Episodios

  • Harnessing AI in Education: Insights from Chelsea Lopez of The Social Institute

    Harnessing AI in Education: Insights from Chelsea Lopez of The Social Institute
    May 19 2025
    In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Chelsea Lopez, a former special education teacher and current Director of Education Advancement at the Social Institute, discusses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways
    • AI is any technology that can perform tasks requiring human intelligence.
    • Educators need to understand AI to effectively teach students about it.
    • AI is already embedded in our daily lives, often without us realizing it.
    • Policies should focus on how to use AI, not just how not to use it.
    • AI can enhance productivity and support educators in their roles.
    • Professional development on AI is crucial for educators.
    • AI literacy will become a key component of digital literacy in schools.
    • Collaboration between curriculum and technology departments is essential.
    • AI can help create lesson plans and teaching materials efficiently.
    • The future of education will increasingly integrate AI across various subjects.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to AI in Education
    • 03:02 Understanding AI: Definitions and Applications
    • 06:00 AI in Daily Life: Demystifying Technology
    • 09:03 Navigating AI in Schools: Policies and Practices
    • 11:47 The Role of Educators in AI Literacy
    • 15:10 AI as a Teaching Assistant: Enhancing Productivity
    • 17:52 Addressing Concerns: Control and Curriculum
    • 21:01 Future of AI in Education: Trends and Predictions

    About our Guest: Chelsea Lopez Chelsea Lopez is a passionate and dedicated leader at The Social Institute, where she serves as the Director of Educator Advancement. In this role, Chelsea is responsible for creating and delivering innovative professional development for educators, focusing on social media and technology. She works in developing comprehensive teacher resources, asynchronous and synchronous courses, educational materials, and webinars. Before joining The Social Institute, Chelsea spent time as an educator, having taught K-5th Special Education and 6th-8th Special Education. In her most recent teaching role, Chelsea served as the 6th-8th grade Intervention Coordinator, where she supported students and teachers in meeting academic and behavioral goals. Her diverse teaching experiences provide her with a deep understanding of the challenges educators face and the strategies needed to support student success. Chelsea’s commitment to supporting educators and students extends beyond her professional work. She is actively involved in coaching middle school cheerleading as well as high school softball and has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that educators, students, and families face today. Links of Interest
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-lopez-4462ba59/

    About The Social Institute The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in equipping students to navigate learning & well-being in a tech-fueled world. Through #WinAtSocial, our interactive, peer-to-peer learning platform, we empower students, educators, and families to make high-character choices online and offline. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach essential skills while capturing student voice and actionable insights for educators. These insights help educators maintain
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    31 m
  • Exploring the Impact of the California Wildfires on Education: A Conversation with Dr. Breeda McGrath

    Exploring the Impact of the California Wildfires on Education: A Conversation with Dr. Breeda McGrath
    May 12 2025
    In this episode, Dr. Breeda McGrath discusses her experiences in education, particularly focusing on the impact of wildfires on the community and education system in Southern California. She emphasizes the importance of technology in early childhood education and the integration of AI, while also addressing the need for educators to adapt to these changes. The conversation highlights the resilience of the community and the collaborative efforts to support families and children during challenging times. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways
    • Dr. McGrath has over 20 years of experience in education.
    • The wildfires in Southern California have had a significant impact on the community and education.
    • Community support has been crucial in the recovery process after the wildfires.
    • Technology can enhance early childhood education by providing diverse learning experiences.
    • Curiosity should be at the forefront of educational approaches.
    • AI has potential in education but needs to be integrated thoughtfully.
    • Educators must prepare for emerging technologies to stay relevant.
    • Collaboration among community members is essential for effective recovery and support.
    • Professional development for educators should focus on curiosity and adaptability.
    • The future of education will increasingly involve technology and AI.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Breeda McGrath
    • 02:45 Impact of Wildfires on Education
    • 16:24 The Role of Technology in Early Childhood Education
    • 24:47 Integrating AI in Early Learning
    • 32:01 Preparing Educators for Emerging Technologies

    About our Guest: Dr. Breeda McGrath, Ph.D., is the President of Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School. With over 20 years of experience, she has held prominent leadership roles, including Associate Dean at The Chicago School, where she drove significant growth in online education, expanded academic offerings, and integrated innovative technologies like AI and telehealth training. Dr. McGrath holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and is deeply committed to fostering diversity, social justice, and inclusion in education. Additionally, she contributes to the APA’s Civil Discourse Project, promoting respectful dialogue and understanding across diverse perspectives. Links of Interest
    • Pacific Oaks College
    • Pacific Oaks College LinkedIn
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breeda-mcgrath-phd-24a6642/

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    49 m
  • Transforming Reluctant Readers with Bookji: Insights from Will Peters on Engaging Students through Technology

    Transforming Reluctant Readers with Bookji: Insights from Will Peters on Engaging Students through Technology
    May 5 2025
    In this conversation, Will Peters, the founder of Bookji, discusses his journey in creating a platform aimed at making reading more engaging for students, particularly those who are reluctant readers. He shares insights into the integration of social media elements into the platform, the challenges of navigating the educational landscape, and the importance of student safety and compliance with privacy laws. Will also reflects on the feedback he has received from educators and outlines future developments for Bookji, emphasizing the goal of building a connected community around reading. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways
    • Bookji aims to make reading more interesting for students.
    • The platform was inspired by Will's own experience as a reluctant reader.
    • Social media elements are integrated into Bookji to engage students.
    • The platform is moderated by AI to ensure safe discussions about books.
    • Will's journey involved a lot of trial and error and late nights coding.
    • Feedback from teachers has been crucial in shaping the platform.
    • Navigating the educational landscape involves multiple layers of administration.
    • Student privacy and compliance with laws like COPPA and FERPA are top priorities.
    • Future developments include integrating assessment features and building a connected community.
    • Will is excited about the potential impact of Bookji on students' reading habits.

    View Our Episode on YouTube Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to Book G and Its Mission
    • 04:21 The Journey of Building Book G
    • 07:24 Navigating the Educational Landscape
    • 09:16 Ensuring Student Safety and Compliance
    • 10:37 Teachable Moments and Feedback
    • 12:20 Future Developments and Community Building
    • 14:30 Conferences and Closing Thoughts

    About our Guest: Will Peters is the founder of Bookji, a platform making reading more exciting for grade school students by combining social media, interactive maps, and other innovative technology tools. He graduated from Princeton University in 2023 with a degree in Computer Science and completed his master’s at UNC Chapel Hill in 2024. With a background in both tech and education—and experience as a Division I college athlete—Will brings a unique perspective to building tools that inspire the next generation of readers. Links of Interest
    • Website: https://www.gobookji.com/.
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wrpeters/
    • X: https://x.com/wrpeters
    • X (Bookji): https://x.com/gobookji

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    18 m
  • Crush It From the Start: Top Tips for Instructional Coaches with Dr. Matt Rhoads

    Crush It From the Start: Top Tips for Instructional Coaches with Dr. Matt Rhoads
    Apr 27 2025
    In this episode, Dr. Matt Rhoads discusses his book 'Crush It From the Start: 25 Tips for Instructional Coaches and Leaders' with host Jeffrey Bradbury. They explore the importance of organization, key themes from the book, and practical tips for instructional coaches. Dr. Rhoads emphasizes the significance of understanding cognitive science, effective coaching strategies, and the integration of technology in education. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by coaches and the need for reflection and balance in their professional lives. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways
    • Blocking out time strategically is essential for productivity.
    • Harnessing technology can streamline workflow for coaches.
    • Building relationships is a key theme in instructional coaching.
    • Understanding cognitive science enhances teaching effectiveness.
    • Rehearsing instructional strategies can improve classroom performance.
    • Focusing on a few key areas can lead to greater impact.
    • Utilizing frameworks like TPAC can guide technology integration.
    • Visibility in classrooms helps build trust with teachers.
    • Feedback should be timely and constructive to foster growth.
    • Reflection and self-care are crucial for educators.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to Instructional Coaching
    • 05:28 The Importance of Organization in Coaching
    • 08:28 Key Themes from 'Crush It From the Start'
    • 20:08 Top Tips for Instructional Coaches
    • 23:05 Utilizing the TPAC Framework
    • 26:14 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Reflections

    About our Guest: Matthew Rhoads, Ed.D., is an expert in educational technology and instructional strategy integration, working across online, blended, and traditional classroom settings in Adult Ed, K-12, and Higher Education. He develops EdTech integrations paired with research-based strategies and serves as a leader, trainer, and coach for educators. Dr. Rhoads also acts as a professional learning specialist and mentors pre-service teachers and doctoral students as a dissertation chair. He is a ten time author on books discussing instruction, EdTech integration, and instructional coaching and leadership. For more information on Dr. Rhoads, his website is matthewrhoads.com. Learn more about his new book today!: https://25tipsforcoaches.com Links of Interest
    • Website: https://matthewrhoads.com
    • Book Website: https://25tipsforcoaches.com
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-rhoads-ed-d-95772120/

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    33 m
  • Building Trust Through Communication: Expert Strategies for Teachers, Coaches, and Administrators

    Building Trust Through Communication: Expert Strategies for Teachers, Coaches, and Administrators
    Apr 21 2025
    In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury speaks with Erica Bare and Tiffany Burns about their experiences in education, the importance of communication with students, and the launch of their book 'Connecting Through Conversation.' They discuss the challenges and strategies for building relationships with students across different age groups, the significance of trust and community in education, and practical applications of their communication strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to engage with students meaningfully and create a culture of connection within schools. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Conversation Takeaways
    • Building relationships with students is crucial for effective teaching.
    • Small talk is foundational for meaningful conversations with students.
    • Trust is essential for a positive learning environment.
    • Communication strategies should be tailored to different age groups.
    • Creating a culture of connection starts from day one in the classroom.
    • Educators must model respectful disagreement and dialogue.
    • Professional development should be practical and accessible for busy educators.
    • The book serves as a resource for educators to enhance their communication skills.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Work
    • 03:03 The Genesis of the Book
    • 06:04 Building Relationships with Students
    • 08:49 Communication Strategies Across Age Groups
    • 11:52 Creating a Culture of Connection
    • 14:56 The Role of Trust in Education
    • 18:00 Engaging with Students in Middle School
    • 21:06 The Importance of Community and Culture
    • 23:55 Practical Applications of Communication Strategies
    • 26:59 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Initiatives
    • 29:51 Conclusion and Resources

    About our Guests: Erika Bare Erika Bare has been an educator for over 20 years, currently serving as the Superintendent in the South Umpqua School District in Oregon. A special education teacher by training, she is passionate about supporting all students through individual supports to reach their limitless potential. Tiffany Burns Tiffany Burns loves working with kids. In her two decades in education, she taught elementary, middle, and high school students. Tiffany has been an administrator since 2012 and an elementary school principal for the past nine years. This year, she is on a professional sabbatical, teaching university pre-service teachers, while also connecting with educators across the nation, helping to grow the Connected Communicator Movement. Links of Interest
    • Website: www.ConnectingThroughConversation.com
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090370647418&mibextid=LQQJ4d
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectingthroughconversation/
    • Linked In Erika Bare: http://linkedin.com/in/erika-bare-6a72a6215
    • Linkedin Tiffany Burns: http://linkedin.com/in/tiffany-burns-90a50a274
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/CTCPlaybook.com
    • Youtube:
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    44 m
  • Transforming Education: High-Dosage Tutoring with Cignition and the Ohio Department of Education

    Transforming Education: High-Dosage Tutoring with Cignition and the Ohio Department of Education
    Apr 14 2025
    I'm excited to share this episode where I chat with Mike Cohen and Mark Mobley from Cignition about their amazing work in high-dosage tutoring. We dive into how they're making learning more collaborative and engaging through their partnership with the Ohio Department of Education. Parents and teachers are loving what they're seeing, and it's clear there's a real need for this kind of personalized support in education today. By the end of our conversation, you'll learn exactly how your school can team up with Cignition to help your students succeed. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways
    • Cignition focuses on high-intensity tutoring to enhance student learning.
    • Collaborative learning is key to deeper understanding in students.
    • The company has a successful partnership with the Ohio Department of Education.
    • Tutoring sessions are designed to be engaging and tailored to student needs.
    • Mastery checks are integrated into lessons to measure student progress.
    • Feedback from parents indicates significant improvements in student confidence.
    • Tutors are trained to facilitate productive struggle among students.
    • The relationship between tutors and teachers is crucial for student success.
    • Cignition aims to fill educational gaps for students in need.
    • Schools can easily partner with Cignition through their website.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to Cignition and High-Intensity Tutoring
    • 02:59 Partnership with Ohio Department of Education
    • 05:56 Tutoring Methodology and Student Engagement
    • 08:53 The Role of Tutors and Teacher Collaboration
    • 12:11 Feedback and Recognition from Parents and Educators
    • 14:57 Getting Started with Cignition

    About our Guests: Michael Cohen, Founder & CEO, Cignition Mike's career has straddled academic research and entrepreneurial activity, focused on helping human-centered technologies achieve positive real-world impact. He earned his PhD at UC Berkeley, has published more than 80 academic papers and one book, has been awarded 25 patents, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Mike founded Cignition in 2014, working with educators and a neuroscientist, with a goal of helping all students, especially those from traditionally underserved communities, achieve a deep understanding of mathematics (and extending to ELA more recently) - both to enable further learning and to be prepared for success in the workplaces of the future. Those goals led to a key focus on conceptual understanding and on collaborative learning, as well as a focus on measurement and constant data-driven improvement of all components of the products and services Cignition delivers. Mark Mobley, Program & Client Success Manager, Cignition Mark Mobley (M.Ed.) is completing his fourth year as a Client Success Manager for Cignition. For the past two years, he has been the lead manager for the Future Forward Ohio initiative, which has served 27 districts statewide. He spent 10 years as a secondary mathematics teacher in Georgia. Additionally, he has helped design, launch and lead two nonprofits, Georgia CALLS, a program training and employing returning citizens to prevent recidivism, and SAFFT, a program designed to train and restore families who have...
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    16 m
  • Empowering Educators: Insights from Rob Barnett on the Modern Classrooms Project

    Empowering Educators: Insights from Rob Barnett on the Modern Classrooms Project
    Apr 14 2025
    In this episode, Rob Barnett discusses his journey as an educator and the founding of the Modern Classrooms Project, which empowers teachers to create self-paced, mastery-based learning environments. He shares insights on the current state of education, the importance of technology in making classrooms more human, and the motivation behind student engagement. Rob also introduces his new book, 'Meet Every Learner's Needs,' and the innovative tool InstaLesson, designed to simplify lesson planning for teachers. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Conversation Takeaways
    • Rob Barnett is a former teacher and co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project.
    • The Modern Classrooms Project empowers over 80,000 educators worldwide.
    • Education is currently facing challenges like teacher burnout and the impacts of COVID.
    • Individual teachers are doing amazing things despite national challenges.
    • Modern classrooms allow students to learn at their own pace and master content before moving on.
    • Motivation in students often comes from building relationships and feeling capable.
    • Teachers should start small when implementing new teaching strategies.
    • The Modern Classrooms Project offers free resources and professional development for teachers.
    • Rob's book serves as a roadmap for teachers to create modern classrooms.
    • InstaLesson is an AI tool designed to simplify lesson planning for educators.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to Rob Barnett and His Work
    • 02:40 The Current State of Education
    • 04:10 Understanding the Modern Classrooms Project
    • 05:31 Differentiating Modern Classrooms from Flipped Classrooms
    • 06:40 Motivation in a Self-Paced Learning Environment
    • 08:12 Implementing Self-Paced Learning
    • 09:39 Building a Library of Resources
    • 11:28 Exploring Modern Classrooms Resources
    • 12:25 Overview of 'Meet Every Learner's Needs' Book
    • 13:38 Feedback from Educators and Stakeholders
    • 15:34 Creating an Engaging Learning Environment
    • 17:57 Strategies for Semester-Based Courses
    • 19:48 Introducing InstaLesson: AI in Education
    • 22:12 The Benefits of Using InstaLesson
    • 23:36 Looking Ahead: Summer Plans and Teacher Support

    About our Guest: Robert Barnett co-founded the Modern Classrooms Project, which has empowered 80,000+ educators in 180+ countries to meet every learner’s needs. Before that he taught math, computer science, English, social studies, and law, from the middle-school to university levels, at public and private schools in the U.S. and abroad. He is the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs: Redesigning Instruction So All Learners Can Succeed and he hopes his children will learn in Modern Classrooms someday! Links of Interest
    • Website: Modern Classrooms Project
    • InstaLesson: https://www.insta-lesson.com/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-s-barnett/

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    28 m
  • Get students thinking, and asking big questions with TCI Social Studies and Science Curriculum

    Get students thinking, and asking big questions with TCI Social Studies and Science Curriculum
    Apr 13 2025
    In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury welcomes Brian Thomas and Becca Burnfin to discuss the impact of COVID on educational resources, the importance of high-quality instructional materials, and the role of teacher feedback in curriculum development. They explore TCI's approach to creating engaging curriculum for social studies and science, the training and rollout process for new materials, and the future of online education. Becca shares her experiences as a teacher using TCI resources, highlighting the effectiveness of their materials in diverse classrooms. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Conversation Takeaways
    • TCI creates curriculum materials that engage and inspire students.
    • High-quality instructional materials ensure equity in education.
    • Teacher feedback is essential for improving curriculum design.
    • Training for new curriculum should be ongoing and accessible.
    • Digital resources are crucial for modern classrooms.
    • Engaging activities help students connect with historical content.
    • Teachers need tools that save time and enhance planning.
    • The future of education will incorporate AI and technology.
    • Continuous improvement based on teacher input is vital for TCI.

    About our Guests: Becca Burnfin Becca Burnfin is a dedicated high school history teacher currently serving in Southwest Kansas, with 16 years of experience in public education. She has worked across K-12 in all subjects, specializing in creating engaging learning experiences for at-risk student populations. A recognized leader in education, she received the Finney County Crystal Apple Award in 2016 and the Kansas Exemplary Educator Award in 2017. As a sponsor, her school earned the Kansas Civic Advocacy Award in 2020. Becca is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Oregon, is married to a fellow educator, and is a proud mom of three boys who keep her inspired and connected. Brian Thomas Brian Thomas is a former classroom teacher and current Learning Designer at TCI. He has been with TCI since 2004. Brian has worked in sales, professional development, content development, and social media at TCI. Prior to TCI, Brian taught middle school social studies in the Lakota Local School District for twelve years near his home in Cincinnati, OH. During that time, he served as a department chairperson as well as Athletic Director. Brian’s education includes a B.S.Ed. from Miami University, Oxford, OH in Secondary Education – Social Studies (1992). He also holds a M.S.Ed. in Learning Design & Technology from Purdue University, Lafayette, IN (2016). About Company Teachers’ Curriculum Institute (TCI) programs and resources support the needs of students and educators with a high-quality, interactive curriculum that is comprehensive and blends print and digital materials. With TCI, school districts get everything they need to support teachers in delivering immersive learning experiences. Links of Interest
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeachTCI/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tci-teachers'-curriculum-institute
    • Twitter: https://x.com/TeachTCI
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TeachTCI

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    27 m
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