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TitlePub. DateDuration
There Are Two Bees in Your Brain. AI Only Has One.15 Jun 202601:37:08

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A student turned in a short story this spring that neither of us has stopped thinking about. A man installs an AI system in his home. It does everything for him. Slowly there is nothing left to want, and no one left to talk to. He wrote it as a warning. He is 17.

This started as a workflow episode. Nathan built a college-level writing assignment around Isabelle Hau's "Welcome to the Era of Relational Intelligence" and the full nine-hour Stanford AI+Education Summit, using NotebookLM as the engine and Claude to clean the transcript. We walk through the entire build, step by step, so you can run it in your own room.

Then it became a much larger argument about AI literacy and what school is actually for. We get into cognitive offloading, cognitive outsourcing, and cognitive surrender. We get into active procrastination as a teaching strategy, and why the most creative students are the ones who let an assignment sit. And we get into the dopamine reward system underneath every large language model, the same circuit that drives a honeybee to forage. That is where the bees come in.

One student summed up the whole problem in a single line. AI has a job to do. It cannot not do one. That is the difference between a tool and a relationship, and it may be the most important thing teachers need to understand right now.


Timestamps

00:00 Cold open: the ADHD bee waggle hole

01:35 Why this is a workflow episode, and why Claude is good at cleaning transcript data

02:59 The dataset: the entire Stanford AI+Education Summit, all nine hours

07:34 Bringing the Stanford experience into a high school classroom

09:22 Isabelle Hau and "Welcome to the Era of Relational Intelligence"

12:30 AI and mental health, sycophancy, and what the technology exposes

16:09 The full writing prompt: depict the future, use evidence, propose a turning point

17:27 The build: assembling the notebook and cleaning the transcript with Claude

23:09 A student essay, read in full: the man, the box, and the absence of absence

31:23 The student's breakdown, and Hau on why relational intelligence is indispensable

34:09 The factory model and the danger of siloing the individual

35:00 Sapiens, storytelling, and what set modern humans apart

43:00 Three tiers: cognitive offloading, cognitive outsourcing, and cognitive surrender

44:41 The clearest student line of the year: "AI has a job to do"

46:30 AI literacy as the real work, and the EduProtocols AI Literacy edition

48:33 One screen per table: a setup that beats one-to-one

49:46 Active procrastination as a deliberate teaching strategy

51:16 Adam Grant on why moderate procrastinators are the most creative

52:27 "Where is the work happening?" Nathan does his own assignment, timestamped

59:27 The assignment walked through, step by step

01:00:19 The custom NotebookLM prompt, read aloud

01:11:15 What students built, and the pivot point most of them landed on

01:19:39 The ADHD bees, Huberman Lab, and Dr. Read Montague

01:21:30 The dopamine reward system as the algorithm under every LLM

01:28:31 The first AI-native job, and the gap between the haves and have-nots

01:34:28 Language shapes culture, and AI is shaping language

01:35:21 Adam Aleksic and Algospeak

01:39:12 The Gmail auto-reply story, and engineering a population's language

01:43:44 The inner voice, and what happens when an outside source writes it

01:46:24 Closing on hope, and why this generation gets the last word


Ideas Worth Keeping

Relational intelligence is the counterweight to cognitive surrender. Hau's argument is not a rejection of AI. It is a claim that human connection is the infrastructure everything else depends on, and that infrastructure is now under pressure precisely because AI responds with so little friction. Relational intelligence is under threat and newly indispensable at the same time.

Offloading, outsourcing, surrender. These terms are not codified, so we use them as a working spectrum. Offloading is adaptive and ordinary: a daily briefing pulled from your calendar and email. Outsourcing is genuine collaboration with the machine, and almost nobody has figured out how to do it well yet. Surrender is what the student in this episode dramatized, where a person outsources the need for other people, not just the task in front of them.

Active procrastination is incubation, not avoidance. Open the assignment, do enough to understand what it asks, then let it sit. The thinking continues while you do other things. The best student writing in this unit came from the students who let it cook. Most strong ideas are not the first one you have.

The dopamine reward system is the algorithm. This is the connective tissue of the whole episode. The same circuit that drives a honeybee to forage, and drives some bees to wander off the bee line entirely, is the architecture underneath every large language model. The reward lives in the search more than the finish. Understanding that explains both why AI is compelling and why it cannot replicate a human relationship.

AI has a job to do, and it cannot not do it. Every input is a job. That is its only setting. Human-to-human exchange does not work this way. A person can reject what you say, sit with it, change the subject, or remember something unrelated. An LLM in its current form cannot.

Language shapes thought, and AI now shapes language. If the inner voice is partly engineered by an outside source, identity is implicated. The Gmail auto-reply story is a low-stakes version of a very high-stakes problem.


Recreate the Assignment

The custom prompt loaded into the back end of the notebook, roughly:

"Pretend you have the knowledge and writing style of Isabelle Hau, the organizer and facilitator of this AI and education summit held each year at Stanford. I have added her most recent article, "Relational Intelligence," for content knowledge. Ask respondents questions that push them to question relationality and explore the meaning of this topic as it relates to their futures. Respondents are 16 to 18 years old, attempting college-level work in a freshman composition course. This is paired with a writing assignment that asks students to speculate about our future with artificial intelligence."


Resources

A few of the book links below are Amazon affiliate links. We only link things we actually talk about on the show. If you buy through them, we get a small cut and you pay nothing extra. So, thanks!

Isabelle Hau — "Welcome to the Era of Relational Intelligence"
 Stanford Social Innovation Review, Spring 2026
 [LINK]

Stanford AI+Education Summit 2026 — All Sessions
 Full conference on YouTube, February 11, 2026
 [LINK]

Ge Wang — Stanford HAI
 Associate Professor of Music, Associate Director at Stanford HAI
 [LINK]

McKinsey DELTAs Report — "Defining the Skills Citizens Will Need in the Future World of Work" (2021)
 The source for "breaking orthodoxies" as a named, measurable skill
 [LINK]

EduProtocols AI Literacy Edition
 By Kate Meyer, Nicole Davis, Jon Corippo, and Marlena Hebern
 [LINK]

EduProtocols Mindset Episode — WTHTS
 [LINK]

Procrastination Episode — WTHTS
 [LINK]

Adam Grant — Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
 The research behind active procrastination and moderate procrastinators as the most creative group
 [LINK]

Huberman Lab — "How Dopamine & Serotonin Shape Decisions, Motivation & Learning" with Dr. Read Montague
 The episode that connected dopamine reward systems, AI architecture, and bee foraging behavior
 [LINK]

Adam Aleksic — Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language
 On how algorithms shape language, and language shapes thought
 [LINK]

Dungeon Crawler Carl — Matt Dinniman
 Highly inappropriate. Highly recommended.
 [LINK]

Join Jake's Email List (He's sending out the NotebookLM Resource document shortly)
 [LINK


Keep In Touch

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. If this one landed, leave a review. It is the fastest way to help another teacher find the show.

The companion newsletter goes deeper on Substack. Free and practical. [LINK] https://whatteachershavetosa

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Make America AI Ready: The Stove Isn't Going to Blow Up31 Mar 202601:30:21

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The federal government recently launched an AI literacy program delivered entirely by text message. Jake has completed the first five days, and also looked into a network of teachers, HR professionals, and writers and to ask what they thought. The results were predictable in one direction and surprising in another. This episode is less about the program and more about what it exposes: who gets to define AI literacy, what it's for, and what the cost of doing nothing actually looks like.

What You'll Hear

  • Why Jake's reaction to a federally branded program shifted once he actually went through it — and what changed his mind
  • The DOL's AI Literacy Framework broken down: five foundations, seven principles, and why the pedagogical thinking behind it is more serious than the branding suggests
  • Nathan's argument that 28% of students being able to describe how an LLM works is a real problem — and why understanding the engine matters even if you never plan to drive
  • The "professional chef critiquing a how-to-boil-an-egg pamphlet" problem, and who the pamphlet is actually for
  • Jake's prediction that the 2026-27 school year is when schools start approaching AI literacy systemically — and what that should and shouldn't mean
  • Why excluding AI from your classroom is becoming harder to defend as a pedagogical choice rather than a protective one
  • The adult literacy statistic that reframes what's actually at stake when we talk about the AI access gap

Resources Mentioned

  • Make America AI Ready — Federal SMS-based AI literacy program from the U.S. Department of Labor. Text READY to 20202 to enroll. [beta.dol.gov/ai-ready]
  • U.S. Department of Labor AI Literacy Framework — Five foundational content areas and seven implementation principles for workforce AI readiness. [https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/advisories/ten-07-25]
  • Slow AI (Sam Ellingsworth) — Substack publication examining AI adoption at a more measured pace. Recommended reading for the "email problem" analogy. [https://theslowai.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips]
  • Quick, Draw! — Google experiment using a neural network to guess your drawings. Referenced as a Day 1 challenge in the Make America AI Ready program. [quickdraw.withgoogle.com/]
  • What Uses More? — Tool for comparing energy and carbon footprint of AI tasks vs. everyday activities. [what-uses-more.com]
  • Stanford HAI — Stanford's Human-Centered AI institute. Referenced for statistics on AI usage by age and the research on AI in classroom settings. [hai.stanford.edu]
  • NCES Adult Literacy Data — National Center for Education Statistics. Nathan cites current figures: 28% low literacy, 29% basic proficiency, 43% proficient — among adults ages 16-65. [nces.ed.gov]

Connect & Continue

Jake writes about AI in education weekly on Substack. Subscribe at whatteachershavetosay.substack.com

Stay curious, stay hopeful, keep learning.

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

How Do You Solve A Problem Like Procrastination? Deliberate Play & Harmonious Passion!05 Mar 202500:37:40

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Jake & Nathan explore two ways to motivate students toward better learning habits by valuing their learning process, not just the products of their learning, and connecting their skills to real world applications. Your teacher besties return to ideas from two previous episodes on procrastination and the EduProtocols mindset, and dig deeper into Adam Grant’s work in his book Hidden Potential, to find solutions to the age old problem of procrastination.


Grades are often highly subjective, a mode of behavior modification, and are inherently extrinsic motivation, when we want to build intrinsic motivation for learning. While most of us can’t functionally throw out the point system, having moments of “deliberate play” can help foster a love for learning and help your students engage in “harmonious passion” to sidestep the emotional response that is procrastination.


Having said that, not all procrastination is created equal! Active procrastination is an important part of the learning process. A growth mindset, by definition, values the process of growth. We need to remember to build time to allow for that growth to happen with scaffolding, and permission for students to push their limits, without punishing failure.


Enjoy this discussion on procrastination styles, growth mindset, valuing the learning process, and remember these two modes of motivation when you're lesson planning: deliberate play and harmonious passion. This conversation breaks down the process of skill building in this context, with some history of education reform and educational philosophy thrown in because we're nerds.


Join the Conversation!

Got thoughts? Rants? Questions? Leave us a voicemail! 📞 SpeakPipe:

https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Wicked Hydra: The EduProtocol That Puts Questions First25 Feb 202500:07:56

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In this episode Jake explores Wicked Hydra, a dynamic EduProtocol from The EduProtocols Field Guide: ELA Edition, that transforms classroom inquiry by putting questions first.

In conversation with Courtney, a passionate middle school social studies teacher from Texas, we learn how Wicked Hydra shifts the responsibility for inquiry from teacher to student. Rather than delivering a single, predetermined answer, this protocol creates a question-only mind map where every query opens up new rabbit trails of inspiration and exploration.

Courtney explains how Wicked Hydra encourages students to move from surface-level questions to deeper, more insightful inquiries. Even when the first attempts are rough, practice transforms these initial queries into rich discussions that empower learners to build their own “question bank” and reclaim the wonder of curiosity.

This approach not only nurtures independent thought but also aligns with educational philosophies from leaders like John Hattie, emphasizing visible learning and the critical role of student voice.

  • Wicked Hydra empowers students to generate and refine their own questions.
  • It transforms simple observations into deep, layered inquiry.
  • The protocol challenges the habit of accepting one fixed answer.
  • It nurtures a rich, active questioning culture across all grade levels.
  • It encourages learners to explore multiple rabbit trails of thought.
  • This strategy aligns with educational theories that value student voice and visible learning.

"Wicked Hydra: The Protocol That Puts Questions First"
"Reclaiming curiosity, one question at a time."
"Transforming surface queries into deep inquiry."

Resources:
Check out The EduProtocols Field Guide: ELA Edition for more innovative strategies like Wicked Hydra.

Get Involved:
Have you tried using Wicked Hydra or a similar inquiry tool in your classroom? How do you foster a culture of deep questioning among your students? Share your story or ask your questions by leaving us a voice message on SpeakPipe. Your insights might be featured in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a five‑star review—it helps us reach more educators and keeps the conversation going.

Keep questioning, keep exploring, and keep teaching!

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Check the Weirdness: Teaching AI Literacy with Matt Miller18 Feb 202500:08:20

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Jake and Matt Miller from Ditch That Textbook dive into the power of AI’s imperfections as a teaching tool. They explore how the quirks and mistakes in AI-generated content, like extra fingers or misshapen images, can sharpen students’ critical thinking, media literacy, and observation skills. Instead of fearing AI’s flaws, teachers can turn them into opportunities for deeper learning and classroom engagement.

Matt shares how he uses AI-generated images in his Spanish classroom to help students develop AI literacy and train their ability to "check the weirdness." Jake builds on this idea, discussing how engaging with AI critically can strengthen students' ability to discern fact from fiction. This episode is all about flipping the script: AI isn’t a threat to critical thinking: it’s a tool to refine it.

  • AI-generated errors can be powerful tools for teaching observation skills.
  • Encouraging students to "check the weirdness" fosters critical thinking.
  • AI literacy is essential in today's classrooms.
  • Engaging with AI helps students become more skeptical and analytical.
  • Classroom discussions on AI weirdness can lead to broader conversations about media literacy.
  • Discerning fact from fiction is a critical skill in the digital age.
  • Educators should embrace AI as a learning tool, not fear its impact.
  • "Check the weirdness!"
  • "AI is highly fallible."
  • "Training our BS detector."
  • "AI’s mistakes are teaching gold."
  • Matt Miller’s Website
  • AI for Educators by Matt Miller
  • Leave us a voice message on SpeakPipe
  • Follow What Teachers Have to Say on your favorite podcast platform


Have you tried using AI-generated weirdness in your classroom? How are you helping students think critically about AI? Share your story! Leave us a message on SpeakPipe or connect with us on social media. Your insights might be featured in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more educators and keep the conversation going.

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Breaking the Cycle: Cruel Optimism in Teaching with Hans Tullman11 Feb 202500:13:10

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Can you be excellent at your job without letting it consume your life? The education system thrives on unpaid teacher labor, but at what cost?

In this episode, we discuss cruel optimism—the idea that if teachers just work harder, they can fix systemic issues. Spoiler: They can’t. More hours don’t equal better teaching, and burnout isn’t a badge of honor.

Hans Tullman kicks off the discussion with a hard truth: the system depends on teachers working for free. Jake unpacks how setting boundaries, leveraging AI, and using EduProtocols can help teachers reclaim their time—without sacrificing excellence.

Key Takeaways:
🔹 Cruel Optimism—Pushing through systemic problems won’t fix them, it just keeps them going.
🔹 More Hours ≠ Better Teaching—A well-rested teacher is more impactful than a burnt-out one.
🔹 Unpaid Labor—Other professions wouldn’t tolerate it. Why should teachers?
🔹 Set Boundaries—Excellence doesn’t require self-sacrifice. Protect your time.
🔹 AI & EduProtocols—Work smarter, not harder. Reduce workload & focus on what really matters.
🔹 School Leaders—Admins must redefine what “excellence” looks like and actually protect teacher time.

Join the Conversation!
Got thoughts? Rants? Questions? Leave us a voicemail!
📞 SpeakPipe:

https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Resources Mentioned:
🎤 Hans Tullman – hanstullman.com
📚 Cruel Optimism by Lauren Berlant
⚡ EduProtocols & AI Tools – Reduce your workload & increase efficiency

🔥 Final Thought: You can be an excellent teacher and have a life—in fact, you’ll be a better teacher because of it.

👉 Share this episode with a teacher who needs to hear it!
🔗 Follow us on social media & keep the conversation going!

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Back in Action! AI Tools to Beat Burnout & Have More Fun in the Classroom04 Feb 202500:46:59

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We’re back! Our real-talk educator dynamic duo, Jake & Nathan are back in action: complete with career and life updates and a return to form discussing real life uses of AI tools to beat burnout and have more fun in your classroom tomorrow! 


Visit https://www.mrcarrontheweb.com/ and sign up with your email for Jake’s newsletter to receive a PDF guide on when students should and should not use AI in the classroom.


Resources discussed in the episode:

Jake’s ELA Edition Edu-Protocols Book

Adam Grant’s Re-Thinking Podcast with Sam Altman on the future of AI and humanity


Artificial Intelligence tools mentioned in the episode that you should familiarize yourself with:

ChatGPT — for the left brain!

Claude.ai — for the right brain!

Google Notebook LM — create AI podcasts on demand of learning materials? What?!

Brisk — ultimate instant feedback hack

SchoolAI — use “Spaces” to easily create content-focused chat bots with full back channel, student overview, and NO student account needed

MagicSchool — SO MUCH stuff on here!

Learning Genie — new soon-to-be EduProtocol-embedded lesson plan partner


Reach out to us on What Teachers Have to Say SpeakPipe to get in on the conversation with what YOU have to say, teachers!

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

56 Skills for the Future: EduProtocol-ing the McKinsey & Company Report05 Jun 202400:53:50

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Are we really preparing students for their future? Educators are tasked to teach state standards, but are we also teaching the skills that students really need to be successful in the “real world”? State standards and standardized tests often test rote memorization more than real world application. The struggle is real and how will they get a job when they can’t turn in homework on time?!?! is a common refrain in the staff room, but what are the real life skills we need to be teaching?

Global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company recently put forth a report on the “56 foundational skills for the future of work” they refer to as: future-citizen skills. While meant for the business world to guide global leaders and captains of industry, Jake & Nathan explore how these skills are reflected in an educational environment. Does what we teach translate into real world outcomes in the lives of our students?

Stay to the end for tips on how you can start teaching these skills in your future-focused classroom! Using EduProtocols as a framework, our hosts consider the popular EduProtocols: Wicked Hydra (One of Jake’s own! From his upcoming book!), Iron Chef, and Sketch & Tell and align the classic pedagogical approaches embedded in these lesson frames to McKinsey & Company's 56 real-world, business-approved, future-citizen skills. You can build self-confidence and real-world-skills in students. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the “foundational skills” that are crucial to our students’ future success.

Resources Mentioned in the episode:

McKinsey & Company: Defining the skills citizens will need in the future world of work

EduProtocols

EduProtocols: ELA Edition by Jacob Carr COMING SOON! Sign up here for updates!

EduProtocols: Social Studies Edition by Dr. Scott Petri & Adam Moler

Find Adam Moler’s work at Moler's Musings

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

In the Small Places with Dr. Fred Mednick: Stories From a Teacher Changemaker10 May 202401:01:08

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Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Move into the weekend with an incredible, inspiring, hope-filled conversation about the immense cultural value teachers have as problem solvers and keepers of democratic ideals. Don't wait for acts of Congress, act with your conscience.

Dr. Fred Mednick is a teacher changemaker, global educator, thought leader, and founder of Teachers Without Borders. Awarded the Champion of African Education Award, the Luxembourg Peace Prize, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for Peace. Professor Emeritus from Johns Hopkins and Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Jake & Nathan have an incredible conversation about the idea of the classroom—your classroom—as a laboratory of democracy. This educator calls Dr. Jane Goodall a close friend and mentor, and his new book In the Small Places: Stories of Teacher Changemakers and the Power of Human Agency describes the stories of local heroes who are working on some of the world's most challenging issues: education in emergencies, peace and human rights education, and the education of girls.

With a title borrowed from the following quote, this book portrays teachers as the human center of social change—"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighbourhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerned citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Resources mentioned in the episode:

In the Small Places: Stories of Teacher Changemakers and the Power of Human Agency⁠ Amazon Link

In the Small Places: Stories of Teacher Changemakers and the Power of Human Agency Website

Teachers Without Borders

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

CODE.org's Mission with Pat Yongpradit: Computer Science For All Students02 Apr 202400:58:19

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Pat Yongpradit is a nationally recognized computer science education advocate and thought leader working at the policy level to make sure ALL students have the opportunity to learn computer science. You can't talk CS in education without talking CODE.org! Pat has been at CODE since the beginning and is currently the Chief Academic Officer.

Before CODE, Pat was a high school computer science teacher. At CODE, he made it his mission to reshape the way that computer science is taught. He has been instrumental in developing the computer science curriculum that is used by tens of millions of students worldwide. He has dedicated his career to making computer science education accessible to all students, regardless of their background.

We discuss the current state of K-12 computer science education, why it's so important for all students to have the opportunity to learn CS, and what parents, teachers and policymakers can do to continue expanding access as AI tools fundamentally change the way we educate.

While we talk some valid concerns and potential pitfalls, our focus is on the future. Together we can create edtech-infused classrooms where students are empowered to use AI tools with teachers to enhance their learning. We need to work as a "vanguard" team of innovative educators and lead the way. Stay to end to hear about Pat's secret mission!

... and come say "Hi!" to Jake & Nathan, Pat from CODE.org, and Bill Nye the Science Guy (!!!) at the ASU+GSV AIR Show in San Diego, CA — April 13th-15th. It's a FREE event! REGISTER HERE to attend!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

CODE.org

CODE.org's AI Resources

Teach AI — Sign up for their mailing list!

AI for Education — AI implementation resources for teachers and school districts!

EduProtocols Community | Facebook Group

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

It's Not One More Thing! Computer Science For All Educators with BCOE05 Mar 202401:07:29

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Jake & Nathan are joined by Tracey Allen, Janet Brownell, and Anna Johnson from the Butte County Office of Education to talk about the future of Computer Science in schools. BCOE has been innovating in the sphere of EdTech integration in Northern California for years and has a VERY successful, cutting-edge library model with their EdTech Exchange so that all educators and all students can access creative, innovative, and engaging EdTech tools to use in their classes.

Did you know there are "new" Computer Science state standards in California that you may not even be aware of? We talk Seasons of CS, EWIG, CS First, and the CSTA to find resources and professional development opportunities to integrate EdTech in ALL classrooms and subject areas in ways you might not expect. Computer Science can transform your entire workflow, even as an ELA teacher! Join this crew to dig into why Computer Science IS NOT just one more thing.

Resources mentioned:

CSTA Resources Library

Seasons of CS | California's Year-Round Computer Science (CS) Professional Learning Program

BCOE Educational Technology Exchange⁠

Register Here! for the Spring in CS Summit (Redding, CA)

(05:30) CS is for Everyone

(18:00) CSTA Resources

(19:00) CS First with Google

(21:00) Tips from an EdTech Coach

(24:00) Computer as a Tool

(25:00) Coding Robots in ELA

(28:40) Minecraft Farms

(29:00) Basic CS Skills Across Content Areas

(32:00) Transcend Your Lesson

(35:00) EdTech Exchange Library Model

(42:40) Importance of Libraries

(44:00) CS is in Everything

(46:30) Where are we headed?

(49:00) Future Careers with CS

(50:45) Seasons of CS

(52:15) Natural Language as Coding Language

(59:30) CS in SPED with Piper

(60:01) Next year?

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

What Do We Really Want from AI? Stanford HAI's AI+Education Summit (2024)23 Feb 202400:53:26

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If you want to be on the bleeding edge of current AI+Education discourse, this episode is for you!

Jake & Nathan break down Stanford's 2024 AI+Education Summit held by Stanford HAI (Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence). Follow the link to explore a selection of recorded sessions from the day and get in on the conversation.

AI promises us limitless potential to shape our students' educational experiences, and personalized learning is more possible than ever: but at what cost? Is AI inherently biased against students-of-color? Will AI make coding skills obsolete? What will legislation look like? What will the national rollout look like in terms of AI-powered ed-tech tools and teacher training? These questions (and many more) are being thoughtfully considered by current thought-leaders in the field.

This landmark event, held in the heart of silicon valley, brings together members of academia, industry, media, and practicing educators to advance current discourse on the use of AI+education. Stay to the end for our one-word takeaway! Hint: does it spark joy?

"Not long ago, the Internet was an escape from the real world. Today, the real world is an escape from the Internet" — Ge Wang

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Scaffolds Were Always Meant to Come Down04 Mar 202601:31:42

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Jake and Nathan just got back from their third Stanford AI + Education Summit — The AI Inflection Point: What, How, and Why We Learn — and a week later, they still can't stop talking about it. In this episode they dig into the tension at the heart of AI in schools right now: how do you protect the human skill development that education exists to build, while letting AI do the things it's actually good at? They get into the AI Assessment Scale, why cheating is the wrong frame, what it means when kids turn to AI for emotional connection, and whether the "perfect tutor" is the answer anyone thinks it is. Honest, critical, and grounded in classroom reality.

Referenced in this episode

Stanford AI + Education Summit 2026 The fourth annual summit, held February 11, 2026. Full conference on the Stanford HAI YouTube channel.

AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) Developed by Mike Perkins, Leon Furze, Jasper Roe, and Jason MacVaugh. Five levels of acceptable AI use — from no AI to full AI with the student as director and evaluator. First published 2023, updated Version 2 in 2024. Adopted by hundreds of institutions worldwide, translated into 30+ languages.

Matt Miller — AI for Educators Source of the 12 cheating scenarios Jake has been using to poll educators across the country. Miller also runs Ditch That Textbook.

Google AI Quests Free, code-free, game-based AI literacy tool for students ages 11–14. Students step into the role of Google researchers solving real-world problems in climate, health, and science. Co-developed by Google Research and the Stanford Accelerator for Learning. Complete lesson plans and teacher guides included.

Ethan Mollick — Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI (Penguin, 2024) Source of the centaur/cyborg framing. The centaur divides labor strategically between human and AI; the cyborg integrates the two fluidly within the same task. Mollick's Substack One Useful Thing is one of the more practically useful ongoing resources for educators thinking about AI.

Cheating research Jake references "Cheating in the Age of Generative AI: A High School Survey Study of Cheating Behaviors Before and After the Release of ChatGPT"Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence (2024). Note: Jake mis-attributes this to Stanford — the actual source is below. Key findings: overall cheating volume stayed stable after ChatGPT launched; students who self-reported higher AI competence cheated less; clear boundaries and consequences remained the strongest deterrent.

A note on homo technologicus was attributed to Yuval Noah Harari. It circulates in academic commentary on Harari's work but doesn't appear to be a direct Harari coinage. The concept maps to themes in Homo Deus, but we can't confirm the specific term originated there. We're leaving it as spoken and flagging it here.

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The 7 Circles of Procrastination: Challenging the Stereotype of the Lazy Student04 Jan 202400:44:49

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Current research on the psychology of procrastination tells us it’s A LOT more complex than just "laziness" ...

Leveraging the work of psychologist, author, and fellow podcaster Dr. Adam Grant, from his recent appearance on an episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, and his latest book Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, Jake & Nathan challenge the notion that this behavior in students (and teachers) is somehow related to what we keep calling "laziness."

While chronic procrastinators are the bane of every educator’s existence, there isn’t an easy answer to why students do it. There is definitely a reason, but it’s not that they’re lazy! We break down, step-by-step, a framework for understanding seven (7) different types of procrastination that all educators should know about. Name it to tame it! 

You can use this framework to better understand and help your toughest procrastinators (which might be YOU), so make sure to stay 'til the end for the practical application. Next episode, we will be exploring the concept of MOTIVATION. Subscribe so you don’t miss out! We will be following this thread to the end for our fellow educators.

Check out Cal Newport’s Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World for another resource to help you get stuff done. Jake mentions this book in the episode and relied on the creative scheduling and time-blocking approach to write his upcoming book!

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

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Their Future, Not Our Past: BRAVING the Way for Future-Focused Education30 Nov 202300:44:56

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Jake just returned from a whirlwind professional development tour, dropping the mic at a keynote in LA, and facilitating his first AI-in-education training in New York. It’s time for a What Teachers Have to Say debrief and special announcement!

Jake & Nathan, along with friend and fellow EduProtocols author for the Social Studies Edition, Adam Moler! have been invited to serve on a team of consultants to integrate artificial intelligence in education for the Successful Practices Network & National Dropout Prevention Center with Dr. Bill Daggett.

Bringing some hard truths from Dr. Daggett’s keynote at the New York event, and borrowing ideas from Jake’s keynote in LA integrating Brené Brown’s BRAVING framework from Dare to Lead, Jake & Nathan explore the meaning of “trust” and how trusting relationships are built and broken in education. 

If you don’t feel like your administration or colleagues trust you as a professional, or don't trust them to have your back, you need to hear this! Because if we can repair trust in our educational system—from administration, to teachers, to students, to parents & community—we can open the door to a future-focused education that prepares students for THEIR FUTURE, NOT OUR PAST.

Join us as we talk through the most progressive ideas and most pressing issues in current conversations about education reform on a national level. The #1 thing in the way of meeting our future as educators is a lack of trust. We're on the same team, y'all! There is no innovation without collaboration.

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

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The Classroom Closet: When Teachers Can’t Be Themselves13 Oct 202300:42:20

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Respectfully borrowing a term from LGBTQ+ culture, the classroom is often a closet for teachers, who do not feel safe to share much (if any) of their authentic human selves in their teaching without facing unjust disciplinary action or community backlash.

Jake & Nathan approach this difficult topic to draw attention to this unspoken requirement of the career path of teaching. We need to talk about the cognitive dissonance of being in a profession that talks a big game about access and equity, while not offering actual protection for inclusion and diversity to individual teachers and administrators.

What does it mean for the future of our profession when some educators can’t both be themselves and continue to teach in their communities? We know that being genuine, offering a personal connection, and building professional working relationships with students makes a powerful positive impact. Why are teachers blamed for “indoctrination” when all they are asking for is safety, acceptance, and professional security?

Starting with a brief overview of the complex history of teaching in American society, we move to take a look at modern legislation that leaves teachers without much recourse for wrongful termination. We offer up some of our own hidden insecurities, even as ultra-privileged, white, male teachers, working within an alternative educational model in California.

This painfully honest episode is not to be missed, especially if you are feeling the pressure to hide parts of yourself from your students and colleagues. We see you. Let’s get into it.

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

All About That Baseline with Josh Kuersten: 3 Behavior Strategies Every Teacher Should Know14 Sep 202301:06:19

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Josh Kuersten is a celebrated behaviorist and self-described "dimensional traveler" who is widely respected for his hands-on approach—training teachers how to work with the toughest, most intense students. In a post-Covid world, teachers are being rocked on a daily basis by behavior issues unlike anything we've seen before. Teachers out there are hurting. If you're thinking 'that's me!'—you need to hear this!

Author of Stop Accidentally Making Things Worse an incredibly approachable workbook with actionable strategies you can put into practice in your classroom tomorrow, and co-founder and CEO of Nurtured Heart Institute, Josh has been helping intense children (and their teachers!) regulate their emotions and connect in the classroom for over 25 years.

We talk about building inner wealth (in students AND teachers) by using 3 strategies: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the Inner Wealth Initiative: Nurtured Heart Approach, and the Stress Response Continuum—but we also go over what to do when a kid walks in, yells *F* you, and kicks a chair. You're going to want to stay to the end because we go over a TON of practical application strategies in the last half!

Help out your favorite edu-podcasters by using our affiliate links, and find more resources mentioned in the episode:

⁠Transforming the Intense Child Workbook by Howard Glasser⁠

Stop Accidentally Making Things Worse by Josh Kuersten

The Virtual Behaviorist (for trainings and inquiries)

Virtual Behaviorist YouTube Channel (with mini-training)

Nurtured Heart Institute

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

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A Teacher's Guide to the AI Galaxy: Artificial Intelligence Tools for Teachers07 Aug 202300:42:16

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Jake & Nathan return to where it all started, and provide a much-needed update, we're talking artificial intelligence in education! We start by checking in on the state of artificial intelligence in education, talk a little educational philosophy in an attempt to dispel some of the fear educators have about using AI with students, and provide personally-vetted quality AI resources and strategies that include: ChatGPT, Quizizz, and Canva to name a few (there's more).

We share practical strategies and talk through how to use these resources to offload mundane teacher tasks to AI, open up creative possibilities in lesson planning using AI, and discuss the other praxis-based practical applications of current AI tools and apps that we use on a DAILY basis. Join the conversation by answering our episode Q&A!


Check out Jake's AI Section from his English 10 Syllabus! Feel free to steal this, use it, and adapt it for your needs!


Artificial Intelligence Policy & Academic Honesty and Integrity

Throughout this academic year, we will continually address the role and implications of Artificial Intelligence in learning. It's imperative to understand that AI should be viewed as a tool to assist learning, not a substitute for your intellectual and creative endeavors. Rather than having a dedicated section, discussions about academic integrity, specifically regarding responsible use of AI for skill development will be woven throughout our coursework. If you are ever in doubt about your use of these tools in relation to academic integrity, do not hesitate to ask for clarification. Here are some guidelines:

  • Learning Aid, Not a Replacement: AI tools are designed to assist and enhance the learning process, not to complete assignments on behalf of the student. They should be used as a supplementary resource to aid understanding and improve skills.
  • Original Work: Students must ensure that all work submitted is their original creation. While AI can assist in the brainstorming or editing process, the foundational ideas, arguments, and writing style should be the student's own.
  • Collaboration and Guidance: When uncertain about the appropriate use of AI for an assignment, students should seek guidance from their teacher. Open dialogue about how AI tools are being used for learning ensures that they are utilized ethically and effectively.
  • Misuse Consequences: Using AI to complete assignments or to produce work that is not genuinely the student's own will be considered academic dishonesty. Consequences will align with the school’s academic integrity policy, which may include a failing grade for the assignment or course, or further disciplinary action.


Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

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The EduProtocols Mindset: 4 Ways to Change Your Teaching Forever25 Jul 202300:55:42

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We're no strangers to EduProtocols around here! Jake & Nathan talk about the mindset and teaching philosophy behind EduProtocols. If you work in education, you need to hear this. There are 4 changes in mindset found in the framework and design of EduProtocols that can change your teaching career forever.

It doesn't matter if your district mandates a specific curriculum, you can pivot in your teaching practice tomorrow by following these principles. Now is the time to reflect on our practice and make some MUCH needed shifts in the way we do things. It ain't workin' folks, but you can make an impact in your classroom!

Consider helping support your favorite edu-podcasters by checking out these resources from the episode using our affiliate links:EduProtocols Field Guide Book 1 by Jon Corippo & Marlena HebernWhat School Could Be by Ted Dintersmith


Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Not Our Only Hope! The Truth About Obi-Wan's Mentorship11 Jul 202300:41:02

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Jake & Nathan find new hope from the Star Wars universe through Obi-Wan's journey as a Jedi master mentor. Inspired by the acclaimed Disney+ show Obi-Wan, this episode takes a hard look at the mentorship style of Obi-Wan Kenobi through the lens of an educator, sparking an insightful discussion on the potential pitfalls of mentorship.

Join us as we analyze Obi-Wan's journey: we talk about his failed mentor Qui-Gon Jinn, his complex relationship with Anakin Skywalker, and his eventual redemption in being a powerful mentor to young Luke and Leia Skywalker.

Whether you're a Star Wars enthusiast, an education professional, or both this thought-provoking episode promises to enrich your perspective on teaching and learning. Even in a galaxy far, far away, there are lessons to be learned!

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

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Be A Goldfish! How to Teach Like Ted Lasso with Kim Voge27 Jun 202300:56:21

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Jake & Nathan are joined from afar by friend, colleague, and special guest Kim Voge (educator, best-selling author of Deploying EduProtocols, consultant—is there anything she can't do?!) to slide tackle their way into practical teaching lessons learned from the universally-acclaimed Apple TV show Ted Lasso. With our crew's combined insights into mentorship and education, they unpack the "relentless positivity" and empathetic storytelling of the show and discuss how it offers valuable life lessons for teachers and students alike.


Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Actively Working, Trying & Growing: Observing the "Corippo Phenomenon" with Jon Corippo14 Jun 202300:51:33

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Jon Corippo (inventor and co-author of EduProtocols) pulls no punches in his perspective on current trends in education and takes us on a journey through his vast experience in the education sector: with 30+ years of service and hundreds of boots-on-the-ground trainings and professional development sessions.

Jon's mission is to fundamentally change education by figuring out once and for all why it ain't workin' and FIX IT! Jon shares his practical advice on using effective student engagement strategies (including EduProtocols) to help students stay in the moment, build intrinsic motivation, and get them to actively invest in their education.

We talk about the role of good professional development for teachers that underscores the value of adaptation in an ever-changing educational environment. We can't do things the same way anymore. We don't need to get better at the current strategies. We need new strategies, and Jon breaks down exactly what steps we need to take to keep this ship from sinking.

This painfully honest conversation cuts to the heart of the current state of education and makes an attempt to solve some of the most pressing problems in the field right now. For example: how do we effectively incorporate educational technology into classrooms?? And why Johnny can never, ever type on a keyboard?! And where's the 5???

Don't miss this discussion with a true innovator in education about some of our most pressing problems and how to SOLVE THEM! Be sure to follow for more insightful conversations with top educators, and don't hesitate to share your two-cents in the comments. Let's hear from you how to fix things!

For more on the man, the myth, the legend Jon Corippo & EduProtocols visit his website: https://www.eduprotocols.com/

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Thoughts, Questions & Epiphanies: Unlimited Teaching with Marisa Thompson13 Jun 202300:36:07

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Marisa Thompson (the incredible educator behind Unlimited Teacher) shares her unique perspective on flipping the script and letting students lead in the classroom by incorporating educational technology and getting out of the way! Marisa offers some tips & tricks that you can use in your classroom immediately to grow student agency, explore student choice, and improve student ownership over their education.

We explore best practices for using her Thoughts, Questions, and Epiphanies (TQE) framework to promote engagement, ownership, and active learning in students, and Marisa talks through how to seamlessly implement these strategies into any learning environment.

Don't miss this discussion with a true innovator in education about some of our most pressing problems in education and how to solve them! Be sure to follow for more insightful conversations with top educators, and don't hesitate to share your ideas in the comments. Let's hear from you how to fix things!

Learn more about Marisa Thompson and TQE by visiting her website: https://www.unlimitedteacher.com/

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Who Protects the Teacher?23 Apr 202500:13:32

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When something lands the right way in a classroom, it doesn’t just teach—it transforms. But in today’s climate, that transformation can come at a cost.

In this episode, Jake shares a personal story he's never fully told publicly—about the time a group of parents tried to get him fired for teaching a novel. Not because it was inappropriate. But because it made students think, ask questions, and feel something real. 

Read the full story on Substack: 

Teaching What They’re Afraid Of: To ban a book is to fear what students might understand


📰 Hall Pass Headlines tackles a hard truth: Two in five teachers in the UK report being physically assaulted by students. It’s not just about behavior—it’s about a system that’s stopped protecting the people inside it.

Read the article: The Times – “Two in five teachers assaulted as classroom violence surges”


Mic Check features a voice message from educator Dr. Scott Petrie on the literacy wars—and what’s actually working in classrooms.
 

Want more on behavior? Check out this episode: All About That Baseline with Josh Kuersten: 3 Behavior Strategies Every Teacher Should Know

Links & Resources

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Believe It! Lessons from Naruto's Ninja School06 Jun 202300:41:11

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Discover educational insights from the popular anime NARUTO! Led by our resident Naruto-nerd Nathan & Naruto-newb Jake, (shounen) jump into the educational model of the popular anime series of Naruto and gain valuable insights on mentorship and teaching from the senseis of the Hidden Leaf Village's ninja school.

Our hosts discuss how the series has shaped their views on education and mentorship and share why Naruto—despite being an anime or "kid's show"—offers a powerful and extremely relatable mentorship model that can transform how we think about and approach our teaching practice. Get ready to be inspired, learn nerdy things, and look at Naruto and perhaps even education itself in a whole new light. Believe it!

Don't forget to like, share, and follow for more insightful discussions with these two Naruto-runners!

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

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Teaching Tips for a Better Tomorrow with Marisa Thompson & Jon Corippo!25 May 202301:33:48

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Jake & Nathan join forces with two world class progressive educators on the bleeding-edge of modern pedagogy: Marisa Thompson (the educator behind Unlimited Teacher) and Jon Corippo (inventor and author of EduProtocols) to tackle the boots-on-the-ground challenges facing teachers in classrooms across America.

Marisa Thompson shares her unique insights and offers strategies and tips that you can use in your classroom immediately to grow student agency, explore student choice, and improve student ownership over their education. Jon Corippo uses his powerful perspective from 30+ years of service and hundreds of professional development trainings across America to break down exactly what steps we need to take to keep this ship from sinking.

These two painfully honest conversations cut to the heart of the current state of education and make an attempt to solve some of the most pressing problems in the field right now. For example: how do we effectively incorporate educational technology into classrooms?? And why Johnny can never, ever type on a keyboard?! And where's the 5???

Don't miss this discussion with two titans of education about some of our most pressing problems and how to SOLVE THEM! Follow What Teachers Have to Say for more insightful conversations and leave your thoughts in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you!

For information about our guests please visit:

Marisa Thompson: https://www.unlimitedteacher.com/

Jon Corippo: https://www.eduprotocols.com/

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

The Power of Positivity with Brittney Young: Honor the Lineage Mini-Series (Part 3-of-3)10 May 202301:18:36

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Welcome to part 1-of-3 of a What Teachers Have to Say signature mini-series: where Jake & Nathan pick a complex education-related topic, come at it with a painfully honest pull-no-punches two-part conversation, and compare notes with an expert in-the-field.

In this concluding episode of the "Honor the Lineage" mini-series, our hosts welcome Wellness Coordinator Brittney Young to get a different perspective and some practical advice on exactly what it looks like to undertake the task of building a positive community at your school. Brittney lays out a repeatable model that you could start using on your campus right now. Immerse yourself in this inspiring conversation about the power of positivity.

Brittney shares her transformative tradition of Aloha Fridays (or Mondays!) and other strategies she used to pull a struggling and deeply traumatized school community back from the brink. Explore Brittney's progressive model for organically creating wellness events that engage students and staff alike. Witness the evolution of your campus culture, and join us in pushing for a shift in education toward positivity.

Not just for educators! This discussion provides valuable insights and practical approaches for parents, students, and ANYONE interested in creating a nurturing and collaborative community that promotes growth, wellness, and positivity.

Want to play the game featured in this episode? Follow this affiliate link to start building positivity in yourself and your community while helping out your favorite edu-podcasters: {THE AND} Friends Edition Conversation Starters to Make Friends Your Best Friends

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Why Genuine People Matter in School: Honor the Lineage Mini-Series (Part 2-of-3)24 Apr 202300:56:43

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Welcome to part 2-of-3 of a What Teachers Have to Say signature mini-series: where Jake & Nathan pick a complex education-related topic, come at it with a painfully honest pull-no-punches two-part conversation, and compare notes with an expert in-the-field.

In this emotional second episode of the "Honor the Lineage" mini-series, our hosts pick up their conversation from the last episode and weave their way through a series of reflections on building relationships, offering vulnerability, and what it means to be a mentor. By sharing personal experiences that underscore the power of showing up for genuine connections with students, this episode offers valuable insights for teachers, students, and anyone passionate about improving the education system, and it starts with building connection and community.

Don't miss this engaging conversation on the challenges educators face on the daily and the importance of cultivating authentic relationships in the classroom!

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

The Vital Role of Relationships in Public Education: Honor the Lineage Mini-Series (Part 1-of-3)13 Apr 202300:57:00

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Welcome to part 1-of-3 of a What Teachers Have to Say signature mini-series: where Jake & Nathan pick a complex education-related topic, come at it with a painfully honest pull-no-punches two-part conversation, and compare notes with an expert in-the-field.

In this vulnerable first episode of the "Honor the Lineage" mini-series, so-called to honor their own teachers and mentors, our hosts get in their feelings to discuss and argue for the VITAL importance of building relationships and connections with students in the face of increasing challenges in public education.

They share experiences as teachers navigating the trauma of school shootings, the myriad impacts of the mental health crisis in our youth, and developing coping strategies to deal with these fears, triggers, and behaviors in the classroom. Riffing on a Carl Jung quote, they get into some teaching philosophy and talk about how warmth and connection at school play an essential role in a child's intellectual and emotional development. Stories are candidly and openly shared, reflecting on the tremendous impact teachers can have.

Don't miss this heartwarming and thought-provoking episode highlighting the significance of relationship-building in education and the IMMEDIATE need to address the issue of mental health in our schools.




Correction: Due to the newness of the tragedy, and the emotional state we were in, having learned about this awful event the morning before recording this episode, some details were not correctly given. The school and community processing this profound loss is Lindhurst High School in Olivehurst, CA. We stand with you in your grief.

Correction: There is a second part to this conversation in the next episode, but we refer to “episode one” or “episode two” when referring to 'part 1' and 'part 2' of this conversation/mini-series—oops! Part 1 refers to this episode, so start here. Part 2 will be continued in the next episode. These two conversations are connected and pick up where the other left off, so you're going to want to experience the whole thing to really take it all in. Start here!

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Winter is Coming! The Fire of AI-Powered Personalized Learning Sings a Song of Ice for Education PD21 Mar 202300:56:47

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This Game of Thrones-inspired conversation delves into the dynamic realm of professional development (PD) in education, examining the obstacles faced by educators who are genuinely trying to improve their teaching. Jake & Nathan unravel the icy shortcomings of conventional PD strategies and explore how the fire of personalized learning can revolutionize our approach to education.

Extending the metaphor, our hosts outline just how hard "winter is coming" for traditional PD—painful personal stories from PD gone wrong are shared, and our hosts consider the role of artificial intelligence (such as ChatGPT) and its ability to potentially "break the wall" for teachers who teach teachers.

This podcast is essential listening for educators, administrators, and anyone intrigued by the evolution of PD in a post-artificial intelligence world and its potential to create a more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environment for all the professionals in your organization.

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Terminators or Transformers? The Work of Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence07 Mar 202300:55:59

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Jake & Nathan crack open a pivotal post-modernist essay from early 20th-century social critic Walter Benjamin, "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" (1935), to raise some questions about whether using sufficiently advanced technology destroys the "Aura" or human quality of our work in education.

Parallels are drawn to the usage of artificial intelligence in education and our hosts discuss the importance of maintaining that human touch while incorporating technology in the classroom. Personal experiences using AI in teaching methods are shared, and we explore the possible benefits and drawbacks of AI integration in education. AI can clearly personalize the learning experience for students, but it could potentially dehumanize the learning process and lead to further disconnection in schools.

Join us as we explore the intersection of technology and education to figure out how we can strike a balance between cutting-edge innovation and maintaining the human quality in the age of artificial intelligence. It's a crazy time to be an educator!

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

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What Teachers Have to Say (Trailer)06 Mar 202300:00:58

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The Ship of ChatGPTseus: Identity, Authorship, and the Soul of Learning15 Apr 202500:13:40

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When the tools, tasks, and teaching all start to change—at what point do we stop and ask: Is this still education?

In this mini episode, Jake Carr dives into the ancient thought experiment known as the Ship of Theseus to unpack what's happening in our schools today. From medieval monks copying texts by candlelight to students copy-pasting AI-generated responses, he asks: What makes learning authentic? What planks are we swapping out without realizing it? And what should teachers choose to hold onto?

Along the way, Jake connects this to his new book The Skills That Last, offers four actionable strategies for preserving human-centered learning, and shares how his Waldorf background prepared him to teach in this new, high-tech era.

Topics Covered:

  • That classic meme: "My mom wrote the paper and I still got a D"
  • The Ship of Theseus and its relevance to education
  • What happens when every part of school is slowly replaced
  • The invisible slope of AI-assisted student work
  • When the work isn’t theirs anymore—and how to spot that moment
  • What authentic learning might look like going forward
  • Why skills like discernment, empathy, and will can’t be outsourced
  • A fresh look at the teacher’s role—not as captain, but as keel

Tangible Takeaways:

  1. Shift from Policing to Process
    Let students use AI—but teach them to revise, explain, and own their thinking.
  2. Assign What Only They Can Do
    Personal prompts. Local connections. Real reflection. Make it hard for AI to fake.
  3. Slow It Down on Purpose
    Use oral defenses, Socratic seminars, portfolio walkthroughs, and tools like Snorkl to make thinking visible.
  4. Make Your Pedagogy Visible
    Pull back the curtain. Tell students why you’re doing things the way you are—and what you hope they’ll take from it.

Resources Mentioned:

💬 Join the Conversation:

What plank are you holding onto in your classroom?
Leave us a voice message at whatteachershavetosay.speakpipe.com or tag Jake on social @MrCarrOnTheWeb.

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

From Tijuana to Top of the Class: A Fifth Grader’s AI Story08 Apr 202500:10:29

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A brand-new student walks into a San Diego classroom—fresh across the border, speaking only Spanish. No prep. No warning. Just dropped off mid-morning with a “good luck.”

What happened next? It’s the kind of story that reminds us why AI, when done right, can be the ultimate scaffold.

In this episode, Jake shares the real story of a fifth-grade student who used Snorkl’s AI-powered translation tools to not only access a classroom assignment—but outperform every other kid in the room. What happened when he got a perfect score? The class—and the conversation—shifted.

Key Takeaways:

  •  Why AI isn’t isolating students—it’s connecting them
  •  How translation tools create equity and engagement
  •  Why Lexile-leveling + shared vocabulary = real inclusion

Want to share a story like Scott’s?
 Tap the SpeakPipe link or send us a text (yep, we’ve got that now). Let’s keep lifting up stories that show what’s really possible in modern classrooms.

Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more teachers find the show.

#AIinEducation #EdTechForEquity #TeacherPodcast #InclusionInClassrooms #StudentVoice #Snorkl #RealTalkEd #snorkl.app


Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

AI is Swimming Across Education’s Moats — Are We Ready for What Comes Next?01 Apr 202500:17:46

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AI isn’t storming the gates of education — it’s swimming quietly across the moat.

In this episode of What Teachers Have to Say, Jake unpacks how the traditional moats that once protected education — content, pedagogy, and institutional processes — are quietly eroding as AI reshapes the landscape. Inspired by a thought-provoking LinkedIn post by Steven Bartlett (FlightStory, Thirdweb, The Diary of a CEO), Jake explores how these shifts parallel what’s happening in business and asks:

👉 Are we ready for what comes next?

We’ll explore:

  • Why content has become a commodity — and what that means for the teacher’s role.
  • Why sticking to scripted programs and pacing guides won’t protect schools — and how real expertise is more critical than ever.
  • What new moats schools must build to stay relevant — from fostering authentic community to mentoring students in ways AI can’t replicate.

But that’s not all. Jake also teases insights from his upcoming book with Dave Burgess Consulting, The Skills that Last: Preparing Students for an Unpredictable World, highlighting how curation, critical thinking, and mentorship are the key skills that will future-proof education.

Ready to build stronger moats in your classroom?
 💬 Leave us a message on SpeakPipe — your voice might be featured in an upcoming episode!

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and stay curious.


Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

EduProtocols Triple-Play: 3 Spins on a Classroom Classic to Defeat AI Anxiety25 Mar 202500:17:12

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In this episode, Jake Carr discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on education and how a shift from control to connection can enhance teaching using a recent article by Carlo Iacono. He introduces the EduProtocols Triple Play, which includes adaptations of the Frayer Model to foster student engagement, collaboration, and reflection. The conversation emphasizes the importance of witnessing student growth and creating a supportive learning environment, ultimately advocating for a more human-centered approach in education.takeaways

  • AI is making teachers question traditional methods.
  • Connection, not control, is key in education.
  • The Frayer model can be adapted for deeper learning.
  • Witnessing student growth is essential for effective teaching.
  • Struggle in learning is a sign of progress.
  • AI can assist but cannot replace human connection.
  • Daily conditions in the classroom should foster engagement.
  • EduProtocols can reduce teacher workload and increase student interaction.
  • Reflection is crucial for student development.
  • Teaching is about guiding students through their learning journey.


Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

How Schools Should Be Using AI (But Most Aren’t)18 Mar 202500:10:55

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In this conversation, Jake, and guest call-in Maria, cover the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, focusing on how it can enhance teaching and learning. He explores the distinction between automation and augmentation, practical strategies for teachers to implement AI, and the importance of fostering a creative culture around AI usage in schools. The discussion emphasizes the need for clear AI philosophies, teacher training, and transparency in AI adoption to ensure it enriches the educational experience rather than detracting from it.

Got a question or comment? Leave us a voicemail on ⁠SpeakPipe⁠: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay


Takeaways


AI can help with mundane tasks in the classroom.

The focus should be on enhancing teaching, not replacing it.

Teachers should use AI to lighten their cognitive load.

Students need to learn to challenge AI, not just use it passively.

Building relationships is something AI cannot do.

A clear AI philosophy is essential for schools.

Investing in teacher training is crucial before student use.

Transparency in AI usage fosters a better learning environment.

AI should be used for creativity, not compliance.

AI can make education more enriching, not just efficient.


Chapters


00:00 Introduction to AI in Education

01:27 Effective AI Implementation Strategies

01:54 The Rise of AI in Education

03:06 AI as Augmentation, Not Automation

04:26 Practical AI Roadmap for Teachers

06:43 District-Level AI Implementation Strategies

09:46 Fostering a Creative Culture with AI


Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Coding Without Screens? How Sphero Indi is Transforming Early STEM & Literacy10 Mar 202500:05:34

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How do you teach computational thinking to kids without screens? In this episode, recorded live atTCEA in Austin, Texas, I sit down withNik from Sphero to talk aboutIndi, the screen-free coding robot that’s helping even the youngest learners develop problem-solving skills. But Indi isn’t just for coding—teachers are using it inELA, math, and more.

🎧Listen to hear:
✅ HowIndi teaches codingwithout screens
✅ How afirst-grade teacher used Indi forsentence-building
✅ Whyhands-on learning is critical forearly STEM & literacy

📌Opening Hook (0:00 - 1:30) – Live fromTCEA Austin! Why Sphero Indi is a game-changer for classrooms.

📌Segment 1: Why Indi? (1:30 - 4:30)

  • GuestNik from Sphero shares whya screen-free coding robot was developed.
  • HowIndi makes computational thinking physical instead of an abstract concept.
  • 📢Watch my TikTok on Indi in action ➡ [TikTok Link]

📌Segment 2: Indi in Action – Sentence-Building with Robots? (4:30 - 8:00)

  • Teachersaren’t just using Indi for coding—they’reteaching literacy with it.
  • 📚ELA Example: First gradersbuild sentences with Indi & color tiles.
  • 🔄 Instant feedback: Indicelebrates when students build a correct sentence.

📌Closing & Call to Action (8:00 - 10:00)

  • Big takeaway: Computer science is aboutproblem-solving, not just coding.
  • Want to tryIndi in your classroom?Free ELA & Math lesson plans
  • Leave a voicemail: Share your experiences with hands-on learning tools!

📌Watch my TikTok on Indi: [TikTok Link]
📌Free Indi lesson plans (ELA & Math): [Sphero Central]
📌Leave a voicemail for the podcast: [SpeakPipe]
📌Follow on TikTok for more edtech insights: [@mr.carr.on.the.web]

Enjoyed this episode? Leave a5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more educators find the show!
Tag me on social! Share howyou’re using Indi (or any hands-on learning tool) in your classroom.

🚀Stay connected: Subscribe & follow for moreteacher-friendly, practical edtech insights!

🎙That’s it for today—see you next time on What Teachers Have to Say!

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

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