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10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher

10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher

935 episodes — Page 3 of 19

S14 Ep 8345 Ingredients For Student Well-Being: Help Students Be Healthy

In a world where the mental health of our youth is becoming an increasingly pressing concern, Dr. Brian Smith's podcast couldn't come at a more critical time. His enlightening discussion on 'The Recipe for Student Well-Being' offers a beacon of hope, laying out a clear, actionable plan for schools eager to make a positive impact on their students' lives. But what exactly are these five essential ingredients for nurturing student well-being? From empowering educators with well-being skills to fostering safe and positive learning environments, enhancing positive relationships, providing direct instruction on well-being competencies, and implementing assessment for continuous improvement, Dr. Smith's formula is both comprehensive and compelling. As we peel back the layers of his approach, it's evident that supporting student well-being goes beyond mere academic achievement. It's about creating a holistic environment where students can thrive, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Join us as we dive into each of these ingredients, illustrated with real-life examples and practical ideas from Dr. Smith's podcast, to inspire and motivate educators, parents, and policymakers alike to champion the cause of student health and happiness. Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e834

Feb 23, 202417 min

S14 Ep 833Simple Ways to Put More Rigor in Your Lesson Plans

In today's show, Barbara Blackburn shares about the concept of rigor in education. We discuss how rigor is not about making things harder for students, but about setting high expectations and providing support to help students achieve those expectations. Barbara also explores specific examples of rigor in math, literature, writing, science, and history, emphasizing the importance of going beyond the text and providing evidence to demonstrate understanding.We, as teachers, can focus on the process of learning and engage students in meaningful discussions and activities. Barbara also shares her website, which offers over 100 free resources for educators.(Included in the show notes.) Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e832 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Humility 00:44 Understanding Rigor 01:55 Rigor in Math 05:15 Rigor in Literature and Writing 13:39 Rigor in Science and History 15:00 Conclusion and Resources

Feb 22, 202416 min

S14 Ep 8407 Ways to Make Worksheets Engaging and Effective: The Ultimate Guide

In this episode, we tackle a topic that's often whispered in the hallways of schools everywhere with a mix of disdain and necessity: worksheets. I'll admit that I have often expressed my own dislike of worksheets, so much so that I rarely use them myself. Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e832 However, we can all take the worksheets we do have and transform them from mere busywork as we reimagine them into dynamic, engaging learning experiences. With Linda's background in middle school math and a passion for providing practical solutions, this fresh perspective will help you (and me) see that worksheets can be an asset if used properly in the classroom instead of a hindrance. In this classroom-focused episode, join us as we explore seven innovative strategies to breathe new life into worksheets, turning them into powerful vehicles for learning and student engagement. Let's get started. A note from Vicki, your host: To celebrate the 7th anniversary of this podcast, we're returning to our five-day-a-week format to inspire and encourage you on the way to school each morning! Enjoy!

Feb 21, 202412 min

S14 Ep 83110+ Ways to Use Adobe Express in the classroom

In this episode, Jesse Lubinsky, a former classroom teacher and education evangelist for Adobe, shares 10 awesome free ways that teachers can use Adobe Express in their classrooms. From using Animate from Audio to create animated reflections to using Text to Image to create generative AI art, Jesse provides practical tips and ideas for teachers to empower their students through creativity. Whether you're a seasoned Adobe user or new to the platform, this episode is packed with valuable insights and resources. Show notes and full transcript with links: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e831

Feb 20, 202421 min

S14 Ep 830Hero at the Classroom Door

Imagine standing at the doorway of possibility, where every greeting and every look holds the potential to uplift a child's spirit. This heartfelt episode is guided by the unwavering believe that every student deserves to be seen and heard – truly seen – in a world where we often rush past the small yet important moments. You'll learn about what I call - "look-listening"—seeing beyond the surface to the heart of what students communicate without words—can change the trajectory of a day, a mindset, and even a life. It's about recognizing the unspoken struggles, the quiet victories, and everything in between, with a compassion that speaks volumes without needing a single word in return. And it is more than in the classroom, our janitors and administrators can apply these principles in the hallway, our lunchroom staff can apply this in the lunchroom, our front office can apply this as they interact with students. I hope that all of us will be educators who inspire, care, and teach not just with books, but with heart. Together, let's inspire a wave of kindness in education, showing the world that the most powerful lessons come from the heart. Teach on, dear friends, and remember: in the journey of teaching, the kindness we extend truly shapes the future.

Feb 19, 20246 min

S14 Ep 8294 Entrepreneurial Secrets Every Teacher Needs to Empower Learning

The entrepreneurial spirit isn't confined to the world of business – it can thrive in every classroom, every day. It aligns seamlessly with dynamic project-based learning and captivates students through engaging classroom projects. In this episode, we're joined by Stephen Carter, author of 'Teaching the Entrepreneurial Mindset.' Stephen delves into the four pivotal aspects of an entrepreneurial mindset that are essential for educators at all levels. He shares insights from his extensive experience as the Director of Entrepreneurship and Sustainability at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, where he's not only taught for 18 years but has also revolutionized their entrepreneurship program. Join us as Stephen Carter gives an approach for every educator to empower their students with entrepreneurial thinking. Show Sponsor: Edge U Badges - Edge U Badges from Forward Edge is a fantastic micro credentialing program for teachers, administrators, and school staff. In this program, you can earn contact hours or graduate credit. With the ISTE Seal of Alignment, this program is approved by many districts as a flexible, personalized way for teachers to learn and grow. They will work with you to help your district accept your transcript for licensure renewal hours. Edge U Badges has former teachers review every single badge within 1-3 business days of submission, and no badge is ever denied without very specific feedback on what you can do to resubmit successfully or positive feedback on successful submissions. This is a program that I'm reviewing for my own renewal that comes up this year and I'm excited about their micro-credentialing system, which is why I'm recommending it to you! Use the code COOLCAT for $20 off a premium account. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Jan 23, 202415 min

S14 Ep 828The Rise of Esports in Education: Breaking New Ground

If you want to know how to start an eSports program in your school. Or if you want to know why so many schools are getting eSports programs, this episode is a must-listen for you. Welcome to another episode of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast, where today we're diving into the game-changing world of scholastic esports. Our guest, Danielle Johnson, Executive Director of the Texas Scholastic Esports Federation, shares how esports is not just about gaming but about boosting student engagement, improving academic performance, and building a more inclusive school community. Esports are rapidly growing in schools across the country. The reasons are not only that they are fun but they are making a positive impact on a generation of students whose favorite sport is video games. If you're skeptical, we'll speak to your concerns as well. Tune in to discover why esports might just be the missing piece in your educational toolkit and how you can start a program at your school. Show Sponsor: Edge U Badges - Edge U Badges from Forward Edge is a fantastic micro credentialing program for teachers, administrators, and school staff. In this program, you can earn contact hours or graduate credit. With the ISTE Seal of Alignment, this program is approved by many districts as a flexible, personalized way for teachers to learn and grow. They will work with you to help your district accept your transcript for licensure renewal hours. Edge U Badges has former teachers review every single badge within 1-3 business days of submission, and no badge is ever denied without very specific feedback on what you can do to resubmit successfully or positive feedback on successful submissions. This is a program that I'm reviewing for my own renewal that comes up this year and I'm excited about their micro-credentialing system, which is why I'm recommending it to you! Use the code COOLCAT for $20 off a premium account. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Jan 16, 202412 min

S14 Ep 82628 Questions to Ask Yourself As You Plan Your Year

ViAs we start this year, each of us is in different circumstances. I rebel against anyone with a "one size fits all" plan that works for everybody. Each of us has a different approach to life and planning. As I do my planning, I spend time learning from others. You can also plan your year in a new way as I share what I do. Over the past twenty years, I've created an annual planning system that works well for me. For the first time, I've put together a podcast sharing how I plan my year, along with some free forms you can use to plan your year. In this podcast, I include 28+ questions I ask myself each year. How I used two one-page forms to review last year, and I plan to change everything this year. A "time budgeting" spreadsheet that helps me make a big-picture time budget for the year. I also describe how I modify and improve my plan for the year as I grapple with life's hard questions. You can download these forms at www.coolcatteacher.com/annualplan. I will also send these to subscribers in my following newsletter after the release of this show. Show Sponsor: Edge U Badges - Edge U Badges from Forward Edge is a fantastic micro credentialing program for teachers, administrators, and school staff. In this program, you can earn contact hours or graduate credit. With the ISTE Seal of Alignment, this program is approved by many districts as a flexible, personalized way for teachers to learn and grow. They will work with you to help your district accept your transcript for licensure renewal hours. Edge U Badges has former teachers review every single badge within 1-3 business days of submission, and no badge is ever denied without very specific feedback on what you can do to resubmit successfully or positive feedback on successful submissions. This is a program that I'm reviewing for my own renewal that comes up this year and I'm excited about their micro-credentialing system, which is why I'm recommending it to you! Use the code COOLCAT for $20 off a premium account. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Jan 8, 202422 min

S13 Ep 825How to Make Teaching A Long-Term Career: What Works

"In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Jay Schroder, author of "Teach From Your Best Self, A Guide to Thriving in the Classroom." With this in mind, we dive into a critical yet often-neglected aspect of teaching—teacher well-being. Join us as we explore high-impact, low-effort teaching strategies crucial for bringing your best self to the classroom and forging a sustainable, rewarding career. Sponsor: Modern Classrooms Project will help you bring engaging, exciting teaching to your classroom with their free online course and community. Go to coolcatteacher.com/modern right now to sign up for the Modern Classrooms essential course for free where you will learn about the strategies, research, and resources that can drive student-centered, self-directed learning in your classroom. They can show you how to use technology to unlock deeper student relationships with your students. So many people ask me how to respond to Artificial Intelligence and my response is always, that we need to shift our pedagogical practices into the classroom to the time-tested research-based best practices. You get that with Modern Classrooms, so go to coolcatteacher.com/modern today and sign up. You'll be glad you did. This enlightening conversation is packed with practical tips for flourishing in one of the most demanding professions. Therefore, as we wrap up the year and enjoy our holiday festivities, I invite you, the remarkable teachers and educators listening to the 10 Minute Teacher, to pause and reflect on self-care and your approach to our noble profession of teaching. Understandably, if we are going to have long-term success in education, we have got to begin focusing on the well-being of our teachers. Now, in my 22nd year of teaching, I look back and wish I had known many of these lessons sooner. So, let's embrace the new year and reflect on what we can learn from the stresses and messes of this past fall and take the opportunity to renew our commitment to not just teaching but thriving in our classrooms. Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e825

Dec 22, 202311 min

S13 Ep 824Charting New Territories in PD: The Witsby Story with ASCD

Welcome to a treasure from my ISTE 2023 vault. This is a podcast for all education trailblazers seeking the cutting edge of professional growth. As a teacher committed to improving teaching and improving our professional development, I'm thrilled to share this conversation about how professional development can and is improving. Sponsor: Modern Classrooms Project will help you bring engaging, exciting teaching to your classroom with their free online course and community. Go to coolcatteacher.com/modern right now to sign up for the Modern Classrooms essential course for free where you will learn about the strategies, research, and resources that can drive student-centered, self-directed learning in your classroom. They can show you how to use technology to unlock deeper student relationships with your students. So many people ask me how to respond to Artificial Intelligence and my response is always, that we need to shift our pedagogical practices into the classroom to the time-tested research-based best practices. You get that with Modern Classrooms, so go to coolcatteacher.com/modern today and sign up. You'll be glad you did. Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e824 So, today, we're peeling back the curtain on Witsby, a platform launched at ISTE. As educators, there are many new options opening up to us that will help improve our classrooms and make our professional development more accessible and available via our mobile devices. Whether you're a teacher interested in new strategies or an administrator aiming to improve your team, this conversation can help you see professional development through a new lens.

Dec 19, 202312 min

S12 Ep 809Cool Cat Teacher's AI Insight: 10 Ways I'm Using AI Today

Welcome to today's episode, where I will bridge the gap between AI in my classroom and your ears! If you've been following my blog, you know I want to bring practical, innovative teaching strategies to life. But today, I'm doing things a bit differently on the show for an extended episode with me, your host, Vicki Davis. Sponsor: Modern Classrooms Project will help you bring engaging, exciting teaching to your classroom with their free online course and community. Go to coolcatteacher.com/modern right now to sign up for the Modern Classrooms essential course for free where you will learn about the strategies, research, and resources that can drive student-centered, self-directed learning in your classroom. They can show you have to use technology to unlock deeper student relationships with your students. So many people ask me how to respond to Artificial Intelligence and my response is always, that we need to shift our pedagogical practices into the classroom to the time-tested research-based best practices. You get that with Modern Classrooms, so go to coolcatteacher.com/modern today and sign up. You'll be glad you did. I'll guide you through how I use AI in my classes. I teach eighth grade through an AP Class with seniors, and we're finding amazing ways to use AI, from advising us on a trip project to providing feedback on logos and user interfaces for our app-building project to testing AI tutors. It's all real and all right now. There is no theory here, just lots of learning and some bumps along the way. (Recently, a custom GPT I created started calling me Melissa, sigh. Someone explain that to me!) And for a bit of fun, meet CAT GPT, my very own Content AI Taskhelper - a personal assistant I've created with a blend of my own educational beliefs and research-backed best practices. I have it interview me on the way to school (and sometimes back), and it helps me create content for you. I always link to it, so I'll share how I do that too. And, since I've given two weeks off to my son, John, so he can ace his finals, I understand the frustration with AI-generated transcripts (thanks, southern accent!), so while there's o polished transcript available just yet, you can check out the auto-captions on the Cool Cat Teacher YouTube channel for a pretty good transcript. And if you need a more accurate version, don't hesitate to reach out via email -- I'm committed to making my content accessible to all. This episode is more than just a podcast; it's a glimpse into the future of education with AI. So whether you're a seasoned educator or just AI-curious, tune in, laugh along, and prepare to form your own opinions about AI. Let's continue this AI adventure together as we work to improve our classrooms and educate a successful generation for tomorrow. This extended episode sponsored by Modern Classrooms will help me share about the pedagogical changes that can happen in schools that want to advance learning in an AGE of AI.

Dec 5, 202346 min

S13 Ep 822A Very Useful Guide to Virtual Classroom Collaboration

In this episode, we welcome Billy Krakower, a nationally recognized educator with 16 years of experience and a passion for bringing technology and creativity into the classroom. As a current STEM teacher in North New Jersey and a Google Certified Trainer, Billy focuses on implementing cutting-edge instructional design and co-authors "Connecting Your Students with the Virtual World." We'll uncover practical, engaging strategies for integrating the four Cs -- Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication -- into your teaching. From engaging mystery location calls to the innovative use of Google Art and Culture for creative exploration and the impactful use of AI in education, Billy shares actionable techniques to transform your classroom into a hub of global learning and collaboration. Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their new AI Course. All opinions are my own.

Nov 18, 202311 min

S13 Ep 821The Cycle of Experimentation: A New Approach to Educational Innovation

In today's episode, we're joined by Dr. Justin Reich, an associate professor at MIT and the author of 'Iterate: The Secret to Innovation in Schools.' We dive deep into teachers' crucial role in driving innovation and improvement in education. Suppose you've ever wondered how to bring meaningful change to your school or classroom. In that case, this episode offers actionable insights into teacher leadership, classroom experimentation, and the power of doing less to achieve more. Sponsor: Modern Classrooms is sponsoring a free webinar with Dr. Justin Reich, today's guest, on November 14, 2023. Don't worry, you can also listen to the recording. In this webinar, guests will dive deep into the strategies that drive meaningful change in instructional approaches and student learning, and learn the hallmarks of top-notch professional development experiences that support educators along the path toward classroom innovation. Join our experts, DC-based principal coach Maya Stewart and author and associate professor at MIT, Dr. Justin Reich to discuss how we support teacher leaders and innovation within our learning communities. Link: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/modernwebinar Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e821

Nov 10, 202314 min

S13 Ep 820Practical, Awesome AI: Unlocking the Power of Bing Chat Enterprise

In today's show, I talk with Mark Sparvell about a tool that has become essential to my lesson planning and work in my AP Computer Science Principles course: Bing Chat Enterprise. If your school has Microsoft Office 365 A3 or A5 licenses, you can activate this feature. It's an amazing tool that saves time and stands out with its robust privacy features, ensuring the security of student data while offering powerful AI functionalities to streamline tasks for teachers and administrators. This show is sponsored and includes some advertorial content. It's only my second podcast this year featuring such content, which I choose to do only when the product is one I personally use, and when it's both newsworthy and beneficial for educators. The show is unscripted, and all opinions are my own. Enjoy! ✏️Note from Vicki: I'm back! For those of you who noticed a slight absence, I had corrective 👁️ eye surgery and now can see so clearly. However, the journey to get here was one where I had to significantly limit my time on electronics which meant the podcast and newsletter took a short break when I couldn't look at my devices. I can't stress the importance of all of us teachers taking care of themselves if I wouldn't pause and do it myself! Right? But I'm back and will be posting awesome content weekly from here on out with a short break at Christmas. Thanks to those of you who emailed me to check on me. I'm great now even if playing a bit of catch up! 😀 -- Vicki Davis Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their new AI Course. All opinions are my own. Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/bing-chat-enterprise

Nov 3, 202318 min

S13 Ep 819Breaking Down Barriers: How to Make Math Accessible for All Students

Dr. Lydia Gonzalez, author of "Bad at Math: Dismantling Harmful Beliefs That Hinder Equitable Mathematics Education," talks about the societal norms that make it acceptable to be "bad at math" and how these beliefs can be detrimental to learning. Dr. Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of broadening our understanding of math and its relevance in everyday life. We also discuss the critical role of relationships and a growth mindset in effective teaching, particularly in math subjects that many find intimidating. Let's explore how to dismantle harmful beliefs in math education and create a more equitable learning environment. Snow notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e819 Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their new AI Course. All opinions are my own. Once a year, I have a newsworthy topic that I accept that has advertorial content. This is the show for 2023 with Microsoft. 00:00:00 - 00:00:33: Introduction John D. introduces the host, Vicki Davis, and today's sponsor, Microsoft Education. Vicki introduces Dr. Lidia Gonzalez, the author of "Bad at Math: Dismantling Harmful Beliefs That Hinder Equitable Mathematics Education." 00:00:33 - 00:01:32: The Problem with Saying "I'm Bad at Math" Dr. Lidia Gonzalez discusses the societal acceptance of being "bad at math" and how it hinders students from excelling in the subject. 00:01:32 - 00:02:42: Broadening the Definition of Math Dr. Lidia Gonzalez talks about how math is more than just numbers and equations; it's a study of patterns that applies to everyday life. 00:02:42 - 00:03:46: The Importance of Relationships in Education Dr. Lidia Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students to foster a conducive learning environment. 00:03:46 - 00:05:45: Real-world Examples and Mindset Dr. Lidia Gonzalez and Vicki Davis discuss the importance of a growth mindset and using real-world examples to make math relatable. 00:05:45 - 00:09:44: Math is Not Neutral Dr. Lidia Gonzalez talks about the importance of inclusive and equitable math education, touching on issues of access and representation. 00:09:44 - 00:10:12: Closing Remarks Vicki Davis thanks Dr. Lidia Gonzalez for her insights and mentions the Microsoft Education AI course for educators.

Oct 1, 202311 min

S13 Ep 818The IEP Journey: The Heart of Special Education Planning

In today's episode, we sit down with Stephanie DeLussey, a dual-certified veteran special education teacher, IEP coach, and author of the upcoming book "The Intentional IEP." Stephanie shares her unique insights into the often daunting process of writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between parents and teachers, and offers practical tips to make the IEP process more effective and less stressful for everyone involved. Read the full transcript and show notes at: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e818 Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their new AI Course. All opinions are my own. Once a year, I have a newsworthy topic that I accept that has advertorial content. This is the show for 2023 with Microsoft. Show Outline: Introduction Timestamp: 00:00:00 - 00:01:00 In this episode, Vicki Davis sits down with Stephanie DeLussey to discuss the importance of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and how to approach them intentionally. Stephanie shares her expertise in creating effective IEPs that genuinely cater to the needs of each student. The Importance of Parent Input Timestamp: 00:01:01 - 00:04:48 Stephanie emphasizes the crucial role that parent input plays in shaping an effective IEP. She suggests using input forms to gather valuable information from parents, which can then be used to write the present-level section of the IEP. Writing the IEP: The Present Level Section Timestamp: 00:04:48 - 00:05:22 Stephanie walks us through the process of writing the PLAAFP (Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance) section of the IEP, which serves as the foundation for the entire plan. Gathering Additional Input Timestamp: 00:05:22 - 00:06:08 Stephanie advises sending out teacher input forms and consulting with other professionals who work with the child. This additional input helps in determining the skills to focus on when writing IEP goals. Drafting and Revising the IEP Timestamp: 00:06:08 - 00:07:16 Stephanie talks about sending a proposed draft IEP to the family for review. She emphasizes the importance of open communication and flexibility in making any necessary changes. Communication and Feedback Timestamp: 00:07:16 - 00:07:48 Vicki and Stephanie discuss the best ways to communicate with families, whether it's through email, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings, depending on the family's preference. The IEP Meeting and Follow-Up Timestamp: 00:07:48 - 00:09:11 Stephanie outlines what happens during the IEP meeting and the importance of ongoing communication with general education teachers and parents throughout the year. Addressing Misconceptions Timestamp: 00:09:11 - 00:11:09 Vicki and Stephanie tackle some common misconceptions about IEPs, including the difference between being "fair" and being "equitable." Conclusion and Resources Timestamp: 00:11:09 - 00:12:02 Vicki wraps up the episode by thanking Stephanie for her insights and mentioning Stephanie's upcoming book, "The Intentional IEP," set to release in January.

Sep 26, 202312 min

S13 Ep 817Encouragement in Education: Why It's More Crucial Now Than Ever

In this uplifting episode, we're joined by Todd Nesloney, a seasoned educator and advocate for authentic leadership in schools. If you've ever questioned your worth or impact as an educator, this conversation is a must-listen. Todd delves into the transformative power of vulnerability, the importance of emotional intelligence, and why every single person in a school setting is a leader in their own right—offering actionable insights that could reignite your passion for teaching. Read the full transcript; show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e817 Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their new AI Course. All opinions are my own. Once a year, I have a newsworthy topic that I accept that has advertorial content. This is the show for 2023 with Microsoft. Introduction and Guest Background [00:00:00:02 - 00:00:37:23] Introduction of the podcast and today's guest, Todd Nesloney, who is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association. Todd has won many awards and authored several books. The Concept of Leadership [00:00:38:00 - 00:02:43:09] Todd Nesloney discusses his belief that everyone is a leader in some capacity, whether at work, home, or among friends. Leadership is not confined to a job title but is expressed through actions, choices, and words. The Importance of Vulnerability [00:02:43:09 - 00:04:52:11] Todd emphasizes the power of vulnerability as a leadership quality. He talks about how sharing personal struggles can inspire others and make them feel that their own struggles are important. The Evolution of Beliefs [00:04:52:14 - 00:05:33:05] Todd shares how his beliefs have evolved over time, particularly with a chapter in his book "Kids Deserve It" that he now disagrees with. He stresses the importance of bringing your whole self to your job. The Role of Emotions and Therapy [00:05:33:05 - 00:07:48:15] Todd talks about the impact of personal life on professional life and the importance of not minimizing your feelings. He also discusses the benefits of therapy in understanding oneself better. The Value of Authenticity [00:07:48:20 - 00:08:50:12] Todd and Vicki discuss the importance of being authentic and true to oneself, both as an individual and as an educator. Todd emphasizes that everyone brings something unique to the table. Closing Remarks [00:08:50:16 - 00:11:47:12] Todd gives a heartfelt message encouraging listeners to recognize their worth and the positive impact they can have on the world. The episode closes with information about a free AI course for educators from Microsoft and final remarks from the host.

Sep 19, 202311 min

S12 Ep 808The Future is Now: Preparing Our Youngest Scholars for a Digital World

Early exposure to technology can help children develop digital literacy skills. Around 70% of kindergartners can use educational apps on tablets or smartphones. But it stands to reason that we must help students know how to effectively use these tools so they do not hinder and that they help But do they know how to use technology effectively? And how much is too much? Not all technology use is good, and overuse can hold students back. Use should be appropriate, tied to classroom content areas, and guided. With over 70% of US parents concerned about too much screen time for littles, they have a valid concern. And especially with littles, the time should be limited. Debbie Tannenbaum gives us guidance on the practical, balanced use of technology for children in kindergarten through second grade. If you want to know how to start helping little ones learn about technology, this podcast resource is for you to get started. Debbie Tannenbaum, a veteran teacher and tech coach, has made it her mission to help students develop digital skills even as young as kindergarten. This podcast will explore Debbie's key strategies for teaching digital literacy skills to our youngest students. Sponsor: Today's sponsor, EVERFI, has created an incredible set of early literacy lessons called WORD Force. Go to everfi.com/coolcat to sign up for these early literacy lessons perfect for K to 2 classrooms everywhere. And check out my review this week on my blog. Hosts, Guests & Featured People: Debbie Tannenbaum, Tannenbaum Tech Vicki Davis, Host, Cool Cat Teacher Blog Pana Asavavatana's @PanaAsavavatana episode on How she helps her students using iPads that Debbie said helped her understand how to use icon literacy to teach littles. Episode 388 Digital Resources Mentioned: EVERFI and WORD Force, amazing reading games for reading literacy Wixie one of Debbie's favorite tech tools for young learners Book Creator - students can write their own ebooks. Flip (formerly Flipgrid) Clever - how students login to their apps News and Research on This Topic: Office of Education Technology - Early exposure to technology can help students with digital literacy skills PEW Study - Children's engagement with digital devices and screentime MIT Review "How Use of Technology is Holding Students Back" PEW Study - Parenting Children in the Age of Screens Podcast Table of Contents: Introduction and Episode Overview 00:00:00:00 - 00:00:32:10 Sponsor Mention and Blog Review 00:00:32:12 - 00:00:59:13 Vicki Davis talks about the episode's sponsor, EVERFI, and mentions her blog review of WORDFORCE. Debbie Tannenbaum's Journey 00:01:25:09 - 00:01:50:19 Debbie Tannenbaum shares her teaching journey, frustrations, and how reaching out to a podcast guest on this show helped her make amazing progress with teaching littles. Importance of Professional Learning Network (PLN) 00:02:11:22 - 00:02:34:20 Debbie Tannenbaum discusses the importance of a PLN and how it has enriched her career. Focus on Young Learners 00:03:35:13 - 00:03:54:19 Vicki Davis and Debbie Tannenbaum discuss the focus on young learners and how to help teachers reach them. Icon Bingo and Visual Learning 00:04:18:09 - 00:04:39:18 Debbie Tannenbaum talks about using "Icon Bingo" to help young learners understand digital icons. Tech Tools for Young Learners 00:07:56:05 - 00:08:11:21 Debbie Tannenbaum mentions her favorite tech tools for young learners, including Wixie and eBook Creator. Making Learning Stick 00:09:24:00 - 00:10:02:00 Debbie Tannenbaum gives an elevator pitch on how to make learning stick with technology for four and five-year-olds. Closing Remarks and Sponsor Mention 00:11:09:08 - 00:11:38:0 Vicki Davis wraps up the episode, thanking Debbie Tannenbaum and mentioning the sponsor, Everfi, again. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sep 11, 202312 min

S13 Ep 815Project-based Learning with A.I. and Improving Friendships

Project based learning can be enhanced using AI tools in this unique way that has students do comparative tasks as they compare their work and that done by ChatGPT. In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative world of project-based learning! Our special guest, Or-Tal Kiriati from Tel Aviv, Israel, shares her innovative approach to integrating artificial intelligence and human experiences into multidisciplinary projects. From exploring the duality of human nature through literature (and a super amazing way to teach Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) to teaching friendship skills in a digital age, Or-Tal's projects offer a fresh perspective on education. Learn from her techniques in her language arts classroom to see how you can engage your students, encourage critical thinking, and make learning an adventure! Show transcript, notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/815 Show Sponsor: Are you looking for engaging NGSS-aligned science lessons designed to improve critical thinking in your middle school students? Now is the time to sign up for Research Quest from the Natural History Museum of Utah. Designed by teachers for teachers these online investigations are lead by museum scientists and use the museum's incredible collections to create engaging learning experiences that are fun for your students and easy to implement! Check them out now!​ Hosts, Guests & Featured People: Or-Tal Kiriati Vicki Davis Resources: Research Quest - amazing PBL resource for middle school students aligned to NGSS standards - show sponsor Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson Leonardo da Vinci's Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk Show Highlights: Introduction (00:00:00:02 - 00:00:08:05) Sponsor and Guest Introduction (00:00:08:10 - 00:00:39:16) Vicki introduces the episode's sponsor, Research Quest, and the guest, Or-Tal Kiriati, who is from Tel Aviv, Israel. Merging Humanity and A.I. in Projects (00:00:39:18 - 00:00:58:06) Vicki discusses her interest in Or-Tal's projects that combine elements of human experience with artificial intelligence. Or-Tal's Approach to A.I. in Education (00:00:58:08 - 00:01:30:08) Or-Tal explains how she started integrating artificial intelligence into her educational projects based on student interest. Additional Resources and New Video Feature (00:01:30:10 - 00:01:56:09) Vicki mentions the slideshow provided by Or-Tal and introduces a new video feature for the podcast. Listener Feedback and First Project Introduction (00:01:56:09 - 00:02:18:17) Vicki talks about the podcast's new format and asks about Or-Tal's first project about masks. The Duality in Me Project (00:02:18:17 - 00:02:55:12) Or-Tal describes her project, "The Duality in Me," which is designed to teach the literature of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Student Engagement and Questions (00:02:55:14 - 00:03:35:11) Or-Tal shares how she engages students by encouraging them to ask questions related to the project's main theme. Project Phases and Activities (00:03:35:13 - 00:05:58:01) Or-Tal outlines the various phases of her project, including group formation and activities like analyzing art. Student Reactions and Comparisons (00:06:03:12 - 00:06:35:03) Vicki and Or-Tal discuss student reactions to the project and how they compared their own work to the book Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Examples and Student Work (00:06:35:03 - 00:07:33:07) Or-Tal provides examples of student work, including their interactions with an A.I. tool named ChatGPT. Second Project: Friendship (00:07:33:07 - 00:08:46:02) Or-Tal introduces her second project focused on the theme of friendship, explaining its multidisciplinary approach. Closing Thoughts (00:09:08:12 - 00:10:18:18) Sponsor Message and Conclusion (00:10:18:18 - 00:10:58:08) Vicki revisits the episode's sponsor, Research Quest, and provides information on accessing their resources. John closes the podcast.

Sep 4, 202311 min

S13 Ep 814How to Use Data Driven Instruction in the Classroom

Today we'll dive deep into the transformative power of data analytics for your classroom! Think data is just for statisticians or administrators? Think again! Today, we're joined by Victoria Setaro, an expert in making data analytics approachable and actionable for everyday teachers like you. We'll explore how you can harness the power of both 'cold' and 'warm' data to not only understand your students better but also to significantly improve their performance. From tackling chronic absenteeism to boosting math proficiency rates, data-driven instruction is a game-changer. So if you want to elevate your teaching and empower your students, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned! Transcript and Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e814 Show Sponsor EVERFI Want to prepare your students for career and life success but short on time? Busy teachers use EVERFI's standards-aligned, research-based digital lessons, recently awarded with the ISTE Seal for high-quality curriculum, to teach students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Interactive, game-based lessons designed by experienced educators help you engage students at all grade levels and bring critical real-world skills like financial education, early literacy, character education, health & wellness, and more to your classroom. Thanks to partners, these lessons are FREE for all K-12 schools and students. With back-to-school season gearing up, now is an exciting time to give your students a jumpstart on their future. Go to everfi.com/coolcat to learn more and sign up to get a virtual swag bag full of free goodies to get the school year off to a great start. Hosts, Guests & Featured People: Victoria Setaro @victoria_Setaro Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher Resources: Meeting Wise: Making the Most of Collaborative Time for Educators from Harvard University News: Washington Post: OPINION: A surge of absentee students might require a radical rethink of schools Key Segments in this Podcast Key Moments from the Podcast Transcript Introduction 00:00:00:02 - 00:00:03:12: John Davis introduces the 10 Minutes Teacher podcast with host Vicki Davis. Sponsor Message 00:00:03:12 - 00:00:25:19: Vicki Davis talks about the sponsor EVERFI, which offers interactive and free digital lessons for educators. Guest Introduction 00:00:25:21 - 00:00:49:23: Vicki Davis introduces Victoria Setaro, who is known for making data analytics approachable for everyday teachers. Importance of Data in Education 00:00:50:00 - 00:01:00:13: Vicki Davis emphasizes the importance of data analytics in making classrooms more effective. Victoria's Perspective on Data Analytics 00:01:03:17 - 00:02:22:00: Victoria Setaro discusses how data analytics can help teachers understand their students better and invites educators to take control of the data they have. Chronic Absenteeism 00:02:33:11 - 00:03:07:21: Vicki Davis and Victoria discuss the issue of chronic absenteeism and its data implications. Cold Data vs. Warm Data 00:03:30:15 - 00:04:04:22: Victoria explains the difference between "cold data" and "warm data," emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying causes behind data points. Implementing Data Analytics in Schools 00:04:54:10 - 00:05:56:17: Vicki and Victoria discuss the challenges and considerations when introducing data analytics in schools, including the need for time and commitment. Privacy Concerns 00:07:16:09 - 00:07:53:19: The conversation shifts to the ethical considerations of using data analytics, particularly concerning student privacy. Success Story 00:08:36:05 - 00:10:57:05: Victoria shares a success story where data analytics led to a significant improvement in math proficiency rates in a school district. Closing Remarks 00:11:18:04 - 00:11:58:12: Vicki Davis thanks Victoria for her insights and emphasizes the importance of data analytics in education. Sponsor Message 00:11:58:14 - 00:12:31:15: Vicki Davis again mentions EVERFI and encourages teachers to sign up for their free lessons. Outro 00:12:31:19 - 00:12:44:06: John Davis closes the podcast and provides information on where to find more content from Vicki Davis. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Aug 28, 202312 min

S13 Ep 813Genius Hour 2.0 with Lauren Lavelle

In this episode of the 10 Minute Teacher podcast, host Vicki Davis sits down with Lauren Lavelle to discuss the transformative educational approach known as Genius Hour. Recorded live at ISTE, the conversation delves into how Genius Hour has been revamped and integrated into the sixth-grade curriculum, offering students a full-year exploratory course that goes beyond traditional learning. Vicki and Lauren also touch on the importance of generational connectedness in education, emphasizing how mentors and older students can offer invaluable perspectives. Additionally, the episode explores the role of blogging in the Genius Hour process, serving as a tool for reflection and continuous improvement. Full transcript and show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e813 Show Sponsor EVERFI Want to prepare your students for career and life success but short on time? Busy teachers use EVERFI's standards-aligned, research-based digital lessons, recently awarded with the ISTE Seal for high-quality curriculum, to teach students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Interactive, game-based lessons designed by experienced educators help you engage students at all grade levels and bring critical real-world skills like financial education, early literacy, character education, health & wellness, and more to your classroom. Thanks to partners, these lessons are FREE for all K-12 schools and students. With back-to-school season gearing up, now is an exciting time to give your students a jumpstart on their future. Go to everfi.com/coolcat to learn more and sign up to get a virtual swag bag full of free goodies to get the school year off to a great start. Key Segments in this Podcast Introduction to Genius Hour 2.0 Timestamp: 00:00:44:20 - 00:01:08:15 Description: Lauren Lavelle talks about the next iteration of Genius Hour, called Genius Hour 2.0, and how it's integrated into the sixth-grade curriculum. The Importance of Generational Connectedness Timestamp: 00:02:55:25 - 00:03:21:17 Description: Vicki Davis discusses the concept of generational connectedness and how it's important for students to see that they're part of a bigger world. Blogging as a Reflective Process Timestamp: 00:03:57:44 - 00:04:16:57 Description: Lauren explains that students are blogging throughout the Genius Hour process, focusing on reflection and continuous improvement. Real-world Genius Hour Projects Timestamp: 00:08:05:02 - 00:08:36:38 Description: Lauren shares an example of a student who created a pedaling system under his desk that also charges his Chromebook, exemplifying the real-world application of Genius Hour projects. Hosts, Guests & Featured People: Lauren Lavelle @MrsLavelle Michael Davola @Mrdavolatech Jesse Lubinsky @jlubinsky Resources: Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds by Julie Lindsay and Vicki Davis Google Sites - the student blog platform Google Forms - how students secure feedback from each other "Yes and" protocol with lesson plan and handout Google slides - how to automatically add transitions News: Why You Should Give a Lightning Presentation Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Aug 21, 20239 min

S13 Ep 812AI in VR and AR with Rachelle Dené Poth

How are augmented reality and virtual reality merging with artificial intelligence? What does it mean for the classroom? In this show, AR/VR guru Rachelle Dené Poth delves deep into the transformative potential of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Fresh from her appearance on the ISTE mainstage, Rachell highlights the surging interest in immersive and emerging technologies. She encourages teachers to shift their mindset from apprehension to curiosity and eagerness to learn something new. As the landscape of education technology rapidly changes, Rachelle shares some ideas of what the future of classroom learning could look like. Listen to this Spanish teacher talk about using these awesome tools in her classroom and in classrooms around the world. Full transcript and show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e812 Show Sponsor EVERFI Want to prepare your students for career and life success but short on time? Busy teachers use EVERFI's standards-aligned, research-based digital lessons, recently awarded with the ISTE Seal for high-quality curriculum, to teach students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Interactive, game-based lessons designed by experienced educators help you engage students at all grade levels and bring critical real-world skills like financial education, early literacy, character education, health & wellness, and more to your classroom. Thanks to partners, these lessons are FREE for all K-12 schools and students. With back-to-school season gearing up, now is an exciting time to give your students a jumpstart on their future. Go to everfi.com/coolcat to learn more and sign up to get a virtual swag bag full of free goodies to get the school year off to a great start. Key Segments Introduction and Rachelle's Credentials [00:02.028 - 00:27.876] Vicki Davis introduces Rachelle Dené Poth, highlighting her expertise in AR, VR, and her recent appearance at ISTE. Emerging Technologies in Education [00:49.93 - 02:38.929] Rachelle discusses the increasing interest in AR, VR, and AI in education. She mentions her sessions at ISTE and how educators' comfort and interest levels have evolved over time. Apple's AR Glasses vs. Meta's VR [02:53.228 - 04:24.106] The conversation shifts to Apple's announcement of AR glasses and how it compares to Meta's full VR approach. Rachelle shares her thoughts on the potential reasons and implications. AI's Impact on AR and VR [05:08.118 - 07:48.801] Vicki and Rachelle discuss the exponential change that can occur when AI integrates with AR and VR. They explore the potential benefits and challenges, as well as the future of these technologies in education. Anthropomorphism of AI [09:07.722 - 11:28.5] The conversation delves into how people perceive and refer to AI, touching on the humanization of technology and the implications for education and society. Advice for Educators [11:34.571 - 12:50.495] Rachelle offers advice for educators looking to integrate emerging technologies into their classrooms. She emphasizes the importance of taking risks and learning alongside students. Hosts, Guests & Featured People: Rachelle Dené Poth @Rdene915 Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher Resources: The Future is Faster than You Think by Peter Diamandis, Steven Kotler EVERFI - show sponsor News: Apple Vision Pro Glasses Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Aug 19, 202311 min

S13 Ep 811Teaching with AI: Harnessing the Future without Losing Our Way – An In-Depth Conversation with Pat Yongpradit

Pat Yongpradit from Code.org and TeachAI dives into the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations of harnessing future AI technologies. Join us as we navigate the intricate path towards innovation without losing sight of what makes us human with a candid conversations of our concerns and the importance of coming together to create policies that will shape our classrooms. Artificial Intelligence in schools should present educators, parents, and policymakers with many concerns but there are also opportunities. Pat Yongpradit, in his role with Code.org is also working with the TeachAI initiative. He shares a candid conversation about how teachers can share what they are observing with AI, the benefits, and also some very real concerns he has about artificial intelligence and its impact on humankind. Show Sponsor EVERFI Want to prepare your students for career and life success but short on time? Busy teachers use EVERFI's standards-aligned, research-based digital lessons, recently awarded with the ISTE Seal for high-quality curriculum, to teach students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Interactive, game-based lessons designed by experienced educators help you engage students at all grade levels and bring critical real-world skills like financial education, early literacy, character education, health & wellness, and more to your classroom. Thanks to partners, these lessons are FREE for all K-12 schools and students. With back-to-school season gearing up, now is an exciting time to give your students a jumpstart on their future. Go to everfi.com/coolcat to learn more and sign up to get a virtual swag bag full of free goodies to get the school year off to a great start. Show Notes, Resources, and Full Transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e811

Aug 7, 202312 min

S13 Ep 810AI: The Future of Classroom Efficiency with Mary Howard

What do you do when award-winning teachers tell you there is a way to save time? Mary Howard, author of Artificial Intelligence to Streamline Your Teacher Life: The ChatGPT Guide for Educators shares some quick tips to streamline teacher productivity with ChatGPT. Mary won ISTE's 2018 "Virtual Pioneer of the Year" and was a New York State Teacher of the Year finalist in 2018 and 2020. She is an actual classroom teacher and doesn't "do" hype, but I think she wants to help. In this show, she shares some ideas for streamlining and discusses the future of AI in VR and AR and how she thinks it can help us use these advanced tools even more. I hope this show helps you think about what you can do today and what is possible tomorrow. Full Show notes, transcript, guest bio, and links to resources at http://www.coolcatteacher.com/e810 Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their new AI Course. All opinions are my own.

Aug 5, 202311 min

S13 Ep 809The Great Student AI Writing Experiment with Steve Dembo

Are you an educator troubled by the looming question of how AI will impact writing instruction? Look no further. As this experiment unfolds, you'll be interested in his findings' powerful implications on student creativity and expression. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to navigate the future of writing in a world where humans and AI learn to work together to communicate in better ways. In this episode, we step into the captivating world of AI and writing with Steve Dembo, a seasoned classroom educator at the forefront of AI integration for years. In this eye-opening podcast, Steve uncovers his ingenious writing experiment that holds the keys to helping us all unlock the true potential of students and AI in writing papers. Show Notes, Transcript, and Video with Captions: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e809 Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their new AI Course. All opinions are my own. Once a year, I have a newsworthy topic that I accept that has advertorial content. This is the show for 2023 with Microsoft.

Aug 1, 202311 min

S13 Ep 808Revolutionizing Classrooms: How Microsoft's AI is Changing Education

Artificial intelligence is the top conversation among educators everywhere. It was truly a thrill for me, as a classroom teacher, for Lydia Smyers, the Vice President of US Education for Microsoft, to sit down with me at ISTE. As educators, we're at the forefront of this exciting (and scary) change with unprecedented learning opportunities (and threats.) Whether you're new to AI or a seasoned AI-enthusiast, you'll gain invaluable insights into one of the companies on the forefront of AI in education. Brought to you by Microsoft, this podcast offers a glimpse into the future of education and an AI-infused landscape where possibilities are endless (and challenges abound.) Let's do this! Read the full transcript, show notes, and video here: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e808 Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their new AI Course. All opinions are my own. Once a year, I have a newsworthy topic that I accept that has advertorial content. This is the show for 2023 with Microsoft. Lydia Smyers, Vice President of US Education for Microsoft Lydia Smyers is the Vice President of US Education for Microsoft. She leads the sales teams supporting the adoption and sales of Microsoft's solutions across K-12 organizations and higher education customers in the United States. Before joining Microsoft, Smyers was group vice president of Worldwide Alliances, Channels Programs and Communications at Oracle Corp. In this role, she had global responsibility for Oracle Partner Network (OPN) programs, strategy, marketing and communications. Her organization supported Oracle's channel ecosystem with an emphasis on driving partner profitability and satisfaction. Smyers is a member of the EDUCAUSE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board and has been named as one of CRN's "Top 100 Women of the Channel" 2009–2013 and named to its advisory board. She is also committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and supporting her local community. She serves on the board of several community nonprofits including Friends of Marblehead Public Schools, MassCUE, and the Marblehead Family Fund. Smyers holds an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, and a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Trinity College-Hartford. She is a sports enthusiast, an active triathlete in the summer and an alpine backcountry skier in the winter. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.

Jul 28, 202311 min

S13 Ep 807The Human Side of AI: A Student ChatGPT Experience

As we continue with the series, '80 Days of AI and AI,' after a much-needed summer break, this interview with my student, William, marks a return to the learning journey. But this journey is not just for me and my students. This learning journey is ours as educators venturing into this rapidly changing area of AI. In April, William Price, one of my senior students, shared his proposal for a capstone project. William was curious: what would happen if he pit ChatGPT against the assignments from our Computer Science class. The question? Could this AI perform as well, or possibly even outperform the human students/ And if so, which assignments would it excel in, and where would it fall short? William returned to our classroom just a week after graduation to share what he learned, his honest observations about this new tool, and what his generation is saying about it. While many are talking about the role of AI in education, as a classroom teacher with my students, we are taking a different approach. We're not just discussing it but implementing, testing, and learning from it. We're learning out to supervise AI and when it is effectively used (or not.) So, on Day 16 of my '80 Days of AI and HI' series, it seems only fitting to showcase one of my inspiring student's contributions to this exploration. The show notes include a full transcript and reflection questions for educators, administrators and preservice teachers: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e807

Jul 24, 202310 min

S12 Ep 806Promoting Real World Change and Success in Schools Today with Misa Sato

Today, we spotlight Misa Sato, an award-winning assistant principal who recently earned the prestigious NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year title. Serving at Reagan High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Misa has made a profound impact through her dynamic approach to educational leadership. Under her guidance, the school has not only seen significant growth in its International Baccalaureate (IB) Career Program but also received numerous awards for student achievement. In this episode, Misa shares her journey, discussing her proudest accomplishments, her experiences of implementing and expanding the IB Career-Related Program, and how she's fostered the critical connection between students, parents, and the wider community. This episode is a must-listen for those looking for inspiration on how to be a great assistant principal and seeking practical advice on successfully navigating the challenges of school leadership. So, tune in to explore Misa's remarkable story, and don't miss her nuggets of wisdom that could help you make a meaningful difference in your role as an assistant principal. Remember, you're just a podcast away from becoming an even better leader! Transcript and Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e806 Show Sponsor: Research Quest Are you looking for engaging NGSS-aligned science lessons designed to improve critical thinking in your middle school students? Now is the time to sign up for Research Quest from the Natural History Museum of Utah. Designed by teachers for teachers, these online investigations are lead by museum scientists and use the museum's incredible collections to create engaging learning experiences that are fun for your students and easy to implement! Check out Research Quest today at www.coolcatteacher.com/researchquest.

Jul 20, 202310 min

S12 Ep 805Breaking News: Microsoft AI Announcements at ISTELive 2023 #NotatISTE

Today, I have a breaking news announcement from Microsoft at ISTE 2023. This was prerecorded for a simultaneous release with today's news so that all of you who are not at ISTE could get this news. It will also be released on my podcast and YouTube channel, although I have embedded the YouTube channel below and included the transcript. Mark Sparvell sat down with me to share these amazing announcements. This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their new AI course. All opinions are my own. Some of these awesome announcements include: Generative AI features built into Reading Progress inside Microsoft Teams are game-changers for teachers. Excellent generative AI features are now being used inside Kahoot and PowerSchool that will help teachers. These are powered by the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. A cool collaboration between Microsoft and New York City Public Schools to support their exploration of the development of generative AI tools tailored for their own use. A fantastic Microsoft AI Course is now available for educators at aka.ms/AIforEducators. Check out today's announcement from Microsoft. Full transcript at https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e805

Jun 26, 202325 min

S12 Ep 804Fantastic Figjam Makes Brainstorming and Collaboration in the Classroom Better

What is Figjam? Figjam is a cool, flexible, fun, collaborative space for student projects, presentations, and collaborations. Today's guest, Tom Mullaney, shares how he uses Figjam with students and teachers; he explains why it is useful and gives tips and tricks that will engage students in the collaborative skills they need to be creative collaborators in today's world. Figjam is part of the Adobe Figma suite of tools and is free for educators and their students. Check out the shownotes, resource links, guest bio, and a full transcript at: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e804 Show Sponsor: Research Quest Are you looking for engaging NGSS-aligned science lessons designed to improve critical thinking in your middle school students? Now is the time to sign up for Research Quest from the Natural History Museum of Utah. Designed by teachers for teachers, these online investigations are lead by museum scientists and use the museum's incredible collections to create engaging learning experiences that are fun for your students and easy to implement! Check out Research Quest today at www.coolcatteacher.com/researchquest.

May 4, 202311 min

S12 Ep 803How to Teach Better: Master Reading Differentiation Strategies

This podcast with Jennifer Seravallo is dedicated to helping reading teachers improve their teaching methods by providing practical tips and in-depth insights into differentiated reading strategies. If you're a reading teacher looking for ways to make your teaching more effective, you're in the right place. We know that every student is unique and has their own learning needs. That's why in this podcast, we'll explore various differentiated reading strategies that can be adapted to fit the needs of every student in your classroom. From process-based approaches to individualized instruction, we'll cover a range of strategies to help you teach better and, ultimately, help your students become better readers. Show Notes, Guest Bio, and Transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/803 Show Sponsor: Propello is a free online platform offering an amazing NGSS-aligned science curriculum for grades 6-8, with ELA lessons coming in the fall. With built-in student differentiation and support, every student gets a personalized learning experience designed for their unique needs. Propello's curriculum is focused on inquiry-driven instruction, with high-quality resources and embedded supports like language translations for English language learners. Even if you already have a science curriculum, Propello is an excellent classroom-ready supplement - with everything you need for a personal, fun learning experience for your students. So what are you waiting for? Head to Propello and create your account today!

Apr 28, 202313 min

S12 Ep 802Social Media Success: Easy Strategies For Schools And Districts

This podcast with Andrea Gribble will help school administrators and principals create a school social media strategy to drive engagement, build community, and enhance their organization's online presence. Schools and districts are leveraging the power of social media social more and more because it engages them with parents, students, and the larger community. But with so many platforms and strategies, it can be challenging to know where to start. That's where this podcast comes in. In this episode, we'll explore successful social media strategies proven to work for schools and districts. We'll cover all you need to know so your school and district can understand how to effectively use social media and create a strategy that works. Show Notes, Guest Bio, and Transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e802 Show Sponsor: Propello is a free online platform offering an amazing NGSS-aligned science curriculum for grades 6-8, with ELA lessons coming in the fall. With built-in student differentiation and support, every student gets a personalized learning experience designed for their unique needs. Propello's curriculum is focused on inquiry-driven instruction, with high-quality resources and embedded supports like language translations for English language learners. Even if you already have a science curriculum, Propello is an excellent classroom-ready supplement - with everything you need for a personal, fun learning experience for your students. So what are you waiting for? Head to Propello and create your account today!

Apr 17, 202312 min

S12 Ep 801Empower Your Students: Tips to Teach Financial Literacy Like a Pro

Today, we share a must-listen podcast for educators who want to help their students succeed financially. With April being financial literacy month, there's no better time to tune in and learn how to integrate financial literacy into your curriculum. This show's guest is financial literacy expert Brian Page. This podcast provides practical tips and strategies for teaching financial literacy to middle and high school students. From budgeting to investing, credit to debt management, you'll gain valuable insights and resources to help your students make informed financial decisions and achieve financial stability. Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e801 Sponsor: This is financial literacy month! I recently taught my students about budgets, and they were so grateful! Teach students the things that matter during financial literacy month and beyond! From budgets to banking to credit and savings, choose a topic and use it in your classroom with EVERFI's free financial literacy lesson plans. Here are some great courses I recommend: Here are some great EVERFI courses I recommend: EVERFI HS Financial Literacy (high school) FutureSmart/ SmartEconomics (middle school) Marketplaces (high school) Accounting Careers: Limitless Opportunities (high school) Data Science Foundations (high school) SaveUp: Saving Money for the Future (middle school) Check out EVERFI and its financial literacy resources today!

Apr 10, 202312 min

S12 Ep 800The Complete AI Classroom Guide

The conversation is about Artificial Intelligence. Is it helpful? Should it be welcomed in schools? Should it be blocked? Today's three guests are expert authors of the newly released The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education. We need to get practical, past the hype, and work to do that in this show. This is also episode 800. We always celebrate when arriving at such milestone episodes so I have my son, John, share the stats for the first eight hundred episodes and we have a little fun. I hope this extended episode serves as a helpful addition to the AI discussion. Also note, and ironically so, that due to the extended nature of this episode and that we have four speakers, the AI tools I use to write the transcript had a bit of a meltdown, and I've had to apply a significant amount of human intelligence to the transcript which delayed this episode to Thursday. This podcast does come out on Mondays and future episodes will be the ten minutes, but this conversation is so important. Show Notes, Full Transcript, and Bios : https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e800 Sponsor: This is financial literacy month! I recently taught my students about budgets, and they were so grateful! Teach students the things that matter during financial literacy month and beyond! From budgets to banking to credit and savings, choose a topic and use it in your classroom with EVERFI's free financial literacy lesson plans. Here are some great courses I recommend: Here are some great EVERFI courses I recommend: EVERFI HS Financial Literacy (high school) FutureSmart/ SmartEconomics (middle school) Marketplaces (high school) Accounting Careers: Limitless Opportunities (high school) Data Science Foundations (high school) SaveUp: Saving Money for the Future (middle school) Check out EVERFI and its financial literacy resources today!

Apr 6, 202338 min

S12 Ep 79912 AR Apps and Tips for Awesome Classrooms with Jaime Donally

Using your smartphone, you can now scan a human. In this episode of the 10 Minute Teacher podcast, I speak with AR expert Jaime Donally about practical ways to use augmented reality in the classroom. Jaime shares 12 top tips and resources for engaging learning with immersive tech, including 3D scanning, 3D printing, and more. She discusses the importance of spatial learning and how AR and VR can help students prepare for future careers. Teachers looking to make their lessons more engaging and interactive won't want to miss this conversation! Show Notes, Transcript, and Bio on https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e799 Sponsor: This is financial literacy month! I recently taught my students about budgets, and they were so grateful! Teach students the things that matter during financial literacy month and beyond! From budgets to banking to credit and savings, choose a topic and use it in your classroom with EVERFI's free financial literacy lesson plans. Here are some great courses I recommend: Here are some great EVERFI courses I recommend: EVERFI HS Financial Literacy (high school) FutureSmart/ SmartEconomics (middle school) Marketplaces (high school) Accounting Careers: Limitless Opportunities (high school) Data Science Foundations (high school) SaveUp: Saving Money for the Future (middle school) Check out EVERFI and its financial literacy resources today!

Mar 28, 202312 min

S12 Ep 798Practical AI for the Classroom

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic in schools around the country. As I kick off Season 12 of the 10 Minute Teacher (after a much-needed break), I'm sharing 21 uses of AI tools, 4 conversation starters (including eight concerns of negative uses of AI), and a lesson plan I used to teach AI. My focus is on both ChatGPT as well as Notion AI and the practical ways I'm using them in my everyday classroom activities. Welcome to an extended episode focusing on AI! Show Notes and Transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e798 Sponsor: This is financial literacy month! I recently taught my students about budgets, and they were so grateful! Teach students the things that matter during financial literacy month and beyond! From budgets to banking to credit and savings, choose a topic and use it in your classroom with EVERFI's free financial literacy lesson plans. Here are some great courses I recommend: Here are some great EVERFI courses I recommend: EVERFI HS Financial Literacy (high school) FutureSmart/ SmartEconomics (middle school) Marketplaces (high school) Accounting Careers: Limitless Opportunities (high school) Data Science Foundations (high school) SaveUp: Saving Money for the Future (middle school) Check out EVERFI and its financial literacy resources today! Check out the show notes for links to the lesson plan and the full transcript!

Mar 20, 202324 min

S11 Ep 797Mastery Learning 101 with Jon Bergmann

Mastery learning (also called competency-based learning) is being used in some classes and schools. Jon Bergmann, author of the Mastery Learning Handbook talks about how he uses mastery learning in his chemistry and physics classrooms. He discusses common mistakes when teachers implement mastery learning as well as the types of classes that work well with mastery learning. Learn about this method of curriculum development and teaching and see if it is right for you. Notes and Transcript https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e797 Sponsor: Dell Thank you, Dell, for sponsoring today's show. Access early black Friday deals from now through November 27, 2022. Limited quantities on desktops, gaming laptops, high quality monitors, thunderbolt docks, wireless mice and more. They have created a special link for readers of this blog and listeners of the 10 Minute Teacher podcast: www.dell.com/epp/coolcatteacher Did you know that Dell has a cost-free education discount program offered to educators and their friends and family all year long? Check the deals out today at www.dell.com/epp/coolcatteacher and enjoy some awesome new technology this holiday season! Jon Bergmann - Bio as Submitted Jon Bergmann is one of the pioneers of the Flipped Classroom. He has helped schools, universities, organizations, and governments all over the world introduce active and flipped learning into their contexts. He is a frequent keynote speaker who challenges and inspires audiences with stories and real-life examples from his classroom. He has taught at urban, suburban, rural, and private schools. He spent twenty-four years as a classroom teacher in Colorado before becoming a technology facilitator in the Chicago suburbs. When Flip Your Classroom became an international bestseller, he traveled the world for eight years, helping schools and universities move from passive to active learning. In 2019, he returned to the classroom to further develop Flipped and Mastery Learning. This has amplified Jon's voice with teachers and professors. They now see him as a fellow teacher working through the complexities and challenges of teaching today because his presentations include struggles and successes as he works every day with students. Jon believes the two most important things that make good teaching good are active learning and relationships. Too much education is received passively, and Jon knows from both research and experience that students learn best when they are active participants. Students don't care what you know until they know that you care, and Jon tries every day to connect with his students. Jon has written and co-authored ten books that have been translated into thirteen languages. In 2002, Jon received the Presidential Award for Excellence for Math and Science Teaching; and in 2010, he was a Semi-Finalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year. He serves on the advisory board for TED Education. He teaches full-time science and assists with staff development at Houston Christian High School in Houston, Texas. Find out more about Jon at JonBergmann.com and find book resources at TheMasteryLearningHandbook.com. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Nov 25, 202213 min

S11 Ep 796Education Motivation: Creating Something Better for Every Child with George Couros

George Couros says we need to stop trying to get back to 2019 and to create something new and better for every child. From trust to micromanagement to the importance of relationships, this motivational podcast will encourage teachers and administrators to move forward in hope. George gives some great advice here! Transcript and Links to Resources Mentioned: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e796 Sponsor: Dell Thank you, Dell, for sponsoring today's show. Access early black Friday deals from now through November 27, 2022. Limited quantities on desktops, gaming laptops, high quality monitors, thunderbolt docks, wireless mice and more. They have created a special link for readers of this blog and listeners of the 10 Minute Teacher podcast: www.dell.com/epp/coolcatteacher Did you know that Dell has a cost-free education discount program offered to educators and their friends and family all year long? Check the deals out today at www.dell.com/epp/coolcatteacher and enjoy some awesome new technology this holiday season! George Couros - Bio as Submitted George is currently an Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Consultant and speaker and the author of "The Innovator's Mindset" and "Innovate Inside the Box" and co-owner of IMPress Books. I have worked at all school levels, from K-12 as a teacher, technology facilitator, and school and district administrator, and I am currently an Adjunct Instructor with the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. I believe that creating a collaborative environment with all stakeholders will help to ensure that we meet the best needs of all children. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gcouros FaceBook - George Couros | Facebook Website - https://georgecouros.ca/ Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Nov 22, 202217 min

S11 Ep 795How I Built My Website and Brand with Jessica Adams

Jessica Adams, a teacher popular for sharing #TuesdayTechTips shares her journey of creating a personal website and her journey to create a personal brand. We discuss what website she used, how she picked her name, her colors, her logo, and fonts and her journey. With the holidays coming up, now is a great time for educators to work on their personal website and brand. She discusses the importance of not only student voice, but teacher voice and how it makes her feel to have a personal website. We also discussed the protection a personal website gives for you as a personal brand. Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e795 Sponsor: TARA TARA sponsored today's show. TARA stands for the Teacher Assistant for Resources & Administration which keeps tools, resources, lessons, IEP's, and meetings tracked in one place. It also includes vetted resources that you can download and use in your classroom immediately. As I reviewed this product, I've seen special education teachers and organizations raving about how TARA has helped them organize IEP progress, meetings, and result tracking. TARA is free for up to five people to work together as a team or just for you to use in your classroom to organize your lesson plans. Go to coolcatteacher.com/tara to sign up for your free account. Thank you TARA for sponsoring this show! Jessica Adams - Bio as Submitted Jessica Adams is a Local School Technology Coordinator in Hoschton, GA. During her 20+ years in education, she has taught science, math, PBL, STEM, and video production. She loves learning about technology and helping teachers integrate it into their classrooms. Website https://sites.google.com/view/all-the-tabs/home Twitter @jessicaradams Instagram @jessicaradams Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Nov 16, 202213 min

S11 Ep 794How to Use the Triple E Framework for Edtech Evaluations with Dr. Liz Kolb

Properly evaluating education technology comes down to pedagogy and instructional design, asserts Dr. Liz Kolb, creator of the Triple E Framework. What is the Triple E Framework and how is it being used (and misused) in education today? How are people using it to evaluate the use of educational technology and how should it impact the evaluation of teachers? Get an overview of the framework everyone is discussing and understand how it impacts learning in your classroom on today's show. Show Notes https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e794 Sponsor: TARA TARA sponsored today's show. TARA stands for the Teacher Assistant for Resources & Administration which keeps tools, resources, lessons, IEP's, and meetings tracked in one place. It also includes vetted resources that you can download and use in your classroom immediately. As I reviewed this product, I've seen special education teachers and organizations raving about how TARA has helped them organize IEP progress, meetings, and result tracking. TARA is free for up to five people to work together as a team or just for you to use in your classroom to organize your lesson plans. Go to coolcatteacher.com/tara to sign up for your free account. Thank you TARA for sponsoring this show! Dr. Liz Kolb - Bio As Submitted Liz is a clinical associate professor of education technologies at The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. She teaches courses in educational technology for the undergraduate elementary, undergraduate secondary, and Masters and Certification programs. She authored Toys to Tools: Connecting Student Cell Phones to Education, Cell Phones in the Classroom: A Practical Guide for the K-12 Educators, Help Your Child Learn With Their Cell Phone and Web 2.0, Learning First, Technology Second, and Learning First, Technology Second: In Practice. Website http://tripleeframework.com Twitter @lkolb Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Nov 13, 202212 min

S11 Ep 793Differentiating Math Instruction in the Elementary Classroom with Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson

Young children have many different ability levels with math concepts. Understandably, kindergarten and elementary teachers need to reach every student where they are on their learning journey, but it isn't always easy. Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson, an expert on the topic, gives an overview of how to differentiate math instruction with younger students. See notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e793 Sponsor: Thank you, eSpark for sponsoring today's show. eSpark is a differentiation and intervention tool that helps teachers of kindergarten through grade five save time by providing ready-to-go, standards-based reading and math activities that students love. eSpark is free for teachers. Each Quest includes a pre-quiz, framing videos, instructional videos, practice activities, critical thinking challenges, a post-quiz, and an optional student recording. I love that for activities to remain in the eSpark catalog that it must have a high student engagement rating based on a student-chosen thumbs-up or thumbs-down. You can even import NWEA or STAR data to give students a more differentiated experience from the first log on. Oh and did I say it is free for teachers! So, go to go.eSpark.app/coolcatteacher. You'll be glad you did. Carol Ann Tomlinson - Bio as Submitted [caption id="attachment_28916" align="alignright" width="200"] Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson[/caption] Carol Ann Tomlinson is William Clay Parrish, Jr. Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia's School of Education and Human Development where she served as Chair of Educational Leadership, Foundations, and Policy, and Co-Director of the University's Institutes on Academic Diversity. Prior to joining the faculty at UVa, she was a teacher in public schools for 21 years, during which she taught students in high school, preschool, and middle school and also administered programs for struggling and advanced learners. She was Virginia's Teacher of the Year in 1974. She was named Outstanding Professor at UVa's School of Education and Human Development in 2004 and received an All-University Teaching Award in 2008. In 2022, she was ranked #12 in the Education Week Edu-Scholar Public Presence Rankings of the 200 "University-based academics who are contributing most substantially to public debates about schools and schooling," and as the #4 voice in Curriculum & Instruction. Carol is the author of over 300 books, book chapters, articles, and other educational materials. Her two latest books are So Each May Soar: The Principles & Practices of Learner-Centered Classrooms (2021) and Everybody's Classroom: Differentiating for the Shared and Unique Needs of Diverse Learners (2022). Her books are available in 14 languages. She works throughout the United States and internationally with educators who seek to create classrooms that are effective in reaching diverse student populations. Twitter @cat3y Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Nov 4, 202216 min

S11 Ep 792How to Use Notion

Today's guest, Chris Chappotin, shares how he uses Notion to organize himself. He talks about how to get started and why people use it. This is a quick seven-minute overview podcast and I've also included many resources to get started with Notion on the blog post. Sponsor - Free Educator Wellness Toolkit:Educator wellness is now more important than ever. Go to coolcatteacher.com/wellness and download your free educator wellness toolkit from Advancement Courses. You'll get access to activities, strategies, and tools to improve the four domains of wellness. Also, you can save 20% off your next course by using the code CAT20. I love their courses because they are flexible, with up to 6 months to complete, and you can receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners or continuing education units that meet your state requirements. With over 280 courses to choose from, Advancement Course offers subjects in everything from educator wellness to social-emotional learning and more. After you pick your PD, use the code CAT20 to save 20%. Thank you, Advancement Courses, for sponsoring today's show. Show Notes and Resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e792 Chris Chappotin - Bio as Submitted Chris Chappotin has been serving as Assistant Superintendent for Boyd ISD in Boyd, TX since January 2020. Chris grew up in Farmington, IA, Irving & Keller, TX, and completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology at Abilene Christian University. After a 14-year career in student & worship ministry, public speaking, and starting churches, in 2011, Chris began working for Burleson ISD in Burleson, TX as a 4th and 5th Grade Math and Reading Special Education Teacher at J.W. Norwood Elementary School. Chris earned a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, and was promoted into administration in Burleson ISD where he served as Academic Associate Principal at Centennial High School and Academic Associate Principal and Principal at STEAM Middle School. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctorate of Educational Leadership at Texas Tech University with an expected graduation date of May 2024. Chris is passionate about leading empowerment organizations, designing innovative instructional systems, and accomplishing both in the context of meaningful, team-oriented relationships. He has been featured on the Teach Better, Aspire Lead, Teachers On Fire, and Many Voices of Grit podcasts. Furthermore, he was the parody writer and voice of Burleson ISD's school year launch videos from 2016 to 2019. Chris and his wife, Heidi, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on July 25, 2022. They have 5 children: Torie (21), Ryan (15), Hudson (12), Ava Grace (10), and Sam (7), and live in Boyd, TX with their 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 snakes, and 1 goat. Blog: https://linqapp.com/ChrisChappotin Twitter: @Chris_Chappotin Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sep 26, 20228 min

S11 Ep 791Differentiating Reading Instruction in Kindergarten through 5th Grade

Reading instruction can be challenging when a teacher has many different ability levels in her classroom. Furthermore, kindergarten and elementary grades are fundamental. Reading expert, Laura Robb breaks down excellent reading instruction from kindergarten through fifth grade. Dr. Robb has written more than 25 books on reading but also takes 3-4 months each school year as a classroom teacher. From how to form reading groups, how to reach individual children, and how to communicate with parents, Dr. Robb's advice is practical and extensive. This is an extended, 38-minute episode that covers everything about differentiating instruction with reading and is designed to be a complete overview to help every teacher working with young or struggling readers. This episode also includes a transcript on differentiating instruction. Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e791 sponsor: Thank you eSpark for sponsoring today's show. eSpark is a differentiation and intervention tool that helps teachers of kindergarten through grade five save time by providing ready-to-go, standards-based reading and math activities that students love. eSpark is free for teachers.Each Quest includes a pre-quiz, framing videos, instructional videos, practice activities, critical thinking challenges, a post-quiz, and an optional student recording. I love that for activities to remain in the eSpark catalog that it must have a high student engagement rating based on a student chosen thumbs-up or thumbs-down. You can even import NWEA or STAR data to give students a more differentiated experience from the first log on. Oh and did I say it is free for teachers! So, go to go.eSpark.app forward slash cool cat teacher - that's g-o dot e-spark dot a-p-p forward slash Cool Cat Teacher and sign up today for eSpark. You'll be glad you did. Laura Robb - Bio as Submitted Author, teacher, coach, and international speaker, Laura Robb has completed more than 43 years of teaching in grades 4-8, and she returns to teach striving readers each year. Robb received the Richard W. Halle Award for outstanding middle level educator from NCTE as well as the Friends of Literacy Award from the Nassau Reading Council. Laura Robb has written more than 30 books for teachers. Recently she has completed two books with her son Evan Robb, a middle school principal. TeamMakers: Positively Impacting the Lives of Children through District-Wide Dreaming, Collaborating, and Change, published by Dave Burgess Publishing was published in 2019. Schools Full of Readers: Tools for Teachers, Coaches and leaders to Support Students, is also from 2019. In 2016, two books were published: The Reading Intervention Toolkit, by Shell Education and Read Talk Write: 35 Lessons That Teach Students to Analyze Fiction and Nonfiction, published by Corwin Literacy. Corwin Literacy also published Robb's Vocabulary Is Comprehension: Getting to the Root of Complex Texts. Her newest for Heinemann is a First Hand Curriculum: Smart Writing: Practical Units For Teaching Middle School Writers, and a professional book, Teaching Middle School Writers: What Every English Teacher Needs to Know. For Scholastic, Robb has completed several best sellers including the first and second editions of Teaching Reading in Middle School, Differentiating Reading Instruction, Teaching Reading in Social Studies, Science, and Math, and her newest, Unlocking Complex Texts. Robb is a keynote and featured speaker at conferences and leads workshops all over the country and in Canada. She writes articles for education journals and blogs. She is a regular contributor to www.therobbreviewblog.com and has a series of podcasts with Evan Robb that you can access on https://therobbreviewpodcast.podbean.com. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sep 6, 202229 min

S11 Ep 790How to Teach AI with Experiments & Ethics

Artificial intelligence (AI) experiments can open up discussion of the human aspect of training algorithms and help them improve. In this podcast episode, Roberta Freitas shares AI Experiments that any teacher can use with students. Additionally, we discuss the morals and ethics of Artificial intelligence and the responsibility of users to report issues of bias and concerns with AI and algorithms. Additionally, we discuss the practical needs of humans to be able to break out of the algorithms that can keep them chained to past behavior. Show Notes, Resources & Transcripts: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e790 Sponsor - Free Educator Wellness Toolkit:Educator wellness is now more important than ever. Go to coolcatteacher.com/wellness and download your free educator wellness toolkit from Advancement Courses. You'll get access to activities, strategies, and tools to improve the four domains of wellness. Also, you can save 20% off your next course by using the code CAT20. I love their courses because they are flexible, with up to 6 months to complete, and you can receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners or continuing education units that meet your state requirements. With over 280 courses to choose from, Advancement Course offers subjects in everything from educator wellness to social-emotional learning and more. After you pick your PD, use the code CAT20 to save 20%. Thank you, Advancement Courses, for sponsoring today's show. Roberta Freitas EdTech coordinator at Ibeu, an English Language School in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. GEG Leader and Google Innovator. Maker enthusiast, passionate learner, edtech lover! Outside school - a singer, guitar player, fashionist, traveler, and life lover! Website: https://campsite.bio/betafreitas Twitter: @beta_freitas Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Aug 17, 202214 min

S11 Ep 789Graphic Design for Educators

Graphic Design helps us present in more interesting ways, teach better, and communicate better. Not only do educators need to understand effective graphic design, we need to teach it. Sadie Lewis helps educators understand and teach graphic design in this quick, helpful show full of graphic design resources for educators. Make sure to scroll down to see the resources and the transcript of this show. Show Notes, Transcript, Links to Resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e789 Sponsor:Educator wellness is now more important than ever. Go to coolcatteacher.com/wellness and download your free educator wellness toolkit from Advancement Courses. You'll get access to activities, strategies, and tools to improve the four domains of wellness. Also, you can save 20% off your next course by using the code CAT20. I love their courses because they are flexible, with up to 6 months to complete, and you can receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners or continuing education units that meet your state requirements. With over 280 courses to choose from, Advancement Course offers subjects in everything from educator wellness to social-emotional learning and more. After you pick your PD, use the code CAT20 to save 20%. Thank you, Advancement Courses, for sponsoring today's show. Sadie Lewis - Bio as Submitted Sadie Lewis is the Director of Instructional Design + Personalized Learning in the Mehlville School District, where she works to develop programs and professional learning around instructional design, technology integration, engagement strategies and best practices. She works with teachers to plan innovative lessons and activities, and provides classroom support to foster authentic learning. Sadie is a Google Certified Innovator, and has presented at ISTE, ICE Indiana, MassCUE, FETC, METC, and regional conferences on design, instructional technology, and professional learning. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Aug 8, 202216 min

S11 Ep 788The Future of Edtech

Where will edtech go in the future? How do we evaluate what to keep doing and what to change? What are the biggest mistakes with edtech that are causing undue technostress on teachers? Al Kingsley tackles these questions and more on this episode. Show Notes, Transcript & Resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e788/ Sponsor: Educator wellness is now more important than ever. Go to coolcatteacher.com/wellness and download your free educator wellness toolkit from Advancement Courses. You'll get access to activities, strategies, and tools to improve the four domains of wellness. Also, you can save 20% off your next course by using the code CAT20. I love their courses because they are flexible, with up to 6 months to complete, and you can receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners or continuing education units that meet your state requirements. With over 280 courses to choose from, Advancement Course offers subjects in everything from educator wellness to social-emotional learning and more. After you pick your PD, use the code CAT20 to save 20%. Thank you, Advancement Courses, for sponsoring today's show. Al Kingsley - Bio as Submitted Al Kingsley is CEO of the EdTech company NetSupport and is Chair of a Multi-Academy Trust. He is also a published Author and has almost 30 years' experience in education technology, digital strategy, and improving learning outcomes. Website = https://alkingsley.com/ Twitter = @AlKingsley_Edu Instagram =@ alkingsley

Aug 1, 202214 min

S11 Ep 787My Favorite Books of Summer 2022

My goal is to read books for an hour each night. In this episode, I wanted to share some of the books that have me thinking this summer. It is a wide assortment of books that I've linked to at the bottom of the show. From technology to interpersonal skills to ponderings from history, sometimes patterns emerge between random books in surprising ways. If you have books you'd like to suggest for my reading list, message me on Twitter or use the contact us form on my website. I'd love to hear what you're reading! Today's sponsor is Lum.io, an award-winning digital learning tool that will transform your lessons into active, collaborative learning experiences If you're looking for a collaborative learning tool to make it easy to level up your lesson materials you already have with assessments, game-based activities, collaborative spaces and lots more all in one place, Lumio is the perfect choice for you. Head to Lum.io for more information and to sign up for FREE. Editing note: I used the pretty awesome Descript AI app for editing the audio. I also programmed an AI voice to overdub a few places where I made a mistake (instead of recording a word here or there.) I did have to give it permission (in my voice) and permit it to create a Voice clone of me. So far, I'm pretty impressed. As a note, this summer I'm also learning about AI and testing many apps like Descript to see where AI tools and assistants can help me be a better teacher and continue to share what I'm learning with those who find it interesting and helpful. You'll see lots of info on past blog posts and in my newsletter. Notes - https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e787 I hope you'll listen to the show to see my thoughts on this assortment of books mentioned in this episode. To Access Your Kindle "notebook" if you take notes in your Kindle - read.amazon.com/notebook Love is the Killer App by Tim Sanders How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie How to Take Smart Notes: One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning and Thinking by Sönke Ahrens The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson The Future is Faster Than You Think: How Converging Technologies are Transforming Business, Industries and Our Lives by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler The Tech-Wise Family: Every Day Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad by Austin Kleon Deep Work by Cal Newport The Last Lion - Alone 1934-1940 - Part 1 - by William Manchester Author Vance Havner

Jul 12, 202216 min

S11 Ep 7866 Sustainable Self-Care Tips for Teachers

Self-care is a word thrown around a lot these days in education. In the real world of teaching, answers aren't always easy. In fact, as I release this episode, "self-care" is the reason I did not go to #ISTELive that is this week. I need to focus on my health. So, it is fitting that today I discuss the reality of teaching with another teaching veteran. We share how we have navigated the stresses and struggles of teaching as we seek to live a balanced life and do what matters. In addition to the podcast, I've included some inspiring poems, quotes, and a video from the day I learned to walk this past May. I, Vicki Davis (the show host) have made some mistakes in self-care in the past year, and open up about what I've learned from those mistakes and how I'm moving forward to teach better and take better care of myself. My hope is by being open about my own struggles and by bringing in the research that this show and blog post will help all of us teachers take better care of ourselves. Right now, this topic is more important than any education technology I could be talking about. So, take care of yourselves, teachers, this one's for you. Sponsor: In today's show, you learned more about taking care of yourself. You also learned about many courses from Advancement Courses, which has over 280 online graduate-level PD courses in not only self-care but topics for every grade level and subject area. Plus, their courses are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to www.advancementcourses.com/coolcat and get your 20% discount by entering the code CAT20 and sign up for your summer PD now. This time last summer I was taking a course in Computer Science that helped me implement a new course and curriculum at our school. Show Notes and Transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e786 Bio As Submitted: Stephanie Dorsey is an educator service consultant for Advancement Courses specializing in supporting teachers in the recertification and lane advancement process and advises teachers on courses that best match their professional growth needs. As a former special education teacher from Illinois, she worked in both elementary and middle school public and charter school settings for over 18 years. She received her M.Ed from the University of Colorado Denver in special education. Over the course of her career, she has been particularly interested in training other educators on effective curriculum, RTI, and universal design. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Jun 27, 202218 min

S11 Ep 785TikTok for Teachers

Today, Million+ follower, TikTok teacher, and creator of #TeacherTipTuesday, Megan Mayer, shares her thoughts about TikTok, how to prevent profanity on TikTok and why it is a valuable tool for teachers. Megan talks openly about what she's learned about her videos that have gone viral, how to pick hashtags, and secrets for making videos that will help teachers. We end the podcast by discussing the controversial things teachers sometimes see doing on TikTok that we wish they wouldn't. I've joined TikTok and am learning. This interview with Megan introduced me to TikTok as I embark on a learning journey on a new platform. Sponsor: Advancement Courses Last summer I took my professional development with Advancement Courses and I am so glad that I did! On my blog, I recently shared 10 Ways to Rejuvenate and Learn This Summer. All of the course ideas come from the advancement courses catalog to go to https://www.coolcatteacher.com/top10 Learn about some courses you might want to take and some things that you need to do this summer. Your current needs should impact your professional development. Advancement Courses makes it so easy to complete your PD with courses that are online and self-paced so you can take them anywhere any time with up to six months to complete. And right now you can use the code COOL15 to get 15% off your course today. So go to www.coolcatteacher.com/top10 and begin deciding what you want to learn this summer. Show Notes and Transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e785 Meghan Mayer (@thecrazycreativeteacher) Sarasota County Schools, Florida Followers: 1.2 million Meghan Mayer joined TikTok in February 2020 as @thecrazycreativeteacher and had nearly 500,000 followers when she was featured on CBS' The Greatest #AtHome Videos. The episode Mayer appeared in portrayed the struggles of teaching from home during the covid lockdown and included situations like Zooming into class from her bathroom and doing a parent-teacher conference in her closet. Untraditional? Sure. But during the pandemic, teachers did everything they could to be there for students and families. And, anyway, the view of Mayer captured in the CBS show would have been familiar to anyone who watched with her popular ongoing TikTok series "Teacher Tip Tuesday." Two years later, a lot more people have checked in with the series—Mayer now has more than 1.2 million followers. Mayer's TikToks offer unique insights into the life of a teacher. Another is projects from her middle-school language arts classroom, which often feature the use of a Cricut print-and-cut machine. Those videos got the attention of the company, which offered her a sponsorship. (Cricut is part of a growing number of brands interested in working with Mayer.) The money from that relationship circulates back into the classroom. As a Florida Gulf Coast University profile noted, "Like many educators, [Mayer] ends up spending her own money on classroom amenities like parties, prizes and décor to enhance the learning environment for her exceptional-education students." Source of Bio: https://elective.collegeboard.org/tiktok-famous-teachers-everyone-should-follow Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Jun 16, 202217 min

S11 Ep 784Creating a Culture of Joy with Dean Shareski

Can we have joy in schools? How about on social media? With so many difficulties, it seems beyond impossible sometimes to find joy but it can be done. Today, Dean Shareski, the author of Embracing a Culture of Joy brings his perspective to the challenges of modern living and learning. While his message has been around for a while, it is perhaps even more important today. In today's show we'll discuss: How Dean brings joy and humor to Zoom meetings (and podcasts) including some cool hardware and software The ambient irritability that seems to be prevalent today Why we still need joy How small kindnesses can make a big difference and some examples in schools Keeping perspective as we face problems How we can embrace multiple emotions at once Having concern for the world's problems and still finding joy in your day The importance of reflection How Vicki gets information from her students at the end of the school year to become a better teacher Some interesting laughs along the way! Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e784 Sponsor: Advancement Courses Last summer I took my professional development with Advancement Courses and I am so glad that I did! On my blog, I recently shared 10 Ways to Rejuvenate and Learn This Summer. All of the course ideas come from the advancement courses catalog to go to https://www.coolcatteacher.com/top10 Learn about some courses you might want to take and some things that you need to do this summer. Your current needs should impact your professional development. Advancement Courses makes it so easy to complete your PD with courses that are online and self-paced so you can take them anywhere any time with up to six months to complete. And right now you can use the code COOL15 to get 15% off your course today. So go to www.coolcatteacher.com/top10 and begin deciding what you want to learn this summer. Dean Shareski - Bio as Submitted Dean Shareski is a Senior Partnership Consultant for Advanced Learning Partnerships supporting districts and schools throughout North America in digital transformation. He taught grades 1-8 for 14 years and spent nine as a digital learning consultant for a Canadian school district. His blog consistently ranks among the top educational blogs. In 2010 he won the ISTE Award for Outstanding Leader of the Year. Dean has had the opportunity to speak to various education audiences both nationally and internationally. He has recently authored "Embracing a Culture of Joy" and co-authored "Different Schools for a Different World." His passion remains to help teachers explore the affordances of technology for learning. Dean believes humor and humility go a long way in supporting and advocating transformational practices in teaching and learning. Blog http://shareski.ca Twitter @shareski Instagram @dshareski Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Jun 2, 202215 min