Best Inquiry Based Teaching Podcasts (2025)

1
TEACHING THE HERO’S JOURNEY: A Fantasy Choice Unit Approach for 11- 12 Grade ELA [Ep 259] 31:57

1h ago31:57

31:57

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

2h 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
TEACHING THE HERO’S JOURNEY: Studying the Odyssey for 9-10 Grade ELA [Ep 258] 19:29

4d ago19:29

19:29

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

6d 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
TEACHING THE HERO’S JOURNEY: Studying The Hobbit for Middle School ELA [Ep 257] 23:35

11d ago23:35

23:35

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

13d 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
135: Karen Winston-Carpenter coaches new teachers on UDL through empathy and using manageable steps. 15:59

17d 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] 35:05

18d ago35:05

35:05

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
Empowering Youth to Confront the Climate Crisis in English Language Arts 1:23:22

20d ago1:23:22

1:23:22

This special episode of NWP Radio features many of the educators behind Empowering Youth to Confront the Climate Crisis in English Language Arts, a co-published book from Teachers College Press and the National Writing Project. Recorded in three parts, you won't want to miss this comprehensive overview of this important book. (https://shop.nwp.org/…

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

20d 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
THE WORST ACTIVITIES TO USE IN ELA (and How to Make Them Better) [Ep 255] 29:42

25d ago29:42

29:42

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

27d 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
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT YEAR: Fundraising Ideas for Books (Book Fairs & Read-a-Thons) [Ep 254] 32:51

1M ago32:51

32:51

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

1M 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
041525-The-Write-Time-Cane 41:31

1M ago41:31

41:31

Tina Cane is the founder/director of Writers-in-the-Schools, RI, and, from 2016-2024, served as the Poet Laureate of Rhode Island where she lives with her husband and three children. In her capacity as poet laureate, Cane established her state’s first youth poetry ambassador program in partnership with Rhode Island Center for the Book, and brought …

1
The Write Time with Author Mahogany L. Browne and Educator Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz 45:22

1M ago45:22

45:22

Mahogany L. Browne is a Kennedy Center Next 50 fellow, writer, play-wright, organizer, and educator. Browne received fellowships from ALL ARTS, Arts for Justice, AIR Serenbe, Baldwin for the Arts, Cave Canem, Poets House, Mellon Research, Rauschenberg, and Wesleyan University. Browne’s books include A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe, Vin…

1
SUMMER READING RESCUE - PART 2 [Ep 253] 43:56

1M ago43:56

43:56

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

1M 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

1M 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
SUMMER READING RESCUE - PART 1 [Ep 252] 39:49

2M ago39:49

39:49

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
Teaching Is Inquiry 31:59

2M ago31:59

31:59

Ballenger shares her teaching journey and the core ideas in her book about the power of inquiry-based learning, which encourages teachers to honor students’ unexpected questions and ideas as opportunities for deeper exploration. Ballenger also discusses the challenges teachers face in maintaining time for reflection and collaboration, as well as th…

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

2M 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
TEACHERS REACT: The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books - Part 2 [Ep 251] 25:41

2M ago25:41

25:41

Did you catch last week’s episode? If not, listen here! In that conversation, we gave our initial reaction to the Atlantic article, The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books. Need the TL;DR? The article claims Gen Z is reading the fewest amount of books in recent history and some of the adverse effects of shifting to skill-focused learning. T…

1
From Insight to Action: Using Tier 1 Data to Drive Intervention & Enrichment 29:42

2M ago29:42

29:42

In this episode, I explore how teachers can use what they learn about students during Tier 1 instruction to make informed decisions about what comes next. I discuss how to identify who needs targeted support and who’s ready for enrichment or extension. You'll hear practical strategies for collecting and using informal data to guide these decisions.…

1
Episode 147: The Power of Teaching APIs 40:05

2M ago40:05

40:05

In Episode 147 of Teaching Python, Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes focus on the importance and power of teaching APIs to coding students. They share personal stories and practical strategies for engaging students with APIs, from simple use cases to more complex projects. Join them as they discuss how to make lessons fun and relevant, leveragi…

1
TEACHERS REACT: The Elite College Students Who Can't Read Books, Part 1 [Ep 250] 33:38

2M ago33:38

33:38

Are students reading less than ever before? In this episode, we dive into The Atlantic article The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books and unpack its bold claims about reading full books, attention spans, technology, and the shift toward skill-focused education. We’re asking the tough questions and sharing our real reactions! One thing is f…

1
Lean Into Teaching as a Scientific Experiment! 24:32

2M ago24:32

24:32

As teachers, we constantly seek new ideas, strategies, and inspiration—but when does learning become a crutch instead of a tool for action? In this episode of Deep Roots, Flowers, and Fruit, we'll reflect on the balance between curiosity and implementation. From professional development to classroom experimentation, we'll explore how embracing the …

1
Why EdTech Isn’t Transforming Learning—And How to Fix It 14:12

2M ago14:12

14:12

Despite massive investments in educational technology, many classrooms still look and feel the same. Why? Because technology alone doesn’t drive transformation—how we use it does. In this episode, I break down why EdTech often falls short and share practical strategies, like blended learning models and reciprocal teaching, to ensure technology enha…

1
Spring Cleaning Your Science Teaching! 19:41

2M ago19:41

19:41

As the school year winds down, do you ever feel that itch to shake things up? 🌱✨ That sense that what worked this year might need a refresh next year? In this episode, we’re talking about curiosity as an act of service—why great teaching isn’t a “set it and forget it” career, but one that evolves with time, students, and our own growth. I’m sharing…

1
TRENDING BOOKS: SPRING TITLES [Ep 249] 28:29

2M ago28:29

28:29

Today we’re fully embracing the energy of spring - because what better time to refresh our bookshelves and reignite our love for reading?! We’re buzzing with excitement over all the amazing new releases coming out, from Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life to John Green’s Everything is Tuberculosis. If you’re anything like us, your TBR list is ab…

1
134: Transforming Malawi’s classrooms with UDL for inclusive, effective learning 16:53

2M ago16:53

16:53

Jane Somanje, a quality assurance officer and National Reading Programme trainer, shares how teachers are embracing UDL to create more inclusive classrooms. Jane shares success stories, discusses challenges like large class sizes, and explains how UDL is improving learning outcomes. Tune in to hear how UDL is making education more equitable and eff…

1
Three High-Impact Strategies for Effective Tier 1 Instruction 28:20

2M ago28:20

28:20

Delivering strong Tier 1 instruction is essential for ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning experiences. In this episode, I share three high-impact strategies—video instruction, whole-group instruction paired with a cooperative learning strategy, and small-group differentiated instruction—that can make lessons more engaging and…

1
Taking Inspiration from Greek History With Evaggelos Vallianatos 49:03

2M ago49:03

49:03

The ancient Greeks had a profound influence not only on their own world, but also on what would become Western culture as a whole. In this episode of Point of Inquiry, Jim chats with Evaggelos Villianatos, a Greek scholar who sheds an interesting light on how his ancestors helped shape the science, arts, language and governments of the modern world…

1
DAY IN THE LIFE WITH MARIE [Ep 248] 18:44

3M ago18:44

18:44

Marie here! Did you know that I teach high school English AND theatre? From early mornings with (multiple cups of) coffee in hand to juggling English lessons and theatre rehearsals, my days as a high school teacher are anything but boring. In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a typical day in my life - showing you how I bring creati…

1
SchoolAI: Helping Every Student Feel Seen and Heard with Caleb Hicks 1:01:36

3M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

In this episode, I chat with Caleb Hicks, CEO of Schoolai, to explore how AI can be a powerful tool for personalizing learning pathways and fostering meaningful connections in the classroom. We discuss how Schoolai spaces can help teachers see and hear students in real time, making it easier to be responsive to their needs. Caleb shares his vision …

1
THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Assessments [Ep 247] 20:15

3M ago20:15

20:15

Assessments don’t have to be boring, stressful, or one-size-fits-all - and in this episode, we’re proving why! As we wrap up our Novels in Verse series, we’re diving into fresh, creative ways to assess student learning that go beyond the standard essay. Whether you love assessments or dread them, this conversation will challenge the way you think a…

1
133: Elke Greite - Empowering student growth through UDL, personalized goals, and inquiry-based learning. 14:57

3M ago14:57

14:57

In this episode of UDL in 15 Minutes, host Loui Lord Nelson speaks with Elke Greite, a middle years IB teacher at Dresden International School, about shifting students' focus from product to process using Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Elke shares how personalized goal-setting, inquiry-driven learning, and the integration of IB’s Approaches t…

1
Rooted in Science: Strengthening Student Connections to Inquiry-Based Learning 18:43

3M ago18:43

18:43

February is all about connection—but not just in relationships. In this episode of Deep Roots, Flowers, and Fruit, we explore what it means to truly connect students to science as a practice, not just as a set of facts. Too often, science instruction checks off the boxes—“I did a lab, so I included the science and engineering practices!”—but is tha…

1
Three Tips to Prepare for Strong Tier 1 Instruction 20:20

3M ago20:20

20:20

Great instruction starts before the lesson begins. In this episode, I review three critical steps teachers can take to prepare for effective Tier 1 instruction, ensuring all students have access to meaningful, engaging learning experiences. By designing with intentionality—and leveraging AI as a thought partner—we can create more inclusive and equi…

1
Are You Experiencing “Root Rot” in Your Teaching Life? 24:36

3M ago24:36

24:36

This episode takes a deeply personal turn as we explore the hidden struggles educators face—especially in the darker, more challenging seasons of our careers. In keeping with our flora-focused analogy and inspired by the concept of root rot, we’ll dive into the imbalances that drain our energy and passion, from the relentless demands of teaching to…

1
THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Supplemental and Alternative Text Ideas [Ep 246] 20:53

3M ago20:53

20:53

We’re in the middle of our novels in verse series and so far we’ve talked about the possibilities that come with a novels in verse unit, essential questions, and gateway activities.Now it’s time to get into our favorite part…supplemental ideas! Get ready to hear creative ways to supplement The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. We focus on the essential …

1
Increasing Accessibility with AI: How NotebookLM Supports Inclusive Learning 17:54

3M ago17:54

17:54

How can AI make learning more accessible and equitable for all students? In this episode, I explore NotebookLM, Google's AI-powered research assistant, and its potential to support inclusive learning. Discover how this tool transforms lecture notes, articles, slide decks, websites, and YouTube videos into interactive study guides, FAQs, and even po…

1
Collaboration in the Classroom: Real Talk and Fresh Strategies 25:41

3M ago25:41

25:41

Collaboration is essential for student growth, but it’s not always easy! In this episode, I reflect on a surprising groupwork success story, the challenges of fostering teamwork in my own high school chemistry classroom, and what I’ve learned from trial, error, and real teacher conversations. Whether you’re struggling with group dynamics or rethink…

1
THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Gateway Activity Ideas [Ep 245] 19:02

3M ago19:02

19:02

Ever struggled to get students excited about novels in verse? In this episode, we’re sharing creative, low-pressure ways to ease them into poetry analysis without the overwhelm. With engaging, hands-on activities, you’ll learn how to make storytelling through verse feel accessible and fun from day one. As we always say, a good gateway can make or b…

1
132: Katy McBain: Empowering students through self-advocacy, personalized learning, and cognitive coaching. 15:05

3M ago15:05

15:05

Katy McBain, head of secondary school learning support at Dresden International School, shares how she and her colleagues empower students by fostering self-advocacy and ownership of learning. She discusses co-creating IEP goals, cognitive coaching, and personalized learning strategies, emphasizing a strengths-based approach to support neurodiverse…

1
Mini-episode: Making Time for Tier 2 Support and Enrichment 22:42

3M ago22:42

22:42

In this mini-episode, I explore strategies like the station rotation model, playlists, choice boards, and inquiry cycles that help educators design self-directed, meaningful learning experiences while creating time to address Tier 2 needs. I’ll discuss how formative assessment and progress monitoring tools help educators identify students' needs an…

1
THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Essential Question Possibilities for The Poet X [Ep 244] 25:28

4M ago25:28

25:28

Last week, we talked about the possibilities for novels in verse and broke down two approaches to teaching these texts. Today, we’re continuing the conversation using Elizabeth Acevedo’s The Poet X as our guide. We’re exploring two distinct essential questions that can shape a thoughtful unit - one that focuses on the craft of language and another …

1
A Primer on Cold Reading 37:39

3M ago37:39

37:39

The art of cold reading has convinced millions of people that gimmicks like crystal balls, palm reading, tarot cards, and other alleged paranormal abilities are real. People walk away from astrologers, mediums, and psychics saying "there's no way he could have known that" or other exclamations of amazement. But are these skills really paranormal, o…

1
The Heart of Service – How Connection Fuels Our Impact 25:30

4M ago25:30

25:30

February is the month of love, and in this episode, we’re digging into the root of SERVICE—specifically, how our relationships with stakeholders (coworkers, administrators, special ed staff, guidance counselors, parents) shape our work as educators. Let’s be real: Teaching is hard, especially when the very people who should be on our team don’t alw…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Inquiry Based Teaching Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen