In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, technology is redefining how we teach and learn. With the release of Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia, students and educators now have AI tools at their fingertips, embedded in everyday devices and apps. In this episode of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast, Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher will cover: How[...]
🌟 Leadership is not about ego; it’s about transformation. 🌟 In this inspiring episode, Dr. Samuel Nix, award-winning educator and Chief Academic Officer of Duncanville Independent School District, shares actionable strategies for transforming school culture, rebuilding trust, and leading with humility. Whether you're striving to improve assessments, foster thriving school environments, or grow as a[...]
In this episode of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Shapiro, author of The New Childhood: Raising Kids to Thrive in a Connected World. We tackle one of the most pressing challenges for parents and teachers today: how to help kids develop healthy relationships with their devices. From cell phone bans to[...]
As a teacher, we must build our classrooms from the ground up. Today, veteran teacher and teacher coach and author of Always a Lesson: Teaching Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, Gretchen Bridgers, shares the four ways we build our classroom. From designing lessons that engage students powerfully to classroom management and student engagement, learn[...]
What if you could achieve a 40% increase in ELA proficiency in just one school year? Teacher Ezera Washington from Paterson, New Jersey, did exactly that—reaching an astounding 91% proficiency rate with her students. In this episode, Ezera shares her proven methods for improving reading test scores while building meaningful relationships with students. You’ll learn[...]
Get ready for CS4Ed Week 2024 and the Hour of Code with this special episode of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast! 🎉 We’re sharing 12 practical and fun coding activities that will inspire creativity and teach kids computational thinking. From gamified platforms like CodeCombat to app development with Mad Learn, hands-on robotics, and unplugged challenges,[...]
This special extended episode is for family and friends to listen to in the car or around the holidays. It is from what I call my "legacy project," Cool Cat Teacher Talk, soon to be released as its separate podcast. In this, I'll tell you about the Cool Cat Teacher Talk Show project, why I'm[...]
Speech-to-text, audio, personal drawings and pictures, and writing about things kids love are all part of helping kids get excited about writing. In today's show, we talk to 15-year educator Randi Ahrndt about encouraging kids to get excited about writing as we discuss interactive writing strategies and one of the best free tools for teaching[...]
Sometimes, teachers can struggle to "fit it all in" when it comes to reading. What a relief it is to hear reading instructional leaders like Jennifer Serravallo talk about the artistry of teaching, how to overcome the challenges of teaching reading, and teacher autonomy and responsiveness. Jennifer also reflects on where the research is "fuzzy"[...]
Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley the Principal of Fairfield High School in South Carolina was named the 2025 Principal of the Year for the United States by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Today we're going to talk to her about the culture transformation at her school that improved their graduation rate and built a[...]
This episode of The 10 Minute Teacher was a lot of fun. Not only did I get to interview my principal, Jonathan Dyal, but my film class, the "Sherwood Showstoppers," filmed the interview. (I'm so proud of how much they are learning!) After a tweet I sent out in October 2023, George Couros and Allyson[...]
In today’s episode, we discuss a critical issue many schools are facing—how to help students and staff heal from trauma. Whether it's a safety event, severe weather like Hurricane Helene, or individual traumas, schools across the nation are navigating unprecedented challenges. To help students learn, we must first help them process what they've been through.[...]
In today’s episode of The 10-Minute Teacher Podcast, we sit down with well-known educator and author George Couros to dive into his latest book, What Makes a Great Principal: The Five Pillars of Effective School Leadership. With insights from educators, principals, and contributors from around the world, George discusses how great principals build strong relationships,[...]
We want our students to be engaged and to want to learn. Particularly since the pandemic, many schools have struggled to engage learners. Today's episode shows us not only how we can creatively include play in our classrooms, no matter the age group or subject, but also why it's never too late to re-engage students. [...]
Nicki Slaugh is a trailblazing principal who pioneered personalized competency-based learning at Question Academy Junior High in Utah. Nicki's innovative approach has captured national attention, increasing student engagement, test scores, and teacher retention. In today's episode, Nicky shares the journey of shifting from a traditional school to a dynamic, customized learning environment where every student[...]
Join us as Pam Allyn, a renowned literacy expert and author of influential books such as Every Child a Super Reader, shares her unique insights on how teachers can foster a love of reading in their students. She not only defines the Science of Reading movement but also addresses concerns from critics who fear it[...]
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,[...]
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[...]
Monica Burns and I talk about three AI strategies for every classroom. In this podcast we'll answer the following questions: How can AI be used to generate ideas and connect to student interests? What privacy considerations should be taken into account when using AI tools? How can teachers prepare for the discontinuation of EdTech tools?[...]
What are the best practices for teachers to ensure that their devices are secure? We all have to keep our devices safe and secure our student data. As teachers, we need to know how to respond to ransomware attacks, phishing attacks, and how to use wifi with a VPN on our devices properly. Rachelle dene[...]
What are some creative ways to design assignments that prevent AI cheating? Professor Laurel Aguilar-Kirchhoff is working to adjust her assignments for the English Language Learners teachers. She changed their midterm essay to a storyboard. We also talked about how she has changed discussion forum posts, which seem to be heavily written via AI. She[...]
Yes, everyone is talking about AI. However, how do the concerns about AI apply to our classrooms today? Tom Mullaney talks about concerns with: The Eliza effect—where people attribute human characteristics such as trust and credibility to text-generating computers—can be dangerous when combined with the biases and inaccuracies inherent in large language models. It is[...]
In this show, I sit down with Eric Sheninger, CEO of Aspire Change EDU and author of "Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms." Together, we explore the evolving landscape of student engagement in 2024. Eric and I discuss how to truly engage students. First, Eric talks about moving from compliance to engagement and how that is[...]
Procrastination comes to us all. And sometimes, we just don't have enough time. Today we unpack how we deal with procrastination, which is often tackling it head on. But also learning to say no is part of the equation. This show is for anyone who has looming tasks and is struggling to focus to get[...]
In a world constantly demanding excellence and innovation, it is easy to overlook a fundamental truth: the way we treat each other has profound implications on our productivity, motivation, and overall well-being. So many educators juggle dual responsibilities of nurturing young minds and meeting their own family's needs. This balance is particularly challenging for many[...]
A.J. Juliani, author if the upcoming book Meaningful & Relevant: Engaging Learners in an Age of Distraction (will be posted here when it is live), talks about how this generation has changed, the hinge of history now upon us and what it means to be an excellent educator in this age with his four ingredients[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Brian Page, a former Milken National Educator of the Year with 15 years of experience in the education field. Brian is the creator of the Homework Hacks Course, designed to equip students aged 13 to 20 with research-backed homework hacks and independent learning strategies. In[...]
Every school has a vibe, a culture, a feeling. Sometimes the same school can have a different vibe at different times during the year. Today, Dr. Jim Van Allan shares powerful strategies to create a vibrant school environment that supports students, teachers, and the community alike. From inviting everyone on board to enjoying the journey,[...]
I hope today's show will provoke thought and thinking about what it means to relate to our students. Relationships may not be easily measurable but have a significant impact on student achievement. Today, for Though Leader Thursday, we are talking to Tom Hierck, 41-year educator, and author of 25 books. Tom shares how a sense[...]
How are you doing, educators? Are you stressed? While that can be typical, we also want to consider the habits that will help us teach long-term with a high quality of life. Today will be a refreshing encouragement for educators everywhere. Learn how to set boundaries, embrace self-care, and manage your mindset to transform stress[...]
In today's Tech Tuesday, I record my screen as I make a custom GPT to evaluate my student websites. This is being released as a podcast and as a YouTube video. First, I make the custom GPT and talk through how that happens. Then, I load it onto my phone and have students take pictures[...]
Today, I interview Alex Kajitani, the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year and author of the book "You're a Teacher Now, What's Next?" In this podcast, we offer encouragement for new teachers and old alike with an emphasis on those in their first year of[...]
In today's episode, we're celebrating World Compliment Day; I find myself reflecting on the profound impact that giving compliments can have—not just on the recipients but on us as givers. It's a journey of noticing the beauty in everyday interactions, whether the strength we see in others, like the resilience Johnny Cash found through June[...]
What is the Learning Pit metaphor? How can this illustration be used with students to help them learn? On today's episode, fifth-grade teacher James Nottingham from the UK explains how he uses this example with his students, discusses misconceptions, and how explaining to students how the learning process works helps them grow and be more[...]
In this episode, we're diving deep into a crucial topic for every student but often overlooked in the curriculum: financial literacy. Brian Curcio joins us from Rapunzl, an organization dedicated to providing financial literacy resources for students and educators. If you've ever wondered how to prepare your students for the real-world challenges of budgeting, investing,[...]
As rapidly as notebook services are changing, it is so important that its worth the risk. Today, I'll share six apps for digital note-taking and my experiences with each of them. I'll also give you a peek at my first testing of Google NotebookLM. I'll also give you tips on creating a workflow that works[...]
Today we learn from an NBA player who admitted he was illiterate at age 32, learned to read, went back to college and eventually earned his master's degree. In this episode we dive into the extraordinary life of Dean Tolson, a man whose life changed from dribbling basketballs to championing education. At age 32, Dean[...]
In a world where the mental health of our youth is becoming an increasingly pressing concern, Dr. Brian Smith's podcast couldn't come at a more critical time. His enlightening discussion on 'The Recipe for Student Well-Being' offers a beacon of hope, laying out a clear, actionable plan for schools eager to make a positive impact[...]
In today’s show, Barbara Blackburn shares about the concept of rigor in education. We discuss how rigor is not about making things harder for students, but about setting high expectations and providing support to help students achieve those expectations. Barbara also explores specific examples of rigor in math, literature, writing, science, and history, emphasizing the[...]
In this episode, we tackle a topic that's often whispered in the hallways of schools everywhere with a mix of disdain and necessity: worksheets. I'll admit that I have often expressed my own dislike of worksheets, so much so that I rarely use them myself. Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e832 However, we can all take[...]
In this episode, Jesse Lubinsky, a former classroom teacher and education evangelist for Adobe, shares 10 awesome free ways that teachers can use Adobe Express in their classrooms. From using Animate from Audio to create animated reflections to using Text to Image to create generative AI art, Jesse provides practical tips and ideas for teachers[...]
Imagine standing at the doorway of possibility, where every greeting and every look holds the potential to uplift a child's spirit. This heartfelt episode is guided by the unwavering believe that every student deserves to be seen and heard – truly seen – in a world where we often rush past the small yet important[...]
The entrepreneurial spirit isn't confined to the world of business – it can thrive in every classroom, every day. It aligns seamlessly with dynamic project-based learning and captivates students through engaging classroom projects. In this episode, we're joined by Stephen Carter, author of 'Teaching the Entrepreneurial Mindset.' Stephen delves into the four pivotal aspects of[...]
If you want to know how to start an eSports program in your school. Or if you want to know why so many schools are getting eSports programs, this episode is a must-listen for you. Welcome to another episode of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast, where today we're diving into the game-changing world of scholastic[...]
ViAs we start this year, each of us is in different circumstances. I rebel against anyone with a "one size fits all" plan that works for everybody. Each of us has a different approach to life and planning. As I do my planning, I spend time learning from others. You can also plan your year[...]
"In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Jay Schroder, author of "Teach From Your Best Self, A Guide to Thriving in the Classroom." With this in mind, we dive into a critical yet often-neglected aspect of teaching—teacher well-being. Join us as we explore high-impact, low-effort teaching strategies crucial for bringing your best self to the[...]
Welcome to a treasure from my ISTE 2023 vault. This is a podcast for all education trailblazers seeking the cutting edge of professional growth. As a teacher committed to improving teaching and improving our professional development, I'm thrilled to share this conversation about how professional development can and is improving. Sponsor: Modern Classrooms Project will[...]
Welcome to today's episode, where I will bridge the gap between AI in my classroom and your ears! If you've been following my blog, you know I want to bring practical, innovative teaching strategies to life. But today, I'm doing things a bit differently on the show for an extended episode with me, your host,[...]
In this episode, we welcome Billy Krakower, a nationally recognized educator with 16 years of experience and a passion for bringing technology and creativity into the classroom. As a current STEM teacher in North New Jersey and a Google Certified Trainer, Billy focuses on implementing cutting-edge instructional design and co-authors "Connecting Your Students with the[...]
In today's episode, we're joined by Dr. Justin Reich, an associate professor at MIT and the author of 'Iterate: The Secret to Innovation in Schools.' We dive deep into teachers' crucial role in driving innovation and improvement in education. Suppose you've ever wondered how to bring meaningful change to your school or classroom. In that[...]
In today's show, I talk with Mark Sparvell about a tool that has become essential to my lesson planning and work in my AP Computer Science Principles course: Bing Chat Enterprise. If your school has Microsoft Office 365 A3 or A5 licenses, you can activate this feature. It's an amazing tool that saves time and[...]
Dr. Lydia Gonzalez, author of "Bad at Math: Dismantling Harmful Beliefs That Hinder Equitable Mathematics Education," talks about the societal norms that make it acceptable to be "bad at math" and how these beliefs can be detrimental to learning. Dr. Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of broadening our understanding of math and its relevance in everyday[...]
In today's episode, we sit down with Stephanie DeLussey, a dual-certified veteran special education teacher, IEP coach, and author of the upcoming book "The Intentional IEP." Stephanie shares her unique insights into the often daunting process of writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between parents and teachers, and offers practical[...]
In this uplifting episode, we're joined by Todd Nesloney, a seasoned educator and advocate for authentic leadership in schools. If you've ever questioned your worth or impact as an educator, this conversation is a must-listen. Todd delves into the transformative power of vulnerability, the importance of emotional intelligence, and why every single person in a[...]
Early exposure to technology can help children develop digital literacy skills. Around 70% of kindergartners can use educational apps on tablets or smartphones. But it stands to reason that we must help students know how to effectively use these tools so they do not hinder and that they help But do they know how to[...]
Project based learning can be enhanced using AI tools in this unique way that has students do comparative tasks as they compare their work and that done by ChatGPT. In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative world of project-based learning! Our special guest, Or-Tal Kiriati from Tel Aviv, Israel, shares her innovative[...]
Today we'll dive deep into the transformative power of data analytics for your classroom! Think data is just for statisticians or administrators? Think again! Today, we're joined by Victoria Setaro, an expert in making data analytics approachable and actionable for everyday teachers like you. We'll explore how you can harness the power of both 'cold'[...]
In this episode of the 10 Minute Teacher podcast, host Vicki Davis sits down with Lauren Lavelle to discuss the transformative educational approach known as Genius Hour. Recorded live at ISTE, the conversation delves into how Genius Hour has been revamped and integrated into the sixth-grade curriculum, offering students a full-year exploratory course that goes[...]
How are augmented reality and virtual reality merging with artificial intelligence? What does it mean for the classroom? In this show, AR/VR guru Rachelle Dené Poth delves deep into the transformative potential of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Fresh from her appearance on the ISTE mainstage, Rachell[...]
Pat Yongpradit from Code.org and TeachAI dives into the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations of harnessing future AI technologies. Join us as we navigate the intricate path towards innovation without losing sight of what makes us human with a candid conversations of our concerns and the importance of coming together to create policies that will[...]
What do you do when award-winning teachers tell you there is a way to save time? Mary Howard, author of Artificial Intelligence to Streamline Your Teacher Life: The ChatGPT Guide for Educators shares some quick tips to streamline teacher productivity with ChatGPT. Mary won ISTE's 2018 "Virtual Pioneer of the Year" and was a New[...]
Are you an educator troubled by the looming question of how AI will impact writing instruction? Look no further. As this experiment unfolds, you'll be interested in his findings' powerful implications on student creativity and expression. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to navigate the future of writing in a world where humans and[...]
Artificial intelligence is the top conversation among educators everywhere. It was truly a thrill for me, as a classroom teacher, for Lydia Smyers, the Vice President of US Education for Microsoft, to sit down with me at ISTE. As educators, we're at the forefront of this exciting (and scary) change with unprecedented learning opportunities (and[...]
As we continue with the series, '80 Days of AI and AI,' after a much-needed summer break, this interview with my student, William, marks a return to the learning journey. But this journey is not just for me and my students. This learning journey is ours as educators venturing into this rapidly changing area of[...]
Today, we spotlight Misa Sato, an award-winning assistant principal who recently earned the prestigious NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year title. Serving at Reagan High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Misa has made a profound impact through her dynamic approach to educational leadership. Under her guidance, the school has not only seen significant growth in its[...]
Today, I have a breaking news announcement from Microsoft at ISTE 2023. This was prerecorded for a simultaneous release with today's news so that all of you who are not at ISTE could get this news. It will also be released on my podcast and YouTube channel, although I have embedded the YouTube channel below[...]
What is Figjam? Figjam is a cool, flexible, fun, collaborative space for student projects, presentations, and collaborations. Today's guest, Tom Mullaney, shares how he uses Figjam with students and teachers; he explains why it is useful and gives tips and tricks that will engage students in the collaborative skills they need to be creative collaborators[...]
This podcast with Jennifer Seravallo is dedicated to helping reading teachers improve their teaching methods by providing practical tips and in-depth insights into differentiated reading strategies. If you're a reading teacher looking for ways to make your teaching more effective, you're in the right place. We know that every student is unique and has their[...]
This podcast with Andrea Gribble will help school administrators and principals create a school social media strategy to drive engagement, build community, and enhance their organization's online presence. Schools and districts are leveraging the power of social media social more and more because it engages them with parents, students, and the larger community. But with[...]
Today, we share a must-listen podcast for educators who want to help their students succeed financially. With April being financial literacy month, there's no better time to tune in and learn how to integrate financial literacy into your curriculum. This show's guest is financial literacy expert Brian Page. This podcast provides practical tips and strategies[...]
The conversation is about Artificial Intelligence. Is it helpful? Should it be welcomed in schools? Should it be blocked? Today's three guests are expert authors of the newly released The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education. We need to get practical, past the hype, and work to do that in this[...]
Using your smartphone, you can now scan a human. In this episode of the 10 Minute Teacher podcast, I speak with AR expert Jaime Donally about practical ways to use augmented reality in the classroom. Jaime shares 12 top tips and resources for engaging learning with immersive tech, including 3D scanning, 3D printing, and more.[...]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic in schools around the country. As I kick off Season 12 of the 10 Minute Teacher (after a much-needed break), I'm sharing 21 uses of AI tools, 4 conversation starters (including eight concerns of negative uses of AI), and a lesson plan I used to teach AI. My[...]
Mastery learning (also called competency-based learning) is being used in some classes and schools. Jon Bergmann, author of the Mastery Learning Handbook talks about how he uses mastery learning in his chemistry and physics classrooms. He discusses common mistakes when teachers implement mastery learning as well as the types of classes that work well with[...]
George Couros says we need to stop trying to get back to 2019 and to create something new and better for every child. From trust to micromanagement to the importance of relationships, this motivational podcast will encourage teachers and administrators to move forward in hope. George gives some great advice here! Transcript and Links to[...]
Jessica Adams, a teacher popular for sharing #TuesdayTechTips shares her journey of creating a personal website and her journey to create a personal brand. We discuss what website she used, how she picked her name, her colors, her logo, and fonts and her journey. With the holidays coming up, now is a great time for[...]
Properly evaluating education technology comes down to pedagogy and instructional design, asserts Dr. Liz Kolb, creator of the Triple E Framework. What is the Triple E Framework and how is it being used (and misused) in education today? How are people using it to evaluate the use of educational technology and how should it impact[...]
Young children have many different ability levels with math concepts. Understandably, kindergarten and elementary teachers need to reach every student where they are on their learning journey, but it isn't always easy. Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson, an expert on the topic, gives an overview of how to differentiate math instruction with younger students. See notes[...]
Today's guest, Chris Chappotin, shares how he uses Notion to organize himself. He talks about how to get started and why people use it. This is a quick seven-minute overview podcast and I've also included many resources to get started with Notion on the blog post. Sponsor - Free Educator Wellness Toolkit:Educator wellness is now[...]
Reading instruction can be challenging when a teacher has many different ability levels in her classroom. Furthermore, kindergarten and elementary grades are fundamental. Reading expert, Laura Robb breaks down excellent reading instruction from kindergarten through fifth grade. Dr. Robb has written more than 25 books on reading but also takes 3-4 months each school year[...]
Artificial intelligence (AI) experiments can open up discussion of the human aspect of training algorithms and help them improve. In this podcast episode, Roberta Freitas shares AI Experiments that any teacher can use with students. Additionally, we discuss the morals and ethics of Artificial intelligence and the responsibility of users to report issues of bias[...]
Graphic Design helps us present in more interesting ways, teach better, and communicate better. Not only do educators need to understand effective graphic design, we need to teach it. Sadie Lewis helps educators understand and teach graphic design in this quick, helpful show full of graphic design resources for educators. Make sure to scroll down[...]
Where will edtech go in the future? How do we evaluate what to keep doing and what to change? What are the biggest mistakes with edtech that are causing undue technostress on teachers? Al Kingsley tackles these questions and more on this episode. Show Notes, Transcript & Resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e788/ Sponsor: Educator wellness is now more[...]
My goal is to read books for an hour each night. In this episode, I wanted to share some of the books that have me thinking this summer. It is a wide assortment of books that I've linked to at the bottom of the show. From technology to interpersonal skills to ponderings from history, sometimes[...]
Self-care is a word thrown around a lot these days in education. In the real world of teaching, answers aren't always easy. In fact, as I release this episode, "self-care" is the reason I did not go to #ISTELive that is this week. I need to focus on my health. So, it is fitting that[...]
Today, Million+ follower, TikTok teacher, and creator of #TeacherTipTuesday, Megan Mayer, shares her thoughts about TikTok, how to prevent profanity on TikTok and why it is a valuable tool for teachers. Megan talks openly about what she’s learned about her videos that have gone viral, how to pick hashtags, and secrets for making videos that[...]
Can we have joy in schools? How about on social media? With so many difficulties, it seems beyond impossible sometimes to find joy but it can be done. Today, Dean Shareski, the author of Embracing a Culture of Joy brings his perspective to the challenges of modern living and learning. While his message has been[...]
The end of the school year can be so exciting and give us ideas for great teaching. Jillian DuBois talks about her end of the school year and from the conversation we have twelve inspiring ideas for classrooms everywhere including: how to use the element of surprise in learning vocabulary building ideas watching bald eagles[...]
Awesome teachers connect with their students. KeKe Powell teaches second grade and has lots of ideas for ending the year and also just connecting with kids. She also shares some of her story of deciding to share what she does with a wider audience as she is becoming an education influencer. If you’re considering if[...]
School leadership is more challenging than ever. Assistant superintendent Chris Chappotin shares ideas for making yourself available, the importance of taking things off teachers' plates (and not adding to them), and questions you can ask when encouraging leaders. Practical, encouraging ideas are shared throughout this show for principals, administrators, and anyone working to encourage school[...]
Did you know you can use a live translator app in PTA meetings, parent teacher conferences, and presentations -- that actually works? Did you know there is a tool that will translate your parent newsletters? How about one that parents can use to translate homework so they can help their children? Well, all of these[...]
Years ago when I discussed strategy with a Disney Cruise leader, they told me that people tend to remember how an experience starts and how it ends. Therefore, they designed events with intentionality, particularly on the first day and the last night. So, I adopted this approach in my own classroom and so has today's[...]
Nicole Biscotti had children, and she was a teacher. She thought she understood everything about children. That was until her fourth son, Jason, was born. As Jason grew, Nicole knew he was different. Nicole shares how eventually she discovered Jason had ADHD and how she changed her high school classroom to reach all of the[...]
World language teachers can have challenges with teaching students. Particularly when many want to use technology translators instead of learning the language. However, Rachelle Dene Poth has experience engaging and exciting students in her Spanish classroom From building relationships to using technology, she shares how Spanish teachers can engage students in learning. She uses augmented[...]
As teachers, we have many ways to open class. Bell ringers, conversation starters, and even special handshakes can open class. But what if the answer is a question that helps create social connections? Dr. Leigh Zeitz from the University of Northern Iowa surveys his students. The result has helped him (and us) better engage students.[...]
The best Instructional Technology Coaches are partners, culture leaders, encouragers, and easy to work with, says Dr. Katie Ritter. She covers ten essential points for being a successful education technology coach based on her research and her personal coaching of instructional technology coaches and teachers. This blog post includes a full transcript, a pinnable (or[...]
Surprise can increase learning and change the lives of our students in positive ways. Today’s guest researcher, Dr. Michael Rousell, studies the neuroscience of surprise and has some interesting points for educators and presenters. The Johns Hopkins’ article, The Element of Surprise Helps Babies Learn Significantly Better, points to a phenomenon that impacts all ages.[...]
Classroom culture defines your classroom. You can feel a classroom culture, but what is a classroom culture? How do you build a positive classroom culture? In this show, Andrew Sharos, author of Finding Lifelifes: A Practical Tale about Teacher and Mentors, shares how to create a thriving classroom culture. He also talks about creating positive[...]
You can have the first day back to school activities any day of the year. We all need classroom management tips and first-day back stations are one of those you can use any time of the year. Right now, this is more important than ever as classrooms return from quarantine, teachers handoff substitute teachers, students[...]
The harsh reality of classroom life is that students and teachers both report lower motivation and morale right now. We must reengage students! Games can help us! SEL games can help you teach social-emotional learning skills and life skills. Today’s expert, Dr. Matthew Farber, gives us an interesting twist on games by integrating them with[...]
How do we accelerate learning? The US Department of Education Roadmap for Reopening Safely says that "accelerated learning provides opportunities for students to learn at grade level rather than through tracking or remediation….” Simply put, acceleration “builds on what students know as a way to access new learning.” (Roadmap p 18) Sponsor: Advancement Courses Thank[...]
Reading stamina matters. Prior to the pandemic, nearly two-thirds of students in the US were not at or above grade reading level for grade 4,8, and 12 (NAEP). If that isn't bad enough, UNESCO found that more than half of children and adolescents were not even learning worldwide. Furthermore, in September 2020, UNICEF reported that[...]
Acceleration research can teach us how to accelerate learning. Dr. Douglas Fisher, co-author of the best-selling book Rebound, Grades K-12: A Playbook for Rebuilding Agency, Accelerating Learning Recovery, and Rethinking Schools. Instead of learning loss, Dr. Fisher is advocating how we can accelerate learning. He reflects on what we have learned and how we can[...]
"Really, we have to write?" say some students. No more! If you're working to engage your student in writing that is engaging and exciting, Dr. Sarah Levine from Stanford University has some practical ideas for you and your students. In this episode, you'll learn ways to engage students in writing using digital media. You'll also[...]
Digital portfolios are an essential part of the modern student's creation process. In this show Tisha Poncio shares her tips on digital portfolios and classroom teaching. Learn how to plan ahead to allow for project based learning and digital portfolios and best practices for implementing them in the classroom. Transcript posted on the show page:[...]
Thomas Arnett from the Christensen Institute Shares What the Insitute has learned from administrators and teachers about best practices for teaching during the pandemic. https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e765 Sponsor: Screencastify. This year, I introduced the free screencasting tool, Screencastify, the first week of school to all of my students so they could record screencasts. Screencastify isn’t just a screen[...]
These are challenging times, but what if you're trying to find some normalcy amidst the challenges? Today's guest, Michelle Blanchet, co-author of the Startup Teacher Playbook talks about a method she teaches teachers to help determine the specific issues of concern so that improvements can be made and the teacher can have a sense of[...]
Tiffany Wycoff, the co-author of the bestselling book, Blended Learning in Action, talks about the state of blended learning today. She shares how some teachers are battling blended learning burnout but that it is necessary for learning today and how we move forward. https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e763 Sponsor: Screencastify. This year, I introduced the free screencasting tool, Screencastify,[...]
Dr. Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and lead developer of RULER, a systemic, evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning reflects on where students are now and how to reach them. This Social Emotional Learning (SEL) focused episode is relevant for Fall 2021 as students and teachers return to[...]
Financial literacy is a must-teach topic for students, a topic Kailen Stover has been teaching for years. In this show, she shares what every student needs to know and how to teach them. Money matters. Let's talk about how. https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e761 Sponsor: Everfi sponsored this episode. If you need standards-aligned, digital resources to teach real-world topics[...]
Some awesome changes have happened with Google Apps over summer 2021. In today's show, Eric Curts talks about Google Classroom, Google Docs, and other Google apps and what has happened that is new and cool and how these changes will help classrooms improve this school year. https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e760 Sponsor: Today's podcast is sponsored by Google and[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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.[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
One of the most popular shows of 2018 was with Tom Mullaney on Google Jamboard so we've updated it for 2021! In this show, Tom shows us how teachers are using Google Jamboard, why it is so popular, and how you can use it to teach. Let's Jam! Sponsor: It’s a new year and time[...]
School counselors and teachers are working to creatively and authentically connect with students in both face to face, distance, and hybrid environments. Even in face to face, we're still at a distance. School counselor Emma Tagariello is working to connect with her students using virtual bulletin boards and other technologies. In today's show, she's sharing[...]
Sometimes our own beliefs can limit our ability in the classroom - these are called self-limiting beliefs. Today's guest, Dr. Brandon Beck, helps us learn how to face our self-limiting beliefs, appreciate the positive things we have done, and move forward to a brighter future. www.coolcatteacher.com/e714 Sponsor: Educaplay is inviting all educators to try their[...]
Many of us are learning to traverse between online and in-person learning environments. Our guest Aaron Johnson, author of Online Teaching with Zoom, shares with us how to better engage students through Zoom, so we can all teach effectively at a distance. www.coolcatteacher.com/e713 Sponsor: GoGuardian The State of Engagement Report 2020 has valuable classroom research[...]
Our focus on the frontlines of education is to keep students engaged. We can never get enough ideas on how to help our students stay excited, engaged, and learning. Our guest today Mariana Aguilar is going to share with us four key factors for student engagement that she has come across in her research. www.coolcatteacher.com/e712[...]
David "Creative Dave" Dubczak is a middle school teacher who sparks creativity. In today's show, he defines creativity and the two kinds of creative thinking to understand: divergent and convergent thinking. Then, he gives us three ways to activate "Genius Mode" and spark creativity in our students along with examples of what he's doing in[...]
With 2020 and everything going on, there are countless reasons why being kind is important right now, both in and out of the classroom. In this episode, I sit down with fellow kindness advocate Houston Kraft, public speaker, curriculum developer, and co-founder of CharacterStrong. Houston will talk with us about the value of kindness, 5[...]
Teaching online is challenging for many teachers. In this show, we talk about best practices to re-engage students, the common mistakes districts are making, and teachers' importance right now. You'll find this show encouraging, challenging, and relevant to right now - and you'll get some new ideas! www.coolcatteacher.com/e709 Sponsor: Hāpara Google Classroom is great, but as[...]
Today, I'm giving you another peek into my classroom, this time, to share tips for getting the most out of your Google Classroom. In this episode, you'll hear 15 better practices when using Google Classroom, from habits to technical tools. The full transcript is available on the show's blog post at: www.coolcatteacher.com/e708 Sponsor - Hāpara[...]
We've updated the popular show from the spring with current research in October 2020 with Dr. Eric Rossen, the Director of professional development and standards for the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) which has created a recent COVID19 Resource Center. In today's show, Dr. Rossen helps us understand how we can help children wherever[...]
In this episode, I give you a peek into my classroom. I take a topic that isn't super simple -- databases -- and show how I teach it with 2 simple projects, some game based learning, concrete examples, and how my students all master the topic in five days. While you might not be interested[...]
Rachelle Dene Poth shares 9 of her favorite EdTech ideas that you can easily use now, no matter what your classroom environment requirements are. Teachers are looking for easy and helpful resources, and right now with so much going on searching for the best solutions can be overwhelming, and Rachelle is a great resource to[...]
Erica Boomsma is in South Dakota where they have been teaching in face to face school for the last four weeks. She talks about the fears she had in going back, the protocols they are using and the positive experiences they are having amidst the masks and shields. Face to face school may be a[...]
Megan Padden-Shin has successfully built a tutoring and teaching company during the past two years. She talks about the challenges of building her business and how she's now arrived at a place where she's making more money than she did as a teacher in a traditional school. She talks about what her day looks like,[...]
Dr. Matthew Rhoads is teaching at a distance and coaching other teachers to improve their teaching as well. Based in San Diego, Dr. Rhoads talks about how to integrate instructional strategies, have a teacher toolbox, how to show teachers technology, using Google Jamboard to brainstorm, how to observe and model online teaching for teachers. Additionally,[...]
Dr. Brianna Kurtz, classroom teacher and researcher, studied "global practices in returning to formal schooling after interruptions in education due to natural disasters." She studied students displaced after Hurricane Maria and what helped them resume schooling successfully. Today, she shares what we can learn from her research as well as some emerging research on best[...]
Today's 700th-anniversary message is a gift to teachers, educators, and parents everywhere. This show is a lifeline for those who need an anchor of purpose. Teachers have been confiding in Vicki that in such a turbulent time as this, many of them feel like they're careening along in a raft, in level five waters, with[...]
Sean Thompson, author of Creativity is Everything, talks about his first day back at school and how he is bringing creativity, physical and emotional wellbeing to his students. He also shares free courses you can use with your students and ways you can bring creativity into your classroom now. Sponsor: Wipebook Flipchart Wipebook is an excellent[...]
Feedback is important. But how do teachers give it frequently and in ways that help students learn? How can teachers have time and get this done with all that is going on this Fall 2020? Today, Matthew Johnson, author of Flash Feedback, shares his advice to help get close to kids through feedback and connections[...]
As you adapt lesson plans for distance learning, ecology offers great opportunities for backyard learning and learning at a distance. Today, Sara Owen talks about stream walks and outdoor classroom opportunities and how she uses the outdoors to teach. www.coolcatteacher.com/e697 Sponsor: Wipebook Flipchart Wipebook is an excellent solution for educators, no matter where you’re teaching.[...]
Writing has a powerful place in our classrooms right now. Dr. Elyse Eidman-Aadahl talks about the types of writing, research about writing, and how we can teach writing in the unique spaces and places we find ourself this Fall 2020 in schools everywhere. No matter your teaching situation, you'll find some ways that you can[...]
Kristina Holzweiss shares plain and simple terms some of the most timesaving, enriching online resources available to teachers today. www.coolcatteacher.com/e695 Sponsor: Wipebook Flipchart Wipebook is an excellent solution for educators, no matter where you’re teaching. Check out Wipebook Flipchart at www.wipebook.com/coolcatteacher. These flipcharts make it SO easy to snap a picture and upload it to your[...]
Believe it or not, gaming is gaining popularity in schools, not just as a pastime, but as part of curriculum. Dr. Kristy Custer is one of the pioneers of the video gaming movement in schools. Now is a great time to investigate esports as an extra-curricular activity that students can enjoy and remain at a[...]
Hello teachers, you are not alone! Shannon Reed knows all about the importance of setting boundaries and self-care and gives you encouragement to survive and thrive this fall. Let's work hard and teach well - our students need us. And as my husband told me just last weekend, "if you don't take care of yourself,[...]
We don't know what the future holds but we know there are things we can do to help children cope with anxiety. We also know there are things we can do to be prepared for distance learning. Joseph Hamer, a second-grade teacher from Wichita Kansas, and author of Brain Awakes joins Vicki to discuss how[...]
Doug Fisher has some great ideas about how to schedule break-out rooms, practice time, and other hard-to-manage areas of distance learning. www.coolcatteacher.com/e691 Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Advancement Courses. Advancement Courses is a leader in online professional development, with over 280 courses in 20 different subjects, including topics like online instruction, social-emotional learning, and diversity, equity and inclusion.[...]
You may be worried that the youngest kids can't learn at a distance, but Dr. Nancy Frey, co-author of the Distance Learning Playbook comes alongside us to help us understand how it can be done. From successful online meetings to screentime and essential things to include, Nancy encourages us to do what seems impossible. She[...]
As we prepare to learn this fall, we need to consider some teaching best practices. In this episode we cover quite a few topics: What the fall will look like (we think) How to plan for instruction How to differentiate online instruction Blended learning best practices How to support parents Using community resources to support[...]
Educator Morgan Green is an idea machine. Here she gives us the ways she's working to improve her classroom this fall. www.coolcatteacher.com/e688 Sponsor: Welcome TGR Foundation and Discovery Education as a sponsor to my podcast. For nearly 25 years, the TGR Foundation, a Tiger Woods Charity, visualized a world where opportunity is universal and potential[...]
Blended learning and distance learning will be different this fall. Dig into flipping your classroom and how it looks when you teach effectively in an online classroom. How do you use video effectively? www.coolcatteacher.com/e687 Kate Baker - Bio as Submitted Kate Baker, M.Ed and MAIT, is the Senior Community Engagement Manager at Edmodo, a former[...]
Today, the topic of racism has brought about discussions of not only organizational reform but also reform in our personal perceptions. Today, Dr. Andrea Dozier and I will talk about hope in the midst of understanding. We approach this topic with humility and sincerity and I hope as you listen to our perspectives of being[...]
We can help children improve their math skills. Dr. Carrie Cutler is author of "Math-Positive Mindsets: Growing a Child's Mind without Losing Yours." She shares tips to help parents and teachers help children improve at math. Additionally, she shares some things that hinder math learning and things we shouldn't be saying to kids. Let's help[...]
Artificial Intelligence sounds fantastic and far off, but it underlies so many things we do today. Today I talk with Jason Thacker, author of The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity about AI and ethics. He tries to explain what it is, what it does, and why we should be concerned[...]
Tyler Daniel Tarver shares some surprising new ways to use Youtube in education. Now YouTube in the class can be a good thing! www.coolcatteacher.com/e683 Sponsor: Welcome TGR Foundation and Discovery Education as a sponsor to my podcast. For nearly 25 years, the TGR Foundation, a Tiger Woods Charity, visualized a world where opportunity is universal[...]
Eric Curts shares how we can use docs, sheets, drawings, and slides with creative classroom projects. Eric is author of the new book Control Alt Achieve: Rebooting Your Classroom with Creative Google Projects and we give an overview of what you can do with Google tools. www.coolcatteacher.com/e682 Sponsor: Welcome TGR Foundation and Discovery Education as[...]
Don Goble created a passion project for him and his students during distance learning. He tells the story of how he brought leading media experts from around the country into his classroom during the time students were staying home during the pandemic. www.coolcatteacher.com/e681 Sponsor: Welcome TGR Foundation and Discovery Education as a sponsor to my[...]
The mathematics curriculum of today was created before computers. Conrad Wolfram has written a book, The Math(s) Fix and how AI can be part of this process of learning new math. He says we're "making humans into third rate calculators instead of helping humans be problem solvers." He also argues that math should be approachable[...]
Jonathan Alsheimer is a high energy teacher who, admittedly says he isn't so great with technology. He also teaches in a school with kids who don't have access to a lot of technology. He shares how he has leveled up his learning and looks back at what he did over the last eight weeks. He[...]
Rae Hughart gives fantastic ideas for tracking student learning mastery. She shares how she has applied these techniques as she has taught sixth grade math to 150 students at a distance. She also gives ideas for how to level up this summer to improve things for the fall. www.coolcatteacher.com/e678 Rae Hughart - Bio as Submitted[...]
Assessment expert Dr. Thomas Guskey reflects on the positives and negatives of assessments during distance learning. He also gives advice about how he thinks schools can improve their assessments this fall to focus on learning. www.coolcatteacher.com/e677 Dr. Thomas Guskey - Bio as Submitted Thomas Guskey is a Professor of Educational Psychology in the College of[...]
Leadership in this season is difficult. Dr. Joe Sanfelippo talks about partnering with parents, the message he's sending to his community, and how we move forward from this challenging time towards the fall. Note from Vicki: The focus of this episode is specifically pandemic related as it was recorded two weeks ago. Other episodes relating[...]
Summer 2020 will need to be one of healing and rest but it is also a summer where we need to learn and level up. ln today's show, Danielle Strohmeyer talks about seven things to consider as we design a personal learning plan this summer. We've also included links to the courses from advancement courses.[...]
Working at home changes us. It has certainly changed me as has the time away from the physical presence of my students and colleagues. Despite that some teachers and administrators say they are working less - I'm working much more. So, my method of working has had to change as well. Here are the 8[...]
Like it or not, blended learning is here to stay. Today, virtual trainer and Class Tech Tips guru Monica Burns talks about what we need to be learning over the summer so we can be healthier and more successful in the fall no matter what we face. www.coolcatteacher.com/e673 Sponsor: This Fall season is going to[...]
Teacher Bruce Reicher shares two of his favorite distance learning tools - Wakelet and Wevideo. He talks about how he uses them with students and teachers for classroom learning and teacher PD. Take a look at Wakelet for organizing files and WeVideo for editing and screencasts. www.coolcatteacher.com/e672 Sponsor: This Fall season is going to be[...]
Google Classroom has been the tool of choice for many schools. Did you know that you need to "close out" the school year to set yourself up for success in the fall? In this episode, Kasey and I discuss how to effectively close out the school year. Check the blog post for more links to[...]
Are your gradebooks like Swiss Cheese? Are there kids who are just missing? Today, Mary Howard, sixth grade science teacher in New York, talks about how we can engage kids in distance learning. These are not easy times to teach but they are important times to teach. I'm here with you as you work to[...]
Today Joseph Fatheree, award-winning teacher and thought-leader talks about the conversations administrators, policymakers, and teachers are having about what "the Fall" looks like in K12 education. There are so many scenarios that could be possible but Joseph shares his thoughts. I hope you'll share your thoughts on Twitter as we talk about this. www.coolcatteacher.com/e669 Sponsor:[...]
We can tackle sustainability issues by empowering students. I would also think that this could apply to helping students be part of the solution for health in their communities and schools. Let's face it, if we're going to solve hard problems, we need lots of minds, hands, and feet involved in moving towards the solution.[...]
During distance learning, some teachers have found a new way to engage students -- Boom Cards. Mary Howard is one of those teachers. She says it excites her sixth grade students in New York and gives us the low-down on why Boom Cards are so exciting and how she uses them for assessment and learning.[...]
New Hampshire State Teacher of the Year 2020, Kim Piper, works within the prison population of the state. She shares what she has learned from her time working with some amazing students in the prison system and compares it to what she learned as a middle school teacher as well. What she's discovered can help[...]
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math comprise STEAM learning. However, there is more to a true STEM mindset than just the content. Today Tim Needles talks about five elements that comprise an effective STEAM mindset to help us bring these topics into our classrooms as we teach and learn together. coolcatteacher.com/e665 Sponsor: In today’s challenging[...]
Have you ever wondered why kids never stop moving? Suzanne Cresswell shares the neuroscience behind student's need for movement. coolcatteacher.com/e664 Sponsor: In today’s challenging times, we know how critical it is to make sure kids are equipped with social and emotional learning skills to cope with the world around them. That's why I’m excited to[...]
In these times, part of being a teacher is to have meaningful online projects with engagement. PBL can create memorable learning with projects, and Lauren Harris uses projects to teach math. www.coolcatteacher.com/e663 Sponsor: In today’s challenging times, we know how critical it is to make sure kids are equipped with social and emotional learning skills[...]
Students, parents, and teachers have social emotional learning skills that are needed in today's climate. Dr. Amy Cranston helps us understand how we can help our children (and families and schools) make it through this difficult time. www.coolcatteacher.com/e662 Sponsor: In today’s challenging times, we know how critical it is to make sure kids are equipped[...]
The current education climate has created unique social-emotional challenges for students, parents, and teachers alike. Today, Dr. Amy Cranston helps us understand how to create effective social-emotional learning environments online. As we move forward and plan, we need to make sure that the environments we create for learning help children thrive educationally and emotionally. Here's[...]
This past year, I turned 50, lost 50 pounds, and ran a half marathon. So much has happened recently. Challenges, ups and downs, and joys. We all have them and so do I. However, the discipline to lose the weight and to run 19.3 miles in 2 days has prepared me for this time in[...]
Schools spend time, resources, and focus on security. Now, that security is moving online. What was once relegated to the IT department is now everybody's business. In today's show, I share four security issues that are on my mind. First, video conferencing security. Second, encouraging parents to conduct a security audit in the content management[...]
Today I share the tool kit and tips that have helped streamline distance learning at my school. Check out the shownotes for the list of tools and links. www.coolcatteacher.com/e658 Sponsor:See 10 Professional Development Courses to Improve Your Online Classroom which I shared recently on my blog. I share 10 important concepts we need to level up as[...]
As students learn from home, pundits and parents alike ask "is this really learning?" Yet, in every circumstance, students (and teachers) are learning something. What is it? www.coolcattecher.com/e657 Sponsor: See 10 Professional Development Courses to Improve Your Online Classroom which I shared recently on my blog. I share 10 important concepts we need to level[...]
On a Friday, we had school in our physical building. By Monday, we had more students in our online school that we had on the previous Friday. In this episode, 10 Minute Teacher host, Vicki Davis, talks to production editor Vicki Morgan about the story at her school as the students began distance learning due[...]
High school junior Jameson Cohen was looking forward to Spring Baseball Season. When he found out he’d be spending it at home, he turned it into a season of giving back. Not only was he able to feed and connect with people in need, he created a special organization called “Circle of Friends” -- designed[...]
Research says that when students are engaged in service-learning, their immune system, heart rate and sense of well-being improves dramatically. Children are happiest when they feel a sense of purpose. Here are ten tips to help kids experience these positive benefits -- even while stuck at home. www.coolcatteacher.com/e654 Disclosure: Note that today's guest is an[...]
Students can sense and even internalize the emotions their teachers are feeling, especially stress, depression and worry. Not only do we need to help kids stay physically healthy, we need to help them stay emotionally healthy. SEL expert Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl unpacks the concepts of stress contagion, the importance of routines, co-rumination and other SEL[...]
Social-emotional learning is a vital part of health and wellness. Today's guest has some free word of the day SEL workouts for students. As students stay home, learn some ideas to help students be healthier at home during this time with some videos you can share with the students. www.coolcatteacher.com/e652 Show Sponsor: Advancement Courses has[...]
Math can be taught online. In today's show, Noelle Pickering shares free ideas for teaching middle school math online. These ideas will help you teach math no matter where you or your students are online. www.coolcatteacher.com/e651 Show Sponsor: Advancement Courses has a free micro-course - Launching Online Learning. Register for this free micro-course. Now is[...]
How do teachers share information quickly as they have had to move to distance learning amid coronavirus school closures? Brad Currie shares how teachers are sharing #remotelearning best practices as well as what is happening with him and his school in New Jersey. www.coolcatteacher.com/e650 Show Sponsor: Advancement Courses has a free micro-course - Launching Online[...]
Montana State Teacher of the Year, Dylan Huisken talks about online distance education learning. He shares how he is connecting with students during the Coronavirus crisis as students and teachers stay home and work to connect for learning in Montana. www.coolcatteacher.com/e649 Sponsor: Advancement Courses has a free micro-course - Launching Online Learning. Register here for[...]
What is happening at the US policy level with the coronavirus health crisis? Today, US policy influencer Tom Murray, shares what he's seeing from the national level and the conversations that are happening as policymakers wrestle with the issues that concern us all. www.coolcatteacher.com/e647 Sponsor: Advancement Courses has a free micro-course – Launching Online Learning. Register for this[...]
Students experiencing the coronavirus crisis are experiencing trauma. So are teachers and parents. In today's show, learn the ten principles (and a bonus) to help us encourage and help others as we work through this crisis together. This is an important listen for those struggling to figure out how to help kids. Advancement Courses is[...]
How I teach students to be effective learners in an online classroom. This episode is an audio version of my presentation to students about how to be effective learners in an online classroom. Check out the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-o4BE6Gkhw&t=3s www.coolcatteacher.com/e645
Some teachers (and students) don't have a choice. Because they have no internet connection, school closures mean "paper packets." Three weeks of them. Today's teacher recorded this episode the day she spent at school making three weeks of paper packets and how she struggled to bring excellent teaching home to her students even when technology[...]
As schools are working to blend teaching or go completely online, what about science? Isn't science supposed to be totally hands-on? In today's session, we interview an instructional technology coach and the executive producer of Science Around Cincy, a web series that features the scientists and engineers in the Cincinnati area. He reflects on how[...]
As we struggle with the coronavirus COVID-19 health crisis, many of us educators are figuring out how to prepare to teach online. Blended learning (having a face to face and an online classroom) is best. We have one more reason-- when you already have an online space for your classroom, it is a smaller step[...]
Dr. Mark French is a principal who is redefining the role. Not only is his book he co-authored "Principals in Action: Redefining the Role" but he lives it every day on the playground, in the lunchroom, and everywhere around his campus. Today he talks about how he starts strong on Mondays inspiring and encouraging his[...]
Is your classroom out of control? Are you struggling to teach but student behavior is getting in the way? Today, classroom management expert, Linda Kardamis gives us a place to start. www.coolcatteacher.com/e640 Today's Sponsor - Free Classroom Management Webinar: On Monday, March 16 at 8 pm learn from classroom management expert Linda Kardamis how to[...]
You can solve problems by going Upstream. Dan Heath, the author of the new book Upstream, talks about the principles the Chicago Public School system used to go from a 52% graduation rate to one close to 80% in just a few years. Some of the same principles were used in Rockford, Illinois to be[...]
Robert Kalman's middle schoolers are designing in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). In this episode, Robert gives us his insights and tips into the best tools and tips in AR and VR today. From Google Tour Creator, CoSpaces, Merge Cube (with Tinkercad) and Panaform - Robert will share simple tools you can start[...]
If you're using the Google Suite for Education, Google App Scripts can save you time. Alice Keeler talks about how she programs Google App scripts, some add ons she's made, and some you can use to help improve what you're doing in your classroom! www.coolcatteacher.com/e637 Today's Sponsor: On Monday, March 16 at 8 pm learn[...]
As the Coronavirus spreads, so does the news about it. Some stories are accurate. Some stories are not. And some stories are full of half-truths. All designed to get people to read and for the clicks to come. Today's guest, Darren Hudgins is co-author of Fact VS Fiction: Teaching Critical Thinking In The Age of[...]
Some districts and schools use test scores to hold teachers "accountable." But what if this practice is hurting the very kids it is trying to help. Teacher and columnist Jody Stallings shares what he uncovered when he looked at this practice and why using test scores to evaluate teachers is a very bad idea. www.coolcatteacher.com/e635[...]
Heather Wolpert-Gawron surveyed over two thousand students from every US state and type of school to find out what engages them in learning. She discovered some surprising trends that will impact how we teach teachers to teach and how we look at a school altogether. Variety may not only be the spice of life but[...]
Creating the culture in your classroom can help you be a better and happier teacher and can help your students learn better and be happier too. Today's guest, Elisabeth Bostwick takes us into her classroom to share how she creates a luminous learning environment where learners are empowered by authentic learning that unleashes their potential.[...]
Edtech coaching can be improved with "walkarounds" and interaction between edtech coaches and teachers. Adam Juarez talks about organic edtech coaching and how to cultivate those relationships. www.coolcatteacher.com/e632 Adam Juarez - Bio as Submitted Adam Juarez is a 6-12 Technology Integration Coach for Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District. He leads teachers in implementing technology into[...]
Take risks in education to build relationships, have difficult conversations, and make progress. Kristen Nan, a third-grade teacher, co-authored a book with her assistant superintendent. It was a risk, for sure, but Kristen talks about the risks she is and has taken in her classroom and how it has improved learning for everyone. Get inspired[...]
How do you build staff morale? Brad Shreffler has five ideas to help us as you work to build bridges of trust and relationship with your colleagues at school. Enjoy coming to school because you love working with your colleagues. www.coolcatteacher.com/e630 Today’s sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19[...]
As part of #LoveTeaching week, I recorded some thoughts on why I love teaching. But I also have to share some of my heart about teaching, our future, and all of the amazing things our profession does for the future. Please share your story for #LoveTeaching week too! www.coolcatteacher.com/e629 Vicki Davis - Host Vicki Davis[...]
In this heartwarming episode, Christie shares one of the stories of how she knows she is making a difference. She also shares encouragement for the days when teachers fall short. For 21 years, Christie Thompson has loved teaching. She's a guidance counselor and teacher of the year for her school this year in Texas. As[...]
Leah Juelke, 2018 North Dakota State Teacher of the Year, works with EL English and Speech in Fargo, North Dakota. She has helped children under her care tell their stories and have a voice for their experiences. Recently, some of her students help shape state policy towards refugees by telling their stories. Hear the brave,[...]
We can get out of education, but the kids can't. Today's students need educators who love them and who love teaching. Zest Simmons, award-winning AP Teacher and Alabama State Teacher of the Year 2019 tells the story of how she ignites learning and loves students in her classroom. We can reach every child. Zest talks[...]
Love Teaching Week Begins Today! February 14 is the beginning of #LoveTeaching week. Each day there are challenges and prompts so check Twitter and We Love Teaching.org (https://www.weloveteaching.org/) for how you can participate. Today we start as Stacey McAdoo, Arkansas State Teacher of the Year 2019, tells her story of why she loves teaching! Get[...]
How do you get started with project-based learning (PBL) and Makerspaces? Nicholas Provenzano, the author of the book, Beyond the Poster Board, gives us four tips to get started with effective PBL and Makerspace use in your school and classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e624 Today’s sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19[...]
Each year, many educators select a word or two for the year. Kindergarten teacher Alana Stanton, shares her words, "Grace" and "trust" and how she applies them to her classroom, student and parent relationships, and her teaching practice every day. Get inspired to do and be more and to live life with trust and grace[...]
Nikolaos Chatzopoulos shares four trends that are shaping how his schools teach with technology. From coding to robotics and augmented reality and his favorite (which he saved for last), learn how a leading-edge K-8 program is using technology to teach all students the skills and thinking capacities they need to be successful in the modern[...]
You can blend old fashioned relationships with modern edtech if you know how. Teacher Dustin Harnish proves it. Dustin Harnish teaches seventh-grade social studies with Spheros, 3d printing, and engaging activities. But he uses far more than technology to engage students. Listen all the way to the end to learn how he ends his school[...]
Parents can encourage math success just like reading success. Today, Jon Orr helps parents through five things they can do to help their child become more successful at math. These can be applied from very young children to older students. Math is something everyone can do but we must be patient and help people have[...]
Sharing and reflecting make us better educators. Today the founder of #pln365 gives us a transparent look into his journey and encourages us to take one of our own. www.coolcatteacher.com/e619 Paul O'Neill - Bio As Submitted Paul O'Neill is an educational game changer from New Jersey. Using reflection and connection, he continues to grow each[...]
As students with learning differences are put into general classroom spaces, many teachers have misconceptions about including these special students in their classrooms. Dr. Rebekah Dyer talks about these misconceptions and how we can work to reach every child. www.coolcatteacher.com/e618 Dr. Rebekah Dyer - Bio as Submitted Dr. Rebekah Dyer is an associate professor in[...]
School counselors are unique. They have unique needs as they help guide students and perform duties at their school. Today, guidance counselor, Steve Sharp helps guidance counselors know the tools that can help them level up. www.coolcatteacher.com/e617 Steve Sharp - Bio As submitted Stephen Sharp is co-author of Amazon Best-Selling Book and 2019 Hot New[...]
Award-Winning Culture is a student podcast led by teacher Hans Appel. Hear the story behind this exciting student podcast and get inspired to start a student podcast at your school. He shares his starting story, how he keeps it going with an annual podcast retreat, and how he surprises his students with a listener testimonial[...]
How could you take your whole elementary classroom year and gamify it? What if everything students learn could gain them XP (experience points?) What if you can reach those strugglers by making a classroom on mission? Today, Heather Marrs, a teacher and instructional coach from Oregon, takes us through the five steps she used to[...]
Mike Messner teaches seventh-grade social studies in Silicon Valley. He shares his stories of the tech they use, what Silicon Valley parents like (and don't like), and how he has joined an online PLN to bring state of the art to his classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e614 Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom.[...]
Language arts classrooms can use more than books to teach. Kate Hodges, a language arts teacher in Ohio, shares how she uses project-based learning (PBL), making, and more to help students learn language arts. www.coolcatteacher.com/e613 Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom. I love it because videos and[...]
Fortnite has a physics engine in the game. Unknown to many educators, Fortnite has three modes of play. While Battle Royale is a first-person shooter, the creative mode is not. Some educators are creating private islands (for free) that their students can make Rube Goldberg machines and other creations. Today's guest, Mike Washburn, is on[...]
We can build a positive school culture that includes good student relationships. From building a wall of dreams to bringing our best energy, Danny Steele encourages us to grow and connect with colleagues and students. www.coolcatteacher.com/e611 Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom. I love it because videos[...]
You can't always pick your team but you can start helping your team come together and work like one. Jamy Bechler, host of the Success is a Choice podcast shares five ways to start building a strong team today. From knowing your purpose to developing leaders, adding value, connecting, and sharing responsibility - learn some[...]
Relationships are a key component of change. We have to relate to educate. We also have to relate to cooperate with our peers. Today, Vernon Wright, creator of the Zero Apology Zone, shares some drivers of change including three questions you don't want to miss. www.coolcatteacher.com/e609 Sponsor: Discovery Education Today’s podcast is sponsored by Discovery[...]
Connect your classroom! It can be done. Today Michael Drezek takes us into the "Our Global Classroom" Community and shares three of the many ways students are collaborating. Join in! www.coolcatteacher.com/e608 Sponsor: Discovery Education Today’s podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. They have two STEM challenges running now. The Stanley Black and Decker Making for[...]
Google Classroom is a tool that can help build relationships between students and teachers. But not everything is perfect. Google Classroom Guru Alice Keeler talks about what is hot and not in Google Classroom and how teachers are using it to teach. Enjoy! www.coolcatteacher.com/e607 Sponsor: Discovery Education Today’s podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. They[...]
Children need educators to reach into their world and relate to them. When struggling students find an educator who connects to them, life change can result. While one educator can't possibly reach every child, every educator can reach some child. Over a lifetime, every educator could possibly transform many children. Today, Ryan Sheehy, principal and[...]
Project-Based Learning is a powerful tool. Today's show gives us ideas for where we can find new and innovative project ideas and create them ourselves. Dr. Jennifer Pieratt, author of "Keep it Real with PBL" for both elementary and secondary students, shares how she finds many of the project ideas that she creates and shares[...]
Elizabeth Peterson was learning about SEL and as an art teacher, she knew she could teach Social Emotional Learning with the arts. So, she did. Then, she called it SEAL. Learn what she did, how it impacted students and her thoughts on this method of teaching social emotional learning. www.coolcatteacher.com/e604 Today's Sponsor is Advancement Courses.[...]
Bravery, vulnerability, acceptance of others, acceptance of yourself -- these can be difficult things to teach. Today's guest, Michelle Cottrell-Williams talks about how she teaches this in her classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e603 Today's Sponsor is Advancement Courses. Now is the time to plan your professional development with Advancement Courses. They offer over 240 online graduate-level PD courses[...]
Sixty-seven percent of STEM jobs will be in computing. Schools and teachers have the daunting task of lining up the needs of today's workforce with what is being taught. Jorge Valenzuela, the author of Rev Up Robotics, discusses the three things schools should be teaching so students are ready. He says schools should focus less[...]
Communication can be challenging for many who feel invisible. In today's show, Dr. William Lane offers encouragement for those who struggle to communicate. With six simple steps, he helps us understand how to empower those who struggle to communicate by starting small. I hope this show will help educators both empathize and encourage our students[...]
Settling in the land of complacency is no place for a truly remarkable teacher. Remark-ability begins in your ability to level up and learn a little more every day. Today, Rae Hughart from #teachbetter gives us five mindsets to help us teach better in 2020. www.coolcatteacher.com/e600 Rae Hughart - Bio As submitted Rae Hughart is[...]
A surprising intervention was shown to improve grades. The intervention took one day and was a very minimal activity by most considerations. Dr. Lauren Eskreis-Winkler digs into the research and shares what they learned. www.coolcatteacher.com/e599 Dr. Lauren Eskreis-Winkler - Bio As Submitted As a researcher, Lauren tries to motivate people who struggle with goal achievement.[...]
Math shouldn't break your heart. It should excite you and your students. But how? Let's move from boring, rote, repetitive math to a math class that sparks curiosity, makes sense and ignites joy. Kyle Pearce, co-creator of mathmoments.com gives us a high-level view of how every math teacher can make math moments that matter. Then,[...]
Some students just seem to "live" in the principal's office. How do we help those students change their behavior and connect with their classmates and teachers? Today, award-winning principal, Andy Jacks, says that he spent most of his younger years in the principal's office. Some reached him and some did not, but it has shaped[...]
Every child can achieve. Children are an opportunity not an obligation. Celebrate individuality. Sacrifice together. Make no excuses. Principal Hamish Brewer will be back at his school this week skateboarding down the hallway and giving high fives as he inspires his school and students to achieve their best. Hamish, the author of the book Relentless:[...]
David Sladkey has been teaching for over thirty two years. Today, he shares five random but very helpful ideas with teachers everywhere. From a new way to track requests to go to the bathroom to a unique cooperative learning strategy and a super cool brain break, you'll grab five ideas you can use right away.[...]
Education needs to be relevant and exciting to students. The Disney Youth Education program hosted me at the end of this past summer to experience three of their programs first-hand. In today's podcast, I interview the director of the program Aaron Joyner to talk about the philosophy behind Disney's education magic. I also share some[...]
Learning can be hard. Many students struggle. Teachers can struggle to help students learn content but what do we do when students have thinking that is limiting their ability to learn. In today's show, we talk about math, but the language and metaphors that Vanessa Vakharia shares today can be used in any subject. These[...]
Conversations with students about things that are meaningful, relevant, and part of the fabric of their lives is an important part of cultivating savvy citizens. Today's guest, teacher Chelsey Greer, talked with her students about the disturbing phenomenon of the Deep Fake. She used episode 572 with Wesley Fryer as a tool to open the[...]
Kelly Christopherson has taught for twenty-five years and has been helping educators use to level up their learning for most of that time. As one of the leaders on #saskedchat (Saskatoon Ed Chat on Twitter), he has seen classrooms transform and is now studying the impact of social media on classroom pedagogy. Come to the[...]
Part of being remarkable is that students believe your class and content applies to their life. On the 10 Minute Teacher, we want to help you be a more remarkable educator, so today, Denis Sheeran, author of Instant Relevance, Using Today's Experiences to Teach Tomorrow's Lessons, shares five ways we can become more relevant in our[...]
Thankfulness is modeled and shown by how we appreciate those around us. In today's show, Dr. Frank Buck gives some creative ways to thank administrators. If you're planning ahead for the holidays, you'll have time to work on these ideas at your school. www.coolcatteacher.com/e589 Sponsor: The U.S. Toyota Dream Car Art Contest invites youth, ages 4-15,[...]
As we lay out our rooms and organize our spaces, we can make our learning environments more positive spaces to interact, collaborate and work together. Today Kevin Stoller gives us ideas to make our learning environments more positive places to interact. www.coolcatteacher.com/e588 Sponsor: The U.S. Toyota Dream Car Art Contest invites youth, ages 4-15, to submit[...]
Science can be difficult for low to average readers. Today, we'll dig into the power of comic books to help us teach difficult subjects to students by making learning reachable and approachable. C.A. Preece works to reach every learner by working to make science approachable and understandable. www.coolcatteacher.com/e587 - to see show notes and examples of[...]
Recently, I came across a story that my mother had adapted when she was a teacher to use to teach students about caring for others who had done things for them. During this time of Thanksgiving and approaching Christmas, it is easy for many of us (kids included) to become self-absorbed and to forget those[...]
Have you ever made the mistake of giving students or others the kind of feedback you want to receive - but it just falls flat? For example, I'm a "word" kind of person and I can float on a compliment for days. However, some people I know are visual. Others like to hear a person's[...]
Filled with dread, some math teachers have a problem. As they give problems to students to work their students become problems. Behavior problems. Boredom problems. Sometimes the problem is that students aren't excited by the problems. However, math can be exciting. The "Open Middle" math problem format is NOT talking about middle school math, although[...]
Students need life skills. Some schools are adding in courses to help students cook, care for their families, manage their money and more life skills. Others have always had these courses. Today we interview a teacher, Andrea Moore, who started her career as a literature teacher but teaches many practical things to her students every[...]
Creativity is something that we have to nurture as teachers. In this blog post and episode, I share some of the ways I believe nurture creativity in students. See the show notes at www.coolcatteacher.com/582 Sponsor: The U.S. Toyota Dream Car Art Contest invites youth, ages 4-15, to submit their original hand-drawn artworks that answer the[...]
Have you ever had a moment when your life changed? Perhaps it was a comment or it was a moment and although it may not have seemed to be anything to others around you, you experienced a seismic shift in how you viewed yourself. Dr. Michael Rousell studies these moments and relates them to neuroscience.[...]
Lynn Colón, co-author of Empowering Girls: Opening the Door for Girls to Achieve More, helps us understand what schools need to be doing to intentionally empower their female students to achieve more. Lynn shares some of her journey and the nuances of understanding girls today. www.coolcatteacher.com/e580 Lynn Colón - Bio As Submitted Lynmara Colón brings[...]
Take care of yourself! We often tell each other this as teachers and rightly so. I once read that teachers work the same amount of time in ten months that most people work in a year. Teaching is not for the faint of heart or weak of the back but we must rest and stay[...]
Many schools are reimagining the learning spaces that some call libraries or media centers. Carolyn Foote takes us to the center of this trend to take us inside how she redesigned her learning space and the thought process behind it. As you plan your school's strategy, you'll want to have conversations about this show. www.coolcatteacher.com/e578 [...]
Lots of things are labeled "STEM" these days but many of them are just rote instructions for students to follow. Is this truly STEM learning? Taylor Ryan is STEM coordinator for his school as they work to integrate STEM into every class. He shares what he's learned about true STEM learning in the past year[...]
Tara Martin has written a book to help children (and adults) face their fears called Cannonball In! Today, we talk about a powerful metaphor and the risks of life and how sometimes we have to jump! Enjoy! www.coolcatteacher.com/e576 Your Challenge I have a saying in my office by Eleanor Roosevelt that says “do something[...]
Thom Gibson has fun ways to greet students as he walks around campus. He shared them on Twitter recently and I started using some of them and it adds a whole element of fun and engagement while interacting with students. Learn about these ideas and become the kind of person that kids love to greet![...]
"Room service" door hangers are one of the unique ideas that André Sasser shares on the show. From a Woot Wagon to more, André talks about little things that encourage her as a teacher. I also talk about the "fun committee" at my school and some ideas to build community and collegiality. www.coolcatteacher.com/e574 Sponsored By[...]
Families want to engage in classrooms but as students get older, it can be challenging. In today's episode, Jeromie Heath helps teachers understand how to engage families in the classroom in positive, proactive ways. www.coolcatteacher.com/e573 Sponsored By Advancement Courses The holidays are just around the corner, and this is the perfect time to start planning[...]
Deep fake videos are now possible. In this disturbing trend, convincing videos, audio, and photos are viewed and shared by those who somehow think you can trust what you see and hear. Wesley Fryer takes us deep into the world of deep fakes in this resource-full lesson in a trend that is dangerous and threatening,[...]
Do you have that difficult student who seems to fight you each time you try to reach him? Coach D was that student. He tells a powerful story of a teacher who was a reacher in his life and changed his life with a two-minute conversation in sixth grade. For all of those teachers who[...]
Chad Klein is a 22-year educator. He shares his advice for teachers to take care of themselves and love teaching in this quick motivational talk. www.coolcatteacher.com/e570 Chad Klein - Bio as Submitted I’ve been teaching and coaching since 1997. I’ve worked with mainly middle years’ students. I coach volleyball, baseball, basketball and golf[...]
Dr. Lee Graham is working with teachers to teach them principles of game-based learning to teach writing. Her anecdotes of classroom behavior-changing results are - pardon the pun - game-changing. Learn more. www.coolcatteacher.com/e569 Dr. Lee Graham - Bio As Submitted Dr. Lee Graham teaches courses in educational technology and pre-service teaching at the State University[...]
Jeremy Rinkel has added technical writing to his traditional English Literature course. As a form of relevant non-fiction writing, Jeremy uses drones, robots, and 3d printers to give students an exciting topic on which to write their how-to and technical manuals. Dive deeper into what he's doing and learn how to apply it to your[...]
Programming doesn't have to be so hard. Computer Science teacher, Michael Backus, gives us advice to help make programming easier. www.coolcatteacher.com/e567 Michael Backus - Bio As Submitted \Michael Backus teaches computer literacy and computer science at Teeland Middle School in Wasilla, Alaska. As the creator of the https://www.akrobotnerd.com, he has shared many projects that he[...]
Administrators can empower teachers and principal Evan Robb shares some of the techniques. Evan is author of The Ten- Minute Principal and The Principal’s Leadership Sourcebook: Practices, Tools, and Strategies for Building a Thriving School Community. www.coolcatteacher.com/e566 Evan Robb - Bio as Submitted Distinguished Principal, TEDx Speaker, Author Evan Robb is presently Principal of[...]
Colby Sharp author of Game Changer! Books for All shares some ways to improve your classroom library without spending any money at all. There are some ideas for all of us here. www.coolcatteacher.com/e565 Colby Sharp - Bio As Submitted Colby Sharp is a husband and father of five. He teaches fifth grade in Parma, Michigan.[...]
Starr Sackstein reflects on when she knew it was time to leave the classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e564 Starr Sackstein - Bio As Submitted Over 16 years ago, Starr Sackstein started her teaching career in Far Rockaway High School, eager to make a difference. Quickly learning to connect with students and develop rapport, she was able to recognize[...]
Project Based Learning (PBL) works if you know how to bring it into your classroom. Today, Noa Daniels shares how. www.coolcatteacher.com/e563 Noa is a passionate educator and enthusiastic learner. She is a classroom teacher, podcaster, blogger. She is also a coach, consultant and Chief Building Officer at Building Outside the Blocks, creating projects and initiatives[...]
I've lost 28 pounds since late June and am running 8-10 miles a week. And yes, I just turned 50 and feel great. In this show, I'll share the apps and tips for living a healthier lifestyle including the "eating plan" I'm using at My Shibboleth. www.coolcatteacher.com/e562
The Millennials aren't the youngest generation anymore. Generation Z is here. They are the kids in K12 education right now who have only known social media and the Internet. Ninety percent of preschool children are online. This has good and bad consequences. Dig deep as researcher Dr. Tim Elmore helps us understand Gen Z, their[...]
Today high school math teacher, Chris Woods, gives us simple ideas of STEM activities any teacher can do. Get some ideas for how you can integrate STEM in the classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e560 Chris Woods - Bio as Submitted Chris Woods has taught High School Math for over 20 years in rural Michigan. After sharing relevant STEM[...]
Dania Santana, author of the bilingual children's book, Sebastian's Game Day Surprise, and multicultural parenting expert, shares how we can reach bilingual students. She discusses the current thought on best supporting bilingual students. www.coolcatteacher.com/e559 Challenge Have a conversation with one of your bilingual students and reflect on their situation based on what you've learned[...]
Engaging students can be a challenge. A student from Jeromie Heath's class shares her perspective on learning and why she wanted to learn for Jeromie in this episode. Today, join in the conversations about learning and engagement and all your own thoughts on social media. www.coolcatteacher.com/e578 Jeromie Heath - Bio As Submitted Jeromie Heath's students[...]
Michael Backus had a problem as he was teaching in Google Classroom. So, he programmed add-ons to solve the problem of needing checklists attached to his Google Classroom assignments. He saw a problem and programmed a solution, first by creating an add-on for just within his district. Many people don't know that this is possible[...]
She was named America’s Top Young Scientist of 2017 by the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, with a patent-pending device to detect lead in water faster than any other current techniques. She then open-sourced this device so people can use the technology across the world. In today's show, Gitanjali talks about her learning journey[...]
Rob Donatelli shares with us five more easy brain breaks. As a follow up to one of the most popular 10 Minute Teacher episodes, 5 Easy Brain Breaks for Your Classroom, Rob gives us more ideas to bring to our classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e555 Sponsor: E4Effort is a tool built upon the research behind helping students improve.[...]
Charles "Chuck" Poole shares how to build relationships that matter. While content and passion for our content and the craft of teaching are all essential parts of teaching that cannot be dismissed - relationships with students are also in the mix as an essential part of reaching today's students. We can do this! Let's listen,[...]
Mel Paradis, author of Teaching Improv: The Essential Handbook, shares four ways to use Improv to teach in the classroom. Here are some fantastic ideas to share in your classroom. Sponsor: E4Effort is a tool built upon the research behind helping students improve. Check out e4Effort for more information and to start encouraging effort with[...]
Virtual Reality is improving for use in the classroom. Augmented Reality/ Virtual Reality Education Expert, Jaime Donally, thinks that the Oculus Quest is a game-changer for the classroom. From less "queasiness" to some amazing apps, Jaime explains why she thinks the Oculus Quest is such a big deal. Sponsor: E4Effort is a tool built upon[...]
Students need our help to regulate their own emotions. Today, psychologist Dr. Jody Carrington helps us understand five ways we can connect with our students and help them regulate their emotions. Understanding these simple principles can help us connect, improve classroom management, and be better teachers. www.coolcatteacher.com/e551 Sponsor: E4Effort is a tool built upon the[...]
Students need to be surrounded by books that inspire them to read and rejoice in books. But how do we curate those texts to inspire our readers? Julie Wright gives practical advice for librarians and all of us teachers (including me) who like to surround students with rich texts that inspire reading. www.coolcatteacher.com/e550 Sponsor: Advancement Courses[...]
Dr. Anael Alston is Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Access, Equity and Community Engagement in the New York State Education Department. He talks about what works to engage young men of color in education and his journey and passion for helping all students engage in school and do their best. If this is your[...]
Meredith Akers is a principal who has been using some unconventional methods of teacher PD. In this episode, she talks about the revolutionary way she recently held teacher PD (using video instruction and face to face meetings) and what she learned. Let's give teachers choice in their professional development about what they learn. Of course,[...]
Alfred Thompson has secrets that transform Computer Science classrooms. Yet, he shares them openly. Project-based learning. Passion-based learning. Problem-based learning. These three P's of teaching perfection have been a mainstay in Alfred's classroom for many years. In today's episode, Alfred uncovers how his classroom works, the impact it has on student lives, and how his[...]
Student engagement! We need it! Today's guest, John Meehan, shares inspiring stories that help us use amusement parks, mud runs, and escape rooms to inspire exciting lessons in our classroom. John is the author of EDrenaline Rush: Game-changing Student Engagement Inspired by Theme Parks, Mud Runs, and Escape Rooms. Get excited. Let's do this! www.coolcatteacher.com/e546 Advancement[...]
In the high-stress, fast-paced job of teaching - burnout can happen to anyone. In today's show, we talk about recognizing burnout, how to get help, and steps to tackle it when it happens. Amber Harper, an expert on the topic of burnout, discusses what we can do to help ourselves be our best for our[...]
Students need real leadership opportunities - not just running a note to the office or other tasks that may be called "leadership" but really aren't. Adam Welcome, co-author of Empower our Girls: Opening the Door for Girls to Achieve More www.coolcatteacher.com/e544 After listening to today’s show, I think you will take one of two challenges: 1[...]
Presentation skills are an essential skill for students to master. How do you help students improve when there are many students in the class. Robert Donatelli has a solution: speed presentations. Learn how to use this technique to help students improve their presentation skills. www.coolcatteacher.com/e543 Professional PD Challenge Today’s challenge is to try speed presentations[...]
Pam Shoemaker is getting ready to retire from teaching. As she and her husband were returning home from looking for places to retire, a storm arose. While location services can be used to perhaps compromise our privacy, in this case, it may have saved Pam's life. Hear her story and learn how to examine your[...]
He didn't like school. But now he's been a principal and written ten books and travels the world helping principals and educators learn how to engage today's students -- especially inner-city youth. Baruti Kafele has inspiring words for us on today's Motivational Monday episode. He has authored ten books, recently the Principal 50: Critical Questions[...]
Sherry St. Clair gives us principles for effective instructional coaching. Targeted to both administrators, instructional coaches, and technology coaches - Sherry has five practical ideas to get us started. Sherry is the author of Coaching Redefined: A Guide to Leading Meaningful Instructional Growth. www.coolcatteacher.com/e540 Today's Challenge Today I challenge you follow Sherry's advice and build[...]
Today, you’ll get advice for creating grouping strategies for your classroom from an expert teacher and author on the subject. Barry Hoonan, author of What Are You Grouping For? (Grades 3-8 - how to Guide Small Groups Based on Readers, Not the Book)helps us understand how to start our school year with a plan for[...]
BreakoutEDU is a box with locks that also can be a great educational experience. In today's show, Lucy Manley shares how breakout boxes are becoming an exciting part of her college's educational experiences including Freshmen orientation. www.coolcatteacher.com/e538 Today, your Podcast PD challenge is to create a breakout EDU experience with your students. I’ve written a[...]
Today, you’ll listen to a young man who became an entrepreneur as a result of his school’s genius hour. Listen with a purpose and prepare to get your daily challenge at the end and a link to the blog post I’ve written inspired by this show “7 Ideas for Student Genius Hour and Passion Projects”[...]
Today, let’s make our profession better by focusing on how we can encourage new teachers and each other. Edwin Thomas Minguela reflects upon his first two years of teaching. As you listen to what he has learned and his encouragement for teachers, reflect upon your early years of teaching and how you can help new[...]
Change has a human component. In fact, without helping people change - there isn't any change. Today, Julie Wilson, author of The Human Side of Changing Education shares how we can supercharge change by helping people become part of it. www.coolcatteacher.com/e535 Prepare for your classroom for the fall with one of two free webinars from Linda[...]
One in four teens will experience teen dating abuse. Teen dating abuse is on the rise and is being compounded by the pressure on teens to portray a "perfect relationship" on social media. So, when a teen admits what is happening, sometimes people don't believe her or him. Today Ashley Bendiksen talks about teen[...]
Innovate and try some new apps. Today, Richard Byrne, author of Free Technology for Teachers, talks about eight edtech apps that you should try. (He also shares a bonus fitness opportunity for educators.) Listen to the show and learn how it is used and follow the links in the show notes below. www.coolcatteacher.com/e532 Sponsor: This episode[...]
Math teacher Lauren Harris had a problem. Students weren't remembering important concepts from the previous year that she knew she had taught. How could she help students remember? Her answer is that she includes meaningful projects in her curriculum. In today's show, Lauren gives us a quick overview, how-to, and ideas for planning your own[...]
Back to school is here! We're starting up the year with principal Dr. Sanée Bell, author of the new book, Be Excellent On Purpose, Intentional Strategies for Impactful Leadership. Today, Sanée shares her eleven principles from the book and gets us motivated for an epic school year. (We've also included the transcript.) Sponsor: This episode is[...]
Today Angela Watson teaches us how to maximize our summer. If you like her ideas, take this quiz to see if her 40-hour workweek program is right for you. Cool Cat Teacher Vault: This is one of the most popular shows of all time and perhaps can help you with the rest of your summer. We will[...]
Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath's book Stop Talking, Start Influencing:12 Insights from Brain Science to Make Your Message Stick is my book of the summer. His neuroscience insights shared in this podcast need deeper exploration and understanding as we design learning. Since John Medina's book Brain Rules, this book is my favorite neuroscience book out now. It is[...]
Classroom management is a challenge for many teachers. Stacey Corrigan talks about how she manages her classroom. From transitions to handling disruptions, Stacey talks about the 20+ year classroom journey. She even shares the mistakes she has made and how she tries to help teachers not make those same mistakes. We're counting down the top[...]
Genuine appreciation that is timely and meaningful can go a long way in the classroom, between colleagues, and administrators and their teachers. So why don’t we show more appreciation? It doesn’t have to be hard as Dr. Brad Johnson explains in this simple but inspiring show about taking the time to build relationships. We can[...]
Tired teachers need strategies to stay refreshed and feel good. Today, we talk about battling burnout. This week we are counting down the top episodes of 2019. Today’s show is 5 Ways to Battle Burnout with Mandy Froehlich and it is the number 4 episode of Season 5. Sponsor: Angela Watson’s 40 Hour Workweek Club cohort[...]
Today is a recap of #ISTE19 from 4-time attendee Matt Miller and first-time attendees Angie Ridgeway and Nate Ridgeway. They share what people were talking about and their observations about what was missing. (Record Date: Thursday, June 27, 2019) These three educators co-authored Don't Ditch That Tech: Differentiated Instruction in a Digital World. www.coolcatteacher.com/e525 Matt Miller[...]
Mark Sparvell cites current research about what students really want in their classroom and how social-emotional learning relates to education technology. www.coolcatteacher.com/e524 Sponsor: Urkund Urkund is great as a plagiarism prevention tool and connects with most common Learning Management Systems like Google Classroom, Moodle, and Canvas or as a stand-alone web tool or by email. The[...]
Mary Howard's sixth-grade class is doing amazing things with augmented reality. This 10 minute episode highlights some of the things Mary is sharing right now at ISTE19 about her work with students in augmented reality! Enjoy! www.coolcatteacher.com/e523 Today's Promotion: Check out Jennifer Gonzalez’s 2019 Teacher’s Guide to Technology. It is a great teacher PD tool which includes[...]
Monica Burns @classtechtips talks about the hottest edtech topics right now (and those that aren't so hot) in this candid and wide-ranging conversation. www.coolcatteacher.com/e522 Sponsor: Go to Advancement Courses use the offer code COOL20 to get 20% off your professional development. That’s just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. Take courses on helpful[...]
Stacey Roshan, author of Tech with Heart, talks about seven edtech topics that are sparking conversation this summer both online and at ISTE19. www.coolcatteacher.com/e521 Sponsor: Urkund Urkund is great as a plagiarism prevention tool and connects with most common Learning Management Systems like Google Classroom, Moodle, and Canvas or as a stand-alone web tool or[...]
ISTE 2019 is here but there's no reason for all of us edtech geeks who can't go this year to miss out on the learning. The #NotAtISTE19 hasthag is already hopping. Peggy George is one of the many leaders in the #NotAtISTE19 community and she tells everyone how they can join in even when they[...]
Teachers need personal professional development. In today’s episode, we’re sharing five real-world examples of teachers who used their summer to improve their classroom and earn professional development credit. From combatting student anxiety, helping special needs students, rewriting a physics curriculum, building student relationships, and reducing stress school-wide -- these teachers use their learning to improve[...]
Katie Martin, an ISTE 2018 keynote, talks about the importance of putting learners at the center of your innovation model. She starts with the questions we need to ask ourselves and our students and talks about what learner-center innovation looks like. Get inspired and motivated by listening to Katie. See her ISTE 2019 presentations at[...]
Michael Cohen, aka the Tech Rabbi, and author of Education by Design talks about classroom design. We should design the classroom environment for learning. Special ISTE19 Episodes From Monday, June 17 to Thursday, June 27, the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast will be airing some episodes full of education technology learning from popular ISTE speakers. These[...]
Eric Curts @ericcurts teaches us twenty-three ways to use Gsuite tools in our classroom. With ideas for Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Drawings for all subjects and ages, you'll want to scroll down and follow the links in our enhanced show notes. www.coolcatteacher.com/e516 Special ISTE19 Episodes From Monday, June 17 to Thursday, June 27, the 10[...]
Many of you this summer are going to be working on your personal brand. Now, whether you think you have a brand or not, you do. And I know it’s kind of frustrating because some people just don’t want to have a brand. And if that’s you, that’s okay. But at some point, you’re going[...]
Summer is an important time for educators. While some people debate what educators should or shouldn’t do over the summer, ultimately it is YOUR summer and YOUR plans. Here are five things to consider as you plan your summer. Full Transcript: www.coolcatteacher.com/e514 Today's Promotion: Check out Jennifer Gonzalez’s 2019 Teacher’s Guide to Technology. It is a great[...]
Today Dan Meyer @ddmeyer gives us tips and advice for helping kids who hate math learn to love it. He explains the 3-Act method of teaching. www.coolcatteacher.com/e513 Today's Promotion: Check out Jennifer Gonzalez’s 2019 Teacher’s Guide to Technology. It is a great teacher PD tool which includes videos and resources to help you learn new techniques and technologies for[...]
Karen Lirenman (@KLirenman) and Kristen Wideen (@mrswideen) have written the definitive book on using iPads in the elementary classroom, Innovate with iPad: Lessons to Transform Learning in the Classroom. (This episode is from our vault of most popular shows of all time - and it was the first show! Kristen and Karen share timeless principles of[...]
So many kids struggle, especially in summer school. Popular author, Dr. Barbara Blackburn, gives us some tips to start summer school or any school year in a way to help struggling learners set goals. This must-listen episode will give you ideas for having a great summer as well. www.coolcatteacher.com/e511 Need a summer PD learning experience.[...]
Want to help students learn and be more refreshed? Students need breaks too. That is why brain breaks are becoming so popular. Teacher Rob Donatelli @DTown_MrD talks about the brain breaks phenomenon. Then, Rob gives teachers five ideas he uses in his classroom for brain breaks. Take a brain break today! Urkund: Today’s Sponsor Urkund is[...]
Tom Loud dropped out of high school because he didn’t connect with his teachers. Somehow, he connected with books though and became a high school and college graduate. Now, Tom is a 10-year classroom veteran who is working to make his classroom (and help others) connect with kids in new ways. Today we’ll talk about[...]
oday Angela Stockman @AngelaStockman challenges teachers and students to create a summer writing notebook with the #flaneur challenge. This is going to be fun! Let’s do this. Full Transcript: www.coolcatteacher.com/e508 Today’s sponsor is Urkund. Urkund is a remarkable plagiarism prevention tool and connects with most common Learning Management Systems like Google Classroom, Moodle, and Canvas or as[...]
Lisa Scumpieru, 10th-grade Literature Teacher, gives us a crash course in Hyperdocs. She shares lesson plans, ideas, and tips for getting started quickly without hassle. Full Transcript: www.coolcatteacher.com/e507 Today’s sponsor is Urkund. Urkund is a remarkable plagiarism prevention tool and connects with most common Learning Management Systems like Google Classroom, Moodle, and Canvas or as[...]
How do kids learn and remember? Teacher Andrew Stadel, @mr_stadel founder of the popular site estimation180.com, talks about this pursuit of learning in the classroom. This topic is his summer research topic. As you ponder the classroom, look at what you’ll research to become a better teacher. www.coolcatteacher.com/506 Today’s sponsor is Urkund. Urkund is a[...]
Linda Kardamis talks about how we can make the most of our summer. Get ready to rock summertime with these five ideas. www.coolcatteacher.com/e505 Blog Post/ Podcast Sponsor: Advancement Courses Now is the time to plan your summer! Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and use the offer code COOL20 to get 20% off your summer PD courses. That’s just $120[...]
Today I want to challenge your thinking about your summer. So, I’ve collected twenty of the best ways to make this summer one of learning. This is a blog post / podcast simulpost. You'll find the same content in slightly different form so you can read or listen to this content. Enjoy! www.coolcatteacher.com/e504 Blog Post/[...]
First grade teacher Danielle Moore has worked with early elementary and kindergarten students as she helps them amplify their voice. Yes, young children have something to say to the world! Danielle shows us how. www.coolcatteacher.com/503 Sponsor: Advancement Courses Now is the time to plan your summer! Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and use the offer code COOL20 to get 20%[...]
Tech Coach Penny Rayhill shares ten tips for awesome digital citizenship. If you're looking for some sites to explore - here they are! www.coolcatteacher.com/e502 Sponsor: Advancement Courses Now is the time to plan your summer! Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and use the offer code COOL20 to get 20% off your summer PD courses. That’s just $120 per graduate credit[...]
Jon Barth, author of the 1% Journal: 366 Challenges for Your Journey to Success encourages us teachers to write our own story. As we reflect this summer upon our past school year, now is a great time to adopt some of these principles. www.coolcatteacher.com/e501 Sponsor: Advancement Courses Now is the time to plan your summer! Go[...]
Many people are destroyed by bullying, teasing, and the challenges of youth. Over the years, I've often contemplated why my story was so different. Why did I overcome? Why wasn't I broken beyond repair? Today, we celebrate 500 episodes. And I've been asked these questions many times when I share a peek of the story[...]
Want to start working with Teachers Pay Teachers this summer? Pam Olivieri from Rockin' Resources tells us how to get started. www.coolcatteacher.com/e499 Pam Olivieri - Bio As Submitted Pam Olivieri is dedicated to creating a standards-based curriculum that follows her vision to MOTIVATE, EDUCATE, DIFFERENTIATE. With her 26 years of classroom experience, a Master's Degree,[...]
Dr. Regina Giraldo-García shares her research on what makes effective blended learning. www.coolcatteacher.com/e498 Dr. Regina Giraldo-García Bio as submitted Dr. Regina Giraldo-García is a Post-doctoral Research Fellow and an Adjunct Professor of Educational Research, Evaluation, and Psychological Foundations of Education in the Department of Curriculum and Foundations at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio. Her research[...]
The four shifts is a new education technology paradigm shared in the book Harnessing Technology for Deeper Learning by Scott McLeod and Julie Graber. On today's show, Julie discusses these four shifts and how it compares to other models such as SAMR. She gives examples of effective design using technology and where many programs are[...]
Eric Sheninger has rewritten his popular book Digital Leadership. In this show, learn what he added and what has changed. With over half the book being rewritten and changed, you'll want insight into what trends are important if you're going to be a digital leader in schools. www.coolcatteacher.com/e496 Get Version two of his book now[...]
To create a classroom culture of inquiry, we can follow these five techniques. Connie Hamilton, author of Hacking Questions: 11 Answers That Create a Culture of Inquiry in Your Classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e495 SmartBrief Keeping up with the news is challenging. Today’s sponsor, SmartBrief, has some email newsletters that will help you stay current. Whether you want to follow education[...]
Jaime Casap, Google's Education Evangelist, grew up in poverty. Today, he shares his story and encouragement to help teachers reach children from a variety of backgrounds. You'll want to listen to this encouraging show! www.coolcatteacher.com/e494 Today's Sponsor: SmartBrief Keeping up with the news is challenging. Today’s sponsor, SmartBrief, has some email newsletters that will help you stay[...]
While we have to finish well, those of us who are returning to another year as an educator have to look forward to plan. Today, media specialist Amanda Johnson talks about the massive success of some new sections she added to the library last summer and how she's going to improve her library even more[...]
The first person to walk on Mars has already been born and is in our classrooms today, so the experts tell us. He or she could be in your classroom or mine. The question is if we're equipping that child and the others to go behind them with the knowledge and intuitive exploration of making[...]
Schools are being targeted with "spearfishing" attacks - a new form of phishing that is quite deceptive. Citizenship encompasses digital citizenship and the importance of lateral reading are three of the motivating topics tackled today with education thought-leader Dr. Alec Couros. Sponsor: SmartBrief Keeping up with the news is challenging. Today’s sponsor, SmartBrief, has some[...]
Play belongs in every classroom. Today, Jill Vialet shows us how. www.coolcatteacher.com/e490 Bio as submitted Jill Vialet is the Founder and CEO of Playworks, the leading nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children's social and emotional health. For more information, visit: www.playworks.org. Blog: https://www.playworks.org/about/staff/meet-ceo-founder/ Twitter: @jillvialet
Music education helps students engage with learning and has many positive benefits. Today's guest, Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director of the CMA Foundation talks about remarkable music teaching and their quest to recognize the top music teachers in the United States. www.coolcatteacher.com/e489 Related Resources Music education gives students an exciting and creative reason to be[...]
When I shared a USA Today Article on PBIS on my Facebook page, teachers started responding and yelled volumes about mis-implementation mis-understandings and mis-use of discipline -- specifically PBIS -- in their schools. So, Melissa Man, special education teacher with her Master's in Counseling agreed to come on the show and talk about the topic.[...]
Matt Timmons-Brown is the "Raspberry Pi Guy" on Youtube. If you don't know what the Raspberry Pi is, it is an amazing small computer from which you can make amazing things. Matt is the author of Learn Robotics with Raspberry Pi. This 19-year old student at the University of Edinburg talks about how he interested[...]
Students need to trust their teachers. The result is better relationships, better learning, and a better quality of experience for everyone -- teachers and students included! Today's featured educator is CJ Reynolds, a teacher in West Philadelphia. CJ shares how to build relationships with students in some unconventional and cool ways. He also talks about[...]
This time of year is a challenging one for educators. It is easy to feel overwhelmed. Today's show will encourage and help you to overcome that overwhelmed feeling with 21-year educator Jon Harper. www.coolcatteacher.com/e485 Bio as Submitted Jon is the author of My Bad: 24 Educators Who Messed Up, Fessed Up and Grew, the host[...]
Dr. Sarah Fine, co-author of In Search of Deeper Learning, The Quest to Remake the American High School talks about her research into remarkable high school experiences. Also, check the show notes for a transcript. www.coolcatteacher.com/e484 Dr. Sarah Fine, Bio as Submitted Dr. Sarah Fine is an educator, ethnographer, and the co-author of In Search[...]
Teachers spend hours giving effective feedback only to have students not respond or use it to improve. In this case, one could argue that the teacher isn't giving effective feedback because it is not being used to learn. Twelve-year English teacher turned principal Jordan Catapano helps us have more effective feedback that actually works to[...]
Dr. Nicol R. Howard champions digital equity issues for children. What are those issues? How can we help? Today we take a dive into digital equity and the issues we should all consider -- and it is not just those with poverty who may not have access. Hear the surprising thing realized at the end[...]
Preventing burnout, finding the right colleagues, communication, the struggle with perfection... these topics are just some of the encouragements that 30-year special education teacher-turned-college-professor Pat Hensley has for teachers everywhere. This South Carolina teacher has a message of hope and encouragement from her experience in education that will help all of us get motivated this[...]
Shalini Shankar has been studying Generation Z. From spelling bee's to sports, this generation seems to be professionalizing their childhood. Learn more about this generation so you can be a better teacher for them. www.coolcatteacher.com/e480 Shalini Shankar is Professor of Anthropology and Asian American Studies at Northwestern University. She is the author of three books,[...]
Joe Fatheree helped co-organize a recent national summit on school safety in the United States. In today's show, Joe talks about the summit, what schools are doing nationwide on safety, and the need to help lonely children who are struggling. www.coolcatteacher.com/e479 Joe Fatheree's Bio as Submitted Joe Fatheree is an award-winning author, educator, and filmmaker.[...]
Standards-based grading -- where students are assessed by specific standards -- is being discussed or implemented in many districts. Today we talk to an award-winning French teacher turned Instructional Technology Program Manager who can help us understand the pitfalls and possibilities of successful implementation. Nicole Naditz will also give us advice for getting started with[...]
Extensions can be useful, helpful tools for parents and teachers. There are pitfalls and pluses from each extension and ways to use them in the classroom. In this episode, I'll put my geek hat on and share eleven essential chrome extensions and information on the new web browser, Brave, and why people are using it.[...]
Students need to feel valued. Today's featured educator Crystal Willis from Instagram and TpT as "SunflowersandSped" shares five important tips to help students feel valued. From noticing strengths to not making a simple mistake that makes people feel dumb -- Crystal has practical tips to help all of us better make children feel loved. www.coolcatteacher.com/e476[...]
Frederick Douglass said, "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." Reading is important. Today, we talk to reading expert, Amy Mascott, about how parents and teachers can help older children develop a love of reading. www.coolcatteacher.com/e475 *** Advancement Courses Sponsor: Advancement Courses, a 30-year leader in teacher PD, is kicking off their Spring[...]
Girls and people of color need role models who look like them. Today's show is a team of people at Google who have done just that. Komal Singh is a Google Engineer and recruited other Google employees to participate in a powerful 20% time project that encourages girls to go into STEM. Learn about the[...]
Desmond Tutu says, “Restorative justice says "No, the offense affected a relationship" and what you are seeking for is to restore the relationship, to heal the relationship.” Today, Brad Weinstein and Nathan Maynard, authors of Hacking School Discipline: 9 Ways to Create a Culture of Empathy and Responsibility Using Restorative Justice help us understand how restorative[...]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is only as moral and as good as those who create it. Today, AI ethics thought-leader Joe Fatheree and I discuss this topic. Without discussing the ethics of AI and its algorithms, we risk opening the ultimate Pandora’s box of technology problems when we should instead work to get hope out of the[...]
Need to improve classroom management? Today Darrian Tanner, the Florida State High Impact Teacher award winner for 2016-2017 and 2018-2019 talks about how to help teachers improve their classroom management skills. www.coolcatteacher.com/e471 *** Sponsor: Advancement Courses, a 30-year leader in teacher PD, is kicking off their Spring Sale! Use the code COOL 20 to save 20%[...]
Do your students hate to write? If you need quick ideas to help reach reluctant and struggling writers, Michele Haiken will help us learn more! Michele Haiken, Ed.D. is an educator and ISTE author. She has taught middle school English for the past 20 years and an adjunct professor of literacy for the past twelve[...]
Noa Daniel talks about how unconventional project-based learning and how we can engage students with learning. If you're struggling with student engagement, this is for you. www.coolcatteacher.com/e469 Noa Daniel's Bio as Submitted Noa is a passionate educator and an enthusiastic learner. She is a classroom teacher, podcaster, blogger. She is also a coach, consultant and[...]
Brooke Markle, a veteran middle-level English educator, realized that her kids hated their desks. They wiggled. They moved. They struggled to pay attention. So, with a limited budget, she decided to change her classroom to give students a choice. The results are exciting. www.coolcatteacher.com/e468
Frank DeAngelis was principal of Columbine high school in 1999 and remained the principal until 2015 when all of the students who were in PreK at the time of the shooting graduated. His story of resilience and leadership is one that will inspire you to be there for your students even when times are tough.[...]
Frank DeAngelis was principal of Columbine high school in 1999 and remained the principal until 2015 when all of the students who were in PreK at the time of the shooting graduated. His story of resilience and leadership is one that will inspire you to be there for your students even when times are tough. He[...]
Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath gives us five ways that recent neuroscience research can help us improve our classroom teaching. www.coolcatteacher.com/e465 Todays' sponsor is NetRef, join me on Tuesday, March 26 at 4 pm ET for a free webinar, 5 Ways to Help Teachers Progress in Their Use of Technology. Register now.
Today's show is an inspiring look into some of the truths of teaching from Josh Stumpenhorst, author of the graphic novel, Drawn to Teach, about the real life of teachers and how we can improve. www.coolcatteacher.com/e464 Todays' sponsor is NetRef, join me on Tuesday, March 26 at 4 pm ET for a free webinar, 5 Ways to[...]
Emma Chiappetta, Utah State Teacher of the Year 2017, uses a project-based learning approach for statistics. For those who think you cannot teach difficult content without heavy testing, Emma offers an alternative view on what is working in her classroom now. www.coolcatteacher.com/e463 Todays' sponsor is NetRef, join me on Tuesday, March 26 at 4 pm ET[...]
Movie making teachers and students can benefit from practical advice from a professional film editor. Not just a film editor, Steven Hullfish has interviewed many of the top film editors in the world and shared what he learned in Art of the Cut. www.coolcatteacher.com/e462 Todays' sponsor is NetRef, join me on Tuesday, March 26 at 4[...]
If you're struggling and need some encouragement, today's show is for you. Mike Roberts, author of Chasing Greatness: 26.2 Ways Teaching is Like Running a Marathon, shares fifteen ways to get motivated this week. www.coolcatteacher.com/e461 Todays' sponsor is NetRef, join me on Tuesday, March 26 at 4 pm ET for a free webinar, 5 Ways to Help[...]
Mike Ribble, a digital citizenship expert, shares five important things every educator should know about digital citizenship. www.coolcatteacher.com/e460 Todays' sponsor is NetRef, powerful Internet monitoring software for your school and classroom.
The Right Question Technique is being used by educators around the world to help children ask better questions. Erin Murphy talks about how we can implement some simple techniques to improve student questions today. www.coolcatteacher.com/e459 Todays' sponsor is NetRef, powerful Internet monitoring software for your school and classroom.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) doesn't have to be mind-boggling. Today's guest is international UDL expert Loui Lord Nelson, Ph.D. She talks about what we need to know and also the common mistakes educators make when starting to use UDL. www.coolcatteacher.com/e458 Todays' sponsor is NetRef, powerful Internet monitoring software for your school and classroom.
In part 2 of this show, we discuss the addictive nature of social media and other important digital citizenship issues. Internet safety expert Anne Collier shares. www.coolcatteacher.com/e457 Todays' sponsor is NetRef, powerful Internet monitoring software for your school and classroom.
Anne Collier, Founder and Executive Director of The Net Safety Collaborative and SocialMediaHelpline.com, shares what we need to know about social media in this two-part series. We'll post the first post on Monday with the second part of the series on Tuesday. Come back to this blog post for the second part! www.coolcatteacher.com/e456 Todays' sponsor[...]
Mandy Froehlich gives teachers advice on how to achieve balance between their classroom and personal life. It is difficult but these ideas can help. www.coolcatteacher.com/e455
Angela Stockman has been spending time with students as she teaches them to improve and enjoy their writing. She's learned some remarkable things that she shares on this show. www.coolcatteacher.com/e454
Diego Ojeda, co-founder of @LangchatPLN talks about the importance of languages and why we need to know them even in a world of translators and AI. www.coolcatteacher.com/e453
TW Williamson, a teacher in Taiwan, is helping language and literature teachers use Augmented Reality (AR) in exciting ways. Dive into this new technology and see how it is being used. www.coolcatteacher.com/e452
The Momo scam/hoax/threat has inspired some thoughts about what we should learn so we can prevent such a time-wasting but hurtful thing from spreading again in the future. www.coolcatteacher.com/e451
Nicola Giardina, author of The More We Look, the Deeper It Gets: Transforming the Curriculum Through Art shares five ways we can incorporate art into our teaching. www.coolcatteacher.com/e450 Check out the Cool Cat Teacher weekly newsletter at www.coolcatteacher.com/newsletter
David Gann, Professor of Innovation and Technology Management, shares what his research has shown about playful learning in the business world and classroom. This is a great show for those who think "play" is a bad word and to realize that play is applicable at all levels of success. www.coolcatteacher.com/e449
Michael Cohen, aka the Tech Rabbi, and author of Education by Design talks about classroom design. We should design the classroom environment for learning. www.coolcatteacher.com/e448 Today's sponsor is Empatico a powerful global collaborative tool for ages 7-11. Sign up at www.coolcatteacher.com/empatico
Dr. Brian S. Friedlander talks about the Amazon Alexa devices and why so many teachers are excited about them. www.coolcatteacher.com/e447 Today's sponsor is Empatico, a free global collaborative app for students aged 7-11. coolcatteacher.com/empatico
Get motivated and remember why we want to teach with principal Brad Gustafson. www.coolcatteacher.com/e446 Sponsored by Empatico, an amazing free way to collaborate for ages 7-11 www.coolcatteacher.com/empatico
Elizabeth Iwaszewicz talks about five strategies for designated and integrated ELD /ELA. www.coolcatteacher.com/e445 Today's sponsor is Metaverse. Go to www.coolcatteacher.com/metaverse to learn more.
Michelle Zimmerman talks about AI in the classroom and her new book that shares what we should be doing in this topic. www.coolcatteacher.com/e444 sponsored by: Metaverse - learn more at www.coolcatteacher.com/metaverse
Jaime Donally talks about how students can create with AR and VR in the classroom. coolcatteacher.com/e443 Today's sponsor is Metaverse. Check them out at coolcatteacher.com/metaverse
Augmented Reality an Virtual Reality in the classroom with Hall Davidson. www.coolcatteacher.com/e442 Today's sponsor is Metaverse. Go to www.coolcatteacher.com/metaverse to try this app for free.
Learning to make and create can be a challenge but hundreds of educators took the challenge. Aaron Maurer talks about the 25 days of making. You can join in! www.coolcatteacher.com/e441 Today's sponsor is Metaverse. Go to www.coolcatteacher.com/metaverse to try this app for free. Use the code ARforEDU to try the new classroom Collections feature.
Tired teachers need strategies to stay refreshed and feel good. Today, we talk about battling burnout. www.coolcatteacher.com/e440 Right now, 10-minute Teacher Listeners can save 20% off each course with the code COOL20 at advancementcourses.com/coolcat. (That’s just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours.)
Today's show is different - it is longer than usual. I share some stories of insults, struggles, mistakes, and joys of teaching. The hope is that you'll be encouraged, not feel alone, and remember why we do this profession. These are my stories digging back many years in some cases of the things that have[...]
Developing an "explorer's mindset" is the goal. To help nurture the explorer's mindset in his students, Donnie Piercey traveled to Antarctica and connected with his students. www.coolcatteacher.com/e438 Right now, 10-minute Teacher Listeners can save 20% off each course with the code COOL20 at advancementcourses.com/coolcat. (That’s just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50[...]
I have picked five of my essential classroom tools. Pick one today to try with your students. I've also added some of my favorite new productivity tools for my smartphone, iPad, and a few new ones for my Mac. www.coolcatteacher.com/e437 Right now, 10-minute Teacher Listeners can save 20% off each course with the code COOL20[...]
Basil Marin's story of struggle to success will inspire every teacher to reach the unreachable student. He is now an assistant principal and spreading the word of what happens when a teacher believes in the unreachable child. We all have unreachable stars in our classroom if we'll just look for them. www.coolcatteacher.com/e436 Right now, my[...]
Trevor Muir’s Facebook videos are getting millions of views. Hear the touching teacher stories that are resonating and have teachers sharing. See the videos at: www.coolcatteacher.com/e435 The Teacher’s Guide to Technology 2019 is here! See www.coolcatteacher.com/guide to learn more about this handy, useful guide from Jennifer Gonzalez.
In some of the statistics about online accessibility, we see that, up to 20% of people are excluded from websites when our site is not accessible. More than that - federal lawsuits for non-compliance have risen 180% from 2017 to 2018 in the United States. Today, we dig into a university that is making progress[...]
Doug Bergman, author of Computer Science K12: Imagine the Possibilities, gives an overview of the things we should be teaching students relating to Computer Science from kindergarten to high school. From small programmable robots to programming languages at the upper level, Computer Science is an essential 21st Century skill and method of thinking and creating[...]
The impossible, dangerous, counterproductive, or experience are perfect experiences for virtual reality. Teacher Steven Sato shares with us the kinds of virtual reality experiences that are useful in the classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e432 The Teacher’s Guide to Technology 2019 is here! See www.coolcatteacher.com/guide to learn more about this handy, useful guide from Jennifer Gonzalez.
Tom Murray reflects on his first 1:1 program seventeen years ago with Palm Pilots. He's concerned that we often celebrate low-level learning. "Just because something is digital does not mean it is any good," says Tom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e431 The Teacher’s Guide to Technology 2019 is here! See www.coolcatteacher.com/guide to learn more about this handy, useful guide[...]
Genuine appreciation that is timely and meaningful can go a long way in the classroom, between colleagues, and administrators and their teachers. So why don't we show more appreciation? It doesn't have to be hard as Dr. Brad Johnson explains in this simple but inspiring show about taking the time to build relationships. We can[...]
Dr. Ray Havasay was a scientist consulted on the making of the original Jurassic Park. Now, she is Executive Director of The Center for Science Teaching and Learning where she specializes in helping engage students in exciting science learning. www.coolcatteacher.com/e429
How can you get your students out of the box when you educate them in a box? Check out a revolutionary way to educate with arts, ag, and nature by digging into Chattahoochee Hills Charter School outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Executive Director, Chester Asher, shares what they've learned, the pitfalls of such an approach, and[...]
Today's parents like a different kind of communication. Student videos. Some information and not others. Mike Daugherty, a Director of Technology in Ohio, has been studying this topic and experimenting for the last several years to find optimal ways to communicate with today's parents. Today, he shares what he has learned. www.coolcatteacher.com/e427
While teachers might need to put students first, Dr. Brad Johnson makes the point in his book Putting Teachers First: How to Inspire, Motivate, and Connect with Your Staff that administrators need to focus on teachers in order to help students. He also shares techniques for building positive relationships between administrators and teachers including a[...]
Tony Vincent is a pro at creating graphics. His blog and work is full of amazing graphics. Today, he teaches us five sure-fire ways to create remarkable graphics. We can teach our students or use them to promote the causes we care about. www.coolcatteacher.com/e425
Dr. Toby Travis, Headmaster and leadership consultant, talks about the effective methods of evaluating school leaders, focusing on the research. www.coolcatteacher.com/e424
Gail Charnick and her teachers are using a variety of technologies and showing that you don't have to be 1 to 1 to be leading edge. www.coolcatteacher.com/e423
Dyane Smokorowski talks about Virtual Valentines, a Doodle project, and a fun trip with teachers to the San Diego Zoo this summer. Dive in! www.coolcatteacher.com/e421 Get the weekly newsletter with free resources and ideas for your classroom from the Cool Cat Teacher at www.coolcatteacher.com/newsletter.
Motivating change in ourselves and others can be challenging but it can be done. Join Joy Kirr, 7th grade ELA Teacher, with surprising insight on why teachers really change! www.coolcatteacher.com/e421 Get Vicki Davis' weekly newsletter for teachers with freebies, ideas, and more at www.coolcatteacher.com/newsletter.
Librarian Karen Scott challenges us with some non-traditional practices to get kids interested in reading including organizing her library by genre and using social media and graphics to inspire a love of reading. www.coolcatteacher.com/e420 Advancement Courses has expertly-crafted classroom courses. Use the code COOL20 to get 20% off your course at www.advancementcourses.com/coolcat .
Self-examination and reflection are important parts of improving our teaching practice. With this in mind, Josh Parker encourages us to reflect upon our practice as a teacher with working with a diverse population of students. This show is designed to make us think and open our eyes to mistakes we might be making without realizing[...]
Chris Fancher talks about how to use question formulation techniques (QFT)'s in your classroom by sharing what he does in his. This simple 3 minutes can change your classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e418 Advancement Courses has expertly-crafted classroom courses. Use the code COOL20 to get 20% off your course at www.advancementcourses.com/coolcat.
Dr. Sam Fecich runs a virtual co-op program for her preservice teachers. This program not only helps her preservice teachers learn while doing authentic work, but it helps teachers get help for their classrooms. What a great idea! www.coolcatteacher.com/e417 Advancement Courses has expertly-crafted classroom courses. Use the code COOL20 to get 20% off your course[...]
Students have stories to tell. As educators, we can impact our profession by sharing the stories of student successes (and perhaps struggles.) In today's episode, Jamie Ewing talks about his new YouTube channel and why he finds sharing student stories to be a powerful way to help the profession of teaching. www.coolcatteacher.com/e416 Advancement Courses has[...]
Rubrics can be helpful. But when are they not helpful? What mistakes do we make when using rubrics? English teacher, Dr. Scott N. Forrest shares the five questions they ask at his school when working with rubrics. www.coolcatteacher.com/e415
Jerry Blumengarten has been working with schools for years. But when his local schools in Florida where he has retired have turned away his free offer of help because they have no time, Jerry fights back by talking about how we need to break this "Lockstep Test Prep" mentality. This episode will make you think.[...]
Preventing injuries during VR in the classroom and some interesting future VR trends in healthcare and the classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e413 The 40-Hour Workweek program will help you cut down the number of hours you spend on your job and help you become more productive. It closes on January 10, so check out www.coolcatteacher.com/40 and learn more[...]
Got a VR Headset? Did you know some of them cause nausea? Jaime Donally, talks about virtual reality in the classroom and shares everything we need to know! Part 1 of 2 www.coolcatteacher.com/e412 The 40-Hour Workweek program will help you cut down the number of hours you spend on your job and help you become[...]
Stacey Corrigan shares her classroom management secrets (and some mistakes). This show challenges teachers to reconsider what works (and doesn't) in their own classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e411 Sponsor: The 40-Hour Workweek program will help you cut down the number of hours you spend on your job and help you become more productive. It closes on January 10,[...]
Kasey Bell shares her tech tips for helping teachers make progress with technology. She also shares the biggest mistake she's made as a teacher relating to edtech. https://www.coolcatteacher.com/20-tech-tips-shake-learning/
Start the year right with this motivational story about Will Rogers. "Trade the Cow." The next 40-hour workweek club from Angela Watson starts in January. Go to coolcatteacher.com/40 to get early bird materials and an early bird access price.
Jen Burdis, teacher, and two-time American Ninja Warrior Competitor shares her secrets for staying healthy as a teacher. www.coolcatteacher.com/e370 The next 40-hour workweek club from Angela Watson starts in January. Go to coolcatteacher.com/40 to get early bird materials and an early bird access price.
Mandy Tolen shares how she teaches math, engages students and teaches to standards with NO TEXTBOOK. From choose your own adventure stories to other engaging methods, all teachers will have something to learn from this teacher who ditched her textbook and enhanced learning. Join Augmented Reality Classroom enthusiasts as they talk about the pedagogies of[...]
#5 Show of Season 4 -- Evan Mosier from Iowa teaches us some awesome Googley ideas to start our school year with excitement and creativity. www.coolcatteacher.com/e406 Join Augmented Reality Classroom enthusiasts as they talk about the pedagogies of teaching with AR. This free webinar will be on Wednesday, December 19 at 9 pm ET and[...]
Dr. Joshua Elliott talks about what we need to consider when implementing new technology. He also shares some favorite technologies for his college classroom (and his elementary son's classroom, too.) www.coolcatteacher.com/e405 Join Augmented Reality Classroom enthusiasts as they talk about the pedagogies of teaching with AR. This free webinar will be on Wednesday, December 19[...]
Daniel Miyake from Los Angeles talks about how his students interview on-campus visits. He also shares how students help convey the vision for the school in their work. www.coolcatteacher.com/e404 Join Augmented Reality Classroom enthusiasts as they talk about the pedagogies of teaching with AR. This free webinar will be on Wednesday, December 19 at 9[...]
Barb Gilman (known as @barbinnebraska) has a classroom rich with a love of reading. Today she talks about strategies any teacher can use to help kids love reading. She starts with a sign posting what she's reading now! I've heard other educators (including my friend Todd Nesloney) who have teachers in their schools post what[...]
David Ternent, a teacher in a middle school STEM classroom, shares how he has used his 3D printers to transform and excite kids about learning STEM concepts. www.coolcatteacher.com/e402 Join Augmented Reality Classroom enthusiasts as they talk about the pedagogies of teaching with AR. This free webinar will be on Wednesday, December 19 at 9 pm[...]
Allison Starling talks about a fun "PD Event" she plans for her school that makes innovation fun. She discusses how she styles this event and what teachers learn. www.coolcatteacher.com/e401 Sponsor: Take the Goodbye, Teacher Tired Challenge: 5 Days to Doing Fewer things Better by Angela Watson. Go to www.coolcatteacher.com/challenge and join.
Debbie Scott has started the "Help a Teacher" Facebook page. Learn how it works and join in supporting teachers. www.coolcatteacher.com/e400
Play can be used to teach. C. Ross Flatt from the Institute of Play, talks about exemplars and best practices for play in the middle and high school classrooms. www.coolcatteacher.com/e399
Becky Holden talks about formative assessment in kindergarten. From notetaking on how knowledge is forming as students are learning to the importance of understanding a child's learning path, Becky relates this topic to all ages as we discuss the best practices in formative assessment. www.coolcatteacher.com/e398 SPONSOR: Join a Free Personalized Learning Session with Me and[...]
Isabella Liu is a science teacher in Hong Kong who is using technology with her grade 6-12 classrooms. From augmented reality to game-based learning and online portfolios, she has a variety of ideas to share about how she amps up her science teaching with technology. www.coolcatteacher.com/e397 SPONSOR: Join a Free Personalized Learning Session with Me[...]
Happy Hour of Code Week. Here are your ideas to get started. Brian Aspinall, author of Code Breaker: 15+ Ways to Get Started with Coding, shares how students from kindergarten to high school can start to learn coding. He also discusses why the argument that every child won't become a coder just doesn't hold water.[...]
Lindsay Fell is using augmented reality in the classroom (and so much more.) Today she shares five favorite augmented reality tools (plus one more.) www.coolcatteacher.com/e395 Today's sponsor: Project Pals has a useful classroom collaborative platform that lets you create and manage projects for your students. Right now, my students are creating and managing a project[...]
Sia Kyriakakos teaches art in Baltimore but she teaches far more than art. In part 2 of this conversation with a teacher who is working to become relevant and relatable, see how Sia is teaching in tough times. www.coolcatteacher.com/e394 Today's sponsor: Project Pals has a useful classroom collaborative platform that lets you create and manage[...]
Sia Kyriakakos teaches art in Baltimore but she teaches far more than art. In part 1 of this conversation with a teacher who is working to become relevant and relatable, see how Sia is teaching in tough times. www.coolcatteacher.com/e393 Today's sponsor: Project Pals has a useful classroom collaborative platform that lets you create and manage[...]
Master music teacher Amy Burns shares how Seesaw has become a portal for musical performances for parents and grandparents. She shares her game-changing best practices for the elementary music classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e392 Today's sponsor: Project Pals has a useful classroom collaborative platform that lets you create and manage projects for your students. Right now, my students[...]
John Couch, Apple's first VP of Education hired by Steve Jobs, talks about education as it should be. From the early research from Apple to current technologies, learn about what we should be doing in education with challenge based learning. www.coolcatteacher.com/e391 Today's sponsor: Project Pals has a useful classroom collaborative platform that lets you create[...]
Pam Moran and Ira Socol talk about the timeless principle of student-created learning. What does this look like? www.coolcatteacher.com/e389
Pana Asavavatana won the ISTE Kay Bitter Award for 2018 as a top technology using kindergarten teacher. In today's show, she digs deep about how she teaches her students to use iPads. www.coolcatteacher.com/e388
Liz Kolb evaluates where we've come with smartphones in the classroom a decade after writing one of the original educational books about using cell phones in the classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e387
Rushton Hurley talks about how to run more exciting and effective meetings in schools. www.coolcatteacher.com/e386
John Larmer, the editor at the Buck Institute, talks about common barriers to effective project-based learning and how to overcome them. www.coolcatteacher.com/e385 Today's sponsor is Projectpals.com, a fantastic platform for students to plan, create, and manage their own projects (and for teachers to coach.) Learn more at projectpals.com.
After much research, Suzie Boss shares what makes excellent project-based teaching and gives a sneak peek into her book by the same name. www.coolcatteacher.com/e384 Today's sponsor is Projectpals.com, a fantastic platform for students to plan, create, and manage their own projects (and for teachers to coach.) Learn more at projectpals.com.
Julia Bamba leads a personalized high school. After three years, they are graduating their first senior class. Learn about their successes and lessons from this revolutionary approach to learning being piloted in many US districts. www.coolcatteacher.com/e383 Today's sponsor is Projectpals.com, a fantastic platform for students to plan, create, and manage their own projects (and for[...]
Dr. Justin Aglio has partnered with Carnegie Mellon and MIT to develop a middle school curriculum teaching Artificial Intelligence. Learn how they did it and what they are teaching in today's episode. www.coolcatteacher.com/e382 Today's sponsor is Projectpals.com, a fantastic platform for students to plan, create, and manage their own projects (and for teachers to coach.)[...]
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones, talks about healthy habit building for students and teachers. www.coolcatteacher.com/e381 Today's sponsor is Projectpals.com, a fantastic platform for students to plan, create, and manage their own projects (and for teachers to coach.) Learn more at projectpals.com.
Sarah Johnson is a leader who is passionate about stemming burnout through sharing the balance message for fellow educators, elevating women in leadership, and inspiring others with faith-filled leadership. She has been a teacher for grades 6-12, a principal for 4k-12, and is currently leading on a broader scale through consulting, coaching, and speaking. She[...]
Dr. Dave Neale is a researcher in the psychology of play and learning at the Centre for Play, Education, Development and Learning (PEDAL) at The University of Cambridge. Today he talks about the neuroscience of play, games, and learning in the classroom. (We also discuss a little about Fortnight.) www.coolcatteacher.com/e378 Sponsor: Advancement Courses has more[...]
Today, I share some things from my home that I've learned and want to teach as a result of Hurricane Michael. www.coolcatteacher.com/e377 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take these courses for continuing education, salary advancement, or recertification. They are practical courses that have[...]
We have no power. No Water. No cell service. We were hit by Hurricane Michael and as we've lived through the first four days without necessities - here are the important things you and your children need to know to stay safe when disaster hits. I wish with all my heart that I wasn't qualified[...]
Thomas Arnett, a senior research fellow in education for the Christensen Institute, talks about a recent paper he co-authored about "The Teacher's Quest for Progress" www.coolcatteacher.com/e376 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take these courses for continuing education, salary advancement, or recertification. They are[...]
In the meantime, look up your favorite topic and listen to back shows of the 10-Minute teacher at www.coolcatteacher.com/podcast. Thanks for listening!
Eduprotocols for kindergarten and early elementary with the book's co-author Jon Corippo. Instead of selecting many apps, many are now recommending just a few tools/protocols for how things are taught with edtech. Then, it becomes about the content and not the tools. www.coolcatteacher.com/e375 Sponsored by: The Really Good Stuff Digital Learning Collection. 150+ apps for[...]
Laurie McIntosh shares how her kindergarten kindness "superheroes" wear their capes and spread kindness around their community. She also shares how she surveys student's DNA (dreams, needs, and abilities) and a touching story about the impact this has on the classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e374 Sponsored by: The Really Good Stuff Digital Learning Collection. 150+ apps for your[...]
Helen Kardiasmenos talks about early elementary gaming and how she is using gaming in her classroom in Australia. She is doing so many cool things to teach all subjects to teach her students. www.coolcatteacher.com/e373 Sponsored by: The Really Good Stuff Digital Learning Collection. 150+ apps for your student iPads or Google Play devices inside one[...]
Emily Lynch talks about how to use iPads in the classroom to differentiate instruction. So many good ways exist to use iPads but how can we personalize it and make it unique? Today as our ongoing spotlight this week on K-2 education, we focus on iPads with younger students and differentiating instruction with them. www.coolcatteacher.com/e372[...]
Karen Lirenman inspires K-2 teachers to reach their students. She teaches us her secrets to innovating and staying positive. www.coolcatteacher.com/e371 Today’s Sponsor: Really Good Stuff Digital Learning Collection The Really Good Stuff Digital Learning Collection is here! (Read my review.) This app is a digital supplemental curriculum solution for K-2nd grade - aligned with[...]
Jen Burdis, teacher and two-time American Ninja Warrior Competitor, shares her secrets for staying healthy as a teacher. www.coolcatteacher.com/e370/ Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an online provider of professional development for K-12 teachers, is donating 10% of their sales to funding DonorChoose.org projects. Go to advancementcourses.com/give to submit your project today. AND,[...]
The Imagine Project has free journals and lesson plans that help students cope with the drama and trauma of life. Dianne Maroney helps teachers understand writing strategies shown to help children appreciate resilience in themselves and one another. www.coolcatteacher.com/e369 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an online provider of professional development for K-12[...]
Fourth grade teacher Justine MacKinnon helps us understand how flexible seating has changed her fourth grade classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e368 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an online provider of professional development for K-12 teachers, is donating 10% of their sales to funding DonorChoose.org projects. Go to advancementcourses.com/give to submit your project today. AND, if[...]
Fourth grade teacher Justine MacKinnon helps us understand how flexible seating has changed her fourth grade classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e368 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an online provider of professional development for K-12 teachers, is donating 10% of their sales to funding DonorChoose.org projects. Go to advancementcourses.com/give to submit your project today. AND, if[...]
Jennifer Scott saves her school tens of thousands as they make their yearbook with Google Slides. She’ll also announce a giveaway of her new course that teaches you how to do it. Let’s dig into making yearbooks with Google Slides! www.coolcatteacher.com/e367 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an online provider of professional development[...]
Mastermind groups are innovative ways to create safe spaces for teachers to grow and learn together. In this show 2012 National Teacher of the Year Rebecca Mieliwocki shares how she has facilitated Mastermind groups successfully. She talks about the pitfalls and challenges of creating spaces to innovate and why mastermind groups aren’t for every teacher.[...]
Students need to know how to safely navigate their digital world. In this show, I share how I teach the 9 Key P’s of Digital Citizenship in 5 simple steps. Enjoy! www.coolcatteacher.com/e365 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an online provider of professional development for K-12 teachers, is donating 10% of their sales[...]
André Sasser, 9-year math teacher, tweeted something that has been viewed by 14 million people. This simple statement has transformed Andre’s classroom in powerful ways. Learn about the question and the changes that have made her math classroom a more exciting place. www.coolcatteacher.com364 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an online provider of[...]
Geo-inquiry helps students learn through geographic based explorations. Geo-inquiry expert Jim Bentley (author of the free National Geographic Geo-Inquiry Educator Guide) talks about what this project-based learning method looks like in his fifth grade classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com363 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an online provider of professional development for K-12 teachers, is donating[...]
Online content must be riveting, interesting, and should educate students. Andrew Pass @apasseducation talks about trends in online education and shares the trends we should understand as educators. www.coolcatteacher.com362 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an online provider of professional development for K-12 teachers, is donating 10% of their sales to funding DonorChoose.org[...]
Teaching motivation and metacognitive principles is challenging. While he started as a journalism teacher, now Chris Holmes @cholmes66 works with students to try to help them understand motivation and success principles. He will share with us what works (and doesn’t) and also will tackle misconceptions and misapplications of the word “grit.” You can’t just[...]
Kimberly Mitchell talks about how we can promote inquiry in the classroom. From helping students to effectively generate questions to modeling curiosity, we have five practical ideas to bring inquiry into our classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e360 Powerschool has fantastic a fantastic K12 Academic Leaders Webinar Series at coolcatteacher.com/PowerSchoolWebinar including my "Digital Dozen: 12 Tips for Building Your[...]
AP US History Teacher, Andrew Sharos, talks about how to create a collaborative environment that helps students learn and succeed in AP courses. www.coolcatteacher.com/e358 Powerschool has fantastic K12 Academic Leaders Webinar Series at coolcatteacher.com/PowerSchoolWebinar including my "Digital Dozen: 12 Tips for Building Your Digital Classroom". PowerSchool is my only recommended SIS and LMS.
Sean Wybrant, 2017 Colorado Teacher of the Year, has students building virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. They are programming in advanced ways with a full motion capture lab. Even more amazing are the methods Sean is using to teach his students. www.coolcatteacher.com/e358 PowerSchool has fantastic K12 Academic Leaders Webinar Series at coolcatteacher.com/PowerSchoolWebinar including my[...]
David Hopkins, author of Emergency Rations #EdTechRations: What’s so important we can’t leave it at home?, talks about the educational technology that educators around the world carry in their bags and pockets. www.coolcatteacher.com/e357 Sponsor: PowerSchool has a fantastic K12 Academic Leaders Webinar Series at coolcatteacher.com/PowerSchoolWebinar including my "Digital Dozen: 12 Tips for Building Your Digital[...]
Teacher Morgan Toal shares the powerful writing project that she calls the "Thank You Project" - what a great way to be kind and considerate and teach writing at the same time! www.coolcatteacher.com/e356 Sponsor: PowerSchool has fantastic a fantastic K12 Academic Leaders Webinar Series at coolcatteacher.com/PowerSchoolWebinar including my "Digital Dozen: 12 Tips for Building Your Digital[...]
Aaron Polansky gives us five exciting ways to have a positive cultural impact in your school on Monday. www.coolcatteacher.com/e355
Jennifer Degenhardt talks about how she uses stories in Spanish to help students engage with learning Spanish. www.coolcatteacher.com/e354
Rayna Freedman inspires her elementary students with a spy-themed classroom experience that runs throughout the year. Learn how she does it and why in this fun Wonderful Classroom Wednesday. www.coolcatteacher.com/e353
IT Integrator, Evan Mosier, and his teacher friend, Tom, have a remarkable story of persistence when first working to integrate Google Classroom. Be inspired to overcome and persist because our students need us to do it! www.coolcatteacher.com/e352
Oskar Cymerman shares some unique memory techniques we can use to help kids learn and remember. www.coolcatteacher.com/e351
Encouragement and inspiration for teachers from a classroom teacher. Ideas, research, and inspiring thoughts we can all use for our classrooms. www.coolcatteacher.com/e350 Sponsor: Read my review of the Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset at www.coolcatteacher.com/vr and learn how to enter to win a STEAM Lab Makeover from Acer and Microsoft, who are giving away 10[...]
John Stevens talks about a method of lesson planning to help teachers "serve up" more exciting lessons to students. www.coolcatteacher.com/e349 Sponsor: Read my review of the Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset at www.coolcatteacher.com/vr and learn how to enter to win a STEAM Lab Makeover from Acer and Microsoft, who are giving away 10 Acer Windows[...]
Kate Bradford and Brett Miller share their secrets for student-driven Hyperdocs. Taken from their popular ISTE 2018 session, learn about the next evolution of Hyperdocs and how they're being used in the classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e348 Sponsor: Read my review of the Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset at www.coolcatteacher.com/vr and learn how to enter to win a STEAM[...]
Michael Furdyk from Taking IT Global talks about some global initiatives to help students understand indigenous peoples and develop empathy. www.coolcatteacher.com/e347
Todd Nelsoney and Travis Crowder talk about some of the ideas to get kids excited about reading and writing from their book "Sparks in the Dark." We can motivate and excite kids about reading and writing. www.coolcatteacher.com/e346
Evan Mosier from Iowa teaches us some awesome Googley ideas to start our school year with excitement and creativity. www.coolcatteacher.com/e345 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an online provider of professional development for K-12 teachers, is donating 10% of their sales to funding DonorChoose.org projects. Go to advancementcourses.com/give to submit your project today.[...]
Jody Green and Dr. Tim Greene talk about taking teaching to the next level with #supermuch. We discuss what going to the next level in the classroom and in online learning means both at the secondary and college level. www.coolcatteacher.com/e344 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an online provider of professional development for[...]
Classroom teacher Faith Maria Brody talks about how she inspires a love of writing in her fifth graders. www.coolcatteacher.com/e343 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an online provider of professional development for K-12 teachers, is donating 10% of their sales to funding DonorChoose.org projects. Go to advancementcourses.com/give to submit your project today. AND,[...]
Augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality are terms being thrown around in technology circles. But what do the mean? How are they being used in the classroom? Jaime Donally talks about these technologies in simple language and helps us understand the classroom applications of them. www.coolcatteacher.com/e342 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement Courses,[...]
Katie Martin, an ISTE 2018 keynote, talks about the importance of putting learners at the center of your innovation model. She starts with the questions we need to ask ourselves and our students and talks about what learner-center innovation looks like. Get inspired and motivated by listening to Katie. www.coolcatteacher.com/e341 Sponsor: From now until September 28, Advancement[...]
Nikki Robertson, ISTE Librarians Network President Elect, shares five ways to use social media to enhance professional development and improve student learning. Can you use Snapchat to connect with parents? Can social media be effective professional development? Nikki shows us how. www.coolcatteacher.com/e340
Jessica Cabeen, the 2017 Minnesota National Distinguished Principal, and talks about how we can hack and improve early learning. This is a must-listen for kindergarten principals and teachers. www.coolcatteacher.com/e339
Mandi Tolen shares how she teaches math, engages students and teachers to standards with NO TEXTBOOK. From choose your own adventure stories to other engaging methods, all teachers will have something to learn from this teacher who ditched her textbook and enhanced learning. www.coolcatteacher.com/e338
Kasey Bell shares her tech tips for helping teachers make progress with technology. She also shares the biggest mistake she's made as a teacher relating to edtech. See the infographic and more information about Kasey at www.coolcatteacher.com/e337
Start the school year right with this motivational story about Will Rogers. "Trade the Cow." www.coolcatteacher.com/e336
Students have reasons for how they behave, particularly if they have learning differences and learn in unique ways. Occupational and physical therapist, Suzanne Cresswell, helps us understand children and why some of them just can’t stop moving. Sponsor: www.coolcatteacher.com/e335 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You[...]
Emerging administrator leaders and administrators are participating in an emerging leadership virtual mentorship program created by Jodie Pierpoint and many volunteers. Learn about this program, how you can join in, and how you can become a better mentor. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e334 SPONSOR: Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for[...]
Richard Byrne, author of Free Technology for Teachers, was a history teacher. It shows. In today’s show, he talks about top free tech tools to try in social studies lessons. This is one to share with your history department. www.coolcatteacher.com/e333 Sponsor: Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12[...]
Jacqui Murray shares how we can encourage an improvement in writing using technology. These creative ways will help you think about how to help children, particularly those who struggle with handwriting and typing. Show: www.coolcatteacher.com/e332 Sponsor: Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take these courses for[...]
We need more strategies than fist to five or thumbs up thumbs down. Teacher Mike Roberts give five strategies that can help us with formative assessment AND classroom management. #5 Episode of Season 3 of the 10-Minute Teacher www.coolcatteacher.com/e331 Sponsor: Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can[...]
Summer is an important time for educators. While some people debate what educators should or shouldn’t do over the summer, ultimately it is YOUR summer and YOUR plans. Here are five things to consider as you plan your summer. www.coolcatteacher.com/e330 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers.[...]
Instructional Technology Coaches can be helpful advisors for teachers if they learn strategies of encouragement and empowerment. Deb Ramm helps us learn the techniques to help powerful improvement happen in classrooms. www.coolcatteacher.com/e329 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take these courses for continuing education,[...]
One middle school had to cope with the tragic death of a classmate. This story features how one remarkable teacher and his jazz band helped a whole school cope. www.coolcatteacher.com/e328 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take these courses for continuing education, salary advancement,[...]
Professor Britt Wattwood has moved his college classes off Facebook. Today he reflects on the implications for educators and how he’s talking about the Cambridge Analytica scandal with other educators. www.coolcatteacher.com/e327 Sponsor: Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take these courses for continuing education, salary[...]
So many kids struggle, especially in summer school. Popular author, Dr. Barbara Blackburn, gives us some tips to start summer school or any school year in a way to help struggling learners set goals. This must-listen episode will give you ideas for having a great summer as well. www.coolcatteacher.com/e326 Advancement Courses has more than 200[...]
Cognitive overload happens to students and teachers. Often looking like ADHD, cognitive overload can happen for a variety of reasons including challenges to your working memory. Learn some ways to help your students and yourself when you struggle with cognitive overload. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e325 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development[...]
Moving clips in kindergarten can not only embarrass children but causes privacy concerns with many experts. There are alternatives! Kindergarten teacher, Elizabeth Merce, urges teachers to “ditch the clips” and shares what you can do instead. www.coolcatteacher.com/e324 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take[...]
The Real-World Classroom model of teaching finance is part simulation part game. Invented by Brian Bean, this model of teaching is transforming Texas classrooms and beyond. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e323 SMART’s Give Greatness contest is today’s sponsor. SMART wants to recognize educators across the globe who inspire greatness in their students, peers or community. Nominate your[...]
Kasey Bell teaches us eight great ways to use Google Slides. From stop motion to video controls and cool add ins for formative assessment and graphics, learn about this Swiss Army Knife of Google tools - Google slides. www.coolcatteacher.com/e322 Today’s guest Kasey Bell is author of Shake of Learning and is just releasing her Google[...]
Helping first-year teachers learn and grow is a challenge facing education systems worldwide. Today we take a peek into the second part of a 2 part series highlighting the relationship between Lindsay George and Stephanie Goldman. Not only do they use Google Docs to plan, but they have a positive personal relationship. It isn’t just[...]
The 5 C’s of the awesome math classroom are conjecture, communication, collaboration, chaos (listen to the show and don’t be afraid), and celebration according to 25-year educator Gerald Aungst. Gerald is author of Five Principles of the Modern Mathematics Classroom and gives us an overview of what makes an incredible math classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e320
More than 60 teachers in Dr. Steven Weber’s district helped write their math curriculum. Now, they are excited. Learn how this process not only helps develop curriculum, it also develops teacher leaders and promotes the important conversations that need to happen. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e319
They only had a few days to teach the entire Odyssey. So, teacher Marynn Dause met with her students. They decided to follow the pattern of Homer and become storytelling bards themselves with powerful results. Marynn shares this innovative approach to teaching the Odyssey invented by her students along with their advice for using this[...]
Hyperdocs literacy task boards and Flipgrid are two favorite tools of Laura Dennis, a third-grade teacher. Learn more about how Laura’s classroom has become more modern and simplified with these valuable tools. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e317
Stephanie Goldman and her first-year mentee Lindsay George have used Google Drive and Google Classroom to supercharge their mentor/mentee relationship. Stephanie calls this the ACE method of mentoring: Access, Collaboration, and Experimentation. Learn this powerful method of mentoring. Part 1 with next week being Lindsay George, the other half of this experience. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e316
Fantastic ideas to bring the inquiry mindset into the classroom including curiosity jars, provocations and more. Show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e315
Fantastic ideas to bring the inquiry mindset into the classroom including curiosity jars, provocations and more. Show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e315
Ann Oro helped her diocese develop curriculum standards for digital citizenship by grade level. Ann also talks about the fifth-grade course piloted by Seton Hall. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e314
Math teacher Carrie Pierce talks about promoting discovery and inquiry-based learning in math. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e313
In this episode, three of Vicki Davis' students share their thoughts about social media. This edtech tool Tuesday showcases three students with an opinion but also how podcasts can help students develop their voice. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e312
Kayla Delzer motivates us to relinquish control and empower students with three powerful examples. We can do this! Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e311 Sponsor: The STLinATL Conference will be at Woodward Academy in Atlanta July 26-27, 2018. I’ll be speaking with other amazing educators like Suzy Boss, Janet Zadina, Jay McTighe, Dr. Brendan Ozawa de Silva, Scott[...]
Esports are coming to state high school athletic competitions, college sports, and intramurals now. Today, esports pioneer James O’Hagan explains the phenomenon and how Gamer-Scholars are emerging as successful examples of a new sport. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e310 SMART’s Give Greatness contest is today’s sponsor. SMART wants to recognize educators across the globe who inspire greatness[...]
Finish well. Today, Linda Kardamis shares common mistakes to avoid and positive things to do that will help you have a successful finish to your school year. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e309 SMART’s Give Greatness contest is today’s sponsor. SMART wants to recognize educators across the globe who inspire greatness in their students, peers or community. Nominate[...]
Kindergarteners explore their “wonderings” in Lindsey Danhoff’s classroom. Lindsey gives practical advice for passion projects with younger aged children. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e308 SMART’s Give Greatness contest is today’s sponsor. SMART wants to recognize educators across the globe who inspire greatness in their students, peers or community. Nominate your favorite educator at coolcatteacher.com/greatness. Each nominee and[...]
Host Vicki Davis will give you 7 strategies to use for making apps, student passion projects, making movies, or any type of long-term project where you have the students brainstorm and create. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e307 SMART’s Give Greatness contest is today’s sponsor. SMART wants to recognize educators across the globe who inspire greatness in their[...]
Hope King from Ron Clark Academy has an inspiring message for teachers about using your creativity to engage students. She talks about how every teacher can make their classroom more exciting and why it is necessary. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e306 SMART’s Give Greatness contest is today’s sponsor. SMART wants to recognize educators across the globe who[...]
Safe experiences with monitoring and support can help children understand digital safety. In today’s show Wanda Terral talks about how to help kids understand digital safety. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e305 NetRef: Thursday, May 10 at 5pm ET, join me for the 9 Key P’s of Digital Citizenship sponsored by NetRef AND get a free pilot of[...]
Kyle Pearce talks about how to make math visual for students. Discussing current theories supporting effective math teaching, Kyle helps us understand how to improve math understanding with kids who struggle. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e304 NetRef: Thursday, May 10 at 5pm ET, join me for the 9 Key P’s of Digital Citizenship sponsored by NetRef AND[...]
Math teacher Denis Sheeran talks about what math should (and shouldn’t) be. Make math meaningful and real with these tips and ideas. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e303 NetRef: Thursday, May 10 at 5pm ET, join me for the 9 Key P’s of Digital Citizenship sponsored by NetRef AND get a free pilot of NetRef’s internet management and[...]
Education technology must enhance learning. If it doesn’t, why use it? Today’s guest, Bethany Petty gives us pointers and shares a common pitfall of those implementing new technology in the classroom. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e302 NetRef: Thursday, May 10 at 5pm ET, join me for the 9 Key P’s of Digital Citizenship sponsored by NetRef AND[...]
We can unleash our creativity as teachers if we want to inspire our students. Co-author of Wildcard, Wade King, shares how. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e301 NetRef Sponsor: Thursday, May 10 at 5pm ET, join me for the 9 Key P’s of Digital Citizenship sponsored by NetRef AND get a free pilot of NetRef’s internet management and monitoring[...]
Eric Curts gives us five Googley ways to celebrate Poetry Month. From blackout poetry to rhymefinding extensions, learn about some tools you can use all year long in your language arts classes. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e300 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take these courses[...]
Engage parents any time of the year with these strategies. Parent parties are fun, exciting ways to help parents and improve relationships. You can do this even now. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e299 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take these courses for continuing education, salary[...]
Jonathan Thomas-Palmer teaches physics. Students start with a zero and level up as they use videos, one on one help, and game-based mastery to master physics. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e298 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take these courses for continuing education, salary advancement, or[...]
Digital filmmaking can successfully be integrated into any class. Learn practical tips and ideas from Joe Brennan. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e297 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take these courses for continuing education, salary advancement, or recertification. They are practical courses that have teachers developing[...]
There is one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing. Say nothing. Be nothing.” says Aristotle. Criticism comes with breaking new ground. Criticism comes with putting yourself out there. But how do you respond when that criticism turns to hatred? http://www.coolcatteacher.com/what-to-do-when-someone-hates-you/ Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers.[...]
Brian Page has ideas to bring financial literacy to every school. Whether you want games, curriculum, or to know what’s next in financial literacy, this is a must-listen podcast for anyone working with financial literacy in their school. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e295 April 26 is #PowerofEcon day with a noon ET Twitter chat and lots of[...]
David Petro has been using Twitter for his math PD for more than eight years. Learn about the current trends in hashtag learning and the popular techniques for harvesting learning from this social network. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e294 April 26 is #PowerofEcon day with a noon ET Twitter chat and lots of financial literacy resources. Sponsored[...]
Mary Howard’s students build and learn in Open Sim, a virtual world like Second Life. From building architectural constructs to understanding the Diary of Anne Frank, literature comes alive in this virtual world. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e293 April 26 is #PowerofEcon day with a noon ET Twitter chat and lots of financial literacy resources. Sponsored by[...]
Some elementary classrooms are using open badges for competency acquisition by students. In today’s show, Amy Cooper talks about how this is done, the advantages, and insights on student motivation. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e292 April 26 is #PowerofEcon day with a noon ET Twitter chat and lots of financial literacy resources. Sponsored by Discovery Education and[...]
Infographics are powerful communication tools. Today, infographic pro Eileen Lennon shares how she uses infographics, creates them, and why they’re such a powerful tool. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e291 April 26 is #PowerofEcon day with a noon ET Twitter chat and lots of financial literacy resources. Sponsored by Discovery Education and CME Group, join in www.coolcatteacher.com/econ
STEM and Computational Thinking go together. Today’s guest is a PhD, Biomedical engineer and STEM Teacher. Stephanie Zeiger helps us see the potential of STEM and computational thinking. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e290 Legends of Learning has awesome free science games and activities to celebrate earth day on April 22. coolcatteacher.com/earth Check out their NGSS aligned Science[...]
Katherine Firestone helps parents and kids with ADHD. Having been diagnosed with ADHD herself, Katherine is uniquely positioned to help us understand what to do to help children with ADHD and their parents. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e289 Legends of Learning has awesome free science games and activities to celebrate earth day on April 22. coolcatteacher.com/earth Check[...]
Karen Bosch explains why Merge Cubes are so hot, how they are being used in classrooms, and how she’s using them to build critical thinking and creativity in her school. Join Merge Cube Mania! Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e288 Legends of Learning has awesome free science games and activities to celebrate earth day on April 22. coolcatteacher.com/earth[...]
Mike Lawrence, current organizer of the longest running student media festival in the country, shares how to set up and run your own media festival. With a big hat tip to our mutual friend Hall Davidson who started this event, we learn the ins and outs of student media festival and how you can “steal”[...]
Get Mathivated with Kim Thomas. She literally speaks math and has exciting things to do each day of the week for her students. (She also has quite an interesting way to handle difficult behavior including profanity.) Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e286
Julie Willcott talks about how we can bring sustainable food systems and understanding into our schools with these five simple ideas. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e285 Sponsor: The STLinATL Conference will be at Woodward Academy in Atlanta July 26-27, 2018. I’ll be speaking with other amazing educators like Suzy Boss, Janet Zadina, Jay McTighe, Dr. Brendan Ozawa[...]
Dr. Doug Green challenges our thinking about school, how we should teach, and the flaws with the testing programs we have in education today. Show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e284 Sponsor: The STLinATL Conference will be at Woodward Academy in Atlanta July 26-27, 2018. I’ll be speaking with other amazing educators like Suzy Boss, Janet Zadina, Jay McTighe,[...]
Elearning design needs to engage and persuade the learner to know how to engage with the content and learning. Dr. Laurie Korte talks about e-learning design that engages learners and common mistakes of e-learning and blended learning classrooms. Show Notes www.coolcatteacher.com/e283 This Thursday, April 4 at 2pm ET/11 am PT join me for 12 Tips[...]
Santha Walters uses drones in her English classroom to teach writing, collaboration and more. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e282 This Thursday, April 4 at 2pm ET/11 am PT join me for 12 Tips for Building Your Digital Classroom sponsored by PowerSchool. Register at http://coolcatteacher.com/digital today.
Mike Daugherty is helping connect the parents at his school to the digital lives of students. How can schools connect with parents to relate better to students? We learn how today. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e281 This week I'll be sharing the 7 Pedagogical Shifts That Make Interactive Displays a Key to a Student-Centered Classroom on the[...]
Jacqui Murray shares how we can encourage an improvement in writing using technology. These creative ways will help you think about how to help children, particularly those who struggle with handwriting and typing. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e280 Sponsor: The STLinATL Conference will be at Woodward Academy in Atlanta July 26-27, 2018. I’ll be speaking with other[...]
Students have reasons for how they behave, particularly if they have learning differences and learn in unique ways. Occupational and physical therapist, Suzanne Cresswell, helps us understand children and why some of them just can’t stop moving Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e279
Emerging administrator leaders and administrators are participating in an emerging leadership virtual mentorship program created by Jodie Pierpoint and many volunteers. Learn about this program, how you can join in, and how you can become a better mentor. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e278 Sponsor: The STLinATL Conference will be at Woodward Academy in Atlanta July 26-27, 2018. I’ll[...]
Richard Byrne, author of Free Technology for Teachers, was a history teacher. It shows. In today’s show, he talks about top free tech tools to try in social studies lessons. This is one to share with your history department. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e277 STLinATL will be at Woodward Academy in Atlanta July 26-27. I’ll be speaking with[...]
John Spencer, coauthor of two different best-selling books, Launch and Empower, talks about the creativity (and test score) boosts his classes experienced when he began Maker Mondays. www.coolcatteacher.com/e276 Sponsor: The STLinATL Conference will be at Woodward Academy in Atlanta July 26-27, 2018. I’ll be speaking with other amazing educators like Suzy Boss, Janet Zadina, Jay McTighe,[...]
Patti Duncan shares some of the common mistakes she finds that schools implementing Next Generation Science Standards make. If you’re implementing NGSS in your school or state, this is a must listen. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e275 Sponsor: Legends of Learning has amazing game based science experiences for students in 3-8 aligning with Next Generation Science and[...]
Kate Dobrzenski spotlights K-4 innovative science practice. She discusses how to incorporate the observation of phenomena and other Next Generation Science Standards in elementary science. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e274 Sponsor: Legends of Learning has amazing game based science experiences for students in 3-8 aligning with Next Generation Science and select state standards. Go to coolcatteacher.com/science and[...]
Marc Seigel, a contributing author to Flipping 2.0, talks about an innovative flipped science classroom. How do lessons flow? What are common mistakes? How do students make progress? Learn all this and more in this quick, 10-minute show. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e273 Sponsor: Legends of Learning has an amazing game based science experiences for students in 3-8[...]
Leah LaCrosse shares six edtech ideas science teachers can start using today to improve learning and excite students about science. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e272 Sponsor: Legends of Learning has an amazing game based science experiences for students in 3-8 aligning with Next Generation Science and select state standards. Go to coolcatteacher.com/science and sign up for your free account[...]
Thirty-three-year Presidential Award Winning science teacher Glen Westbroek believes in creating active learning experiences in his science classroom. Today we kick off science week on the 10-Minute Teacher talking about active learning, Next Generation Science Standards, and what an engaging science classroom looks like. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e271 SPONSOR: Legends of Learning has an amazing game based[...]
In today’s show Meg Ormiston gives us an idea for each of the 5 C’s: creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and computational thinking. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e270 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take these courses for continuing education, salary advancement, or recertification. They are[...]
Teachers need to have say in their own PD, but how do you help teachers become intrinsically motivated to learn? Today, Jarod Bormann, author of Professionally Driven: Empower Every Educator To Redefine PD talks about designing PD that works and interests teachers. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e269 Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development[...]
Game-based learning might not be what you think. On today’s show Matthew Farber, author of Game Based Learning In Action: How an Expert Affinity Group Teaches with Games, talks about how to effectively use games in the classroom. He shares a four-part model including playing the game, debriefing, reflecting, and then creating. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e268[...]
Jeff Bradbury, IT Coach and Podcaster at the Teachercast Network and I talk about education podcasting and how it all works. SHOW NOTES: www.coolcatteacher.com/e267 SPONSOR: Advancement Courses has more than 200 graduate level online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. You can take these courses for continuing education, salary advancement, or recertification. They are practical courses that[...]
Award Winning teacher Aimee Ross talks about how she’s learned from her students through struggle, brokenness and the ups and downs of life. Today’s show is an inspiring look into the journey of teaching, being recognized for your work, and realizing that the students really are why we teach. SHOW NOTES: www.coolcatteacher.com/e266 SPONSOR: Advancement Courses has more[...]
Elementary Math can be exciting. Check out these five ideas to use technology to make math exciting. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e265 This week I'll be sharing the 7 Pedagogical Shifts That Make Interactive Displays a Key to a Student-Centered Classroom on the Cool Cat Teacher blog sponsored by SMART Technologies. Shift #1 is that Students are[...]
We hope that kids will learn critical thinking skills in one class and then apply it to another. However, MIT Teaching Systems Lab Director, Dr. Justin Reich, shares that this may not be so. Today we discuss current research that is shaking up how people think about learning. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e264 This week I'll be[...]
Crystal Marshall-Krauss and her colleagues at the district office in Howard County, Maryland have created a fun way to excite teachers about professional development. They’ve created “Happy Apples” subscription boxes for their teachers around a variety of subjects. Learn about this innovative PD idea and how your district can craft these boxes for your teachers.[...]
Teaching kids to code starts with helping them understand the concepts behind coding before you get into syntax. Aditya Batura, Programmer and Entrepreneur, talks today about the concept of helping every student understand computational thinking. www.coolcatteacher.com/e262 This week I'll be sharing the 7 Pedagogical Shifts That Make Interactive Displays a Key to a Student-Centered Classroom[...]
Here's what I do to prevent problems before they happen. www.coolcatteacher.com/e261
Teachers are not all saints, nor are they all slackers. -- These are just two of the myths that social studies teacher Aaron Pribble tackles in this motivating, uplifting talk about what it is really like to be a teacher in America today. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e260 Check out Jennifer Gonzalez’ 2018 Teacher’s Guide to Technology[...]
Strategic planning for your school or district can take a variety of forms. In today’s show, learn how one successful district has tackled this process and how they are getting buy-in from teachers on the vision during the second year of implementation. Lynn Fuini-Hetton works in Salisbury Township District in Pennsylvania www.coolcatteacher.com/e259 Check out Jennifer[...]
Heidi Sloan is the Iditarod teacher for this year. It starts on March 3 - 18. Get free lesson plans, connect with a musher and get your kids excited. See http://iditarod.com/edu/category/teacher-on-the-trail/ Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e258 Check out Jennifer Gonzalez’ 2018 Teacher’s Guide to Technology for more than 200 tools with special tips, videos, and screenshots to[...]
Google Jamboard is a fun interactive app. There’s hardware too, but don’t be worried. The free app has lots to play with. You just download it on Google Play or iTunes and use it with your touch Chromebook or iPad after listening to Tom Mullaney share how it works. Enjoy this fun, free tool. Show[...]
Dr. Chris Kukk, author of the The Compassionate Achiever, combines neuroscience with social sciences to discuss why compassion helps us achieve more. He also shares the difference between empathy and compassion and why one of these is a recipe for burnout. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e256
School culture and policies are part of what helps us combat bullying in schools. Rick Rando, school empowerment speaker, shares what schools can do to help stop bullying. www.coolcatteacher.com/e255
Guidance counselors are challenged to encourage students into exciting opportunities that fit their skills and abilities but also to be careful not to stereotype. Today, Angela Cleveland talks about the tips, resources, and ideas to help encourage young women to go into Computer Science. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e254
Cindy Terebush talks about the common mistakes of preschool programs. She also shares awesome success stories and tips for helping your preschool be the best in today’s era. She shares the challenges of teaching things at a younger age and why standards may not be a problem while implementation can be. www.coolcatteacher.com/e253 Matific is Today's[...]
Natalie Hampton, a senior in Los Angeles, was bullied and ate alone every day. After she transferred schools, she found teachers and other students who wanted to make sure no one ate alone. Her “Sit with Us” app and clubs are sweeping the US and other countries as kids use social media to find other[...]
Students can seem tired and bored, but we can engage them in learning. Martha Rush has ideas and inspiration to help us reach our students this week! www.coolcatteacher.com/e251 Matific is Today's Sponsor: The US Matific Games have the warm up week starting February 14-20. Try Matific free now and sign up to join their Math[...]
We need more strategies than fist to five or thumbs up thumbs down. Teacher Mike Roberts give five strategies that can help us with formative assessment AND classroom management. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e250 Matific is Today's Sponsor: The US Matific Games are coming this February. Try Matific free now and sign up to join their Math[...]
Fun, exciting tools and techniques can help very young kids understand math and learn computational thinking. Today’s guest, Steve Floyd, tells us how. Show notes: http://www.coolcatteacher.com/e249 Matific is Today's Sponsor: The US Matific Games are coming this February. Try Matific free now and sign up to join their Math games. www.coolcatteacher.com/math
Administrators and teachers have so many contacts with parents. Today’s guest, Meredith Akers, has gone paperless with her contact logs. She talks about how she did it, the time she’s saving, and her recommendations for building relationships with parents by becoming more organized with your contact logs. Show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e248 FREE MATH RESOURCE: The US[...]
Want to show your cursor on the iPad screen? Want to find the cents button? Want to help a student with a unique character spell their name? There’s a trick for these things and more on the iPad. Today, Tony Vincent shares six ideas every iPad teacher needs to know. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e247 Matific is[...]
You can change one simple thing to help transform your classroom. Change is a decision, not to leap forward but to take one small step and then another. Today, Pam Moran finishes up our series encouraging us to take small steps that make a big difference. She also helps us understand the mistake we make[...]
Children with smartphones have unfiltered access to the Internet unless their parents make a decision to filter. Today, we discuss five options for filtering and why it is something parents should discuss with IT Director Mike Daugherty from Ohio. www.coolcatteacher.com/e245 Check out our archives of past shows at www.coolcatteacher.com/podcast. If you like the show, will[...]
Students have reasons for how they behave, particularly if they have learning differences and learn in unique ways. Occupational and physical therapist, Suzanne Cresswell, helps us understand children and why some of them just can’t stop moving. www.coolcatteacher.com/e244 Jennifer Gonzalez has released her 2018 Teachers Guide to Technology with over 200 education technology tools including[...]
Emerging administrator leaders and administrators are participating in an emerging leadership virtual mentorship program created by Jodie Pierpoint and many volunteers. Learn about this program, how you can join in, and how you can become a better mentor. www.coolcatteacher.com/e243 Jennifer Gonzalez has released her 2018 Teachers Guide to Technology with over 200 education technology tools[...]
Digital citizenship education doesn’t work in a lecture format. Dr. Kristen Mattson, author of Digital Citizenship in Action talks about how they’ve integrated digital citizenship into all of their courses at her school and how you can too. www.coolcatteacher.com/e242 Jennifer Gonzalez has released her 2018 Teachers Guide to Technology with over 200 education technology tools[...]
Students can co-create curriculum and their classrooms with teachers for powerful learning experiences. Learn how students are teaching each other drone piloting and other examples from Albemarle County, Virginia with Superintendent Pam Moran. www.coolcatteacher.com/e241 Jennifer Gonzalez has released her 2018 Teachers Guide to Technology with over 200 education technology tools including tools for assessment, flipped[...]
We can include every child in our classroom with these five important reminders from inclusion expert, Toby Karten. www.coolcatteacher.com/e240 PowerSchool is my SIS and LMS and is the sponsor of today’s show. On January 31, they have a free webinar “Preparing Students for Success: Measuring What Matters” about preparing students for success and measuring what[...]
Every student is different. Finding the “perfect” college is different for every student. Don’t fall into the common traps of college admissions. Jennifer Ann Aquino talks about helping every college-bound student find their personal fit. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e239 PowerSchool is my SIS and LMS and is the sponsor of today’s show. On January 31, they[...]
Josh Eby shares how he uses inquiry-based learning in his history classroom. He also discusses how he’s become a better teacher after returning to the classroom after 12 years in administration and why it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made. Happy Wonderful Classroom Wednesday -- teachers of all subjects will learn some[...]
Virtual Valentines are an incredible global project in February. If you want to join a group of teachers doing Virtual Valentines, you’ll want to listen to the show and sign up by February 2. Also learn about other projects throughout the year and how teachers design these projects to meet standards. So much fun! Show[...]
Pam Moran, superintendent in Albemarle County in Virginia, shares about some cool virtual reality in Virginia, some challenges with helping new teachers get started, and how she thinks education is entering a new Renaissance of creativity and innovation. Get motivated today listening to Pam. This is part 2 in our series with Pam. Show Notes:[...]
Jacqui Murray shares how we can encourage an improvement in writing using technology. These creative ways will help you think about how to help children, particularly those who struggle with handwriting and typing. Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e235 Screencastify is the top screencasting tool for Google Chrome and Chromebooks. It saves all of your recordings directly to[...]
Scarlett Lewis, mother of a 6-year-old victim of the Sandy Hook shooting, has turned her heartbreak into a passion to prevent school violence. In this show, she shares practical information to promote social-emotional learning and what we should all be doing to help kids become healthy. In addition to making schools safer, the research shows[...]
Julie Hembree and her students are sending Books to Africa. But that’s not all. She’s also started the Cultivate World Literacy Project and more. Learn about her transformation into a global educator because her students got excited and led the way. Show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e233 Screencastify is the top screencasting tool for Google Chrome and Chromebooks.[...]
Greg Smedley Warren @kindersmorgie shares his tips and tricks for using technology in kindergarten.Show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e232 Screencastify is the top screencasting tool for Google Chrome and Chromebooks. It saves all of your recordings directly to Google Drive. Get started at screencastify.com/coolcat. If you want to go for unlimited editing, request a quote for your school[...]
Pam Moran has been a leader in education reform in Virginia over the past several years as the state moved from testing to transformation. In today’s episode, she talks about the transformation, why they needed change, and implementing successful change. This multi-part series will run over the next several Mondays. www.coolcatteacher.com/e231 Screencastify is the top[...]
Exciting STEAM projects can ignite and excite any middle school. Today, Pauline Roberts gives us five important ingredients for amping up STEAM in middle school. www.coolcatteacher.com/e230 Xplorlabs is today’s sponsor. Middle School Science teachers should get the FREE Xplorlabs Fire Forensics kit. Solve a mystery. Meet Next Generation Science Standards. Have fun! Go to http://www.coolcatteacher.com/firelab[...]
Kathleen McClaskey talks about the research on learning styles and the alternatives for teaching and reaching every child. Today’s show will help you think about the research many of us have used for years to design lessons. www.coolcatteacher.com/e229 Xplorlabs is today’s sponsor. Middle School Science teachers should get the FREE Xplorlabs Fire Forensics kit. Solve[...]
Dr. Sean Nank’s research shows that the single biggest method for improving learning with iPads is to use online formative assessments. However, his formative assessments have a twist -- students are all answering DIFFERENT math questions. This intriguing research is a must listen for any school with access to technology. You do not need iPads[...]
Become more productive today with these seven tools from Dr. Frank Buck. Automate what you can and save time. www.coolcatteacher.com/e227 Xplorlabs is today’s sponsor. Middle School Science teachers should get the FREE Xplorlabs Fire Forensics kit. Solve a mystery. Meet Next Generation Science Standards. Have fun! Go to http://www.coolcatteacher.com/firelab today to get your Free Fire[...]
John Spencer, coauthor of two different best-selling books, Launch and Empower, talks about the creativity (and test score) boosts his classes experienced when he began Maker Mondays. www.coolcatteacher.com/e226 Xplorlabs is today’s sponsor. Middle School Science teachers should get the FREE Xplorlabs Fire Forensics kit. Solve a mystery. Meet Next Generation Science Standards. Have fun! Go[...]
Richard Byrne, author of Free Technology for Teachers, was a history teacher. It shows. In today’s show, he talks about top free tech tools to try in social studies lessons. This is one to share with your history department. www.coolcatteacher.com/e255 Richard Byrne the author of Free Technology for Teachers has some fantastic professional development courses[...]
Human trafficking is on the rise in the United States. Some states now include human trafficking in their definition of child abuse. Others do not. In today’s show, Ashley Burkett talks about the signs that a child is being trafficked, how children are being recruited, and what schools should be doing. This is an important[...]
A district is assessing itself with a massive project for 800 eighth graders. No grades. Just learning and sharing. Despite worries that it wouldn’t work - it has been working for years and is just getting better. Learn about the Global Challenge Project with Mark Wise. www.coolcatteacher.com/e223 Jennifer Gonzalez is updating her Teacher’s Guide to[...]
Sometimes the best tools have been around awhile. Steve Dembo @teach42 talks about the tried and true tools that teachers should still use. www.coolcatteacher.com/e222 Richard Byrne has some fantastic courses for history teachers, getting started with GSuite and more. Check out his courses and coaching at www.coolcatteacher.com/edtech.
As Thomas Paine recommends we must ‘smile in trouble, gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection.” In today’s show we discuss how teachers should respond when students come to us unprepared and other reflections on teaching with International Educator Patrick Holt. www.coolcatteacher.com/e221 Angela Watson’s 40-Hour Workweek Club is a fantastic course to help[...]
How do kids learn and remember? Teacher Andrew Stadel, @mr_stadel founder of the popular site estimation180.com, talks about this pursuit of learning in the classroom. This topic is his summer research topic. As you ponder the classroom, look at what you’ll research to become a better teacher. www.coolcatteacher.com/e220 Richard Byrne the author of Free Technology[...]
Today Connie Hamilton @conniehamilton gives us five ways to connect with our students over the break. This is the number two episode of 2017. Listen to it now and plan ahead for by picking one or more of these ideas. www.coolcatteacher.com/e219 Trim Three (or more!) Hours off Your Workweek Now - January 2 www.coolcatteacher.com/trim.
Linda Kardamis @LindaKardamis shares five mistakes teachers make the first week of school. Remember that January is a fantastic time to “reboot.” So, if you made one of these mistakes, work to start over and correct those mistakes. This is the number three episode of 2017. www.coolcatteacher.com/e218 Today’s episode is sponsored by JAM.com, a great[...]
Today Alice Keeler @alicekeeler shares the must-try new features of Google Classroom. She also teaches us how we can learn Google Classroom features and hacks over the summer (even without students.) A must listen for people using Chromebooks or Google Classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e217
Want to help students learn and be more refreshed? Students need breaks too. That is why brain breaks are becoming so popular. Teacher Rob Donatelli @DTown_MrD talks about the brain breaks phenomenon. Then, Rob gives teachers five ideas he uses in his classroom for brain breaks. Take a brain break today! www.coolcatteacher.com/e216
Ross Cooper, the co-author of Hacking PBL, helps us get motivated to think about project-based learning differently. www.coolcatteacher.com/e215 Today’s episode is sponsored by JAM.com, the perfect last minute holiday gift for your kids or grandkids. The creative courses at Jam.com are project-based, creative and FUN. Use the code COOLCAT50 to get $50 off your course.[...]
Eric Curts @ericcurts teaches us twenty-three ways to use Gsuite tools in our classroom. With ideas for Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Drawings for all subjects and ages, you’ll want to scroll down and follow the links in our enhanced show notes. www.coolcatteacher.com/e214 Today’s episode is sponsored by JAM.com, the perfect last minute holiday gift[...]
Chuck Poole shares five ways to be an unforgettable teacher or an unforgettable coach. He also gives us links to some free cards he shares with students and parents. Get inspired with some fantastic advice on reaching students. www.coolcatteacher.com/e213 Today’s episode is sponsored by JAM.com, the perfect last minute holiday gift for your kids or[...]
Videos are the modern essay. If you can’t create them, you can’t start a movement, can’t sell a product, or promote an idea. Of all the things I teach, helping kids tell digital stories through video is probably one of the most important. Today’s guest is a perfect guide for those of us who want[...]
Today Ramona Persaud @ramonap director of the film, Grey Matters, talks about how we can teach kids the way the brain learns. www.coolcatteacher.com/e211 Check out the free resource: “Goodbye Teacher Tired: 5 Days to Doing Fewer Things Better” from Angela Watson. Save time. Teach better.
Tom Loud dropped out of high school because he didn’t connect with his teachers. Somehow, he connected with books though and became a high school and college graduate. Now, Tom is a 10-year classroom veteran who is working to make his classroom (and help others) connect with kids in new ways. www.coolcatteacher.com/e210
Today Karen Voglesang @NBCTchr teaches children to use thinking routines in her classroom. After participating in Harvard’s Project Zero, she is applying and using the methods in classrooms and with teachers. Learn some thinking routines and how to apply these valuable techniques in your classroom. Karen was the 2015 Tennessee State Teacher of the Year[...]
Autistic children can struggle with unfamiliar places. However, one teacher of the year has found a way to help improve traveling experiences for autistic children and their families. Brett Bigham has created a way to use books to help special needs and young children prepare to go to new places. Learn about this technique and[...]
Global Teacher Prize finalist Joe Fatheree talks about what great teachers do. He shares his observations and also his hopes for improving the profession. www.coolcatteacher.com/e207 Check out the free resource: “Goodbye Teacher Tired: 5 Days to Doing Fewer Things Better” from Angela Watson. Save time. Teach better.
Today Basil Marin @basil_marin takes us on a journey to help at risk children with these five steps. From the inspiring books to the essential mindsets, Basil will help us reach at risk kids because he speaks from experience. This episode is a special encore episode and #15 of the 2017 year for #10MT. www.coolcatteacher.com/e206[...]
When I first started teaching, I used to believe some things about the profession that I just don’t believe anymore. In today’s final episode of season 2, I reflect on those lies and how I’ve grown in my practice. www.coolcatteacher.com/e205 Today’s sponsor: Metaverse is a free simple augmented reality tool. Students can program. You can[...]
Several virtual reality options are available for classrooms. Today’s guest, Enrique Cachafeiro talks about the hardware, software options, and future of virtual reality. He also discusses how educators can join the innovators who are crafting and exploring this new education paradigm today. If you’re interested in VR, today’s show is a must listen. www.coolcatteacher.com/e204 Today’s[...]
History teacher David Harms uses simulations to teach history. Whether it is World War 1, 2, the Cold War or the American Civil War, learn how these immersive “games” teach history much more deeply than most textbooks. www.coolcatteacher.com/e203 Today’s sponsor: Metaverse is a free simple augmented reality tool. Students can program. You can also use[...]
Today, Dr. Marina Umashchi Bers from Tufts University discusses her research findings about what works (and doesn’t) with young children in the classroom. You’ll get creative ideas for hands-on programming that works for early childhood. www.coolcatteacher.com/e202 Today’s sponsor: Metaverse is a free simple augmented reality tool. Students can program. You can also use and create[...]
Teachers don’t have to be experts or “geeks” to use coding to improve literacy, use higher order thinking skills, and excite students in their classrooms. Elementary and primary students can learn to code. For Hour of Code week this week, learn how you can go past the Hour of Code and use coding all year[...]
We can be change leaders and help our school improve and grow. Rebecca Wattleworth gives us tips to be a change leader no matter what school we’re working in right now. www.coolcatteacher.com/e200 Today’s Sponsor: Bloomz is the tool I chose for parent/teacher communication. To find out why, read www.coolcatteacher.com/bloomz or go to bloomz.com to get[...]
