There’s Power in Teaching:
The Podcast from PDK International
About Our Show
Phi Delta Kappa International’s new podcast, launched in November 2024, is aimed to align with our new strategic plan. We share content related to our mission of inspiring and growing current and rising educators to become community leaders and advocates for high quality education.
Our podcast does not follow a regular production schedule, nor does it rely upon one host or format. Instead, you’ll hear from PDK International staff interviewing educators and students, as well as content related to articles from Kappan magazine.
You can subscribe to There’s Power in Teaching via Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify podcasts. Or, you can subscribe directly using our RSS feed.
Music for our show is provided courtesy of No Copyright Music. Our show is managed by Dr. John Hendron (email), Director of Public Relations & Special Projects.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Starting in March 2025, we’re opening our show to up to three sponsorship opportunities per episode. This is a low-cost way to make our audience aware of your products and services that are of interest to the general education community, including preK-12 educators, public school leaders, PDK members, and Educators Rising teacher leaders. Podcast ads include up to 30-seconds of read copy by our host or producer, available for purchase in single episode and also 5-episode packs. Get in touch today if you’re interested!
About PDK International
Established in 1906, PDK International supports P-20 educators, researchers, and policy makers by strengthening their commitment to the profession throughout the entire arc of their careers. We are committed to elevating the profession through the intersection of research and practice.
About Pi Lambda Theta
Pi Lambda Theta (pilambda.org) is one of the nation’s most prestigious education honor societies. Established in 1910, Pi Lambda Theta serves to recognize outstanding students who intended to pursue careers in education. With more than 185,000 individuals who have been inducted across the nation, membership signifies a commitment to academic excellence and the teaching profession.
About Educators Rising
Educators Rising is transforming how America develops aspiring teachers. Starting with high school students, we provide passionate young people with hands-on teaching experience, sustain their interest in the profession, and help them cultivate the skills they need to be successful educators. Every teacher should enter the profession with the necessary skills. Educators Rising is a powerful way to help communities grow the next generation of well-prepared teachers.
From Legacy to Leadership: Building Thriving PDK Chapters and the Next Generation of Educators
Host: Dr. John HendronGuests: Patricia Williams & Lidia Zatopek In this episode of There’s Power in Teaching, we’re joined by longtime Phi Delta Kappa leaders Patricia Williams and Lidia Zatopek. Together, they share practical insights and hard-earned wisdom on...
Breaking the Cycle: Why Male Educators Matter
Host: Dr. Scott McLeod, PDK Distinguished Educator FellowGuest: Owen Elsasser, Educators Rising National Vice President of Communications In this episode, Dr. Scott McLeod, PDK Distinguished Educator Fellow and Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of...
The potential for hard fun with gamified learning
Host: Kathleen VailGuest: John Hendron In our third and final episode dedicated to the topic of gamification, John Hendron chats with Kathleen Vail on the potential for hard fun in our pursuit of learner engagement with gamification. We explore user stories, the...
Diving into the psychology of gamification and its use for instruction
Host: Kathleen VailGuest: Dr. John Hendron Episode 30 explores the psychology behind gamification and why commonly used tools like points, badges, and leaderboards are often insufficient on their own. While these elements can motivate some learners, the conversation...
What is gamification, and why should it matter in education?
Host: Kathleen VailGuest: Dr. John Hendron In this kickoff conversation, host Kathleen Vail talks with John Hendron about the foundations of gamification—what it is, what it isn’t, and why educators and learning designers should care. John traces his path from...

