How We Teach This

The Teachers College @ Emporia State University

We talk with educators and other experts about topics that can help you as an educator, a parent, and as a person.

  1. 22h ago

    S12E2 Reading Strategies That Stick

    https://linktr.ee/hwtt In this episode, we move from understanding the Science of Reading to seeing what research-based literacy instruction can look like in practice. 2026 Kansas Master Teacher Michelle Kelly shares the strategies and routines she uses to help young readers make lasting connections between sounds, letters, words, and meaning. Drawing on her training in the Science of Reading and experience with explicit phonics instruction, Michelle explains how she builds skills from phonological awareness and decoding through word-, sentence-, and passage-level application. The conversation explores orthographic mapping, sound mapping, multisyllabic words, morphology, high-frequency words, fluency, and multisensory approaches that make learning memorable. Whether you teach beginning readers, support students who need additional literacy instruction, or simply want a better understanding of how reading skills develop, this episode offers practical strategies designed to help learning stick. “This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.”

  2. Aug 12

    S12E1 What Being an Educator Has Taught Us: 2026 National Teachers Hall of Fame Inductees

    LinktreeTo open Season 12 of How We Teach This, we hear from the Class of 2026 inductees into the National Teachers Hall of Fame—five educators whose careers reflect extraordinary commitment to students, schools, and the teaching profession. Guest host Terry Kaldhusdal, a 2024 National Teachers Hall of Fame inductee, leads the conversation as the newest inductees reflect on the classroom memories that came to mind when they learned of their selection, lessons they wish they had understood earlier in their careers, and some of their proudest successes—the ones that never appeared on a test score, report card, or evaluation. The conversation also explores misconceptions about teaching, opportunities they see for improving teaching and learning today, and the resources and classroom essentials they have relied on along the way. Together, these five educators offer something more than a look back at distinguished careers. They share what experience has taught them about students, the profession, and the work that continues to matter. “This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.”

  3. Season 11, Episode 20 Trailer

    S11E20 Summer Break

    How We Teach This is taking a short summer break. We look forward to reconnecting in August for Season 12.

  4. Jun 3

    S11E19 From Learning to Read to Learning Through Reading The Science of Reading Beyond K–2

    https://linktr.ee/hwtt In this episode, we explore a common misconception about the Science of Reading—that it only applies to early elementary instruction and foundational phonics skills. Our conversation with Dr. Sage Maydew and Dr. Sharice Adkins, both Assistant Professors for The Teachers College at Emporia Sate University focuses on what reading development looks like beyond K–2 and why intermediate and secondary educators also benefit from understanding the cognitive and linguistic processes involved in skilled reading. We discuss how vocabulary, morphology, comprehension, background knowledge, and automatic word recognition continue to shape student learning across disciplines long after students have learned basic decoding skills. The episode also examines why some older students may continue to struggle with reading due to unresolved foundational gaps that were never identified or fully addressed. Along the way, we consider how knowledge of reading development can help content-area teachers better support students without becoming reading specialists. “This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.”  https://linktr.ee/hwtt

  5. May 20

    S11E18 Designing Learning Ecosystems with the ACE Framework for Student and Community Engagement

    Dr. Cecil Short and Dr. Jered Borup discuss how digital engagement is shaped by emotional, behavioral, and cognitive dimensions, and why it matters for educators, families, and school leaders. The episode also introduces the Academic Communities of Engagement (ACE) Framework and explains how it helps educators understand student learning as something supported across interconnected communities rather than occurring in isolation. Listeners will gain practical insights into how teachers can apply the ACE Framework in classroom design and instruction, how families can meaningfully support student learning in digital environments, and how school leaders can use these ideas to strengthen schoolwide approaches to digital citizenship and community engagement. Additionally, the conversation highlights the DOCK grant’s work in supporting digital literacy and engagement across Kansas communities. https://linktr.ee/hwtt “This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.”

  6. May 6

    S11E17 Recipe for Success, Part 2: Designing Lessons with Tools, Resources, and Generative AI

    In Part 2 of our conversation with New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Megan Philbrook, we explore the tools that help bring her classroom “recipe for success” to life. Megan shares how her lesson planning has evolved over twelve years of teaching and how she thoughtfully incorporates resources like Teachers Pay Teachers and generative AI into her planning process. The discussion also moves beyond tools to the philosophy that guides her choices—keeping learning child-centered, nurturing empathy and “good humanness,” and honoring the short but formative experience of childhood. Teachers will hear practical examples of lessons built around primary sources, active learning strategies, and structured engagement, along with guidance on how AI can support instruction while maintaining accuracy, rigor, and intentional design. https://linktr.ee/hwtt “This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.”

  7. Apr 22

    S11E16 The Modern Classroom Project: Another Tool for Your Toolbox - A Framework Built on Blended Instruction, Self-Paced Learning, and Mastery

    How can blended instruction and mastery-based learning support diverse classrooms? In this episode, Wichita Public Schools educators LaKeshia Brooks and Cathy Peters—both middle school math teachers working in different settings, one fully virtual and one in a traditional classroom—share their experiences with the Modern Classroom Project, outlining its core pillars and what it looks like in practice. They discuss shifts in instruction, common implementation challenges, and the ways this approach has influenced student engagement and access to learning. While grounded in math instruction, the strategies they describe can be adapted across a wide range of subject areas.https://linktr.ee/hwtt “This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.”

  8. Apr 8

    S11E15 Built on Relationships: What Kansas Master Teachers Know About Great Teaching

    Join us to listen to our conversation with 2026 Kansas Master Teachers. They highlight what great teaching looks like in real classrooms today. Across grade levels and contexts, these educators emphasize a shared foundation: building meaningful relationships with students. From creating environments of trust and belonging to finding ways to make learning engaging and even fun, they share practical insights into how strong connections support student growth. This episode captures the energy of the group, including a custom song created to celebrate their recognition —offering a glimpse into the creativity and personality behind their work. These seven educators have been recognized as Kansas Master Teachers, an honor awarded by Emporia State University. Established in 1954, the award recognizes teachers who exemplify outstanding professional practice and a sustained commitment to teaching. “This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.”  https://linktr.ee/hwtt

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About

We talk with educators and other experts about topics that can help you as an educator, a parent, and as a person.

Information

  • Creator
    The Teachers College @ Emporia State University
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    150
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Teachers College @ Emporia State University
  • Show Website
    How We Teach This

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