Elevating the K12 Classroom: A Legacy of Teacher Preparation at SUU

Listeners will hear how Southern Utah University is adapting to these shifts through innovative programs, stronger school partnerships, and fresh approaches that help future educators thrive in dynamic learning environments. Laureen, Tony, and Dean Powell also bring in expert insights that highlight where education is heading and what skills teachers will need to support students in the years ahead.

Whether you're a future teacher, a current educator, or simply curious about how schools are evolving, this episode offers practical predictions, inspiring perspectives, and a hopeful look at the future of learning. Join us as we imagine what comes next—and how SUU is preparing educators to lead the way.

Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online:

https://www.suu.edu/ed/ 

Listeners will hear heartfelt stories about the professors who challenged and encouraged them, the field experiences that shaped their teaching philosophies, and the first-day classroom moments that tested both nerves and resolve. Keaton and Dallee share powerful examples of growth, pride, and perseverance—those “this is why I teach” moments that remind educators of the difference they make every day.

As they look back, our guests also offer thoughtful advice to current SUU students preparing to enter the profession. From embracing mentorship and building confidence to finding joy in small victories, their words offer encouragement and wisdom for new teachers just beginning their journey.

Join Laureen and Tony for an uplifting conversation that celebrates the success of SUU’s alumni and honors the University’s enduring commitment to preparing passionate, capable, and compassionate educators. This episode is a testament to how the legacy of SUU’s teacher education program continues to grow—one inspiring graduate at a time.

Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online:

https://www.suu.edu/ed/ 

Join hosts Tony and Laureen as they sit down with Heather Armado (TES Elementary) and Abbey Judd to explore what it truly means to teach with cultural awareness. Together, they unpack the value of cultural competence in building trust, increasing engagement, and supporting student success.

We'll learn how SUU’s teacher preparation program is equipping educators to meet the needs of every learner and cultivate a strong sense of belonging in the classroom.  You'll hear personal stories from classrooms that reflect the importance of seeing every child's unique identity, and how that recognition shapes powerful teaching moments.

The conversation also gets real about the challenges—like how to avoid performative inclusion or how to engage families from different cultural contexts in meaningful ways. Most importantly, we'll talk about what's working, what still needs to grow, and how schools can measure the true impact of their efforts.

This episode is a reminder that culturally responsive teaching isn't an “extra”—it’s foundational to effective education. Tune in for real talk, practical strategies, and a celebration of the educators who are leading the way.

Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online:

https://www.suu.edu/ed/ 

Featuring conversations with education technology leaders like Rick Gaisford and Matt Winters, each episode unpacks the latest innovations reshaping teacher education. From immersive platforms and online collaboration tools to AI-driven assessment and mentoring solutions, we’ll spotlight how these technologies enhance learning, strengthen mentor-mentee relationships, and prepare teachers for the classrooms of tomorrow.

We’ll also address the real challenges institutions face when integrating tech into teacher prep programs—and offer insights from tech experts on overcoming them. Whether you're a teacher educator, policy maker, or future teacher, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you navigate and lead in the evolving educational landscape.

Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online:

https://www.suu.edu/ed/ 

Emily and Alisa share their expert insights on the role creativity plays in students' intellectual growth and provide practical strategies for encouraging critical and creative thinking through artistic engagement. They explore how arts-based activities can cater to diverse learning styles, bridge cultural gaps, and support students from varied backgrounds.

Through their rich experiences, they offer strategies that empower educators to create dynamic, creative spaces for students to thrive. Tune in as they discuss the challenges educators may face when cultivating a creative learning environment and share invaluable advice on overcoming these obstacles to ensure that every student has the opportunity to benefit from the arts.

Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply passionate about fostering creativity in education, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge to help you inspire and engage the next generation of thinkers and creators.

Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online:

https://www.suu.edu/ed/ 

Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online:

https://www.suu.edu/ed/ 

Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools in a teacher’s professional development. It allows experienced educators to share their knowledge, reflect on their practices, and empower their mentees to become skilled, confident, and reflective teachers themselves. However, effective mentorship goes beyond simply offering advice—it requires a thoughtful, intentional approach.

Best Practices for Mentoring Pre-Service Teachers:
Kellie and Katie share evidence-based strategies for building meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. These best practices range from creating structured mentorship frameworks to encouraging open, honest communication about goals, challenges, and successes. Their approach ensures that pre-service teachers not only feel supported but also gain the practical skills and confidence they need to thrive in their classrooms.

Insights from Experienced Mentors and New Student Teachers:
In this episode, we hear from both seasoned mentors and new student teachers, gaining insight into the mutual learning process that occurs in mentorship relationships. Experienced mentors will share their perspectives on what works best in guiding and shaping the professional journeys of new teachers. At the same time, student teachers will offer candid feedback on the types of support and guidance that have been most beneficial to their development.

Practical Advice for Creating Effective Learning Environments:
We explore how mentors can help pre-service teachers establish positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environments. Practical advice includes strategies for classroom management, fostering student engagement, and supporting diverse learning needs. Our guests also discuss how to adapt teaching methods for different grade levels and subjects while maintaining a strong emphasis on student well-being and academic achievement.

The Role of Mentors in Fostering Reflective Practice:
Mentors serve as guides in the reflective process, encouraging student teachers to analyze their own teaching practices, identify areas for growth, and develop action plans. We discuss how mentors can prompt reflective thinking through observation, feedback, and open dialogue—helping student teachers build self-awareness and the ability to adapt their practices over time.

The Importance of Feedback and Support:
Effective feedback is at the core of mentorship. Kellie and Katie emphasize how mentors can provide constructive, actionable feedback that empowers pre-service teachers to improve while maintaining a growth mindset. They also address the importance of ongoing support, whether through regular check-ins, co-teaching opportunities, or shared planning time.

This episode will provide both new and experienced educators with valuable strategies for becoming effective mentors. By applying these practices, mentors can create a nurturing, growth-oriented environment that ensures pre-service teachers not only gain the skills they need but feel supported throughout their journey into the profession.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about mentorship, teaching practices, and how high-quality guidance can transform the next generation of educators!

Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online:

https://www.suu.edu/ed/ 

Through compelling testimonials from school district leaders, we highlight the innovative teaching practices that SUU-trained teachers bring to the table, fostering inclusive, dynamic learning environments. From creative classroom strategies to community outreach initiatives, these educators are leading change and making a lasting difference.

Tune in to hear real-life examples of how SUU alumni are translating their training into actionable, community-driven solutions. Whether through partnership programs, mentorship opportunities, or leading school-wide initiatives, these educators are showing that the impact of great teaching extends far beyond the classroom.

Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online:

https://www.suu.edu/ed/ 

Hosts Laureen Graves and Tony Pellegrini are joined by seasoned mentor teachers Kate Swain and Madelyne Johnson, as they explore the profound impact mentorship has on pre-service teachers and the strategies that build strong, lasting connections.

Throughout the conversation, our guests reflect on their experiences mentoring new educators, sharing memorable stories that showcase both the challenges and rewards of guiding aspiring teachers through their journey. They discuss how trust and open communication are essential in fostering successful mentor-mentee relationships, offering practical tips for navigating difficult conversations and providing constructive feedback.

The episode also highlights the importance of adapting to the diverse needs of pre-service teachers, emphasizing how mentor teachers can support individuals from varying backgrounds and levels of experience. Our guests explore how mentorship can serve as a bridge to help new teachers feel confident and equipped as they step into their own classrooms.

Finally, Kate, Madelyne, Laureen, and Tony offer their visions for the future of teacher preparation programs, exploring the innovations and changes that could further strengthen the mentor-student connection and ensure new educators are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in their careers.

Tune in to hear these insightful conversations on the critical role of mentorship in education and the lasting impact it has on both teachers and their students.

Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online:

https://www.suu.edu/ed/