’re a future teacher, current educator, or school leader, Megan’s story offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to thrive as she prepares for her first year of teaching.
Episode 3 Book Review: The Four Disciplines of Execution
In this episode, Amanda Schmidt offers a concise and insightful review of The Four Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, Jim Huling, and Sean Covey, tailored specifically for educational leaders. Drawing from her experience in school leadership, Amanda breaks down the core concepts of the book—focus, leverage, engagement, and accountability—and explains how these powerful principles can be applied within schools to drive meaningful results. Whether you're looking to sharpen your strategic implementation or create a culture of execution in your district or building, Amanda’s review provides practical takeaways that will resonate with educators at every level.
Episode 4: Standards-Based Grading Steps 1 & 2
In this episode of Bridging the Gap, we sit down with Dr. Matt Townsley—known to many as the “Sportscaster of Standards-Based Grading”—to explore the first two foundational steps in implementing Standards-Based Grading (SBG). Drawing from his experience as a school leader, author, and assistant professor, Dr. Townsley shares practical insights that help demystify the early stages of SBG and offer a clear path forward for schools ready to make grading more meaningful. Whether you're just beginning or refining your approach, this episode offers the guidance needed to lead with clarity and confidence.
Articles and Resources Mentioned:
- Making Grades Matter by Matt Townsley and Nathan L. Wear
- Grading from the Inside Out by Tom Schimmer
- Starting the Conversation about Grading by Susan M. Brookhart
- How to Grade for Learning by Ken O'Connor
- Standards-Based Grading: Core Principles and Current Implementation Debates by Matt Townsley and Jesse Wilcox
- What's Worth Fighting Against in Grading by Douglas B Reeves, Lee Ann Jung and Ken O'Connor
Episode 5: Guided to the Classroom
Join Jenny, a passionate advisor in the College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa, as she shares her journey of guiding future educators. With a deep commitment to helping students achieve their goals, Jenny focuses on empowering aspiring teachers, especially those who dream of returning to their rural communities to inspire the next generation. This podcast offers meaningful conversations for anyone on the path to becoming a teacher or anyone who knows of someone who would make a wonderful teacher. Jenny Connolly is the Director of Advising, COE Advising and Teacher Education Success. She is a third generation Panther. Jenny received her BA in History Education along with her MA in Post-Secondary Education: Student Affairs from UNI. -
September Episodes
Episode 6: Leadership Coaching with Dr. Denise Schares
In this episode, Dr. Denise Schares shares insights on the power of leadership coaching for educational leaders. She highlights the role of ethical decision-making, the practice of “doing the next right thing,” and the value of having a trusted thought partner to navigate complex challenges. Whether you’re a new or seasoned leader, this conversation offers practical wisdom for leading with integrity and clarity.
Episode 7: Purple Pathways and Loving What You Do
Join Mike, an advisor at the University of Northern Iowa, as he shares his passion for helping students take the next step in their journey to becoming licensed teachers. Through his work with the 2+2 Programs and the Purple Pathways, Mike is committed to growing educators from within their own communities, especially those who balance work, life, and school while pursuing their dreams. Guided by his philosophy that every student is capable of great things, they just need varying levels of support to reach those heights, this podcast highlights practical guidance and the power of perseverance in the path to the classroom. Mike Tate received his BA in Mathematics Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and his MA in Postsecondary Education : Student Affairs from UNI. While he is fairly new to Iowa, he can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Episode 8 Book Review: Think Again by Adam Grant
In this episode, Amanda reviews the book Think Again by Adam Grant. This book invites leaders to see the power of curiosity, humility, and flexibility in driving lasting change. Amanda highlights the four parts of the book--Updating our own views, Opening other people's minds, Creating communities of lifelong learners, and Reconsidering our best laid career and life plans. Think Again argues that the most effective leaders aren't those who always have the answers, but those willing to question their own assumptions, unlearn outdated practices, and create space for new perspectives. This message is timely as schools strive to truly thrive in the current educational landscape.
Episode 9a and 9b: Curriculum and Instruction with Dr. Sharon Dentlinger
In this two-part episode, Dr. Sharon Dentlinger shares her passion for instructional leadership and the importance of creating consistency across schools and districts. She outlines the top actions leaders can take to stay engaged in classroom instruction, strategies for building a culture of shared responsibility, and routines that provide teachers with meaningful feedback. Dr. Dentlinger also offers practical guidance for prioritizing instructional support when resources are limited and candid advice for new and aspiring leaders on building trust, credibility, and resilience in the face of change.
Book Recommendations
- The Six Secrets of Change - Michael Fullan
- Change Leader - Michael Fullan
- Start with Why - Simon Sinek
- School Leadership that Works - Robert Marzano, Timothy Waters and Brian McNulty
- Dare to Lead - Brene Brown
- Understanding by Design - Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe
Episode10: Rural Education and Dissertation Discussions with a recent UNI EdD grad
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jill Schany, a dedicated educator at Emmetsburg Community School District and recent graduate of the University of Northern Iowa’s EdD program. Dr. Schany shares insights from her dissertation, Socioeconomic Status and Educational Opportunities Through the Eyes of Students and Teachers: Diverse Realities, Shared Insights, offering a powerful look at how socioeconomic factors shape educational experiences. Her research provides valuable guidance for educational leaders seeking to understand and address opportunity gaps in their schools. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on equity, empathy, and the real-life impact of SES in education.
