How can teachers without a computer science background effectively teach the subject? What does effective Computer Science professional development look like?

Today, Omar Shepherd from California shares how they are seeking to train teachers in California with the Seasons of CS program to do just that. Computer Science can be integrated into any subject.

Furthermore, Computer Science for everyone is a strategic issue for states and countries. Omar shares the importance of Computer Science and how California computer science teachers like him are working to reach more teachers with the knowledge they need to integrate computer science.

Show notes and full bio of the guest: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e860

Sponsor: EVERFI from Blackbaud

Do you want to equip your students for success in both their careers and personal lives, but find yourself racing against the clock? EVERFI is your go-to solution! Their entire suite of K-12 products aligns with state standards and has earned the prestigious ISTE Seal. These digital lessons are crafted to empower your students to excel in our dynamic world. Engage and inspire with interactive, self-paced lessons, meticulously designed by content experts. From financial literacy and workforce readiness to character building, mental health and prevention education – these lessons are tailored for students across all grade levels. Best of all, thanks to EVERFI's generous partners, these research-based resources come at no cost to all K-12 schools, districts and students. Visit everfi.com/coolcat to get started today for free.

 

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."

In today's episode, we dive into the transformative potential of AI in promoting equity in education with Victoria Thompson, one of ISTE's 2023 "Top 20 to Watch" and author of the book Elevate Equity in EdTech. While many educators are understandably concerned about AI's potential biases, Victoria shares her perspective on how AI tools like speech-to-text, translators, and others are leveling the playing field in classrooms in remarkable ways. Victoria works to give you some actionable insights on introducing AI, how we're already using it, and ways we can understand how AI can be used positively. She also encourages us to look at AI startups and certifications with a critical eye and shares what she looks for in a certification program.

Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e859 

Sponsor: EVERFI from Blackbaud

Do you want to equip your students for success in both their careers and personal lives, but find yourself racing against the clock? EVERFI is your go-to solution! Their entire suite of K-12 products aligns with state standards and has earned the prestigious ISTE Seal. These digital lessons are crafted to empower your students to excel in our dynamic world. Engage and inspire with interactive, self-paced lessons, meticulously designed by content experts. From financial literacy and workforce readiness to character building, mental health and prevention education – these lessons are tailored for students across all grade levels. Best of all, thanks to EVERFI's generous partners, these research-based resources come at no cost to all K-12 schools, districts and students. Visit everfi.com/coolcat to get started today for free.

 

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."

April is a busy month. Here are some of the tools and tips for you to explore as you prepare your lessons for this month! I talk about some great books, how I'm using the Elgato teleprompter, eclipse resources anyone can use anywhere in the world, Earth Day, financial literacy month, Arbor Day, some excellent professional development resources and a webinar I'm doing on AI in learning, resources for promoting student safety in automobiles, and, of course, some valuable test prep resources. I hope you find ideas for your classroom in this episode.

 

Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e850 

Sponsor: Everyone remembers THAT teacher. The study hall teacher who walked you through your first college application. The social studies teacher who taught you what taxes were AND how to file them. The math teacher who used student loans to show you how interest worked. YOU can be that teacher---and EVERFI wants to help you make that kind of impact with FREE digital lessons for K thru 12 students. From budgets and banking to credit and savings, you'll find a financial literacy topic that's right for your classroom. And especially during April, Financial Literacy Month, there's no better time to equip students with smart decision-making around finances. Learn how you can share these FREE resources with students and give them a financial foundation that lasts a lifetime. Check out EVERFI's free financial literacy lesson plans at everfi.com/coolcat.

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."

In today's show, we are working to develop empathy for some of our most struggling students - students who are refugees. Looking at Syrian Refugee students in Lebanon, we are spotlighting students who need our encouragement and help. This is not an easy topic, but we should all consider. Take the time to talk to students in your school who are refugees and help others develop empathy and reach out to help them. We all need someone to help us.

https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e759

Sponsor: Advancement Courses is sponsoring DonorsChoose projects from August 18 – September 24. Submit your project to https://www.advancementcourses.com/give/submityourproject/ for the chance to be funded. Remember that you can receive 20% off their online professional development courses with the code COOL20. With this coupon, a 3 grad credit course for continuing education, salary advancement, or recertification is only $359. So, go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat to learn more and use the code COOL20. Never stop learning!

Ibrahim M. Karkouti - Bio as Submitted

Ibrahim M. Karkouti is an independent thinker, a young scholar, and a life-long learner who recently defended his doctoral dissertation at the University of Hartford, CT - USA. Ten years of professional experience in Lebanon, Qatar, and the United States have taught Ibrahim that learning has no boundaries and that education matters the most when it is used to remedy the deleterious effects of segregation, racism, sectarianism, and other forms of discriminatory practices that prevent historically excluded populations from attaining their basic rights to education, healthcare, and prosperity. Karkouti's research focuses on diversity issues in higher education, the elements that aid in the facilitation of the use of technology in the classroom and the types of social support K-12 teachers need to embrace and implement reform.

Twitter: @ibrahimkarkouti

Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahim-m-karkouti-30938696/

Restoring Hope for Syrian Refugees: Social Support Students Need to Excel at School
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/imig.12642

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."

Nancy Barile has an incredible story of how she uses the show The Walking Dead to engage learners in writing skills and more. Her administration has let her recraft the curriculum around this show with pretty astounding results.  

Sponsor: Advancement Courses is sponsoring DonorsChoose projects from August 18 – September 24. Submit your project to https://www.advancementcourses.com/give/submityourproject/ for the chance to be funded. Remember that you can receive 20% off their online professional development courses with the code COOL20. With this coupon, a 3 grad credit course for continuing education, salary advancement, or recertification is only $359. So, go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat to learn more and use the code COOL20. Never stop learning!

Nancy Barile -  Bio as Submitted

Nancy Barile has been a public high school English Language Arts teacher working with kids in Massachusetts for over twenty-seven years.

In 2007, she was named a member of the USA Today All-Teacher Team, and in 2011 she was awarded the Massachusetts Commonwealth Award in Creative Leadership. She is a 2013 recipient of the Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award. In 2013 she was named Boston Red Sox Most Valuable Educator. She was a 2015 Top 50 Finalist for the Varkey Global Teacher Prize.

Nancy is also an adjunct professor in the undergraduate and graduate schools of education of a Boston-area college. Her writing has been featured in the Huffington Post, The Guardian, Ozy, Education Week, the College Board, and Hey Teach.

Nancy is the author of I'm Not Holding Your Coat: My Bruises and All Memoir of Punk Rock Rebellion, which was published by Bazillion Points in 2021. Available at bazillionpoints.com or on Amazon.

Nancy lives outside Boston with her husband Al Barile and Flippy the Beagle.

Students are coming back to school and many of them are struggling with reading. While this has always been a challenge, this year it may be even more so. In this episode, literacy expert Pam Allyn gives advice to teachers in specifically in grades 6-12 when they have students struggling to read.

https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e757/ 

Sponsor: Today's sponsor, Literal is an app to help students in grades 6-12 engage with reading. The books literally are broken into text message-sized chunks making reading easier, plus Literal has classroom management features for teachers. Go to https://www.literalapp.com and use the promo code "coolcat" to get a free Educator account to try Literal in your classroom.

Pam Allyn - Bio As Submitted

Pam Allyn is an award-winning education innovator, author of books for families and educators, public speaker and experienced business executive in the area of educational products
and sales. She is the founder of the award-winning global nonprofit organization LitWorld, and co-founder of the family engagement platform Dewey.

pamallyn.com

@pamallyn

 

Google's Applied Digital Skills Curriculum is a fantastic free resource of lesson plans, videos, and learning experiences for students everywhere. Today's guest Coach Victor Hicks talks about how he's used the curriculum for grades kindergarten and up. 

Sponsor: Today's podcast includes sponsored content from Google and their Applied Digital Skills Curriculum. All opinions are my own. coolcatteacher.com/skills

The "If-Then Adventure Story" that Victor recommends as a starting point is an excellent resource and beginning lesson plan for teachers. www.coolcatteacher.com/if 

www.coolcatteacher.com/e756

Coach Victor Hicks - Bio As Submitted

"Coach" Victor Hicks is the founder of Coding with Culture; a computer science instructional company that combines computer science, digital literacy and the history and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Victor is also an educator in Atlanta, Georgia. Overall, Coach Hicks has over 20 years experience in education positively impacting the lives of young people in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois and Atlanta, Georgia. Coach Hicks' work is featured on the Google Applied Digital Skills website and he was blessed with the opportunity to present on behalf of the Tynker Corporation at the ISTE convention in Chicago.

His work was featured in Forbes Magazine and he received the Educator of the Year award from InspireEDU among others. In his time outside of school and Coding with Culture, Coach Hicks is a Code.org professional development facilitator and the proud Coach of the Psi Phi Beta "HBCU Ready" Step Team!

Blog: http://www.coachhicks.com

Twitter: @codingwculture

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."

Paolo Tolomeo gets kids excited about learning math and language arts by sailing the 7 seas. Learn how it does it, how he keeps on track with lessons, and how to avoid common mistakes when adding gamification to your classroom.

Show Notes with Links: www.coolcatteacher.com/e755 

Sponsor: Advancement Courses is sponsoring DonorsChoose projects from August 18 - September 24. Submit your project to https://www.advancementcourses.com/give/submityourproject/ for the chance to be funded. Remember that you can receive 20% off their online professional development courses with the code COOL20. With this coupon, a 3 grad credit course for continuing education, salary advancement, or recertification is only $359. So, go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat to learn more and use the code COOL20. Never stop learning!

Paolo Tolomeo - Bio As Submitted

I am a 4th grade teacher preparing to enter my 16th year teaching. I am constantly looking for ways to further engage my students, creating epic storylines for us all to navigate each year in my gamified classroom.

Twitter: @MrTSVedu

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."

Karen Janowski and her coauthors have written a book Inclusive Learning 365: Edtech Strategies for Every Day of the Year. Today she talks about a mindset of including students who learn differently and better reaching the children you have in the classroom. She also shares some practical examples and edtech tools in the process and how you can work to innovate every day of the year in a way that is not overwhelming.

Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e754

Sponsor: Advancement Courses is sponsoring DonorChoose projects from August 18 - September 24. Submit your project to https://www.advancementcourses.com/give/submityourproject/ for the chance to be funded. Remember that you can receive 20% off their online professional development courses with the code COOL20. With this coupon, a 3 grad credit course for continuing education, salary advancement, or recertification is only $359. So, go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat to learn more and use the code COOL20. Never stop learning!

Karen Janowski - Bio as Submitted

Karen is an Inclusive Technology Consultant and President of EdTech Solutions, Inc serving school districts in the Greater Boston area. She is a nationally recognized speaker and is passionate about removing the obstacles to learning to ensure that all learners achieve independence and success.

Blog: https://teachingeverystudent.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @karenjan

Inclusive Learning 365 https://inclusive365.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."

With free financial literacy courses for high school and middle school, social-emotional learning, and digital literacy classes, today we highlight six ways you can help students learn real-world skills. Right now, many of us are looking for high-quality, easy-to-use materials that can reach students both at home and in the face-to-face classroom. Today's show features six ideas for courses with this in mind and is sponsored by Everfi. We talked to educator Alyssa Lyons about how to bring real-world skills to your classroom with some powerful curriculum.

Everfi sponsored this episode which contains advertorial content. All opinions are my own.

A full transcript of this episode is available at www.coolcatteacher.com/e753

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast advertorial 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."

Evernote has been my go-to tool for over 10 years. In this productivity episode, I talk through how I'm using Evernote, how I organize my files (across all platforms), and some information on the new tasks feature in Evernote. I'll share the screenshots from Evernote into the show notes for this episode. For me, Evernote is more about organization and not collaboration. This is a peek into how I have kept my files organized for over ten years with ten ways I use Evernote now.

The show notes include screenshots and lots of links:

www.coolcatteacher.com/e752 

 

You can engage every learner as you head back to school. I share eight ways to engage every learner as we head back to school in this special extended bonus episode. This was first shared at Pear Fair.

Check out the show notes to see the extended video: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e751

Sponsor: Thank you Peardeck for sponsoring today's show and letting us release the full presentation from their recent Pear Fair. The whole day is archived at www.peardeck.com/pear-fair with lots of presentations including some on how to use the formative assessment tools built into Peardeck. So, check out Pear Fair and get engaged with your students 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."

When students come into your math class, are they ready to learn? Is their brain in a ready state? In today's show, Liesl McConchie shares how to help students get their brains ready to learn from the moment they walk into the classroom.

https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e750 

In this show, I also share some updates at the end of the show about what's next for this podcast. We're starting season 10 of the 10-minute teacher that I'm dedicating to my precious Mom. Learn more about what is going on with the show after you listen to Liesl McConchie talk about how the brain learns math.

Liesl McConchie - Bio as Submitted

Liesl McConchie is an international expert on how the brain learns, and co-author of best-selling book Brain-Based Learning with Dr. Eric Jensen. She has been published in ASCD's Educational Leadership journal. With over 20 years of experience in education, Liesl bridges her knowledge of how the brain best learns with her experience of teaching secondary math to create tangible strategies to support teachers and schools across the globe. She has a rich background in education that includes creating new schools, leading whole-school reforms, delivering workshops to educators, and speaking at conferences. Learn more about Liesl and her contributions to education at lieslmcconchie.com.

 

As a teacher, it is healthy to evaluate where we are in our career. Is what I'm doing now still a good fit? Are there changes I need to make? And more. 

Rob Donatelli has invented the Q.U.E.S.T. method of evaluating where.you are as a teacher and to help you determine how you should move into the future. We dive into this method in today's show to help all of us answer the ever-important question "Is teaching still a good fit for me?"

Rob's book A Teacher's Q.U.E.S.T.: An Educator's Journey of Discovery and Rejuvenation includes this framework.

Show Sponsor: Modern Classrooms Project helps teachers bring engaging, exciting teaching to their classrooms. They have a free online course and community that you should join, but right now scholarships are open for fully funded enrollment in their virtual mentorship program and more benefits. Look at their open scholarships for ELL educators, special education, and scholarships for schools and districts across the country. Now is the time to sign up.

Go to: https://www.modernclassrooms.org/open-opportunities to learn more.

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."

Deeper Learning can happen as we work to connect with students and transform them into critical thinkers as well as knowledgeable about our content areas. Professor Jal Mehta from the Harvard University School of Education has co-written an award-winning book "In Search of Deeper Learning" and reflects on how deeper learning can happen at the secondary level.

Sponsor: Pear Deck. Pear Fair is back with another hit virtual event designed to energize and equip you with the resources you need to make this year a success! Pear Fair  is happening Wednesday, July 28th and I'll be presenting 8 Ways to Engage Every Learner along with many other fantastic educators. Just go to peardeck.com/pear-fair  to reserve your seat. It's free. There are two tracks of this conference - one focusing on pedagogy and hot topics and the other on best practices for using Pear Deck and GoGuardian. You can mix and match your tracks. So, reserve your spot.

If this event has already passed still go to the website and register as some recordings (including my presentation) will be posted after the event.

Jal Mehta - Bio As Submitted

 

Jal Mehta is a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His research explores the role of different forms of knowledge in tackling major social and political problems, particularly problems of human improvement. He has also written extensively on what it would take to improve American education, with a particular focus on the professionalization of teaching.

Jal is the author of The Allure of Order: High Hopes, Dashed Expectations and the Troubled Quest to Remake American Schooling (New York: Oxford University Press, 2013) and the co-editor of The Futures of School Reform (Cambridge: Harvard Education Press, 2012). He is currently working on two projects: In Search of Deeper Learning, a contemporary study of schools, systems, and nations that are seeking to produce ambitious instruction; and The Chastened Dream, a history of the effort to link social science with social policy to achieve social progress. He is co-editor of the Learning Deeply blog at Education Week, and in 2014 was the top-ranked junior faculty scholar in the Rick Hess Education Week rankings. He is also the winner of the Morningstar Teaching Award at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Teaching kindergarten has never been easy, but could you imagine doing it for forty-four years? Mrs. Sharon Howard has done just that. She reflects on her teaching career, the kind of teaching she does that would cause a senior to name her as a STAR teacher, and how she taught in-person in 2020-2021 without missing a day of school. Mrs. Howard is a truly remarkable woman and I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I have. Congratulations on your retirement, Mrs. Howard and for all of the contributions you made to so many children and families over the years! This is a bonus, extended episode of the 10 Minute Teacher.

Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e748

Read: Beloved Sherwood Kindergarten teacher retires at the Albany Herald to learn more about Mrs. Sharon Howard and her career.

An amazing fall starts now with the administrative preparation this summer. Dawn Stansbury discusses eight things administrators need to do this summer and we highlight differences in those items now after the pandemic. This show includes a transcript to use and discuss with beginning or veteran administrators as part of training and discussion.

See the show notes and a full transcript at https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e747

Advancement Courses sponsored this show. All opinions are my own.

Dawn Stansbury - Bio As Submitted

I am currently working as an Instructional Designer for Advancement Courses, A Wiley Brand. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, earned at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. My Masters Degree was earned at University of South Dakota in the area of Educational Administration.

During my years of working in elementary education, I spent time as a classroom teacher as well as a school leader, all with the Sioux City Community School District in Sioux City, Iowa. I enjoyed teaching for six years in grades 2-5 as well as working as a reading specialist. Although I loved teaching children, I spent the next thirteen years of my career as the elementary principal of a K-5 school. During my time as an elementary principal, I led my building of 700 students and 80 staff members to becoming one of the first elementary STEM schools in the state of Iowa, offering many specialized programs to our students. As a STEM school, we were proud to have the 2017 Northwest Iowa STEM Teacher of the Year, as well as a state of Iowa Teacher of the Year top five finalist.

I am passionate about offering educational opportunities to students and educators alike, realizing that the stronger teachers are, the better the learning opportunities for students. When we offer current and impactful learning to teachers, our students, families, and communities' benefit. As an educational leader, I recognize that it is impossible for administrators to be all-knowing on all aspects of education. Advancement Courses offers valuable resources to educational leaders so that they can best meet the needs of their teachers and allowing those teachers to best meet the needs of their students. I am proud to be a part of providing these resources to the world of education so that we can more efficiently and appropriately differentiate the ways in which our educators are learning.

As we teach students how to discern the truth, Amanda Brace has five steps for fact-checking that she teaches her students. Digital literacy is an essential topic for all of us and this show will help teachers (and parents) understand a simple way to help their students work through topics to get to the truth.

Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e746 

Sponsor: Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared 21 Hot Topics for Teacher Professional Development for Summer 2021. If you have accreditation or learning requirements as I do, take the opportunity to look at this post. And join me as I take my courses this summer from Advancement Courses. Remember to use COOL20 to receive 20% off your course.

Amanda Brace - Bio As Submitted

My name is Amanda Brace and I am a grade 3 teacher, Masters student, and #EdTech educator in Regina, SK, Canada. I have been teaching for 6 years, but I have recently started a Masters journey in Educational Technology and Digital Media. I am currently researching and exploring the art of podcasting and I have even started my own called EdTech Endeavours. I am excited to see where this journey of learning takes me!

Blog: https://edtechendeavours.wordpress.com

Twitter:

@amandajebrace

Today's episode focuses on the realities of hybrid teaching. Teacher Tennille Johnston reflects on the real struggles, challenges, and quality of education in the school year 2020-2021. Her words reflect the honesty of a hard year of teaching - what many of us would say is the hardest years of our careers. Take a listen to episode 745, "What Really Happened in Hybrid Classrooms During the pandemic."

Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e745 

Sponsor: Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared 21 Hot Topics for Teacher Professional Development for Summer 2021. If you have accreditation or learning requirements as I do, take the opportunity to look at this post. And join me as I take my courses this summer from Advancement Courses. Remember to use COOL20 to receive 20% off your course.

Tennille Johnston's Bio As Submitted

Tennille is a 10-year veteran Science teacher in the second-largest public school district in the state of Texas, transitioning to this career through an alternative certification program after working as a wildlife biologist for several years after graduating with a B.S. in Natural Resources/Wildlife Management from The Ohio State University.

She is a member of the Science Teacher's Association of Texas, the Texas Computer Education Association, the National Wildlife Federation, and is a Level 1 Certified Google Educator. Formerly she served as a teacher mentor in the Texas Regional Collaboratives for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching and has attended special training for inquiry-based, Maker-based, and project-based learning with the University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, and NASA's Johnson Space Center.

She has coached teams of students participating in the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, SeaPerch Robotics competitions, and has given presentations on coaching robotics and inquiry-based learning at the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST) and at Dallas ISD's STEM Expo.

You can support Ms. Johnston's classroom at http://www.donorschoose.org/Tennille.Johnston

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."

The Educator Canvas is a free 1-page organizer that helps teachers take ideas into action whether it is self-care, classroom management, or anything- Darcy Bakkegard talks about the Educator Canvas and also shares some about the 30 day PD Challenge starting on June 1st. This is episode 744, "A Simple Free Way to Turn Ideas into Action"

Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e744

Sponsor: Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared 21 Hot Topics for Teacher Professional Development for Summer 2021. If you have accreditation or learning requirements as I do, take the opportunity to look at this post. And join me as I take my courses this summer from Advancement Courses. Remember to use COOL20 to receive 20% off your course.

Darcy Bakkegard - Bio as Submitted

Darcy Bakkegard is an English/Theatre teacher and professional development coach who got tired of traditional sit-n-get PD and now creates the type of PD she always wanted. With 10 years of experience teaching English and Theatre, Darcy specializes in interactive strategies for the classroom, meaningful technology integration, and building relationships with students. She is an ISTE Certified Educator, an experienced international presenter, and a dedicated teacher-empowerer. Darcy hopes her book, The Startup Teacher Playbook helps teachers rekindle their joy and passion for teaching. She lives in Fargo, ND with her husband Jeff and their 15-month-old triplets, Kurtis, Benjamin, and Cordelia. You can reach her at darcy@educatorslab.io or @dbakkegard on Twitter.

There's a new generation in town. That's right. Gen Z is now followed by Generation Alpha. Today's guest, Mike Fisher has been studying Gen Alpha and wants to talk about how they are different and what we need to know about teaching this generation of students. No, change never stops and great teachers always work to be relevant to the kids in their classroom. This is episode

Episode Link: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e743

Sponsor: Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared 21 Hot Topics for Teacher Professional Development for Summer 2021. If you have accreditation or learning requirements as I do, take the opportunity to look at this post. And join me as I take my courses this summer from Advancement Courses. Remember to use COOL20 to receive 20% off your course.

Mike Fisher - Bio as Submitted

Michael Fisher is an author and instructional coach who works with schools to design contemporary curriculum and modernize instruction with an array of technologies. Michael is the author of several books published by ASCD, Solution Tree, and Times10 publications, most recently Hacking Instructional Design. For more information, visit The Digigogy Collaborative (digigogy.com) or find Michael on Twitter (@fisher1000).

Every student can lead and impact their school and community. Learn how you can improve your student council, implement a microgrant program to spur creativity and conservation, and encourage all students to participate in school leadership from Dean J. Fusto, a school leader who encourages student leadership.

Sponsor: Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared 21 Hot Topics for Teacher Professional Development for Summer 2021. If you have accreditation or learning requirements like I do, take the opportunity to look at this post. And join me as I take my courses this summer from Advancement Courses. Remember to use COOL20 to receive 20% off your course.

https://www.coolcatteacher.com/21-top-professional-development-topics-for-teachers-now/

Bio as submitted

 Dean J. Fusto is the President at Brandon Hall School, a global boarding and day school in Atlanta serving students from over 20 countries in grades 6-12. He founded the www.teachlearnlead.org global edu-library in 2013 and the Center for Global Youth Leadership and Social Entrepreneurial Studies at Brandon Hall School https://brandonhall.org (Facebook @BHSglobalyouth) in 2016.

Blog: http://www.teachlearnlead.org

Twitter: @djftll

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.

We teachers need to take care of ourselves. Sarah Parker Wolf, author of Daily Intentions for the Classroom Teacher, talks about some intentional things every teacher can do to improve their thought process and how they take care of themselves. Can you try just one thing from this show? 

Show Sponsor: This summer, I'm taking my professional development with Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared the five-step process I used to select the perfect course for me at Advancement Courses. Go to https://www.coolcatteacher.com/5-steps-to-choose-your-summer-pd/ to see how I selected my course. Your professional development should be customized to your current needs and what will benefit your career. Advancement Courses makes it easy to pick a course so you don't have to stress out. The filters on their website are simple to use so you can find the perfect course for your grade level, subject area, or need. You can also use the coupon code COOL20 to get 20% off your course today. So go to coolcatteacher.com/select and begin picking out your courses today.

Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e741

Sarah Parker Wolf - Bio As Submitted

Sarah Parker Wolf is a writer, wife, and mother of three who loves to dabble in all things creative. She taught high school Spanish for fourteen years before returning to a career as a copywriter. She also wrote/hosted The Focused Intention Podcast. Sarah's first non-fiction book, Daily Intentions for the Classroom Teacher,: Fifty-two weeks of reflections and intentions to get you focused on the things that matter, (available through Amazon.com) is based on her classroom experiences and in her belief that mindfulness is life-changing. Originally from Wisconsin, she lives just outside of Chicago with her family.

Blog: http://www.sarahparkerwolf.com

Twitter: @spwolfauthor

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 return to in-person learning, we should not return to business as usual. David Bott gives us three things that, based upon current research, we should rethink in schools. 

Show Sponsor: This summer, I'm taking my professional development with Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared the five-step process I used to select the perfect course for me at Advancement Courses. Go to https://www.coolcatteacher.com/5-steps-to-choose-your-summer-pd/ to see how I selected my course. Your professional development should be customized to your current needs and what will benefit your career. Advancement Courses makes it easy to pick a course so you don't have to stress out. The filters on their website are simple to use so you can find the perfect course for your grade level, subject area, or need. You can also use the coupon code COOL20 to get 20% off your course today. So go to coolcatteacher.com/select and begin picking out your courses today.

Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e749 

David Bott - Bio As Submitted

David Bott is the Associate Director of the Institute of Positive Education.

David is a sought-after speaker and education consultant who works with government organizations and some of the world's leading schools to help guide wellbeing vision and strategy. As an expert in applied wellbeing science, David has supported thousands of educators from hundreds of schools around the world in designing and implementing system-level approaches to wellbeing.

David sits on the Dubai Future Council for Education, is a Director on the PESA (Positive Education Schools Association) board, and has published in academic journals and industry periodicals. David's bestselling book, 10 Things Schools Get Wrong: And How We Can Get Them Right was published in 2020.

David oversees the Institute's research strategy and its curriculum design and development.

David's current role is informed by his 15 years of practical teaching experience in Australia and the UK where he held senior pastoral and academic leadership positions.

Website: 10thingsbook.com

Twitter: @davidbott

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."

Self-paced mastery-based learning has many misconceptions and misunderstandings about how it is being implemented. Today's guest, Joe Manfre, a math teacher from Hawaii, has been using this teaching method and has seen a positive improvement in his classroom in terms of student learning and empowerment. Joe clearly shares how self-paced learning is not about replacing the teacher with videos, but using instructional videos as a baseline of knowledge that can be accesssed both inside and outside the classroom. Joe also talks about formative instructional approaches in the classroom and the importance of balancing self-paced and collaborative structures in the classroom. Whether you're using this approach or just parts of it, you'll find benefits in listening to this episode.

Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e848 

Show Sponsor: Modern Classrooms Project helps teachers bring engaging, exciting teaching to their classrooms. They have a free online course and community that you should join, but right now scholarships are open for fully funded enrollment in their virtual mentorship program and more benefits. Look at their open scholarships for ELL educators, special education, and scholarships for schools and districts across the country. Now is the time to sign up.

Go to: https://www.modernclassrooms.org/open-opportunities to learn more.

Assessment is part of what teachers have to do in school. Although it is required, we teachers can make sure we assess with respect. Today's guest, Starr Sackstein, author of Assessing with Respect: Everyday Practices That Meet Students' Social and Emotional Needs, shares an overview of what is needed so that every student feels respected even as they are given the necessary feedback to improve and level up their learning.

https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e739 

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 the 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/3vPs9go) 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: mssackstein@gmail.com
@MsSackstein on Twitter
Starr Sackstein, MJE Facebook Fan page

 

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.

Joel Lookadoo, 2020 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, shares why he loves teaching, the stories he is seeing of teachers (and students) overcoming and encouragement for teachers now.

 Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e738

Related Resources

• The Well-Rounded Educator Podcast (started in the fall of 2020)

Joel Lookadoo - Bio as submitted

 Joel Lookadoo is an eighth-year educator in Springdale, Arkansas who coached basketball for three years before transitioning to full-time teaching in the classroom where he has taught Algebra 1 and is a National Board Certified Teacher in High School Mathematics. He created "Beyond", which is a college-prep program, that supports first-generation college students by mentoring students and discussing college admissions and scholarship opportunities. Lookadoo, the 2020 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, is also certified in English as a Second Language and has led professional development on teaching English Learners, building high-performing PLCs, and standards-based grading. 

Blog: The Well-Rounded Educato‪r‬

Twitter: @CoachLookadoo

Instagram: @2020ATOY

FaceBook: @2020ATOY

Previous Shows Relating to This topic Bio as submitted

 Eric is an Associate Partner with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Prior to this, he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement. 

We all have undergone disrupted thinking because of our disrupted society due to the pandemic. But many of us hope we don't go back to business as usual. Thought Leader Eric Sheninger has a challenge for us today about what we can learn from the pandemic and the opportunities we have to use disruptive thinking in the classroom for the good of our students. Check out Eric Sheninger's new book, Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms. 

Episode Sponsor: The Stone Soup Leadership Institute would like to invite you and your students to be delegates at the 17th Youth Leadership Summit for Sustainability - from June 21-25, featuring inspiring speakers from their new book, Stone Soup for a Sustainable World: Life-Changing Stories of Young Heroes. In May, there will be a teacher orientation on how to use the companion educational curriculum. At the culmination of the Summit, you will be guests at the World's Largest Book Signing. And in honor of Earth Day, the Institute is offering you a pre-order link on Amazon to buy the book at a discounted rate. Do you know any students who are passionate about sustainability? Well, from now until May 6, just go to www.coolcatteacher.com/apply and apply now

Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e737

Eric Sheninger's Bio as submitted

 Eric is an Associate Partner with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Prior to this, he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement. 

Blog: http://ericsheninger.com

Twitter: @E_Sheninger

 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/EricCSheninger/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esheninger/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/esheninger/

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.

Sophia is a student in Oman. During the 2020 shut down, Sophia wanted to help the children in her neighborhood have a fun learning experience -- so she created a virtual summer camp online. We can learn about learning in this example where the teacher and students are kids and everything is optional. What an exciting story.

https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e736

Sophia - Bio As Submitted

Sophia is a 15 year old rising sophomore from Cooperstown, NY, who attends Al Batinah International School in Sohar, Oman. She started a virtual camp for the children in the neighborhood as a way to offer summer activities based around art, science, STEAM, drama and Getting Ready for School! Each week she sends out several different activities based on the theme of the week. At the end of each week she sets up online meetings for the campers to attend if they want to share what they've created, what they've learned, or even just to talk about what they've been doing.

She hopes to develop the camp into virtual after-school activities once the online school year begins and get other teenagers from school involved in this venture as well. This is her first volunteering initiative and she has enjoyed creating activities for and meeting with the campers.

 

Caring for our earth is a focus of Earth Day. Today we discuss ways that any classroom can talk about sustainability and caring for the environment, no matter the political landscape of your community or school. Teachers will find ideas they can use to help their students year-round know how to care for their environment and community.

https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e735

Episode Sponsor: The Stone Soup Leadership Institute would like to invite you and your students to be delegates at the 17th Youth Leadership Summit for Sustainability - from June 21-25, featuring inspiring speakers from their new book, Stone Soup for a Sustainable World: Life-Changing Stories of Young Heroes. In May, there will be a teacher orientation on how to use the companion educational curriculum.

At the culmination of the Summit, you will be guests at the World's Largest Book Signing. And in honor of Earth Day, the Institute is offering you a pre-order link on Amazon to buy the book at a discounted rate. Do you know any students who are passionate about sustainability? Well, from now until May 6, just go to www.coolcatteacher.com/apply and apply now

Rebecca Anderson - Bio As submitted

Rebecca came to the Alliance for Climate Education in its inception in 2008 as an Educator, and now serves as ACE's Director of Education. Rebecca develops ACE's science content, manages the online climate education resource Our Climate Our Future, oversees the ACE Teacher Network, and works with schools in the Reno-Tahoe area.

Rebecca holds a B.A. in Geosciences from Williams College and an M.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of Colorado. For her graduate degree, she studied melting ice caps on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. Some of the ice caps she studied in 2005 are now completely gone.

Rebecca has also worked in Antarctica as a member of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Ice Core Drilling Project, where she analyzed the age of the ice core, shoveled mountains of snow, lived in a tent, and worked in an (no joke) air-conditioned room at -30ºF. When not fighting climate change, Rebecca enjoys chasing her husband Andy and young son Huck over the slopes, rocks, and trails around Truckee, 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."

Thursday, April 22 is Earth Day. As citizens of this planet, we should all care about caring for this world. Today, Monica Burns gives us practical ways to teach and encourage students to be good caretakers of the world we live in. Every teacher will find an idea they can use any time of the year to encourage sustainability and caring for our environment.

www.coolcatteacher.com/e734

Monica Burns - Bio As Submitted

Dr. Monica Burns is a curriculum and educational technology consultant, Apple Distinguished Educator and founder of ClassTechTips.com. As a classroom teacher, Monica used one-to-one technology to create engaging, standards-based lessons for students. Monica has presented to teachers, administrators and tech enthusiasts at numerous national and international conferences including SXSWedu, ISTE, and EduTECH. She is a webinar host for SimpleK12 and a regular contributor to Edutopia. Monica is the author of Deeper Learning with QR Codes and Augmented Reality: A Scannable Solution for Your Classroom (Corwin Press, 2016) and #FormativeTech: Meaningful, Sustainable, and Scannable Formative Assessment with Technology (Corwin Press, 2017).

Monica visits schools across the country to work with PreK-20 teachers to make technology integration exciting and accessible. She also provides support to organizations using technology to reach children and families in need. Her mission is to help educators place tasks before apps and promote deeper learning with technology. You can find out more about working with Monica, and her books and resources by visiting ClassTechTips.com.

Professional Development can be an adventure! You can create fun, exciting professional development. With hyperdocs and a "choose your own adventure" format, Laurie Guyon helped her teachers get excited about learning new tools (and gave them a model they are now using with students.) Learn about this approach to professional development and teaching and how you can use it in your classroom.

https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e733

Laurie Guyon - Bio As Submitted Laurie Guyon is the Coordinator for Model Schools at WSWHE BOCES and a trainer with NYSCATE. Laurie was named one of the NextGen: Emerging EdTech Leaders for 2020 with CoSN.   Laurie is part of the first DigCit Institute Global Impactor Cohort and is a member of the NYSCATE Social Media Team and Volunteer Hall of Fame.  

Website: https://sites.google.com/wswheboces.org/smilelearning/home  

Twitter: @smilelearning  

Combatting the coronavirus with apps is a challenge. With privacy and tracking concerns being an issue, how can it be done? Today's guest Po Shen Lo from Carnegie Mellon University talks about an app he's invented that uses a mesh network to help his college and also Georgia Tech combat COVID-19 among their students. This is a fascinating conversation that you'll want to hear about a new way to use smartphones in a way that doesn't compromise privacy but can be used to help many kinds of societal issues.   Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e732   Po Shen Lo - Bio As Submitted Po-Shen Loh is a social entrepreneur, working across the spectrum of mathematics, education, and healthcare, all around the world. He is the founder of the free personalized learning platform expii.com, a social enterprise supported by his series of online math courses that reinvent the middle school math curriculum with a focus on creative thinking. He is also a math professor at Carnegie Mellon University and the national coach of the USA International Mathematical Olympiad team. Upon the outbreak of COVID, he turned his mathematical attention to create NOVID, the world's first app to introduce the fundamentally different network radar paradigm for pandemic control. https://www.poshenloh.com/

As we consider how we move back into school, we need to think about neuroscience research about how students learn. Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath talks about stress, learning duration, homework, spaced repetition, and sleep as well as computers and technology. You can't just have a longer school day to improve learning. You also can't always expect every technology to improve learning either. 

www.coolcatteacher.com/e731

Sponsor: Advancement Courses' Tournament of Teachers bracket challenge is back again for the fourth year in a row and voting is now open from March 22 to March 31. This year's "Remember When. . . Edition" features 32 scenarios that educators both miss and don't miss about classroom life before 2020. Things like "taking students on field trips vs. hosting classroom parties" or "fire drills derailing your lesson vs. a broken air conditioner." Vote for which scenarios you want to see advance in each round and see the winners announced on April 1. This is going to be fun! Visit coolcatteacher.com/tournament to learn more and start voting!

Jared Cooney Horvath - Bio As Submitted

Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is an expert in the field of Educational Neuroscience. He has conducted research and lectured at Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, the University of Melbourne, and over 150 schools internationally. Jared's work has been featured in numerous publications, including The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Economist, and NOVA. He currently serves as Director of LME Global: a team dedicated to bringing the latest brain and behavioral research to teachers, students, and parents. His latest book is 10 Things Schools Get Wrong and What We Can Do About Them

Blog: https://www.lmeglobal.net/

@jchorvath

If you need safe, fun ways for students to connect and learn while keeping their distance in the classroom then augmented reality apps might be for you. But there are best practices you can use to teach math, ELA and more using Augmented reality. In today's show Mitchell Weisburg, cofounder of the nonprofit Games4Ed, shares pedagogical best practices for using augmented reality in the classroom with 3D Bear and other tools.

www.coolcatteacher.com/e730

Sponsor: Advancement Courses' Tournament of Teachers bracket challenge is back again for the fourth year in a row and voting is now open from March 22 to March 31. This year's "Remember When. . . Edition" features 32 scenarios that educators both miss and don't miss about classroom life before 2020. Things like "taking students on field trips vs. hosting classroom parties" or "fire drills derailing your lesson vs. a broken air conditioner." Vote for which scenarios you want to see advance in each round and see the winners announced on April 1. This is going to be fun! Visit coolcatteacher.com/tournament to learn more and start voting!

Mitchell Weisberg - Bio as Submitted

Mitch helps organizations succeed in the education market. Mitch co-founded Academic Business Advisors in 2005, to help organizations reach teaches and students in the US. In 2014, Mitch co-founded Edchat Interactive with Tom Whitby and Steve Anderson, a service to share best practices among educators through live online interactive events. In January 2015, Mitch co-founded the nonprofit Games4Ed with Larry Cocco, to facilitate collaborations between educators, researchers, game developers, publishers and policymakers to further the use of games and other immersive strategies in schools. Mitch served on the Board of the Ed-Tech Industry Network (ETIN) of the SIIA from 2012-2019, was cochair from 2015-2016, and was the chair in 2019. In January 2019, Mitch became US COO of 3DBear, a Finnish EdTech company that uses Augmented Reality to motivate students to engage and learn deeply. If you are at all interested in what Mitch did before 2005, buy him a glass of wine and ask. Hint: he taught and developed over 200 courses.

Blog: https://blog.academicbiz.com/

Twitter: @weisburghm

Felienne Hermans is a middle school teacher one day a week, and college professor four days a week. She created a natural language programming tool in Dutch and English. After she released Hedy as open source, it became popular in many places and now has been translated into 50 languages and is spreading throughout the world. Hedy is a fantastic way to teach computational thinking and programming in an easy text-based way as students create flowers, music, and their own programs with the tool. Named after Hedy Lamar, both a movie star and electrical engineer who created a method used in today's wifi routers, let's talk about how every school can teach programming to kids in their native language and how teachers -- even those with no coding experience -- can get started!

Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e847

Show Sponsor: MAD-Learn is a free, easy tool for students to use to build apps of their own in a private space for just you and your students. You can publish it and share it with a limited audience, or design something bigger. When people ask me my favorite App-building tool, I always say MAD-Learn. MAD-Learn is an amazing collaborative app building tool. Not only have I used MAD-Learn for the first global collaborative app-building project, I love having my students build together and host a "shark tank competition." I love how my students can edit together but can also view live changes on their smartphones using a QR code demo that is still private just to them and me. Their site is full of every presentation, rubric, and even a full curricuulm to teach design thinking and app building. Go to coolcatteacher.com/freetrialmadlearn  to start your trial today.

We know that to teach students, we must relate to educate and one of the first things we must relate to is their emotions in that moment. In today's show, Robin Fox shares four techniques you can use in your face-to-face or distance classroom to connect with your student's social and emotional lives. She reminds us that student emotions are constantly in motion but we have to help them so we can unlock their ability to live better lives, listen, and learn. Let's tune in to our student's social-emotional learning and help them succeed.

Sponsor: Advancement Courses' Tournament of Teachers is here!

Enter now for a chance to win prizes like a $1,000 Amazon gift card and more by submitting your bracket from now until March 21. This year's is a fun "Remember When" edition which will feature 32 scenarios that we educators miss and don't miss about classroom life before 2020. Things like "taking students on field trips vs. hosting classroom parties" or "fire drills derailing your lesson vs. a broken air conditioner." Voting runs from March 22-31 and you can vote for the ones you want to advance. Register now and let the tournament begin!

Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e728

Related Resources

• eBook: 3 Fun and Simple Games to Teach Relationship Skills to Students: https://www.social-eyes.org/3games/
• SocialEyes Together® SEL Curriculum: https://www.social-eyes.org/curriculum

Robin Fox M.Ed is a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) educator, lifelong meditator, and professional improv actor. She has been working in private and public schools, K-12, as a special educator, professional trainer, and consultant for over forty years. Her SEL curriculum, SocialEyes Together® transforms children's lives to walk forward into their future with self-confidence, empathy, and resilience. Robin is a member of the Connecticut Social and Emotional Collaborative. She is also part of a working committee revising the Components of Social, Emotional, and Intellectual Habits: Grades 4-12 for the CT State Department of Education. Visit her website at www.social-eyes.org

Blog: https://social-eyes.org

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/socialeyestogether/ 

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."

Did you know that you can play massive Kahoot games with many students as players? Today's guest, George Pearce, talks about how he streams Kahoot games, handles security and privacy, fights bots that allow cheating and attack his Kahoot games and also how he deals with lag to make game competitions more equitable even when hundreds of miles separate the learners. He also shares the software he uses and tips to get started. You'll be able to use what you learn for any multiplayer gaming you want to hold across your school, district, or even across the world.

www.coolcatteacher.com/e728

Sponsor: Advancement Courses' Tournament of Teachers is here!

Enter now for a chance to win prizes like a $1,000 Amazon gift card and more by submitting your bracket from now until March 21. This year's is a fun "Remember When" edition which will feature 32 scenarios that we educators miss and don't miss about classroom life before 2020. Things like "taking students on field trips vs. hosting classroom parties" or "fire drills derailing your lesson vs. a broken air conditioner." Voting runs from March 22-31 and you can vote for the ones you want to advance. Register now and let the tournament begin!

Related Resources

• Kahoot
• OBS Software - Open Broadcast Studio

Bio as submitted

 

George is a Kahoot! Ambassador from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada. He teaches his grade 7 & 8 students math, science, and STEM. George is focused on providing students with fun, engaging, and joyful learning experiences. He is a Makey Makey certified educator, Microbit ambassador, Microsoft Innovative Educator and general tech enthusiast.

 

George loves to make learning a hands on experience, infusing technology, coding, and electronics into common classroom activities and projects. George also teaches his students the power and importance of contributing to online communities. He models what it means to be a connected and responsible digital citizen in global learning communities. George wants students graduating from his classroom to love learning, with the hope of fostering a life long passion.

 

 

Twitter: @GPearceWSD

Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/georgepearce & https://youtube.com/c/GBGAMING204

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.

 

Some schools need to reset their relationships with parents. Others want to make it stronger as they transition to a different form of learning. At the forefront of all of this is the psychological health of students during this time. JT Taylor is helping schools connect with parents and support them and today he gives advice to schools and teachers who are ready to move to better relationships with parents.

Check out the show notes and links at www.coolcatteacher.com/e727

Jahkari "JT" Taylor - Bio as Submitted

Jahkari "JT" Taylor is an award-winning educator, author, researcher, and passionate speaker. JT is a 2016 Iota Phi Lambda Emerald Educator, the 2016 Teacher of the Year for Oscar F. Smith High School, and the 2017 Overall City-Wide Teacher of the Year for Chesapeake Public Schools. JT has presented at numerous K-12 schools, colleges/universities, and professional conferences across the nation. He has been featured in a WHRO commercial titled, "The Teaching Profession," and he was recently selected as a 2019 ASCD Emerging Leader.

With three earned degrees and over 12 years of experience working as a Special Education Teacher, a Title I Instructional Coach, and an Educational Consultant, JT brings a unique perspective to the field of education. As the CEO of Purpose Pushers LLC, JT serves as the Chief Equity Officer. He provides consulting services, job-embedded coaching, and staff development in the areas of social-emotional learning (SEL), culturally responsive teaching practices, special education, and best instructional practices for reaching all learners.

JT's motto is simple: "Know Your Why!"

Learn more at www.purposepushers.com 

Dr. Alexander's Twitter: @purposepushers

Teachers are stressing over so many things. Today, Dr. Desiree Alexander tackles three of those issues: distance learning, hybrid learning, and digital equity. She shares the WHO system for evaluating technology, tips for hybrid learning, and timeless principles for considering digital equity and relating to your students and colleagues in professional and respectful ways.

Check out the show notes and links at www.coolcatteacher.com/e726

Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 280 online graduate-level PD courses in 20 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!

Dr. Desiree Alexander - Bio as Submitted

Dr. Desiree Alexander is an award-winning, multi-degreed educator who has been in the educational field since 2002. She is currently the Regional Director of North Louisiana for the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana. She is the Founder CEO of Educator Alexander Consulting, LLC. She consults with members of several schools/businesses and presents at conferences nationwide.

Dr. Alexander is lifetime certified in Louisiana in Secondary English Education, as a Reading Specialist, as a School Librarian, as an Educational Technology Facilitator, as an Educational Technology Leader and in Educational Leadership 1. She is certified in Texas as a Principal, in English Language Arts and Reading for grades 4-8 and grades 8-12, as a Reading Specialist for grades EC-12, and as a School Librarian. She holds multiple technology certifications, including, but not limited to, IC3 certification, Google Certified Trainer and Innovator, Apple Teacher 2016, and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer and Expert.

She holds a Bachelor, a Master + 30, and an Education Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Louisiana State University, a Master of Library Science from Texas Woman's University and a Master of Educational Leadership with a concentration in Educational Technology Leadership from Nicholls State University. She also holds a Doctorate in Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership from Lamar University.

She is a 2020 International Society for Technology in Education Featured Voice, 2020 Future of Education Technology Conference Featured Presenter, 2019 Customer Commitment Award Honoree from Better Business Bureau's Torch Awards for Ethics, a 2019 Shreveport National Pan-Hellenic Council Mover and Shaker, a 2017 Young Professional Initiative 40 Under 40 Awards Honoree, 2017 Center for Digital Education Top 30 Technologists, Transformers & Trailblazers, 2017 PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator for Louisiana, 2016 Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana Member of the Year, 2015 Librarian of the Year for Louisiana Librarian Association, 2014 Leader of the Year for Region 2 Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators, and her recent campus's 2015 Teacher of the Year in the Zachary Community School District.

Learn more at www.educatoralexander.com.

Dr. Alexander's Twitter: @educatoralex

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 are returning to school and teachers and administrators know a learning gap is there. What do we do about it? How do we close the gap without stressing everyone out? Turnaround principal Rachael George tells us how.

Check out the show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e725/

Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 280 online graduate-level PD courses in 20 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!

Dr. Rachael George - Bio as Submitted

From fighting wildland fires with the U.S. Forest Service to putting out fires in the classroom, education was the last place that Rachael thought she'd end up. It wasn't until a hard conversation with a base manager in Grangeville, Idaho did Rachael realize she needed to put her chainsaw down and make a bigger impact on the world. Rachael is a member of the ASCD Emerging Leaders Class of 2015, an NAESP Fellow, and currently serves as the principal of Sandy Grade School in the Oregon Trail School District.

Over the past six years, Sandy Grade School has moved from being one of the lowest-ranked elementary schools in the state of Oregon to performing in the top 20% of elementary schools. Sandy Grade School has been recognized by the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) as a Model School for closing the achievement gap.

Prior to serving as an elementary principal, she was a middle school principal of an "outstanding" and two-time "Level 5: Model School" as recognized by the State of Oregon. Rachael specializes in curriculum development, instructional improvement as well as working with at-risk students and closing the achievement gap. Connect with Rachael on Twitter @DrRachaelGeorge.

www.drrrachaelgeorge.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." 

Dr. James Lang has six recommendations in this podcast about how we can better understand student attention and how we can get their attention while we teach - even when teaching online. This important topic will help all of us become better teachers in challenging times.

Check out the show notes and links at www.coolcatteacher.com/e724

Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 280 online graduate-level PD courses in 20 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!

Dr. James Lang - Bio as Submitted

James M. Lang is a Professor of English and the Director of the D'Amour Center for Teaching Excellence at Assumption College in Worcester, MA. He is the author of six books, the most recent of which are Distracted: Why Students Can't Focus and What You Can Do About It (Basic Books, 2020),  Small Teaching Online: Applying Science in Online Classes (2019) Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning (Jossey-Bass, 2016), and Cheating Lessons: Learning from Academic Dishonesty (Harvard University Press, 2013). Lang writes a monthly column on teaching and learning for The Chronicle of Higher Education; his work has been appearing in the Chronicle since 1999. He has conducted workshops on teaching for faculty at more than a hundred colleges or high schools in the US and abroad, and consulted for the United Nations on the development of teaching materials in ethics and integrity. He has a BA in English and Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, an MA in English from St. Louis University, and a Ph.D. in English from Northwestern University.

Dr. Lang's Website: www.jamesmlang.com 

Dr. Lang's Twitter: @LangOnCourse

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 create fun ways to enjoy time with our families online in Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, and more. Today's guest, Sandi Johnson, is an IT Integrator in Indianapolis. She has created fun events for neighbors and families as well as her students to celebrate and grow closer during this time. If you are wondering how to connect with your family in new ways, listen to this show and plan some fun family events.

Check out the show notes and links at www.coolcatteacher.com/e723

Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 280 online graduate-level PD courses in 20 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!

Sandi Johnson - Bio as Submitted

Sandi is a technology integrator at Park Tudor School in Indianapolis, IN. Her career and family have allowed her to teach all over the country. She loves to follow the tech trends and develop activities with the teachers she works with. Sandi presented at ISTE last year, sharing her findings on brain research as it relates to tech use in the classroom. Sandi received a master's degree in education from the University of Central Florida.

For more of Sandi's fun classroom and personal products, visit her at www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Sandi-Johnson.

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." 

 

Richard Byrne is a busy teacher. He teaches full time during the day. He writes his Free Tech for Teachers Blog. He's a father of two, and active in many online spaces. And yet -- he takes time to take care of himself. Today you·ll learn how to achieve better health and wellness with these tips and ideas.

Check out the show notes and links at www.coolcatteacher.com/e722

Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 280 online graduate-level PD courses in 20 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!

Richard Byrne - Bio as Submitted

Richard Byrne is the President of Byrne Instructional Media, LLC. which manages multiple websites and training programs for teachers. Richard is a former high school social studies teacher best known for developing the award-winning blog Free Technology for Teachers. He has been invited to speak at events on six continents and would gladly speak in Antarctica too. He also provides online training and guidance for teachers and technology coaches.

https://practicaledtech.com 

@rmbyrne

 

Things can be a little tense between teachers and the principals, but less in-person communication can put a real strain on those relationships, and eventually, turn into distrust. To alleviate those problems, today·s guest, Craig Randall, wrote Trust-Based Observations. His experience as a counselor, coach, teacher, and principal in the US and overseas led him to develop the Trust-Based Observations model of observation and evaluation based on building trusting relationships between the principal and teacher that sparks teacher risk-taking and innovation. 

Today's sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 280 online graduate-level PD courses in 20 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!

Craig Randall - Bio as Submitted

Craig Randall is the author of Trust-Based Observations. His experience as a counselor, coach, teacher, and principal at schools in the US and overseas led him to develop and then write Trust-Based Observations, a model of observation and evaluation focused on building trusting relationships between principal and teacher that spark teacher risk-taking and innovation, and result in teaching and learning growth. Currently, Craig consults and trains schools on the model.

www.trustbased.com

@TrustbasedCraig

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." 

Teaching coding can be challenging and expensive, but our guests Sean and Kelly have a solution. We can start teaching the second most popular coding language - Python - in our schools. Kelly Schuster-Paredes and Sean Tibor host the Teaching Python Podcast where they share how to help kids of all ages learn this valuable language. Before you think it is too hard or too difficult, you'll want to hear their story about how Kelly is a teacher who became a coder and Sean is a coder who became a teacher and how it can be done at your school as well.

Sponsor:  It's a new year and time to plan your professional development with Advancement Courses. They offer over 280 online graduate-level PD courses in 20 subject areas. They are online and self-paced, so you can take them anywhere, any time with up to six months to complete. Receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners or for continuing education units that meet your state requirements. And right now, 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 advancementcourses.com/coolcat  and use the coupon code COOL20.

Kelly Schuster-Paredes - Bio as Submitted

Kelly Schuster-Paredes is a mom, world traveler and a netizen. She loves learning about cultures and her children were born on two different continents. Kelly has a Masters in Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology. She has taught all over the world and specializes in curriculum design, coaching and development. She got started with integrating technology in the classroom in 2003 and dabbled with app design in File Maker and HTML. She currently teaches sixth and seventh grade computer science at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is her third year using Python.

Sean Tibor - Bio as Submitted

Sean is a dad, coder, teacher, geek, marketer, salmon enthusiast, Star Wars fan, and 3D-printing nut living in Florida. Prior to teaching, he has worked in IT and marketing for [Procter & Gamble](https://www.pg.com), Kaplan University (now [Purdue University Global](https://www.purdueglobal.edu/)), and [Diagnostic Centers of America](http://www.dcamedical.com). Sean is the founder of [Red Reef Digital](https://www.redreefdigital.com), a digital marketing consulting firm and is a certified [HubSpot](https://www.hubspot.com) partner. He has a bachelor's and master's degree in information systems from [Carnegie Mellon University](https://www.cmu.edu) in Pittsburgh, PA.

Students can build apps and collaboration skills at the same time. Today's episode features my friend Alefiya Master, the CEO of MAD-Learn, and the sponsor of today's show. We discuss the transformative role of app-building, collaborative learning, design thinking, and the importance of authentic learning experiences. Alefiya shares how app building can enhance STEM education and how it also teaches essential skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and passion-based learning. If you're doing collaborative projects and design in your classroom, you'll get practical ideas for how you can modify your projects to encourage collaboration and real-world learning.

Show notes, transcript, and author bio: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e846 

Show Sponsor: MAD-Learn is a free, easy tool for students to use to build apps of their own in a private space for just you and your students. You can publish it and share it with a limited audience, or design something bigger. When people ask me my favorite App-building tool, I always say MAD-Learn. MAD-Learn is an amazing collaborative app building tool. Not only have I used MAD-Learn for the first global collaborative app-building project, I love having my students build together and host a "shark tank competition." I love how my students can edit together but can also view live changes on their smartphones using a QR code demo that is still private just to them and me. Their site is full of every presentation, rubric, and even a full curricuulm to teach design thinking and app building. Go to coolcatteacher.com/freetrialmadlearn  to start your trial today.

In today's episode, Dr. Will Deymaport talks about the trends, topics, and timeliness of something called, edupreneurship. Teachers everywhere are doing some inventive things to make ends meet. In March 2019, Dr. Will made a documentary The Edupreneur. Learn about the trends shaping how educators work and make money now besides their classroom work.

Sponsor:  It's a new year and time to plan your professional development with Advancement Courses. They offer over 280 online graduate-level PD courses in 20 subject areas. They are online and self-paced, so you can take them anywhere, any time with up to six months to complete. Receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners or for continuing education units that meet your state requirements. And right now, 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 advancementcourses.com/coolcat  and use the coupon code COOL20. 

Dr. Will Deymaport - Bio As Submitted

As seen on Forbes.com, Schoology Exchange, District Administration, EdSurge, iNACOL, and TechEdge magazine, Will Deyamport, III, Ed.D. is an entrepreneurial educator who specializes in assisting educators in going digital. Dr. Will, as he is better known as, is a podcaster, writer, documentary filmmaker, and District Instructional Technologist for Hattiesburg Public School District. Dr. Will is the creator and host of The Dr. Will Show where he interviews educators and entrepreneurs on leveling up. In March of 2019, EduMatch Publishing released Dr. Will's first documentary, The Edupreneur. The video explores the lives and careers of eight educators who have become educational consultants. You can find the documentary on Vimeo OnDemand as well as Amazon Prime.

Blog: https://thedrwillshowpodcast.simplecast.com/

Twitter: @iamDrWill

In today's episode, Ross McGill, shares his powerful 5 minute lesson plan format that the UK Department of Education has listed as a best practice for teacher effectiveness and time savings. His tips will save you some valuable time. Teachers can spend hours typing up and writing a lesson plan that takes just 30 or 45 minutes to share! Ross McGill gives us a better way.

See: The 5 Minute Lesson Plan to download resources and watch more about how to follow this technique.

Sponsor: Join me at the upcoming insightful online conference, Engage 2021 sponsored by Kognity! I'll be sharing my 50+ ways to use technology in the classroom updated with new tools and tips for the challenges of teaching in 2021. Many of your favorite speakers including  George Couros, Eric Sheninger, Monica Burns and David Geurin, and more will be sharing their expert tips with you. Engage 2021 is a must-attend online event for educators.  To register for this event, and to find out more about the speakers, go to engage.kognity.com/register. This is going to be a fantastic event where we can share experiences and explore new digital possibilities! I hope you'll join me on February 4 for Engage 2021 sponsored by Kognity!

Ross McGill - Bio as Submitted

Ross works with pupils, teachers and school leaders across the world, supporting teaching and learning, workload and mental health. A former deputy headteacher, he has been teaching for 27 years working in some of the most challenging secondary schools in London. In 2015, he was nominated as one of the '500 Most Influential People in Britain' by The Sunday Times as a result of being most influential in the field of education. He remains the only classroom teacher to feature to this day... https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/ross-morrison-mcgill/?ad=20190130learnaboutrossmpu

Twitter: @TeacherToolkit

Yes, 2020 has been a year like no other, and today's guest, Pamela Livingston Guadet, interviewed a wide variety of school tech directors to hear their stories of triage teaching during the COVID-19 emergency. Today, she shares their wisdom, including the positives, negatives, the things that shocked her, and what her research shows that everyone should know about moving forward in 2021. Pamela is the author of the book, "Like No Other School Year: 2020, COVID-19 and the Growth of Online Learning."

Sponsor:  It's a new year and time to plan your professional development with Advancement Courses. They offer over 280 online graduate-level PD courses in 20 subject areas. They are online and self-paced, so you can take them anywhere, any time with up to six months to complete. Receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners or for continuing education units that meet your state requirements. And right now, 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 advancementcourses.com/coolcat  and use the coupon code COOL20. 

www.coolcatteacher.com/e717

Pamela Livingston Gaudet - Bio As Submitted

Pamela (Livingston) Gaudet is the author of "Like No Other School Year: 2020, COVID-19 and the Growth of Online Learning"  For the book, Pamela interviewed public, independent and international school technology directors to hear their stories of triage teaching during the COVID-19 emergency including what was important and what is still needed for online learning. Pamela was a technology director and teacher at public, charter and independent schools and then moved to education technology companies where she built products used by millions of students in K-12 schools.

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."