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Episode 360: The #1 AI Governance Mistake Schools Are Making ft. Betsy Cooper What's the biggest mistake schools are making with AI right now? According to Betsy Cooper, it's not taking it seriously from day one. In this episode, Dr.Alfonso sits down with Betsy Cooper, Founder and Executive Director of the Aspen Policy Academy, for a powerful conversation on the AI governance decisions quietly reshaping schools — and what educators, leaders, and parents can do about it. Betsy brings a one-of-a-kind perspective shaped by her work as a former DHS attorney, her time leading the UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, and her doctorate from Oxford. Through Aspen Policy Academy, she's on a mission to democratize policymaking, helping teachers, parents, technologists, and community advocates learn how to identify problems, build solutions, and actually drive change. Together, Dr. Alfonso and Betsy unpack why "ooh, that looks pretty, let's try it" is the wrong way to evaluate new tools, how smooth vendors and shrinking budgets are pushing districts into risky decisions, and why K-12 students need adult stewards more than ever in this moment. Betsy also shares the castle and moat metaphor every school leader needs to hear, a three-step crisis plan for overwhelmed CTOs and superintendents, and her four-step policy impact framework for educators ready to advocate for change. Whether you're a teacher, CTO, superintendent, or parent, this episode will leave you with practical tools and a renewed sense of agency to push back, ask better questions, and advocate for the students who can't speak up for themselves. Chapters 00:00 — Welcome & Sponsor Shoutouts 01:30 — Meet Dr. Betsy Cooper & The Origin of Aspen Policy Academy 07:00 — What Policy Literacy Means for Educators (and Why It's Free) 14:00 — The 4-Step Policy Impact Framework 19:30 — The #1 AI Governance Mistake Schools Are Making 24:30 — How CTOs Should Evaluate AI Tools & Vendors 31:00 — Who Should Be Writing AI Policy for Schools 35:00 — Cybersecurity in K-12: The Castle, The Moat & The Breach Plan 39:30 — Cyber Civic Engagement & Becoming a Local Advocate 43:30 — Speed Round & Closing Thoughts Don't forget to: ✅ Subscribe to My EdTech Life on your favorite podcast platform ✅ Leave a review and share this episode with a fellow educator ✅ Visit www.myedtech.life for more amazing conversations 💜 Thank you to our sponsors: Eduaide.AI | Book Creator | Peel Back Education | Comeback Coffee Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

What happens when you take public high school students with zero computer science background — 87% of whom are below the federal poverty line — and put them in one of only two quantum computing programs for high schoolers in the entire nation? That's exactly what A.M. Bhatt and his nonprofit DAE are doing in Connecticut, and the results are challenging everything we think we know about education reform, student potential, and what it really means to prepare young people for the future. In this episode of My EdTech Life, host Dr. Alfonso Mendoza sits down with A.M. Bhatt to unpack why traditional education is stuck in an industrial-era mindset, why the push for "job readiness" might actually be more dangerous than the problem it's trying to solve, and why real education reform starts with identity formation — not content coverage. Bhatt shares how his students complete 24 college credits worth of computer science in just 10 months, why he left a successful career advising Fortune 500 executives to work with underserved youth, and what a simple bowl of soup has to do with building a real learning community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:37 A.M. Bhatt's Journey in Education 09:36 The State of Education: Challenges and Opportunities 15:37 Identity Formation in Education 22:01 Preparing Students for the Future: Players vs. Audience 26:31 The Importance of Non-Technical Skills 28:09 Real-World Hiring Insights 32:13 Remedial Humaning in Education 34:32 Infrastructure vs. Human Development 39:10 Dropping Seeds of Knowledge 43:46 Kryptonite in Education 45:50 Messages for the Future Connect with Dr. Fonz: 🎙️ Website: https://www.myedtech.life/ 📲 Follow on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & YouTube Thank you to our sponsors: 📚 Book Creator: Use Code MYEDTECHLIFE for Premium Access! 🤖Eduaide.AI 🎓 Peel Back Education ☕Comeback Coffee Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

They’re Only 19… And Already Rethinking Education What happens when two 19-year-olds look at education and say… this isn’t working? In this episode, I sit down with Almar Tishenko and Max Litvinenka, two young founders building Reading Rooms, a platform designed to rethink how students read, write, and receive feedback in the age of AI. This isn’t about replacing teachers. This is about giving them time back, strengthening critical thinking, and using AI the right way. 🚀 What You’ll Learn •Why delayed feedback is hurting student learning •How Reading Rooms is changing reading & writing workflows •Why banning AI isn’t the answer •How to use AI without killing critical thinking •What teachers actually want from EdTech •The future skills students NEED right now Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Guests 02:07 Celebrating 6 Years of My EdTech Life 04:56 Meet Almar and Max: Young EdTech Innovators 08:51 Problems in Education: Grading and Critical Thinking 11:46 Impact of AI on Education and Teachers' Concerns 16:49 Connecting with Educators and Understanding Needs 32:29 Introducing Reading Rooms Platform 36:27 Features of Reading Rooms: Homework Builder and Tools 48:07 Skills for the AI-Driven Future 01:01:57 Advice for Educators and District Leaders 01:04:33 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Connect with Dr. Fonz: 🎙️ Website: https://www.myedtech.life/ 📲 Follow on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & YouTube Thank you to our sponsors: 📚 Book Creator Use Code MYEDTECHLIFE for Premium Access! 🤖Eduaide 🎓 Peel Back Education ☕Comeback Coffee Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

Student voice is one of the most powerful forces in education — but only when it has a real stage. In this episode, Dr. Fonz welcomes back returning guest Tim Belmont, Language Arts teacher and Technology Coordinator at Lyndhurst High School in New Jersey, for a rich conversation on what it actually means to give students an authentic voice — and the innovative project he built to make that a reality. Tim breaks down how he integrates podcasting into his Public Speaking and Advanced Public Speaking classes, why choice and personal connection are the secret ingredients to genuine student expression, and how the NPR Student Podcast Challenge transforms reluctant students into passionate communicators. He also shares the story behind the Bell Tower — a privacy-conscious podcast platform he built from the ground up to give student voices a stage that goes beyond the classroom walls, while staying FERPA and COPPA compliant. Whether you are a classroom teacher, a tech coordinator, or a district leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you define assessment, student engagement, and what authentic learning looks like in the age of AI. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:43 Tim Belmont's Background in Education 05:51 Integrating Podcasting in the Classroom 10:26 Authentic Student Voice vs. Performative Voice 15:15 The Impact of Authentic Audiences 20:24 The Importance of Scripted Communication 22:32 The Bell Tower Project Overview 23:40 The Bell Tower Project: Vision and Goals 29:57 Authentic Audience Engagement in Education 34:45 Transformative Student Experiences through Podcasting 39:34 Getting Started with Podcasting in the Classroom 44:25 The Future of Student-Created Media and Assessment Connect with Tim Belmont: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbelmont/ Tools & Resources Mentioned: NPR Student Podcast Challenge & Curriculum — npr.org Adobe Podcast https://podcast.adobe.com/ Screencastify https://www.screencastify.com/ The Bell Tower https://www.linkedin.com/company/belltower-edu/ Connect with Dr. Fonz: 🎙️ Website: https://www.myedtech.life/ 📲 Follow on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & YouTube Thank you to our sponsors: 📚 Book Creator Edu: Use Code MYEDTECHLIFE for Premium Access! 🎓 Peel Back Education Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Alfonso sits down with Caleb Hurd, founder of Chatperone, an AI chat platform built specifically to keep kids safe online. As a father of two and a 20-year tech industry veteran, Caleb built Chatperone not for investors or school district contracts, but for his own children first. What started as a personal solution has become a mission to give parents and educators peace of mind in a world where AI chatbots are already in the hands of our kids. From the Character AI controversy to COPPA compliance gaps, Caleb and Dr. Fonz unpack the real dangers lurking in unguarded AI platforms and why Big Tech is getting it wrong. They also explore what it truly means to put the child at the center of EdTech design, how parents and teachers can work together to guide healthy AI interactions, and why data ownership matters more than ever in 2026. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 06:04 The Birth of Chatperone 12:01 Navigating Parental Concerns 17:48 Building Trust with Parents 23:52 Challenges with Big Tech 29:52 The Future of Child Safety in EdTech 30:47 Understanding AI in Education 35:46 Building Solutions with Children in Mind 40:39 The Philosophy Behind Chatperone 42:44 Navigating the Current Educational Landscape 47:46 Reflections on Parenting and Technology Sponsor Shoutout Thank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life. Get 3 Months of Book Creator Premium Access Free! Use Code: MyEdTechLife Stay Techie ✌️ Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

Dr. Alfonso sits down with Aaron Makelky of Descript to unpack the real future of podcasting beyond vanity metrics, beyond over-polished edits, and beyond the AI hype. This conversation is a masterclass for creators, educators, and entrepreneurs who want to amplify their voice without burning out. From workflow wisdom to sponsorship strategy to the rise of hyper-niche podcasts, Aaron delivers practical insight with zero fluff. If you’ve ever wondered whether your downloads are “enough,” whether video matters, or how AI fits into authentic storytelling, you won't want to miss this one. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Podcasting and Descript 02:50 The Evolution of Podcasting and Its Accessibility 06:04 Changing Perspectives on Sponsorships 08:53 Building Relationships and Trust in Podcasting 11:58 The Surge in Podcasting and Content Formats 15:00 The Role of Video in Podcasting 18:02 Enhancing Audio and Video Quality with Descript 20:54 Leveraging AI Tools for Podcasting Efficiency 29:02 Enhancing Video Interaction with AI Tools 32:00 Streamlining Podcast Editing with AI 33:37 Balancing Polish and Authenticity in Content 41:30 The Importance of Learning and Repetition in Podcasting 44:51 Future Trends in Podcasting and Content Creation Try Descript: https://descript.cello.so/hVfs5yHcBjx Sponsor Shoutout Thank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life. Get 3 Months of Book Creator Premium Access Free! Use Code: MyEdTechLife Stay Techie ✌️ Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

Four years after ChatGPT changed everything, schools are still treading water. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kip Glazer, principal of Mountain View High School, home of Google, and author of Ready to Lead With AI: A Practical Guide for School Leaders. Dr. Kip has been in this conversation since 2015 and she is bringing ALL of that experience to the table. We talk about why the AI cheating conversation is failing our students, what questions every school leader should be asking vendors before letting ANY tool into their school, and why the real work has always been about human connection, not detection. If you are a school leader, educator, or aspiring administrator trying to navigate AI without losing sight of what matters most, this one is for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 02:55 The Impact of AI on Education 05:48 Navigating AI as a School Leader 08:49 Practical Applications of AI in Schools 11:37 Mindset and Attitude in Leadership 14:48 Actionable Tips for School Leaders 17:43 The Role of Pedagogy in Technology Integration 20:36 Community and Collaboration in Learning 26:31 AI and Equity in Education 30:06 Innovative Pedagogy and Student Engagement 34:41 Empowering Student Voices in Decision-Making 39:09 Navigating Tech Chauvinism in Education 43:51 Enhancing Human Connection through AI Sponsor Shoutout Thank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life. Get 3 Months of Book Creator Premium Access Free! Use Code: MyEdTechLife Stay Techie ✌️ Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

Neuroscience expert Dr. Mark Hobson reveals why educators MUST understand how AI works—and why your brain learns exactly like AI does. What You'll Learn: The shocking AI gap between business and educationHow your brain processes information (90% through emotions—AI can't)Why banning AI fails studentsPractical ChatGPT strategies for classroomsThe 4 Rs: Read, Recite, Repeat, RememberHow AI mimics your neural networksWhy "intentional screen time" beats screen time limitsKey Quote: "Our learners need to know more about AI and how it works—and so do our faculty." - Dr. Mark Hobson Dr. Hobson studied at Johns Hopkins & Northeastern, specializing in mind, brain, and teaching. He breaks down neuroscience into actionable ed strategies.  Dr. Hobson's Notes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 04:59 The Impact of AI on Education 09:53 Neuroscience and AI: A Learning Link 14:55 The Role of Emotion in Learning 19:43 AI's Influence on Student Learning 24:44 Shared Learning Principles: AI and the Brain 29:41 The Future of AI in Education 34:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections Sponsor Shoutout Thank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life. Get 3 Months of Book Creator Premium Access Free! Use Code: MyEdTechLife Stay Techie ✌️ Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

Simplifying EdTech for Teachers & Amplifying Learning for Students Bonus episode recorded live at TCEA Recorded live at TCEA, this bonus episode of My EdTech Life cuts through the EdTech noise to focus on what actually works in classrooms. Joined by Elaina Kloecker and Spencer Wright, Dr. Fonz unpacks why ease of use, strong pedagogy, and teacher agency matter more than shiny tools and usage minutes. This conversation tackles real questions educators are asking right now: When does technology truly support learning? When does it get in the way? And how do we make sure teachers stay at the center of instruction while students stay engaged, thinking, and communicating? No hype. No buzzwords. Just honest insights from educators in the trenches. 🎧 Listen in and rethink how EdTech should really show up in classrooms.   Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Live from TCEA Setting the stage for a real conversation on EdTech beyond the hype. 02:15 – What “Simple” EdTech Actually Means Why ease of use and pedagogy matter more than flashy features. 07:10 – The Marketing vs Classroom Reality Gap Where EdTech promises break down once teachers close their doors. 12:40 – When Tools Get Too Complex Why more clicks usually means less learning. 18:05 – Teachers Are Still the Tier 1 Instruction Technology as support, not replacement. 24:30 – Automation, Grades, and Losing Teacher Eyes The hidden risks of fully automated workflows. 31:10 – Amplifying Learning Without Making Tech the Star Collaboration, discourse, and productive struggle. 38:45 – Student Voice, Communication, and Confidence Why loud classrooms often mean deeper learning. 46:20 – What Districts Get Wrong About Adoption Usage doesn’t equal impact and why buy-in matters. 53:30 – Saying No to the Shiny Stuff How teachers protect their time and sanity. 58:40 – The Mindset Shift Educators Need Now Pedagogy first. Tools second. Always. 1:03:30 – Final Takeaways & Closing Thoughts Simplify EdTech. Amplify learning. Stay human. Big shoutout to Eduaide, Book Creator, and Peel Back Education for believing in the mission of My EdTech Life and for championing tools and practices that actually serve teachers and students. Stay Techie ✌️ Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

Is critical thinking becoming a lost skill in the age of AI? In Episode 352 of My EdTech Life, Dr. Alfonso Mendoza sits down with Melissa Morgan, Founder of Coraltalk , to explore why conversation, not content consumption, is the key to real learning. This episode dives deep into why oral assessment, dialogue-based learning, and conversational AI may be the most effective way to combat AI-assisted cheating while actually improving student understanding. Melissa shares the origin story of Coraltalk , inspired by teaching Buddhist monks through dialogue, and explains how speaking out loud strengthens retention, metacognition, and critical thinking. Chapters 0:00 Welcome And Guest Introduction 1:45 Melissa’s Path To Edtech 3:42 Dialogue Over Monologue Insight 6:51 Coraltalk  Mission And Approach 10:25 Combating AI Cheating With Orals 13:22 Teacher Setup And Voice Options 15:45 Student Growth And Learning Artifacts 18:42 Assessment Modes And Adaptive Difficulty 22:37 Classroom Feedback Loops And Data 25:47 Practice, VR Potential, And Efficacy 28:47 Stats On Retention And Critical Thinking 31:02 Teacher Sentiment And Adoption 33:52 Privacy, Compliance, And Trust 36:37 Efficiency Gains And Small-Group Teaching 39:57 Misconceptions: AI Replacing Teachers 42:29 Human Connection And Lasting Impact 44:39 Lightning Round: Kryptonite, Billboard, Swap 47:44 Closing, Thanks And Resources Sponsor Shoutout Thank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life. Get 3 Months of Book Creator Premium Access Free! Use Code: MyEdTechLife Stay Techie ✌️ Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

Why EdTech Usage Doesn’t Equal Impact ft. Dr. Paula Cushanick  In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Dr. Paula Cushanick, known as Dr. C on TikTok, to unpack one of the most misunderstood ideas in education technology: EdTech usage does NOT equal impact. Districts often measure success through logins, minutes, and usage reports because they’re easy to pull. But Dr. Cushanick’s research and classroom experience tell a very different story. In this conversation, we dig into what actually drives student growth, especially for emergent bilingual learners, and why equity must mean access and effectiveness, not just access alone. Questions We Explore: 1. How should districts really measure EdTech effectiveness? 2. What does meaningful equity look like in digital learning? 3. Why do some students log thousands of minutes with no growth? 4. How can districts support teachers beyond “one-and-done” PD? 5. What are the consequences of bad implementation for students? Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Paula Cushanick 03:21 Dr. Koshanek's Journey in Education 06:21 Research Insights on Technology and Language Acquisition 11:39 The Importance of Intentional Technology Use 16:50 Measuring Implementation Effectiveness 20:20 Consequences of Poor Implementation in the Classroom 24:26 The Importance of Language Output 26:33 Technology's Role in Immediate Feedback 32:21 Misconceptions About Bilingual Learners 36:31 Creating Supportive Educational Systems Sponsors Shoutout Thank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life. Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

In Episode 350 of My EdTech Life, Dr. Alfonso “Fonz” Mendoza sits down with Lindy Hockenbary (LindyHoc), a K–12 EdTech advisor, strategist, and professional learning leader known for helping teachers make technology work for real learning. This conversation goes straight to the issues educators actually face, the “one more thing” overload, AI misconceptions, and how to move beyond AI detectors toward authentic assessments students can’t fake. Lindy breaks down how AI literacy fits inside core instruction (not as a separate add-on), why we must redesign assessment to emphasize process over product, and how tools with guardrails + teacher dashboards change what “safe classroom AI use” can look like. You’ll also hear why Lindy’s work is especially grounded in small and rural schools, where staffing, compliance review, and budget constraints make AI adoption harder, but also more urgent. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:05 Lindy Hockenbary's Educational Journey 04:57 The Impact of Technology on Education 09:19 Changing Mindsets in Education 11:00 Integrating AI into Core Curriculum 16:42 Redesigning Assessment in the Age of AI 23:37 Authenticity in Learning and AI Challenges 24:24 Misconceptions About AI in Education 25:52 AI Literacy and Compliance in Teaching 31:58 The Impact of ChatGPT on Educators 36:00 Challenges in Rural Education and AI Adoption 40:39 Final Thoughts and Future Directions Lindy’s website: https://www.lindyhoc.com/ Make EdTech 100 podcast page: https://www.lindyhoc.com/podcast Sponsors Shoutout Thank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life. Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

How Mega Minds Brings Real-World CTE to Classrooms ft. Eric Tao & Austin Levinson | My EdTech Life 349 In Episode 349 of My EdTech Life, Dr. Alfonso “Fonz” Mendoza sits down with Eric Tao, Founder & CEO of Mega Minds, and Austin Levinson, veteran educator and learning designer, to unpack how immersive AI-powered simulations are reshaping Career and Technical Education (CTE). This conversation goes beyond AI hype. Eric and Austin explain why most AI tools in education focus on productivity instead of learning and how immersive environments can restore student engagement, agency, and real-world skill development. We explore how Mega Minds uses AI characters, simulations, and 3D environments to help students practice CTE skills safely before entering real workplaces. From healthcare triage simulations to job interviews, retail scenarios, and construction environments, students are learning through experience, not worksheets. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 02:30 Exploring MegaMinds: An Overview 04:49 The Role of Engagement in Education 07:03 The Future of EdTech and AI in Learning 10:39 Data-Driven Insights for Teachers 13:45 The Importance of Student Agency 18:10 Creating Safe Spaces for Learning 20:38 Real-World Applications of MegaMinds 27:46 CTE Lessons and Immersive Experiences 33:05 Experiential Learning in Healthcare Education 38:32 The Role of AI in Education 42:39 Understanding AI Bias Through Immersive Learning 48:38 AI Literacy and Its Importance in Education 53:43 Final Thoughts and Future Directions Mega Minds Resources Mentioned in Episode MegaMinds Website Free AI Literacy Pilot Info Sponsors Shoutout Thank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life. Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

Career and Technical Education is often overlooked, misunderstood, or siloed. In this episode of My EdTech Life, Dr. Alfonso Mendoza sits down with Tisha Richmond, veteran CTE educator and author of The Magical CTE Classroom, to unpack what meaningful, joyful, and real-world CTE learning actually looks like. Tisha shares her journey from the classroom to edtech and back again, why CTE teachers face unique challenges, and how intentional design can transform labs, kitchens, workshops, and hands-on learning spaces into powerful environments for creativity, collaboration, and career readiness. This conversation explores how CTE classrooms can move beyond compliance and certifications toward engagement, student agency, and authentic learning experiences that prepare students for the real world of work. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to My EdTech Life 02:10 – Who Is Tisha Richmond 05:20 – From Industry to the CTE Classroom 08:45 – Why CTE Teachers Feel Siloed 12:30 – The Story Behind The Magical CTE Classroom 16:10 – The MAGICAL Framework Explained 21:40 – Gamifying Vocabulary in CTE 26:30 – Safety, Structure, and Lab-Based Learning 31:20 – Industry Certifications and Real-World Skills 36:10 – Teaching Employability Through Play 41:10 – Challenges Facing CTE Educators Today 45:30 – Where to Find Tisha’s Work 48:00 – Final Thoughts and Stay Techie Connect with Tisha Richmond: Website: tisharichmond.com LinkedIn: Tisha Richmond Instagram: @tisharichmond About the Host: Dr. Alfonso Mendoza is the host of My EdTech Life, a podcast amplifying educator voices and exploring how technology, creativity, and intentional design shape learning experiences. 👉 Subscribe for conversations that move beyond buzzwords and focus on what actually works in classrooms. Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show

In this episode of My EdTech Life, Jeff Riley breaks down the mission behind Day of AI and the work of MIT RAISE to help schools, districts, families, and students understand artificial intelligence safely, ethically, and with purpose. Jeff brings 32 years of experience as a teacher, counselor, principal, superintendent, and former Massachusetts Commissioner of Education. His transition to MIT RAISE reveals why AI literacy, student safety, and clear policy matter more than ever. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome & Sponsor Shoutouts 01:45 Jeff Riley’s Background in Education 04:00 Why MIT RAISE and Day of AI 06:00 The Challenge: AI Policy, Safety & Equity 08:30 How AI Can Transform Teaching & Learning 10:30 Differentiation, Accessibility & Student Support 12:30 Helping Teachers Feel Confident Using AI 15:00 Leading AI Adoption at the District Level 18:00 What AI Literacy Should Mean for Students 20:00 Teaching Healthy Skepticism & Bias Awareness 23:00 Student Voice in AI Policy 26:00 Parent Awareness & Common Sense Media Toolkit 29:00 Responsible AI for America’s Youth 31:00 America’s Youth AI Festival & Student Leadership 34:30 National Vision for AI in Education 37:00 Closing Thoughts + 3 Signature Questions 41:00 Stay Techie Resources Mentioned Day of AI Curriculum: https://dayofai.org MIT RAISE: https://raise.mit.edu Sponsors 📚 Book Creator 🤖 Eduaide 🎓 Peel Back Education Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Support the show