For Trent School of Education professors Anne Corkery '07 (Traill) and Dr. Lauren Hill, a decade of experience as K-12 educators revealed a growing misalignment between traditional curriculum, standard teaching practices, and the real-world challenges students face, especially in an era of rapid change. 

Drawing on their expertise in both the sciences and the arts, Professors Corkery and Hill launched The Informed Educator: Research and Teaching in the Anthropocene, a podcast designed to challenge myths and stereotypes about education in today’s complex political, social, and environmental climate. 

Fostering meaningful classroom conversations

In the first eight-episode season of The Informed Educator, they engage with guests from academic and community-based backgrounds to explore how political dialogue can be thoughtfully integrated into the classroom in a way that does not assimilate or alienate but instead cultivates diverse perspectives, empowering students to contribute to a collective movement for a better world. 

“What are schools if not safe places for students to deliberate about the systems of which they are a part, and to seek to become informed citizens capable of engaging as agents of transformative change in a world that is in need of repair?” said Prof. Corkery. 

“Each episode creates space for thoughtful discussions on pressing topics while emphasizing the vital role of the arts in education,” said Prof. Hill. “By blending research with practical teaching strategies, we aim to provide valuable tools and perspectives that empower educators to navigate the complexities of our time, especially in a world that’s undergoing profound environmental, social, and technological changes.” 

Rethinking student engagement in a rapidly changing world

The podcast explores topics from student success and youth leadership in sustainability to integrating well-being into teaching and Indigenous culture-based education. It also examines how the arts can create deeper, more meaningful ways to engage students, nurturing the emotional, social, and creative aspects of learning. 

“We are in a lonely, stressful, and anxiety-inducing time,” said Dr. Denise Handlarski, associate professor in the Trent School of Education and podcast guest. “Strategies for well-being that help teach the tools of self-care and community-care are essential to fostering learning and growth and also the betterment of the conditions that lead to the dis-eases of contemporary life.” 

In a world that demands resilience and innovation, The Informed Educator leverages Trent’s strengths and leadership in the field of education to provide a resource and a community for all educators seeking new ways to engage students in meaningful learning. 

“We hope that educators who listen to our podcast feel empowered to engage in topics with their students that matter in the context of creating a better world and a sustainable future at every level of society. We want listeners to feel like they are part of a community and to not feel alone in this important work.” 

By providing thoughtful discussions, research-backed strategies, and a platform for diverse voices, Prof. Corkery and Prof. Hill are fostering a space where educators can learn, connect, and push the boundaries of traditional education. 

Follow The Informed Educator: Research and Teaching in the Anthropocene on Instagram at @informededu and listen wherever you get your podcasts. 

Learn more about the Trent School of Education.