Finding Inspiration Everywhere

Be curious, be interesting, be aware, and be ready to share that new podcast, television show, article, or event with your students.

If you’re just using a textbook and an assigned curriculum as your treasure map to success, you are going to be disappointed with the results. Students want to know that you are aware of changes in your field, but also of cultural changes. This does not mean you have to listen to music you do not like or be a contributor to the latest social media trends. (Trust me, I know that if I were to write TikTok here, as an example, I am perhaps one year away from it being something totally new.) Sharing your excitement for new ideas and influences shows your students that you are an interesting person — knowledgeable not just in your field, but a well-rounded expert.

Building relationships with your students is a juggling act of humbly displaying your expertise with sincere concern for their well-being, sprinkled with a regular dose of excitement for new knowledge, readings, etc.

I suggest you begin with two of my favorite podcasts and see if you are inspired to share. As you listen, ponder if you can begin to make connections between the material you are teaching and what you’re listening to. 

My Favorites:

99% Invisible: Design is everything and found everywhere.

This American Life: The OG of Great Podcasts. From politics, to healthcare, music, to global cultures, This American Life tackles it all with unparalleled accuracy and storytelling.