Elevating the K12 Classroom: A Legacy of Teacher Preparation at SUU

In this forward-looking episode, hosts Laureen Graves and Tony Pellegrini invite Dean Pam Powell from SUU’s College of Education and Family Development to help explore what the next decade of teaching and learning may look like. They break down the emerging trends reshaping classrooms—from AI-supported instruction and personalized learning to new models of teacher preparation designed to meet the needs of a changing world.

Listeners will hear how Southern Utah University is adapting to these shifts through innovative programs, stronger school partnerships, and fresh approaches that help future educators thrive in dynamic learning environments. Laureen, Tony, and Dean Powell also bring in expert insights that highlight where education is heading and what skills teachers will need to support students in the years ahead.

Whether you're a future teacher, a current educator, or simply curious about how schools are evolving, this episode offers practical predictions, inspiring perspectives, and a hopeful look at the future of learning. Join us as we imagine what comes next—and how SUU is preparing educators to lead the way.

In this inspiring episode of Teaching and Learning at SUU, hosts Laureen Graves and Dr. Tony Pellegrini sit down with two proud Southern Utah University alumni, Keaton Turner and Dallee Peterson, to explore their journeys from education students to impactful classroom teachers. Together, they reflect on the spark that first drew them to teaching and how SUU’s teacher preparation program helped transform that passion into a purposeful career.

Listeners will hear heartfelt stories about the professors who challenged and encouraged them, the field experiences that shaped their teaching philosophies, and the first-day classroom moments that tested both nerves and resolve. Keaton and Dallee share powerful examples of growth, pride, and perseverance—those “this is why I teach” moments that remind educators of the difference they make every day.

As they look back, our guests also offer thoughtful advice to current SUU students preparing to enter the profession. From embracing mentorship and building confidence to finding joy in small victories, their words offer encouragement and wisdom for new teachers just beginning their journey.

Join Laureen and Tony for an uplifting conversation that celebrates the success of SUU’s alumni and honors the University’s enduring commitment to preparing passionate, capable, and compassionate educators. This episode is a testament to how the legacy of SUU’s teacher education program continues to grow—one inspiring graduate at a time.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most essential components of modern education: cultural competence and inclusivity. As classrooms continue to grow more diverse, today’s teachers must be equipped not only with content knowledge, but with the empathy, awareness, and skills to connect with students from all backgrounds.

Join hosts Tony and Laureen as they sit down with Heather Armado (TES Elementary) and Abbey Judd to explore what it truly means to teach with cultural awareness. Together, they unpack the value of cultural competence in building trust, increasing engagement, and supporting student success.

We'll learn how SUU’s teacher preparation program is equipping educators to meet the needs of every learner and cultivate a strong sense of belonging in the classroom. You'll hear personal stories from classrooms that reflect the importance of seeing every child's unique identity, and how that recognition shapes powerful teaching moments.

The conversation also gets real about the challenges—like how to avoid performative inclusion or how to engage families from different cultural contexts in meaningful ways. Most importantly, we'll talk about what's working, what still needs to grow, and how schools can measure the true impact of their efforts.

This episode is a reminder that culturally responsive teaching isn't an “extra”—it’s foundational to effective education. Tune in for real talk, practical strategies, and a celebration of the educators who are leading the way.

Join us as we explore how technology is revolutionizing teacher preparation in Innovations in Teacher Preparation: The Role of Technology. This dynamic series dives into the transformative impact of digital tools on how future educators are trained and mentored.

Featuring conversations with education technology leaders like Rick Gaisford and Matt Winters, each episode unpacks the latest innovations reshaping teacher education. From immersive platforms and online collaboration tools to AI-driven assessment and mentoring solutions, we’ll spotlight how these technologies enhance learning, strengthen mentor-mentee relationships, and prepare teachers for the classrooms of tomorrow.

We’ll also address the real challenges institutions face when integrating tech into teacher prep programs—and offer insights from tech experts on overcoming them. Whether you're a teacher educator, policy maker, or future teacher, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you navigate and lead in the evolving educational landscape.

In this insightful episode of Creating Cultures of Creativity and Thinking Through the Arts, we sit down with Emily Pereira, M.S.T., Instructor of Practice and Elementary Arts Education Endowed Chair, and Alisa Petersen, BTS Endowed Chair and Associate Professor of Elementary Arts Education, to explore the transformative power of the arts in education. Join us as we dive into how educators can seamlessly integrate the arts into daily learning experiences to nurture a culture of creativity that fosters critical thinking and cognitive development in students of all ages.

Emily and Alisa share their expert insights on the role creativity plays in students' intellectual growth and provide practical strategies for encouraging critical and creative thinking through artistic engagement. They explore how arts-based activities can cater to diverse learning styles, bridge cultural gaps, and support students from varied backgrounds.

Through their rich experiences, they offer strategies that empower educators to create dynamic, creative spaces for students to thrive. Tune in as they discuss the challenges educators may face when cultivating a creative learning environment and share invaluable advice on overcoming these obstacles to ensure that every student has the opportunity to benefit from the arts.

Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply passionate about fostering creativity in education, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge to help you inspire and engage the next generation of thinkers and creators.

In this episode of Expanding Horizons, we explore the far-reaching influence of Southern Utah University’s (SUU) teacher preparation program beyond Utah’s borders. Join us as we hear from educators in Nevada, Italy, and other regions who have collaborated with SUU graduates, sharing their unique success stories and insights from cross-state and international teaching experiences. Educators like Russell Klein from Lander County School District in Nevada, and Mark Openshaw and Tom Shandorf from Via Lingua in Florence, Italy, discuss how SUU’s program has shaped their classrooms and enriched student learning across the globe. Tune in for a deep dive into how SUU is making an impact in schools far beyond its home state.

In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges faced by pre-service teachers and their mentors as they embark on the journey of becoming educators. From classroom management struggles to balancing theory with practice, we explore the obstacles that can feel overwhelming. But it's not all hardship—join us as we share real stories of triumph, personal growth, and professional development. Learn practical strategies for overcoming challenges, building resilience, and fostering growth, both in yourself and the students you teach. Whether you're just starting out or guiding the next generation of teachers, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating the dynamic landscape of education.

In this episode of our educational podcast, we delve into best practices for mentoring pre-service teachers, exploring the intricacies of fostering growth, building professional relationships, and guiding the next generation of educators toward success. With insights from Kellie Mudrow and Katie Jones from the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), this conversation highlights high-quality mentoring strategies that support both the mentor and the mentee.

In this episode of The Mentor/Mentee Relationship, we dive into the pivotal role mentor teachers play in shaping the future of education.

Hosts Laureen Graves and Tony Pellegrini are joined by seasoned mentor teachers Kate Swain and Madelyne Johnson, as they explore the profound impact mentorship has on pre-service teachers and the strategies that build strong, lasting connections.

Throughout the conversation, our guests reflect on their experiences mentoring new educators, sharing memorable stories that showcase both the challenges and rewards of guiding aspiring teachers through their journey. They discuss how trust and open communication are essential in fostering successful mentor-mentee relationships, offering practical tips for navigating difficult conversations and providing constructive feedback.

The episode also highlights the importance of adapting to the diverse needs of pre-service teachers, emphasizing how mentor teachers can support individuals from varying backgrounds and levels of experience. Our guests explore how mentorship can serve as a bridge to help new teachers feel confident and equipped as they step into their own classrooms.

Finally, Kate, Madelyne, Laureen, and Tony offer their visions for the future of teacher preparation programs, exploring the innovations and changes that could further strengthen the mentor-student connection and ensure new educators are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in their careers.

Tune in to hear these insightful conversations on the critical role of mentorship in education and the lasting impact it has on both teachers and their students.

In this inaugural episode of A Century of Excellence, we take a deep dive into the rich history and continued success of Southern Utah University's teacher education program.

Hosts Laureen Graves, and Tony Pellegrini, along with their guest, Prent Klag, former Dean of the Beverley Taylor Sorensen College of Education and Human Development share their unique perspectives on how SUU’s teacher preparation journey has evolved over the last century, tracing its roots back to 1897 when the Utah Legislature established a teacher training school in Cedar City to meet the educational needs of the region's pioneer communities.

Our guests explore the key milestones that have shaped the program, including the opening of the first building, Old Main, and the rededication of the program in 2007 with the construction of the Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education building. They reflect on how educational philosophy and teaching methods have shifted over the years and how SUU has adapted to meet the changing needs of both students and the broader educational landscape.

Throughout the episode, Prent, Laureen, and Tony discuss the core mission and values that have guided the program for over a century: a focus on inclusivity, experiential learning, and building strong communities of practice. They also highlight the national recognition SUU’s teacher education program has earned and its continued ranking among the top programs in the country.

The conversation also touches on the significant achievements of the program, such as its emphasis on providing students with research-based knowledge and hands-on experiences that ensure they are well-prepared to create supportive, inclusive, and just learning environments. Our guests share their insights on the role of community engagement and partnerships in shaping SUU’s teacher preparation initiatives, as well as the challenges faced and how the program has overcome them through the years.

Looking ahead, Prent, Laureen, and Tony share their vision for the future of teacher preparation at SUU, emphasizing how the lessons learned from the past will continue to inform and guide the next generation of educators.

Tune in to hear this inspiring conversation about a legacy of excellence in teacher preparation, and the bright future ahead for SUU’s teacher education program.