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.

In this episode of Love, Learn, Lead, we explore the heart behind My Mason Journey, a unique course experience designed to help students discover their true north and develop the human skills that matter most in today’s rapidly changing world.

Joined by educators Missy Mecum, Nicole Elsasser, Kristi Echler, and Amanda Kemen, along with the origin story shared by Dan Little, we unpack how this innovative program became a legacy experience for Mason students beginning in elementary school and continuing through their educational journey.

Together, we discuss why schools can no longer leave purpose, belonging, leadership, and character development to chance, especially in a world filled with artificial intelligence, social media, constant distractions, and competing voices telling students who to be and what to think.

At its core, My Mason Journey creates intentional space for students to discover their foundation, align with their purpose and potential, and build the confidence and human-centered skills needed for success both inside and beyond the walls of Mason City Schools.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that while the world continues to change rapidly, helping students become deeply grounded, curious, connected, and purpose-driven may be more important than ever.

On their final days as high schoolers, three extraordinary seniors join the Love, Learn, Lead podcast to reflect on the journeys that shaped who they are becoming.

From launching a student-led entrepreneurial venture studio, to reaching the top of the podium as a state champion swimmer, to leading with voice and influence through state championship speech and debate — each student shares the experiences, relationships, challenges, and lessons that helped them discover purpose and potential.

Through conversations centered around love, learning, and leadership, these seniors open up about the people who believed in them, the setbacks that helped them grow, and how they hope to use their gifts to impact others moving forward.

The episode closes with powerful advice and wisdom for younger students about courage, belonging, perseverance, and making the most of the opportunities in front of them.

A meaningful conversation about growth, gratitude, legacy, and what it truly means to lead with purpose.

What keeps someone passionate about teaching for 40 years? Tim King, known as “The Owlman”, shares his journey from the classroom to leading outdoor learning and why reconnecting students to the outdoors matters more than ever in a screen-driven world. From the power of literature to the importance of meaningful relationships, this conversation reveals the true foundation of lasting impact in education—loving what you do and who you serve.