Welcome back to another episode of Swimming Upstream with your host, Tom Luna. Today, we are thrilled to have Trent Van Leuven, the Idaho Teacher of the Year, joining us. Trent's journey began on a dairy farm in Roberts, Idaho, leading him to a prestigious career in education influenced by his early involvement with the FFA and a pivotal encounter that steered him toward teaching.

Throughout this episode, we'll explore Trent's transformative impact on his students through innovative agricultural and aquacultural programs at Mackay High School. We'll delve into how his upbringing on a farm ingrained a robust work ethic and sense of urgency that he now embeds in his teaching, preparing his students for academic success and real-world challenges. Trent's story is a testament to the power of local resources and educational ingenuity in shaping the future of young minds.

Join us as we dive into this inspiring tale of dedication, innovation, and community impact.

Key Moments

00:00 Received encouragement and switched careers to teaching.

04:12 Idaho dairy farm work ethic and perspective.

08:35 Teacher of the year in rural Idaho schools.

10:52 Mackay's rural history and innovative agricultural program.

14:06 Pinching baskets for height, public speaking development.

20:07 Students innovated the Venturi aerator to improve the school.

23:30 Encouraging words for award-winning Idaho teacher.

25:09 A Teenage inventor conceptualized television in a potato field.

Connect with Trent Van Leuven

Website: https://www.sde.idaho.gov/

In this episode, we grapple with the ever-evolving landscape of schooling and discuss how to modernize the educational experience for the 21st century. Senator Lent shares his insights on key developments from around the country, from school board dynamics and professional development to legislative efforts to revolutionize education funding formulas. We'll explore initiatives like Launch, which is reshaping how students transition from high school to the workforce and delve into the intricate dance between state legislators and superintendents as they navigate policy and leadership in education.

And for a little fun, stick around for some surprising Idaho trivia that will leave you pondering the unexpected!

Join us as we swim against the current in pursuit of a brighter future for our students on Swimming Upstream.

Key Moments

00:00 The Podcast features leaders challenging norms in education.

03:20 The Industrial Age mindset in education needs updating.

07:38 The Finnish education system promotes independence and choice.

11:29 Training for counselors and addressing outdated funding formulas.

13:44 Teachers need support and recognition for impact.

17:00 Superintendent-legislature relationship is pivotal for the education system.

Connect with David Lent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-lent-2a3225b8

Website: https://legislature.idaho.gov/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna interviews Sydnee Dickson, the State Superintendent of Utah, a leader steering education toward a future as bright as the minds she's nurturing. From humble beginnings in a two-room schoolhouse to modern classrooms, Sydnee shares how personalization is key to educational growth.

We'll navigate through the unique challenges faced by rural education, such as limited resources, and discuss how Utah's proactive digital strides, with the support of a robust legislative framework, fortified the state when the unprecedented occurred – making a swift pivot into remote learning during the COVID-19 school closures.

It's about developing the full picture – where the love for ice cream in Utah is as much a part of the state's identity as its pioneering educational initiatives. Utah’s focus on digital teaching and integrating durable skills like critical thinking is preparing students to be agile and adaptable for lifelong learning. With insights on technology in classrooms and the ongoing push for enhancing early literacy, we're ready to scoop up some knowledge and sprinkle it with experiences.

Key Moments

00:00 Rural Utah schools face resource and personnel challenges.

06:25 Developed master plan for digital teaching in Utah.

09:13 Scale up software packages to support education.

11:13 Tribal leaders improve connectivity in rural areas.

15:15 Kids are glued to social media and need guidance.

20:29 Utah develops a portrait of a successful graduate.

22:37 Promoting care, integration, and durable skills in education.

24:50 Engage students, focus on competencies, and individualized learning.

28:29 Challenges in education and Utah's impact.

Connect with Sydnee Dickson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydnee-dickson-506b9b11/

Website: https://schools.utah.gov/

Mentioned in this episode:

Literacy to Leadership: Sydnee Dickson's Vision for Utah's Schools

In this episode of "Swimming Upstream," host Tom Luna interviews Sydnee Dickson, the State Superintendent of Utah, a leader steering education toward a future as bright as the minds she's nurturing. From humble beginnings in a two-room schoolhouse to modern classrooms, Sydnee shares how personalization is key to educational growth. We'll navigate through the unique challenges faced by rural education, such as limited resources, and discuss how Utah's proactive digital strides, with the support of a robust legislative framework, fortified the state when the unprecedented occurred – making a swift pivot into remote learning during the COVID-19 school closures. It's about developing the full picture – where the love for ice cream in Utah is as much a part of the state's identity as its pioneering educational initiatives. Utah’s focus on digital teaching and integrating durable skills like critical thinking is preparing students to be agile and adaptable for lifelong learning. With insights on technology in classrooms and the ongoing push for enhancing early literacy, we're ready to scoop up some knowledge and sprinkle it with experiences. Key Moments 00:00 Rural Utah schools face resource and personnel challenges. 06:25 Developed master plan for digital teaching in Utah. 09:13 Scale up software packages to support education. 11:13 Tribal leaders improve connectivity in rural areas. 15:15 Kids are glued to social media and need guidance. 20:29 Utah develops a portrait of a successful graduate. 22:37 Promoting care, integration, and durable skills in education. 24:50 Engage students, focus on competencies, and individualized learning. 28:29 Challenges in education and Utah's impact. Connect with Sydnee Dickson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydnee-dickson-506b9b11/ Website: https://schools.utah.gov/