How to Engage Kids in Distance Learning
10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
Release Date: 05/26/2020
10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
What does the science actually say about teaching methods that work? In this episode, Nathaniel Hansford shares how you can become a more effective teacher by applying proven principles from education research. Learn how meta-analysis, spaced practice, retrieval techniques, and data-driven strategies can lead to better learning outcomes in your classroom. Nathaniel also discusses why many PD sessions fall flat—and how we can do better. Whether you're just starting out or refining your craft, this episode is full of actionable insight for educators who want to teach smarter. 🔗 Show Blog...
info_outline10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
On May 1, 2025, Sam Altman’s identity project, now called World (formerly Worldcoin), launched iris and face-scanning locations in six U.S. cities. The goal? Prove you're human — and get a World ID in return. In this episode, Vicki Davis breaks down how the tech works, why it's free, and the serious ethical concerns for educators and parents alike. You'll learn the three major reasons this global ID push is happening: Stopping identity fraud and deepfakes Verifying age online to protect children Distinguishing humans from synthetic AI agents With connections to platforms like Match.com,...
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Students won't learn if they don't feel seen. 💡 In this inspiring episode, veteran educator Dr. Lucy Lambert-Guesnard shares practical ways to build trust, connection, and authentic classroom relationships—especially with students who struggle. From real stories like “Larry with the hoodie” to “Joey with the basketball,” Dr. Lucy offers compassionate strategies that help teachers turn everyday moments into meaningful teaching breakthroughs. Learn how to give better feedback, handle tough behavior with grace, and build a classroom culture where every student feels valued. Sponsor:...
info_outline10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
Want to get more organized as a teacher or school leader—without spending a dime? In this episode, productivity expert Dr. Frank Buck shares five free Evernote features educators can use to simplify their digital lives. From emailing notes to powerful web clipping and searchable snapshots, Frank explains how to turn Evernote into your second brain. 💼 Sponsor Message: This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree. For over 25 years, Solution Tree has partnered with schools and districts to deliver research-driven professional development that helps teachers turn their passion into...
info_outline10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
Teacher burnout is real — but it doesn’t have to end your career. In this motivational Monday episode, Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson (Dr. PBJ) shares her powerful personal story and real strategies to recognize burnout early, set healthy boundaries, and find your joy in teaching again. 💼 Sponsor Message: This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree. For over 25 years, Solution Tree has partnered with schools and districts to deliver research-driven professional development that helps teachers turn their passion into real progress for their students. 👉 See the results they’ve...
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What do teachers need to know this week about AI, edtech tools, privacy risks, and time-saving features? In this fast-paced news update, Vicki Davis — the Cool Cat Teacher — shares teacher-tested headlines that impact the classroom. From Google's bulk grading feature to concerns about AI eye-tracking and international AI policy, this episode is packed with insights that matter. Also, a huge health concern with touching the receipts of many of your local retailers. 💡 Includes a teacher tip on using data for AP test prep — and a heads-up about a surprising classroom health hazard!...
info_outline10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
In this inspiring episode, Principal Carlos Ramirez, named "2024 Principal of the Year" by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents shares how he turned a school tradition into a movement for community and inclusion. Discover how he builds trust with families, shows up for students, and leads a school where every child feels they belong. This is a must-listen for school leaders and teachers who want to create a culture of care and connection. 🎯 Highlights Include Leading with Compassion During Crisis: How Carlos returned to school during the pandemic to support...
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Can grammar really be fun? Yes! In this episode, literacy coach and author Patty McGee shares fresh, playful ways to teach grammar that actually work—and won't leave kids groaning. If you've ever struggled to make grammar stick, you'll love these shame-free, curiosity-fueled strategies that bring joy and purpose back into your language lessons. (And personally I also like that there can be alternatives to diagramming sentences.) Solution Tree 💼 Sponsor Message: This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree. For over 25 years, Solution Tree has partnered with schools and districts...
info_outline10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
How do we move beyond drill-and-kill and actually engage students in math? In this visionary episode, Dan Meyer shares how Desmos and Amplify are transforming math classrooms—and what every teacher needs to know for the future of math instruction. Highlights from Dan Meyer include: • Real-Time Math Engagement: How Desmos shifts math from static worksheets to dynamic experiences. How Amplify also works in this area. • Embedded PD That Works: Why the best professional development happens inside the tools teachers already use. • The Mindset Shift: Why great math teachers start with what...
info_outline10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
Is passion enough to teach? In this powerful episode, Dr. Jacob Kirksey—Assistant Professor of Education Policy at Texas Tech University—reveals research on the rise of uncertified teachers (56% of new teachers in Texas are uncertified) and the real cost to student learning. Discover why teacher training matters more than ever and how we can fix the broken pipeline in education. 💼 Sponsor Message: This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree. For over 25 years, Solution Tree has partnered with schools and districts to deliver research-driven professional development that helps...
info_outlineAre your gradebooks like Swiss Cheese? Are there kids who are just missing? Today, Mary Howard, sixth grade science teacher in New York, talks about how we can engage kids in distance learning. These are not easy times to teach but they are important times to teach. I'm here with you as you work to engage your students. Let me know how you're engaging your kids on Twitter @coolcatteacher.
Sponsor: This Fall season is going to be different, but we’re not sure how. Whatever happens, online learning will play a huge role in our teaching. What better way to understand online learning than to take your summer PD online through Advancement Courses? With Advancement Courses, you never stop learning. They offer over 280 graduate-level PD courses in 20 different subjects — all self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That’s just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Thanks, Advancement Courses for sponsoring today’s show.
Mary Howard - Bio as Submitted
Mary is a 6th grade ELA and Science teacher from Grand Island, New York has found success using digital tools that not only make learning fun for her students, but encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and create a life-long passion for learning. Whether the digital experience is related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or promotes literacy, Mary believes passionately in the potential that technology has for reaching and engaging ALL learners. In pursuit of this passion, Mary has spent the past 10 years presenting at dozens of technology conferences across New York State and has become a globally recognized speaker on the topics of augmented reality and virtual reality in the classroom. Mary shares her strategies through her blog, http://www.yoursmarticles.blogspot.com, and was featured as an NYSED New York State EdTech Innovator in October 2018. She has published numerous educational technology articles and has provided webinars on Virtual Environments, Virtual Reality, 3D Design, QR codes, and engagement strategies and is excited to share these experiences with the Engineering Design and the Middle-Level Science PLT. Mary’s accolades include recognition as the 2018 International Society for Technology in Education’s Virtual Pioneer of the Year and a Silver Presidential Volunteer Service Award. She was a New York State Teacher of the year finalist for 2018 and 2020. When Mary isn’t elbows deep in her technology initiatives, she is a mother of 3 boys and devotes her free time to refereeing youth hockey and volunteering within the hockey community. She is an avid runner and hiker and is just a few peaks away from becoming an Adirondack 46er.
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 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."