The Teaching through Inquiry podcast spotlights the power of inquiry-driven practice in today’s classrooms. Each episode features teachers, researchers, and thought leaders sharing strategies, stories, and big questions that celebrate educator expertise, model inquiry as both method and mindset, and inspire reflection. Produced by InquireEd Studio, an initiative of SAL Consulting, LLC.
Season 2. Episode 04. Leadership That Transforms Schools
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.
10 Aug 2026
Season 2. Episode 03. Unlocking Primary Sources to Bring History to Life
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.
27 Jul 2026
Season 2. Episode 02. Learning Beyond the Classroom
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.
17 Jul 2026
Season 2. Episode 01. Leadership That Builds a Culture of Inquiry
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.
28 Jan 2026
Season 1. Episode 08. Dawn: Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable Discussions
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.
2 Dec 2025
Season 1. Episode 07. Tiffany & Diana: Harvesting Questions
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.
17 Nov 2025
Season 1. Episode 06. Chiyedza & Trey: Growth Over Graphics
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 teacher preparation.
5 Nov 2025
Season 1. Episode 05. Lauren: Balancing Structure and Curiosity
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 Advantage at the American Museum of Natural History and has developed professional learning programs that center place-based education, scientific practice, and community connection.
21 Oct 2025
Season 1. Episode 04. Melissa & Ben: Failing Forward
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 in social studies classrooms, and innovative teacher education. Dr. Dumbauld is a percussionist, ethnomusicologist, educator, and Director of Content at the nonprofit TeachRock, which creates music- and inquiry-based curriculum that supports teachers and students.
6 Oct 2025
Season 1. Episode 03. Andrea & Marisa: The Inquiry Apple
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 responsive teaching, with contributions spanning classrooms in the U.S. and abroad. Marisa is an educator, instructional coach, adjunct professor, and educational consultant with a Ph.D. in educational leadership. With a background in both biology and education, she brings deep expertise in supporting teachers and students while also connecting her work as an author to her passion for helping children learn and grow.
22 Sept 2025
Season 1. Episode 02. Jackie & Marie: Helping Students Wonder
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 supporting both students and fellow educators.
8 Sept 2025
Season 1. Episode 01. Amber & Josh: Real Life, Real Questions
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 for students to ask authentic questions in today’s world, and how those questions can transform learning.
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