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.
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.
Connect with Us
We are here to answer your questions, support your career, and create innovation partnerships.
Guided by the tripartite mission of an R1 institution, the Hub anchors its work in three interconnected areas:
Teaching & Professional Learning
Educators, school leaders, and districts engage in research-based workshops, coaching, and licensure renewal credit opportunities, many of which are customized to district priorities. These offerings help educators strengthen instructional practices, support student and educator well-being, and lead innovation in their own systems.
Research
We collaborate with PK–12 educators to identify real needs and co-design studies embedded directly in schools and communities. This approach turns rigorous evidence into solutions that can be piloted, refined, and scaled.
Service
Through community-engaged projects, such as STEAM service learning, content specific summer institutes, wellness initiatives, attendance and family engagement work, and school scheduling or support-system redesign, the Hub contributes to sustainable improvements that benefit both schools and the communities they serve.
Professional Learning Opportunities
Explore our current professional development opportunities, earn licensure renewal credits, and advance your career through meaningful courses designed for working professionals.
Upcoming Events
EDUcation Unscripted & Xplored Podcast
Community and Conversation for K-12 Educators Committed to Meaningful Change
Exploring the hopes, tensions, and trends shaping the education field today and sharing honest, evidence-based conversations that help listeners think differently about the work.
Join us as we help schools better serve students, families, and communities—and empower those same communities to support schools in return.
Find the latest episode
What if educator wellness was the design principle behind every school policy and leadership decision? Kari and Mark sit down with Courtney Cook, PK-12 principal at Ruthven-Ayrshire Community School, to explore what it really looks like to build systems that support the humans doing the hardest work in education.
Co-hosted by UI College of Education professors Kari Vogelgesang and Mark McDermott, who bring together teacher preparation, K–12 systems, and wellness to ask the hard questions about what actually drives meaningful change for people and systems.
Explore the Educator Wellness Podcast
Join us for inspiring conversations, expert insights, and practical tips to boost your well-being as an educator. Each season dives deep into topics that matter most to you—because when educators thrive, everyone benefits.
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.
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:
For Non-UI & External Entities
For non-university and external individuals or entities, reservation requests must be submitted at:
Questions?
For BTLC space inquiries, contact Lisa Bunn at lisa-bunn@uiowa.edu
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