In this thoughtful and inspiring episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome Nicole Uhre-Balk, a former Rapid City teacher, public school graduate, and current South Dakota legislator, for a wide-ranging conversation about education, advocacy, and community.

Nicole shares her unconventional path into teaching (inspired by The Matrix), her journey through Rapid City schools, and how classroom experience prepared her for life in the legislature. From advocating for students and families to explaining how teachers shape democracy itself, Nicole offers a powerful reminder that public schools are more than buildings, they are the foundation of a strong society.

The episode explores the importance of communication between educators and lawmakers, how communities can better support schools, and why students and teachers continue to give her hope for the future. Honest, uplifting, and deeply rooted in service, this conversation highlights the impact educators have far beyond the classroom.

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In this energetic and insightful episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome Jocelyn Hafner, principal of Stevens High School, a proud Raider, passionate leader, and self-proclaimed rule follower doing her best to survive two Type B hosts. Jocelyn shares what makes Stevens truly special, from its academic excellence and nationally competitive ACT scores to its award-winning fine arts, athletics, and real-world learning opportunities. She dives into innovative classroom strategies, student voice and participation, and why inclusiveness and belonging are at the heart of Stevens culture.

The conversation highlights meaningful traditions, student leadership, community partnerships, and exciting initiatives like the Johnson Trust, student-designed spaces, a student-run coffee shop, and a brand-new senior service day focused on giving back. With humor, heart, and data to back it up, Jocelyn reminds listeners why public schools matter and why Stevens High School continues to thrive.

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In this feel-good, joy-filled episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome Knollwood Elementary’s dynamic duo Ali Williams, Teacher of the Year, and Tina Rank, Support Person of the Year.

These two bring sunshine everywhere they go, and this conversation proves it. Tina shares her 14-year journey as the heart of Knollwood, supporting tier-two and tier-three students, running crosswalk duty, mentoring kids who need a little extra love, and keeping spirits high through the school’s beloved Sunshine Committee.

Ali gives us a peek into her wildly creative first-grade classroom from human-body units that turn into ice-skating lessons to published class books, writing celebrations, and the breakthrough moments that make teaching magical.

Together, they talk about collaboration, community, patience, and the power of asking for help. Their stories from terminally ill students who changed their lives to fifth graders who still hug them in the hallways remind us why public schools matter and why the people inside them are everyday heroes.

This episode is warm, funny, heartfelt, and an absolute celebration of the people who keep our schools going.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.