Teaching today is rewarding, challenging, and constantly evolving.

In this episode, Salli Carter is joined by Dr. Rebecca VanMeter, Associate Professor of Marketing at Ball State University.

This honest and energizing conversation explores what it means to teach with high standards, care deeply about students, and stay authentic in a constantly changing higher education landscape.

Rebecca reflects on:

- How growth comes from struggle,

- Why some students may resist you in the moment but thank you years later,

- How learning to trust your own teaching style is essential for longevity in this profession.

- How thoughtful integration of AI can help you be more efficient as an educator.

Together, they explore generational shifts in today’s students, flipped classrooms, using podcasts as learning tools, and the emotional pressure educators face to please everyone.

The conversation also dives into thoughtful AI use in education and how educators can integrate AI to support feedback, clarity, and efficiency without replacing the human element of teaching.

Chapters:

00:00 — Introduction

02:58 — Rebecca’s Journey Into Teaching

09:56 — Student Growth Moments That Fuel the Passion

11:12 — “This Profession Is a Mindf***”: Pressure, Criticism, and Reality

16:30 — Using Podcasts as a Teaching & Learning Tool

19:00 — AI in the Classroom: What’s Actually Effective

27:00 — Practical Use Cases for AI as an Educator

29:00 — Rebecca’s Advice: Be Softer (With Yourself & Your Students)

32:20 — Beneficence, Care, and the Passion Students Bring

39:00 — Helping Students Align Their Values With Their Work