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Pressures on Iowa's education system led to a shortage of educators in the state

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Challenges in Iowa's education system are making it harder to retain educators.

On this Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe discusses the pressures facing Iowa's education system.

Margaret Buckton, a partner at Iowa School Finance Services, and Joshua Brown, president of the Iowa State Education Association and a teacher, explain how Iowa got into this situation. Then Iowa educator John Boylan shares why so many of his colleagues have left education. Later in the hour, Mark McDermott of the University of Iowa and Benjamin Forsyth of the University of Northern Iowa join the program to discuss alternate pathways to teaching that are helping to combat the shortage.

Guests:

  • Margaret Buckton, partner, Iowa School Finance Services and advocate for Iowa public schools
  • Joshua Brown, president, Iowa State Education Association
  • John Boylan, Iowa English teacher
  • Mark McDermott, Associate Dean and Clinical Professor UI College of Education
  • Benjamin Forsyth, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies and Teacher Education, UNI College of Education
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.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.