Teaching Through Inquiry

How should educators lead when technology is changing faster than policy, practice, and our understanding of its impact? In this episode of Teaching Through Inquiry, Dr. Salika Lawrence talks with Virginia Tech teacher educators Dr. Amy Allen and Dr. David Hicks about leadership, teaching, and learning in the age of artificial intelligence. Drawing on the history of technological change, they expl...

What does it take to lead meaningful and lasting school transformation? In this episode of Teaching Through Inquiry, veteran educational leader Dr. Daphne VanDorn reflects on the leadership practices that foster innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth within school communities. Through stories of organizational change and instructional leadership, she discusses how building trust, empower...

How can primary sources transform the way students learn about history? In this episode of Teaching Through Inquiry, Michelle LeBlanc shares how educators can use photographs, letters, maps, manuscripts, and other historical artifacts to spark curiosity, deepen analysis, and strengthen historical thinking. The conversation explores practical strategies for integrating primary sources into inquiry-...

How can we make history and social studies meaningful for today’s learners? In this episode of Teaching Through Inquiry, we explore how learning extends beyond the classroom through authentic experiences, community partnerships, and contemporary connections that bring history to life. Through conversations with David Olson and Tabora Johnson, discover how educators can engage students with museums...

What does it take to build a school where inquiry becomes part of the culture rather than just another instructional strategy? In this episode of Teaching Through Inquiry, educational leaders Val Carleo, Desiree Robin, and John Lucas share their perspectives on creating school environments that foster curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful learning. Through reflections on leadership, instruction...

Dr. Dawn Chitty joins Dr. Salika Lawrence to discuss how educators can navigate “hard history” with confidence by grounding instruction in primary sources and naming persistent historical myths. The conversation explores how to use inquiry as an open-ended stance to support respectful, fact-based dialogue and spark student curiosity through storytelling and multiple interpretive lenses.

How does inquiry come alive in humanities classrooms? This week, Diana Laufenberg and Tiffany Jefferson-Labissiere join us to explore how inquiry-based learning strengthens student writing, reading, and critical thinking. They share how to give students more ownership through real-world tasks, authentic questioning, and thoughtful scaffolds -- all while navigating the modern challenges of ELA and...

How do educators help students look closely, question deeply, and compare ideas across subjects? This week, Trey Smith and Dr. Chiyedza Small join us to talk about inquiry-based STEM teaching strategies that can work for any teacher. Together, they explore what it means to design classrooms where curiosity and scientific inquiry intersect – from robotics and physics to undergraduate research and t...

How do educators navigate the balance between structure and curiosity? Lauren Tecosky joins us to discuss sustainability, community engagement, and inquiry-driven connections.  Lauren Tecosky is an educator and curriculum designer focused on sustainability, agriculture, and social, environmental, and food justice. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of School Partnerships for Urban Adva...

How can you get a classroom onboard with new content or an unfamiliar subject? On this episode, Melissa Stanley and Ben Dumbauld join Dr. Salika Lawrence to discuss "failing forward" when teaching and building curriculum.   Dr. Stanley is the Director of Secondary Social Studies Education at Central Michigan University, where her research focuses on representation of marginalized histories...

Inquiry can start with something as simple as an apple. Today on Teaching Through Inquiry, Dr. Lawrence is joined by Dr. Andrea Kolb and Dr. Marisa Castronova. Andrea is the Senior Vice President and Chief Education Officer at Pennon Education, with over 15 years of experience as a bilingual educator, coach, and teacher educator. Her work focuses on supporting multilingual learners and culturally...

Today on Teaching Through Inquiry, Dr. Lawrence sits down with Jacqueline Katz and Marie Donnantuono. Jacqueline is a science educator, President-Elect of the NJSTA, and passionate about helping teachers bring inquiry to life in their classrooms. Marie is a pre-K–8th Library Media Specialist whose career spans classroom teaching and teacher education, bringing nearly 40 years of experience support...

How do we really know when inquiry is working in the classroom? In this episode of  Teaching Through Inquiry , host Dr. Salika Lawrence sits down with Dr. Amber Pabon, a professor of secondary education focused on culturally responsive teaching and teacher preparation, and Josh Langenberger, a teacher and writer who centers student curiosity in his practice. Together, they explore what it means fo...