Teaching Through Inquiry

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, empowering educators, and maintaining a shared vision can transform both teaching and learning. This conversation offers valuable insights for current and aspiring school leaders committed to creating schools where educators and students thrive together.

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-based instruction while helping students investigate evidence, ask meaningful questions, and construct their own interpretations of the past. Whether you're new to teaching with primary sources or looking to deepen your instructional practice, this episode provides inspiration and actionable ideas for bringing history to life.

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, cultural institutions, local communities, and real-world experiences that deepen historical understanding, strengthen inquiry, and help students connect the past to the present. Whether you’re teaching history, social studies, or other disciplines, this episode offers inspiring ideas for creating relevant, engaging, and authentic learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom walls.

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, instructional vision, and organizational change, they discuss how leaders can empower educators, support innovation, and cultivate a culture where inquiry thrives. Whether you are a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this conversation offers practical insights for leading lasting change and building schools where questions inspire deeper learning.

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 social studies teaching.