Baker Teacher Leader Center

The Linda R. Baker Teacher Leader Center is a transformative space where educators are empowered to excel throughout their careers. Aligned with our mission to advance comprehensive teacher development and well-being, the center serves as a catalyst for lifelong learning, professional growth, and innovative practices in education.

We believe that thriving educators create thriving classrooms. That’s why we prioritize the holistic well-being of teachers, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where both pre-service and in-service educators can explore new strategies, strengthen their leadership skills, and build a vibrant professional community.

With a commitment to integrity, continuous improvement, and educational excellence, the Baker Teacher Leader Center provides tailored programs that meet the diverse needs of today's educators. Whether you're starting your teaching journey or seeking advanced leadership opportunities, our center equips you with the skills and insights to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact in education.

Join us at the Baker Teacher Leader Center, where we unlock potential, nurture well-being, and redefine what it means to be a leader in education.

Young woman works with elementary student

Pre-Service Professional Development Opportunities

Discover everything you need to kickstart your journey as a future educator, including the BTLC professional development certificate, upcoming workshops, and essential resources to support your growth.

In-Service Professional Development Opportunities

Explore BTLC’s professional learning opportunities, earn licensure renewal credits, and find ways to share your expertise with fellow educators.

Educator Wellness Podcasts

Listen to inspiring episodes focused on educator wellness, with insights to support your well-being—and earn licensure renewal credit for completing a season!

News

BTLC Newsletter - May 2025

Read the latest BTLC Newsletter!

Illustration of alumna and donor, Linda R. Baker

A tribute to Linda Baker

Linda R. Baker, College of Education alumna and passionate supporter of education, died Dec. 27 at age 77. Her legacy lives on in the many profound and positive contributions she and her husband Dale have made over the years. The Baker Teacher Leader Center in the UI College of Education is named in her honor.

Upcoming BTLC Events

LivingWorks safeTALK

Friday, July 25, 2025 8:30am to 12:30pm

Lindquist Center

Please register here.safeTALK prepares people to be more alert to suicide and to help persons with thoughts of suicide make safe connections. The intervention goal is that persons with thoughts of suicide connect with someone who will help them keep safe from suicide and access further support.What You Will Learn:Describe the role of an alert helper/ connector.Identify ways in which personal, cultural, and social attitudes can lead people to miss, dismiss, and avoid opportunities to seek or...

EmpowerED Minds: The School Wellness Summit

Tuesday, September 30, 2025 7:30am to 4:00pm

Iowa Events Center

EmpowerED Minds: The School Wellness Summit (formerly known as the Iowa BEST Summit) is a premier professional learning event dedicated to fostering well-being and mental health within educational communities. Participants will gain practical strategies, insights from cutting-edge research, and access to innovative solutions that enhance mental health outcomes. EmpowerED Minds is where K-12 educators, school leaders, and school mental health providers from across the country come to shape the...

2026 InspirED Leadership Summit: Empowering K-12 Leaders for the Future

Friday, June 12, 2026 8:15am to 4:00pm

Courtyard Marriott University Heights

The summit will focus on innovative strategies to enhance student engagement, prioritize well-being, support teacher development, and lead with belonging and empathy.Audience: K-12 school and district leaders, including administrators and superintendentsDate: Thursday, June 12 from 8:15 a.m. – 4 p.m.Location: Courtyard Marriott University Heights (901 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA 52246)Register: REGISTRATION COMING IN JANUARY 2026!GoalsEmpower leaders to drive change by embracing new models for...

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Mission and Vision

The Baker Teacher Leader Center (BTLC) strives to offer evidence-based and innovative professional development and career advancement experiences, for both pre – and in-service educators, helping to advance our profession in ways that will affect positive change in our communities across the nation. We aspire to collaborate with content area experts and leaders to solve issues related to the field of education.

BTLC Room Reservations

To help us provide appropriate facilities support, door access, technology assistance, and event planning services, BTLC room reservation requests by UI faculty/staff/students must be submitted at:

Lindquist Room Reservations

For non-university/external individuals or entities, reservation requests must be submitted at:

Reservation Request

For BTLC space inquiries, contact Lisa Bunn at lisa-bunn@uiowa.edu

BTLC Facility Policies and Procedures

College of Education