Unpacking the Backpack

About Unpacking the Backpack

Join us on Unpacking the Backpack, where we delve deep into the ever-changing world of K-12 education. In each episode, we'll unpack the complexities of teaching, learning, and leadership with a practical lens. Listen in as we: ◾️Discuss real-world challenges ◾️Explore innovative approaches that are evidence and research-based ◾️Learn from educators and leaders on the frontlines ◾️Gain actionable insights and strategies to navigate the ever-evolving landscape This is your one-stop shop for practical guidance and a deeper understanding of the incredible world of K-12.

Publisher

Eric Sheninger

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Jun 2024

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

57 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Stop Checking the Box: Making Learning Targets Actually Work

   This episode exposes how learning targets have been reduced to performative compliance rituals and empty whiteboard wallpaper for administrative checklists. Drawing on cognitive science and educational research, it explains how educators can move beyond copy-pasting state standards by truly unpacking them into actionable daily goals. Listeners will discover how properly crafted targets streamline teacher planning and assessment while giving students the clarity, agency, and metacognitive tools they need to take ownership of their own success.

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   The Change Architects — Building Relationships that Empower Transformation

   This episode of Unpacking the Backpack explores how deep relational trust serves as the foundational key to helping educators and students embrace transformation instead of fearing the unknown. Discover practical strategies to break down professional isolation, shift from compliance to student agency, and build resilient school cultures that weather constant innovation. Tune in to learn how authentic connections turn change from a stressful disruption into a powerful catalyst for growth. Share this conversation with a colleague who needs practical encouragement to navigate the changing educational landscape together.

3. 

   15 Sept 2026

   From Passive to Powerful: The Case for Active Learning

   In this episode, host Eric Sheninger explores how active learning transforms student engagement and moves classrooms away from passive compliance. Listeners discover how cognitive science, critical thinking strategies, and collaborative frameworks help students build durable knowledge instead of merely memorizing facts. The conversation also highlights innovative kinesthetic solutions like EyeClick and Eyewiz that integrate movement and active AI into everyday instruction. Educators and leaders will learn how to design dynamic environments that prove education is not a spectator sport.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

3.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 20 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

29

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

27

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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