Teach Wonder: Recent Episodes
The Center for Excellence in STEM Education
We know that powerful things are happening in education and that those powerful things often go unnoticed or are siloed (within a community). We’ve built a space to share those powerful things, where we aren’t constrained by distance and scheduling. We’ll combine our 35 years of K - 12 teaching experience with the unique perspectives of our guests to connect you to relevant ideas and experiences. Listen in to motivate your practice, challenge your current pedagogy, and expand your horizons with stories from educators near and far.
Today we are talking Agency with our friend Lara! We talk getting outside, the best ways we can show up for children, and how we teach students to learn about their own needs.
About Laura
Lara Lloyd The Forest School Lady and Owner of Park Hall Forest School
After living in Finland, Lara was a traditional Primary School teacher in strict Private schools who was always trying to find an excuse to flee the classroom and get outside. She now runs a year-round, fully outdoor early years setting where the emphasis is on guiding children to look after their needs, their friends and their environment and be the best humans they can be. Lara has a masters in family psychology and so also tries to integrate the whole family into the Forest School way of living. Lara offers training including an agency audit and online mentoring chats to troubleshoot issues in your setting on your path to independence and agency.
You can find Lara and her school at @theForestschoollady and @parkhallforestschool
Intro Music: David Biedenbender
Other Music: Noru Pixabay
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This is part two of our conversation. If you haven't yet listened to part one, you'll want to start there. In this episode, we discuss the concept of control in educational settings, drawing insights from our observations in Icelandic schools. We highlight how Icelandic schools foster autonomy and responsibility in children, allowing them to manage their own time and decisions, such as meal choices and transitions. We touch on the curriculum we learned about from our observations and conversations with teachers, and talk about the important takeaways for us an educators.
Intro Music: David Biedenbender
Other Music:
Music by Novifi from Pixabay
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On this episode of Teach Wonder, we focus on power and control through the context of our trip to Iceland. Listen to stories about the classrooms and patterns that we saw. Hear us talk about how we experienced control and agency in Iceland and how it has changed and challenged our thinking.
The majority of the music and sounds in our episode today are audio clips from our trip. The artist referenced is Jounsi from Sigur Rós. Clips are from schools in and around Reykjavík. Additional background song from Pixabay.
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In the second portion of our interview, we're deepening our conversation with Dr. Corey Drake. We discuss the role we play as educators, how peers and students impact each other, and how the environment and content play a part.
Intro Music: David Biedenbender
Other Music: by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay
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In this podcast episode, we discuss competence. We know that children are inherently capable, so we discuss our role in championing students as sense makers. We are joined by Dr. Corey Drake who has some powerful reminders about the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse ways children demonstrate understanding, rather than just focusing on what they can't do. Our conversation underscores the need for educators to shift their mindset to believe in all students' competence and provide multiple avenues for them to showcase their learning.
This is Part 1 of a 2 part episode.
Intro Music:
David Biedenbender
Other Music:
Hyunwoo Kim from Pixabay
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This week we are resharing episodes recorded last fall. Julie and I are heading to Iceland this week with Dr. Tracy Donahue. We thought that resharing these episodes was the perfect way for us to reintroduce Tracy and her work to you all. During a season that is all about agency- Tracy’s work considers this all through the lens of play. As an early childhood educator not early childhood education faculty member, we first partners with Tracy at this intersection of play and agency. If you're interested in what we're up to in Iceland, this would be the perfect week to follow us on social media. We'll be sharing updates in stories and posts.
About the episode: Our second episode with Tracy Donohue. In this episode, we further our discussion on play and it's integral role in development and it's place in schools. This is a continuation of our discussion from a previous episode- we recommend you start your listening journey there.
Intro Music: David Biedenbender
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So this semester we are focusing on agency. We’re interested in taking a deeper look at the foundational beliefs and ideas that shape our classrooms. One way that we are doing this offline in through a partnership with Dr. Tracy Donahue. You’ll more about her in a minute, as we reshare a conversation with had with her last fall. We’ve never repeated a podcast episode before, but this week felt like the right time as our grant work with Tracy has us researching what education is like outside of Michigan- specifically play. We’ll be traveling with Tracy next week to Iceland to explore several outdoor preschools, Reggio Emilia schools, forest schools, and fully inclusive schools and more. To say that we are excited is an understatement. We’ll take you along for our adventure, sharing updates on social media and longer reflections in upcoming episodes. So, while we’re packing, take a minute to introduce yourself to our colleague Tracy and learn more about why we think Play is foundational to agency and belongs in the classroom.
About the episode: Today we're talking with Dr. Tracy Donohue. Join our guest as they reflect on their professional experiences and how they have prepared them to work with teacher education students who are learning to teach through play. As you listen, we invite you to also reflect on the background you bring to education, how you value play and what you would be willing to investigate to challenge yourself in these areas.
Introduction Music: David Biedenbender
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The podcast discusses the importance of agency in education and how the physical environment, routines, and intentional choices can encourage or discourage student agency. We share examples from our experiences in the makerspace, our classrooms, and other informal settings.
We highlight the importance of carefully designing the learning environment, both physically and procedurally, to empower students and foster their sense of ownership and independence.
Intro Music: David Biedenbender
Other Music: Vitaly Vakulenko from Pixabay
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We're back for another seasion of Teach Wonder, and we are exploring the concept of "agency" in education - the idea of giving students more choice, control, and ownership over their learning. We discuss how agency is often talked about in education, but can be challenging to implement effectively We share examples from their own experiences, like in a makerspace setting, where they had to rethink how they structured activities to promote agency. Overall, our discussion focuses on the nuances and complexities of fostering true student agency, beyond just giving choices, and the hosts aim to have an in-depth exploration of the topic over the course of this seasion.
Links
Maker-Centered Learning
Intro Music: David Biedenbender
Other Music: Olexy from Pixabay
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In this episode of our series, Form Theory to Practice, we delve into the invaluable role of community in the teaching profession, featuring Sarah Lapp, a passionate math teacher and alumna of CMU. Whether you're a new teacher navigating the early stages of your career or a seasoned veteran seeking fresh inspiration, Sarah shares insightful perspectives on how community support shapes the teaching journey.
Join us as we explore the dynamic interplay between theory and practice in education, highlighting the transformative impact of fostering connections within the teaching community.
Intro Music:
David Biedenbender
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In this episode of "From Theory to Practice," we talk with Maddie Birgin. As a former STEM Education scholar and current math teacher, Maddie brings a unique perspective to teaching and getting involved with the school community.
Throughout our conversation, Maddie shared insights into the challenges of managing large groups of students with varying expectations. She discussed strategies for engaging reluctant math students, highlighting the importance of creativity and adaptability in teaching methodologies.
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was Maddie's passion for staying involved in her school community. Despite the inevitable obstacles faced by educators, Maddie's commitment to making a difference in the lives of her students shines through. She emphasized the importance of building relationships and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Links
Summer Teacher Professional Development
Intro Music: David Biedenbender
Other Music: Pixabay
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In our series, "From Theory to Practice," we're thrilled to reconnect with some of our CMU Alumni, who we got to know through out STEM Education Scholar Program. Today, we shine the spotlight on Sara Fitzpatrick, a former math teacher and current school counselor.
Links:
From Theory to Practice: Bailey Birman (STEM Education Scholars Series 1)
From Theory to Practice: Ryan Stevens (STEM Education Scholar Series 2)
Intro Music: David Biedenbender
Music by Artem Hramushkin from Pixabay
Music by Jeremiah Alves from Pixabay
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In our series, "From Theory to Practice," we're thrilled to reconnect with some of our CMU Alumni, who we got to know through out STEM Education Scholar Program. Today, we shine the spotlight on Ryan Stevens a middle school math and STEM teacher.
Join us as we delve into Ryan's journey from student to teacher, exploring the invaluable lessons learned and the profound impact of his CMU experience on his teaching philosophy and practices.
Ryan's Links
Mavin
Edison Robots
Our Links:
Teacher Professional Development
Intro Music:
David Biedenbender
Other Music:
Music by 민관 박 from Pixabay
Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay
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We caught up with some of our CMU Alumni, the students who we got to know well as STEM Education Scholars. Bailey Birman is teaches math at an alternative high school in Michigan. She shares the ways in which she felt prepared to teach and what has been a learning curve. Her thoughts on keeping a healthy boundary between her classroom and her life as well why she is excited to stay in such a challenging profession are worth the listen.
Intro Music: David Biedenbender
Other Music: Pixabay
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We wrap up our assessment series by talking with Nicole Hagle. Nicole shares her strategies for looking at proficiencies instead of points. We talk about what happens when students do not understand the grading system and what we can do to help.
Other Episodes on Assessment:
Healthy Grading Practices: Perspectives from a Secondary Teacher
Assessment in Elementary
Assessing Multiple Grades and Skills
Transcript
Intro Music:
David Biedenbender
Other Music:
Pixabay
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We're continuing our conversation on assessment with multi-age teacher, Tammy Clingenpeel. We talk about making "just in time" accommodations, how to differentiate assessment within a fixed curriciulum, and how Tammy's teaching has changed over time. This episode is a thoughtful reflection from a thoughtful teacher. We know you'll love it.
Intro Music: David Biedenbender
Other Music: Pixabay
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We're back and talking assessment with elementary teacher Bryant Greiner. We talk assessment strategies for math and reading and the skills we build in elementary. Bryant's warm and enthusiasm for learning about his students skills and personalities is a great reminder of how building relationships with students must be factored into every aspect of teaching and learning. Tune in to hear tips and ideas that would work for any grade level!
Intro Music:
David Biedenbender
Other Music:
Pixabey
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We hope you enjoy our interview with June Teisan. She's a long-time educator and a life-long learner. We discuss the 3Ps of project, place, and problem based learning.
Links
NCWIT
InnovatED 313
Music:Intro Music: David Biedenbender
Other Music: Oleksandr Savochka, Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay
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How do we communicate student growth? Is that the same as work ethic? The same as effort? Our conversation with teacher Aric Foster gets us thinking about what makes a healthy grading practice.
Our Email: cese@cmich.edu
Intro Music:
David Biedenbender
Other Music:
Pixabay
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We spoke with Lizzie Dilg, director of the Discovery Museum in Mt. Pleasant Michigan. We discussed how museums are designed to foster learning and how we can learn from the way informal educators approach children.
Museum Links:
Discovery Museum on Facebook
Discovery Museum Website
Discovery Museum on Instagram
STEM Passport
Music Intro:
David Biedenbender
Other sounds: Pixabay
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Julie and Ashley are back for another season of Teach Wonder. Listen as we talk about what teaching lessons we've learned this summer and some fun takes on our adventures in reading.
Links:
Unearthing Joy
The Wager
Ascendant
Intro Music:
David Biedenbender
Other Music:
Pixabay
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Facebook: cmich_cese
In this seasons finale, we took a different approach. You're going to hear an episode that's part reflection, part conversation and part remix. We took clips from two influential interviews to our staff and listened to them in a new light. There is no bad time to reflect on what teaching means to you, but the end of the year feels like a particularly relevant time for us. You can listen to the original episodes at the link below.
Interview with Dr. Corey Drake
Interview with Dr. Paula Lancaster
Links
Core Teaching Practices: Michigan
Teaching Works
Intro Music:David Biedenbender
Other Music:
LesFm
XtremeFreddy from Pixabay
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We are absolutely thrilled to have with us this week Laura Trombley and Becky Rousseau, two incredible teachers who have been trying some new things in their classroom. We'll be chatting about how partnerships and collaboration can nurture a more dynamic learning environment, the power of project-based learning, what kind of data can actually tell us how our students are learning, and so much more! So, who's ready for a great conversation?
Opening Music:
David Biedenbender
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In a slight deviation from our regular content, we're sharing the final products from two student clubs in Alma and Ithaca. Students created a set of audio dramas for their peers and for us. Join us as we celebrate the creativity and collaboration of these two groups of students.
Music and Effects: Pixabay
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Our second episode with Tracy Donohue. In this episode, we further our discussion on play and it's integral role in development and it's place in schools. This is a continuation of our discussion from a previous episode- we recommend you start your listening journey there.
Listen to Episode 1now
Introduction Music: David Biedenbender
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Today we're talking with Dr. Tracy Donohue. Join our guest as they reflect on their professional experiences and how they have prepared them to work with teacher education students who are learning to teach through play. As you listen, we invite you to also reflect on the background you bring to education, how you value play and what you would be willing to investigate to challenge yourself in these areas.
Introduction Music: David Biedenbender
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Role playing games and story? Yes. Role playing games and fantasy? Obviously. But role playing games and STEM? Find out why we say- absolutely!
Our interview with Mike Reuter focuses role playing games and their possibilities with students. Owner of Raconteurs of the High Road, Mike draws on his experience leading middle & high school and adult groups in popular role playing campaigns. We talk about the skills and surprises that come with engaging in this activity with students. Whether you're unsure of what we mean when we say rpgs or you're regularly throwing for perception checks, this episode will interest and surprise you. Mike helped us make this episode extra creative in a way that will draw you into the realms and worlds that have so many coming individuals joining Mike in front of his maps each week.
Music: SergeQuadrado from Pixabay
Ashot-Danielyan-Composer from Pixabay
Lexin_Music from Pixabay
Additional Sound Effects: Pixabay
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We talked with Instructrional Coach Megan Nix. This conversation includes insights into project-based learning, how we think about students and their voice and choice, and the experiences that change us as teachers. Megan's answers are full of reflection and insight; they are an expression of how much she values students and giving them meaningful and authentic learning experiences.
Links:
John Spencer
Intro Music: David Biedenbeder
Other Music: SergeQuadrado
We interviewed 906 Adventure Team's Todd Poquette. This conversation began with a discussion about the goals and structure of this youth biking team. Mountain bikers will appreciate Todd's focus and love of this activity. Educators and parents, you will want to hear how this growing nonprofit is rethinking the way we think about grit and resilience.
Links:
906 Adventure Team
Sound Effects found on Pixabay
This week on Teach Wonder, we are bringing you an interview with Dawn Kahler. A middle school teacher from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Dawn brings a level head and thoughtful presence to teaching in 2022. This conversation spans student relationships, administration, and how to take care of yourself.
Links:
Kagan: It's All About Engagement
For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood... and the Rest of Y'all Too: Reality Pedagogy and Urban Education by Christopher Emdin
Intro Music by: David Biedenbender
This episode revisits a familiar topic in a new way. We're taking a look at the new program at Central Michigan University that is allowing students to integrate their learning in a collaborative environment. This episode shares the perspectives of faculty and students. We talk about the tips and ideas that were part of the instrumental workshop series that preceding work with students. As we close out the 2022 semester, this episode touches on all of the topics we've explored this semester. Change in education, how we teach, and what it means to belong.
Links:STEM Jobs See Uneven ProgressSTEM Labor Force TodayInSciTE Intro Music:
David Biedenbender
Other Music
Coma Studio
LesFm
Tuesday Night
Lite Saturation
Olexy
Daddy S Music
Christie Folsom works at the Chippewa River District Library. Whether you are a regular in the library or are not sure what street you'd drive down to find yours, this episode is for you. Our conversation spans early literacy and the role of libraries in the community. We end our interview with our favorite reads of 2022. We guarantee this interview will is one you'll enjoy.
Links:Chippewa River District Library
Book Eaters
Fairy Tale
Now What
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse
A World of Curiosities
Cloud Cuckoo Land
Intro Music by:
David Biedenbender
Other Music and Sounds:
Coma-Media
Music for Video
Lexin
Pixabay
Nullhertz
Audio Coffee
In its simplest form, today's interview focuses on the program Connections that Count. It partners Central Michigan University undergrads with people with disabilities. More realistically, this podcast episode is about building a community that is based on respect and care; one that brings out the best in others and holds members accountable. Building communities like that take time and work. Dr. Holly Hoffman shares details about this program and tells us why it's important to foster that sense of community.
Links:
Connections that Count
Music: David Biedenbender
Our interview with Pete O’Neil focuses on building relationships with students as a launching point for learning. He shares how he his thinking about teaching has changed overtime and what ideas and experiences he has learned from in his 23 years as a teacher. Pete’s honest approach to difficult questions makes this interview one that we can all learn from.
Intro Music by David Biedenbender
Other Music:
Daddy_S_Music
Backstag147
Meditation Hypnosis
Samuel Francis Johnson
Nature’s Eye
Ordinary Day
This episode is a conversation with faculty Wiline Pangle, PhD. She is leading a new certificate that is a combined effort of many and speaks to a movement in education that we are more than a little interested in. This certificate gives students an opportunity to integrate their skills and apply them in a way that is authentic. We discuss the difference between student driven and student centered learning. We hear about the logistics involved and the dreams for this certificate. And we are inspired by the way in which this program looks to capture a student's capacity to grow and help them maximize the skills that aren't easily assessed by siloed systems.
Music:
David Biedenbender
Ever wondered what a year in the life of another teacher looks like? Ever wonder what a year of doing project-based, interdisciplinary learning in a makerspace looks like? Trey Smith is a K - 8 digital literacy teacher in Philadelphia. He is sharing details on his units, approach to educational design, and reflections on where to go next. You'll leave this episode with a better understanding of how content can be connected and integrated into a cohesive unit. Join us for a reflective and practice-packed conversation.
Links:
Wildcat Workshop at Chester Arthur School
Philadelphia Writing Project
National Writing Project
Next Generation Science Storylines
Exploratorium Activities
PhET Interactive Simulations
StoryMap JS
Teaching with the Library of Congress Blog Post with Political Cartoon about Water Quality
Supporting Civically Engaged Argument Writing with Primary Sources: Monuments, Memorials, and Memory
Code.org
Micro:bits and MakeCode
Trey’s Personal Website
Other Makerspace and STEM Educator Episodes:
Defining STEM Education
The Experience Doesn't End in the Makerspace
Empowerment is the Why in Education
Intro Music :David Biedenbender
Other Music:
Brenton Davis- Lofi in the bank
Monday Hopes- walk on funky street
LesFm- LoFi Night Dreaming
Mandiran New Circles
We are bringing our former teacher friend and new colleague Kim June back on our podcast. We asked Kim to think about a change she's made to her practice and how she is bringing that into the fall. We were not prepared for her answer- so much so, that we brought her back for a second interview for this episode. Part I will be an interview with Julie and Part II is with Ashley. You won't want to miss Kim's reflection on her 30+ year teaching career and what she would do if she was back in the classroom right now.
Links:
Kim's First Episode
Music:
Intro and Outro by David Biedenbender
Other Music:
Selections by Schubert
Daylight Emotional by SunnyFruit
Welcome to Season 3! We're launching this season with Amanda Cornwell. A colleague at the makerspace, Amanda runs field trips, student programming, and brings a huge amount of creativity, innovation, and joy to the makerspace. We asked her about how she's changed as an educator and how she's bringing that into fall.
Music By: David Biedenbender
Links: Heather Lanier
Welcome back to Season 3 of Teach Wonder. Tune in to hear some what is coming this season and find out how you can be involved.
Email us: cese@cmich.edu
Music: David Biedenbender
We're ending this season with a mix of interviews from a different point of view. Julie spoke with three students at Central Michigan University who are studying to be teachers. Listen to how they're preparing, how they've grown, and what they think about building relationships with students.
Intro Music:
David Biedenbender
Sarah Szuminski brings a unique blend of experience as a teacher and as a parent to this important conversation about childhood, special education, and what we want for our kids. Sarah has her master's degree in early childhood special education. She has worked in professional settings with children, teachers, parents, and therapists. As a parent, she has done the same. Parents, teachers, and adults will learn from Sarah's expertise and passion.
Sarah's Links:
Simplifying Play
Lisa Murphy On Play
Wrightslaw
Additional Links:
Disability Visibility
In a slight change from our usual episodes, we're bringing you a trio of audio dramas. Written, directed, and performed by a middle school group that met after school in the makerspace, we know you'll be impressed with their creativity and enthusiasm. Thanks to CMU Faculty Will Anderson for partnering in this project, Serafine Hinz for recording and post production, and to our actors writers and directors: Oliva, Theo, Constantine, Claire, and Mark!
Additional Music by:
MondayHopes
HumanoideVFX
LiteSaturation
This week on Teach Wonder, we are bringing you an interview with Dawn Kahler. A middle school teacher from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Dawn brings a level head and thoughtful presence to teaching in 2022. This conversation spans student relationships, administration, and how to take care of yourself.
Links:
Kagan: It's All About Engagement
For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood... and the Rest of Y'all Too: Reality Pedagogy and Urban Education by Christopher Emdin
Intro Music by: David Biedenbender
Other Music:
In today’s episode. We’re considering what STEM means from different perspectives. You'll hear interviews with Claire Bunker, MiSTEM Network Director, East Central Michigan Region, and Amy Hindbaugh-Marr, STEAM Teacher in Ithaca, Michigan. These two interviews share stories, experiences, and practice advise that will help you think about STEM in your community.
Links:MiSTEM Pipeline and BackgroundCode.org- MichiganOzobotsChief Science Officers (CSO)
Intro Music by: David Biedenbender
Other Music:
Zen_Man
MuzaproductionMondayHopes
REDproductions
ZakharValaha
WinkingFoxMusic
Lesfm
NaturesEye
Brandis Ansley is a faculty member at Central Michigan University in the special education department. Prior to getting her PhD, Brandis worked in the mental health field and as a special education teacher. This podcast explores the ways in which stress affects, students, teachers, and the education system.
Links:
Schools Across the Country are Struggling to Find Staff. Here's Why
How do we define competence inside the classroom? What are some of the nuanced differences between special and general education? How does specific language help teachers communicate more clearly? Our conversation with Dr. Paula Lancaster, Dean of the College of Education and Human Services at CMU engages with these questions and more. Dean Lancaster draws on her experience as a special education teacher, faculty member, and Dean to bring so much depth to these timely topics.
LinksTeaching Works
High Leverage Practices in Special Education
Introduction Music by: David Biedenbender
Other music from Pixabay:
madirfan
ZakharValaha
Coma-Media
Lesfm
Join us in conversation with Hedi Baxter Lauffer. We catch up and learn how plants, science education and having teachers think of themselves as learners all play a part in Hedi’s professional background. You don’t want to miss a chance to hear from the Director of Teaching and Learning with the Wisconsin Fast Plants Program.
Links:
FastPlants.org
BSCS Science Curriculum
Wisconsin Fast Plants Link
SIMPL Model
Ambitious Science Primer
1:1 Techology, 1:1 Plants
Music: RomanBelov from Pixabay
In this companion episode, we're returning to Mr. G and Mrs. Peach's classroom. This time, Julie joins the conversation to look at the ways in which Mr. G elicits student thinking. As a former secondary teacher, Julie has some fresh perspectives to share as she watches and elementary math lesson. This episode includes discussions on differentiation, Core Teaching Practices, engagement, and teacher decision making.
Links:
Companion Episode: Season 2, Episode 1
Core Teaching Practices
Intro Music by: David Biedenbender
Other Music found on Pixabay by:
madirfin
Coma-media
EvgenyBardyzha
In Season 2, we're looking to share the voices of teachers and reflection on the work that they're doing. In this episode, we visit Mrs. Peach's classroom. As she teaches her her small group math lessons, we'll see what we can learn from her decisions and thought process. No matter your grade, experience level, or content area- this episode has something for you.
Links:
Core Teaching Practices Episode
Core Teaching Practices
Music By:
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
Madirfan LesFm
Coma-Media
Tuesday Night
LesFm
Our season closes with a conversation with Rick Joseph. Rick is a National Board Certified Teacher and has taught 5th and 6th grade at Covington School in suburban Detroit since 2003. He previously served as a bilingual educator (Spanish) and trainer for nine years in the Chicago Public Schools. Rick is the 2016 Michigan Teacher of the Year. In our conversation we touch on literacy, STEM, equity, and more.
Links:
Food Deserts
USDA Data on Food Deserts
Share Table Programs
Benefits of Audiobooks for All Learners
Episode with Gary Abud Jr.
Email Us:
biede1aj@cmich.edu
Session 2 is coming! Listen in to hear what's coming. This season we're featuring a mix of interviews and audio captured from schools, workshops, and more!
We're focusing on Core Teaching Practices that focus on building respectful relationships, working in small groups, and making content explicit for students. Tune in to learn, celebrate, and grow with and from the teachers around you.
Music by:
ItsWatR from Pixabay
Lori Flippin is the STEM Initiative Leader for the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance. In this episode, we talk about work it takes to make change and build infrastructure for programs in schools. The hard work that teachers do is supported by businesses, partners, and leaders. Lori is one of those leaders sharing the importance of partnering in education, how soft skills and business needs should be a part of the education conversation, and what it takes to support schools. Whether you are from our region or not, this conversation is a fascinating perspective on how school translates to community and the workforce.
Links:
STEM Ecosystem
Out of School Time Network
STEM Calendar
The STEM Initiative
MiCareerQuest
Chief Science Officers- CMU
Chief Science Officers- SVSU
Contact Lori
Music by: David Biedenbender
Our Website: cmich.edu/stemed
As a Michigan Teacher of the Year, a life-long educator, and executive coach to individuals of all ages, Gary Abud Jr. is uniquely positioned to see how some of the challenges occurring in K - 12 translate beyond the classroom. Join us for a talk that may challenge your assumptions about teaching and invigorate you to question some of your practices. This conversation is a great one to share with individuals who can make changes within the classroom and with the larger system.
Links:
- ScienceWithScarlett.com
- GreatLakesNow.org/Education
- InventingTomorrowMovie.com
- MTOYnetwork.org
- 5 Practices (book) - Math
- 5 Practices (book) - Science
- SagaEducators.org
- Twitter.com/mr_abud
- a blog post on homework
- Making Thinking Visible workshop presentation (video)
- MTOY STEM Resources
- Schools Ditch the Grades
Music by: David Biedenbender
Can we capture the conversations and experiences of an in-person workshop and bring it to our listeners? That's the challenge we gave ourselves this summer. This episode is one of a series we'll be bringing you. We've threaded audio from conversations with teachers together with interviews from the team leading this project and finally project reflections. Listen to the this episode to learn more about Core Teaching Practices, what it means to build respectful classroom relationships, and the concrete steps individuals are taking to grow their own practice.
Links:
High Leverage Practices: Teaching Works
Building Respectful Relationships
Core Teaching Practices
Music clips:
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Music by Zen_Man from Pixabay
Music by Jacob_Field from Pixabay
Music by sscheidl from Pixabay
Music by BlenderTimer from Pixabay
Teacher Wonder Theme Music:
David Biedenbender
This episode focuses on how stepping off the stage to learn alongside our students can be equal parts rewarding and scary. In our interview with Dr. Troy Hicks, he shares some of the thinking that goes into this style of teaching- workshopping writing, teacher as coach, teaching online. We dig into the challenges and successes that Troy's worked through and worked on over his teaching career. Ashley discusses her perspective as a former student in Troy's classes, and they compare notes to see if her experiences matched the goals he'd set for his course.
Links:
Chippewa River Writing Project
National Writing Project
Primary Sources Program
Dr. Corey Drakes' Episode
In this Bonus Episode, we talked about the ways that COVID changed teaching. The challenges of teaching during this time are not to be minimized; nor are the challenges families and individuals have faced. In this episode, however, we focus on the changes that Eric thinks will stay in his own work and the teachers he works with. Eric shares some specific experiences that have benefited his learners, and he discussions the examination into personal practice that this past and current season is requiring.
Links:
Makey Makey
Edison Robots
Rocky Mountain Education Design
Center for Excellence in STEM Education
Eric Carpenter is back to talk more about what a makerspace model could look like in a school. He shares some ways to think about activity planning and talked about how STEM and makerspace learning should start in a school. This episode is a deep dive, filled with specific examples and ideas for anyone who is on a makerspace journey in education.
Links:
Makey Makey
Edison Robots
Rocky Mountain Education Design
Center for Excellence in STEM Education
Ashley talks with Eric Carpenter, the Executive Director and Chief Education Designer at Rocky Mountain Education Design. The first in a three-part series, this episode focuses on Eric's entry into education. He shares how he started working with the makerspace model with K - 12 students. Eric discusses the importance of collaboration and brings some practical advice on how makespaces facilitate that process. He also discusses how he handles failure with students.
Links:
Makey Makey
Edison Robots
Rocky Mountain Education Design
Center for Excellence in STEM Education
We met with Doug Oppliger, instructer at MTU and member of the MiSTAR team. We talked with Doug about how writing middle school curriculum transformed his thinking about content and his own teaching. We learn more about the reasons behind this curriculum and the work that went into creating it. Doug brings specific examples of how science and engineering content are interrelated and talks about what it's like to really dig deep into content with middle school and engineering students.
Links:
MiSTAR
Michigan Tech University
NGSS
Michigan Science Standards
Show Music by: David Biedenbender
We connected with Rich Van Tol, a dynamic leader at Bay Arenac ISD. Rich shares what STEM means to him, and how out-of-school educators are working together to support children in the region. Listen in to hear Rich talk about the importance of focusing on equity and one exciting new project that has come from those conversations.
Out of School Time
STEM Activities Calendar
STEM Passport
Center for Excellence in STEM Education
Jenn Kirts is the Director of Programs and Chippewa Nature Center. Jenn shares her passion for Place-Based Learning and gives practical tips on how to get started! She walks us through the "why" and "how" of getting kids connected outdoors. She also discusses the value of getting children invested in their community and the power of seeing and interacting with local nature.
Chippewa Nature Center
DNR and Education
MAEOE
Chippewa Nature Center on Facebook
Listen to this interview with Kim June - fourth grade teacher. She shares valuable insights into how she's gotten her room to be a place of learning and curiosity for everyone. She brings humor and respect into every interaction. Kim's sees possibilities everywhere and her stories and advice are relevant for anyone who calls themselves an educator.
We interview Dr. Corey Drake, professor in Education at Michigan State University. She shares some powerful perspectives on children as sense makers ,and what she views as the biggest responsibility for teacher educators. Listen to hear how she ties Core Teaching Practices into the essential work of addressing student inequities.
Links:
Michigan Teacher Education Network
Original Music by: David Biedenbender
Welcome to Teacher Wonder- before we ask our guests questions about their own passions, practices, and pedagogy, we thought we'd ask them of each other. Hear about how teaching has changes over time, what we are most passionate about currently in education, and what else we are listening to to stay inspired and connected. Thanks for joining us!
- Julie and Ashley
Episode Links:
Core Teaching Practices in Michigan
Our Homepage
Original Music by: David Biedenbender
Listen to a sneak peak of what's coming soon from the Center for Excellence in STEM Education.