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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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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.

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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.

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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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What can football teach us about American history? In this episode of Teaching History Her Way, I sit down with historian John Laub to explore the fascinating connections between consumerism, sports, and identity in the United States.

Together, we trace how football grew from a college pastime into a cultural and commercial powerhouse, shaping and reflecting everything from television advertising to corporate sponsorships. John shares primary sources teachers can bring into the classroom, like vintage ads, game broadcasts, and sports merchandise, to help students uncover the ways consumer culture and athletics have been intertwined for decades.

We also discuss how football’s history opens doors to broader themes in American life, including class and regionalism, and why sports history is an engaging and accessible way to help students connect with the past.

Whether you’re a seasoned football fan or just curious about the cultural impact of the game, this conversation will give you fresh tools and insights to bring into your teaching practice.

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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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What happens when you combine a passion for the Civil War with the power of technology? In this episode of Teaching History Her Way, CherylAnne talks with Jim Beeghley, founder of TeachTheCivilWar.com, about how digital tools can transform the way students explore one of the most pivotal eras in American history.

Jim shares how he helps students not just learn about the Civil War but actively do history—digging into primary sources, maps, images, and artifacts through engaging digital platforms.

You’ll hear about:

• How technology can bring students closer to “doing history” instead of memorizing it
• Creative ways to use digital tools to make geography and troop movements come alive
• Strategies for teaching students to analyze Civil War-era photography and art using tech tools
• Practical tips for weaving digital history into your own classroom

Jim’s insights will give you fresh ideas to try with your students, whether you teach the Civil War or other areas of history! Be sure to also visit his website at www.teachthecivilwar.com.

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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 super special summer episode of Teaching History Her Way, CherylAnne chats with Glenn Weibe and Joe Schmidt, the authors of The Social Studies FIELD Guide: Strategies & Tools to Captivate Students, Cultivate Critical Thinking, and Create Engaged Citizens. Together, they explore the inspiration behind the book, break down the FIELD framework, and share powerful classroom stories that bring the strategies to life. If you’re looking for meaningful, manageable ways to re-energize your social studies teaching, this episode will leave you both inspired and equipped.

Interested in purchasing The Social Studies FIELD Guide? Search this title at socialstudiesfieldguide.com and join the field guide community to get 25% off the book!

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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 deeply personal and powerful episode of Teaching History Her Way, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Amy Mai Tierney, to discuss her experience as one of the many children brought to the United States through Operation Babylift at the end of the Vietnam War. Amy Mai shares her story of growing up as a transracial adoptee, how she uses history to understand her identity, and the questions that still remain. We explore why it’s essential for history teachers—and all educators—to acknowledge and understand the unique experiences of transracial adoptees in their classrooms. You won't want to miss this conversation full of insight, emotion, and inspiration.

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Instagram: @teachinghistoryherway
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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 special episode of Teaching History Her Way, I’m bringing you conversations from the Kansas Social Studies Conference at the Eisenhower Library in Abilene, Kansas, where I had the honor of delivering the keynote address. I had the privilege of speaking with both veteran and preservice teachers about the ways they help students move beyond memorization to truly think like historians. Their passion, creativity, and dedication to meaningful historical inquiry are nothing short of inspiring. Tune in to hear their insights, strategies, and the incredible work they’re doing in their classrooms.

Don’t forget to subscribe and share—let’s keep the conversation going!

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."