Education
An exploration of trends, challenges and triumphs of education across the state, from early education to higher ed and continued learning-
SESSION 1
Role of Teachers
Iowa had more than 1,000 unfilled teaching jobs statewide last year, while the political pressures facing teachers continues to grow. While population projections show many Iowa school districts will continue to decline in coming years, how will Iowa handle its teacher shortage and what can be done to attract more into the field?
October 02, 2025 at 9:35AM
-
SESSION 2
Lost funding, lost research, lost discovery and innovation
With federal funding agencies imposing new rules, restrictions, and retractions, faculty across Iowa’s colleges and universities are facing hurdles in completing and pursuing existing and upcoming research projects. Who has been impacted? Who could be hurt? And what could cuts mean for Iowans and the world?
October 02, 2025 at 10:40AM
-
SESSION 3
Teacher Shortage areas
An analysis by the Iowa Department of Education listed teacher shortages in 28 areas -- ranging from science, art and physical education teachers. The state is allowing private content providers to step in to provide curriculum in some areas, but how does the issue get addressed longer term without sacrificing the student experience?
October 02, 2025 at 11:45AM
-
SESSION 4
Academic Freedoms
Higher education in the United States is currently under intense scrutiny from the second Trump administration. New executive orders have restricted curriculum, and targeted investigations into universities accused of ideological bias have resulted in some institutions negotiating or paying settlements. What does this mean for Iowa’s institutions and are the concerns only limited to public institutions?
October 02, 2025 at 1:55PM
-
SESSION 5
Navigating a post-DEI Iowa education system
In schools in 2025, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is largely absent due to federal policies under the Trump administration, with the U.S. Department of Education launching initiatives to eliminate DEI programs and providing a portal for reporting discriminatory practices based on race or sex. What does this shift mean in classrooms across the academic spectrum and how do you support students who may have differing needs?
October 02, 2025 at 3:00PM
-
SESSION 6
Three year degrees and dual enrollment
Ideas are being floated to cut the amount of time college students need to complete a degree, while Iowa’s Community Colleges are looking at offering Bachelor’s degrees. What are the challenges and opportunities for rewriting these higher education programs in Iowa? How could this change the value proposition of higher education in Iowa?
October 03, 2025 at 9:40AM
-
SESSION 7
Apprenticeships and Career Paths
As more schools are embracing college and career-connected education, the demand for registered apprenticeships is on the rise. High school students and graduates are pursuing this form of education to gain experience in an industry before starting their careers. What industries have registered apprenticeships? What are the requirements? What role will AI play in the future of many careers? And what are the benefits to this sort of education?
October 03, 2025 at 11:50AM
Iowa Ideas is free to all attendees. Join the conversation!
Register for Iowa Ideas
