Amazing Education Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#082 - Carolyn Jons — Trailblazing Leadership Feb 26, 2026

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On this episode, we’re joined by Carolyn Jons, a longtime Ames school board member and influential leader in public education. Recently honored by the Iowa Association of School Boards, Carolyn reflects on her roots in Ames, her decades of leadership, and what strong school governance means for the future of public education.

#081 - Collin Reichert, Kean Roberts, & Charlie Knight - Innovative Science Teaching Jan 19, 2026

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In this episode, we’re talking with Ames High science teachers about how they’re bringing creativity and curiosity into the classroom through hands-on, real-world learning. From innovative lab experiences to the “What’s in Your Watershed?” project, these educators are redefining what it means to teach—and think—like a scientist.

#080 - Shaeley Santiago - Supporting Multilingual Learners Dec 10, 2025

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In this episode, we’re joined by Shaeley Santiago, our English Learner Coordinator, to talk about what effective coaching and support look like for multilingual learners. Shaeley shares how relationship-building, collaboration, and coaching create classrooms where every student, and every teacher, can thrive.

#079 - Andy Fecht - Ames High Boys' Wrestling Nov 17, 2025

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In this episode, we talk with Ames High boys wrestling coach Andy Fecht about the growth, culture, and goals of the wrestling program. He shares insights on developing student-athletes, building a strong team mindset, and what’s ahead for Little Cyclone wrestling.

#078 - Adalyn McKeag - World Food Prize Global Youth Institute Nov 07, 2025

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In this episode, we’re talking with Ames High senior Adalyn McKeag, whose passion for food security and environmental sustainability has taken her many places outside the walls of AHS. Join us as Adalyn shares what drives her work, what she’s learned from these experiences, and how she hopes to make a lasting impact.

#077 - Anna Fagervik - Family Resources in the Ames CSD Oct 21, 2025

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In this episode, we sit down with Anna Fagervik, a Family Resource Support Advocate and the Homeless Liaison in our District, to learn how she helps families navigate challenges and access vital resources. By building trust and community connections, Anna shares how her work empowers students to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

#076 - Mike Todd - New Science Course At Ames High Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Ames High science teacher Mike Todd shares his excitement about receiving a STEM BEST® Program grant. This grant launched a new course he hopes inspires students to see science as a tool for making real change in their communities by tackling issues such as food insecurity and sustainability.

#075 - Alex Grapp - Bringing Language Arts Education To Life Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

On this episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Ames High teacher Alex Grapp. We’re talking about how to bring language arts to life by tapping into what students actually care about, why engagement and enjoyment are game-changers for retention, and the advice Alex has for fellow educators who want to make their classrooms more connected and dynamic.

#074 - Dr. Jeff Hawkins - Collaborative School Leadership Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

We’re sitting down with Associate Superintendent Dr. Jeff Hawkins for an amazing conversation on what summer really looks like in school leadership.

We’ll dive into how collaborative leadership shapes the school experience for both staff and students, and how we can take that summer momentum and launch into a strong new school year.

#073 - Chantal Eulenstein - Amazing Ames High Senior May 23, 2025

Show notes

On this episode, we were joined by Ames High senior and class of 2025 graduate Chantal Eulenstein. We had an amazing conversation about the many honors she has received for writing, starting a student newspaper club at the middle school, and the importance of student voices.

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