When I sat down to record this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, I knew I wanted it to be practical, encouraging, and full of wisdom from some of the best people I know.

We start with Dr. Barbara Blackburn, one of my favorite experts on rigor. She reminds us that rigor isn’t about piling on work — it’s about raising expectations and giving students the support they need to succeed.

Then we’ll hear from my friend Dr. Desiree Alexander, who always has such clear, actionable advice. She shares simple time-saving tips that really help teachers create a sustainable pace. She also gives advice for getting organized that is essential to new teachers.

Next up is principal and life coach Barb Flowers, who talks honestly about teacher burnout and offers three powerful ways we can stress less and find joy again in teaching.

And finally, you’ll laugh with Mari Beasley, whose new book Teachers Have Bigger Fish to Fry is filled with hilarious true stories (like the snake that fell from the ceiling!) along with smart insights about AI productivity tips in the classroom.

Before all of that, I also share some important news updates for teachers — from AI hallucination rates to Google Notebook LM’s new features.

This episode is packed with encouragement and tips you can use tomorrow.

https://www.coolcatteacher.com/everychild

In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, Vicki Davis brings together four powerful voices in education to explore what it really means to teach every child.

• Isabelle Hau shares research and insight on the power of early childhood education.

• Andrea Bitner gives practical questions every teacher should ask English language learners to build trust and connection.

• Robert Barnett, founder of the Modern Classrooms Project, explains blended, self-paced, mastery-based instruction and how it transforms learning for all students.

• Joshua Stamper, educator, speaker, and podcaster, highlights trauma-responsive strategies and relationship-based behavior management that works.

Whether you teach kindergartners, multilingual learners, or high schoolers, this episode is full of practical wisdom to help you support every student who walks into your classroom.

🔗 Show notes and guest bios: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/everychild

In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, host Vicki Davis brings together four powerful voices in education with smart ideas for today’s classrooms.

• Jacob Kirksey shares urgent insights into the teacher certification crisis in Texas and why preparation matters for student success.

• Malia Hollowell introduces brain-friendly strategies for reading that help all students — including those with dyslexia — thrive.

• Nancy McCabe brings six practical ways to teach writing and reminds us of the joy and healing power of words.

• Jerry Kolber, creator of Who Smarted?, shows how screen-free podcasts can boost curiosity, listening, and learning for kids.

From policy to practice, literacy to engagement, this episode is packed with strategies you can use right now in your classroom.

👉 Full show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/smart2025