Authentic Educators

David Brown and Cody Crooke
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A podcast for teachers, by teachers, about best lessons, favorite classroom moments, and strategies you can use today. Email us at Authenticedpod@gmail.com if you have an idea to share! Find us on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthenticEducators Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authentic-educators/id1815115555 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TRIsn6QxZlFHGaJLaqYSA?si=8c7f29cf5ef1442f

  1. JAN 27

    31: Using Multidimensional Learning for Student Growth

    In this episode, Cody shares how he opened the door for students to show their learning in meaningful, multidimensional ways. By encouraging students to make connections, create drawings tied to course content and key terms, and apply their learning in real time, Cody highlights practical strategies teachers can use today. Grounded in the ideas from Dr. Jo Boaler’s Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead, and Live Without Barriers, this conversation explores how expanding what learning “looks like” can unlock deeper understanding and student growth.

    20 min

  2. JAN 13

    30: Project-Based STEM Opportunities w/ Dr. Ben Finio

    All it takes is one pivotal moment in a student’s life to inspire a lifetime of learning or a future vocation.   In this episode of Authentic Educators, our guest is Dr. Ben Finio, the Lead Staff Scientist for Science Buddies, a nonprofit that designs STEM exercises for students K-12.  Our conversation focuses on an incredible project he works on which challenges students to design various structures using basic building blocks.  This year’s challenge is a Ball Run; prior years’ challenges include a Rocket Catcher and Rubber Band Car challenge. In the episode, Dr. Finio fondly recalls a moment in his education when he got to build a structure out of toothpicks.  This key moment in his educational journey helped inspire his pursuit of engineering in college.   The engineering challenge doesn’t take a ton of class time and is suitable for K-12 educators.

    21 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    29: Seeing People Fully through Service-Learning w/ Rory Pruess

    What happens when service-learning stops being an “extra” and becomes the classroom? In this episode of Authentic Educators, we’re joined by Rory Pruess, an educator whose work bridges urban and suburban schools through long-term, student-driven service partnerships.  Much of our conversation centers on Broad Street Love in Philadelphia (formerly Broad Street Ministry), a radical hospitality organization serving thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. From mail services for people without addresses, to a clothing boutique, veteran support, art therapy, and personal hygiene kits, Broad Street Love models what it means to see people fully—and invites students into that work with dignity and purpose. Rory also reflects on two decades of partnership work, the power of letting students be the voice rather than giving them one, and why service during the school day—not just after school—can be transformational. If you believe education should form better humans, not just better test-takers, this episode is for you. 🔗 Learn more about Broad Street Love and how to get involved on their website.

    30 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    28: Using Humor to Improve the Student Experience w/ Jeff Dubin

    Classrooms are clearly not comedy shows - but what happens when teachers intentionally bring humor into the learning environment? Jeff Dubin has nearly 30 years of teaching experience. One of the many reasons his classroom is special is his unique personality and ability to use humor in his lessons. This episode celebrates how teachers can leverage laughter in their classrooms and make learning fun. Our conversation focuses on how a mixture of the classic dad joke, or a bit of self-deprecation can strengthen the positive relationship between teacher and student.

    27 min

  5. 11/18/2025

    27: Students Take the Lead

    What happens when teachers put students in charge? Success? Chaos?  In this episode, Cody shares a two-day lesson he uses with his 7th grade ELA class. He challenges each class period to function as a team to storyboard a short play. Each class period “competes” against the others to create a sense of friendly competition and urgency.  The feature of the lesson is to provide very little answers on how to accomplish the collective goal; this ensures that students help each other and solve problems together.

    16 min

  6. 11/04/2025

    26: Empowering student Learners w/ Hannah Knecht

    Much of what happens inside a classroom is the result of the opinions and demands of many stakeholders: governments, school boards, administration, and parents.  Too often, the most important voices have little to no say—the students.  Hannah Knecht has worked with people of all ages: elementary, middle, and adult learners.  Her straightforward system for eliciting student feedback creates a powerful classroom structure in which students themselves can shape the learning environment they want.   In this episode of Authentic Educators, Cody and Dave discuss Hannah's methodology with her.  We were blown away by how such a quick and easy structure had profoundly positive impacts on her students.   If you like what you hear from Hannah, she is a co-host of a wonderful educational podcast: Key Connections for Educators.  We both highly recommend giving it a listen. As always, please reach out to Cody and Dave at authenticedpod@gmail.com.

    24 min

  7. 10/21/2025

    25: Cultural Connections w/ Kayla Angstadt

    Culture is where you’re from; it’s also what you create. Kayla Angstadt lives both of these truths—embracing her Pennsylvania Dutch roots while immersing herself in the vibrant culture of Costa Rica, where she founded Cross Cultural Connect, an organization transforming the way students experience global learning In this episode of Authentic Educators, Cody and Dave talk with Kayla Angstadt about cultural curiosity, being a global citizen, and her “cultural iceberg" lesson. Kayla shares the story behind CCC’s founding, the power of authentic cultural exchange, and how technology and travel can unite students from around the world. Tune in to explore how CCC helps students live what they learn, fostering empathy, language mastery, and real-world problem-solving along the way. Learn more about Cross Cultural Connect at ccconnect.org.  Reach out to Cody and Dave at authenticedpod@gmail.com.

    30 min

  8. 10/07/2025

    24: Exploring AI (Artificial Intelligence) w/ Melissa Zonin

    Artificial intelligence is a topic that’s rapidly changing the world of education. In this episode of Authentic Educators, Dave and Cody are joined by Melissa Zonin and take a thoughtful look at the rise of artificial intelligence in education. They discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents for teachers, students, and schools—from saving time and sparking creativity to maintaining authenticity and trust in learning. A grounded, honest conversation about the tools reshaping our classrooms and the values that must guide us forward. Melissa brings with her 20 years of experience in Georgia public schools as an ELA teacher, library media specialist, and virtual program coordinator. She has also presented about artificial intelligence at multiple conferences.Enjoy this engaging conversation and reach out with questions or feedback by emailing authenticedpod@gmail.com.

    38 min
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About

A podcast for teachers, by teachers, about best lessons, favorite classroom moments, and strategies you can use today. Email us at Authenticedpod@gmail.com if you have an idea to share! Find us on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthenticEducators Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authentic-educators/id1815115555 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TRIsn6QxZlFHGaJLaqYSA?si=8c7f29cf5ef1442f

Information

  • Creator
    David Brown and Cody Crooke
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © David Brown and Cody Crooke
  • Show Website
    Authentic Educators