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

From Stress to Success: 5 Top Back-to-School Strategies for K-12 Administrators (Rescheduled!) promotional image

From Stress to Success: 5 Top Back-to-School Strategies for K-12 Administrators (Rescheduled!)

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 3:30pm to 4:15pm
Virtual
As the school year begins, administrators often find themselves balancing excitement with the weight of responsibility. This engaging 30–45 minute webinar invites educational leaders in districts, schools, and AEAs to reflect on the rhythms of the back-to-school season—both personally and professionally—and explore five practical strategies to lead with impact while nurturing social-emotional-behavioral health in themselves and their teams.
Being Well in Our Modern World promotional image

Being Well in Our Modern World

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual

Please register here for Being Well in Our Modern World.

In today’s fast-paced and overstimulating world, many of the systems designed for convenience are also contributing to increased stress, distraction, burnout, and declining wellbeing. This session helps participants better understand how the modern environment impacts focus, energy, habits, and overall performance both personally and professionally. Participants will learn practical strategies to build awareness around daily behaviors...

LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) promotional image

LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Thursday, September 17, 2026 8:15am to 4:30pm
Blank Honors Center
LivingWorks ASIST is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first-aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. As the world’s leading suicide intervention workshop, LivingWorks’ ASIST program is supported by numerous evaluations, including independent and peer-reviewed studies.
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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).

Visit 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