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Jean-Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise, joins Vicki on this Thought Leader Thursday episode of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast. From his beginning teaching incarcerated youth at Rikers Island, where he met a young man his own age who couldn’t do basic math, to leading a global nonprofit that’s reshaping how teachers and developers co-create AI tools — Jean-Claude shares why he’s been in education for 38 years and counting. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why teachers must be “crew, not passengers” on AI How Digital Promise is co-creating with teachers to extend a science-of-reading platform for multilingual learners How Gen AI is letting students talk to the “average Americans” history forgot — including a Georgia housewife who captured seven British soldiers Why mitigating AI bias requires educators in the room from the start How to spot certified tech versus “shiny object” fluff Full show notes, transcript, and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e935 ...

Five teachers — from Laredo to Denver to rural Colorado — share what really happens when you take students traveling. The fundraising. The quiet student who finds his voice. The FFA kids in Irish pastures. The principal who watches a student "come to life" on a Boston trip. After 20 years of leading student trips around the world, Vicki Davis brings together five educators who say the same thing: travel changes lives. In this episode, you'll learn: How a teacher in a high-poverty Title I district makes international travel happen for her 8th graders Why curriculum-aligned trips create classroom moments that last for years How a rural Colorado ag teacher and FFA advisor took 10 FFA kids to dairy farms in Ireland Practical tips: passport copies, the 10-minute "buffer zone," chaperone strategy, and why you need a med kit What a school principal looks for when choosing a travel partner Show notes: coolcatteacher.com/travel  If this episode helped you,...

In this episode, we dive into essential qualities of effective school leadership. From building relationships to tackling teacher burnout, our guest principals and educational experts share their strategies for creating positive, high-impact school environments. Hear from award-winning principals like Tracie Anderson Swilley and Carlos Ramirez, alongside thought leaders George Couros, Eric Sheninger, and top episodes from the past including Nancy Blair, Chris Chappotin, Pam Moran and more… This full episode and show notes can be found at https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkleadership   Cool Cat Teacher Talk episode:

Welcome to Cool Cat Teacher Talk Episode 6, where we dive into the essential role of teachers, parents, and communities in helping children heal from trauma. This episode focuses on supporting children impacted by recent natural disasters and life's storms, with insights from leading educators, child psychologists, and leaders who know firsthand the challenges and power of resilience. As you watch, remember that every small act of kindness and support can make a difference in a child's life. Whether it's a smile, a listening ear, or a classroom community built on understanding, these moments shape healing. I hope this episode offers both practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement as we support our children. Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkstorm   Dr. Steven Berkowitz Dr. Michael Catt  Dr. Brianna Kurtz Joe Mazza Your host, Vicki Davis Cool Cat Teacher Talk episode:

Lately, I’ve had people tell me, “Just breathe,” or “Take care of yourself.” But how? When life is a constant whirlwind of responsibilities, how do we actually make time for self-care? In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk , I’ve gathered some of the most powerful interviews I've done on teacher well-being. These “best of” excerpts will encourage and inspire you to prioritize yourself—because self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. ✨ Michelle Blanchet , co-author of Startup Teacher Playbook , explains how understanding our frustrations is the first step toward real self-care. ✨  Tinashe Blanchet tackles procrastination—because sometimes, taking care of ourselves starts with getting things done. ✨ Stephanie Dorsey offers sustainable self-care habits that have helped her navigate the toughest seasons of teaching. ✨  Lana Penley , an Oregon principal, shares how self-care became a crucial part of her school’s recovery after a devastating fire. ✨ Sarah Parker Wol...

How can we create safer schools while fostering strong relationships with students? In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk , Vicki Davis speaks with experts who have firsthand experience in school safety, crisis response, and student relationship-building. These powerful conversations shed light on what truly makes schools safer and more supportive environments for students. Featured Guests: Frank DeAngelis , former principal of Columbine High School, shares lessons on leading through crisis and rebuilding a community. Scarlett Lewis , Sandy Hook mother and founder of the Choose Love Movement, explains how SEL can help prevent school violence. Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley , an award-winning principal, discusses proactive school safety measures. Darrell “Coach D” Andrews , educator and speaker, reveals how strong student relationships improve school culture. Key Topics: Lessons from Columbine and how schools can support students after tragedy The role of SEL in pr...

How can we engage students in learning from the moment they step into the classroom? In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk , Vicki Davis explores hands-on, playful, and project-based learning strategies that spark curiosity and excitement. Our expert guests share powerful insights on why engagement matters, the neuroscience behind movement in learning, and how play prepares students for success in an uncertain world. Featured Guests: Dave Burgess , author of Teach Like a PIRATE , shares high-energy strategies for student engagement. Suzanne Creswell , occupational therapist, explains the neuroscience of movement and learning. Nancy Frey , acceleration research expert, discusses effective engagement strategies. David Gann , author of The Playful Entrepreneur , shares the business case for play in education. Dr. Jenny Nash , head of education impact for LEGO Education, talks about hands-on learning. Eric Sheninger , educator and author of Personalize , explores pers...

🚀 What happens when a whole school shifts to a mastery-based model? Principal Nicki Slaugh shares how Quest Academy made the leap, improving student engagement and outcomes. Plus, hear from three educators using mastery-based learning in science, language arts, and math! 🔥 In This Episode: ✅ What competency-based learning is & how it differs from traditional models ✅ How Quest Academy implemented a school-wide mastery-based system ✅ Strategies that boost student engagement & academic performance ✅ How teachers personalize learning in science, language arts, & math ✅ Misconceptions about mastery-based learning & how to overcome them ✅ Practical tips for bringing mastery-based learning to ANY classroom 🎧 Read the show notes and bios of today's guests: coolcatteacher.com/talkmastery 💡 Tag us! Share your takeaways on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram @coolcatteacher! Cool Cat Teacher Talk episode:

🎙 Host: Vicki Davis | Cool Cat Teacher 🚀 Episode Summary: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education—but how are teachers adapting? In this premiere episode, we explore AI's impact on teaching, learning, and ethics with expert guests. From classroom experiments to AI in higher education, discover how educators are navigating this evolving landscape. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Real classroom experiments with AI AI’s impact on student writing and academic integrity Ethical concerns & AI’s future in education 🎙 Featured Guests: Jason Thacker – AI and Ethics Expert Victoria Thompson – Equity & AI in Education Advocate Steve Dembo – AI in Student Writing Experiments Tom Mullaney – The Eliza Effect & AI Misconceptions Omar Shepherd – AI & Computer Science Education Laurel Aguilar-Kirchhoff – Preventing AI Cheating Hear from these expert voices on AI's impact in education 🔗 Show Notes & Resources: 📌 Full episod...

Brain first AI teaching: a new MIT Media Lab study shows students who think before they use AI have a clear advantage over those who start with AI. Philip Seyfried — Teachers College, Columbia doctoral student and co-author of AI-Enhanced Literacy — shares the brain-first framework, why AI detectors don’t work, how to monitor AI use in the classroom transparently, and how to build the kind of trust that lets students tell you the truth about how they actually used the tools. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why MIT’s research shows brain-first / AI-second produces stronger writers • Why AI detectors fail — and what to do instead for academic integrity (with danah boyd’s em-dash story) • Why you should push AI to your students instead of grading WITH AI yourself — Vicki’s classroom approach • The “Beautiful Sentence” moment: why human teacher feedback still beats anything an algorithm can give • Why we shouldn’t anthropomorphize AI — and where beginning teachers should actually st...

What does real world STEM education look like in a high school where students run actual manufacturing contracts on industry-grade equipment, intern at MIT, and learn AI ethics alongside CAD? Joe Fatheree (Top 10 Global Teacher Prize, Illinois Teacher of the Year) and Dr. Mark Buckner (Smart Industry Top 50 Innovator, founder of Oak Ridge High School's iSchool and Wildcat Manufacturing) take Vicki inside a $1.25 million state grant program where 26 student-run contracts with 18 companies have produced near-net-shape metal 3D printing, augmented reality experiences, and graduates already working four to five years ahead of their college peers. This extended episode also tackles the AI conversation educators most need: where AI belongs in classrooms, where it doesn't, what neuroscience says about kids' developing brains in the attention economy, and why "just because you can does not mean you should" is the most important lesson STEM students will learn this ye...