Best The Center for Excellence in STEM Education Podcasts (2025)

1
Saying Yes: A Conversation about Community, Agency, and Resilience 36:50

15d ago36:50

36:50

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 children's lives. We hear how the …

1
What's the Recipe? Examing Examples of Community to Find What's Working 34:47

1M ago34:47

34:47

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 choice foster community among s…

1
Where Agency and Community Meet 27:39

2M ago27:39

27:39

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 and autonomy can lead to more m…

1
Nature is the Beginning 43:32

3M ago43:32

43:32

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, autonomy, and social skills le…

1
Agency: Attunement and Wellbeing 47:55

4M ago47:55

47:55

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 School teacher in strict Private sc…

1
Agency: Context, Control, and Iceland Part 2 33:45

5M ago33:45

33:45

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 children, allowing them to manage…

1
Agency: Context, Control, and Iceland 30:30

5M ago30:30

30:30

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 and sounds in our episode today …

1
Who Assigns Agency? 26:45

6M ago26:45

26:45

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 social media: Instagram: cmichcese …

1
Agency: The Case for Competence 28:40

6M ago28:40

28:40

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, rather than just focusing on w…

1
Interview with Tracy Part 1: Learning through Play 29:32

7M ago29:32

29:32

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 last fall. We’ve never repeate…

1
Interview with Tracy Part 2: Play is Where Failure Presents Itself 27:10

7M ago27:10

27:10

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 through the lens of play. As an early…

1
Agency: The Setup, Routines, and What We're Leaving Out 43:45

7M ago43:45

43:45

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 designing the learning environment…

1
Agency: Let's Start Here 23:19

8M ago23:19

23:19

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 from their own experiences, like …

1
From Theory to Practice: Sarah Lapp (STEM Education Scholar Series 5) 20:53

1y ago20:53

20:53

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, Sarah shares insightful perspec…

1
From Theory to Practice: Maddie Burgin (STEM Education Scholar Series 4) 27:37

1y ago27:37

27:37

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 groups of students with varyin…

1
From Theory to Practice: Sara Fitzpatrick (STEM Education Scholar Series 3) 16:19

1y ago16:19

16:19

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 Education Scholars Series 1) From…

1
From Theory to Practice: Ryan Stevens (STEM Education Scholar Series 2) 25:00

1y ago25:00

25:00

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, exploring the invaluable lessons learn…

1
From Theory to Practice: Bailey Birman (STEM Education Scholars Series 1) 26:53

1y ago26:53

26:53

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 between her classroom and her life …

1
Assessment: Making Grades and Feedback Meaningful 18:39

1+ y ago18:39

18:39

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 from a Secondary Teacher Assessmen…

1
Assessing Multiple Grades and Skills 20:17

1+ y ago20:17

20:17

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. We know you'll love it. Intro Mu…

1
Assessment in Elementary 29:11

1+ y ago29:11

29:11

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 be factored into every aspect o…

1
You're Teaching Humans 37:33

1+ y ago37:33

37:33

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: Instagram: cmichcese Facebook: c…

1
Healthy Grading Practices: Perspectives from a Secondary Teacher 40:01

1+ y ago40:01

40:01

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: [email protected] Intro Music: David Biedenbender Other Music: Pixabay Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichcese Facebook: cmich_cese…

1
When a Space Is Designed to Teach Differently 29:54

1+ y ago29:54

29:54

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 Passport Music Intro: David Bied…

1
Lessons from Summer 30:23

1+ y ago30:23

30:23

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: cmichcese Facebook: cmich_cese…

1
Mixed Tape: Some Reflections on The Teacher We Want to Be 23:04

2y ago23:04

23:04

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 the year feels like a particular…

1
Teaching over Time: The Power of Teaching Partnerships, PBL, and Informal Data 30:45

2y ago30:45

30:45

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 kind of data can actually tell …

1
Audio Dramas: Alma and Ithaca Presents 19:15

2y ago19:15

19:15

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 collaboration of these two grou…

1
Play Is Where Failure Presents Itself 26:30

2y ago26:30

26:30

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: David Biedenbender Find us on so…

1
Learning Through Play 28:28

2y ago28:28

28:28

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 value play and what you would be w…

1
Role Playing Games and STEM 57:03

2y ago57:03

57:03

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 gro…

1
Permission From Ourselves: A Discussion about Students, Growth, and PBL 39:38

2y ago39:38

39:38

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 …

1
Grit and Resilience: It's Probably Not What You Think 48:36

2y ago48:36

48:36

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…

1
Teacher to Teacher Talk 2022 57:29

2+ y ago57:29

57:29

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…

1
Belonging and Inclusive Teaching: InSciTE 20:16

2+ y ago20:16

20:16

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 se…

1
Libraries are More than Books 40:41

2+ y ago40:41

40:41

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 intervie…

1
To See What It's Like to Be An Active Member of Your Community 34:44

2+ y ago34:44

34:44

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. Build…

1
Learning to Teach in a Meaningful Way 54:04

2+ y ago54:04

54:04

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 le…

1
Capturing a Capacity to Grow 36:14

2+ y ago36:14

36:14

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 diff…

1
Integrating Everything 40:49

2+ y ago40:49

40:49

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 le…

1
The Process is Where We Should Be 25:17

2+ y ago25:17

25:17

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 Juli…

1
Bringing My Whole Self to All of These Things 25:28

2+ y ago25:28

25:28

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 Lin…

1
Season 3: Changes 5:12

2+ y ago5:12

5:12

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: [email protected] Music: David Biedenbender Find us on social media: Instagram: cmichcese Facebook: cmich_ceseBy The Center for Excellence in STEM Education

1
Look Who's Coming to the Classroom 20:58

3y ago20:58

20:58

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 Biedenbender Find us on social media:…

1
Finding Joy in Childhood 56:09

3y ago56:09

56:09

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, …

1
Stories and Sound Audio Dramas 14:14

3y ago14:14

14:14

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 an…

1
Teacher to Teacher Talk 57:05

3y ago57:05

57:05

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…

1
Defining STEM Education 41:09

3y ago41:09

41:09

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 yo…

1
What's Your Relationship to Stress? 54:43

3y ago54:43

54:43

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 Str…

1
A False Sense of Competence: Important Conversations about Teaching and Learning 42:07

3y ago42:07

42:07

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 questions and more. Dean Lancast…

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