Teach Wonder

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 su...

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

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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

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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: R...

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 ...

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 ...

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 a...

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: 
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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 logist...

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...

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 ...

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 

 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&apos...

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, Co...

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: R...

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 Background
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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

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