Elevating the K12 Classroom: A Legacy of Teacher Preparation at SUU

Southern Utah University
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Join hosts Laureen Graves and Tony Pellegrini to discover the rich history of teacher preparation at Southern Utah University. This podcast series celebrates the century-long legacy of excellence that SUU has cultivated in educating future educators. Hear firsthand accounts from pre-service teachers, experienced master mentors, university faculty, and education professionals. Learn how this unique partnership has shaped the future of education in Utah and beyond. Tune in for inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical advice for current and aspiring educators.

Episodes

  1. 12/17/2025

    The Future of Education: Trends and Predictions

    Listeners will hear how Southern Utah University is adapting to these shifts through innovative programs, stronger school partnerships, and fresh approaches that help future educators thrive in dynamic learning environments. Laureen, Tony, and Dean Powell also bring in expert insights that highlight where education is heading and what skills teachers will need to support students in the years ahead. Whether you're a future teacher, a current educator, or simply curious about how schools are evolving, this episode offers practical predictions, inspiring perspectives, and a hopeful look at the future of learning. Join us as we imagine what comes next—and how SUU is preparing educators to lead the way. Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online: https://www.suu.edu/ed/

    28 min

  2. 11/12/2025

    The Voices of Alumni: Success Stories from SUU Graduates

    Listeners will hear heartfelt stories about the professors who challenged and encouraged them, the field experiences that shaped their teaching philosophies, and the first-day classroom moments that tested both nerves and resolve. Keaton and Dallee share powerful examples of growth, pride, and perseverance—those “this is why I teach” moments that remind educators of the difference they make every day. As they look back, our guests also offer thoughtful advice to current SUU students preparing to enter the profession. From embracing mentorship and building confidence to finding joy in small victories, their words offer encouragement and wisdom for new teachers just beginning their journey. Join Laureen and Tony for an uplifting conversation that celebrates the success of SUU’s alumni and honors the University’s enduring commitment to preparing passionate, capable, and compassionate educators. This episode is a testament to how the legacy of SUU’s teacher education program continues to grow—one inspiring graduate at a time. Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online: https://www.suu.edu/ed/

    29 min

  3. 08/21/2025

    Cultural Competence and Inclusivity in Education

    Join hosts Tony and Laureen as they sit down with Heather Armado (TES Elementary) and Abbey Judd to explore what it truly means to teach with cultural awareness. Together, they unpack the value of cultural competence in building trust, increasing engagement, and supporting student success. We'll learn how SUU’s teacher preparation program is equipping educators to meet the needs of every learner and cultivate a strong sense of belonging in the classroom.  You'll hear personal stories from classrooms that reflect the importance of seeing every child's unique identity, and how that recognition shapes powerful teaching moments. The conversation also gets real about the challenges—like how to avoid performative inclusion or how to engage families from different cultural contexts in meaningful ways. Most importantly, we'll talk about what's working, what still needs to grow, and how schools can measure the true impact of their efforts. This episode is a reminder that culturally responsive teaching isn't an “extra”—it’s foundational to effective education. Tune in for real talk, practical strategies, and a celebration of the educators who are leading the way. Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online: https://www.suu.edu/ed/

    30 min

  4. 05/15/2025

    Innovations in Teacher Preparation: The Role of Technology

    Featuring conversations with education technology leaders like Rick Gaisford and Matt Winters, each episode unpacks the latest innovations reshaping teacher education. From immersive platforms and online collaboration tools to AI-driven assessment and mentoring solutions, we’ll spotlight how these technologies enhance learning, strengthen mentor-mentee relationships, and prepare teachers for the classrooms of tomorrow. We’ll also address the real challenges institutions face when integrating tech into teacher prep programs—and offer insights from tech experts on overcoming them. Whether you're a teacher educator, policy maker, or future teacher, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you navigate and lead in the evolving educational landscape.   Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online: https://www.suu.edu/ed/

    26 min

  5. 04/04/2025

    Creating Cultures of Creativity and Thinking Through The Arts

    Emily and Alisa share their expert insights on the role creativity plays in students' intellectual growth and provide practical strategies for encouraging critical and creative thinking through artistic engagement. They explore how arts-based activities can cater to diverse learning styles, bridge cultural gaps, and support students from varied backgrounds. Through their rich experiences, they offer strategies that empower educators to create dynamic, creative spaces for students to thrive. Tune in as they discuss the challenges educators may face when cultivating a creative learning environment and share invaluable advice on overcoming these obstacles to ensure that every student has the opportunity to benefit from the arts. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply passionate about fostering creativity in education, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge to help you inspire and engage the next generation of thinkers and creators. Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online: https://www.suu.edu/ed/

    28 min

  6. 03/27/2025

    Expanding Horizons: SUU’s Impact Beyond Utah

    In this episode of Expanding Horizons, we explore the far-reaching influence of Southern Utah University’s (SUU) teacher preparation program beyond Utah’s borders. Join us as we hear from educators in Nevada, Italy, and other regions who have collaborated with SUU graduates, sharing their unique success stories and insights from cross-state and international teaching experiences. Educators like Russell Klein from Lander County School District in Nevada, and Mark Openshaw and Tom Shandorf from Via Lingua in Florence, Italy, discuss how SUU’s program has shaped their classrooms and enriched student learning across the globe. Tune in for a deep dive into how SUU is making an impact in schools far beyond its home state. Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online: https://www.suu.edu/ed/

    30 min

  7. 01/31/2025

    Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating the Teaching Landscape

    Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online: https://www.suu.edu/ed/

    27 min

  8. 01/13/2025

    The Art of Mentoring: Strategies for Effective Guidance

    Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools in a teacher’s professional development. It allows experienced educators to share their knowledge, reflect on their practices, and empower their mentees to become skilled, confident, and reflective teachers themselves. However, effective mentorship goes beyond simply offering advice—it requires a thoughtful, intentional approach. Highlights of This Episode:Best Practices for Mentoring Pre-Service Teachers: Kellie and Katie share evidence-based strategies for building meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. These best practices range from creating structured mentorship frameworks to encouraging open, honest communication about goals, challenges, and successes. Their approach ensures that pre-service teachers not only feel supported but also gain the practical skills and confidence they need to thrive in their classrooms. Insights from Experienced Mentors and New Student Teachers: In this episode, we hear from both seasoned mentors and new student teachers, gaining insight into the mutual learning process that occurs in mentorship relationships. Experienced mentors will share their perspectives on what works best in guiding and shaping the professional journeys of new teachers. At the same time, student teachers will offer candid feedback on the types of support and guidance that have been most beneficial to their development. Practical Advice for Creating Effective Learning Environments: We explore how mentors can help pre-service teachers establish positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environments. Practical advice includes strategies for classroom management, fostering student engagement, and supporting diverse learning needs. Our guests also discuss how to adapt teaching methods for different grade levels and subjects while maintaining a strong emphasis on student well-being and academic achievement. The Role of Mentors in Fostering Reflective Practice: Mentors serve as guides in the reflective process, encouraging student teachers to analyze their own teaching practices, identify areas for growth, and develop action plans. We discuss how mentors can prompt reflective thinking through observation, feedback, and open dialogue—helping student teachers build self-awareness and the ability to adapt their practices over time. The Importance of Feedback and Support: Effective feedback is at the core of mentorship. Kellie and Katie emphasize how mentors can provide constructive, actionable feedback that empowers pre-service teachers to improve while maintaining a growth mindset. They also address the importance of ongoing support, whether through regular check-ins, co-teaching opportunities, or shared planning time. This episode will provide both new and experienced educators with valuable strategies for becoming effective mentors. By applying these practices, mentors can create a nurturing, growth-oriented environment that ensures pre-service teachers not only gain the skills they need but feel supported throughout their journey into the profession. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about mentorship, teaching practices, and how high-quality guidance can transform the next generation of educators! Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online: https://www.suu.edu/ed/

    32 min

  9. 12/04/2024

    From Classroom to Community – The Broader Impact of SUU Graduates

    Through compelling testimonials from school district leaders, we highlight the innovative teaching practices that SUU-trained teachers bring to the table, fostering inclusive, dynamic learning environments. From creative classroom strategies to community outreach initiatives, these educators are leading change and making a lasting difference. Tune in to hear real-life examples of how SUU alumni are translating their training into actionable, community-driven solutions. Whether through partnership programs, mentorship opportunities, or leading school-wide initiatives, these educators are showing that the impact of great teaching extends far beyond the classroom. Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online: https://www.suu.edu/ed/

    28 min

  10. 11/23/2024

    The Mentor-Student Teacher Connection: Building Strong Foundations

    Hosts Laureen Graves and Tony Pellegrini are joined by seasoned mentor teachers Kate Swain and Madelyne Johnson, as they explore the profound impact mentorship has on pre-service teachers and the strategies that build strong, lasting connections. Throughout the conversation, our guests reflect on their experiences mentoring new educators, sharing memorable stories that showcase both the challenges and rewards of guiding aspiring teachers through their journey. They discuss how trust and open communication are essential in fostering successful mentor-mentee relationships, offering practical tips for navigating difficult conversations and providing constructive feedback. The episode also highlights the importance of adapting to the diverse needs of pre-service teachers, emphasizing how mentor teachers can support individuals from varying backgrounds and levels of experience. Our guests explore how mentorship can serve as a bridge to help new teachers feel confident and equipped as they step into their own classrooms. Finally, Kate, Madelyne, Laureen, and Tony offer their visions for the future of teacher preparation programs, exploring the innovations and changes that could further strengthen the mentor-student connection and ensure new educators are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in their careers. Tune in to hear these insightful conversations on the critical role of mentorship in education and the lasting impact it has on both teachers and their students. Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online: https://www.suu.edu/ed/

    29 min

  11. 10/22/2024

    A Century of Excellence: The SUU Teacher Preparation Journey

    Hosts Laureen Graves, and Tony Pellegrini, along with their guest, Prent Klag, former Dean of the Beverley Taylor Sorensen College of Education and Human Development share their unique perspectives on how SUU’s teacher preparation journey has evolved over the last century, tracing its roots back to 1897 when the Utah Legislature established a teacher training school in Cedar City to meet the educational needs of the region's pioneer communities. Our guests explore the key milestones that have shaped the program, including the opening of the first building, Old Main, and the rededication of the program in 2007 with the construction of the Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education building. They reflect on how educational philosophy and teaching methods have shifted over the years and how SUU has adapted to meet the changing needs of both students and the broader educational landscape. Throughout the episode, Prent, Laureen, and Tony discuss the core mission and values that have guided the program for over a century: a focus on inclusivity, experiential learning, and building strong communities of practice. They also highlight the national recognition SUU’s teacher education program has earned and its continued ranking among the top programs in the country. The conversation also touches on the significant achievements of the program, such as its emphasis on providing students with research-based knowledge and hands-on experiences that ensure they are well-prepared to create supportive, inclusive, and just learning environments. Our guests share their insights on the role of community engagement and partnerships in shaping SUU’s teacher preparation initiatives, as well as the challenges faced and how the program has overcome them through the years. Looking ahead, Prent, Laureen, and Tony share their vision for the future of teacher preparation at SUU, emphasizing how the lessons learned from the past will continue to inform and guide the next generation of educators. Tune in to hear this inspiring conversation about a legacy of excellence in teacher preparation, and the bright future ahead for SUU’s teacher education program. Visit SUU's Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development online: https://www.suu.edu/ed/

    29 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Join hosts Laureen Graves and Tony Pellegrini to discover the rich history of teacher preparation at Southern Utah University. This podcast series celebrates the century-long legacy of excellence that SUU has cultivated in educating future educators. Hear firsthand accounts from pre-service teachers, experienced master mentors, university faculty, and education professionals. Learn how this unique partnership has shaped the future of education in Utah and beyond. Tune in for inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical advice for current and aspiring educators.

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