In this episode of Love, Learn, Lead, Superintendent Jonathan Cooper is joined by Deputy Superintendent Dr. Amy Brennan, Learning Experience Supervisor Krissy Hufnagel, and Learning Experience Supervisor Dr. Shanna Bumiller to discuss how Mason City Schools is creating learning opportunities for each and every employee through personalized professional learning.

The conversation explores the vision behind the work, the shift away from traditional professional development, and how voice, choice, relevance, and collaboration are creating meaningful learning experiences across the organization. Listeners will hear how this model supports certified and classified staff alike, builds leadership capacity, aligns with Mason's Big Rocks, and advances the district's Journey to 2030 goals.

Whether you are an educator, school leader, or organizational leader, this episode offers insights into building a culture where learning is personalized, purposeful, and connected to a shared vision.

In this episode of Love, Learn, Lead, Superintendent Jonathan Cooper sits down with Mason City Schools STEAM educators Sarah Flohr and Jen Mann, along with Dan Little, the district's Futures and Innovation Leader, to explore the evolution of Mason's STEAM program and the impact it is having on students across the district.

From creativity and innovation to problem-solving and healthy risk-taking, the conversation highlights how STEAM experiences help students discover their interests, develop future-ready skills, and build confidence as learners. Sarah and Jen share what they have learned through their own journeys as educators, how student voice helps shape learning experiences, and why design thinking and the engineering process are valuable life skills for every child.

Dan brings a districtwide and future-focused perspective to the conversation, helping connect the work happening in Mason's STEAM classrooms to larger trends in education, innovation, and the skills students will need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Together, they discuss how Mason's systematic approach to STEAM provides every student with opportunities to create, design, dream, and discover purpose while building a foundation for future pathways in innovation, technology, and beyond.

In this episode of the Love, Learn, Lead podcast, Superintendent Jonathan Cooper explores the story behind Mason City Schools’ nationally recognized XLP program — a student-led experiential learning model connecting students with authentic, career-connected opportunities and meaningful community partnerships.

The conversation begins with the origin story of XLP and the vision to help students explore career pathways through real-world experiences, mentorships, internships, site visits, and partnerships with professionals across a wide range of industries.

Guests include XLP student leader Rayyan Aquino; program coordinators Joe Schroeder and Annie Droege; and community partner David Charpentier. Together, they share how the program empowers students to lead, build connections, discover passions, and create extraordinary learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom.

The episode also highlights how XLP has grown into a model that school districts across the country are now studying and visiting, demonstrating what is possible when schools elevate student voice, community partnerships, and purposeful learning.

Whether you are an educator, business leader, parent, or student, this conversation offers a powerful look at the future of learning.