Empowering Student Voice Through Technology: Talking with Teachers at the AECT Mini Teacher Conference

In this episode of How We Teach This, we dive into the transformative role of technology in education with a dynamic teacher panel from the AECT Mini Teacher Conference. Facilitated by Dr. Cecil Short, this conversation features Jessica Asbury (Piper USD 203), Sara Hoffman (Olathe USD 233),  Dr. Shawn Harrel (Lee’s Summit Schools), and Dr. Jacob Hall (Associate Professor of Educational Technology at SUNY Cortland).

Discover how these educators are leveraging technology to enhance student engagement, foster collaboration, and empower students to take ownership of their learning. A recurring theme in this discussion is the importance of giving students the freedom to choose the tools that best suit their learning needs—a game-changing approach for the modern classroom.

Tune in to hear real-world examples of innovative tools and strategies that are reshaping teaching and learning!

Empowering Transitions: Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling for Students with Disabilities

Join Carrie Boettcher, PhD., Assistant Professor, and Damara Paris, PhD., Professor, from Emporia State University as they explore the vital field of vocational rehabilitation counseling.

Vocational rehabilitation counseling focuses on helping individuals with disabilities overcome barriers to employment and achieve independence. These counselors wear many hats, providing advocacy, job training, assistive technology support, and career counseling while fostering collaboration with schools, families, and external organizations.

Listeners will gain a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of vocational rehabilitation counselors and how they support students transitioning from K-12 education to higher education or the workforce. The episode also addresses misconceptions about vocational rehabilitation, outlines key challenges students face, and shares actionable advice for teachers, parents, and advocates.

Teacher Talk: Bridging Culture and Science in the Classroom

In this episode, we speak with Joel Truesdell, a 2024 inductee into the National Teachers Hall of Fame and a retired Hawaiian culture-based chemistry teacher from Kamehameha Schools. Joel shares his unique approach to education, rooted in the teaching methods of his elders. We discuss the importance of culturally centered classrooms, understanding barriers to student success, and the key to creating student-centered learning environments. From interdisciplinary to transdisciplinary teaching, Joel’s reflections offer valuable insights for educators everywhere.

Mastering the Craft: Insights from the 2024 National Teachers Hall of Fame

The National Teachers Hall of Fame's mission is "to recognize and honor exceptional career teachers, encourage excellence in teaching, and preserve the rich heritage of the teaching profession in the United States."