In this episode, Jordan speaks with Megan and Kara from IntegratED about how frustration in their own classrooms sparked a powerful shift in teaching practice. They share their journey of reimagining instruction through “Integrated Pathways”—seven dynamic methods that empower both educators and students. From hands-on learning to storytelling and visual arts, they outline a framework that helps teachers engage every learner, without adding more to their plates. Whether you’re a new teacher or a veteran, you’ll leave this episode with strategies to spark student growth and your own professional joy.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Integrated teaching is about more than combining content—it’s about connecting with students in meaningful, lasting ways.

✔️ Student engagement must be prioritized over mere compliance or memorization.

✔️ All learners deserve multiple, accessible pathways to understanding, no matter their age or ability.

✔️ Instructional experiences don’t need to be elaborate to be impactful—simple strategies can spark transformation.

✔️ Real-time classroom feedback and purposeful planning fuel lasting growth for both students and educators.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “Activities are transactional. Experiences are transformational.” – Steve Spangler
🗣️ “The definition of experience includes the word knowledge—so why wouldn’t we use them in education?” – Kara Rigsby
🗣️ “We weren’t ready to walk away… so we asked, What if we just taught differently?” – Megan Diede

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

• Integrated Frameworks: How to combine existing standards across subjects into a unified, purposeful experience.
• Pathways to Learning: Techniques to deliver content using multiple modes:
  • Movement
  • Music
  • Storytelling
  • Visual Arts
  • Hands-On Learning
  • Technology
  • Auditory Learning
• Assessment Reinvented: How to use creative student outputs as authentic assessments.
• Small Shifts, Big Results: Implementing “mini-experiences” like student-led storytelling or simple measurement activities to increase engagement.

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices:

• Reflect after each lesson: How did students access the information today?
• Start small: Use visual aids, manipulatives, or peer teaching as entry points into integrated learning.
• Engage with your students’ strengths: Let them show what they know through art, movement, or story.
• Use pathways as differentiation tools—not all students need the same access route to learning.

📚 Resources & Links:

• Website: https://www.integratedk12.com/
• Follow on Social Media:
  • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/integratedk12/
• Book coming soon! ElevatED Educator:
  • https://www.integratedk12.com/elevated-educator
  • https://www.youthlight.com/browse.php?p=ElevatED+Educator
    
    

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