S3 Ep 07-08: Innovation in Action with Kristin Bernatz and Samantha Hardie

What does it mean to be innovative in teaching? In this episode, Cori and Steph sit down with Kristin Bernatz and Samantha Hardie to explore how educators can embrace creativity, adaptability, and bold thinking to bring meaningful experiences to their students. The conversation highlights an exciting podcast project Kristin and Sam led in their classrooms. Students tackled The Catcher in the Rye and created podcast episodes debating whether Holden Caulfield still represents modern teenagers. By studying podcast techniques like structure, sound, and editing, students gained real-world skills while honing their argumentation in a fresh format that resonated with verbal learners. Kristin and Samantha also share advice for teachers wanting to bring real-world projects into their classrooms. Their biggest tip? Start small! Whether it’s practicing speaking skills on Flip, analyzing mentor texts, or experimenting with a smaller-scale version of a bigger project, taking the first step is key. They emphasize collaboration, learning as you go, and not being afraid to take risks—because even when things don’t go as planned, you and your students grow. If you’re looking for inspiration and practical tips on how to innovate in your teaching, this episode is a must-listen!