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.

In this episode of the Love, Learn, Lead podcast, Superintendent Jonathan Cooper sits down with student leaders from the Superintendent Student Leadership Cohort to discuss what leadership looks like through the eyes of today’s students. Guests include student leaders Skylar Denbow, Ellen Yin, and Blake Lewis, along with innovation leader Dan Little.

The conversation explores how schools can create more meaningful, engaging, and future-ready experiences that truly leverage student potential. Students share honest insights about leadership, belonging, purpose, student voice, and the kinds of experiences that help them grow as learners, leaders, and citizens.

The group also reflects on their experiences in the leadership cohort, the opportunities that have shaped them, and what they believe schools should prioritize moving forward to better prepare students for the future.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that some of the best ideas for improving schools come directly from the students we serve.