Welcome to Teach Different
Create a Lasting Impact, One Conversation at a Time.
The Teach Different Framework opens up opportunities for you to unlock the power of impactful conversations at work, at home and in your classroom. Learn how to become a master of the art and science of conversations and create engaging dialogue that can improve communication and deepen your relationships with your child, your colleague and your students.
Picture this, teachers: your students asking questions, showing respect and experiencing transformative learning moments. Teach Different helps you build a routine that gets students thinking critically and talking about things that matter. You’ll wish your principal came in more often.
Picture this, parents: your child opening up, asking deeper questions, and sharing their thoughts with more confidence, all while building a stronger connection with you.
Join our exclusive online Community of Practice and get access to an endless library of quotes and ideas for the classroom.
Meet your Education Experts: Dan & Steve Fouts
With over 50 years of combined teaching experience, Dan & Dr. Steve Fouts co-founded Teach Different with one thing in mind - provide classroom leaders with a framework to easily spark and create engaging conversations with their students. Both of these brothers bring a different perspective to the framework that keeps it relatable and easy to implement into any lesson plan.
Dan Fouts: With 31 years as a high school social studies teacher, Dan not only shapes classrooms but also serves on the national academic advisory board of PLATO - The Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization. He has presented extensively at the state and national level on questioning and conversation techniques since 2002.
Dr. Steve Fouts: A 20-year veteran educator from Chicago, Steve brings teaching experience from middle, high school and undergraduate level in social studies, philosophy, mathematics. Dr. Fouts received his doctorate in Higher Education and Organizational Change at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois in 2010 and has published several op-ed pieces on social and educational issues in the Chicago Sun Times and the Chicago Tribune.
Why Choose the Teach Different Framework?
Make Unforgettable Conversations Routine with the Teach Different Framework (TDF)
1. Engage Young People: Bring your life and classroom lessons to life by sparking impactful conversations, encouraging young people to discuss meaningful topics in an engaging way.
2. Navigate Safe Discussions: Access an ever-growing library of captivating quotes for discussions ideas on any topic.
3. Master a Valuable Skill: Make great conversations a home and classroom routine with a simple, step by step adaptable method.
4. Boost Daily Engagement: Always have fresh conversation starters to connect with your students or child, turning everyday moments into deeper discussions.
5. Adapt Conversations Anywhere: Whether it’s the first five minutes of class or on a long road trip, TDF helps you lead impactful conversations anytime, making every moment an opportunity for growth.
Join Us!
Is the Teach Different Framework right for you?
Our approach works for teachers and parents who are:
Looking for a routine to deepen engagement with their students or children
New to teaching or parenting and eager to make an immediate impact
Seeking something simple and powerful that aligns with school and family priorities (SEL, Culturally Responsive Instruction, Equity, Critical Thinking, Inquiry, and more...)
Ready to challenge their students or children to think critically, express themselves, and build social skills through meaningful dialogue
Interested in fostering stronger communication skills that create more connected and thoughtful individuals, both in the classroom and at home
Advanced Plan Features:
A library of 60+ conversation plans with quotes and handouts, with a new one added every week!
A library of 100+ Classroom-tested ideas to blend conversation topics with any social studies, ELA or humanities lesson
Monthly “Ask Anything” sessions with Steve & Dan to get answers to your specific questions and guidance where you need it.
