The Super in 10

2025 Idaho Teacher of the Year Heidi Cornell discusses the value of mentorship for new educators, the experience of being chosen for the National Teacher of the Year program, and philosophies on how best to inspire students.

Dustin Miller is the Director for the Idaho Department of Lands. In this episode, he talks with Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield about public land usage, state endowments, and the effect of these lands on public schools.

Joshua Harvey is the Bureau Chief for the Idaho Department of Lands. In this episode, he talks with Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield about the dangers of forest fires, the need for all Idahoans to practice wildland stewardship, and ways that the Idaho Department of Education is preparing students to enter related industries.

Julia Lauch, State Forester and Division Administrator for the Idaho Department of Lands, sits down with Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield to discuss the responsibilities of her role, the department’s mission as a whole, and the different designations of land throughout Idaho.

Sherrilynn Bair works in a traditional Idaho public school and serves on the board of the Idaho Public Charter School Commission. In this episode, she clarifies misconceptions and discusses the benefits inherent to both learning environments.

Superintendent Critchfield and Certification and Professional Standards Director Cina Lackey sit down to talk about Idaho's teacher code of ethics, student safety, teacher certification and the state’s Professional Standards Commission.  

For children of military families, frequently changing schools can add significant stress and uncertainty to their academic journey. Stephensen Elementary in the Mountain Home School District is the first Idaho school to receive a Purple Star designation—a national recognition of its ability to meet the unique needs of military-connected students. Principal Robynn Schipani explains more.

2024 Idaho CapEd Credit Union Teacher of the Year Trent Van Leuven teaches nine different career technical and agricultural classes at Mackay High School. For the last 12 months, in addition to teaching, he has worked overtime to help and celebrate Idaho educators. Hear his thoughts about the experience of being Idaho's teacher of the year. 

Despite the fact it’s summer, there is a lot going on at the Idaho Department of Education right now. Superintendent Critchfield sits down with Communications Director Scott Graf to talk about two of the initiatives underway this summer: an update to the state’s high school graduation requirements and a new student well-being assessment being piloted this fall. 

Most of Idaho’s educators are trained at our state’s institutions of higher education. And as the role of educator has evolved, so too have the institutions that prepare them. Dr. Brooke Blevins, Dean of the University of Idaho’s College of Education joins Superintendent Critchfield to talk about what teacher prep looks like in Idaho today. 

Brian Darcy has one of the most unique jobs in Idaho education. And he loves it. The administrator of the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind in Gooding joins Superintendent Critchfield to talk about his work – and brag about his school! 

It’s summer in Idaho and that means most of our teachers are not in the classroom. But that doesn’t mean they’re not working or honing their craft. Superintendent Critchfield talks with Idaho Falls educator Julie Nawrocki about what summer looks like for our state’s teachers. 

IDLA Superintendent Jeff Simmons is an early adopter of Artificial Intelligence in the education setting. He joins Superintendent Critchfield to talk about why the technology is something to embrace and not fear. 

A conversation with the Chief Financial Officer for the Idaho Department of Education, Gideon Tolman, about proposed changes to Idaho school funding and education budget structures. Part 2 of 2.

A conversation with the Chief Financial Officer for the Idaho Department of Education, Gideon Tolman, about the components of Idaho school funding and education budget structures. Part 1 of 2.

A conversation with Adan Sanchez, a 2nd Grade Dual Language Teacher for the Boise School District about the demand, challenges and rewards of dual language immersion in elementary grades.

A conversation with Lynda Westphal, the Child Nutrition Programs Director at the Idaho Department of Education, about new regulations surrounding #rural summer food services. 

A conversation with the Idaho Youth Suicide Prevention Program coordinator, Hannah Crumrine, about widespread community needs and some powerful resources being rallied to strengthen students' mental health.The Idaho Youth Suicide Prevention Program is a joint project from the Idaho Departments of Education and Health and Welfare.

Developing a new strategic plan for the Idaho Department of Education is a top priority for Sup. Debbie Critchfield. Why? How will the department - and public education in the state - benefit from an updated plan? With Communications Director Scott Graf. 

Community schools represent a collaboration between school and community to focus on the whole child. In Marsing, Idaho, the community has come together to support the concept as a means of giving young people their best chance at success.  What's working so well there? With Marsing School District Superintendent Norm Stewart. 

What role does data play in education? What does it measure? Why is it collected? How is it used? With Idaho Department of Education Chief Deputy Superintendent Ryan Cantrell. 

A conversation with Idaho State Police Director Col. Kedrick Wills on the presence of fentanyl in Idaho and the threat it poses to young people. Part 2 of 2. 

A conversation with Idaho State Police Director Col. Kedrick Wills on the presence of fentanyl in Idaho and the threat it poses to young people. Part 1 of 2. 

Idaho's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield, describes the format of a new podcast focused on education in  Idaho, and where listeners can tune in.