In this thoughtful and inspiring episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome Nicole Uhre-Balk, a former Rapid City teacher, public school graduate, and current South Dakota legislator, for a wide-ranging conversation about education, advocacy, and community.
Nicole shares her unconventional path into teaching (inspired by The Matrix), her journey through Rapid City schools, and how classroom experience prepared her for life in the legislature. From advocating for students and families to explaining how teachers shape democracy itself, Nicole offers a powerful reminder that public schools are more than buildings, they are the foundation of a strong society.
The episode explores the importance of communication between educators and lawmakers, how communities can better support schools, and why students and teachers continue to give her hope for the future. Honest, uplifting, and deeply rooted in service, this conversation highlights the impact educators have far beyond the classroom.
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