Ep. 19: Charter Schools

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.