10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
A teacher podcast for busy educators—about 10 minutes, every week. Stay current on artificial intelligence in education (plain English), edtech, and what matters in the classroom: culture, instruction, assessment, digital health and wellness, and more. Simple ideas you can use right away. Hosted by AP Computer Science teacher Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher)—author and longtime edtech blogger—this teaching podcast features best-selling teachers, researchers, and in-the-classroom administrators sharing practical strategies that connect with today’s students. Follow the 10 Minute Teacher—the podcast for teachers and school leaders—for weekly, classroom-ready tips. Show notes & resources: https://coolcatteacher.com/podcast
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Vibe Coding for Teachers: No Coding Skills Needed
06/10/2026
Vibe Coding for Teachers: No Coding Skills Needed
Vibe coding for teachers means describing what you want in plain English and letting AI write the code — no coding background required. 2021 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Donnie Piercey joins Vicki Davis to show how any teacher can build custom classroom tools that save real time. Donnie shares the small-problem-first method he used to build printable daily student task lists, auto-translate his classroom newsletter into five languages, and create self-checking games — plus the dead-simple troubleshooting trick of screenshotting the error and pasting it back to the AI. Vicki shares how she rebuilt a unit into a game that raised her eighth graders' scores five points with zero retests. In this episode, you'll learn: - What vibe coding actually is (and what it isn't) - How to pick the one small problem worth solving first - How to fix broken code without knowing how to code - Why publishing to HTML lets your tool work anywhere - How AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, Canva Code, and Google Apps Script fit in Full show notes, resources, and transcript: If this episode gave you an idea, share it with a teacher friend and leave a review wherever you're listening. Sponsor: Today's show is sponsored by and their Career Readiness Tours. Lead your students on an international EF Career Readiness tour and show them what a career in fields like agriculture, hospitality, or automotive engineering could look like. Imagine your students connecting with entrepreneurs at the London School of Economics, getting a behind-the-scenes look at Toyota's manufacturing in Japan, or touring a French culinary school to see future chefs in action. If you've been trying to break through to your students and show them how to turn their career dreams into reality, browse EF's collection of Career Readiness tours at .
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AI in the Classroom — Why There Are No Best Practices Yet
06/08/2026
AI in the Classroom — Why There Are No Best Practices Yet
MIT's Justin Reich interviewed 120 teachers and students about AI in the classroom — and his honest takeaway is that there are no research-based best practices yet. Here's what to do instead. In this episode of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast, Justin Reich (MIT Teaching Systems Lab, host of The Homework Machine) joins Vicki Davis to talk about what AI is really doing in K-12 classrooms, why the research is still in its infancy, and how teachers can run their own small "local science" experiments right now. In this episode, you'll learn: Why classroom teachers and students — not thought leaders — give the truest picture of AI in schools Why there are no AI "best practices" yet (and the 25-year research timeline that explains it) How to run a small, honest "local science" experiment in your own classroom this week Why your domain knowledge — not the tool — is what makes AI actually useful Four ways teachers are handling AI cheating (and how to tell when yours isn't working) The power of "subtraction": what schools should stop doing to do their best work Full show notes, resources, and the books mentioned: If this conversation helped you, please leave a review wherever you're listening and share it with a teacher friend — it genuinely helps more educators find the show. Sponsor. Today's show is sponsored by EF Explore America and their STEM Tours. Lead your students on a STEM tour to places on the cutting edge of innovation to show them how STEM thinking often shows up where you least expect it. Imagine your students coding robots with MassRobotics at MIT, exploring marine ecosystems in Florida's coral reefs, or even sitting down to talk with a former spy in Washington DC. If you want to inspire your students and give them a fresh perspective on the power of STEM, visit All opinions are those of the teachers and the host.
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Moviemaking in the Classroom: Where Every Student Has a Story
06/06/2026
Moviemaking in the Classroom: Where Every Student Has a Story
Moviemaking in the classroom isn't the fun thing you do at the end of the year — it's how Jessica Pack gets to know her students on day one. The 2014 California Teacher of the Year and author of "Moviemaking in the Classroom" shares the exact projects she uses in the first two weeks of school to lift student voice, build creative confidence, and weave in generative AI the right way. You can use it now or next school year as you plan ahead this summer! I want to give you lots of ideas for what you can do in your classroom with moviemaking! In this episode, you'll learn: Two day-one projects that turn new students into whole people (using the book "The Best Part of Me" and the "I Am" poem) How to introduce generative AI through Adobe Express and build "AI citizenship" from the start Why growth over grades helped her long-term English learners blossom How to balance high-tech and low-tech so creativity — not the tool — stays the point A simple "me in three" starting point for teachers brand-new to moviemaking Full show notes, resources, and Jessica's book: If this episode gave you an idea for what you can do in your classroom, share it with a teacher friend and leave a review wherever you're listening — it helps other educators find the show. Today's show is sponsored by and their Career Readiness Tours. Lead your students on an international EF Career Readiness tour and show them what a career in fields like agriculture, hospitality, or automotive engineering could look like. Imagine your students connecting with entrepreneurs at the London School of Economics, getting a behind-the-scenes look at Toyota's manufacturing in Japan, or touring a French culinary school to see future chefs in action. If you've been trying to break through to your students and show them how to turn their career dreams into reality, browse EF's collection of Career Readiness tours at .
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AI as a Creativity Amplifier with Dr. Sarah Thomas
06/05/2026
AI as a Creativity Amplifier with Dr. Sarah Thomas
Dr. Sarah Thomas says AI is a creativity amplifier — a tool that gives teachers back their time so they can do the work only humans can do. In this episode of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast, Dr. Sarah Thomas — founder of EduMatch and a Regional Technology Coordinator — reframes artificial intelligence as a creativity amplifier rather than a replacement for human thinking. We talk about what she actually automates, how to use AI ethically with students, and why staying pro-human matters more than ever. In this episode, you'll learn: Why AI works best as a creativity amplifier that frees up your time The "big rocks" to protect first: COPPA, FERPA, and student data (PII) How to move teachers from fear to confidence with AI The 80/20 rule for verifying AI output — and the "find the lie in AI" classroom game Why a robot will never replace the relationship at the heart of teaching Full show notes and links: If this episode helped you, leave a review wherever you're listening and share it with a teacher friend. Sponsored. This episode is by . Lead your students on an international EF Career Readiness tour and show them what a career in fields like agriculture, hospitality, or automotive engineering could look like. Imagine your students connecting with entrepreneurs at the London School of Economics, getting a behind-the-scenes look at Toyota's manufacturing in Japan, or touring a French culinary school to see future chefs in action. If you've been trying to break through to your students and show them how to turn their career dreams into reality, browse EF's collection of Career Readiness tours at .
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Student STEM Trips That Made Students Say "I Could Do This"
06/01/2026
Student STEM Trips That Made Students Say "I Could Do This"
Four STEM teachers. Four trips that changed students forever. From Panama to the UK to MIT to DC. When a student does real science in a real place, STEM stops being abstract. Miranda Grabowski's biology class planted mangroves in Panama. Angela Cannava's biomed students ran a live DNA fingerprinting experiment in London. Karen Spencer's seventh graders toured MIT and Harvard in Boston. Edith Cortez's eighth graders from Laredo, Texas competed at science museums in Washington DC. In every story, something very cool happens: students look up at the scientists and engineers in the room and realize — "I could do this for a living." In this episode, you'll learn: - How to align a STEM trip to what you're already teaching in the classroom - What happens when a student's classroom finally connects to what scientists actually do - Why taking students to see real labs, real campuses, and real professionals changes what they believe is possible - How teachers in different states and different budget situations made these trips happen — and why they'd do it again Show notes and resources at Sponsor. Today's show is sponsored by EF Explore America and their STEM Tours. Lead your students on a STEM tour to places on the cutting edge of innovation to show them how STEM thinking often shows up where you least expect it. Imagine your students coding robots with MassRobotics at MIT, exploring marine ecosystems in Florida's coral reefs, or even sitting down to talk with a former spy in Washington DC. If you want to inspire your students and give them a fresh perspective on the power of STEM, visit All opinions are those of the teachers and the host. If this episode moved you, leave a review wherever you're listening — it helps other remarkable educators find the show. I read every one.
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AI Won't Fix Education. People will.
05/21/2026
AI Won't Fix Education. People will.
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 If this episode made you think, leave a review wherever you’re listening — it helps other teachers find the show. And share it with a teacher friend.
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Brain First, AI Second: Teaching Writing in the AI Era
05/06/2026
Brain First, AI Second: Teaching Writing in the AI Era
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 start (Phil cites Ethan Mollick’s “Co-Intelligence” + “three sleepless nights” with AI) Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e934 Today’s show is sponsored by EF Explore America and their STEM Tours. Lead your students on a STEM tour to places on the cutting edge of innovation — coding robots with MassRobotics at MIT, exploring marine ecosystems in Florida’s coral reefs, or sitting down to talk with a former spy in Washington, D.C. Visit efexploreamerica.com/STEM. If this episode helped you, please leave a rating or review on this site. It helps others find the show! Thank you for your help!
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Real World STEM: Real Tools, Real Clients, Real Money
05/02/2026
Real World STEM: Real Tools, Real Clients, Real Money
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 year. In this episode, you'll learn: How Wildcat Manufacturing's profit-sharing model pays students for real client work The three pathways Oak Ridge graduates take — start a business, $100K+ workforce, or accelerate into engineering Why Mark teaches industry frameworks (Scrum, Lean, Toyota Kata, Deming) instead of "edu-ese" Where AI helps (rapid feedback, math practice) and where it harms (Grok Annie, social companionship, attention erosion) What the "Manhattan Project 2.0" frame means for AI policy and your classroom Show notes: sponsored today's show. Show students how STEM impacts the world up close and in action. Students could code robots with MassRobotics at MIT or explore marine ecosystems in Florida's coral reefs or even sit down to talk with a former spy in Washington DC. Students will learn how STEM thinking often shows up where you least expect it. Inspire your students visit
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ADHD Misconceptions: What Your Students Need You to Know
04/20/2026
ADHD Misconceptions: What Your Students Need You to Know
ADHD misconceptions are sabotaging your students’ confidence and success. In this episode, Jheri South—a certified ADHD specialist and mom of seven neurodivergent kids—reveals the five things that actually engage an ADHD brain, the hidden emotional struggle affecting 95% of people with ADHD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria), and why “just try harder” is the worst advice you can give. Learn practical strategies for classroom engagement, how to recognize hyper-focus, and why consistency matters more than you think. In this episode: The difference between ADHD behaviors and ADHD neurology The five things that engage an ADHD brain: novelty, interest, challenge/competition, urgency, and passion Why urgency triggers hyper-focus (and why it’s not laziness) Rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) and why it’s often more disabling than distractibility How classroom placement and private conversations rebuild self-confidence Why inconsistency erodes ADHD students’ self-worth The role of project-based learning in ADHD engagement Being a difference maker instead of a “put-downer” Show Notes: This episode is sponsored by the VAI Educators Studio from Van Andel Institute for Education. Get 50% off with promo code COOLCAT at .
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Free AI Resources for Teachers: Hour of AI and Beyond
04/16/2026
Free AI Resources for Teachers: Hour of AI and Beyond
Free AI literacy resources for every K-12 teacher — not just computer science. Karim Meghji, President and CEO at Code.org, shares how to teach AI in any classroom. In this episode, you'll learn: Why AI literacy belongs in every subject, not just CS class How to get started with Code.org's free Hour of AI activities at hourofai.org Unplugged AI activities that work without any computers — perfect for K-5 Why teachers need to invest in their own AI education first (and a free way to do it) Where to start by grade level: elementary, middle school, and high school resources Karim explains that students need to understand not just how to use AI tools, but how they actually work under the hood. Code.org's Hour of AI brings together hundreds of partners offering one-hour activities across grade levels and subjects. And their new unplugged AI curriculum lets students explore generative AI through conversation and collaboration before ever touching a computer. Show notes and all links: This episode is sponsored by the VAI Educators Studio from Van Andel Institute for Education. Get 50% off with promo code COOLCAT at .
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Inquiry Based Learning Made Simple for K-8
04/06/2026
Inquiry Based Learning Made Simple for K-8
Inquiry-based learning doesn't have to mean overhauling your entire schedule. Terra Tarango, Chief Education Officer at Van Andel Institute for Education, shares practical ways K-8 teachers can weave inquiry and hands-on science into any subject — starting small and building from there. Sponsored by the VAI Educator's Studio from Van Andel Institute for Education. In this episode, you'll learn: How a 5-lesson kindergarten bee project covers science, math, ELA, and SEL Why "Beat the Bot" is the perfect activity for teaching kids what humans do better than AI How to flip your planning — start with what's interesting, then connect the content What ethical PD looks like (and why Terra says theory-heavy PD is "unethical") Small first steps: pledge forms, student pitch tanks, and flipping instruction order Show notes and resources: Get 50% off VAI Educator's Studio membership with promo code COOLCAT at
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Brain Friendly Reading Strategies That Actually Work
03/19/2026
Brain Friendly Reading Strategies That Actually Work
In this episode, Malia Hollowell shares actionable, science-backed strategies to transform early reading instruction. Learn how to organize sight words by phonics rules, leverage spoken language as your teaching superpower, support dyslexic learners, and use word ladders for real reading growth. You'll also discover why leveled readers fall short and how to find trustworthy literacy resources. In this episode, you'll learn: How to organize sight words by phonics rules instead of random lists Why spoken language and sound tapping beats flashcard drilling How to support the 20% of learners with dyslexia using audio-focused strategies Why word ladders are more effective than traditional leveled readers Where to find trustworthy literacy sources backed by research Free editable sight word games from Playdough to Plato Show Notes: About the Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Van Andel Institute for Education. The Educator's Studio is a resource-packed platform with classroom-tested lessons, hands-on projects, professional development, and a supportive educator community. Get 50% off with promo code COOLCAT at
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Phone Addiction in Teens: What Actually Works
02/26/2026
Phone Addiction in Teens: What Actually Works
Phone addiction in teens is real — and Australian psychologist Dr. Brad Marshall has evidence-based strategies that actually work from treating 2,500+ families. Dr. Brad Marshall, known as the Unplugged Psychologist and Director of Australia's Screen & Gaming Disorder Clinic, joins Vicki Davis to share what two decades of clinical work and university research reveal about helping kids break free from phone addiction — without shame or judgment. In this episode, you'll learn: Why parental control software fails — and the "handbrake rule" that actually works What happened when Australia banned phones in every school Why sleep is the number one thing to protect from screen overuse Why expecting teens to self-regulate phone use is "neurologically ridiculous" How to have a non-judgmental conversation with teens about their phone habits Show notes and resources: Love the show? Rate and review on Apple Podcasts — it's the #1 way to help other teachers find us.
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Executive Function Strategies K through 3rd Grade Teachers Can Use Today
02/14/2026
Executive Function Strategies K through 3rd Grade Teachers Can Use Today
Executive function strategies Kindergarten through 3rd grade teachers can implement today. Dr. Sarah Oberle shares science-backed ways to support working memory, inhibition, and focus in the classroom. Dr. Sarah Oberle is a primary educator and cognitive science expert whose upcoming book, Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom, translates learning science into practical classroom strategies. In this episode, she breaks down the six executive functions developing in young children and explains why they matter more than content knowledge for student success. In this episode, you'll learn: The six executive functions and how they develop in K-3 students (core vs. higher-order) Why working memory is more limited than most teachers realize — and how to offload it with visual reminders, brief instruction bursts, and student-created notations How inhibition affects not just behavior but also attention and focus Why your classroom decor and seating arrangement may be taxing executive functions without you realizing it The science behind why music with lyrics creates a barrier to student focus Show notes and resources: If you enjoy the 10 Minute Teacher, take 30 seconds to leave a rating! This will help other teachers discover the show. Thank you!
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Balanced Class Lists: A Principal's Guide to Planning Ahead
02/12/2026
Balanced Class Lists: A Principal's Guide to Planning Ahead
Balanced class lists set students and teachers up for success. Principal Carrie Hetzel shares her team approach, time-saving tech tools, and advice for planning ahead. is this podcast. for your free trial of Class Composer. For elementary principals and guidance counselors, this is a must-use. Creating balanced class lists is one of the most important — and labor-intensive — tasks elementary principals tackle each spring. In this episode, Carrie Hetzel, principal of Paradise Canyon Elementary School in California (a National Blue Ribbon School), explains how her team builds balanced class lists using a multi-stage revision process that combines data with deep knowledge of every student. She also shares how Class Composer, a class placement tool, cut hours off their workflow by updating data in real time. In this episode, you'll learn: What a truly balanced elementary class looks like beyond just numbers How a principal, teachers, and counselor collaborate through multiple revision rounds Why starting the class placement process in May — not June — makes all the difference How Class Composer provides real-time data analysis and built-in safety checks Why class placement should be seen as a positive, forward-looking process Show notes and resources: Love the show? Rate and review on Apple Podcasts — it's the #1 way to help other teachers find us.
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How Teachers Can Give High-Potential Students a College Roadmap
01/31/2026
How Teachers Can Give High-Potential Students a College Roadmap
Too many bright, high-achieving students hit a wall because they lack access, know-how, and the “network advantage” that makes college applications feel possible. In this episode, I talk with Zak Adams, a junior at Harvard University, about how mentorship can help high-potential, low-opportunity students pursue “dream universities” they might not otherwise consider. We discuss Project Access, an international, UK-registered charity that pairs students with mentors connected to their target universities. If you work with juniors right now, this conversation will help you see practical next steps you can take to support students who need a roadmap. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Recognize when a high-achieving student needs mentorship, not just encouragement Identify “high-potential, low-opportunity” indicators that can signal a need for added support Refer students early and plan ahead for deadlines that often arrive around September Understand why mentor matching connected to a target university can provide “network advantage” Encourage students by helping them build a plan when they don’t know where to begin Show notes and resources:
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Reaching English Language Learners: Day One
01/27/2026
Reaching English Language Learners: Day One
Speakable: Today's Sponsor This podcast is by . Want to bring daily speaking practice to your classroom without adding prep or grading? Speakable helps language teachers assign speaking tasks, give instant feedback, and leaders can track progress, all with tools aligned to ACTFL and WIDA standards. ✅ Instant AI grading ✅ No setup or training required ✅ Student data and growth insights 👉 Explore how works, whether you're a teacher or a school leader, you'll find the right place to start.
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AI as an Assistant: Rethinking Learning and the Future of School
01/06/2026
AI as an Assistant: Rethinking Learning and the Future of School
Opening Paragraph In this episode, we tackle the challenges educators face as uncertainty around AI, demographic shifts, and evolving student futures continue to reshape schools. Teachers are feeling the pressure to personalize learning for every student, and we explore how AI might assist rather than overwhelm us in that work. Jennifer Womble, Conference Chair for FETC, joins us to unpack trends that matter now and in the years ahead. Whether you’re attending FETC or not, this conversation will help you make sense of what’s next in education. What You’ll Learn In this episode, you’ll learn how to: think about the implications of today’s kindergarteners graduating in 2035 and what shifting demographics mean for schools reframe AI as an assistant to support teaching and learning rather than a threat recognize why learning as a human-centered, relational skill remains essential consider how schools and teachers can respond to change with clarity and purpose Episode Link Show notes and resources:
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Getting Consistent Results from AI: What Teachers and Students Need to Know
12/22/2025
Getting Consistent Results from AI: What Teachers and Students Need to Know
Many teachers are frustrated when AI gives great results one day and confusing or unreliable responses the next. This episode explores why that happens and how it affects both teachers and students in real classrooms. I sit down with Rob the AI Guy to unpack a key concept that explains much of this inconsistency and helps educators use AI more wisely. If you want clearer results and better classroom conversations about AI, this episode will help. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Understand why AI responses can drift or become unreliable over time Use simple strategies, like starting fresh conversations, to get better results Explain the idea of a context window to students in clear, age-appropriate ways Help students avoid overtrusting or misusing AI tools Emphasize critical thinking when working with AI in the classroom Show notes and resources:
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The Science of Attention: The Difference One Teacher Makes
12/21/2025
The Science of Attention: The Difference One Teacher Makes
The science of attention explains why learning cannot happen without focus—and why one teacher can make all the difference. Learn how to understand the science of attention and help students learn. This episode is an extended episode shared from my other podcast/radio/TV show: Cool Cat Teacher Talk. I'm sharing it because it is helpful, but also because I share a very special story at the end. - I hope you enjoy! - Vicki 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 practical, research-based strategies teachers can use immediately, including how to start class with a strong hook, leverage the attention curve, build in attention resets, reduce distractions, and teach students to self-regulate their focus. The episode also features the powerful classroom story “Sue and Mrs. Scruggs,” illustrating how a teacher’s intentional attention can change a student’s confidence, trajectory, and life. Myriam also shares insights from her work in ethical, human-centered AI, including how neuroeducation-informed tools can support teachers while preserving the essential teacher–student relationship at the heart of learning. This episode is ideal for educators, school leaders, parents, and anyone interested in learning, child development, and the future of education. Show notes and resources:
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4 Essential Ways to Teach Reading with Jennifer Burns
12/08/2025
4 Essential Ways to Teach Reading with Jennifer Burns
Every child can become a reader — but only when we build strong foundational skills. In this episode, literacy consultant Jennifer Burns explains the “Fundamental Four” every student needs to read with confidence: seeing like a reader, hearing like a reader, thinking like a reader, and believing they are a reader. Whether you teach early learners, support struggling readers, or want practical strategies to strengthen reading instruction, Jennifer shares clear, teacher-ready ideas you can use right away. You’ll learn how to improve eye training and decoding, how to reduce reading fatigue, how to build a positive reading identity, how to use text variety to boost comprehension, and what high-performing schools do differently in literacy. Sponsored by Speakable — the AI tool that helps language and reading teachers assign speaking tasks, give instant feedback, and save time grading. Learn more at . This conversation brings clarity, encouragement, and actionable steps for teachers who want every child to grow as a reader. Show notes:
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Play, Curiosity, and the Joy of Math with Dan Finkel
11/17/2025
Play, Curiosity, and the Joy of Math with Dan Finkel
What if math could feel like play? 🎲 In this inspiring episode, mathematician and educator Dan Finkel—founder of —joins Vicki Davis, the Cool Cat Teacher, to explore how curiosity, productive struggle, and play can make math more meaningful and fun for every learner. Discover how to start math lessons with questions, why struggle builds deeper understanding, and how to help students fall in love with problem-solving again. Perfect for teachers, parents, and anyone who wants to make learning joyful. 📘 Show Notes & Links: 🧲 Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by —the award-winning magnetic play system that turns 2D shapes into endless 3D creations! Perfect for makerspaces, STEM labs, and creative kids at home. See 🎧 Subscribe and listen to more episodes of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
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Can AI Replace Teachers? Dr. Catlin Tucker on Smarter Lesson Design and UDL
11/10/2025
Can AI Replace Teachers? Dr. Catlin Tucker on Smarter Lesson Design and UDL
Dr. Catlin Tucker, bestselling author and blended learning expert, joins Vicki Davis to talk about how teachers can design better lessons with AI—without losing their essential human touch. From universal design for learning (UDL) to creating meaningful student choice, Dr. Tucker explains how AI can elevate lesson planning when used with intentionality and creativity. They discuss the limits of “AI lesson generators,” what true differentiation looks like, and why great teaching still depends on relationships, empathy, and design thinking. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Clixo, an award-winning magnetic play system that inspires creativity in classrooms and makerspaces. These flexible magnetic pieces let students design, build, and explore endless 3D creations—perfect for STEAM labs, centers, or travel. Learn more at Listen and explore: How to use AI for meaningful lesson planning What teachers should not automate Building lessons that honor every learner’s strengths The enduring value of teachers in an AI-driven world Show notes:
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6 Ideas for Teaching Writing Now with Nancy McCabe
11/08/2025
6 Ideas for Teaching Writing Now with Nancy McCabe
Teaching writing can feel challenging in today’s world of short attention spans and AI-generated text—but it doesn’t have to be! In this encouraging episode, author and professor Nancy McCabe joins host Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher) to share six creative strategies that help students rediscover the joy of writing. From 10-minute free writing sessions to outdoor field trips and imitating great authors, Nancy shares proven ideas that work for every age. She also explains why mistakes and “messy drafts” are not problems to fix—but signs of authentic thinking and growth. Sponsored by Speakable — the AI tool that helps language and reading teachers assign speaking tasks, give instant feedback, and save time grading. Learn more at . 🎙️ Listen now to discover: Why free writing unlocks creativity and confidence How turning points and sensory details make stories come alive Ways to connect reading and writing through imitation Why taking writing outside the classroom boosts engagement How to embrace imperfection in the age of AI Why writing is thinking—and how to help students believe it Learn more and find show notes at
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AI, Speakable, and the Future of Language Teaching
11/04/2025
AI, Speakable, and the Future of Language Teaching
Learning a new language can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! In this inspiring conversation, Spanish teacher Dawne Beck joins host Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher) to share practical ways to create a low-anxiety, high-engagement classroom where students actually enjoy speaking another language. From using game-based learning and storytelling to integrating AI pronunciation tools like Speakable, Dawne explains how to build students’ confidence while keeping the focus on communication over perfection. She also discusses strategies for helping third-language learners and students who feel self-conscious about speaking in class. Sponsored by . All opinions are those of Dawne Beck and Vicki Davis. 🎙️ Listen now to discover: How to lower anxiety in your language classroom Simple ways to use laughter and games for learning What “CAPT” (Computer Assisted Pronunciation Training) means for teachers How AI feedback tools like Speakable can save time and build confidence Learn more and find show notes at
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ChatGPT, Mental Health and the Teen Tragedy We Can't Ignore
10/31/2025
ChatGPT, Mental Health and the Teen Tragedy We Can't Ignore
My students asked me about the Adam Raine wrongful death suit. Parents have asked me. So, I had to spend some time digging into the issues there and how I will be part of the solution. Part of protecting kids from their favorite 'homework helper.' We should all be concerned, and I look forward to continuing to learn and converse about the issue of our times as it relates to children. Show notes and resources:
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Why Teachers Must Learn to Say "No" (And How to Do It)
09/08/2025
Why Teachers Must Learn to Say "No" (And How to Do It)
Teachers often feel pressured to say “yes” to everything. Dr. Brad Johnson shares why assertiveness is the secret to avoiding burnout and thriving in your teaching career and how you can do it in a way that you're not considered negative. 3 Takeaways: • Assertiveness is about healthy boundaries, not aggression. • Saying “no” is essential to teacher self-care. • Administrators and teachers both benefit from assertive communication. Growth Reflection: How do you set healthy boundaries as an educator? Show Notes Link:
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A Cool Secret for Helping Kids Understand Math
08/26/2025
A Cool Secret for Helping Kids Understand Math
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: 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:
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Richard Culatta: What an AI-Ready Graduate Really Looks Like
08/20/2025
Richard Culatta: What an AI-Ready Graduate Really Looks Like
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?
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Building Cybersecurity Skills in Schools: The Student SOC
08/18/2025
Building Cybersecurity Skills in Schools: The Student SOC
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:
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