Why Interdisciplinary Learning Fuels Creativity: A Conversation with Alan Gratz

Why Interdisciplinary Learning Fuels Creativity: A Conversation with Alan Gratz

Author: Jeff Utecht & Tricia Friedman December 8, 2025 Duration: 21:23

In this episode of Shifting Schools, bestselling author Alan Gratz joins Tricia Friedman to explore the craft of storytelling, the role of creativity in education, and why curiosity is the engine behind both great writing and great learning. Gratz shares how baseball has quietly shaped the structure of many of his novels, how he approaches character development with authenticity, and why understanding a character's background is essential for emotional truth.

The conversation also digs into the need for interdisciplinary learning in today's classrooms and the value of teacher collaboration. Gratz argues that creativity isn't a mysterious talent—it's a skill that can be nurtured, practiced, and strengthened when schools design learning experiences that cross traditional subject boundaries.

Whether you're an educator, writer, or lifelong learner, this episode offers fresh insights into how storytelling helps us understand the human experience and how curiosity fuels both art and education.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Alan Gratz's novel has stayed on the bestseller list for five years, a longevity he describes as "never taken for granted."

  • He uses baseball as a metaphorical framework when structuring narratives.

  • Creativity is a teachable practice—not an innate gift.

  • Interdisciplinary learning increases student engagement and deepens understanding.

  • Strong character development depends on knowing a character's background, motivations, and contradictions.

  • Reading diverse perspectives cultivates empathy, curiosity, and creative thinking.

  • Gratz encourages exploring multiple creative pathways in writing and education.

  • Schools benefit when teachers collaborate across disciplines to build rich learning experiences.

🕒 Chapters

00:00 – The Legacy of a Best-Selling Author
02:57 – Baseball as a Creative Influence
05:43 – The Teachability of Creativity
08:46 – Interdisciplinary Learning in Education
11:37 – Character Development and Authenticity
14:20 – Curiosity and the Human Condition

 

ALAN GRATZ is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several highly acclaimed books for young readers, including Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor, Two Degrees, Ground Zero, Allies, Grenade, Refugee, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087, Code of Honor, and Captain America: The Ghost Army, an original graphic novel. Alan lives with his family in the Pacific Northwest. Look for him online at alangratz.com

Huge thanks to our show sponsor Poll Everywhere!

Learn more


Ever feel like the conversation around education moves faster than a school day? Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators is here to slow things down just enough for a meaningful dialogue. Hosted by practicing educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, this podcast creates a necessary space for teachers and administrators to dig into the real work of modern teaching. Instead of just theory, you’ll hear from fellow practitioners and thought leaders who are navigating the same challenges you face daily. The discussions move beyond surface-level trends to unpack practical strategies and tools that can be adapted for your own classroom or school. Whether it’s rethinking assessment, integrating technology with purpose, or fostering a more inclusive learning environment, each episode is grounded in the shared goal of improving outcomes for every student. Tuning in feels less like another professional development requirement and more like a candid staff room conversation with colleagues who get it. This is where the abstract ideas about educational change meet the concrete reality of the K-12 world, offering actionable insights for anyone committed to the craft of teaching. Find Shifting Schools wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts for a regular dose of perspective and practical ideas.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Podcast Episodes
Stick-to-itiveness for the future world of work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:10
In this conversation, Tricia Friedman speaks with Jerome James about the evolving landscape of engineering, the importance of curiosity and problem-solving skills, and how AI is changing the profession. They discuss the…
The Fourth Industrial Revolution requires a shift [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:58
What does it mean to embracing change in the Fourth Industrial Revolution? Our special guest talks about the skills and mindset we need to embrace. Welcome to our summer series on the future world of work. We kick it off…
Coming soon: The Future World of Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:25
Listeners voted and told us this summer they wanted us to tell them more about the future world of work. Jeff and Tricia will bring listeners an incredible lineup of experts from a broad range of industries to tell us mo…
The Importance of Trauma-Informed Philanthropy & Advocacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:06
In this conversation, Erin Williamson from Love 146 discusses the organization's core values of defiant hope and unfiltered joy, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care in supporting youth who have experienced…
Overcoming Barriers with Universal Design for Learning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:21
In this conversation, Dr. Loui Lord Nelson discusses the connections between technical theater and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), emphasizing the importance of intentional design in educational environments. The co…
Insights on the future of restorative justice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:18
In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht interviews Nicholas Bradford, founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice. They discuss the importance of restorative justice in education, the training and eng…
The Future of AI in Trade Classrooms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:00
This is a topic so nice, Jeff just had to talk about it twice! If you missed last week's episode you might want to check it out first, it is a great precursor to this conversation where Jeff Utecht explores the integrati…
AI in CTE Classrooms: A New Era Is Here [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:48
In this episode, Jeff Utecht explores the transformative impact of AI in Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms, particularly in construction and welding. He discusses how generative AI tools can enhance learnin…
Can AI help us share our stories? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:01
In this episode of the Shifting Schools podcast, Tricia Friedman introduces a month-long challenge focused on playing with ideas. She discusses the importance of crafting personal stories as a means of reflection for edu…
The 'sexy broccoli' episode with Dr. Michael Greger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:06
This week we speak with internationally renowned physician and nutritionist, and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Michael Greger about his upcoming book, THE HOW NOT TO AGE COOKBOOK: 100+ Recipes for Getting Healthi…