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. 3D AGO

    S!!E!7 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.”

    37 min

  2. 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.”

    37 min

  3. 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

    32 min

  4. MAR 25

    S11E14 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year Team: What Great Teaching Looks Like Today

    In this episode, we welcome the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year Team, a group of outstanding educators representing schools and communities across Kansas. From early childhood through high school, these teachers bring diverse experiences and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to student success. Throughout the conversation, the team reflects on how their approach to teaching has evolved—moving from teacher-centered instruction to more student-driven, collaborative learning environments. They share how listening to students, building relationships, and creating inclusive classroom cultures have become central to their practice. The discussion also highlights how educators are thoughtfully integrating technology and AI as tools to enhance—not replace—meaningful learning experiences. Across all grade levels and content areas, a consistent message emerges: effective teaching is grounded in connection, adaptability, and a belief in every student’s potential. This episode offers a clear and practical look at what great teaching looks like today through the voices of Kansas educators recognized for excellence in their field. 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.”

    37 min

  5. MAR 11

    S11E13 Recipe for Success, Part 1: Active Teaching and the Ingredients of Engagement

    What makes a lesson both engaging and academically rigorous? In this episode of How We Teach This, we talk with Megan Philbrook, New Hampshire’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, about the essential ingredients behind meaningful learning. Megan shares how her approach to active teaching keeps students thinking, participating, and accountable for their learning. Rather than relying on lecture-heavy instruction, she designs lessons with intentional structure—focused content delivery, reinforcement through action, retrieval-based review, and meaningful assessment. We also discuss how strong engagement can positively influence student behavior, why learning through action leads to deeper understanding, and how teachers can create classrooms where joy and rigor work together. Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school, this episode offers practical ideas for designing lessons where students are actively involved in the learning process. 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.”

    39 min

  6. FEB 25

    S11E12 Mindfulness in Action: Classroom Strategies for Regulation and Focus

    Classroom focus and student regulation remain central challenges. In this episode, we explore mindfulness as a classroom-based strategy. Our guest, Stefanie Lachenauer, educator, author of "Let the Glitter Settle", and 2025 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, discusses what mindfulness actually looks like in real classrooms and how teachers can introduce it in ways that students understand and accept. Rather than positioning mindfulness as a trend or compliance tool, she explains how it can be framed as a practical skill that supports attention, emotional regulation, and learning. The conversation addresses common misconceptions, developmental considerations across grade levels, and the limitations educators should recognize. Most importantly, it highlights how implementation depends not just on teacher intent—but on helping students see relevance and value for themselves. “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.”  Resources from Stefanie Lachenauer Stefanielachenauer.com  LetTheGlitterSettle.com Free Resources on my website Link to my book on Amazon https://a.co/d/5JdVxaS  NJDOE Mindfulness Resources https://www.nj.gov/education/safety/wellness/mindfulness/

    31 min

  7. FEB 11

    S11E11 Beyond Emergency Remote Teaching: Building Readiness for Virtual Learning

    The COVID-19 pandemic pushed schools into emergency remote teaching, revealing gaps in how prepared education systems were to sustain learning during disruption. Because future challenges may look very different, intentional readiness for virtual learning is essential. In this episode, Michael Barbour, PhD examines what the pandemic revealed about virtual learning and how education can move beyond reactive responses toward lasting preparedness. The conversation explores what readiness looks like for leaders, teachers, and educator preparation programs—and why building virtual learning capacity matters for continuity of teaching and learning. This episode invites educators at every level to reflect on what effective education truly looks like in today’s evolving learning environments. “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.”

    45 min

  8. JAN 28

    S11E10 Lesson Planning with Open Resources: Inside JTILT

    This episode explores how Open Educational Resources (OER) are reshaping lesson planning through the Journal of Technology-Integrated Lessons and Teaching (JTILT). Editors-in-Chief Dr. Craig E. Shepherd and Dr. Cecil R. Short explain how JTILT uses peer review to support high-quality, classroom-ready lesson sharing. The conversation highlights implications for K–12 teachers, instructional coaches, and education leaders seeking flexible, open curriculum models. The conversation also examines how generative AI is influencing lesson planning and why open, high-quality resources remain essential. If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review. It helps other educators discover the show and get inspired by ideas that can truly transform teaching and learning. “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.”

    1h 3m
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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
    145
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Teachers College @ Emporia State University
  • Show Website
    How We Teach This

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