This summer, Mark Swartzberg of Relevant Radio invited teachers Austin Hatch and Tom Steenson to discuss their summer program, Teaching Essentials Workshop, for teachers new and experienced to hone their craft of teaching.
After introductions, which briefly summarized their over forty years of combined teaching experience, Tom and Austin explained how the Teaching Essentials Workshop came to be. Through their personal friendship and a spirit of industriousness in the summer, the duo hatched a plan to share their years of teaching experience with other teachers, whether they are embarking on the adventure or looking to dive deeper into their craft.
Tom and Austin told Mark about the mixed modes of the workshop, seminar and lecture, and the collegiality created through shared meals and a field trip to Capitol Hill, led by Dr. Matthew Mehan, former Heights colleague, now associate dean and professor at Hillsdale’s Graduate School of Government in DC. The excursion worked twofold, as the travelers learned both about the city and about leading a field trip—including how to improvise through the inevitable mishaps.
While reflecting on the teaching craft, Austin explained a misconception that he fell into early in his career, that teaching primarily starts with the student. The truth is that it starts with the parents. A teacher should first think of the parents that chose the school, then consider himself, that he grows in virtue, and finally look to what benefits the student the most.
Later in the show, Austin and Tom fielded some questions from many encouraging voices calling in.
The conversation highlighted the joy this team has for teaching, especially when they get the opportunity to teach other teachers. If you are interested in joining Austin Hatch and Tom Steenson next summer for the Teaching Essentials Workshop, learn more on their page.