The Linda R. Baker Teacher Leader Center (BTLC) is a welcoming gathering space that brings together educators, students, faculty, school partners, and community members to learn, collaborate, and build meaningful connections. The center strengthens education and community across Iowa through professional learning, community engagement, meetings, workshops, networking opportunities, and collaborative experiences.

BTLC Room Reservations

We are always excited to explore new partnerships and work with individuals and groups to create impactful learning opportunities. Whether you're planning a workshop, seminar, or collaborative learning experience, the BTLC PDA or Commons could be the perfect venue.

To help us provide appropriate facilities support, door access, technology assistance, and event planning services, please use the reservation forms below.

For UI Faculty, Staff, & Students

BTLC room reservation requests by UI faculty, staff, and students must be submitted at:

Lindquist Room Reservations

 

 

 

For Non-UI & External Entities

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

Reservation Request   

Questions?

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

BTLC Facility Policies and Procedures

Upcoming Events

Sustainable Well-being for Educators: Strategies for Thriving promotional image

Sustainable Well-being for Educators: Strategies for Thriving

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 5:00pm to 5:45pm
Virtual

Teaching and educational leadership are deeply meaningful professions, but they can also be demanding and emotionally taxing. This session would provide practical suggestions to help manage stress, reduce anxiety, build resilience, and create sustainable habits that support both personal well-being and professional effectiveness throughout the school year.

What You Will Learn:

Recognize what we are already doing well and build on that.

Explore practical strategies for managing stress both...

Strengthening School-Family Partnerships for Student and Educator Wellbeing promotional image

Strengthening School-Family Partnerships for Student and Educator Wellbeing

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual

Join us in a webinar where you will learn practical strategies for building authentic, trusting, and collaborative relationships between schools and families to support student wellbeing, engagement, and success.

What You Will Learn:

Identify barriers that impact effective family-school partnerships.

Explore communication and engagement strategies that build trust and connection.

Strengthen practices that increase family voice, belonging, and collaboration.

Webinar Details:

When: Tuesday, October 6...

Breathe, Move, Thrive: Mindful Movement Strategies for the Classroom promotional image

Breathe, Move, Thrive: Mindful Movement Strategies for the Classroom

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 4:15pm to 5:15pm
Lindquist Center

This interactive session introduces educators to mindful movement and yoga-inspired practices that support well-being, focus, and emotional regulation—for both students and themselves. Participants will learn why these short, intentional movement breaks matter and how they can enhance learning and reduce stress. The session includes guided practice and take-home examples you can immediately try in your own setting. No special clothing or prior experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness...

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Initiatives

Iowa Education Innovation Hub

The University of Iowa Education Innovation Hub, a collaborative initiative within the BTLC, partners with educators, school districts, researchers, students, industry, and community organizations to co-design innovative solutions to real educational challenges. Through applied research, professional learning, innovation pilots, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships, the Hub connects ideas with implementation and research with practice.

Learn More

Learn more about the UI Education Innovation Hub (UI EIH).

Professional Learning Opportunities

Explore our current professional development opportunities, earn licensure renewal credits, and advance your career through meaningful courses designed for working professionals.

Explore Professional Development

Three people sitting at a table.

Mission and Vision

The Baker Teacher Leader Center (BTLC) strengthens Iowa’s educator workforce by promoting integrity, academic freedom, belonging, and continuous improvement. Through high-quality professional learning, collaborative partnerships, and innovative initiatives, the BTLC empowers educators to unlock their potential and build strong, connected school communities. The center serves as a trusted space where educators, students, and community partners come together to learn, co-design solutions, and advance practices that drive meaningful innovation across PK–12 education.

Audience member raising hand in response to speaker at front of crowd.

Meet Our Staff

Kari Vogelgesang

Director
N310A Lindquist Center
319-335-5348
kari-vogelgesang@uiowa.edu

Mariana Ruggiero Colombo

Associate Director, Professional Development and Online Programming
N110 Lindquist Center
mariana-colombo@uiowa.edu

Lisa Bunn

Administrative Services Specialist
N121 Lindquist Center
lisa-bunn@uiowa.edu

Linda Baker

In Honor of Linda Baker

Linda R. Baker (68BA) was a devoted teacher, wife, mother, grandmother, and advocate for education. Her dedication to supporting and inspiring educators was exemplified by the establishment of the Linda R. Baker Teacher Leader Center and numerous other initiatives. 

Learn more about her lasting impact:

Linda Baker Tribute