How can primary sources transform the way students learn about history? In this episode of Teaching Through Inquiry, Michelle LeBlanc shares how educators can use photographs, letters, maps, manuscripts, and other historical artifacts to spark curiosity, deepen analysis, and strengthen historical thinking. The conversation explores practical strategies for integrating primary sources into inquiry-based instruction while helping students investigate evidence, ask meaningful questions, and construct their own interpretations of the past. Whether you're new to teaching with primary sources or looking to deepen your instructional practice, this episode provides inspiration and actionable ideas for bringing history to life.

How can we make history and social studies meaningful for today’s learners? In this episode of Teaching Through Inquiry, we explore how learning extends beyond the classroom through authentic experiences, community partnerships, and contemporary connections that bring history to life. Through conversations with David Olson and Tabora Johnson, discover how educators can engage students with museums, cultural institutions, local communities, and real-world experiences that deepen historical understanding, strengthen inquiry, and help students connect the past to the present. Whether you’re teaching history, social studies, or other disciplines, this episode offers inspiring ideas for creating relevant, engaging, and authentic learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom walls.

What does it take to build a school where inquiry becomes part of the culture rather than just another instructional strategy? In this episode of Teaching Through Inquiry, educational leaders Val Carleo, Desiree Robin, and John Lucas share their perspectives on creating school environments that foster curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful learning. Through reflections on leadership, instructional vision, and organizational change, they discuss how leaders can empower educators, support innovation, and cultivate a culture where inquiry thrives. Whether you are a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this conversation offers practical insights for leading lasting change and building schools where questions inspire deeper learning.

Dr. Dawn Chitty joins Dr. Salika Lawrence to discuss how educators can navigate “hard history” with confidence by grounding instruction in primary sources and naming persistent historical myths. The conversation explores how to use inquiry as an open-ended stance to support respectful, fact-based dialogue and spark student curiosity through storytelling and multiple interpretive lenses.

How does inquiry come alive in humanities classrooms? This week, Diana Laufenberg and Tiffany Jefferson-Labissiere join us to explore how inquiry-based learning strengthens student writing, reading, and critical thinking. They share how to give students more ownership through real-world tasks, authentic questioning, and thoughtful scaffolds -- all while navigating the modern challenges of ELA and social studies teaching.

How do educators help students look closely, question deeply, and compare ideas across subjects? This week, Trey Smith and Dr. Chiyedza Small join us to talk about inquiry-based STEM teaching strategies that can work for any teacher. Together, they explore what it means to design classrooms where curiosity and scientific inquiry intersect – from robotics and physics to undergraduate research and teacher preparation. 

How do educators navigate the balance between structure and curiosity? Lauren Tecosky joins us to discuss sustainability, community engagement, and inquiry-driven connections. 

Lauren Tecosky is an educator and curriculum designer focused on sustainability, agriculture, and social, environmental, and food justice. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of School Partnerships for Urban Advantage at the American Museum of Natural History and has developed professional learning programs that center place-based education, scientific practice, and community connection.

How can you get a classroom onboard with new content or an unfamiliar subject? On this episode, Melissa Stanley and Ben Dumbauld join Dr. Salika Lawrence to discuss "failing forward" when teaching and building curriculum.   Dr. Stanley is the Director of Secondary Social Studies Education at Central Michigan University, where her research focuses on representation of marginalized histories, inquiry in social studies classrooms, and innovative teacher education. Dr. Dumbauld is a percussionist, ethnomusicologist, educator, and Director of Content at the nonprofit TeachRock, which creates music- and inquiry-based curriculum that supports teachers and students.

Inquiry can start with something as simple as an apple. Today on Teaching Through Inquiry, Dr. Lawrence is joined by Dr. Andrea Kolb and Dr. Marisa Castronova. Andrea is the Senior Vice President and Chief Education Officer at Pennon Education, with over 15 years of experience as a bilingual educator, coach, and teacher educator. Her work focuses on supporting multilingual learners and culturally responsive teaching, with contributions spanning classrooms in the U.S. and abroad. Marisa is an educator, instructional coach, adjunct professor, and educational consultant with a Ph.D. in educational leadership. With a background in both biology and education, she brings deep expertise in supporting teachers and students while also connecting her work as an author to her passion for helping children learn and grow.

Today on Teaching Through Inquiry, Dr. Lawrence sits down with Jacqueline Katz and Marie Donnantuono. Jacqueline is a science educator, President-Elect of the NJSTA, and passionate about helping teachers bring inquiry to life in their classrooms. Marie is a pre-K–8th Library Media Specialist whose career spans classroom teaching and teacher education, bringing nearly 40 years of experience supporting both students and fellow educators.