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Why do we teach?

It’s a question educators are asked all the time, often with a mix of curiosity, disbelief, and admiration. In this solo reflection and community episode, I explore the answer that often hides just beneath the surface: hope.

Teaching is one of the greatest acts of hope we can offer the world. Every day, we welcome students from all walks of life and help them learn not just academic content, but how to think, how to question, how to care for themselves and one another, and how to live in a shared society. Much of this work is quiet. Much of it is unseen. And most of the time, we are playing the long game.

As we move into 2026, I invited teachers from across the United States to share their own messages of hope for the year ahead. Their voices- honest, generous, and deeply human- remind us why this work matters and why we keep coming back. In this episode, we reflect on the deeper purpose of teaching across disciplines, from reading and math to science and social studies, and how each subject helps students develop the tools they need to think critically, recognize injustice, resolve conflict, and imagine a more just world.

To every educator listening: thank you for showing up day after day, year after year. You are doing the work of democracy. My hope for you is a happy, healthy New Year, and that you hold onto hope, even when it speaks in a whisper.

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Instagram: @teachinghistoryherway
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On the Web/Blog: http://www.teachinghistoryherway.com
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BlueSky: @historyherway.bsky.social

Support the production of the Teaching History Her Way Podcast by purchasing some really great history tees. Click here to shop now or go to www.teachinghistoryherway.com and click on "Merch."

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Religion is deeply embedded in history — yet many educators feel unsure about how (or whether) to teach it in the social studies classroom.

In this episode of Teaching History Her Way, I am joined by educator Tim Hall to examine the role of religion in social studies education. Our conversation focuses on why religion is essential for historical understanding, common misconceptions about teaching religion in schools, and how to approach the topic in ways that are academic, inclusive, and constitutionally sound.

Together, we explore what it means to teach about religion rather than teach religion, why avoidance creates gaps in students’ understanding of history, and how educators can navigate this content with confidence and care.

Visit Tim at www.religionmatters.org or on X, Instagram, and Facebook @religionmatter5

🎧 This episode is especially valuable for social studies teachers seeking clarity, guidance, and reassurance when teaching religion as part of the historical record.

Let's be friends and continue the conversation!
Instagram: @teachinghistoryherway
X: http://www.twitter.com/historyherway
On the Web/Blog: http://www.teachinghistoryherway.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/teachinghistoryherway
BlueSky: @historyherway.bsky.social

Support the production of the Teaching History Her Way Podcast by purchasing some really great history tees. Click here to shop now or go to www.teachinghistoryherway.com and click on "Merch."

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In this episode of Teaching History Her Way, I talk with educator Drew Fortune about how rock and roll can transform the way we teach social studies. Drew shares his background and what inspired him to explore the history of rock from an educational standpoint. He also introduces his framework, "Bob Dylan Pedagogy," and explains how Dylan’s music can help students connect to themes like civil rights, protest, and American identity.

We dive into how rock music has shaped public consciousness, which artists you can study, and how teachers can use music to help students think critically about culture and history. Drew also shares practical advice for anyone who wants to bring popular music into the classroom but isn’t sure where to start. Drew mentions TeachRock.org as a great resource.

If you’ve ever wanted to make history feel more alive or just love a good conversation about the intersection of music and meaning, this episode will strike a chord.

Let's be friends and continue the conversation!
Instagram: @teachinghistoryherway
X: http://www.twitter.com/historyherway
On the Web/Blog: http://www.teachinghistoryherway.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/teachinghistoryherway
BlueSky: @historyherway.bsky.social

Support the production of the Teaching History Her Way Podcast by purchasing some really great history tees. Click here to shop now or go to www.teachinghistoryherway.com and click on "Merch."