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:
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e925

This episode focuses on how teachers can better welcome and support English Language Learners from the very first day of school. Many educators want to help multilingual students thrive but aren't always sure what to ask, how to plan, or how to build connection quickly. Andrea Bitner shares practical, experience-based guidance to help teachers create inclusive classrooms where every student feels seen, valued, and capable.

What You'll Learn
In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Ask students what name they prefer and ensure it is pronounced and used correctly

• Learn about a student's previous school experience to better understand literacy and learning needs

• Partner intentionally with English Language Learner teachers to plan supports and accommodations

• Recognize that limited English does not equal limited intelligence

• Ask families which language they prefer for school communication instead of making assumptions

• Maintain a learner's mindset by continuing to grow through collaboration, conferences, and shared practice

Show notes and resources:
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e924

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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.

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

Show notes and resources:
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e923