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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 went from the high-flying courts of professional basketball to the halls of academics, where he learned to read and achieved the unimaginable Master's degree.  Dean shares his inspiring transition from an illiterate athlete to a magna cum laude graduate; his story is not just about the victories or the setbacks; it's a powerful call to action for every listener to recognize the undeniable value of education in shaping one’s destiny. Join us as Dean Tolson unfolds the chapters of his life, offering invaluable lessons on resilience, the importance of education, and the belief in one's potential to overcome any obstacle. I played the rough cut of this episode for my eighth graders and we had an incredible class discussion about how perhaps we have turned things upside down in our society. I hope there are many more like Dean who rise through athletics and go back and complete their education. We should all reflect on the emphasis we put on education and the importance of getting a great education even if a student is pursuing a career in sports. Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e835  Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for which I may receive compensation. Please click here to read my full FTC Affiliate Disclosure policy

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 on their students' lives. But what exactly are these five essential ingredients for nurturing student well-being? From empowering educators with well-being skills to fostering safe and positive learning environments, enhancing positive relationships, providing direct instruction on well-being competencies, and implementing assessment for continuous improvement, Dr. Smith's formula is both comprehensive and compelling. As we peel back the layers of his approach, it's evident that supporting student well-being goes beyond mere academic achievement. It's about creating a holistic environment where students can thrive, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Join us as we dive into each of these ingredients, illustrated with real-life examples and practical ideas from Dr. Smith's podcast, to inspire and motivate educators, parents, and policymakers alike to champion the cause of student health and happiness. Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e834

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 importance of going beyond the text and providing evidence to demonstrate understanding.We, as teachers, can focus on the process of learning and engage students in meaningful discussions and activities. Barbara also shares her website, which offers over 100 free resources for educators.(Included in the show notes.) Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e832 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Humility 00:44 Understanding Rigor 01:55 Rigor in Math 05:15 Rigor in Literature and Writing 13:39 Rigor in Science and History 15:00 Conclusion and Resources

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 the worksheets we do have and transform them from mere busywork as we reimagine them into dynamic, engaging learning experiences. With Linda's background in middle school math and a passion for providing practical solutions, this fresh perspective will help you (and me) see that worksheets can be an asset if used properly in the classroom instead of a hindrance. In this classroom-focused episode, join us as we explore seven innovative strategies to breathe new life into worksheets, turning them into powerful vehicles for learning and student engagement. Let's get started. A note from Vicki, your host: To celebrate the 7th anniversary of this podcast, we're returning to our five-day-a-week format to inspire and encourage you on the way to school each morning! Enjoy!

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 to empower their students through creativity. Whether you're a seasoned Adobe user or new to the platform, this episode is packed with valuable insights and resources.   Show notes and full transcript with links: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e831 

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 moments. You’ll learn about what I call - "look-listening"—seeing beyond the surface to the heart of what students communicate without words—can change the trajectory of a day, a mindset, and even a life. It's about recognizing the unspoken struggles, the quiet victories, and everything in between, with a compassion that speaks volumes without needing a single word in return. And it is more than in the classroom, our janitors and administrators can apply these principles in the hallway, our lunchroom staff can apply this in the lunchroom, our front office can apply this as they interact with students. I hope that all of us will be educators who inspire, care, and teach not just with books, but with heart. Together, let's inspire a wave of kindness in education, showing the world that the most powerful lessons come from the heart. Teach on, dear friends, and remember: in the journey of teaching, the kindness we extend truly shapes the future.

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 an entrepreneurial mindset that are essential for educators at all levels. He shares insights from his extensive experience as the Director of Entrepreneurship and Sustainability at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, where he's not only taught for 18 years but has also revolutionized their entrepreneurship program. Join us as Stephen Carter gives an approach for every educator to empower their students with entrepreneurial thinking.   Show Sponsor: Edge U Badges - Edge U Badges from Forward Edge is a fantastic micro credentialing program for teachers, administrators, and school staff. In this program, you can earn contact hours or graduate credit. With the ISTE Seal of Alignment, this program is approved by many districts as a flexible, personalized way for teachers to learn and grow. They will work with you to help your district accept your transcript for licensure renewal hours. Edge U Badges has former teachers review every single badge within 1-3 business days of submission, and no badge is ever denied without very specific feedback on what you can do to resubmit successfully or positive feedback on successful submissions. This is a program that I'm reviewing for my own renewal that comes up this year and I'm excited about their micro-credentialing system, which is why I'm recommending it to you!  Use the code COOLCAT for $20 off a premium account.   Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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 esports. Our guest, Danielle Johnson, Executive Director of the Texas Scholastic Esports Federation, shares how esports is not just about gaming but about boosting student engagement, improving academic performance, and building a more inclusive school community. Esports are rapidly growing in schools across the country. The reasons are not only that they are fun but they are making a positive impact on a generation of students whose favorite sport is video games. If you're skeptical, we'll speak to your concerns as well.  Tune in to discover why esports might just be the missing piece in your educational toolkit and how you can start a program at your school. Show Sponsor: Edge U Badges - Edge U Badges from Forward Edge is a fantastic micro credentialing program for teachers, administrators, and school staff. In this program, you can earn contact hours or graduate credit. With the ISTE Seal of Alignment, this program is approved by many districts as a flexible, personalized way for teachers to learn and grow. They will work with you to help your district accept your transcript for licensure renewal hours. Edge U Badges has former teachers review every single badge within 1-3 business days of submission, and no badge is ever denied without very specific feedback on what you can do to resubmit successfully or positive feedback on successful submissions. This is a program that I'm reviewing for my own renewal that comes up this year and I'm excited about their micro-credentialing system, which is why I'm recommending it to you!  Use the code COOLCAT for $20 off a premium account.   Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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 a new way as I share what I do. Over the past twenty years, I've created an annual planning system that works well for me. For the first time, I've put together a podcast sharing how I plan my year, along with some free forms you can use to plan your year. In this podcast, I include 28+ questions I ask myself each year. How I used two one-page forms to review last year, and I plan to change everything this year. A "time budgeting" spreadsheet that helps me make a big-picture time budget for the year. I also describe how I modify and improve my plan for the year as I grapple with life's hard questions. You can download these forms at www.coolcatteacher.com/annualplan. I will also send these to subscribers in my following newsletter after the release of this show. Show Sponsor: Edge U Badges - Edge U Badges from Forward Edge is a fantastic micro credentialing program for teachers, administrators, and school staff. In this program, you can earn contact hours or graduate credit. With the ISTE Seal of Alignment, this program is approved by many districts as a flexible, personalized way for teachers to learn and grow. They will work with you to help your district accept your transcript for licensure renewal hours. Edge U Badges has former teachers review every single badge within 1-3 business days of submission, and no badge is ever denied without very specific feedback on what you can do to resubmit successfully or positive feedback on successful submissions. This is a program that I'm reviewing for my own renewal that comes up this year and I'm excited about their micro-credentialing system, which is why I'm recommending it to you!  Use the code COOLCAT for $20 off a premium account.   Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."  

"In today's episode, we'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 classroom and forging a sustainable, rewarding career. Sponsor: Modern Classrooms Project will help you bring engaging, exciting teaching to your classroom with their free online course and community. Go to coolcatteacher.com/modern right now to sign up for the Modern Classrooms essential course for free where you will learn about the strategies, research, and resources that can drive student-centered, self-directed learning in your classroom. They can show you how to use technology to unlock deeper student relationships with your students. So many people ask me how to respond to Artificial Intelligence and my response is always, that we need to shift our pedagogical practices into the classroom to the time-tested research-based best practices. You get that with Modern Classrooms, so go to coolcatteacher.com/modern today and sign up. You’ll be glad you did. This enlightening conversation is packed with practical tips for flourishing in one of the most demanding professions. Therefore, as we wrap up the year and enjoy our holiday festivities, I invite you, the remarkable teachers and educators listening to the 10 Minute Teacher, to pause and reflect on self-care and your approach to our noble profession of teaching. Understandably, if we are going to have long-term success in education, we have got to begin focusing on the well-being of our teachers. Now, in my 22nd year of teaching, I look back and wish I had known many of these lessons sooner. So, let's embrace the new year and reflect on what we can learn from the stresses and messes of this past fall and take the opportunity to renew our commitment to not just teaching but thriving in our classrooms. Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e825  

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 help you bring engaging, exciting teaching to your classroom with their free online course and community. Go to coolcatteacher.com/modern right now to sign up for the Modern Classrooms essential course for free where you will learn about the strategies, research, and resources that can drive student-centered, self-directed learning in your classroom. They can show you how to use technology to unlock deeper student relationships with your students. So many people ask me how to respond to Artificial Intelligence and my response is always, that we need to shift our pedagogical practices into the classroom to the time-tested research-based best practices. You get that with Modern Classrooms, so go to coolcatteacher.com/modern today and sign up. You’ll be glad you did. Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e824  So, today, we're peeling back the curtain on Witsby, a platform launched at ISTE. As educators, there are many new options opening up to us that will help improve our classrooms and make our professional development more accessible and available via our mobile devices. Whether you're a teacher interested in new strategies or an administrator aiming to improve your team, this conversation can help you see professional development through a new lens.

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, Vicki Davis. Sponsor: Modern Classrooms Project will help you bring engaging, exciting teaching to your classroom with their free online course and community. Go to coolcatteacher.com/modern right now to sign up for the Modern Classrooms essential course for free where you will learn about the strategies, research, and resources that can drive student-centered, self-directed learning in your classroom. They can show you have to use technology to unlock deeper student relationships with your students. So many people ask me how to respond to Artificial Intelligence and my response is always, that we need to shift our pedagogical practices into the classroom to the time-tested research-based best practices. You get that with Modern Classrooms, so go to coolcatteacher.com/modern today and sign up. You’ll be glad you did. I'll guide you through how I use AI in my classes. I teach eighth grade through an AP Class with seniors, and we're finding amazing ways to use AI, from advising us on a trip project to providing feedback on logos and user interfaces for our app-building project to testing AI tutors. It's all real and all right now. There is no theory here, just lots of learning and some bumps along the way. (Recently, a custom GPT I created started calling me Melissa, sigh. Someone explain that to me!) And for a bit of fun, meet CAT GPT, my very own Content AI Taskhelper - a personal assistant I've created with a blend of my own educational beliefs and research-backed best practices. I have it interview me on the way to school (and sometimes back), and it helps me create content for you. I always link to it, so I'll share how I do that too. And, since I've given two weeks off to my son, John, so he can ace his finals, I understand the frustration with AI-generated transcripts (thanks, southern accent!), so while there's o polished transcript available just yet, you can check out the auto-captions on the Cool Cat Teacher YouTube channel for a pretty good transcript. And if you need a more accurate version, don't hesitate to reach out via email -- I'm committed to making my content accessible to all. This episode is more than just a podcast; it's a glimpse into the future of education with AI. So whether you're a seasoned educator or just AI-curious, tune in, laugh along, and prepare to form your own opinions about AI. Let's continue this AI adventure together as we work to improve our classrooms and educate a successful generation for tomorrow. This extended episode sponsored by Modern Classrooms will help me share about the pedagogical changes that can happen in schools that want to advance learning in an AGE of AI.