Special episode: Cultivating critical thinkers in your classroom, starring Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.
Wed Feb 04 2026
We're excited to share a special episode from our friends at our sister podcast, Beyond My Years.
Host Ana Torres is joined by nationally recognized educational consultant and thought leader, Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D., to discuss what critical thinking is and how to help students develop it. He also explains why critical thinking is crucial for long-term academic success. Mitchell also gives gives educators four clear steps that they can implement to effectively nurture critical thinking skills in their classrooms. Ana is then joined by Beyond My Years Classroom Insider extraordinaire Eric Cross, who discusses how he encourages his students to hone their critical thinking skills in class.
Show notes:
Binge all of Beyond My Years podcast Season 2 now: https://amplify.com/bmySubmit your questions on comprehension Access free, high-quality resources at our brand-new companion professional learning page Visit Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D,’s websiteConnect with Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D., on LinkedInConnect with Ana TorresConnect with Eric CrossJoin our community Facebook group.Connect with Susan LambertQuotes:
"When you are a school administrator, you can't be confused as to what your identity is. People expect you to step in with voice, with passion, with vision, and direct the path." —Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.
"That's how you know you're in a classroom with critical thinking: We're not rushing the conversation. We're enjoying it." —Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.
"There's an art and science to teaching, and I think that they're two different things." —Eric Cross
"The importance of modeling can’t be overstated." — Ana Torres
Timestamps*:
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Ana Torres & Eric Cross preview Ana's conversation about critical thinking
04:00 Introducing Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.
10:00 Why should critical thinking be top of mind for educators?
15:00 Where should teachers begin when trying to help students develop critical thinking skills?
20:00 Questioning that reveals classrooms in which teachers honor students' thinking
24:00 You can't get to a higher level if you don't have the knowledge.
28:00 For a lot of us, this work is more than just a profession it's a calling
30:00 Classroom Insider conversation with Eric Cross
37:00 Recap of Classroom Insider takeaways
39:00 Closing thoughts from Susan Lambert
*Timestamps are approximate, rounded to nearest minute
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We're excited to share a special episode from our friends at our sister podcast, Beyond My Years. Host Ana Torres is joined by nationally recognized educational consultant and thought leader, Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D., to discuss what critical thinking is and how to help students develop it. He also explains why critical thinking is crucial for long-term academic success. Mitchell also gives gives educators four clear steps that they can implement to effectively nurture critical thinking skills in their classrooms. Ana is then joined by Beyond My Years Classroom Insider extraordinaire Eric Cross, who discusses how he encourages his students to hone their critical thinking skills in class. Show notes: Binge all of Beyond My Years podcast Season 2 now: https://amplify.com/bmySubmit your questions on comprehension Access free, high-quality resources at our brand-new companion professional learning page Visit Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D,’s websiteConnect with Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D., on LinkedInConnect with Ana TorresConnect with Eric CrossJoin our community Facebook group.Connect with Susan LambertQuotes: "When you are a school administrator, you can't be confused as to what your identity is. People expect you to step in with voice, with passion, with vision, and direct the path." —Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D. "That's how you know you're in a classroom with critical thinking: We're not rushing the conversation. We're enjoying it." —Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D. "There's an art and science to teaching, and I think that they're two different things." —Eric Cross "The importance of modeling can’t be overstated." — Ana Torres Timestamps*: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Ana Torres & Eric Cross preview Ana's conversation about critical thinking 04:00 Introducing Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D. 10:00 Why should critical thinking be top of mind for educators? 15:00 Where should teachers begin when trying to help students develop critical thinking skills? 20:00 Questioning that reveals classrooms in which teachers honor students' thinking 24:00 You can't get to a higher level if you don't have the knowledge. 28:00 For a lot of us, this work is more than just a profession it's a calling 30:00 Classroom Insider conversation with Eric Cross 37:00 Recap of Classroom Insider takeaways 39:00 Closing thoughts from Susan Lambert *Timestamps are approximate, rounded to nearest minute