Best Inquiry Based Teaching Podcasts (2025)

1
Reclaiming Teaching & Learning in an Age of AI w/ Chanea Bond 1:07:05

1d ago1:07:05

1:07:05

At the time of recording, New York Magazine had released an article titled “Everyone is Cheating Their Way Through College: How ChatGPT has Unraveled the Entire Academic Project” which launched a thousand takes. The piece outlines an arms race, characterized as “a siege on education” between college professors, sneaking white-text Trojan horse prom…

1
AIMEE PHAN: A Conversation about The Lost Queen Part 2 [Ep 263] 24:30

3d ago24:30

24:30

We’re so excited to share part two of our conversation with Aimee Phan, author of The Lost Queen! If you caught part one, you already know how rich and thoughtful this discussion is. In this episode, we dive deeper into how retellings like The Lost Queen can help students see that stories aren’t set in stone—and that they have the freedom to make s…

1
137: Librarian Lauren Boop applies UDL to design accessible, student-centered learning spaces. 18:48

4d ago18:48

18:48

Elementary librarian Lauren Boop shares how Universal Design for Learning principles transformed her approach to designing a new library space for early childhood through second grade students. From accessible book displays to student-centered learning stations, discover how UDL creates intentional, barrier-free environments that enhance learner ag…

1
From Curiosity to Curriculum: How Inquiry-Based Learning Boosts Student Engagement and Agency with Trevor MacKenzie 45:28

5d ago45:28

45:28

In this episode of The Balance, I chat with educator and author Trevor MacKenzie about how inquiry-based learning creates accessible entry points and personalized pathways that build student agency, curiosity, and deeper engagement. Trevor shares practical strategies, unpacks the phases of the inquiry process, and offers guidance for aligning inqui…

1
Episode 114 Wins Wins Wins: 3 Classrooms' Journey of Independent Writing Time 25:24

6d ago25:24

25:24

You will be inspired from this episode! The transformation that occurred for all three of these fabulous teachers as well as their students was incredible! Listen in to hear about: Huge wins in a short amount of time Increased teacher confidence with teaching writing How students' engagement and idea generation increased Growth in kindergarten writ…

1
SHE Pod S6 Episode 2: Vittoria Porta 32:54

6d ago32:54

32:54

Host: Diego Silva Guest: Vittoria Porta Project: Research paper https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01442872.2025.2486159 Editor: Ella Dungey Transcript: Provided by Otter.ai Music: 'Years' by Death By Ginger https://deathbyginger.bandcamp.com/ Transcript link: https://otter.ai/u/cX16d0XXaBO1vYiVzI3e3KoFt74?utm_source=copy_url…

1
AIMEE PHAN: A Conversation about The Lost Queen Part 1 [Ep 262] 35:24

10d ago35:24

35:24

What if the legendary queens of Vietnamese history were reborn as modern-day teens in California? In this episode, we chat with author and educator Aimee Phan about her brand new YA fantasy novel, The Lost Queen. Aimee shares how her experience growing up as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees—and the absence of Vietnamese stories in the books she …

1
Maximizing Personalization and Agency with Must-Do vs. May-Do Stations 15:39

12d ago15:39

15:39

In this episode, I dive into a powerful variation of the station rotation model designed to maximize personalization and student agency. By using data to assign must-do stations and allowing students to choose from may-do options, teachers can tailor learning while giving students meaningful control over their experience. I share examples across su…

1
Episode 113 Tips for Fantasy Writing with Carl Anderson (Pt 2) 32:11

13d ago32:11

32:11

The second part of my conversation with Carl Anderson provides you with helpful and interesting information about teaching writing and more about the genre of fantasy. You will hear Carl's thoughts on: writing your own mentor text-Do not be afraid! the importance of showing how writers navigate writing writing in front of students (modeled writing)…

1
Episode 148: PyCon 2025 AI Education Open Space 57:25

13d ago57:25

57:25

In this special episode of Teaching Python, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes convene an open space discussion at PyCon US 2025 in Pittsburgh. Surrounded by a diverse group of educators, developers, and learners, they hand the mic to the community to answer two key questions: How are you using AI personally, and how do you see AI shaping …

1
Parenting with Purpose w/ Steven Shapiro & Nancy Shapiro-Rapport 44:27

15d ago44:27

44:27

For as much as schools are a necessary collaboration of communities and families, we haven’t spent much time, if any at all, on this podcast focused on parenting itself. Well that changes today, as I’m joined by Steve Shapiro and Nancy Shapiro-Rapport, siblings, and co-founders of Our Family Culture. Our Family Culture is a platform dedicated to he…

1
SAMIRA AHMED: A Conversation About Internment, Part 2 [Ep 261] 47:17

17d ago47:17

47:17

In part two of our conversation with author Samira Ahmed, we deep dive into the genre of Internment—is it dystopian, speculative, or realistic fiction?—and why that label matters in the classroom. What starts as a conversation about shelving quickly becomes an exploration of how genre influences student thinking, how we can break down subject silos…

1
136: Laura Maly-Schmidt shares her beginner's UDL journey as an international school leader. 13:51

18d ago13:51

13:51

Laura Maly-Schmidt, MYP Coordinator and Deputy Principal at the International School of Dusseldorf, shares her beginner's journey with Universal Design for Learning. Discover how she models UDL principles in leadership meetings, uses AI tools like LUDIA to create accessible materials, and takes practical first steps to support all learners while bu…

1
The Station Rotation Model + UDL = Stronger Tier I Instruction 20:32

19d ago20:32

20:32

The Station Rotation Model + UDL = Stronger Tier I Instruction In this episode, I’m announcing the release of my new book, The Station Rotation Model and Universal Design for Learning: Elevating Tier 1 Instruction and Cultivating Learner Agency. I wrote it to help educators tackle a challenge I hear all the time—how do we meet the needs of such div…

1
Episode 112 Fantasy for the Win with Carl Anderson Pt 1 27:36

20d ago27:36

27:36

You will LOVE this discussion with Mr. Carl Anderson about his newest book, Teaching Fantasy Writing: Lessons That Inspire Student Engagement and Creativity, Grades K6. This book is a MUST-HAVE for teachers and hearing Carl's insights on the book as well as his passion for the fantasy genre for students is palpable! In the episode you will hear abo…

1
SAMIRA AHMED: A Conversation About Internment, Part 1 [Ep 260] 1:05:12

24d ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Camp BNT is back for year three, and we’re kicking things off with bestselling author (and former high school English teacher!) Samira Ahmed. In this episode, Samira shares how her time in the classroom shaped her writing, the inspiration behind Internment, and how educators can use essential questions to spark powerful conversations. Plus, get a s…

1
Leading AI Implementation: Building an Inclusive, Integrated Approach to Emerging Tech in Schools with Dr. Brandee Ramirez 1:03:26

26d ago1:03:26

1:03:26

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Brandee Ramirez about what it takes to lead AI implementation across a school district. She shares how her work focuses on supporting all stakeholders—teachers, students, families, and staff—in building confidence with AI tools and understanding their practical value. Dr. Ramirez unpacks the difference between an ed…

1
Episode 111 Myths and Misconceptions about Writer's Workshop 30:58

27d ago30:58

30:58

We've all heard remarks about the writer's workshop method that are a bit off. In this episode, I bring up some of the misconceptions, and sometimes just untruths, of writer's workshop and try to set the record straight. After telling a bit about the history of the workshop model, I share what I feel are a few of the possible reasons for these misc…

1
Teaching Contentious Topics in a Divided Nation w/ Ryan Sprott 1:14:05

29d ago1:14:05

1:14:05

Our conversation today is with educator, author, and Director of National Faculty at PBLWorks, Ryan Sprott, about one of the most contentious topics in education today, that is Teaching Contentious Topics in a Divided Nation: A Memoir and Primer for Pedagogical Transformation, which is also the title of his self-published book. In this conversation…

1
TEACHING THE HERO’S JOURNEY: A Fantasy Choice Unit Approach for 11- 12 Grade ELA [Ep 259] 33:57

1M ago33:57

33:57

We’re wrapping up our Hero’s Journey series with a fresh twist—this time through the lens of fantasy in eleventh-grade American Literature. Marie shares how she took a bold leap by introducing a fantasy choice novel unit, transforming student engagement and challenging traditional ideas of what counts as “American Lit.” This episode ties together o…

1
From Distraction to Transformation: 3 Ways to Use Tech to Truly Personalize Learning 22:55

1M ago22:55

22:55

In this episode, I unpack three guiding principles for using technology to personalize and improve learning. From designing tech-enhanced instructional models to using tools to remove barriers and collect better data, this conversation will help you shift from simply using tech to using it well. If you've ever felt frustrated or overwhelmed by tech…

1
Episode 110 All Things Kinder with Zeba McGibbon 39:56

1M ago39:56

39:56

Oh so many tips and insights were shared by the fabulous Zeba McGibbon of the Kindergarten Cafe! Listen in to hear about: -the importance of supporting students with SEL -including a variety of aspects for helping students with writing -Zeba's Caring Critters book series! You can find Zeba - On her Podcast-Kindergarten Cafe On Instagram @kindergart…

1
TEACHING THE HERO’S JOURNEY: Studying the Odyssey for 9-10 Grade ELA [Ep 258] 21:29

1M ago21:29

21:29

Teaching The Odyssey doesn’t have to be stuck in surface-level plot points. It can be the unit where students are guided through their own epic journeys! In this third episode of our Hero’s Journey series, we’re diving into how we’ve completely reimagined teaching The Odyssey to ninth graders. If you’ve been following along, you know we started thi…

1
End-of-Year Engagement: Student-Led Learning with the 5Es Model 17:12

1M ago17:12

17:12

End-of-Year Engagement Made Easy As the school year winds down, it can be tough to keep students focused and motivated. In this episode, I share a strategy that uses the 5Es instructional model to guide students through a self-directed inquiry project. This approach gives learners voice and choice, encourages deep exploration, and meets their need …

1
Episode 109 An Inside View: 3 Classrooms' Journey of Independent Writing Time 37:30

1M ago37:30

37:30

I am currently in the process of supporting three teachers with implementing an authentic independent writing time and wanted to give you an insider's look! In this episode you will hear about teachers and students from three different grade levels and how they are progressing with implementing student choice, multiple drafts and more. Our coaching…

1
"It's Like a Baby Jail!" Power & Early Childhood Education w/ Dr. Chloë Keegan 1:01:56

1M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

I’m joined today by Dr Chloe Keegan. Chloe Keegan is Lecturer of Early Childhood Education in the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education in Maynooth University, Ireland. Dr Keegan is an early childhood expert with over a decade of experience as an educator, researcher, and policy advocate. Her work focuses on children's rights …

1
TEACHING THE HERO’S JOURNEY: Studying The Hobbit for Middle School ELA [Ep 257] 25:35

2M ago25:35

25:35

Let’s be honest—The Hobbit isn’t always a crowd-pleaser in middle school, but in this episode, we’re sharing how to turn it into a powerful, skills-based exploration of the hero’s journey. We dive into using essential questions, shifting focus from content to critical thinking, and using tools like our favorite evidence tracker to make Bilbo’s tran…

1
Heart, Mind, and Action: How Concept-Based Inquiry Positions Students to Make Meaning with Ruba Abi Saab 41:30

2M ago41:30

41:30

In this episode of The Balance, I sit down with Ruba Abi Saab, Instructional Coach and Teaching and Learning Coordinator at Al Rayan International School in Accra, Ghana. Ruba shares how concept-based inquiry shapes her work with teachers and students, encouraging deeper thinking, empathy, and purposeful action. We talk about her passion for integr…

1
Episode 108 Practical and Effective Tips for Supporting Multi-lingual Writers with Katherine Hamilton 38:54

2M ago38:54

38:54

I know that teachers are always looking for more ways to be able to provide effective support for their students who are multilingual learners. In this episode, Katherine Hamilton from Ensemble Learning discusses mindsets and strategies that are able to be implemented without lengthy preparation and will generalize across other areas of instruction…

1
Conference to Restore Humanity! Quest for Connection 2025 Trailer 3:39

2M ago3:39

3:39

https://www.humanrestorationproject.org/conference “True light is dependent on the presence of other lights. Take the others away and darkness results. Yet the reverse is not true: take away darkness and there is only more darkness. Darkness can exist by itself. Light cannot.” ― N.K. Jemisin, The Broken Kingdoms (as read by Zoe Bee) In stressful, u…

1
135: Karen Winston-Carpenter coaches new teachers on UDL through empathy and using manageable steps. 15:59

2M ago15:59

15:59

Karen Winston-Carpenter, a 24-year veteran teacher and teacher on special assignment in East Cleveland Schools, discusses how she introduces UDL to new educators. She emphasizes creating safe spaces for teachers to try new approaches, "chunking" UDL concepts to make them manageable, modeling empathy, and encouraging reflection through video self-as…

1
TEACHING THE HERO’S JOURNEY: Dos and Don’ts of Unit Design [Ep 256] 37:05

2M ago37:05

37:05

We’re kicking off a new four-part series all about teaching the Hero’s Journey—starting with the dos and don’ts of unit design. In this episode, we share how this timeless framework can lead to deeper thinking, richer discussions, and yes… even a newfound love for fantasy (spoiler: one of us used to be a skeptic!). You’ll walk away with essential q…

1
Asset-Based Language in Feedback and Rubrics 24:14

2M ago24:14

24:14

Feedback and rubrics are powerful tools. In this episode, I explore how shifting from deficit-based to asset-based language can transform both your feedback and your rubrics. Drawing from my recent blog, I share why this shift matters, how it aligns with UDL, and how small changes in language can have a big impact on student motivation and self-eff…

1
Episode 107 Thoughts on "Free Writing" and Journals 21:47

2M ago21:47

21:47

The term "free writing" is used often, and I have to say, I don't love it. To me, it signals that providing students "freedom" to choose their own topics, make mistakes, right without what is considered "proper structure", make mistakes or go at their own pace is something that is different from or outside of the writing that is typically done. Hea…

1
THE WORST ACTIVITIES TO USE IN ELA (and How to Make Them Better) [Ep 255] 31:42

2M ago31:42

31:42

We’ve all had those end-of-year activities that looked great on paper—but quickly turned into chaos in the classroom. In this episode, we’re sharing some of our own “what were we thinking?” moments, along with practical strategies to help you rethink and rescue those well-intentioned lessons. From creative writing prompts that actually work to rese…

1
Revisited: The Modern Classrooms Project with Kareem Farah 50:08

2M ago50:08

50:08

We revisit an earlier episode when Dr. Catlin Tucker spoke with Kareem Farah about maximizing teacher time, boosting student engagement, and reimagining workflows through his Modern Classrooms Project. About Modern Classrooms Project Modern Classrooms Project Free CourseBy catlinthebalance

1
Episode 106 Meaningful Grammar Instruction with Patty McGee 43:45

2M ago43:45

43:45

Students struggle with grammar. Teachers struggle with grammar. But...Patty McGee says it doesn't have to be that way! If you are looking for simple yet powerful ways to help your students to apply grammar skills, you will not want to miss this discussion! Patty shares a wealth of information on best practices in grammar instruction including high-…

1
Beyond Anthropology For Kids w/ Nika Dubrovsky 37:30

2M ago37:30

37:30

My guest today is Nika Dubrovsky. Nika is an artist and writer whose work has been exhibited internationally, her children’s books have been translated into several languages and, remarkably, as you’ll hear in the episode, Nika is directly responsible for bringing Russian translations of Dr. Suess to post-Soviet Russia. Nika is the co-creator of An…

1
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT YEAR: Fundraising Ideas for Books (Book Fairs & Read-a-Thons) [Ep 254] 34:51

2M ago34:51

34:51

Looking for a way to fundraise and build a love of reading in your school? In this episode, we share how a well-planned Read-a-Thon can bring in big funds for books while creating a strong literacy culture. Amanda walks through her recent experience running a successful Read-a-Thon, including choosing a platform, organizing volunteers, and getting …

1
Revisited: Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning with Andratesha Fritzgerald 52:13

2M ago52:13

52:13

What do we mean when we say Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? How can UDL support an antiracist learning environment? In this episode of Dr. Catlin Tucker’s podcast, The Balance, she invites Andratesha Fritzgerald, an inclusive practices implementation consultant and life-long educator, to offer clarity around these themes and questions. Learn M…

1
Episode 105 Holding Space for Writers' Needs: One Teacher's Win! 12:50

2M ago12:50

12:50

When teaching writing, there are so many things on our mind-so many skills to worry about our students mastering. Most of these skills are what we can see on paper, and they can easily steal the majority of our focus. However, there are a multitude of skills, abilities, beliefs and characteristics of writers that need to be developed and addressed …

1
SUMMER READING RESCUE - PART 2 [Ep 253] 45:56

2M ago45:56

45:56

What if summer reading didn’t have to feel like a chore for students or teachers? In part two of our Summer Reading Rescue series, I’m continuing the conversation about how we can reimagine summer reading programs to actually work, and even bring joy back to reading. We know the summer slide is real, and in part one, I laid the groundwork by talkin…

1
Revisited: Sparking Engagement in Urban and Culturally Diverse Classrooms with Dr. Shaun Woodly 54:37

2M ago54:37

54:37

Catlin talks with Dr. Shaun Woodly about his personal experience teaching in urban schools with culturally diverse students. Catlin and Shaun discuss the need to consider, “What learning really looks like?” and whether teachers are creating spaces to foster authentic learning experiences for kids. Listen to Shaun and Catlin as they discuss the four…

1
SHE Pod S6 Episode 1:- Seye Abimbola 1:02:39

3M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

  Host:  Diego Silva Guest:   Seye Abimbola Project:    Book Editer: Regina Botros Transcript: Provided by Otter.ai  Music: 'Years' by Death By Ginger   Link to Global Health Unfiltered Transcript Link

1
Episode 104 Empowering the Writer Within with Author Sarah McDavis 37:19

3M ago37:19

37:19

This incredible conversation with author and speaker Sarah McDavis will have you feeling inspired! Sarah gives us a peek into her mind as a writer sharing: How she begins a new book Her process for drafting Her own version of planning Strategies for when you are "stuck" Using charts and graphs to revise her book She reminds us that each and every w…

1
Showcase: Spotlight on Bismarck Public Schools' Empower[Ed] 48:16

3M ago48:16

48:16

This is the latest in our “spotlight series”, the first of 2025, where we reach out to schools who are engaged in awesome work, and talk to teachers, school leaders, and students about it to shine a light, inspire, and influence others to do the same. As with all learning, process is the point, not perfection, and there’s so much to learn from thes…

1
SUMMER READING RESCUE - PART 1 [Ep 252] 41:49

3M ago41:49

41:49

What the research tells us is clear: reading skills are lost over the summer. And that loss is not equitably distributed among our student population. It’s estimated that low income students can lose up to two months of reading achievement over the summer - much more than more affluent students. So we are faced with a dilemma: we know that the summ…

1
AI with Intention: Dr. Tony Frontier on Leading, Teaching, and Learning in the Age of AI 1:00:50

3M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tony Frontier, author of AI with Intention: Principles and Action Steps for School Leaders and Teachers, to explore how educators and school leaders can navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI with purpose. We discuss intentional leadership, the risks and opportunities of AI in education, the role of acade…

1
Episode 103 Master Sentences before Writing? I Don't Think So 24:23

3M ago24:23

24:23

How can we expect perfection from our young writers when we don't expect it of ourselves? Does a young basketball player need to perfect his shot before he can play a game? Do professional authors publish their first draft? For some reason there are literacy professionals who are promoting having students "master sentences" before they are able to …

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Inquiry Based Teaching Podcasts

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