10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher

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."

Creativity is something that we have to nurture as teachers. In this blog post and episode, I share some of the ways I believe nurture creativity in students. See the show notes at www.coolcatteacher.com/582 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. 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."

Have you ever had a moment when your life changed? Perhaps it was a comment or it was a moment and although it may not have seemed to be anything to others around you, you experienced a seismic shift in how you viewed yourself. Dr. Michael Rousell studies these moments and relates them to neuroscience. Today he shares the surprising science behind the commonalities in these life-changing moments. As teachers, we hope to be part of these moments. You could say these small but very epic life-changing moments are the seconds that could take years of relationship building and effort to cultivate and then, light a bolt of lightning - it happens - and a child is transformed for the good. You'll want to learn to understand these moments as a teacher. This is one of those episodes to share and discuss due to the exciting impacts it can have in the life of children. www.coolcatteacher.com/e581 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. Show Notes about Surprising Moments Most moments that transformed people were in moments that surprised people. Flattery doesn't work and seems to be "empty calories for kids. " When you deliver a comment, make it declarative so it doesn't sound empty. Learn how to share comments in a way that can transform how a child views him or herself. What is a surprise from a neuroscience perspective and how does it help children change their views? How to pain struggles in the landscape of life. Michael Rousell, Ph.D. - Bio as Submitted I'm a teacher, associate professor, psychologist, and author. I taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. As an academic, I study formative moments, those events that instantly change what you believe about yourself. My next book is titled, The Power of Surprise: How Our Brain Secretly Changes Our Beliefs, (not yet published). My slogan: Whoever learns the most wins. You can see my recent TEDxSalem talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5O6mFWpgZo Blog: michaelrousell.com Articles: https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/how-do-you-craft-a-formative-moment-the-answer-is-literally-a-surprise-a9f55be67ed8 https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/how-a-single-comment-can-craft-or-slay-a-growth-mindset-48442dd1dd94 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."

Lynn Colón, co-author of Empowering Girls: Opening the Door for Girls to Achieve More, helps us understand what schools need to be doing to intentionally empower their female students to achieve more. Lynn shares some of her journey and the nuances of understanding girls today. www.coolcatteacher.com/e580 Lynn Colón - Bio As Submitted Lynmara Colón brings the perspective of a teacher, assistant principal, and principal positions she has held since joining education in 2003 to her work in literacy. As principal of Mary Williams Elementary School in 2014, she served over 1,000 students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade and was able to increase reading engagement by leading a culture of literacy. She now heads the office that provides comprehensive registration services to English learners and immigrant children, including translation and interpretation services, to a school division serving over 90,000 students. These students represent 124 countries and 149 languages. Colón holds two master's degrees: a degree in curriculum and instruction, and the other in educational leadership. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in education through Old Dominion University. Book: Empowering Girls: Opening the Door for Girls to Achieve More Blog: leadwithmagic.com Twitter: @TheColon_s Instagram: LynmaraCosme 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.

Take care of yourself! We often tell each other this as teachers and rightly so. I once read that teachers work the same amount of time in ten months that most people work in a year. Teaching is not for the faint of heart or weak of the back but we must rest and stay strong to be our best. But how? Today, Mandy Froehlich gives us advice for self-care. www.coolcatteacher.com/e579 Challenge Press pause and take a few minutes after listening to this show to evaluate how you are doing with self care. If you do not change something, what will be the result of the direction you're heading with your health? Make one change. Mandy Froehlich - Bio As Submitted Mandy Froehlich passionately encourages educators to create innovative change in their classrooms. A former Director of Innovation and Technology, technology integrator, and teacher, she has experience at many levels of the organizational structure. Her interest lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession, as well as what's needed to support teachers in their pursuit of innovative and divergent thinking and teaching. She consults internationally with school districts and post-secondary institutions in the effective use of technology to support great teaching, mental health support for educators, and how to create organizational change. Her first book, The Fire Within: Lessons from defeat that have ignited a passion for learning, discusses mental health awareness for teachers. Her second book, Divergent EDU, is based on an organizational structure she developed to support teachers in innovative and divergent thinking. Blog: www.mandyfroehlich.com Twitter: @froehlichm Free Self Care Course: divergentedu.thinkific.com Instagram: @divergentedu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadershipinnovationanddivergentteaching/ 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.

Many schools are reimagining the learning spaces that some call libraries or media centers. Carolyn Foote takes us to the center of this trend to take us inside how she redesigned her learning space and the thought process behind it. As you plan your school's strategy, you'll want to have conversations about this show. www.coolcatteacher.com/e578 Carolyn Foote - Bio As Submitted Carolyn Foote is a techno-librarian, fascinated by the confluence of technology, students, and libraries. A White House Champion of Change in 2013, and recipient of the AASL Library Collaboration Award in 2019, she is a leader in the library field, especially on 1:1 technologies, library design, and student voice. Her blog can be found at Not So Distant Future http://www.futura.edublogs.org. Twitter: @technolibrary Favorite Hashtags: Follow the #TXLCHAT and #TLCHAT hashtags for all things libraries! Instagram: @technolibrary

Lots of things are labeled "STEM" these days but many of them are just rote instructions for students to follow. Is this truly STEM learning? Taylor Ryan is STEM coordinator for his school as they work to integrate STEM into every class. He shares what he's learned about true STEM learning in the past year in this role. Hear about STEM from the trenches of a school that is doing it. www.coolcatteacher.com/e577 Challenge Have conversations about the STEM learning at your school. Is it authentic STEM learning? What could you apply from this podcast in terms of longer-term or shorter projects? How about cross-curricular? Taylor Ryan - Bio As Submitted Taylor is a teacher and STEM Officer at Fulford Academy, a private school in Brockville, Ontario. School Website: https://fulfordacademy.com/

Tara Martin has written a book to help children (and adults) face their fears called Cannonball In! Today, we talk about a powerful metaphor and the risks of life and how sometimes we have to jump! Enjoy! www.coolcatteacher.com/e576 Your Challenge I have a saying in my office by Eleanor Roosevelt that says "do something every day that scares you." Again, we're talking rational risk and getting out of our comfort zone. So, that's your challenge – get out of your comfort zone today. Tara Martin - Bio As Submitted Tara Martin is an enthusiastic educator, speaker, and author. Her ambition is to lead a culture of innovative change and to motivate others to become the best they can be, all while staying REAL-- Relatable Exposing Vulnerability Always Approachable, and Learning Through Life. Blog: http://www.tarammartin.com/ Books: Be REAL: Educate from the Heart Cannonball In! 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.

Thom Gibson has fun ways to greet students as he walks around campus. He shared them on Twitter recently and I started using some of them and it adds a whole element of fun and engagement while interacting with students. Learn about these ideas and become the kind of person that kids love to greet! www.coolcatteacher.com/e575 Sponsored By Advancement Courses The holidays are just around the corner, and this is the perfect time to start planning your PD. Get started by going to advancementcourses.com/coolcat to explore over 240 graduate-level online PD courses in 19 different subject areas. Plus, you can save 20% of your order the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can take courses on helpful topics like classroom management, teacher wellness, education technology, special education classes and more. Advancement Courses is flexible and lets you work at your own pace to create things to improve your classroom. Links from this Show For more on how Thom greets his students, listen to his narrative about it here. Five Ways Thom Greets His Students Merry Mini Fist Bump Monday Happy Two Thumbs up Tuesday Waving Wednesday Thankful Thursday - shake hand and asks what they are thankful for that day High 5 Friday I've adopted some of these and have adapted my own. I do Happy Fist Bump Friday and Happy Thumb Wrestle Thursday. Thom Gibson - Bio As Submitted Thom Gibson is a two-time teacher-of-the-year educator in Austin, TX, teaching math, robotics, YouTube Video Production, and the esports elective. He's the creator and host of the 'Stories from the Classroom' podcast, he posts weekly teacher vlogs / teaching tip videos on his YouTube channel, and is the creator of the 'Create & Manage A Classroom Economy' course for teachers. Outside of education, he's a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, learner of Mandarin, an avid runner, a chicken wing connoisseur, and is actively involved in his church. I created a course for teachers on how to create & manage a classroom economy. http://thomgibson.com/classroomeconomy Blog: http://thomgibson.com Twitter: @gibsonedu Instagram: @gibsoneducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/gibsonedu YouTube: http://youtube.com/gibsonedu LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/thomgibson e 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."

"Room service" door hangers are one of the unique ideas that André Sasser shares on the show. From a Woot Wagon to more, André talks about little things that encourage her as a teacher. I also talk about the "fun committee" at my school and some ideas to build community and collegiality. www.coolcatteacher.com/e574 Sponsored By Advancement Courses The holidays are just around the corner, and this is the perfect time to start planning your PD. Get started by going to advancementcourses.com/coolcat to explore over 240 graduate-level online PD courses in 19 different subject areas. Plus, you can save 20% of your order the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can take courses on helpful topics like classroom management, teacher wellness, education technology, special education classes and more. Advancement Courses is flexible and lets you work at your own pace to create things to improve your classroom. Challenge Make someone's day or implement one of these ideas at your school to help your school have more fun! Door Hanger "Room Service" from André [PDF] André Sasser - Bio As Submitted André Sasser has been teaching math in Louisiana for ten years. She is currently teaching 6th-grade math, 7th-grade math, Geometry, Algebra II, Dual Enrollment Statistics, and an Introduction to Education class for future educators. Teaching math is a dream come true for André. She comes from a family of educators, and teaching is all she has ever wanted to do. Peek into André's classroom and you will find her students engaged in math conversation, working problems on the vertical whiteboards, or enjoying a Desmos activity. Her daily goal is to make math class an exciting experience for every student who walks through her door. Blog: https://sassafracs.wordpress.com/ Twitter: @MrsSasser 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."

Families want to engage in classrooms but as students get older, it can be challenging. In today's episode, Jeromie Heath helps teachers understand how to engage families in the classroom in positive, proactive ways. www.coolcatteacher.com/e573 Sponsored By Advancement Courses The holidays are just around the corner, and this is the perfect time to start planning your PD. Get started by going to advancementcourses.com/coolcat to explore over 240 graduate-level online PD courses in 19 different subject areas. Plus, you can save 20% of your order the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can take courses on helpful topics like classroom management, teacher wellness, education technology, special education classes and more. Advancement Courses is flexible and lets you work at your own pace to create things to improve your classroom. Challenge Engage your parents one way this week. Jeromie Heath - Bio As Submitted Jeromie Heath is an expert on instilling and igniting the love of learning. As a National Board Certified Teacher with 16 years of experience, he's crafted successfully-proven innovative student and family engagement strategies that he's developed as he taught in diverse elementary school demographics (including Title 1, High ELL, High Poverty, and Advanced Learning). Jeromie's students gain nation-wide attention for doubling test scores! He's developed the KEYS to his success in engaging students and now shares these highly effective strategies in engaging and informative workshops, trainings, pds, and coaching sessions. Blog: https://sites.google.com/site/mrheathfunteacher/home Twitter: @teachheath Instagram: @teachheath 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."

Deep fake videos are now possible. In this disturbing trend, convincing videos, audio, and photos are viewed and shared by those who somehow think you can trust what you see and hear. Wesley Fryer takes us deep into the world of deep fakes in this resource-full lesson in a trend that is dangerous and threatening, particularly for a gullible population. This is a special extended episode of the 10 minute teacher and includes resources in the show notes. Sponsored By Advancement Courses The holidays are just around the corner, and this is the perfect time to start planning your PD. Get started by going to advancementcourses.com/coolcat to explore over 240 graduate-level online PD courses in 19 different subject areas. Plus, you can save 20% of your order the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can take courses on helpful topics like classroom management, teacher wellness, education technology, special education classes and more. Advancement Courses is flexible and lets you work at your own pace to create things to improve your classroom. Links from this episode Can be found in the show notes at www.coolcatteacher.com/e572 Wesley Fryer- Bio As Submitted Dr. Wesley Fryer is a teacher, technology director, digital learning consultant, author, digital storyteller, and change agent. With respect to school change, he describes himself as a "catalyst for creative engagement and collaborative learning." He is the Director of Technology for the Casady School in Oklahoma City. In 2013-2015 he taught 4th and 5th grade STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) at Independence Elementary in Yukon Public Schools in Oklahoma. Wesley completed his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Tech University in 2011. He is the author of several books on effectively using digital technologies to communicate and assess learning. His "Mapping Media to the Curriculum" book series and digital literacy framework focuses on helping students "show what they know" with media and create digital portfolios. He is an organizer for Oklahoma EdCamp and the PLAYDATE OKC professional development conferences. He has taught technology integration courses for in-service and pre-service teachers as an adjunct instructor for the University of Montana, the University of Central Oklahoma, the University of North Texas, and Wayland Baptist University. Wesley has served as an organizer for the annual K-12 Online Conference since it began in 2006. His blog, "Moving at the Speed of Creativity" (www.speedofcreativity.org) was selected as the 2006 "Best Learning Theory Blog" by eSchoolnews and Discovery Education, and is utilized regularly by thousands of educators worldwide. He leads 3 day iPad Media Camps, STEM camps for teachers and students, and digital oral history workshops with Storychasers. Wesley is a passionate advocate for digital oral history and works to empower people to archive the stories of their families and community. Blog: https://www.wesfryer.com/ Twitter: @wfryer Show What You Know With Media (PBL Resource by Wes): http://showwithmedia.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."

Do you have that difficult student who seems to fight you each time you try to reach him? Coach D was that student. He tells a powerful story of a teacher who was a reacher in his life and changed his life with a two-minute conversation in sixth grade. For all of those teachers who struggle to reach students (as many of us do), this show is for you. www.coolcatteacher.com/e571 Sponsored By Advancement Courses The holidays are just around the corner, and this is the perfect time to start planning your PD. Get started by going to advancementcourses.com/coolcat to explore over 240 graduate-level online PD courses in 19 different subject areas. Plus, you can save 20% of your order the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can take courses on helpful topics like classroom management, teacher wellness, education technology, special education classes and more. Advancement Courses is flexible and lets you work at your own pace to create things to improve your classroom. Darrell Andrews - "Coach D" - Bio As Submitted Darrell "Coach D" Andrews is an internationally recognized education/workforce development consultant, strategist, motivator and author. His books, Believing The HYPE-Seven Keys To Motivating Students of Color, The Purpose Living Teen-A Teen's Guide To Living Your Dreams and The Parent As Coach-Developing A Family Dream Team has transformed thousands of students, teachers, educators and parents worldwide. His story, 5 Garbage Bags and a Dream is one of the top stories in the national bestseller Chicken Soup For The African-American Soul. As an expert and motivator, he has been invited to be a featured speaker at conferences such as the National PTA, The National Association of Secondary School Principals, ASCD and many state, regional and local events. Coach D takes great pride in the fact that he and his team of associates have been invited to present motivational strategies at thousands of schools and workforce development organizations all over the USA. Blog: https://www.coachdspeaks.com Twitter: @coachdspeaks Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachdspeaks/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachdspeaks/ 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."

Chad Klein is a 22-year educator. He shares his advice for teachers to take care of themselves and love teaching in this quick motivational talk. www.coolcatteacher.com/e570 Chad Klein - Bio as Submitted I've been teaching and coaching since 1997. I've worked with mainly middle years' students. I coach volleyball, baseball, basketball and golf and help as a trainer with a local youth football team. I am also a three term local association president. I have a loving, patient wife and I'm a proud dad. I believe in wanting the best for my students and players and pushing them to reach their highest potential. Twitter: @mrchadklein

Dr. Lee Graham is working with teachers to teach them principles of game-based learning to teach writing. Her anecdotes of classroom behavior-changing results are - pardon the pun - game-changing. Learn more. www.coolcatteacher.com/e569 Dr. Lee Graham - Bio As Submitted Dr. Lee Graham teaches courses in educational technology and pre-service teaching at the State University of New York, College at Oneonta. Her initial contact with Verena Roberts and Vicki Davis in 2014 helped her to futher her understanding of game-based learning and open education. Publications: https://suny.academia.edu/LeeGraham

Jeremy Rinkel has added technical writing to his traditional English Literature course. As a form of relevant non-fiction writing, Jeremy uses drones, robots, and 3d printers to give students an exciting topic on which to write their how-to and technical manuals. Dive deeper into what he's doing and learn how to apply it to your classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e568 Jeremy Rinkel - Bio as Submitted Jeremy is a husband, father, and high school English teacher. He earned a Masters in Educational Policy from the University of Illinois and a Masters in Teaching from Greenville University. His goal is to inspire students, teachers and anyone he comes into contact with to be a life long learner. Jeremy believes education is the key to solving our world's problems. ​​In his free time, Jeremy enjoys travelling, writing, spending time in coffee shops, and spending time with his family watching old TV shows on Netflix. In the summer, he can be found at a Lake Sara in Central Illinois teaching Standup Paddleboard Yoga. Blog: jeremyrinkel.com Twitter: @RinkelJeremy

Programming doesn't have to be so hard. Computer Science teacher, Michael Backus, gives us advice to help make programming easier. www.coolcatteacher.com/e567 Michael Backus - Bio As Submitted \Michael Backus teaches computer literacy and computer science at Teeland Middle School in Wasilla, Alaska. As the creator of the https://www.akrobotnerd.com, he has shared many projects that he has developed over the years, the most famous being his Artificial Intelligence with Arduinos curriculum. His most recent project is Build and Program Games with Arduino, a curriculum that introduces students to Arduino by walking them through how to make an electronic Tug-o-War and Simon Says game. In addition to creating curriculum, Michael also writes software to make life easier for teachers. His most recent work is a trio of G Suite add-ons (Document Evaluator, Slideshow Evaluator, and Spreadsheet Evaluator) that make communicating assignment requirements, managing peer evaluations and grading much faster and easier.

Administrators can empower teachers and principal Evan Robb shares some of the techniques. Evan is author of The Ten- Minute Principal and The Principal's Leadership Sourcebook: Practices, Tools, and Strategies for Building a Thriving School Community. www.coolcatteacher.com/e566 Evan Robb - Bio as Submitted Distinguished Principal, TEDx Speaker, Author Evan Robb is presently Principal of Johnson-Williams Middle School in Berryville, Virginia. He has over twenty years of experience serving as a building level principal including opening a Junior High School in Warren County, Virginia. Prior to being a school principal, he was an English teacher, department chair, and Assistant Principal. Early in his career, Evan received the Horace Mann Educator of the Year Award. In addition, the NCTE Commission on Reading selected him to serve on its board. Evan leads sustainable change initiatives that transform school culture, increase achievement, and prepare students for their future. In addition to being a full-time principal, Evan speaks across the country on leadership, how to improve literacy in schools, the digital principal, social media, how to involve all staff in goal setting, how to organize effective work teams, and the impact of culture and positivity on work. His first book titled, The Principal's Leadership Sourcebook: Practices, Tools, and Strategies for Building a Thriving School Community was published by Scholastic in the fall of 2007. His newest book, The Ten- Minute Principal is being published by Corwin in May 2019. Evan and Laura Robb collaborated with Davis Burgess Publishing to write, Team Makers which will be published in the summer of 2019. In addition, Evan and Laura will publish, A School Full of Readers with Benchmark Education in the fall of 2019. Evan gave his first TEDx Talk titled, Two Ways to Get Into a Swimming Pool in June 2019 at TEDxFieldstoneDriveEd. Evan's talk has stories of his leadership journey, challenges, and choices he made along the way. Please explore The Robb Review Blog and ScholasticEDU for more of his thoughts on teaching, learning, and leadership. The Robb Review Blog focuses on looking ahead, not looking back. Evan also has a podcast, The Robb Review Podcast. He has been named one of the top 25 educational leaders to follow on Twitter. Scholastic EDU named Evan one on the 10 educators to follow on Twitter. Twitter: @ERobbPrincipal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evanrobbprincipal/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erobbprincipal/ 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.

Colby Sharp author of Game Changer! Books for All shares some ways to improve your classroom library without spending any money at all. There are some ideas for all of us here. www.coolcatteacher.com/e565 Colby Sharp - Bio As Submitted Colby Sharp is a husband and father of five. He teaches fifth grade in Parma, Michigan. Colby is the co-founder of Nerdy Book Club, and he serves on the Nerd Camp Michigan team. He co-hosts The Yarn podcast with Travis Jonker. Colby currently serves as the president-elect of the Michigan Reading Association. He co-authored Game Changer! Book Access for All Kid with Donalyn Miller, and he is the editor of The Creativity Project: An Awesometastic Story Collection. Blog: http://www.mrcolbysharp.com Twitter: @colbysharp Book: Game Changer! Books for All 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.

Starr Sackstein reflects on when she knew it was time to leave the classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e564 Starr Sackstein - Bio As Submitted Over 16 years ago, Starr Sackstein started her teaching career in Far Rockaway High School, eager to make a difference. Quickly learning to connect with students and develop rapport, she was able to recognize the most important part of teaching, relationships. Fostering relationships with students and peers, to encourage community growth and a deeper understanding of personal contribution through reflection, Sackstein has continued to elevate her students by putting them at the center of the learning. Starr Sackstein currently works at Long Island City High School as a Teacher Center Teacher and ELA teacher. She spent nine years at World Journalism Preparatory School in Flushing, NY as a high school English and Journalism teacher where her students run a multi-media news outlet at WJPSnews.com. In 2011, the Dow Jones News Fund honored Sackstein as a Special Recognition Adviser and 2012 Education Updated recognized her as an outstanding educator. Currently Sackstein has thrown out grades, teaching students that learning isn't about numbers, but about the development of skills and ability to articulate that growth. In 2012, Sackstein tackled National Board Certification in an effort to reflect on her practice and grow as an educational English facilitator. After a year of closely looking at her work with students, she achieved the honor. She is also a certified Master Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association (JEA). Sackstein also serves at the New York State Director to JEA to help serve advisers in New York better grow journalism programs. Author of Teaching Mythology Exposed: Helping Teachers Create Visionary Classroom Perspective, Blogging for Educators, Teaching Students to Self Assess: How do I help students grow as learners?, The Power of Questioning: Opening up the World of Student Inquiry, Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School, Hacking Homework: 10 Strategies that Inspire Learning Outside the Classroom and most recently Peer Feedback in the Classroom: Empowering Students to be the Experts. (You can find all of the books here: https://amzn.to/2Me7gX8 ) She blogs on Education Week Teacher at "Work in Progress" where she discusses all aspects of being a teacher and education reform. Sackstein co-moderates #sunchat as well as contributes to #NYedChat. She has made the Bammy Awards finals for Secondary High School Educator in 2014 and for blogging in 2015. In speaking engagements, Sackstein speaks about blogging, journalism education, throwing out grades and BYOD, helping people see technology doesn't have to be feared. Most recently, Sackstein was named one of ASCD's Emerging leaders class of 2016, in addition to presenting a TedxTalk about throwing out grades. Balancing a busy career of writing and teaching with being the mom to 10 year old Logan is a challenging adventure. Seeing the world through his eyes reminds her why education needs to change for every child. Contact information: [email protected] @MsSackstein on Twitter Starr Sackstein, MJE Facebook Fan page

Project Based Learning (PBL) works if you know how to bring it into your classroom. Today, Noa Daniels shares how. www.coolcatteacher.com/e563 Noa is a passionate educator and enthusiastic learner. She is a classroom teacher, podcaster, blogger. She is also a coach, consultant and Chief Building Officer at Building Outside the Blocks, creating projects and initiatives for students and educators that build skill, autonomy, community and connection. https://buildingoutsidetheblocks.com/

I've lost 28 pounds since late June and am running 8-10 miles a week. And yes, I just turned 50 and feel great. In this show, I'll share the apps and tips for living a healthier lifestyle including the "eating plan" I'm using at My Shibboleth. www.coolcatteacher.com/e562

The Millennials aren't the youngest generation anymore. Generation Z is here. They are the kids in K12 education right now who have only known social media and the Internet. Ninety percent of preschool children are online. This has good and bad consequences. Dig deep as researcher Dr. Tim Elmore helps us understand Gen Z, their anxiety, and unique strengths. "The average adolescent today has the same level of anxiety as a psychiatric patient in the 1950's." says cognitive behavioral therapist, Dr. Robert Laheay. Let's learn how to help this generation survive and thrive. www.coolcatteacher.com/e561 Dr. Tim Elmore - Bio As Submitted Tim Elmore: Millennial Expert & Generation Z Expert Dr. Tim Elmore, CEO and Founder of Growing Leaders, is a best-selling author and international speaker. A world-renowned expert on Generation Y and Generation Z, Dr. Elmore uses his knowledge to equip educators, coaches, leaders, parents, and other adults to impart practical life and leadership skills to young adults that will help them navigate through life. His new Book is Generation Z Unfiltered. (Preorder)

Today high school math teacher, Chris Woods, gives us simple ideas of STEM activities any teacher can do. Get some ideas for how you can integrate STEM in the classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e560 Chris Woods - Bio as Submitted Chris Woods has taught High School Math for over 20 years in rural Michigan. After sharing relevant STEM connections with his own students for years, Chris realized that not every teacher notices STEM everywhere. He decided to start sharing all of the ideas from his classroom, simple examples of STEM in the world around us everyday, ideas of how STEM is more than just robots and 3d printing and a buzzword used by politicians. Chris also started the STEM Educator Podcast to give educators a voice and share how they're incorporating STEM in simple ways into their classrooms. He continues to promote a STEM mindset while speaking at conferences, on his YouTube channel, at school science nights, and most importantly in his classroom. Blog: http://dailystem.com/ Twitter: @dailystem Podcast: The STEM Everyday Podcast https://remarkablechatter.com/category/podcasts/stem-everyday/

Dania Santana, author of the bilingual children's book, Sebastian's Game Day Surprise, and multicultural parenting expert, shares how we can reach bilingual students. She discusses the current thought on best supporting bilingual students. www.coolcatteacher.com/e559 Challenge Have a conversation with one of your bilingual students and reflect on their situation based on what you've learned in today's episode. I also share some responses to a recent question about engagement with ideas from teachers. What is the most engaging thing you've done in your classroom this week? Got pics? Please share! — Vicki Davis (@coolcatteacher) September 11, 2019 Dania Santana - Bio As Submitted Dania Santana is a multicultural parenting expert who raises cultural awareness to create social change. She is also a published author and speaker on the subject of multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. Twitter: @DiversityUS Blog: https://embracingdiversity.us/

Engaging students can be a challenge. A student from Jeromie Heath's class shares her perspective on learning and why she wanted to learn for Jeromie in this episode. Today, join in the conversations about learning and engagement and all your own thoughts on social media. www.coolcatteacher.com/e578 Jeromie Heath - Bio As Submitted Jeromie Heath's students experience a revitalization in the love of learning. Jeromie's passionate mission to engage every student is the key to more equitable learning higher quality education, helping to close opportunity gaps, higher student growth/performance, and happier learners. His students love school, love learning, and love each and every day. He attributes this increase in student engagement and performance based on the 3 key principles of engagement: accessibility, value, and stimulation. These three principles include innovative and effective methods that inspire, motivate, and challenge every learner. These methods not only produce results in student growth on test scores, but also (and more importantly) create experiences for life-long learners. He is a NBCT who holds experience in teaching in several diverse elementary schools. He now shares his 3 key principles to student engagement all across America. His presentations are not only informative - they are dynamic. For more info, visit: https://sites.google.com/site/teachermrheath/jeromie-heath-presenter-and-trainer

Michael Backus had a problem as he was teaching in Google Classroom. So, he programmed add-ons to solve the problem of needing checklists attached to his Google Classroom assignments. He saw a problem and programmed a solution, first by creating an add-on for just within his district. Many people don't know that this is possible or that add on's can be just within a district. We also discuss a "make your own extension" resource by Wanda Terral. Learn about Google Classroom teaching practices as well as a problem-solving attitude that you can bring to your own school. www.coolcatteacher.com/e557 Today's Challenge As I mentioned in the show, I was in Memphis this summer, Wanda Terral had a mini class on programming an extension for your district. There are teachers creating add ons and extensions inside their district. So, your challenge today is to explore and look at the add ons inside your favorite Google App and to find at least one time-saving add on or browser extension. After you find it, or if you already have one – share it to #edtechfind on the social media of your choice. Resources Document Evaluator: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/document-evaluator/dnjkieiolpkkdgabfmneenjoccdlkggg?authuser=0 Slideshow Evaluator: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/slideshow-evaluator/iafonlflbncinmmdcbcdpohmbmnpnfpi?authuser=0 Spreadsheet Evaluator: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/spreadsheet-evaluator/bcjhagclodbbgjajonpknhmkkilckalo?authuser=0 Wanda Terral's - Program Your Own Chrome Extension Michael Backus - Bio as Submitted Michael Backus teaches computer literacy and computer science at Teeland Middle School in Wasilla, Alaska. As the creator of the https://www.akrobotnerd.com, he has shared many projects that he has developed over the years, the most famous being his Artificial Intelligence with Arduinos curriculum. His most recent project is Build and Program Games with Arduino, a curriculum that introduces students to Arduino by walking them through how to make an electronic Tug-o-War and Simon Says game. In addition to creating curriculum, Michael also writes software to make life easier for teachers. His most recent work is a trio of G Suite add-ons (Document Evaluator, Slideshow Evaluator, and Spreadsheet Evaluator) that make communicating assignment requirements, managing peer evaluations, and grading much faster and easier. Blog: https://learn.akrobotnerd.com

She was named America's Top Young Scientist of 2017 by the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, with a patent-pending device to detect lead in water faster than any other current techniques. She then open-sourced this device so people can use the technology across the world. In today's show, Gitanjali talks about her learning journey and the teachers who reached her (and the pedagogies that didn't.) This show is a must-listen for science teachers and teachers everywhere. www.coolcatteacher.com/e556 Bio As submitted Gitanjali Rao is 13 years old and is an 8th grader at STEM School Highlands Ranch in Highlands Ranch, CO. She was named America's Top Young Scientist of 2017 by the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, with a patent-pending device to detect lead in water faster than any other current techniques. She is a Davidson Young Scholar since 2012 and has received several scholarships and awards for achievements in science, arts and community service. She is an active STEM promoter and is involved in promoting STEM-based activities in schools, clubs and the community. She was selected as the STEM Scout of the Year in 2016-2017 and was selected as one of the 12 delegates to Report to the Nation in the year 2017-2018. She was recognized as a Forbes 30 under 30, for science and invention. She is also an EPA Presidential award winner and is recognized as a Gloria Barron 'Young Hero' Honoree for community impact. Gitanjali has open-sourced her lead detector invention processor and app code for the community and it has been used for other applications. She is continuing to perform accuracy testing in Denver Water for the lead sensor and has partnered with an incubator to create reproducible devices. Gitanjali has won awards for her writing in national and international contests. She published her first book at the age of 9, called, "­Baby Brother Wonders." The self-illustrated book, based on the story that won 2nd prize in the PBS national writing contest, described the world through her younger brother's point of view. Gitanjali has also won first place in the International Aviation Art Contest for last four years at the state level. She was a "TIME for Kids" Kid reporter for the 2017-2018 school year and wrote articles bringing awareness to Flint crisis. Apart from writing and art, Gitanjali is part of STEM Scouts and 4-H club. Some of Gitanjali's hobbies include playing the piano, Indian classical dancing and singing, swimming, fencing, and baking. She has been playing classical music for almost 8 years. She shares her talent of playing piano in local assisted living centers. Gitanjali is on the board of Directors for an organization called Children's Kindness Network that spreads an anti-bullying message and promotes the importance of kindness in all of us. She conducts workshops in elementary schools and hopes to educate children about kindness when they are still young. Gitanjali interns in summer at the "The 3D printing store" to shadow designers. She is conducting research in the University of Colorado, Denver in the Department of Cell Biology to find a solution for prescription opioid addiction using the latest in genetic engineering. Gitanjali is also working on implementing a Cyberbullying app based on AI/Machine Learning in the community along with a team and they were awarded a grant of $5K from eCybermission (Army Educational Program). She recently gave four TEDx talks three in India and another in Nashville apart from speaking in several girls' and global conference and being a UNICEF panelist about the role of Youth to power the planet. Gitanjali aspires to study genetics and epidemiology. She hopes to keep writing, discovering, and sharing her knowledge in the future.

Rob Donatelli shares with us five more easy brain breaks. As a follow up to one of the most popular 10 Minute Teacher episodes, 5 Easy Brain Breaks for Your Classroom, Rob gives us more ideas to bring to our classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e555 Sponsor: E4Effort is a tool built upon the research behind helping students improve. Check out e4Effort for more information and to start encouraging effort with your students. Also, check out my recent review of e4Effort and sign up for a 30-day free trial. Rob Donatelli - Bio As Submitted Rob Donatelli is a business & computer science teacher at Dallastown Area High School. He is also the founder of the Donatelli EdZone. His passions include school leadership, education technology, presenting, entrepreneurship, and coaching. Follow him on YouTube at the Donatelli EdZone or on Twitter @DTown_MrD. Blog: http://donatelliedzone.blogspot.com/ Twitter: @DTown_MrD

Charles "Chuck" Poole shares how to build relationships that matter. While content and passion for our content and the craft of teaching are all essential parts of teaching that cannot be dismissed - relationships with students are also in the mix as an essential part of reaching today's students. We can do this! Let's listen, learn, and apply this in our classrooms! Sponsor: E4Effort is a tool built upon the research behind helping students improve. Check out e4Effort for more information and to start encouraging effort with your students. Also, check out my recent review of e4Effort and sign up for a 30-day free trial. Challenge Select a colleague or student and intentionally work this week to build a relationship with that person using something you learned in this show. Remember -- we can listen but we don't learn until we DO something with it. Charles Poole - Bio as Submitted Chuck Poole is a veteran teacher of nearly 20 years who has made it his mission to inspire and encourage teachers all over the world to be the best they can be. He is the visionary behind http://www.teachonomy.com/, a podcaster, the author of "uNforgettable: Your Roadmap to Being the Teacher They Never Forget," and the host of the upcoming virtual Teacher Success Summit (http://www.teachersuccesssummit.com/). Chuck lives in New Jersey with his wife and enjoys mentoring, creating laughter in the classroom, and the continued pursuit of his next adventure. Blog: http://www.teachonomy.com/ Twitter: @cpoole27 Instagram: @teachonomy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachonomy 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."

Mel Paradis, author of Teaching Improv: The Essential Handbook, shares four ways to use Improv to teach in the classroom. Here are some fantastic ideas to share in your classroom. Sponsor: E4Effort is a tool built upon the research behind helping students improve. Check out e4Effort for more information and to start encouraging effort with your students. Also, check out my recent review of e4Effort and sign up for a 30-day free trial. Challenge Use improv in the classroom to teach your CONTENT at least one time! Mel Paradis - Bio as Submitted For more than 25 years, Mel Paradis has performed and facilitated improv with groups ranging from preschoolers through adults. Mel is a certified elementary teacher, currently working as a gifted and talented teacher and coordinator for five elementary schools in Wyoming. Since 2011, she has been a member of Jackson Hole's improv comedy troupe, The Laff Staff (https://www.facebook.com/TheLaffStaff/). Her passion for writing, love of teaching and addiction to improv drove her to write the book Teaching Improv: The Essential Handbook. She lives on the backside of the Teton Mountain Range in Idaho with her husband and two children. Twitter: @ParadisMel 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."