Leadership Spotlight: How a Student Held a Virtual Summer Camp in Summer 2020
10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
Release Date: 04/27/2021
AI Gone Wild, Canva Code, and Badger Licking?! 15 Tech Stories for Classrooms Now
10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
From rogue AI behaviors to Google Gemini's web-building skills, this week's 10 Minute Teacher Podcast is your fast, fun roundup of the most classroom-worthy education and technology news! 🎙️ Today I'm sharing 15 surprising, hilarious, and serious updates that every teacher and school leader should know—from “GPT tennis” in schools to an AI that tried to be your spiritual guide (yikes - not just yikes but WATCH OUT). Plus, I give a celebratory hat tip to long time blogger and teacher, Larry Ferlazzo, in his retirement. I also explain why people are typing nonsense into...
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Be a More Effective Teacher with Scientific Principles of Teaching
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...
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How Do We Know Who’s Human? A New Tech Raises Big Questions
10 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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How to Truly Connect with Students (and Why It Matters)
10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
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:...
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5 Free Evernote Features Every Educator Should Know
10 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...
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How to Stop Teacher Burnout Before It Stops You
10 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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News Roundup: What’s the Latest in Edtech and AI Right Now?
10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
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!...
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How to Help Every Child Feel Like They Belong
10 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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Fun Grammar Strategies That Actually Work
10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
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...
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Teaching Math in 2025: Dan Meyer on Tools, Trends, and True Engagement
10 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_outlineSophia is a student in Oman. During the 2020 shut down, Sophia wanted to help the children in her neighborhood have a fun learning experience -- so she created a virtual summer camp online. We can learn about learning in this example where the teacher and students are kids and everything is optional. What an exciting story.
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e736
Sophia - Bio As Submitted
Sophia is a 15 year old rising sophomore from Cooperstown, NY, who attends Al Batinah International School in Sohar, Oman. She started a virtual camp for the children in the neighborhood as a way to offer summer activities based around art, science, STEAM, drama and Getting Ready for School! Each week she sends out several different activities based on the theme of the week. At the end of each week she sets up online meetings for the campers to attend if they want to share what they've created, what they've learned, or even just to talk about what they've been doing.
She hopes to develop the camp into virtual after-school activities once the online school year begins and get other teenagers from school involved in this venture as well. This is her first volunteering initiative and she has enjoyed creating activities for and meeting with the campers.