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Season 11 of How We Teach This has a wide range of guests and topics - Be inspired by stories from inductees into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, Kansas Master Teachers, and learn how mentoring teachers impacts the classroom, plus many more interviews.
Season 11, Episode 3 - September 10, 2025
Teaching Teachers: Mentoring Conversations- Elementary
Teaching Teachers: Mentoring Conversations- Elementary
In this episode, with guest host, Dr. Ann Addison, experienced elementary mentor teachers share what it means to guide future educators. They discuss what inspired them to welcome interns into their classrooms, how they set expectations, and the ways they build trust and confidence with new teachers. From offering consistent feedback to celebrating growth, these mentors provide practical strategies and honest reflections on the rewards and realities of mentoring. Whether you’re already mentoring in the primary grades or preparing to step into that role, this conversation offers grounded insight into making a lasting impact—one student teacher at a time.
Guest Host
Ann Addison, Phd.
Director of Teacher Induction and University Partnerships
Olathe School District
About Our Guest:
About Our Guest:
Guest Host
Ann Addison, Phd.
Dr. Ann Addison serves as the Director of Teacher Induction and University Partnerships for the Olathe School District in Olathe, Kansas. In this role, she builds strong collaborations with universities to place aspiring educators in the classrooms of expert mentor teachers. Dr. Addison leads the district’s comprehensive teacher induction program, providing strategic support and professional development to new educators as they begin their careers.
At the heart of her work is a dedicated team of instructional coaches—whom she trains and mentors—ensuring that every new teacher in the district receives high-quality, hands-on guidance from day one. Her leadership helps shape a culture of continuous growth and instructional excellence across the district.
Before stepping into district leadership, Dr. Addison brought her passion for student success to life as an elementary classroom teacher and instructional coach. Her career reflects a deep commitment to nurturing both students and educators, and to building strong, sustainable pathways into the teaching profession.
Victoria Bankson
Victoria Bankson
2nd Grade Teacher
Logan Avenue Elementary
Emporia USD
Victoria Bankson is a dedicated K-5 educator currently holding a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Curriculum Instruction, and an ESL endorsement with 5 1/2 years of classroom experience. Throughout their career, Victoria has taught 2nd, 3rd and is now moving to 4th grade, and has been actively involved in mentoring aspiring teachers for 3 years. As a mentor, she is passionate about supporting the next generation of educators by giving them real life classroom experiences, and giving back to the education community that gave so much to her.
Lisa Lauer
Lisa Lauer
1st Grade Teacher
Chase County Elementary
Chase County USD
Lisa Lauer is a first grade teacher currently holding a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in adaptive special education K-6, with 16 years of classroom experience. Throughout her career, Mrs. Lauer has taught kindergarten (3 years), 1st grade (3 years), 2nd grade (4 years), and 3rd grade (1 year) as well as 5 years as a K-6 special education teacher. Mrs. Lauer has been actively involved in mentoring aspiring teachers for 4 years. As a mentor, she is passionate about supporting future educators by offering feedback and support in a way that promotes growth and confidence, providing a safe space for the intern to feel welcome and comfortable, and modeling effective teaching strategies.
Manuel Estrada Espinoza
Manuel Estrada Espinoza
5th Grade Teacher
Walnut Elementary
Emporia USD
Manuel Estrada Espinoza is a dedicated elementary school educator who holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and is currently pursuing a Master's in Educational Administration. He brings 11 years of classroom experience, having taught 3rd grade for six years and 5th grade for five years. For the past nine years, Manuel has also been actively involved in mentoring aspiring teachers. As a mentor, he is passionate about supporting the next generation of educators by providing guidance, sharing best practices, and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Katelyn Lawrence
Katelyn Lawrence
1st Grade Teacher
Burlington Elementary
Burlington USD
Katelyn Lawrence is a dedicated K–12 educator currently holding a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education K-6 Degree, with 8 years of classroom experience. Throughout her career, Katelyn has taught Kindergarten and 1st Grade and has been actively involved in mentoring aspiring teachers for 2 years. As a mentor, she is passionate about supporting the next generation of educators by fostering a trusting relationship, providing support and offering constructive feedback.
Resources:
Resources:
2024 Conference Form Fillable 2.pdfBooks
Books
Aguilar, Elena. The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation. Jossey-Bass, 2013.
Knight, Jim. Instructional Coaching: A Partnership Approach to Improving Instruction. Corwin Press, 2007.
Knight, Jim. The Impact Cycle: What Instructional Coaches Should Do to Foster Powerful Improvements in Teaching. Corwin Press, 2017.
Knight, Jim. Unmistakable Impact: A Partnership Approach for Dramatically Improving Instruction. Corwin Press, 2011.
Knight, Jim. Better Conversations: Coaching Ourselves and Each Other to Be More Credible, Caring, and Connected. Corwin Press, 2015.
Sweeney, Diane. Student-Centered Coaching: A Guide for the K–12 Coach. Corwin Press, 2022
“This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.”
Want to be a guest on our show? Contact us at email: HWTT@emporia.edu
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