Cool Cat Teacher Blog is at coolcatteacher.com

Too many kids see math as boring or irrelevant. Tinashe Blanchet shares how creative, real-world projects like scale models can help students engage deeply with math while still hitting standards. Read more: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e913 3 Takeaways: • Scale models and PBL connect math to real life. • Measurement is often the weakest test area—but projects can fix that. • Teachers can start small with PBL, even in tight schedules. Growth Reflection: How have you used projects to make math more engaging? Show notes link: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e913 Check out this episode!

AI didn’t break assessments—it revealed just how flawed they already were. Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD, shares how schools can prepare AI-ready graduates, address bias, and rethink what learning really looks like. Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e912 3 Takeaways: • Assessments weren’t broken by AI—they were broken already. • An AI-ready graduate needs strong human skills like storytelling and problem-solving. • Addressing bias requires both human awareness and AI tools for cross-checking. Growth Reflection: How should schools redefine assessments in the age of AI? Check out this episode!

Cyber attacks on schools are growing. Auburn University’s Jay James shows how student-led cybersecurity operations prepare learners and protect campuses. 3 Takeaways: • Student SOCs give real-world, hands-on cybersecurity training. • AI tools like Microsoft Security Co-Pilot mentor students in real time. • K-12 schools can start small with focused projects and grow from there. Growth Prompt: How do you prepare students—or staff—for real cybersecurity threats? Show notes link: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e911   Check out this episode!

Staff morale slipping or culture feeling off? In minutes, Stand Tall Steve Bollar shares quick, no-cost moves to lift school climate, empower staff, and unite your campus. Full links + guest bio:  https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e910 . Follow the 10 Minute Teacher for weekly classroom-ready tips. 3 Takeaways • Run a 7-week student-to-staff micro-challenge to build relationships fast. • Use five levels of decision-making to boost empowerment and morale. • Choose shared “anchors” to align subcultures and reduce toxicity. Growth Prompt Which micro-move will you try first—learn names, compliment shoes, thumbs-up signal, or eye contact + smile? Check out this episode!

This week's education news brings critical warnings every educator needs to hear. We're covering a major Apple security update, OpenAI's new Study Mode (and why a Cambridge expert gives it a C+), and most importantly - alarming findings about AI social companion apps that 70% of students are already using. Plus, concerning comments from OpenAI's CEO about the future of education. If you work with students, this episode could be a game-changer for the conversations you need to start having. Visit coolcatteacher.com/e909   for all the links and resources mentioned.  This 8-12 minute news segment always is the start to my weekly radio show, Cool Cat Teacher Talk. Sometimes I cross post them to 10 minute teacher. Both are available wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss a thing! Check out this episode!