10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher

Edtech coaching can be improved with "walkarounds" and interaction between edtech coaches and teachers. Adam Juarez talks about organic edtech coaching and how to cultivate those relationships. www.coolcatteacher.com/e632 Adam Juarez - Bio as Submitted Adam Juarez is a 6-12 Technology Integration Coach for Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District. He leads teachers in implementing technology into their lessons through one-on-one coaching, demo lessons and professional development. He is the founder of the Cardinal Innovation Center: A Student-Centered Virtual and Physical Learning Space Designed to Empower. In addition, he is a Google Certified Trainer and Innovator, 2017 CUE Leroy Finkel Fellowship Finalist and co-founder of the Twitter chat #CVTechTalk. He frequently presents at ISTE, CUE, EdTechTeam and Krause Center for Innovation (KCI) events.

Take risks in education to build relationships, have difficult conversations, and make progress. Kristen Nan, a third-grade teacher, co-authored a book with her assistant superintendent. It was a risk, for sure, but Kristen talks about the risks she is and has taken in her classroom and how it has improved learning for everyone. Get inspired to take your own risks. www.coolcatteacher.com/e631 My Productivity Secrets: I make my own planner pages. If you want a copy of them and information on how I stay organized, buy the Do What Matters Book and resources. I sell them direct for $9.95 because I've included over 100 templates that I have used at some point in my life and career (including those when I was a stay at home.) Kristen Nan - Bio As Submitted An educator for the last 23 years, Kristen Nan's passion for building relationships with her students, colleagues, and community continues to ignite change for the better! Kristen has served as an emotional support teacher, learning support teacher, and classroom teacher from Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to her current role as a 3rd-grade teacher, Kristen is an author, national speaker, consultant. With keeping a future-ready mindset at the forefront for every child, she has been recognized as an award-winning educator for innovative practices. Kristen's recent release, "ALL IN, Taking a Gamble in Education" is co-authored by Jacie Maslyk and focuses on the importance of risk-taking, chances, and building relationships between teachers and administrators. Kristen Nan - Bio As submitted An educator for the last 23 years, Kristen Nan's passion for building relationships with her students, colleagues, and community continues to ignite change for the better! Kristen has served as an emotional support teacher, learning support teacher, and classroom teacher from Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to her current role as a 3rd-grade teacher, Kristen is an author, national speaker, consultant. With keeping a future-ready mindset at the forefront for every child, she has been recognized as an award-winning educator for innovative practices. Kristen's recent release, "ALL IN, Taking a Gamble in Education" is co-authored by Jacie Maslyk and focuses on the importance of risk-taking, chances, and building relationships between teachers and administrators. Twitter: @nankr1120 https://kristennan.com/

How do you build staff morale? Brad Shreffler has five ideas to help us as you work to build bridges of trust and relationship with your colleagues at school. Enjoy coming to school because you love working with your colleagues. www.coolcatteacher.com/e630 Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Brad Shreffler - Bio as Submitted Brad Shreffler is an instructional technology coach from Central Florida. He is also the host of the Planning Period Podcast, where he talks with other education stakeholders about education, teaching, and the problems facing the field. He is passionate about changing the shape of education for the betterment of students and teachers. Find his podcast at https://www.bradshreffler.com. Twitter: @BradShreffler Planning Period Podcast - https://www.bradshreffler.com

As part of #LoveTeaching week, I recorded some thoughts on why I love teaching. But I also have to share some of my heart about teaching, our future, and all of the amazing things our profession does for the future. Please share your story for #LoveTeaching week too! www.coolcatteacher.com/e629 Vicki Davis - Host Vicki Davis is a full-time classroom teacher and Instructional Technology Director. She has been blogging at the Cool Cat Teacher blog since 2005 and has traveled the world and written two books about edtech and collaborative technologies. She has hosted the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast since 2017 where she interviews many of the most remarkable educators on the planet about what matters to K12 educators.

In this heartwarming episode, Christie shares one of the stories of how she knows she is making a difference. She also shares encouragement for the days when teachers fall short. For 21 years, Christie Thompson has loved teaching. She's a guidance counselor and teacher of the year for her school this year in Texas. As we continue to celebrate #LoveTeaching week, remember to share your story of why you love to teach. www.coolcatteacher.com/e628 Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Christie Thompson - Bio as Submitted Christie Thompson, School Counselor A native Arkansan, I relocated to Sherman, Texas, to begin my 20-year teaching career and was awarded New Secondary Teacher of the Year for the district. I then taught English in Plano ISD and earned my Master's degree in English from SMU. I was voted Dowell Campus Teacher of the Year in 2011 by my peers and served as a campus leader in various roles, including 504 and RTI Coordinator. My transition into the field of counseling was fueled by my passion for advocating for and building relationships with students. I have a special interest in biblio counseling because I love harnessing the power of literature and its insight into the human experience. Well-written books help increase students' self-awareness and self-esteem, build empathy, and aid in students' ability to face developmental crises. I am joining the Bennett family after serving Faubion Middle School as a school counselor for the last year and a half. At Faubion, I was able to make a positive impact and help remove barriers to students' academic success. My mission is to provide a proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate program so that students leave Bennett ready to launch into their individual journeys to become successful, productive citizens and lifelong learners in a diverse and changing world. My husband, Julius, and I are the proud parents of two: Samantha (22) - a Davidson College '19 graduate and Jay (16) - a sophomore at McKinney Boyd High School. Blog: https://mrsthompsonliveskind.weebly.com/about-me.html Twitter: https://twitter.com/thompsliveskind 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."

Leah Juelke, 2018 North Dakota State Teacher of the Year, works with EL English and Speech in Fargo, North Dakota. She has helped children under her care tell their stories and have a voice for their experiences. Recently, some of her students help shape state policy towards refugees by telling their stories. Hear the brave, heartbreaking and heart making words of Leah Juelke and her students as we continue to celebrate why we #LoveTeaching this week. www.coolcatteacher.com/e627 Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Leah Juelke - Bio as Submitted Leah Juelke is the 2018 North Dakota Teacher of the year. She served as a medic in the Army, has taught overseas and has traveled to 27 different countries. She currently works as a high school EL English & Speech Communications teacher in Fargo, North Dakota. Leah is the president of the Dakota TESOL Organization and a founding member of the North Dakota State Teacher of the Year State Chapter and Teacher Cabinet. As a social justice advocate, Leah has worked to spread cultural awareness within her school, community and across the United States. Through her Journey to America and Green Card Voices Projects, she has helped amplify her refugee and immigrant students' voices and give them a platform to be heard so that they can work to spread cultural acceptance. She has successfully created a school environment of inclusion and has opened her doors to facilitate collaboration within the community. She has speakers, community members and university students in her class daily, working with her high school students. She strives to create active learning experiences for her students and strongly believes in 'a classroom without borders'. In addition to being a teacher and case manager, she is also an award-winning debate and student congress coach. Leah has presented at conferences around the region and continues to inspire teachers, pre-service teachers and students with her energetic personality and extensive knowledge of strategies for diverse learners. Leah's list of accolades include: ​❖ 2020 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow Award ❖ 2020 Global Teacher Prize Winner Nominee ❖ 2019 NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence California Casualty Award ❖ 2019 Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence ❖ 2019 NEA Benefits Award Finalist ❖ NASDTEC 2019 Forward Fund Award ❖ North Dakota State University Horizon Alumni Award 2019 ​❖ 2019 National Sanford Teacher Award ❖ North Dakota Teacher of the Year 2018 ❖ National Teacher of the Year Nominee 2018 ❖ Education First Global Teacher Fellowship- Berlin 2018 ❖ Fargo Public Schools Teacher of the Year 2017 ❖ Comm. Speech & Theater Association of North Dakota Debate Coach of the Year 2017 ❖ CSTAND Outstanding Teacher of the Year 2017 Blog: https://ellfargosouth.weebly.com/about-ms-juelke.html Twitter: @NDTOY2018 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."

We can get out of education, but the kids can't. Today's students need educators who love them and who love teaching. Zest Simmons, award-winning AP Teacher and Alabama State Teacher of the Year 2019 tells the story of how she ignites learning and loves students in her classroom. We can reach every child. Zest talks about how. www.coolcatteacher.com/e626 Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Zest Simmons - Bio as Submitted Inspired to become an educator by her own teachers, Zestlan Simmons, a National Board Certified teacher, was once told by a family friend to "reconsider her options" when she shared her dream. However, for her, the joy of seeing students engaged in mastering writing skills has been the catalyst for pursuing her dream. This love of empowering students with the awareness of their capabilities led her to return to Booker T. Washington (BTW) Magnet where she once benefited from an arts education through the Carver Creative and Performing Arts Program (CCPAC), which is now BTW. In her role as an educator at BTW, she contributes to cross-curricular planning initiatives, which encourage art and academic teachers to collaborate on special projects and classroom instruction. When her school partnered with the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) and A+ College Ready, she started teaching Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition in 2009 and was recognized by NMSI as the AP English Teacher of the Year for increasing the AP Language exam scores for minority students. In 2017, she pursued a certification in Instructional Leadership so that she could continue to mentor new teachers. Her greatest joy has been to see her former students become teachers in Montgomery, in Alabama, and in the nation Twitter: @ZestlanSimmons Instagram: @zsimmons99 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."

Love Teaching Week Begins Today! February 14 is the beginning of #LoveTeaching week. Each day there are challenges and prompts so check Twitter and We Love Teaching.org (https://www.weloveteaching.org/) for how you can participate. Today we start as Stacey McAdoo, Arkansas State Teacher of the Year 2019, tells her story of why she loves teaching! Get ready to be inspired. www.coolcatteacher.com/e625 Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Stacey James McAdoo - Bio as Submitted 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Stacey McAdoo of the historic Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, had a vision over twenty years ago that she would one day stand and speak to a crowd of millions. She interpreted that vision to mean she would change the world as a writer, educator, and an advocate for students. Today her vision is reality as she represents the voice of 34,000 educators and 500,000 students across Arkansas. McAdoo mixes passion and poetry to amplify the voices of her students, honor the history of her school, and unite her community. She has participated in several literacy/spoken word organizations such as the SanKofa Poets, Word Up! Poetry Troupe, and Foreign Tongues. McAdoo is an Educator to Educator Facilitator with AEA and the AVID (a college and career readiness program) Coordinator. Teaching Tolerance recently featured her as a student advocate. Author of "Sweet Melanin Messages" and "Baring My Soul," McAdoo is the sponsor of the Writeous Poets, co-produced the radio show entitled "The Writeous Hour" and has published two books of her students' works entitled: "Stage A: Where Students Think, Speak and Dream" and "A Writeous Look at the Crisis." 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."

How do you get started with project-based learning (PBL) and Makerspaces? Nicholas Provenzano, the author of the book, Beyond the Poster Board, gives us four tips to get started with effective PBL and Makerspace use in your school and classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e624 Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Nicholas Provenzano - Bio as Submitted Nicholas Provenzano is the Technology Coordinator and Makerspace Director at University Liggett School in Michigan. He is also an author, makerspace builder, international keynote speaker, and consultant. He writes on his website, TheNerdyTeacher.com, Edutopia.org, as well as many other prominent educational websites. He has been featured on CNN, Education Week, and other media outlets. He has been recognized as the Technology Teacher of the Year by MACUL and ISTE. Nicholas is a Google Certified Innovator, ASCD Emerging Leader, Microsoft Minecraft Mentor, Raspberry Pi Certified Educator, Adobe Education Leader, and a TEDEd Innovative Educator. His best-selling books, Your Starter Guide to Makerspaces, The Maker Mentality, and Beyond the Poster Board can be found on Amazon. Nicholas is sharing plenty of nerdy things on Twitter and Instagram at @TheNerdyTeacher. Twitter: @TheNerdyTeacher Instagram: @TheNerdyTeacher 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."

Each year, many educators select a word or two for the year. Kindergarten teacher Alana Stanton, shares her words, "Grace" and "trust" and how she applies them to her classroom, student and parent relationships, and her teaching practice every day. Get inspired to do and be more and to live life with trust and grace every day. What is your word? www.coolcatteacher.com/e623 Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Alana Stanton - Bio as Submitted Alana Stanton is a kindergarten teacher at Mulberry Elementary in Gwinnett County, Georgia. She has taught several grades over her 14 year career including K-3 literacy special, first grade, second grade, kindergarten, and technology special. Alana believes that relationships always come first in the classroom and the classroom should be a place where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She currently writes for her blog, More Than A Lesson where she shares the stories of her classroom and her heart. Twitter: @stantonalana

Nikolaos Chatzopoulos shares four trends that are shaping how his schools teach with technology. From coding to robotics and augmented reality and his favorite (which he saved for last), learn how a leading-edge K-8 program is using technology to teach all students the skills and thinking capacities they need to be successful in the modern era. www.coolcatteacher.com/e622 Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Nikolaos Chatzopoulos - Bio As Submitted Director of Innovation & Technology at Plato Academy Schools, founder of @st4tevent, Co-founder @EdCampTampaBay. Blog: http://techtrends4teachers.blogspot.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/chatzopoulosn 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."

You can blend old fashioned relationships with modern edtech if you know how. Teacher Dustin Harnish proves it. Dustin Harnish teaches seventh-grade social studies with Spheros, 3d printing, and engaging activities. But he uses far more than technology to engage students. Listen all the way to the end to learn how he ends his school year with a powerful bang! Let's engage kids and use edtech. We can reach kids! www.coolcatteacher.com/e621 Dustin Harnish - Bio as Submitted Dustin Harnish is a seventh grade Social Studies teacher for the Troy School District in Troy Michigan. His educational interest is to create a highly innovative classroom that maximizes student engagement. Through thirteen years teaching, he has had stops in the Chicagoland area and Southeast Michigan creating empathetic learning environments for all his students. Twitter: @MrDustinHarnish

Parents can encourage math success just like reading success. Today, Jon Orr helps parents through five things they can do to help their child become more successful at math. These can be applied from very young children to older students. Math is something everyone can do but we must be patient and help people have a mindset for success. Give parents and kids hope by sharing this show with those who need it. www.coolcatteacher.com/e620 Jon Orr - Bio as Submitted Jon is a math teacher at John McGregor Secondary School in the Lambton-Kent District School Board in Ontario Canada. When not teaching his students and spending time with family he leads workshops and presentations on teaching pedagogy in the math classroom. He is a co-host of the podcast Making Math Moments That Matter along with his friend Kyle Pearce. Lately, he is excited about promoting struggle in his students and talking math with primary aged kids while creating math prompts for MathBeforeBed.com. You can follow his classroom lessons, routines, and educational thoughts at Mrorr-isageek.com and also on Twitter: @MrOrr_Geek Website: https://makemathmoments.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makemathmoments/

Sharing and reflecting make us better educators. Today the founder of #pln365 gives us a transparent look into his journey and encourages us to take one of our own. www.coolcatteacher.com/e619 Paul O'Neill - Bio As Submitted Paul O'Neill is an educational game changer from New Jersey. Using reflection and connection, he continues to grow each day and creates a competitive advantage for others through the power of belief. Twitter: @pauloneill1972

As students with learning differences are put into general classroom spaces, many teachers have misconceptions about including these special students in their classrooms. Dr. Rebekah Dyer talks about these misconceptions and how we can work to reach every child. www.coolcatteacher.com/e618 Dr. Rebekah Dyer - Bio as Submitted Dr. Rebekah Dyer is an associate professor in the college of education at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. The courses that she teaches focus on special education. She is the faculty advisor for two clubs on campus; Best Buddies and Canyon Inclusive. Both clubs focus on the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. She is the current president of the Arizona Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. She graduated from Arizona State University West with a bachelor's degree in special education and a dual certification in both regular and special education. She completed her master's degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. Dr. Dyer graduated with a doctoral degree in organizational leadership with an emphasis in special education from Grand Canyon University in the Fall of 2018. Her dissertation research focused on the inclusion of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in disability ministry programs. She presented her research at an International Autism Conference in Nanjiing, China. Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdyer/

School counselors are unique. They have unique needs as they help guide students and perform duties at their school. Today, guidance counselor, Steve Sharp helps guidance counselors know the tools that can help them level up. www.coolcatteacher.com/e617 Steve Sharp - Bio As submitted Stephen Sharp is co-author of Amazon Best-Selling Book and 2019 Hot New Release - 50+ Tech Tools for School Counselors. Steve is a school counselor and Apple Certified Educator. He has worked to provide students with the knowledge and skills to be healthy and successful in the 21st century. Stephen previously worked in his school district as a technology leader, and been served on the governing boards of both his local and state school counseling associations. Stephen completed his M.Ed at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, and BA from Lycoming College. Stephen was a contributing writer on the use of technology and career exploration in Voices from the Field, Orientation to the Counseling Profession. Stephen Sharp is a co-founder of the Leadership Summit, a community-based social justice network to provide students the language and tools to understand and combat the many forms of oppression. Stephen is a Nationally Certified School Suicide Prevention Specialist, and continues to work with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pilot an electronic behavioral health screening for schools. He works tirelessly across the state to provide education and training on mental health, substance abuse, inequality, and a world changed by technology. Stephen frequently presents on technology, emerging career skills, mental health and race in education. Stephen was named the 2017 Pennsylvania Middle School Counselor of the Year.

Award-Winning Culture is a student podcast led by teacher Hans Appel. Hear the story behind this exciting student podcast and get inspired to start a student podcast at your school. He shares his starting story, how he keeps it going with an annual podcast retreat, and how he surprises his students with a listener testimonial video. You'll find ideas to inspire your students however they are using their voice to help others. www.coolcatteacher.com/e616 Hans Appel - Bio As submitted Hans Appel has worked as a counselor in the Richland School District for the past 19 years and at Enterprise Middle School since it opened. He's passionate about school culture, servant leadership, and kindness. In 2018, EMS was awarded the ASCD Whole Child Award for the State of Washington and the Global "Class Act Award" for creating a culture of excellence through kindness, service, and empathy. Additionally, they were selected as a finalist in the 2019 PBIS Film Festival and took the top prize in the Community, Parents, and Staff category. In 2018, Hans launched his own blog about School Culture and rolled out a student-led leadership podcast called Award Winning Culture: Hosted by Wildcat Nation, which can be subscribed, listened or reviewed on iTunes Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, PodBean, and Libsyn. Hans' blogs have appeared on DisruptED TV magazine, CharacterStrong, and PBIS Rewards. He's written social-emotional lessons for CharacterStrong. Furthermore, he has been featured on numerous educational podcasts speaking his brand of school culture into existence. He's been a contributing writer on three upcoming educational books: " Define Your WHY" "Reflective Impact Journal" and "ALL IN: Taking a Gamble in Education." Currently, he's working on his own book about school culture. Hans is a part of the coveted Teach Better Speakers Network and presents at conferences, schools, and districts all over the country. Topics include: Creating an Award-Winning Culture, Amplifying Student Voice, Student-Led Podcasting, and Infusing Servant Leadership through PBIS. Blog: http://www.awardwinningculture.com/ Twitter: @HansNAppel Instagram: @awardwinningculture

How could you take your whole elementary classroom year and gamify it? What if everything students learn could gain them XP (experience points?) What if you can reach those strugglers by making a classroom on mission? Today, Heather Marrs, a teacher and instructional coach from Oregon, takes us through the five steps she used to gamify her elementary classroom and give us the tips and tricks she learned to motivate every learner. www.coolcatteacher.com/e615 Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom. I love it because videos and the editing projects move seamlessly between all of my student's devices. Check out this and other Adobe resources including some from my friend Todd Nesloney on the Education Trailblazers Pinterest board that you can view at coolcatteacher.com/adobepins. Heather Marrs - Bio As submitted Heather Marrs is an Instructional Coach at Eagle Rock Elementary in Eagle Point, Oregon. She is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Seesaw Ambassador, Book Creator Ambassador and FlipGrid Ambassador. Heather is passionate about integrating technology in education to amplify student voice, increase communication, and engage students. She has been a presenter at ISTE 2019, NCCE 2016-19, the Southern Oregon EdTech Summit 2015-18, and IntegratED 2017-18. Heather is the founder and main moderator of the Oregon EdChat which can be found at #OrEdChat on Twitter. She enjoys being a connected educator and providing professional development both locally and regionally. Outside of teaching, she is a wife and mother of two amazing kiddos. Blog: https://hmarrs24.wordpress.com/ Twitter: @hmarrs24 Resource: I've created a Google site that accompanies a three-day workshop that I do on gamifying your classroom at the elementary level. It's called Next Level Gamification: https://sites.google.com/eaglepnt.k12.or.us/nextlevelgamification3day/home 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."

Mike Messner teaches seventh-grade social studies in Silicon Valley. He shares his stories of the tech they use, what Silicon Valley parents like (and don't like), and how he has joined an online PLN to bring state of the art to his classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e614 Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom. I love it because videos and the editing projects move seamlessly between all of my student's devices. Check out this and other Adobe resources including some from my friend Todd Nesloney on the Education Trailblazers Pinterest board that you can view at coolcatteacher.com/adobepins. Mike Messner - Bio As Submitted Mike Messner is a social studies teacher at Los Altos High School in Silicon Valley. He has also taught at Skyline College, the College of San Mateo. Santa Clara University and Wilcox High School. Mike is a Google Certified Teacher and a member of the #4OCFPLN network. He lives with his wife, son, and beagle in Mountain View, 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."

Language arts classrooms can use more than books to teach. Kate Hodges, a language arts teacher in Ohio, shares how she uses project-based learning (PBL), making, and more to help students learn language arts. www.coolcatteacher.com/e613 Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom. I love it because videos and the editing projects move seamlessly between all of my student's devices. Check out this and other Adobe resources including some from my friend Todd Nesloney on the Education Trailblazers Pinterest board that you can view at coolcatteacher.com/adobepins. Kate Hodges - Bio As Submitted Kate Hodges is a fifth-year English Language Arts teacher at Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. She currently holds an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati. Her thesis work explored how STEM infused projects influenced creative self-efficacy in her students. Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/mshisflippin.wordpress.com Twitter: @_KateHodges 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."

Fortnite has a physics engine in the game. Unknown to many educators, Fortnite has three modes of play. While Battle Royale is a first-person shooter, the creative mode is not. Some educators are creating private islands (for free) that their students can make Rube Goldberg machines and other creations. Today's guest, Mike Washburn, is on the educator advisory board for Fortnite. He takes us through lessons that teachers are teaching in Fornite and also the two warnings that educators need to keep in mind when teaching with this tool. www.coolcatteacher.com/e612 Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom. I love it because videos and the editing projects move seamlessly between all of my student's devices. Check out this and other Adobe resources including some from my friend Todd Nesloney on the Education Trailblazers Pinterest board that you can view at coolcatteacher.com/adobepins. Mike Washburn - Bio As Submitted Mike is co-host of the popular education podcast OnEducation, founder of the OnPodcastMedia Network, and the Head of Curriculum & Training for Logics Academy in Canada. In his prior role as a Computer Science teacher, he created a custom-made curriculum, using elements of game design and game-based learning, to captivate and engage his students. He has had the opportunity to share his approach to Computer Science education at ISTE (2015, 2018), FETC (2019, 2020) BIT (2014, 2019), CONNECT (2019, 2020), Schoology NEXT (2018), as well as in interviews with major newspapers (Toronto Star, 2017). Mike's Grade 8 curriculum, which asked students to spend the entire school year designing their own video games, from proposal to pitch, graphics to BETA and release has seen him be recognized as a thought-leader in Computer Science education. Mike is a Google Certified Educator, an Apple Teacher, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, a Global Minecraft Mentor, and a member of the Prezi Educators Society. Mike is a sought after keynote speaker who challenges educators to never stop learning. Mike challenges all educators to never stop learning and always be reaching for what's next. He has an unshakable resolve to change the world through technology education. You can follow Mike on Twitter @misterwashburn and visit his personal site at https://www.mikewashburn.net/ 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."

We can build a positive school culture that includes good student relationships. From building a wall of dreams to bringing our best energy, Danny Steele encourages us to grow and connect with colleagues and students. www.coolcatteacher.com/e611 Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom. I love it because videos and the editing projects move seamlessly between all of my student's devices. Check out this and other Adobe resources including some from my friend Todd Nesloney on the Education Trailblazers Pinterest board that you can view at coolcatteacher.com/adobepins. Danny Steele - Bio As Submitted I'm an educator, author, and speaker. This year marks my first as an assistant professor at the University of Montevallo. Blog: www.steelethoughts.com Twitter: @SteeleThoughts Instagram: @SteeleThoughts Books: I co-authored Essential Truths for Teachers and Essential Truths for Principals. 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."

You can't always pick your team but you can start helping your team come together and work like one. Jamy Bechler, host of the Success is a Choice podcast shares five ways to start building a strong team today. From knowing your purpose to developing leaders, adding value, connecting, and sharing responsibility - learn some lifelong principles of leadership. www.coolcatteacher.com/e610 Sponsor: Discovery Education Today's podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. They have two STEM challenges running now. The Stanley Black and Decker Making for Good Student Challenge runs now through Thursday, January 30, 2020 for students in the US in grades 9-12. The CITGO Fueling Education Student Challenge is for students in the US in grades 5-8 now through February 13, 2020. Both challenges have students designing STEM or STEAM solutions to our world's problems and submitting their solutions via video and an online application form. These are two fantastic STEM education projects that will encourage design thinking, sustainability, and computational thinking as well as video-related presentation skills. Join in today! Jamy Bechler - bio as Submitted Jamy Bechler is the host of the "Success is a Choice" podcast and is the author of "The Bus Trip" and "The Leadership Playbook". The former college basketball coach and high school athletic director now travels across the country speaking and consulting with sports teams and educators about leadership, culture, motivation, and teamwork. Jamy is also a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach and you connect with him on twitter https://twitter.com/CoachBechler or at his website https://JamyBechler.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."

Relationships are a key component of change. We have to relate to educate. We also have to relate to cooperate with our peers. Today, Vernon Wright, creator of the Zero Apology Zone, shares some drivers of change including three questions you don't want to miss. www.coolcatteacher.com/e609 Sponsor: Discovery Education Today's podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. They have two STEM challenges running now. The Stanley Black and Decker Making for Good Student Challenge runs now through Thursday, January 30, 2020 for students in the US in grades 9-12. The CITGO Fueling Education Student Challenge is for students in the US in grades 5-8 now through February 13, 2020. Both challenges have students designing STEM or STEAM solutions to our world's problems and submitting their solutions via video and an online application form. These are two fantastic STEM education projects that will encourage design thinking, sustainability, and computational thinking as well as video-related presentation skills. Join in today! Vernon Wright - Bio As Submitted Vernon Wright is an entrepreneur, speaker, leader, veteran educator, show host, associate editor, and consultant with 15 years of experience in large, urban school districts. He has served as a teacher, teacher leader, campus administrator, and central office leader. Vernon has shared his experiences numerous times over the years at the campus, district, regional, state levels and beyond garnering acclaim from recognized industry leaders. Vernon has collaborated literally across the world with some of the biggest names in educational leadership and entrepreneurial pursuits. He has an established presence on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube (@TheWrightLeader), has an online apparel store (ZeroApologyZone.com) and as well as a coaching and consulting company that focuses on elevating leadership performance. Unabashedly he stands as a voice for the people with no apologies. He espouses the three cornerstone values of Connect, Impact, and Scale as the foundation of his pursuits. Vernon welcomes you to the #ZeroApologyZone. Blog: ZeroApologyZone.com Twitter: @TheWrightLeader Instagram: @TheWrightLeader YouTube: The Wright Leader 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."

Connect your classroom! It can be done. Today Michael Drezek takes us into the "Our Global Classroom" Community and shares three of the many ways students are collaborating. Join in! www.coolcatteacher.com/e608 Sponsor: Discovery Education Today's podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. They have two STEM challenges running now. The Stanley Black and Decker Making for Good Student Challenge runs now through Thursday, January 30, 2020 for students in the US in grades 9-12. The CITGO Fueling Education Student Challenge is for students in the US in grades 5-8 now through February 13, 2020. Both challenges have students designing STEM or STEAM solutions to our world's problems and submitting their solutions via video and an online application form. These are two fantastic STEM education projects that will encourage design thinking, sustainability, and computational thinking as well as video-related presentation skills. Join today! Resources Our Global Classroom Our Global Classroom Flipgrid DigCitCommit Virtual Summit - February 2020 Global Ed Student Chat - 2nd Tuesday of every month at 1 pm ET Michael Drezek - Bio As submitted Michael is the District Technology Integrator for Lake Shore Central School District in Angola, NY. He is passionate about supporting teachers in stepping out of their comfort zones when using educational technology. He is also passionate about empowering students and creating opportunities for them to grow as digital and global citizens. Michael is a Google Certified Innovator, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, and former NYSCATE Teacher of the Year. Michael has regularly presented regionally, nationally and internationally and has also delivered several Ignite Talks. He is an organizing member of Global Maker Day, Global Ed Student Chat and Our Global Classroom. Michael is also a contributing author to the book DigCitKids and added the foreword to the book The Journey to the Y in You. Michael was recognized as a NYSCATE Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Michael resides outside of Buffalo, New York and when not in the classroom you might be likely to find him at the local ice hockey arena playing, coaching or just enjoying a game. Blog: https://michaeldrezek.com/ Twitter @m_drez Instagram @mdrez07 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.drezek.7 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-drezek-88b789152 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."

Google Classroom is a tool that can help build relationships between students and teachers. But not everything is perfect. Google Classroom Guru Alice Keeler talks about what is hot and not in Google Classroom and how teachers are using it to teach. Enjoy! www.coolcatteacher.com/e607 Sponsor: Discovery Education Today's podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. They have two STEM challenges running now. The Stanley Black and Decker Making for Good Student Challenge runs now through Thursday, January 30, 2020 for students in the US in grades 9-12. The CITGO Fueling Education Student Challenge is for students in the US in grades 5-8 now through February 13, 2020. Both challenges have students designing STEM or STEAM solutions to our world's problems and submitting their solutions via video and an online application form. These are two fantastic STEM education projects that will encourage design thinking, sustainability, and computational thinking as well as video-related presentation skills. Join in today! Alice Keeler - Bio As Submitted Teacher and mom of 5, Alice Keeler is the Google-crowned "Queen of Spreadsheets", an international speaker on teaching and EdTech integration, co-author of 5 books, Google Certified Innovator, Google Apps Developer, founder of #coffeeEDU, and has degrees in Mathematics and Educational Media Design and Technology. Alice shares her expertise through online workshops at alicekeeler.com/goslow, blogs at alicekeeler.com and tweets @alicekeeler. 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."

Children need educators to reach into their world and relate to them. When struggling students find an educator who connects to them, life change can result. While one educator can't possibly reach every child, every educator can reach some child. Over a lifetime, every educator could possibly transform many children. Today, Ryan Sheehy, principal and author of Be the One for Kids: You Have the Power to Change the Life of a Child, challenges us with stories, anecdotes, and timeless truths to "Be the One" for some of the children in your classrooms and schools. www.coolcatteacher.com/e606 Sponsor: Discovery Education Today's podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. They have two STEM challenges running now. The Stanley Black and Decker Making for Good Student Challenge runs now through Thursday, January 30, 2020 for students in the US in grades 9-12. The CITGO Fueling Education Student Challenge is for students in the US in grades 5-8 now through February 13, 2020. Both challenges have students designing STEM or STEAM solutions to our world's problems and submitting their solutions via video and an online application form. These are two fantastic STEM education projects that will encourage design thinking, sustainability, and computational thinking as well as video-related presentation skills. Join in today! Ryan Sheehy - Bio As Submitted Ryan was raised in Southern California where his diverse educational experiences all started. He attended public school, private school, and was homeschooled. He has seen and been part of all types of education systems, which gives him a different perspective. Ryan is a passionate educator that has made it his mission to help everyone live up to their potential and unleash their power to change the life of a child. He also has an immense dedication for kids and for making sure all educators understand the power they have in a child's life. Ryan was a physical education teacher for ten years before taking the leap from teacher to administrator. After serving two years as a high school vice-principal, Ryan is now the lead learner/principal of an elementary school in Concord, California. Ryan prides himself as being someone who can build a strong school culture and that is exactly what has happened at the schools where he has served as an administrator. Ryan works in the community where he lives, which allows him to build many relationships that foster a great learning environment for staff, students and families. Ryan also travels and speaks about creative educational practices and how we all have the power to Be the One for Kids. Ryan also speaks about Incorporating Technology, Being an Educator In Action, Creating a School Where No One Wants To Leave, and many other topics. He moderates a variety of Twitter chats and is very active on social media. Ryan is the author of Be The One For Kids and co-author of Principals In Action. Ryan's wife, Barbara, and four children, Robert, Joshua, Julianna, and Zachary, are the light of his world. Ryan and his family reside in Concord, Ca Blog: www.ryansheehy.us Books: Be the One for Kids: You Have the Power to Change the Life of a Child Principals in Action: Redefining the Role Twitter: @sheehyrw Instagram: @sheehyrw 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."

Project-Based Learning is a powerful tool. Today's show gives us ideas for where we can find new and innovative project ideas and create them ourselves. Dr. Jennifer Pieratt, author of "Keep it Real with PBL" for both elementary and secondary students, shares how she finds many of the project ideas that she creates and shares at crafted curriculum. www.coolcatteacher.com/e605 Today's Sponsor is Advancement Courses. Now is the time to plan your professional development with Advancement Courses. They offer over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 different subject areas. These online classes can be taken anywhere, anytime with up to six months to complete. You can save 20% off each course with the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. Go to www.advancementcourses.com/coolcat. Jennifer Pieratt - Bio As submitted Jenny Pieratt, Ph.D. is an international educator and expert in Project-Based Learning. Jenny is an author, business owner, and mother, and lives in Cardiff by the Sea, CA. Blog: https://craftedcurriculum.com/ Twitter: @crafted_jennyp Instagram: @crafted_jennypieratt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftedjennypieratt PBL Resources: https://craftedcurriculum.com/project-based-learning-ideas/ 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."

Elizabeth Peterson was learning about SEL and as an art teacher, she knew she could teach Social Emotional Learning with the arts. So, she did. Then, she called it SEAL. Learn what she did, how it impacted students and her thoughts on this method of teaching social emotional learning. www.coolcatteacher.com/e604 Today's Sponsor is Advancement Courses. Now is the time to plan your professional development with Advancement Courses. They offer over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 different subject areas. These online classes can be taken anywhere, anytime with up to six months to complete. You can save 20% off each course with the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. Go to www.advancementcourses.com/coolcat. Elizabeth Peterson - Bio As Submitted Elizabeth Peterson is a teacher, author and professional development provider through her website www.theinspiredclassroom.com. An arts integration specialist, she has provided workshops, retreats and online courses for educators for over 14 years. Elizabeth's latest work is in SEAL, Social-Emotional Artistic Learning, where she teaches a framework that empowers teachers to reach and teach their students while integrating the arts with SEL. For more information about SEAL, visit www.teachSEAL.com. http://www.theinspiredclassroom.com/ http://www.teachseal.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."

Bravery, vulnerability, acceptance of others, acceptance of yourself -- these can be difficult things to teach. Today's guest, Michelle Cottrell-Williams talks about how she teaches this in her classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e603 Today's Sponsor is Advancement Courses. Now is the time to plan your professional development with Advancement Courses. They offer over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 different subject areas. These online classes can be taken anywhere, anytime with up to six months to complete. You can save 20% off each course with the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. Go to www.advancementcourses.com/coolcat. Michelle Cottrell-Williams - Bio As submitted Michelle Cottrell-Williams @WakeHistory has taught in the Social Studies Department at Wakefield High School in Arlington, VA since 2006. Her favorite classes to teach are Sociology and ESOL World History II. Michelle is the Social Studies Department Chair, co-Instructional Lead Teacher, and was named Teacher of the Year in 2017. She strives to model vulnerability and empathy so that her students leave her classroom each day a little braver than the day before. 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."

Sixty-seven percent of STEM jobs will be in computing. Schools and teachers have the daunting task of lining up the needs of today's workforce with what is being taught. Jorge Valenzuela, the author of Rev Up Robotics, discusses the three things schools should be teaching so students are ready. He says schools should focus less on bright and shiny things and should dig into the basics. Hear an overview of computational thinking, algorithms, and robotics with Jorge Valenzuela. www.coolcatteacher.com/e602 Today's Sponsor is Advancement Courses. Now is the time to plan your professional development with Advancement Courses. They offer over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 different subject areas. These online classes can be taken anywhere, anytime with up to six months to complete. You can save 20% off each course with the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. Go to www.advancementcourses.com/coolcat. Jorge Valenzuela - Bio As Submitted Educational coach Jorge Valenzuela is a teacher at Old Dominion University and the lead coach for Life Long Learning Defined. His work is aimed at helping schools understand and implement computational thinking, computer science, STEM, and project-based learning. Currently, Jorge presents nationally on these topics; is an award winner, a published researcher, the author of Rev Up Robotics, an education advocate, and frequent contributor to books, academic journals, how-to blogs, podcasts, and webinars.

Communication can be challenging for many who feel invisible. In today's show, Dr. William Lane offers encouragement for those who struggle to communicate. With six simple steps, he helps us understand how to empower those who struggle to communicate by starting small. I hope this show will help educators both empathize and encourage our students (and colleagues) who struggle to communicate. www.coolcatteacher.com/e601 Today's Sponsor is Advancement Courses. Now is the time to plan your professional development with Advancement Courses. They offer over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 different subject areas. These online classes can be taken anywhere, anytime with up to six months to complete. You can save 20% off each course with the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. Go to www.advancementcourses.com/coolcat. Dr. William Lane - Bio As Submitted Dr. William Lane is a dynamic, engaging, and sought-after international speaker with a gift for sharing his own inspirational story and success strategies to create effective interpersonal communication skills. As a talented educator of those with special needs and the teachers who teach them, his knowledge was born through helping countless individuals like himself who have struggled with communication difficulties. Through Dr. Lane's proven techniques, audiences have learned how to better connect with those around them by adopting the tools he shares to initiate and maintain conversations, become more engaged, active listeners, and finally, begin to fit in. Book: Stop Being Invisible: Overcoming Communication Barriers Twitter: @drwilliamlane

Settling in the land of complacency is no place for a truly remarkable teacher. Remark-ability begins in your ability to level up and learn a little more every day. Today, Rae Hughart from #teachbetter gives us five mindsets to help us teach better in 2020. www.coolcatteacher.com/e600 Rae Hughart - Bio As submitted Rae Hughart is a Middle-Level Math Educator in Illinois, creator of the Teach Further Model, the Director of Training & Development for the Teach Better Team, and co-author of the "Teach Better" book. Rae continues to facilitate rich discussions with educators around mastering personalized learning, providing targeted student-focused feedback, and the impact of incorporating purpose into student daily learning. Through building partnerships with local businesses, Rae continues to support educators in designing dynamic, impactful, effective, and connected content - showing the impact of teaching beyond the four walls of a classroom and altering a community into an authentic resource for developing leaders. After being inducted into The Illinois State University Hall of Fame in 2017, Rae was awarded the 2018 First Place Henry Ford Teacher Innovator Award for her innovative educational impact through the Teach Further Model. Additionally, Rae serves on several Educational Boards including the Association of Illinois Middle Schools (AIMS). Website: TeachBetter.com Twitter: @RaeHughart Instagram: @RaeHughart Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode includes some affiliate link. This means that if you choose to buy I will be paid a commission on the affiliate program. However, this is at no additional cost to you. 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." This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.

A surprising intervention was shown to improve grades. The intervention took one day and was a very minimal activity by most considerations. Dr. Lauren Eskreis-Winkler digs into the research and shares what they learned. www.coolcatteacher.com/e599 Dr. Lauren Eskreis-Winkler - Bio As Submitted As a researcher, Lauren tries to motivate people who struggle with goal achievement. She has developed and disseminated motivational interventions in the U.S., West Africa, Australia, Macedonia, and the UK. These interventions aim to motivate individuals across the spectrum – struggling athletes, students in grade school and college, individuals in the workforce, smokers trying to quit smoking, and unemployed individuals on the job market. Lauren has studied the science of motivation in collaboration with businesses, educational organizations, Minor League Baseball teams, the Macedonian Ministry of Education, and the World Bank.

Math shouldn't break your heart. It should excite you and your students. But how? Let's move from boring, rote, repetitive math to a math class that sparks curiosity, makes sense and ignites joy. Kyle Pearce, co-creator of mathmoments.com gives us a high-level view of how every math teacher can make math moments that matter. Then, dig into the resources that help us do it. www.coolcatteacher.com/e598 Note from Vicki: This week is a whole week of motivational podcast episodes. Our regular theme days will return next week. Enjoy and have an amazing 2020. Sponsor: Check out the free webinar for math teachers – how to transform your textbook into a curiosity machine – go to coolcatteacher.com/freemathwebinar to learn more about this free webinar being held four times in January 2020. This is a free webinar and one of the leaders is Kyle Pearce. While the webinar is free, if you choose to purchase their course, I will be paid a small affiliate fee at no additional cost to the purchaser. Kyle Pearce - Bio As Submitted Kyle is the K-12 Mathematics Consultant with the Greater Essex County District School Board, where his passion for mathematics fuels him to uncover creative ways to spark curiosity and fuel sense making through the inquiry process using tasks that are contextual, visual and concrete. He shares his most recent noticings, wonderings, and reflections in mathematics pedagogy and effective uses of technology by delivering workshops across North America and blogging on www.makemathmoments.com, www.tapintoteenminds.com, www.mathisvisual.com, on the Making Math Moments That Matter Podcast, and @MathletePearce on Twitter

Some students just seem to "live" in the principal's office. How do we help those students change their behavior and connect with their classmates and teachers? Today, award-winning principal, Andy Jacks, says that he spent most of his younger years in the principal's office. Some reached him and some did not, but it has shaped the discipline practices in his school. Certainly, Andy's "non-negotiables" when it comes to discipline may challenge the status quo in many schools. As you discuss discipline and reaching children, however, he has some important points to help all educators be more empathetic to the student who just can't seem to stay out of trouble. Note from Vicki: This week is a whole week of motivational podcast episodes. Our regular theme days will return next week. Enjoy and have an amazing 2020. www.coolcatteacher.com/e597 Sponsor: Check out the free webinar for math teachers – how to transform your textbook into a curiosity machine – go to coolcatteacher.com/freemathwebinar to learn more about this free webinar being held four times in January 2020. Andy Jacks - Bio As Submitted Dr. Andy Jacks has a passion for the success of every single child ensuring that school is a place filled with meaningful relationships and support for even the most at-risk students. Andy is the principal of the award-winning Ashland Elementary School in Northern Virginia and has led their turnaround to skyrocket student achievement and eliminate suspensions. Dr. Jacks also serves on the Autism Society of Northern Virginia's Board of Directors, is an NAESP Fellow leading the Center for Innovative Leadership, and is a national speaker. Andy and his school have received numerous recognitions including Nationally Distinguished Principal, Virginia Principal of the Year, School Bell Award, State Excellence Award, Business Partnership of the Year, and a visit by U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. Connect with him at andyjacks.co or on Twitter and Instagram @_AndyJacks. Twitter: @_AndyJacks Instagram: @_AndyJacks Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode includes some affiliate link. This means that if you choose to buy I will be paid a commission on the affiliate program. However, this is at no additional cost to you. 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." This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.

Every child can achieve. Children are an opportunity not an obligation. Celebrate individuality. Sacrifice together. Make no excuses. Principal Hamish Brewer will be back at his school this week skateboarding down the hallway and giving high fives as he inspires his school and students to achieve their best. Hamish, the author of the book Relentless: Changing Lives By Disrupting Educational Norms, will inspire you. www.coolcatteacher.com/e596 Sponsor: Check out the free webinar for math teachers - how to transform your textbook into a curiosity machine - go to coolcatteacher.com/freemathwebinar to learn more about this free webinar being held four times in January 2020. Hamish Brewer - Bio from His Website Hamish Brewer, the relentless, tattooed, skateboarding principal in Northern Virginia isn't your normal principal. Hamish is high octane, constantly calling on his students to "Be Relentless. Mr. Brewer has become known as an educational disrupter who transcends the status quo and typical educational norms. Mr. Brewer was recognized in 2017 as the NAESP Nationally Distinguished Principal and Virginia Principal of the year. He has also been recognized as the 2016 VAESP School Bell Award and ASCD Virginia Impact Award. In 2018 Hamish was named a Northern Virginian of the year by Northern Virginia Magazine and the 2018 Principal of the Year for the national publication - Education Dive and Prince William County Public Schools 2019 Principal of the Year. Under his leadership - his elementary school was recognized as a Nationally Distinguished Title 1 School, and Hamish has since gone on to turn around one of the toughest middle schools in the state of Virginia. Hamish spent years developing and honing his leadership and expertise as an emergency responder in the Fire and Rescue Service, working at one of the busiest Volunteer Fire Stations on the Eastern Seaboad. Mr. Brewer is a highly sought-after international keynote speaker - motivating and inspiring audiences everywhere, including being recognized as a TEDx speaker. Originally from New Zealand where he earned his first degree from the University of Auckland. Mr. Brewer is currently a doctoral student at Virginia. Mr. Brewer serves at the state level as the Federal Relations Coordinator on the Board of Directors with the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals. He is a school turnaround and school improvement specialist, working some of the most at-risk students in the United States. Mr. Brewer was highlighted as a Hometown Hero by Fox 5 in Washington, DC. With more than 32 million views and his story has become a viral sensation being highlighted on all the national news broadcasts, including with NBC and Lester Holt. Mr. Brewer is also being featured in a skateboarding humanitarian documentary Humanity Stoked.

David Sladkey has been teaching for over thirty two years. Today, he shares five random but very helpful ideas with teachers everywhere. From a new way to track requests to go to the bathroom to a unique cooperative learning strategy and a super cool brain break, you'll grab five ideas you can use right away. www.coolcatteacher.com/e595 David Sladkey - Bio As Submitted David Sladkey has taught mathematics at Naperville Central High School in Naperville Community Unit School District #203 for the past 25 years of his 32 years teaching. He is currently teaching Blended Algebra 1 and Precalculus. He has a variety of passions including student engagement, movement in the classroom, student empowerment and technology. Outside the classroom, he is an author, speaker, blogger, cyclist, husband, father and proud grandpa. David holds a B.S. in mathematics and a B.A in education from North Park University and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Northern Illinois University.

Education needs to be relevant and exciting to students. The Disney Youth Education program hosted me at the end of this past summer to experience three of their programs first-hand. In today's podcast, I interview the director of the program Aaron Joyner to talk about the philosophy behind Disney's education magic. I also share some of my first-hand experiences and observations from the trip. www.coolcatteacher.com/e594 Aaron Joyner - Bio As submitted In his role as a Youth Facilitation Manager for Disney Youth Programs, Aaron supports and manages the delivery of over 18 education experiences across Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts. Disney Youth Programs are valuable learning experiences for students that harness the power of Disney storytelling and the magic of Disney parks. Website: https://www.disneyyouth.com/ More information about Disney Youth Programs can be found on our blog (https://disneyyouth.com/blog/) and the Disney Parks Blog (https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/) Educators interested in learning more about Disney Youth Programs can visit our website (https://www.disneyyouth.com/) or call us at 1-877-WD-YOUTH Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode is about a topic where I was hosted by a company, Disney. 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."

Learning can be hard. Many students struggle. Teachers can struggle to help students learn content but what do we do when students have thinking that is limiting their ability to learn. In today's show, we talk about math, but the language and metaphors that Vanessa Vakharia shares today can be used in any subject. These ideas can help any teacher improve helping students overcome a mindset of self-defeating thoughts. Vanessa Vakharia - Bio As Submitted Vanessa Vakharia, a.k.a. The Math Guru, is a dedicated teacher, published author of a math book for kids, podcast host and leading expert in the field of youth engagement in education. She runs a math and science tutoring centre in Toronto and is a frequent speaker at math education conferences, in addition to regular media interviews on the topic. Blog: https://www.themathguru.ca/ Twitter: @themathguru Instagram: @themathguru Facebook: https://facebook.com/themathguru Vanessa's thesis on how media affects girls' perception of their math ability, "Imagining a World Where Paris Hilton Loves Math": https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.2304/power.2012.4.1.57

Conversations with students about things that are meaningful, relevant, and part of the fabric of their lives is an important part of cultivating savvy citizens. Today's guest, teacher Chelsey Greer, talked with her students about the disturbing phenomenon of the Deep Fake. She used episode 572 with Wesley Fryer as a tool to open the conversation. www.coolcatteacher.com/e592 Chelsey Greer - Bio as Submitted My name is Chelsey Greer. I am teaching technology education for the first time this year after five years of teaching in elementary classrooms. Technology and education are my passion and I'm beyond excited to be starting my career as a technology education teacher. I am also a coach to a first-year team of sixth and seventh graders with the Odyssey of the Mind program. I have so much to learn and I look forward to all the challenges and exciting moments ahead! Outside of school, I'm a mom to an incredible little girl and wife to my loving husband. My husband, Casey, is an engineer and loves to get involved in the projects I'm doing with my students. Together, with my mom, our family is working to re-establish the farm that's been in my family for generations. There are so many great things to look forward to in life and we all strive to do what we love in life.

Kelly Christopherson has taught for twenty-five years and has been helping educators use to level up their learning for most of that time. As one of the leaders on #saskedchat (Saskatoon Ed Chat on Twitter), he has seen classrooms transform and is now studying the impact of social media on classroom pedagogy. Come to the edge of research and learning as we discuss how teachers are learning. Not surprisingly, many offline techniques are still important! www.coolcatteacher.com/e591 Kelly Christopherson - Bio As Submitted I am a father of 8 amazing children. I have taught for 25 years with 10 years as a classroom teacher, 13 years as a K-12 administrator and 2 years as a sessional lecturer. I am the co-founder and moderator of #saskedchat which is a weekly Twitter chat that takes place every Thursday at 8 pm CST. I am currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Regina where I am researching the perceived effects of teachers' use of social media on classroom practices.

Part of being remarkable is that students believe your class and content applies to their life. On the 10 Minute Teacher, we want to help you be a more remarkable educator, so today, Denis Sheeran, author of Instant Relevance, Using Today's Experiences to Teach Tomorrow's Lessons, shares five ways we can become more relevant in our classrooms today. Students need to feel like what they do relates to their daily lives. Here's how to relate! www.coolcatteacher.com/e590 Sponsor: The U.S. Toyota Dream Car Art Contest invites youth, ages 4-15, to submit their original hand-drawn artworks that answer the question, "If you could design a car to make the world a better place, what would it look like?" Artwork submissions for this free youth art contest are accepted this year from November 1, 2019, through January 31, 2020. Teachers can download a FREE K-12 standards-aligned lesson plan on car design that includes STEM concepts and art. Go to www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com/CoolCat to download artwork guidelines, an entry form, official rules, and the lesson plan today. Encourage your students to create Toyota Dream Car artworks today About Denis Sheeran Denis Sheeran the author of two books for teachers, Instant Relevance, Using Today's Experiences to Teach Tomorrow's Lessons, and Hacking Mathematics: 10 Problems That Need Solving. He travels across the country delivering keynotes, full-day workshops, and small group professional development to teachers and administrators. Denis has a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics Education with a minor in Music and is pursuing his doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Denis taught high school math, from Algebra to Advanced Placement, for thirteen years at Lake Forest High School in Lake Forest, Illinois and supervised the mathematics programs in Sparta, Edison, and Chatham NJ. Denis lives in Sparta, NJ with his wife, four children and his litter box trained dog, Scout.

Thankfulness is modeled and shown by how we appreciate those around us. In today's show, Dr. Frank Buck gives some creative ways to thank administrators. If you're planning ahead for the holidays, you'll have time to work on these ideas at your school. www.coolcatteacher.com/e589 Sponsor: The U.S. Toyota Dream Car Art Contest invites youth, ages 4-15, to submit their original hand-drawn artworks that answer the question, "If you could design a car to make the world a better place, what would it look like?" Artwork submissions for this free youth art contest are accepted this year from November 1, 2019, through January 31, 2020. Teachers can download a FREE K-12 standards-aligned lesson plan on car design that includes STEM concepts and art. Go to www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com/CoolCat to download artwork guidelines, an entry form, official rules, and the lesson plan today. Encourage your students to create Toyota Dream Car artworks today. Dr. Frank Buck - Bio As submitted Frank Buck (FrankBuck.org) is a veteran school administrator, productivity author, speaker, and coach. "Global Gurus Top 30" ranked him #1 "Time Management" category for 2019. Blog: https://FrankBuck.org Twitter: @DrFrankBuck Instagram: @DrFrankBuck Pinterest: pinterest.com/DrFrankBuck Facebook: Facebook.com/DrFrankBuck 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."

As we lay out our rooms and organize our spaces, we can make our learning environments more positive spaces to interact, collaborate and work together. Today Kevin Stoller gives us ideas to make our learning environments more positive places to interact. www.coolcatteacher.com/e588 Sponsor: The U.S. Toyota Dream Car Art Contest invites youth, ages 4-15, to submit their original hand-drawn artworks that answer the question, "If you could design a car to make the world a better place, what would it look like?" Artwork submissions for this free youth art contest are accepted this year from November 1, 2019, through January 31, 2020. Teachers can download a FREE K-12 standards-aligned lesson plan on car design that includes STEM concepts and art. Go to www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com/CoolCat to download artwork guidelines, an entry form, official rules, and the lesson plan today. Encourage your students to create Toyota Dream Car artworks today. Kevin Stoller - Bio As Submitted Kevin Stoller is Co-Founder and CEO of Kay-Twelve, with the mission to improve 10,000,000 students' learning environments. He is the author of Creating Better Learning Environments and hosts the Better Learning Podcast. www.kay-twelve.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."

Science can be difficult for low to average readers. Today, we'll dig into the power of comic books to help us teach difficult subjects to students by making learning reachable and approachable. C.A. Preece works to reach every learner by working to make science approachable and understandable. www.coolcatteacher.com/e587 - to see show notes and examples of comics he uses. Sponsor: The U.S. Toyota Dream Car Art Contest invites youth, ages 4-15, to submit their original hand-drawn artworks that answer the question, "If you could design a car to make the world a better place, what would it look like?" Artwork submissions for this free youth art contest are accepted this year from November 1, 2019, through January 31, 2020. Teachers can download a FREE K-12 standards-aligned lesson plan on car design that includes STEM concepts and art. Go to www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com/CoolCat to download artwork guidelines, an entry form, official rules, and the lesson plan today. Encourage your students to create Toyota Dream Car artworks today. C.A. Preece - Bio As Submitted MY BACKGROUND I am a high school chemistry teacher and have been for seven beautiful years, now. Using facilitated diffusion, knowledge was beaten into my fertile mind at Morehead State University and the University of Kentucky granting me the power of holding a piece of paper that says: Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry at Morehead State University as well as a Master's of Arts in Teaching. In addition, I have taken 30+ graduate chemistry and education hours from the University of Kentucky in the pursuit of a Ph.D. in S.T.E.M. Education. Along with teaching and grad school, I write! My first publication was in July 2017 with CheMystery! A graphic novel aimed at providing quality chemistry knowledge through the lens of superheroes. Also, I do science consulting. I have had the pleasure of assisting Frank Barbiere, Greg Rucka and the creators of Doctor Puppet on projects. MY PASSION Teaching, science and reading comics! I love comics of all kinds but the ones that truly win my heart are comics with great characters and even greater science. This medium is a great way to communicate many ideas and since science is so graphic, I think it can be a beautiful marriage when done right. Here are some of my favorite characters: Marvel- Captain America/Black Bolt DC- Firestorm Indy- Dr. Solar PANELS on Science in Comics + Lexington Comic Con 2015 with Bob Hall and Kody Chamberlain + D.C.'s Awesome Con 2015 with Duncan Rouleau and Tom King + Baltimore Comic Con 2015 with Mark Waid and Ramona Fradon + Lexington Comic Con 2016 with Matt Hawkins and Nathan Fox + Indiana Comic Con 2016 with Neal Adams​ + Lexington Comic Con 2017 + Heroes Con 2017 with Josh Reynolds, Shari Brady, and Matt Brady + KSTA Conference 2017 on Using Science Comics in the Classroom with Josh Woodward + Derby City Comic Con 2017 with Megan Scholar + Lexington Comic Con 2018 with Jim Shooter and Erica Schultz + ConGlomeration 2018 + Indy Pop Con 2018 Blog: http://atomicuniverse.org/index.html Twitter: @AtomicUniverse Instagram: @Atomic_Universe Kickstarter: Fire! Salt! Slime! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547322454/fire-salt-slime 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."

Recently, I came across a story that my mother had adapted when she was a teacher to use to teach students about caring for others who had done things for them. During this time of Thanksgiving and approaching Christmas, it is easy for many of us (kids included) to become self-absorbed and to forget those who have done so much. So, feel free to use today's story as you want but also to use it as a personal challenge to make a list of those this season who deserve your extra attention and notice. www.coolcatteacher.com/e586 Sponsor: The U.S. Toyota Dream Car Art Contest invites youth, ages 4-15, to submit their original hand-drawn artworks that answer the question, "If you could design a car to make the world a better place, what would it look like?" Artwork submissions for this free youth art contest are accepted this year from November 1, 2019, through January 31, 2020. Teachers can download a FREE K-12 standards-aligned lesson plan on car design that includes STEM concepts and art. Go to www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com/CoolCat to download artwork guidelines, an entry form, official rules, and the lesson plan today. Encourage your students to create Toyota Dream Car artworks today. Your Challenge: Plan Ahead of Gratitude Your challenge today is to find someone who needs and deserves attention, respect, and care this season and to give it to them. I also encourage you to help your students have empathy, love, and gratitude towards others who pour into their lives. If you want to use this story or play it, feel free but it is certainly one you can adapt. You can tell stories to students to teach points and ideas. In fact, I would argue that stories are one of the best, most timeless ways to teach. I love to find good stories and tell them to my students to make them think or teach a point.

Have you ever made the mistake of giving students or others the kind of feedback you want to receive - but it just falls flat? For example, I'm a "word" kind of person and I can float on a compliment for days. However, some people I know are visual. Others like to hear a person's voice. Still, others really love graphics or video. We all need to be excellent at giving quick and impactful feedback. Principal Meredith Akers uses many methods to give encouragement and feedback to her staff. Today you'll learn about five quick and memorable ways to make someone's day. Students, colleagues, teachers, and family will be impacted in positive ways with these ideas. Then, I hope you'll take the time to use at least one of them to encourage someone right now! Get the links to these apps and ideas in the full show notes here www.coolcatteacher.com/e585 Sponsor: The U.S. Toyota Dream Car Art Contest invites youth, ages 4-15, to submit their original hand-drawn artworks that answer the question, "If you could design a car to make the world a better place, what would it look like?" Artwork submissions for this free youth art contest are accepted this year from November 1, 2019, through January 31, 2020. Teachers can download a FREE K-12 standards-aligned lesson plan on car design that includes STEM concepts and art. Go to www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com/CoolCat to download artwork guidelines, an entry form, official rules, and the lesson plan today. Encourage your students to create Toyota Dream Car artworks today. Meredith Akers – Bio As Submitted Meredith Akers is an Elementary Principal who believes that the best way to help others grow is to build relationships, offer support, serve, love, and be transparent about how she is working to grow herself. Her daily aspiration is to make a positive impact and to leave those she serves better off for having interacted with her. Blog: https://meredithakers.com/ Twitter: @meredithakers 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."

Filled with dread, some math teachers have a problem. As they give problems to students to work their students become problems. Behavior problems. Boredom problems. Sometimes the problem is that students aren't excited by the problems. However, math can be exciting. The "Open Middle" math problem format is NOT talking about middle school math, although it applies to middle, high school, elementary, and even college math just the same. Robert Kaplinsky, a math teacher and author on the "open middle math" talks about how math teachers can unlock student thinking and interest in how problems are posed to students. Busy math teachers can listen to this quick episode to get an introduction to open middle math and see if they want to dive deeper. Math can be exciting! www.coolcatteacher.com/e584 Sponsor: The U.S. Toyota Dream Car Art Contest invites youth, ages 4-15, to submit their original hand-drawn artworks that answer the question, "If you could design a car to make the world a better place, what would it look like?" Artwork submissions for this free youth art contest are accepted this year from November 1, 2019, through January 31, 2020. Teachers can download a FREE K-12 standards-aligned lesson plan on car design that includes STEM concepts and art. Go to www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com/CoolCat to download artwork guidelines, an entry form, official rules, and the lesson plan today. Encourage your students to create Toyota Dream Car artworks today. Challenge Check out these resources from Robert for math teachers. Robert says, "I created these free Depth of Knowledge matrices that teachers love: https://robertkaplinsky.com/tag/dok-matrix/" Add Robert Kaplinsky to your PLN (Bio As Submitted) Robert Kaplinsky has worked in education since 2003 as a classroom teacher, teacher specialist for Downey Unified School District, instructor for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and presenter at conferences around the world. He created the #ObserveMe movement, wrote the book Open Middle Math is president of Grassroots Workshops and co-founder of the website https://www.openmiddle.com/. Blog: https://robertkaplinsky.com Twitter: @robertkaplinsky Instagram: @robert_kaplinsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertkaplinsky Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/robertkaplinsky/ 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."

Students need life skills. Some schools are adding in courses to help students cook, care for their families, manage their money and more life skills. Others have always had these courses. Today we interview a teacher, Andrea Moore, who started her career as a literature teacher but teaches many practical things to her students every day. www.coolcatteacher.com/e583 Sponsor: The U.S. Toyota Dream Car Art Contest invites youth, ages 4-15, to submit their original hand-drawn artworks that answer the question, "If you could design a car to make the world a better place, what would it look like?" Artwork submissions for this free youth art contest are accepted this year from November 1, 2019, through January 31, 2020. Teachers can download a FREE K-12 standards-aligned lesson plan on car design that includes STEM concepts and art. Go to www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com/CoolCat to download artwork guidelines, an entry form, official rules, and the lesson plan today. Encourage your students to create Toyota Dream Car artworks today. Challenge Does your school teach life skills? Do your students know how to cook? Have conversations with your students and among your staff if your school is equipping students for real life. Andrea Moore - Bio As submitted Andrea Moore is in her 16th year of teaching at Twin Cedars Jr./Sr. High School near Bussey, IA, where she is currently teaching Family and Consumer Sciences and Health to 7-12 graders. She lives with her husband of 27 years and has two grown children. 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."