10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher

Students can sense and even internalize the emotions their teachers are feeling, especially stress, depression and worry. Not only do we need to help kids stay physically healthy, we need to help them stay emotionally healthy. SEL expert Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl unpacks the concepts of stress contagion, the importance of routines, co-rumination and other SEL topics to help us better help today's students. Disclosure: Note that today's guest is an advisor for today's sponsor. All content and opinions are my own and that of the author. Sponsor: The WE Schools Program, made possible by the Allstate Foundation, is kicking off National Volunteer Week with Let's Volunteer Now! Join this free online event to help discover how virtual volunteering can help your students build SEL skills. It will be hosted on Friday, April 17 at 1pm EST on the @Wemovement Facebook channel with special guests SEL expert Dr. Amy Cranston and her brother award-winner actor Bryan Cranston, and joined by remarkable students and WE Volunteer Now campaign participants, Tyler and Jameson. Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl - Bio as Submitted Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl is an expert advisor for the WE organization's WE Schools program, which is accessed by over 18,000 schools across North America – with a special emphasis on social and emotional learning and mental wellbeing. Dr. Kim is known as a world-renowned, American expert in the area of social and emotional learning (SEL) and sits on CASEL's Board of Directors. Within the realm of SEL, Dr. Kim's studies have covered the following topic areas: The correlation between social and emotional competence (SEC) and academic achievement in early adolescence (click here for 2018 research) The identification of the processes and mechanisms that foster positive human qualities such as empathy, compassion, altruism and resiliency in children and adolescents How volunteer action helps develop caring, altruistic behaviors and promotes emotional and physical well-being (click here for 2018 research) The use of mindfulness in the classroom to foster a stress-free environment (click here for 2016 research) Projects that examine the effectiveness of classroom-based universal SEL programs (i.e. Roots to Empathy, MindUp) Dr. Kim has over 100 publications in scholarly journals, book chapters, and reports and has edited two books on mindfulness in education, including a co-edited book (with Dr. Robert W. Roeser) published by Springer Press in 2016 titled "Handbook of Mindfulness in Education: Integrating Theory and Research Into Practice." She has presented her research at over 200 scholarly conferences and has given over 300 presentations on the topic of children's social and emotional development and social emotional learning. Dr. Kim's research has been highlighted in several magazines and newspapers across the US, and internationally, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Le Monde, The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Scientific American Mind, Neurology Now, The Huffington Post, The Telegraph, The Atlantic and many more. Her research on the Roots of Empathy was profiled on the PBS Newshour special, the American Graduate.

Social-emotional learning is a vital part of health and wellness. Today's guest has some free word of the day SEL workouts for students. As students stay home, learn some ideas to help students be healthier at home during this time with some videos you can share with the students. www.coolcatteacher.com/e652 Show Sponsor: Advancement Courses has a free micro-course - Launching Online Learning. Register for this free micro-course. Now is the time we all need to educate ourselves on effective online teaching and I recommend this course as a great place to start. Thank you, Advancement Courses for sponsoring this show. Rupa Mehta - Bio As Submitted Rupa Mehta is a teacher, entrepreneur, and author who has helped thousands of adults and youth become healthier individuals. She is the founder of Nalini Method and NaliniKIDS, both based on Rupa's wellness philosophy that true health is achieved by being both emotionally and physically connected. "There is an age-old question in education: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" We continue to place increasing value—and pressure—on paving a student's path to professional success. But I think there is an important question that we have to ask first, and it's a question that we should be asking people of all ages throughout their lifetime: "Who are you now, and what can you teach us?" I believe that in order for students to truly succeed when they grow up, we need to teach them the subject of self in schools." ~ Rupa

Math can be taught online. In today's show, Noelle Pickering shares free ideas for teaching middle school math online. These ideas will help you teach math no matter where you or your students are online. www.coolcatteacher.com/e651 Show Sponsor: Advancement Courses has a free micro-course - Launching Online Learning. Register for this free micro-course. Now is the time we all need to educate ourselves on effective online teaching and I recommend this course as a great place to start. Thank you, Advancement Courses for sponsoring this show. Noelle Pickering - Bio Noelle Pickering is a former middle school math teacher and instructional coach, and now can be found online at maneuveringthemiddle.com. Maneuvering the Middle seeks to support teachers through hands-on resources, standards-aligned curriculum, and practical teaching ideas. She has the joy of being called mom by two of the sweetest and busiest boys and has been married to her biggest supporter, Michael, for ten years.

How do teachers share information quickly as they have had to move to distance learning amid coronavirus school closures? Brad Currie shares how teachers are sharing #remotelearning best practices as well as what is happening with him and his school in New Jersey. www.coolcatteacher.com/e650 Show Sponsor: Advancement Courses has a free micro-course - Launching Online Learning. Register for this free micro-course. Now is the time we all need to educate ourselves on effective online teaching and I recommend this course as a great place to start. Thank you, Advancement Courses for sponsoring this show. Brad Currie - Bio as Submitted Brad is the Supervisor of Instruction and Dean of Students for the Chester School District in Chester, NJ. He is also the Founding Partner of Evolving Educators LLC. Brad was recently named the 2017 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year and the 2017 NJPSA Visionary Assistant Principal of the Year. He is also part of the ASCD Emerging Leaders Class of 2014. Brad is a Google Certified Trainer, author, presenter and adjunct professor at Drew University. Brad has written four books including 140 Twitter Tips for Educators and Hacking Google for Education.

Montana State Teacher of the Year, Dylan Huisken talks about online distance education learning. He shares how he is connecting with students during the Coronavirus crisis as students and teachers stay home and work to connect for learning in Montana. www.coolcatteacher.com/e649 Sponsor: Advancement Courses has a free micro-course - Launching Online Learning. Register here for this free micro-course. Now is the time we all need to educate ourselves on effective online teaching and I recommend this course as a great place to start. Thank you, Advancement Courses for sponsoring this show. About Dylan Huisken Dylan Huisken is the 2019 Montana Teacher of the Year and has been teaching social studies for more than a decade. His love for deep-dive history and student learning has led him to be an advocate for place-based education, especially when it comes to making sure all students are deeply educated about the tribes of their state and region.

What is happening at the US policy level with the coronavirus health crisis? Today, US policy influencer Tom Murray, shares what he's seeing from the national level and the conversations that are happening as policymakers wrestle with the issues that concern us all. www.coolcatteacher.com/e647 Sponsor: Advancement Courses has a free micro-course – Launching Online Learning. Register for this free micro-course. Now is the time we all need to educate ourselves on effective online teaching and I recommend this course as a great place to start. Thank you, Advancement Courses for sponsoring this show. About Thomas C. Murray Tom serves as the Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools®, a project of the Alliance for Excellent Education, located in Washington, D.C. He has testified before the United States Congress and has worked alongside that body, the US Senate, the White House, the US Department of Education and state departments of education, corporations, and school districts throughout the country to implement student-centered learning while helping to lead Future Ready Schools® and Digital Learning Day. An ASCD best-selling author, Murray serves as a regular conference keynote, was named the "2018 National/Global EdTech Leader of the Year," by EdTech Digest, the "2017 Education Thought Leader of the Year," one of "20 to Watch" by NSBA in 2016, and the "Education Policy Person of the Year" by the Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2015. His best-selling book, Learning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow's Schools, Today, co-authored with Eric Sheninger and published by ASCD, was released in June 2017. His most recent book, Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences that Impact a Lifetime, was released in October of 2019. Prior to moving to his role in Washington, D.C., Murray served as an elementary teacher, middle school teacher, middle school principal, elementary principal, and at the district level in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He is most passionate about creating cultures of innovation where teachers are empowered to create the types of learning experiences today's modern learners need to thrive. In addition to his role at Future Ready Schools®, Murray works directly with school and district leaders for administrative retreats, opening convocations, and professional learning days. He's the husband of a school counselor and dad of two children, all of which are far more important to him than anything shared above. As an author, Murray has released, or been a part of, five books: Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences that Impact a Lifetime (IMPress, 2019) 10 Perspectives on Innovation in Education (Routledge, 2018) Learning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow's Schools, Today (ASCD, 2017) Education Write Now (Volume 1, Routledge, 2017) Leading Professional Learning: Tools to Connect and Empower Teachers (Corwin, 2015) Murray is also one of the cofounders of #edtechchat, a weekly educational technology Twitter forum, where hundreds of educators from around the world discuss topics related to the effective use of educational technology. You can connect with Tom on social media.

Students experiencing the coronavirus crisis are experiencing trauma. So are teachers and parents. In today's show, learn the ten principles (and a bonus) to help us encourage and help others as we work through this crisis together. This is an important listen for those struggling to figure out how to help kids. Advancement Courses is the distance education PD opportunity that I recommend for teachers. Now is the time to learn online even as we're teaching online. First, Advancement Courses and I are hosting a webinar on April 2 at 7 p.m. ET to talk about 10 Principles of Effective Distance Learning. Join me and the experts from Advancement Courses as we talk about 10 Essential Online Learning Best Practices for you right now. Go to coolcatteacher.com/onlinebest to register to join us. www.coolcatteacher.com/e646 Dr. Eric Rossen Dr. Eric Rossen is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, a licensed psychologist in Maryland, and a credentialed National Register Health Service psychologist. He currently serves as the director of professional development and standards for the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Dr. Rossen has worked in public schools and in independent practice and has served as a college instructor and adjunct faculty at the University of Missouri and Prince George's Community College. He has presented across the US and internationally, and published dozens of articles and book chapters related to school psychology, school safety, and trauma. He is most recently the editor of Supporting and Educating Traumatized Students: A Guide for School-Based Professionals, 2nd Edition , and co-author of the forthcoming book Applying a Trauma-Informed Framework to The IEP Process: From Referral to Development being released April 2020. You can learn more about Dr. Rossen on his website: www.ericrossen.com; and follow him on Twitter: @E_Rossen

How I teach students to be effective learners in an online classroom. This episode is an audio version of my presentation to students about how to be effective learners in an online classroom. Check out the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-o4BE6Gkhw&t=3s www.coolcatteacher.com/e645

Some teachers (and students) don't have a choice. Because they have no internet connection, school closures mean "paper packets." Three weeks of them. Today's teacher recorded this episode the day she spent at school making three weeks of paper packets and how she struggled to bring excellent teaching home to her students even when technology is out of the question. www.coolcatteacher.com/e644 Dee Ross Kalman Dee Ross Kalman (she/her) is a middle school STEM teacher in Hackensack, NJ. She has taught in New Jersey public schools for 13 years and is formerly a special education & mathematics educator. Ms. Kalman's is focused on building empowerment through student choice, established in safe, fail-forward environment, and loudly raising the gender & minority equity in the STEM field.

As schools are working to blend teaching or go completely online, what about science? Isn't science supposed to be totally hands-on? In today's session, we interview an instructional technology coach and the executive producer of Science Around Cincy, a web series that features the scientists and engineers in the Cincinnati area. He reflects on how to use resources to teach science and how to make it as hands-on as possible even at home. www.coolcatteacher.com/e643 Resources Mentioned on the Show All the episodes of Science Around Cincy are tied to science curriculum and have paired teacher resources for students to connect what they watch in the videos to what th EU need to learn in the classroom. They can be found at https://sciaroundcincy.com/teacher-resources/ Chris Anderson bio as submitted Chris Anderson is a passionate science educator and host and executive producer of Science Around Cincy, a web series that features the scientists and engineers in the Cincinnati area. In addition to Science Around Cincy, Chris is an instructional coach for the Hamilton County ESC, working with the teachers and students of Cincinnati Public Schools. Blog: https://sciaroundcincy.com/ Twitter handles: @theScienceJedi and @SciAroundCincy

As we struggle with the coronavirus COVID-19 health crisis, many of us educators are figuring out how to prepare to teach online. Blended learning (having a face to face and an online classroom) is best. We have one more reason-- when you already have an online space for your classroom, it is a smaller step to teaching totally online when necessary. Whether you want to or not, go ahead and set up now. I'll also be sharing more resources this week on my blog, podcast, and social media accounts and in my newsletter. Get the show notes at www.coolcatteacher.com/e642

Dr. Mark French is a principal who is redefining the role. Not only is his book he co-authored "Principals in Action: Redefining the Role" but he lives it every day on the playground, in the lunchroom, and everywhere around his campus. Today he talks about how he starts strong on Mondays inspiring and encouraging his campus to be the greatest version of themselves. www.coolcatteacher.com/e641 Today's Sponsor - Free Classroom Management Webinar: On Monday, March 16 at 8 pm learn from classroom management expert Linda Kardamis how to regain control of your classroom even this late in the school year. Go to coolcatteacher.com/getcontrol to learn more and sign up for this free webinar on classroom management. Linda is in this podcast, however, all content in the show is hers and my own opinions. Mark French - Bio As submitted Mark French is a veteran educator with 38 years of experience, 23 as an elementary school principal. Some of Mark's accomplishments include serving as President of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association, being named Minnesota's 2015 National Distinguished Principal and coauthoring the book, Principals In Action: Redefining the Role. Blog: www.PrincipalFrench.com Twitter: @PrincipalFrench 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.

Is your classroom out of control? Are you struggling to teach but student behavior is getting in the way? Today, classroom management expert, Linda Kardamis gives us a place to start. www.coolcatteacher.com/e640 Today's Sponsor - Free Classroom Management Webinar: On Monday, March 16 at 8 pm learn from classroom management expert Linda Kardamis how to regain control of your classroom even this late in the school year. Go to coolcatteacher.com/getcontrol to learn more and sign up for this free webinar on classroom management. Linda is in this podcast, however, all content in the show is hers and my own opinions. Linda Kardamis - Bio As submitted Linda Kardamis taught middle school math before being led to become the founder of Teach 4 the Heart (https://teach4theheart.com/) - a website centered on providing practical advice, encouragement, and support for Christian teachers. As part of her calling to uplift educators everywhere, Linda has compiled three books: Create Your Dream Classroom, Take Heart & Teach, and Teach Uplifted. She is also the creator of online courses such as Classroom Management 101 and Beyond Classroom Management, and her Teach 4 the Heart podcast is enjoyed by a growing number of educators. All of Linda's work and programs focus on her faith-based passion and calling to help teachers across the country and around the globe excel and thrive in their teaching adventures and careers. Linda is also a wife and mom of four littles, which, of course, keeps things interesting. 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.

You can solve problems by going Upstream. Dan Heath, the author of the new book Upstream, talks about the principles the Chicago Public School system used to go from a 52% graduation rate to one close to 80% in just a few years. Some of the same principles were used in Rockford, Illinois to be the first city that eradicated homelessness. Dan shares four strategies to move upstream to solve problems in schools and in our world today. www.coolcatteacher.com/e639 Today's Sponsor - Free Classroom Management Webinar: On Monday, March 16 at 8 pm learn from classroom management expert Linda Kardamis how to regain control of your classroom even this late in the school year. Go to coolcatteacher.com/getcontrol to learn more and sign up for this free webinar on classroom management. Dan Heath - Bio As Submitted Dan Heath and his brother, Chip, have written four New York Times bestselling books: Made to Stick, Switch, Decisive, and The Power of Moments. Heath is a senior fellow at Duke University's CASE center, which supports entrepreneurs fighting for social good. He lives in Durham, North Carolina. The Heath brothers' books have sold more than three million copies worldwide and have been translated into thirty-three languages. Blog: https://heathbrothers.com/ 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.

Robert Kalman's middle schoolers are designing in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). In this episode, Robert gives us his insights and tips into the best tools and tips in AR and VR today. From Google Tour Creator, CoSpaces, Merge Cube (with Tinkercad) and Panaform - Robert will share simple tools you can start using with your students today. www.coolcatteacher.com/e638 Today's Sponsor - Free Classroom Management Webinar: On Monday, March 16 at 8 pm learn from classroom management expert Linda Kardamis how to regain control of your classroom even this late in the school year. Go to coolcatteacher.com/getcontrol to learn more and sign up for this free webinar on classroom management. Tools Robert Discusses in the Show Google Tour Creator CoSpaces Merge Cube Tinkercad Note: Smithsonian Artifacts have just been added to Tinkercad as part of their open access initiative Panoform Robert Kalman - Bio as Submitted Robert Kalman is a middle school Digital Design Teacher and Technology Coordinator/Integrator for the Ramsey School District in New Jersey. Robert loves working with teachers to incorporate effective educational technologies, and students to experiment with innovative tools, such as physical computing, game design, 3D/AR/VR applications, and web design/coding platforms. Blog: robertkalman.com Twitter: @robert_kalman Instagram: @robert_kalman 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.

If you're using the Google Suite for Education, Google App Scripts can save you time. Alice Keeler talks about how she programs Google App scripts, some add ons she's made, and some you can use to help improve what you're doing in your classroom! www.coolcatteacher.com/e637 Today's Sponsor: On Monday, March 16 at 8 pm learn from classroom management expert Linda Kardamis how to regain control of your classroom even this late in the school year. Go to coolcatteacher.com/getcontrol to learn more and sign up for this free webinar on classroom management. Alice Keeler 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. (bio as submitted)

As the Coronavirus spreads, so does the news about it. Some stories are accurate. Some stories are not. And some stories are full of half-truths. All designed to get people to read and for the clicks to come. Today's guest, Darren Hudgins is co-author of Fact VS Fiction: Teaching Critical Thinking In The Age of Fake News (ISTE 2018). He helps us understand triggers, news literacy, and how we can help our students effectively analyze news in a world where health issues and news tend to go viral. We have to help our students live in this world. Have the conversations now. www.coolcatteacher.com/e636 Darren Hudgins Bio As Submitted Darren Hudgins is the CEO of Think | Do | Thrive and the co-author of Fact VS Fiction: Teaching Critical Thinking In The Age of Fake News (ISTE 2018). In both capacities, he works with educators, school leaders, districts, and school organizations to help them build experiences that promote thought, play, and innovative strategies. He believes these strategies strengthen human capacity efforts, drive action, and inspire the souls of social servants so that all students can thrive. Learn more about his 20 plus years in education at about.me/darren_hudgins. Twitter: @dhudgins Instagram: @dhudgins Free Resource on this topic: Darren's Free News Literacy Resource (Presentation) Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode includes some affiliate links. 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.

Some districts and schools use test scores to hold teachers "accountable." But what if this practice is hurting the very kids it is trying to help. Teacher and columnist Jody Stallings shares what he uncovered when he looked at this practice and why using test scores to evaluate teachers is a very bad idea. www.coolcatteacher.com/e635 Jody Stallings - Bio As Submitted Jody Stallings has been an award-winning public school teacher in Charleston, South Carolina, since 1992. He is director of the Charleston Teacher Alliance and an adjunct professor with the American Public University System. He writes the weekly "Teacher to Parent" column for which he is the recipient of the 2018 first place award in column writing from the South Carolina Press Association. https://www.facebook.com/teachertoparent Twitter: @stallings_jody

Heather Wolpert-Gawron surveyed over two thousand students from every US state and type of school to find out what engages them in learning. She discovered some surprising trends that will impact how we teach teachers to teach and how we look at a school altogether. Variety may not only be the spice of life but it may be the spice of learning! www.coolcatteacher.com/e634 Heather M. Wolpert-Gawron - Bio as Submitted Heather Wolpert-Gawron is an award-winning middle school teacher and 21st Century Learning & PBL coach. She is the author of Just Ask Us: Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement (Corwin/AMLE), which shares the results of a nationwide survey of 6th-12th graders and what engages them as learners. She is also the author of DIY for Project Based Learning for ELA and History (Taylor & Francis) and DIY for Project Based Learning for Math and Science (Taylor & Francis). She is a staff blogger for Edutopia, a proud member of the California Writing Project, and a National Faculty member for PBLWorks (formally the Buck Institute for Education). Heather is passionate about Project Based Learning and believes the Maker Movement for teachers is in curriculum design. Heather believes curriculum design itself should tell a story, and she helps her students craft the tale. Heather lives with her husband and two boys in Los Angeles where they play Dungeons & Dragons every week, building their cross-over stories and adventures together.

Creating the culture in your classroom can help you be a better and happier teacher and can help your students learn better and be happier too. Today's guest, Elisabeth Bostwick takes us into her classroom to share how she creates a luminous learning environment where learners are empowered by authentic learning that unleashes their potential. Get motivated to reach every child! www.coolcatteacher.com/e633 Elisabeth Bostwick - Bio As Submitted Elisabeth Bostwick is a multi-award-winning educator who is passionate about creating the conditions to spark curiosity and unleash creativity to empower learning. She is the author of, Take the L.E.A.P.: Ignite a Culture of Innovation and co-author of Education Write Now, Volume II: Top Strategies for Improving Relationships and Culture. As an innovative teaching and learning consultant and instructional coach supporting K-12 teachers, Elisabeth works alongside educators to create inclusive and equitable classroom cultures where every learner thrives. Elisabeth is driven to deepen learning; leveraging highly effective strategies that engage and empower all learners to maximize growth. With her passion for creating a long-lasting, positive impact on education, Elisabeth inspires others to identify how we can cultivate systemic change and develop essential success skills to ensure learners are future-ready.

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."