Let Them Eat CAIK: 8 Practical AI Recipes K12 Teachers Love
Release Date: 07/10/2025
Epic Elementary Super Show: Executive Functioning, Reading, Math Differentiation, and More
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
Why are students forgetting everything you just told them? How do class rosters make or break a school year? This Epic Elementary Supershow brings together seven expert educators to tackle the challenges elementary teachers face every day. From executive functioning to differentiated math instruction to a remarkable story of 91% reading proficiency, this episode delivers research-backed strategies you can use right away. Guests featured in this episode: Dr. Sarah Oberle — Executive functioning in the elementary classroom Carrie Hetzel — Class rostering for balanced classrooms Dr. Carol...
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Learning That Sticks: Attention, Memory, and AI
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
This episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk focuses on a challenge many teachers face right now: keeping student attention strong while navigating the rise of artificial intelligence in classrooms. We explore how learning science, memory strategies, and thoughtful AI use can help students focus, remember more, and think more deeply. With insights from Blake Harvard and Mary Ehrenworth, this conversation connects research-backed teaching practices with real classroom needs. If you want practical ways to strengthen learning without losing the human heart of teaching, this episode is for you. What...
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How Faith Changes the Way You Teach
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
Loneliness. Hopelessness. A search for purpose. These are some of the deepest struggles we face today. But what if the answer isn't found in accomplishments, possessions, or fleeting distractions? What if the answer is found in a relationship with the One who knows you, loves you, and created you with a purpose? This Christmas, I'm stepping aside from our regul ar episodes to share something deeply personal: how I talk about Jesus in my classroom. As a Christian educator, I believe every child is a masterpiece, and I strive to teach in a way that reflects the love and truth of Christ. In...
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The Science of Attention: How One Teacher Changed Everything
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
The science of attention explains why learning cannot happen without focus—and why one teacher can make all the difference. In this episode, host Vicki Davis sits down with Myriam Da Silva, AI ethicist, neuroeducation leader, and CEO of , to explore how attention actually works in the brain and what that means for today’s classrooms. Rather than telling students to “just pay attention,” this conversation breaks down the different states of attention, why sustained focus is biologically limited, and how teachers can design lessons that align with how the brain learns best. You’ll hear...
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Smart AI Use for Schools: Trust, Teaching, and Thinking Skills
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
Artificial intelligence is accelerating faster than most schools can respond—and the greatest risk isn’t the technology itself, but how unprepared we are to lead, teach, and think in this new era. In this powerful episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, Dr. Nancy Frey and Vickie Echols offer a practical, grounded roadmap for navigating AI with clarity and confidence. Dr. Nancy Frey, Professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University, breaks down how AI is reshaping classrooms, assessments, and the ways students process information. She explains the essential “Levels of AI...
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The Real Deal: Real AI, Real Learning and Real Homework Hacks
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, host Vicki Davis explores the “real deal” of AI, education, and student learning. First, AI expert Robert “the AI Guy” Benjamin demystifies leading models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini—and explains why critical thinking matters more than ever. Then, Zach Kinsler from Boodle Box shares insights on working in the AI industry and how young people can use AI responsibly. Next, Courtney Walker, NASSP’s 2024 National Assistant Principal of the Year, reveals how personalized learning pathways are transforming teacher development, while Misa...
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Igniting Math Education with Project, Play and Passion
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
In this final episode of our three-part math series, we explore how to transform math classrooms into engaging, curiosity-driven environments. Instead of rote memorization, top educators share play-based strategies, project-based learning ideas, and mastery-based instruction to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematics. Whether you're a math teacher, school leader, or parent, this episode provides practical techniques and real-world applications to make math fun, meaningful, and relevant for students. Show notes: 📌 In This Episode: ✔️ How play-based learning...
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Improving Math Classrooms with PROVEN Methods and Strategies
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
How can we make math classrooms more engaging and effective? In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, I explore brain-based learning, real-world math engagement, differentiation, and mastery-based learning with top experts. Learn how to reduce math anxiety, foster curiosity, and create meaningful learning experiences that help every student succeed. Featuring insights from Liesl McConchie, Dan Meyer, Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson, and Joe Manfre, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to transform your math classroom! Show notes and bios:
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Making Math ENGAGING: Busting Myths and Boosting Learning
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
This is part of a 3 part series on math education. We start with Dr. Erin Krupa who shares the research about what works in math and is turning math into SharkTank-style adventures. Dr. Lidia Gonzalez, author of Bad at Math, is dismantling the harmful beliefs that hold our students back. Show notes:
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Math Fact Tips and AI Safety News Everyone Needs to Know
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
This episode of my weekly radio/TV show Cool Cat Teacher Talk spotlights two important topics. First, I Have eight news stories that you'll want to hear about AI. Then, I have interviews with math educators Dr. Jennifer Bay-Williams and Dr. Gina Kling, co-authors of Math Fact Fluency: 60+ Games and Assessment Tools to Support Learning and Retention. We'll dive into how to help children learn math in a low-stress way and they'll give us their favorite math games. Then, at the end of the show, I'll unpack the parent lawsuit against ChatGPT and share the lessons we can learn (and how I'm talking...
info_outlineThe conversation around AI in education has shifted from fear to practical implementation. In this episode, I sit down with two trusted voices in educational technology: Eric Curts from Ohio and Gabriel Carrillo from San Antonio, to share 8 practical AI recipes that work in real classrooms.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Eric shares an exciting trend: "What I'm getting excited about is the shift from AI to support teachers to AI for students."
Gabriel notes the AI tool landscape has consolidated, giving educators clearer choices for classroom implementation.
We dive deep into:
- AI Recipe #1: Moving from AI fear to student empowerment
- AI Recipe #2: Face the academic integrity challenge wisely
- AI Recipe #3: Implement practical assessment strategies (like Snorkl)
- AI Recipe #4: Consider ethics and student well being as you look at AI.
- Plus 4 more practical recipes for immediate classroom implementation
Academic Integrity: The New Approach
Both guests emphasize moving away from "gotcha" mentality. Eric provides crucial guidance: "We need to spend more time looking for evidence of student learning than evidence of student cheating." Gabriel's powerful analogy: detecting AI misuse after submission is "like trying to un-bake a cake."
We share better approaches that work.
Critical Safety Insights
A sobering reality: 78% of people discuss health issues with ChatGPT, and companionship ranks among top AI uses. Gabriel shares the essential safety test every educator should perform before using any AI tool with students.
Research-Based Implementation
Stanford research reveals AI tools promoting productive struggle often yield better learning outcomes. We break down what this means for your classroom and how to implement these findings immediately.
Get the Complete AI Recipe Collection
đź“– Get all 8 AI recipes and complete show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/caik-practical-ai-recipes
Featured Guests
Eric Curts - Technology Integration Specialist, author of "Control Alt Achieve," and authorized Google Education Trainer with 33 years in education.
Gabriel Carrillo - Author of Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom, EdTech Bytes podcast host, and instructional technology specialist who believes great conversations happen when we break bread together.
Ready to implement AI in your classroom with confidence? Listen now and visit the show notes for your complete practical AI recipe collection at www.coolcatteacher.com/caik-practical-ai-recipes
*And go to www.coolcatteacher.com/iste2025 for all of the shows on the latest education technology from ISTE 2025 / ASCD Live. We have several more shows to go!