This mixed-methods phenomenological action research study was conducted to mine meaning from the lived experiences of student-participants and a teacher-researcher engaged in Teaching as Producing™ (TAP). TAP is a novel pedagogical approach rooted in John Dewey's Theory of Experience. It aligns with experience-based learning models like Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Action-Oriented Pedagogy. It integrates media production elements into teaching practices to demonstrate connections between teacher and media producer skill sets, which can facilitate experience-based, hands-on learning opportunities for students who conceptualize and execute an event or activity designed to address a need or opportunity identified within their school context. The study was conducted in a 6-12 grade public school setting. Student-participants and the teacher-researcher co-planned and co-produced a schoolwide assembly and festival commemorating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) month using a structured six-phase process reflecting the pre-production, production, and post-production stages used in media production. This agentic approach empowered students to enhance 21st century skills -- communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity -- and demonstrate their learning by creating an experience they conceptualized, designed, and executed, positively impacting their school environment. The teacher-researcher used hermeneutic phenomenological analysis to identify rich, descriptive themes that portrayed the lived experiences of the student-participants' learning, their perceptions about traditional and innovative instructional practices, their level of engagement, and their sense of agency, belonging, and cultural pride. These findings provide insights into the potential of TAP, suggesting avenues for improved educational practices and future research. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]