In this episode, we’re thrilled to feature a dynamic panel of innovative administrators from the AECT Mini Teacher Conference. Special thanks to Dr. Cecil Short for facilitating this enlightening conversation and inviting us to participate.

Together, Jake Potter (Leavenworth USD 453), Amanda Young (Wichita Public Schools), Jacob Hall (Past-President, AECT Teacher Education Division), and Dr. Cecil Short (Emporia State University) share how their districts are harnessing technology to enhance learning experiences and support teachers.

Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration from leaders who are reshaping the future of teaching and learning. Stay subscribed for our upcoming episode featuring teachers sharing their hands-on experiences with technology in the classroom!

“This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.” 

How We Teach This wishes you a relaxing and fun winter break. We will return on January 15, 2025. Cheers to a Happy New Year.

www.emporia.edu/hwtt

What do school counselors really do? Join Dr. Sarah Lendt and Dr. Susan Dodd, faculty in the school counseling program at Emporia State University, as they clarify the role of school counselors in K-12 education. This episode dives into the preparation counselors receive, the real-world experience they gain, and the differences between school counselors, social workers, and psychologists. 

Discover what responsibilities school counselors have—and don’t have—and explore the evidence supporting the impact of counseling programs on student outcomes.

“This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.” 

Join Carrie Boettcher, PhD., Assistant Professor, and Damara Paris, PhD., Professor, from Emporia State University as they explore the vital field of vocational rehabilitation counseling.

Vocational rehabilitation counseling focuses on helping individuals with disabilities overcome barriers to employment and achieve independence. These counselors wear many hats, providing advocacy, job training, assistive technology support, and career counseling while fostering collaboration with schools, families, and external organizations.

Listeners will gain a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of vocational rehabilitation counselors and how they support students transitioning from K-12 education to higher education or the workforce. The episode also addresses misconceptions about vocational rehabilitation, outlines key challenges students face, and shares actionable advice for teachers, parents, and advocates.

“This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.” 

This episode highlights the remarkable work of middle and high school students who went beyond traditional lectures to "do" history. Guided by their teacher, Terry Kaldhusdal, inductee into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, these young historians developed award-winning projects for National History Day. The students share their experiences conducting in-depth research, uncovering hidden stories, and even making global connections. From exploring the roots of media polarization to interviewing a former East German soldier about the Berlin Wall, each project showcases students' curiosity and dedication to understanding the past. This episode dives into their journeys, the challenges they faced, and the impact of learning history through hands-on investigation.

----------

“This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.” 

In this follow-up episode with Joel Truesdell, we continue our exploration of effective teaching by diving into the creation of student-centered classrooms. Truesdell shares practical strategies for fostering inclusivity, engagement, and confidence in students. We discuss specific classroom techniques, such as using inquiry-based activities and positive reinforcement, and the importance of cultivating a supportive classroom culture.

“This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.” 

In this episode, we speak with Joel Truesdell, a 2024 inductee into the National Teachers Hall of Fame and a retired Hawaiian culture-based chemistry teacher from Kamehameha Schools. Joel shares his unique approach to education, rooted in the teaching methods of his elders. We discuss the importance of culturally centered classrooms, understanding barriers to student success, and the key to creating student-centered learning environments. From interdisciplinary to transdisciplinary teaching, Joel’s reflections offer valuable insights for educators everywhere.

Find more information on our website, www.emporia.edut/hwtt.

“This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.” 

In this episode, we dive into the world of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and how it can transform student engagement and learning outcomes. Sara Hoffman, 2024 Kansas Master Teacher, shares her expertise in designing impactful PBL experiences, from crafting driving questions to aligning projects with standards using backward design. We discuss the importance of involving outside experts and creating public products that give students real-world connections and purpose. You’ll also hear practical examples of PBL across different grade levels and receive tips for incorporating this powerful teaching strategy into your classroom.

“This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.” 

🎉 Enter to Win an Exclusive SWAG Bag Full of Surprises! 🎉

As we celebrate the 10th season of the How We Teach This podcast, we're offering a special SWAG Bag to one lucky listener! To participate, complete the form on our website and share your feedback on our podcast. Your insights help us continue providing meaningful and valuable content to educators and leaders in the field.

For full giveaway details and entry rules, visit: www.emporia.edu/hwtt

Thank you for your support, and good luck!

In this episode, Sara Hoffman, a 2024 Kansas Master Teacher, shares insights into the fundamentals of Project-Based Learning (PBL), a dynamic teaching approach that promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Hoffman explains how PBL differs from traditional projects and highlights research demonstrating its impact on student achievement and engagement. She also contrasts the effectiveness of teaching with a 5-day repeatable lesson plan versus using authentic projects aligned with educational standards, offering a compelling case for why PBL enhances learning. 

“This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.”