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Iowa Week: Who's running the show?

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

To many educators, the teacher shortage is not an outcome of the pandemic, but the result of years of build-up only exacerbated by the past couple of years. Brydie Criswell, the founder of The Good Earth Nature School, shared the growing problems in public education that eventually pushed her to her limit.

Later, Iowa State Education Association President Mike Beranek talks with Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe about the struggle to fill all positions in education and the impact of a 2017 law that restricted union bargaining.

The Superintendent of Osage and Riceville school districts Barb Schwamman talks about how the districts share more than just a superintendent to weather the staff shortage. The Des Moines Education Association President Joshua Brown talks about some ways they've been successful in retaining and recruiting staff.

Guests:

  • Brydie Criswell, founder of The Good Earth Nature School
  • Mike Beranek, president of the Iowa State Education Association
  • Barb Schwamman, superintendent, Osage and Riceville school districts
  • Joshua Brown, president of the Des Moines Education Association
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.