Teach Wonder

In this episode, Julie and Sarah discuss part of the book, Lifelong Kindergarten: Cultivating Creativity through Projects, Passion, Peers, and Play by Mitchel Resnick. They dive into how having structures in the makerspace allow everyone to get the most out of their time here and create freely. Book: Lifelong… Read more

Technology use inside and outside of the classroom is changing. In this episode, Julie and Sarah take a look at how we use technology in the makerspace and dive into the work of Resnick and Papert. Join us as we talk about how technology can be a tool for creating. Articles We Reference: Guiding Students to Creative… Read more

In this episode, we're centering our discussion around a favorite resource of Julie's Ambitious Science Teaching . Julie brings several resources to support this deep dive into eliciting student thinking, learning new ideas, and the state of learning. Links: Ambitious Science Teaching Thinking Routine Teaching Works… Read more

In this episode, were discussing Maker-Centered Learning, a favorite book of our staff. Julie selects several passages and we discuss how close-observation, problem-solving, and seeing yourself as a maker impact outcomes. We stretch the definition of maker is some unexpected ways and talk about how this all relates to… Read more

This week, we discuss an article by Heather Bailie Shock called: I Adapted a Hospital Practice for Teacher Prep. It Was Transformative . The article describes how a shes used huddles to make her teaching practices explicit, helping student teachers understand classroom strategies. We talk about how this relates to our… Read more

In this episode, we discuss how outdoor education in fosters critical thinking, resilience, and interpersonal skills. Julie shares how her personal interest in mountain biking took her on a deep dive into the world of outdoor education, highlighting the benefits of outdoor education in overcoming uncertainty and… Read more

This week we discuss an Edutopia article on differentiating instruction without separating students. This article intersects several important aspects of teaching- good questioning strategies, making content accessible for students- and addresses the challenge of doing this when students are coming at a topic from a… Read more

In this episode, Ashley shares her thoughts on the podcast episode, In Defense of Dabbling with Karen Walrond, which emphasizes the value of being an amateur and trying new things without a serious end goal. They bring up some specific examples from their childhoods, as well as talking about this decidedly… Read more

Welcome to our new series in Teach Wonder, Everything but the Book Study, where one of us has read the article we are about to discuss, and one of us hasn't. In this episode, Julie brings an article from The Guardian about a Finnish preschool experiment where natural forest elements were imported into schoolyards,… Read more

In this episode, we discuss updates to our Educator Institute, a professional learning community focused on equitable teaching practices in STEM. We talk about the challenges we faced when testing our self-reflection tool as one for observation and how we shifted things. If you work with future teachers, or are trying… Read more

Ashley and Julie discuss the Educator Institute, a project aimed at bridging the gap between classroom teachers and future educators. They emphasize the importance of shared language and practices among educators. They talk about their experiences using the tool to both self-reflection and observe others. Intro Music:… Read more

In this episode Ashley O'Neil and Julie Cunningham discuss the book Troublemakers by Carla Shalaby as it relates to curiosity and agency. This book was part of the summer work in the Educator Institute, discussed in Episodes 1 and 2. In this episode they've each brought specific examples from the book and explore how… Read more

Ashley and Julie are hear talking about what Risky Play has to do with Curiosity in the classroom. They highlight the need for educators to shift from replication to genuine learning, valuing respectful relationships and deeper skills. Ashley reflects on her experience with a homeschool group, noting the challenge of… Read more

Ashley O'Neil and Julie Cunningham, hosts of the Teach Wonder podcast, discuss the Educator Institute, a new project at Central Michigan University's Center for Excellence in STEM education. The Educator Institute began this summer when a group of educators and Center staff created a professional learning community… Read more

In this episode we sit down with Steve Frisbee, camp director at the Chippewa Nature Center. We discuss the importance of experiential learning and community in childhood development. Steve emphasizes the shift from content-driven to experience-focused education, highlighting the transformative impact of nature on… Read more

In today's episode, we discuss the elements that build community, drawing from our experiences in various settings. We highlight the importance of predictability, humanizing leadership, and intentional communication. Sharing examples from both our personal lives and the makerspace, we note how social interactions and… Read more

In this episode of Teach Wonder, we explore the powerful intersection of agency, playful learning, and social interactions. Drawing from our experiences in Iceland and classroom observations, we dive into how stepping back as educators can create rich, organic learning communities. Discover how giving students choice… Read more

This episode focuses on the subtle teaching moves that matter most. Our guest, Sveinlaug Sigurðardóttir- an Icelandic teacher- discusses her role as an outdoor teacher at a joint primary and play school. She talks about the importance of outdoor education for children's development. She highlights the value of nature,… Read more

Today we are talking Agency with our friend Lara! We talk getting outside, the best ways we can show up for children, and how we teach students to learn about their own needs. About Laura Lara Lloyd The Forest School Lady and Owner of Park Hall Forest School After living in Finland, Lara was a traditional Primary… Read more

This is part two of our conversation. If you haven't yet listened to part one, you'll want to start there. In this episode, we discuss the concept of control in educational settings, drawing insights from our observations in Icelandic schools. We highlight how Icelandic schools foster autonomy and responsibility in… Read more

On this episode of Teach Wonder, we focus on power and control through the context of our trip to Iceland. Listen to stories about the classrooms and patterns that we saw. Hear us talk about how we experienced control and agency in Iceland and how it has changed and challenged our thinking. The majority of the music… Read more

In the second portion of our interview, we're deepening our conversation with Dr. Corey Drake. We discuss the role we play as educators, how peers and students impact each other, and how the environment and content play a part. Intro Music: David Biedenbender Other Music: by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay Find us on… Read more

In this podcast episode, we discuss competence. We know that children are inherently capable, so we discuss our role in championing students as sense makers. We are joined by Dr. Corey Drake who has some powerful reminders about the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse ways children demonstrate understanding,… Read more

This week we are resharing episodes recorded last fall. Julie and I are heading to Iceland this week with Dr. Tracy Donahue. We thought that resharing these episodes was the perfect way for us to reintroduce Tracy and her work to you all. During a season that is all about agency- Tracy’s work considers this all… Read more

So this semester we are focusing on agency. We’re interested in taking a deeper look at the foundational beliefs and ideas that shape our classrooms. One way that we are doing this offline in through a partnership with Dr. Tracy Donahue. You’ll more about her in a minute, as we reshare a conversation with had with her… Read more

The podcast discusses the importance of agency in education and how the physical environment, routines, and intentional choices can encourage or discourage student agency. We share examples from our experiences in the makerspace, our classrooms, and other informal settings. We highlight the importance of carefully… Read more

We're back for another seasion of Teach Wonder, and we are exploring the concept of "agency" in education - the idea of giving students more choice, control, and ownership over their learning. We discuss how agency is often talked about in education, but can be challenging to implement effectively We share examples… Read more

In this episode of our series, Form Theory to Practice, we delve into the invaluable role of community in the teaching profession, featuring Sarah Lapp, a passionate math teacher and alumna of CMU. Whether you're a new teacher navigating the early stages of your career or a seasoned veteran seeking fresh inspiration,… Read more

In this episode of "From Theory to Practice," we talk with Maddie Birgin. As a former STEM Education scholar and current math teacher, Maddie brings a unique perspective to teaching and getting involved with the school community. Throughout our conversation, Maddie shared insights into the challenges of managing large… Read more

In our series, "From Theory to Practice," we're thrilled to reconnect with some of our CMU Alumni, who we got to know through out STEM Education Scholar Program. Today, we shine the spotlight on Sara Fitzpatrick, a former math teacher and current school counselor. Links: From Theory to Practice: Bailey Birman (STEM… Read more

In our series, "From Theory to Practice," we're thrilled to reconnect with some of our CMU Alumni, who we got to know through out STEM Education Scholar Program. Today, we shine the spotlight on Ryan Stevens a middle school math and STEM teacher. Join us as we delve into Ryan's journey from student to teacher,… Read more

We caught up with some of our CMU Alumni, the students who we got to know well as STEM Education Scholars. Bailey Birman is teaches math at an alternative high school in Michigan. She shares the ways in which she felt prepared to teach and what has been a learning curve. Her thoughts on keeping a healthy boundary… Read more

We wrap up our assessment series by talking with Nicole Hagle. Nicole shares her strategies for looking at proficiencies instead of points. We talk about what happens when students do not understand the grading system and what we can do to help. Other Episodes on Assessment: Healthy Grading Practices: Perspectives… Read more

We're continuing our conversation on assessment with multi-age teacher, Tammy Clingenpeel. We talk about making "just in time" accommodations, how to differentiate assessment within a fixed curriciulum, and how Tammy's teaching has changed over time. This episode is a thoughtful reflection from a thoughtful teacher.… Read more

We're back and talking assessment with elementary teacher Bryant Greiner. We talk assessment strategies for math and reading and the skills we build in elementary. Bryant's warm and enthusiasm for learning about his students skills and personalities is a great reminder of how building relationships with students must… Read more

We hope you enjoy our interview with June Teisan. She's a long-time educator and a life-long learner. We discuss the 3Ps of project, place, and problem based learning. Links NCWIT InnovatED 313 Music: Intro Music: David Biedenbender Other Music: Oleksandr Savochka, Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay Find us on social media:… Read more

How do we communicate student growth? Is that the same as work ethic? The same as effort? Our conversation with teacher Aric Foster gets us thinking about what makes a healthy grading practice. Our Email: cese@cmich.edu Intro Music: David Biedenbender Other Music: Pixabay Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichcese… Read more

We spoke with Lizzie Dilg, director of the Discovery Museum in Mt. Pleasant Michigan. We discussed how museums are designed to foster learning and how we can learn from the way informal educators approach children. Museum Links: Discovery Museum on Facebook Discovery Museum Website Discovery Museum on Instagram STEM… Read more

Julie and Ashley are back for another season of Teach Wonder. Listen as we talk about what teaching lessons we've learned this summer and some fun takes on our adventures in reading. Links: Unearthing Joy The Wager Ascendant Intro Music: David Biedenbender Other Music: Pixabay Find us on social media: Instagram:… Read more

In this seasons finale, we took a different approach. You're going to hear an episode that's part reflection, part conversation and part remix. We took clips from two influential interviews to our staff and listened to them in a new light. There is no bad time to reflect on what teaching means to you, but the end of… Read more

We are absolutely thrilled to have with us this week Laura Trombley and Becky Rousseau, two incredible teachers who have been trying some new things in their classroom. We'll be chatting about how partnerships and collaboration can nurture a more dynamic learning environment, the power of project-based learning, what… Read more

In a slight deviation from our regular content, we're sharing the final products from two student clubs in Alma and Ithaca. Students created a set of audio dramas for their peers and for us. This project was made possible with the support of the Gratiot Community Foundation . Join us as we celebrate the creativity and… Read more

Our second episode with Tracy Donohue. In this episode, we further our discussion on play and it's integral role in development and it's place in schools. This is a continuation of our discussion from a previous episode- we recommend you start your listening journey there. Listen to Episode 1 now Introduction Music:… Read more

Today we're talking with Dr. Tracy Donohue. Join our guest as they reflect on their professional experiences and how they have prepared them to work with teacher education students who are learning to teach through play. As you listen, we invite you to also reflect on the background you bring to education, how you… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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.… Read more

Welcome back to Season 3 of Teach Wonder. Tune in to hear some what is coming this season and find out how you can be involved. Email us: cese@cmich.edu Music: David Biedenbender Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichcese Facebook: cmich_cese

We're ending this season with a mix of interviews from a different point of view. Julie spoke with three students at Central Michigan University who are studying to be teachers. Listen to how they're preparing, how they've grown, and what they think about building relationships with students. Intro Music: David… Read more

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,… Read more

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,… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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:… Read more

How do we define competence inside the classroom? What are some of the nuanced differences between special and general education? How does specific language help teachers communicate more clearly? Our conversation with Dr. Paula Lancaster, Dean of the College of Education and Human Services at CMU engages with these… Read more

Join us in conversation with Hedi Baxter Lauffer. We catch up and learn how plants, science education and having teachers think of themselves as learners all play a part in Hedi’s professional background. You don’t want to miss a chance to hear from the Director of Teaching and Learning with the Wisconsin Fast Plants… Read more

In this companion episode, we're returning to Mr. G and Mrs. Peach's classroom. This time, Julie joins the conversation to look at the ways in which Mr. G elicits student thinking. As a former secondary teacher, Julie has some fresh perspectives to share as she watches and elementary math lesson. This episode includes… Read more

In Season 2, we're looking to share the voices of teachers and reflection on the work that they're doing. In this episode, we visit Mrs. Peach's classroom. As she teaches her her small group math lessons, we'll see what we can learn from her decisions and thought process. No matter your grade, experience level, or… Read more

Our season closes with a conversation with Rick Joseph. Rick is a National Board Certified Teacher and has taught 5th and 6th grade at Covington School in suburban Detroit since 2003. He previously served as a bilingual educator (Spanish) and trainer for nine years in the Chicago Public Schools. Rick is the 2016… Read more

Session 2 is coming! Listen in to hear what's coming. This season we're featuring a mix of interviews and audio captured from schools, workshops, and more! We're focusing on Core Teaching Practices that focus on building respectful relationships, working in small groups, and making content explicit for students. Tune… Read more

Lori Flippin is the STEM Initiative Leader for the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance. In this episode, we talk about work it takes to make change and build infrastructure for programs in schools. The hard work that teachers do is supported by businesses, partners, and leaders. Lori is one of those leaders sharing the… Read more

As a Michigan Teacher of the Year, a life-long educator, and executive coach to individuals of all ages, Gary Abud Jr. is uniquely positioned to see how some of the challenges occurring in K - 12 translate beyond the classroom. Join us for a talk that may challenge your assumptions about teaching and invigorate you to… Read more

Can we capture the conversations and experiences of an in-person workshop and bring it to our listeners? That's the challenge we gave ourselves this summer. This episode is one of a series we'll be bringing you. We've threaded audio from conversations with teachers together with interviews from the team leading this… Read more

This episode focuses on how stepping off the stage to learn alongside our students can be equal parts rewarding and scary. In our interview with Dr. Troy Hicks, he shares some of the thinking that goes into this style of teaching- workshopping writing, teacher as coach, teaching online. We dig into the challenges and… Read more

In this Bonus Episode, we talked about the ways that COVID changed teaching. The challenges of teaching during this time are not to be minimized; nor are the challenges families and individuals have faced. In this episode, however, we focus on the changes that Eric thinks will stay in his own work and the teachers he… Read more

Ashley talks with Eric Carpenter, the Executive Director and Chief Education Designer at Rocky Mountain Education Design. The first in a three-part series, this episode focuses on Eric's entry into education. He shares how he started working with the makerspace model with K - 12 students. Eric discusses the importance… Read more

Eric Carpenter is back to talk more about what a makerspace model could look like in a school. He shares some ways to think about activity planning and talked about how STEM and makerspace learning should start in a school. This episode is a deep dive, filled with specific examples and ideas for anyone who is on a… Read more

We met with Doug Oppliger, instructer at MTU and member of the MiSTAR team. We talked with Doug about how writing middle school curriculum transformed his thinking about content and his own teaching. We learn more about the reasons behind this curriculum and the work that went into creating it. Doug brings specific… Read more

We connected with Rich Van Tol, a dynamic leader at Bay Arenac ISD. Rich shares what STEM means to him, and how out-of-school educators are working together to support children in the region. Listen in to hear Rich talk about the importance of focusing on equity and one exciting new project that has come from those… Read more

Jenn Kirts is the Director of Programs and Chippewa Nature Center. Jenn shares her passion for Place-Based Learning and gives practical tips on how to get started! She walks us through the "why" and "how" of getting kids connected outdoors. She also discusses the value of getting children invested in their community… Read more

Listen to this interview with Kim June - fourth grade teacher. She shares valuable insights into how she's gotten her room to be a place of learning and curiosity for everyone. She brings humor and respect into every interaction. Kim's sees possibilities everywhere and her stories and advice are relevant for anyone… Read more

We interview Dr. Corey Drake, professor in Education at Michigan State University. She shares some powerful perspectives on children as sense makers ,and what she views as the biggest responsibility for teacher educators. Listen to hear how she ties Core Teaching Practices into the essential work of addressing student… Read more

Welcome to Teacher Wonder- before we ask our guests questions about their own passions, practices, and pedagogy, we thought we'd ask them of each other. Hear about how teaching has changes over time, what we are most passionate about currently in education, and what else we are listening to to stay inspired and… Read more

Listen to a sneak peak of what's coming soon from the Center for Excellence in STEM Education. Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichcese Facebook: cmich_cese