Cool Cat Teacher Talk

STEAM classroom ideas that actually work — from AI literacy to garden-based science. Nine expert educators share hands-on strategies you can use in your classroom this week. This is Part 2 of the STEAM Super Series on Cool Cat Teacher Talk. In this episode, you'll learn: - How Code.org's Hour of AI gives every teacher a free starting point for AI literacy — including unplugged activities with no computers needed - Why a student who never engaged in traditional math built a working scale model of a TI-84 calculator — and what that means for project-based learning - How Stephen Ritz grows 50,000 pounds of vegetables indoors with students in the South Bronx - How Fortnite Creative (with no guns) becomes a physics lab where gravity is 3x stronger than Earth's - How Desmos sliders give students instant visual feedback on math relationships Full show notes, guest bios, and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/steamaction Part 1 — The STEAM Mindset: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/steammindset Featured guests: Karim Meghji (Code.org), Tinashe Blanchet, Stephen Ritz (Green Bronx Machine), Dr. Erin Krupa, Karen Bosch, Andrew Vanden Heuvel, Dan Meyer (Amplify/Desmos), Adrian Gordon, Terra Tarango (Van Andel Institute for Education) Sponsored by: Van Andel Institute for Education and their Educator's Studio. Use COOLCAT to get 50% off. All opinions are that of each guest and not that of the sponsor. Hosted by Vicki Davis | coolcatteacher.com

One in five children in the U.S. is neurodivergent, yet one in three educators believes learning disabilities are just laziness. In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, host Vicki Davis sits down with two remarkable guests who are changing how we think about neurodiversity in the classroom. Dr. Sue Fletcher-Watson from the University of Edinburgh shares the neurodiversity paradigm, the double empathy problem, and why the quiet room that never gets used might be the most powerful support you can offer. Then Vanessa Castañeda Gill, diagnosed with autism and ADHD at 14, shares how one teacher's harsh words kept her from raising her hand until college — and what every teacher can do differently. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Understand the neurodiversity paradigm and why it matters for every classroom Apply the double empathy problem to rethink communication breakdowns with students Use monotropism and flow states as strengths rather than problems to manage Give neurodivergent students processing time, transition warnings, and flexible seating Create safe spaces that students may never need to use — because they exist Help students build self-advocacy skills that last a lifetime Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/neurodiverseclass

Why are students forgetting everything you just told them? How do class rosters make or break a school year? This Epic Elementary Supershow brings together seven expert educators to tackle the challenges elementary teachers face every day. From executive functioning to differentiated math instruction to a remarkable story of 91% reading proficiency, this episode delivers research-backed strategies you can use right away. Guests featured in this episode: Dr. Sarah Oberle — Executive functioning in the elementary classroom Carrie Hetzel — Class rostering for balanced classrooms Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson — Differentiated math instruction Malia Hollowell — Science of reading practices Jennifer Burns — Reading and writing instruction Heather Marrs — Classroom gamification Ezera Washington — New Jersey Governor's Educator of the Year, reading instruction and classroom transformation In this episode, you'll learn how to: Reduce hidden cognitive demands on students by simplifying instructions and using visual reminders Make rostering decisions that set teachers and students up for success Differentiate math instruction using flexible grouping and pre-assessment data Support struggling writers with sentence stems while building independence Gamify your classroom to boost engagement without losing instructional focus Circulate and give real-time feedback during independent work instead of waiting to grade papers later Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/elementary

Loneliness. Hopelessness. A search for purpose. These are some of the deepest struggles we face today. But what if the answer isn't found in accomplishments, possessions, or fleeting distractions? What if the answer is found in a relationship with the One who knows you, loves you, and created you with a purpose? This Christmas, I'm stepping aside from our regul ar episodes to share something deeply personal: how I talk about Jesus in my classroom. As a Christian educator, I believe every child is a masterpiece, and I strive to teach in a way that reflects the love and truth of Christ. In this special episode, you'll hear incredible stories of how God is working in the lives of everyday people-friends, students, and even in my own life. Jesus isn't just a figure in history; He's alive, He's personal, and He cares deeply about each of us. Featuring heartfelt accounts from Leandra, Myrna, Kenny, Anna, and a unique student story from Sophie, this episode reveals the beauty of a relationship with Jesus. I also share my own story of middle school bullying and not fitting in as well as my mom's last words of encouragement and hope that she wrote and we read at her funeral in January 2021. If you've ever felt alone, uncertain about your purpose, or simply curious about what it means to know Jesus, this episode is for you. Let's talk about the greatest story ever told-and how it brings hope to the hearts of ordinary people like you and me. Next week, we'll return to our usual episodes, but t oday, join me for a heartfelt reflection on faith, purpose, and the message of Christmas. Show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/talkjesus Subscribe to this channel to get classroom news, ideas, and ethical technology ideas. Subscribe to the Cool Cat Teacher Classroom Newsletter for weekly tips and ideas delivered to your inbox every Tuesday morning at www.coolcatteacher.com/newsletter See you later, educator!

Artificial intelligence is accelerating faster than most schools can respond—and the greatest risk isn't the technology itself, but how unprepared we are to lead, teach, and think in this new era. In this powerful episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, Dr. Nancy Frey and Vickie Echols offer a practical, grounded roadmap for navigating AI with clarity and confidence. Dr. Nancy Frey, Professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University, breaks down how AI is reshaping classrooms, assessments, and the ways students process information. She explains the essential "Levels of AI Use," why banning AI is not a long-term strategy, and how teachers can protect learning while strengthening critical thinking. Leadership expert Vickie Echols, author of AI for School Leaders, helps administrators understand how to reclaim connection in a fast-moving AI world. She shares the tools leaders should be using now, the tasks AI can remove from their workload, and the mindset shifts required to build trust and support staff well-being. In this episode, you will learn: Why "ban vs. plan" is the wrong AI debate How the 4 Levels of AI Use guide safe, effective classroom practice New assessment strategies that make learning visible and cheating far more difficult How school leaders can use AI to improve communication and reduce burnout A "Stay Smart Checklist" that helps educators use AI responsibly without losing cognitive rigor This episode gives educators and leaders a clear, actionable way to move forward—without fear and without overwhelm. Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/criticalai

In this final episode of our three-part math series, we explore how to transform math classrooms into engaging, curiosity-driven environments. Instead of rote memorization, top educators share play-based strategies, project-based learning ideas, and mastery-based instruction to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematics. Whether you're a math teacher, school leader, or parent, this episode provides practical techniques and real-world applications to make math fun, meaningful, and relevant for students. Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkmath 📌 In This Episode: ✔️ How play-based learning makes math fun (Dan Finkel) ✔️ Why productive struggle builds confidence in students (Dr. Lidia Gonzalez) ✔️ The power of Shark Tank-style design challenges in math (Dr. Erin Krupa) ✔️ Using Fortnite Creative for interactive math & physics (Andrew Vanden Heuvel) ✔️ How real-world projects improve math engagement (Tinashe Blanchet) ✔️ The role of differentiation and flexible grouping (Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson) ✔️ The math innovation challenge to bring new ideas into your classroom 🎙️ Featured Experts & Links Dan Finkel – Math for Love – Play-based math learning Dr. Erin Krupa – NC State University – Math challenges that promote inquiry Dr. Lidia Gonzalez – Productive struggle in math Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson – Differentiation Central – Differentiating math instruction Tinashe Blanchet – iteachmath.org – Real-world math projects Andrew Vanden Heuvel – Fortnite Physics Education – Using Fortnite Creative for physics Joseph Manfre – Modern Classrooms – Mastery-based, self-paced learning Lauren Harris – Project-Based Learning for Math – How projects deepen math retention Dan Meyer – Desmos – Using interactive technology in math lessons Liesl McConchie – Brain-Based Learning – How to create a math-ready brain

This is part of a 3 part series on math education. We start with Dr. Erin Krupa who shares the research about what works in math and is turning math into SharkTank-style adventures. Dr. Lidia Gonzalez, author of Bad at Math, is dismantling the harmful beliefs that hold our students back. Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkmath

When I sat down to record this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, I knew I wanted it to be practical, encouraging, and full of wisdom from some of the best people I know. We start with Dr. Barbara Blackburn, one of my favorite experts on rigor. She reminds us that rigor isn't about piling on work — it's about raising expectations and giving students the support they need to succeed. Then we'll hear from my friend Dr. Desiree Alexander, who always has such clear, actionable advice. She shares simple time-saving tips that really help teachers create a sustainable pace. She also gives advice for getting organized that is essential to new teachers. Next up is principal and life coach Barb Flowers, who talks honestly about teacher burnout and offers three powerful ways we can stress less and find joy again in teaching. And finally, you'll laugh with Mari Beasley, whose new book Teachers Have Bigger Fish to Fry is filled with hilarious true stories (like the snake that fell from the ceiling!) along with smart insights about AI productivity tips in the classroom. Before all of that, I also share some important news updates for teachers — from AI hallucination rates to Google Notebook LM's new features. This episode is packed with encouragement and tips you can use tomorrow. https://www.coolcatteacher.com/everychild

In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, host Vicki Davis brings together four powerful voices in education with smart ideas for today's classrooms. Jacob Kirksey shares urgent insights into the teacher certification crisis in Texas and why preparation matters for student success. Malia Hollowell introduces brain-friendly strategies for reading that help all students — including those with dyslexia — thrive. Nancy McCabe brings six practical ways to teach writing and reminds us of the joy and healing power of words. Jerry Kolber, creator of Who Smarted?, shows how screen-free podcasts can boost curiosity, listening, and learning for kids. From policy to practice, literacy to engagement, this episode is packed with strategies you can use right now in your classroom. 👉 Full show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/smart2025

Back-to-school secrets from Richard Culatta, Brian Kulak, and Jessica Pack! Discover how to prepare AI-ready graduates, build strong school culture from day one, and engage students with creative storytelling — plus urgent AI safety news every educator should hear. Full show notes & guest links: www.coolcatteacher.com/back2school2025 In this episode: Kick off your school year with purpose, creativity, and strong connections in this back-to-school special of Cool Cat Teacher Talk. Three inspiring guests share actionable strategies you can use right away: Richard Culatta (CEO, ISTE + ASCD) — Preparing AI-ready graduates, rethinking assessment, and balancing human + AI strengths Brian Kulak (Principal, Author) — Simple, high-impact ways to build school culture, from name recognition to restorative practices Jessica Pack (California Teacher of the Year, Author of Moviemaking in the Classroom) — Creative first-week projects and storytelling ideas that engage every learner We also open with urgent news from Common Sense Media about AI social companion apps — why they pose an "unacceptable risk" for kids under 18, and how educators can start conversations that protect students. What You'll Learn: Designing authentic assessment in the AI era Practical ways to connect with students from day one Why storytelling builds student voice and confidence How to talk with students about AI "synthetic relationships" Balancing human strengths and AI capabilities in learning 📖 Full show notes, guest bios, and resources: www.coolcatteacher.com/back2school2025

In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, I sit down with educator, author, and the queen of spreadsheets—Alice Keeler—for a powerful conversation about the current state of AI in education. From vibe coding (yes, AI-assisted coding!) to the risks of flashy AI tools in Google Classroom, we pull back the curtain on what's working, what's broken, and what teachers really need to know. 🎯 Topics We Cover: What Google Gemini is actually doing in Google Classroom How vibe coding empowers teachers to build their own AI tools Privacy concerns and the problem with misleading AI buttons Why teachers must take back control of their data The dangers of "AI counseling" and students developing relationships with bots How we build tools that serve people — not platforms If you're an educator trying to make sense of the AI wave—and want to protect your students while staying innovative—this is a must-watch conversation. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Alice Keeler's AI Teacher Toolkit: https://educatoraiassistant.com Blog & Add-Ons: https://alicekeeler.com "Frickin' Packets" Article by Jennifer Gonzalez: https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/busysheets 📺 Full show notes and all Cool Cat Teacher Talk episodes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/googleai2025

The conversation around AI in education has shifted from fear to practical implementation. In this episode, I sit down with two trusted voices in educational technology: Eric Curts from Ohio and Gabriel Carrillo from San Antonio, to share 8 practical AI recipes that work in real classrooms. What You'll Learn in This Episode Eric shares an exciting trend: "What I'm getting excited about is the shift from AI to support teachers to AI for students." Gabriel notes the AI tool landscape has consolidated, giving educators clearer choices for classroom implementation. We dive deep into: AI Recipe #1: Moving from AI fear to student empowerment AI Recipe #2: Face the academic integrity challenge wisely AI Recipe #3: Implement practical assessment strategies (like Snorkl) AI Recipe #4: Consider ethics and student well being as you look at AI. Plus 4 more practical recipes for immediate classroom implementation Academic Integrity: The New Approach Both guests emphasize moving away from "gotcha" mentality. Eric provides crucial guidance: "We need to spend more time looking for evidence of student learning than evidence of student cheating." Gabriel's powerful analogy: detecting AI misuse after submission is "like trying to un-bake a cake." We share better approaches that work. Critical Safety Insights A sobering reality: 78% of people discuss health issues with ChatGPT, and companionship ranks among top AI uses. Gabriel shares the essential safety test every educator should perform before using any AI tool with students. Research-Based Implementation Stanford research reveals AI tools promoting productive struggle often yield better learning outcomes. We break down what this means for your classroom and how to implement these findings immediately. Get the Complete AI Recipe Collection 📖 Get all 8 AI recipes and complete show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/caik-practical-ai-recipes Featured Guests Eric Curts - Technology Integration Specialist, author of "Control Alt Achieve," and authorized Google Education Trainer with 33 years in education. Gabriel Carrillo - Author of Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom, EdTech Bytes podcast host, and instructional technology specialist who believes great conversations happen when we break bread together. Ready to implement AI in your classroom with confidence? Listen now and visit the show notes for your complete practical AI recipe collection at www.coolcatteacher.com/caik-practical-ai-recipes *And go to www.coolcatteacher.com/iste2025 for all of the shows on the latest education technology from ISTE 2025 / ASCD Live. We have several more shows to go!