In this episode, Instructional Technology Coach Brittanie Payne joins the conversation to unpack AI detection, academic honesty, and classroom assessment in the age of generative AI. From unreliable AI checkers to redesigning assignments and prioritizing process over product, this discussion gives teachers and instructional leaders a practical framework for navigating one of education’s biggest current challenges.

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Brittanie Payne is the Instructional Coach for Technology for El Campo ISD in El Campo, Texas. She is a former high school ELA teacher. When she's not at work, she likes spending time with her family and watching football. Go Chiefs!

• Brittanie’s Website: https://sites.google.com/ricebirds.net/brittanie-payne-tech/home
• Brittanie On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techbyteswithb

This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

Learn more at Teq.com.

In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Lemansky to unpack the 3 biggest misconceptions about authentic assessment and what it actually requires to move beyond compliance and into real student growth. From process over product, to UDL and accessibility, to the metacognitive reflection we’re all tempted to cut when time runs short, we break down what makes assessment truly meaningful (and human).

You’ll walk away with practical examples, a fresh lens on AI’s role in student work, and a farm-to-table framework that makes authentic assessment stick.

And yes… there’s beef stew involved. Buen provecho!

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
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Rachel Lemansky is an Elementary Library Coordinator and certified STEM educator dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional literacy and digital innovation. Based in central Massachusetts, she serves both Charlton Elementary and Heritage School within the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District. Rachel views literacy as a dual-pathway of textual and digital fluency; she fosters a deep-seated love for books while simultaneously preparing students for a technology-driven future. Ultimately, Rachel strives to ignite imagination by turning pages into portals, ensuring that the library remains an inclusive space where learning is always an adventure.

• Rachel On X: https://x.com/LemanskyRachel
• Rachel On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lemanskyrachel.bsky.social
• Rachel On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lemanskyrachel
• Rachel On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mrs.Lemansky

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.

In this episode, Carl Hooker and I unpack six of his bold 2026 edtech predictions, including students becoming the product in the AI economy, the rise of AI generated “pink slime” misinformation, the threat to critical thinking, and the emergence of a unified Teacher Operating System. We also explore wearable tech, social media trust, and the fine line between innovation and surveillance. If you want clarity and practical insight on leading responsibly in an AI saturated world, this conversation is for you.

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
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Carl Hooker has spent the past 27 years in education as a teacher and administrator focused on the thoughtful integration of technology and innovation in schools. He consults for multiple districts across the country and is a frequent keynote speaker at state and national events. He’s also a 10-time author, 5-time podcast host, advisor to multiple ed tech companies, and National Faculty Emeritus for Future Ready Schools.

• Carl’s Website: https://carlhooker.com
• Carl On X: https://x.com/mrhooker
• Carl On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hookertech/
• Carl On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hookertech.bsky.social
• Carl On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlHookerFanPage
• Carl On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarlHooker

This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

Learn more at Teq.com.

Do you ever feel like you’ve lost your “why” as an educator? In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Barbara Bray, author, podcaster, and empowerment coach. She shares how burnout, system overload, and personal challenges can dim your spark… and how to get it blazing again. We discuss the process of rebranding your role in education to redefining purpose after life-altering events. Barbara offers empowering strategies to help you grow, heal, and teach with intention. If you feel like you’ve lost that spark, this episode will leave you ready to rise.

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
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Barbara Bray is an award-winning author, podcast host, and international keynote speaker with over 30 years of expertise empowering women, educators, and thought leaders to navigate meaningful life transitions with clarity and confidence. As a cancer survivor and Story Weaver, she is known for listening deeply and helping people uncover purpose and possibility within their lived experiences. Through her Grow Your Why Collective and signature Purpose Shift: Values Framework, Barbara guides people to reclaim their voice, self-advocate, and become unstoppable—amplifying their influence, impact, and income, even in uncertain times.

• Barbara’s Website: https://barbarabray.net
• Barbara On X: https://x.com/bbray27
• Barbara On Instagram: https://instagram.com/bbray27
• Barbara On Bluesky: https://bbray27.bsky.social
• Barbara On Facebook: https://facebook.com/barbara.bray

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.

In this episode, I sit down with a longtime educator, former tech coach, district advisor, and good friend Scott Nunes to unpack the one human superpower AI simply can’t replicate: intuition built through real relationships. We unpack hallway conversations, coffee chats, high-stakes gut decisions that protect students and families, and why schools can’t automate trust, empathy, or human judgment.

Buen provecho!

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
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Scott Nunes is a founding member of the Human Intelligence Movement and an ISTE-certified AI educator who helps education and technology leaders translate emerging tech into measurable outcomes. Known for connecting strategy to execution, Scott helps districts secure non-traditional funding to protect educator roles and ensure teams have the resources they need to succeed.

• Scott Nunes Website: https://www.scottnunes.com (Coming Soon)
• Scott Nunes On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mrnunesteach.bsky.social
• Scott Nunes On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammredtech
• Scott Nunes On X: https://x.com/MrNunesteach
• Scott Nunes On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrnunesteach
• Scott Nunes YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-w7FiFOdbFFgncUTVhqWg

This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

Learn more at Teq.com.

In this powerful episode, I welcome back Mandy Froehlich—longtime friend of the podcast and a leading voice in educator mental health. Mandy introduces us to the concept of healing spaces. These are not just quiet rooms or meditation music, but deep cultural shifts that support teacher recovery, emotional well-being, and long-term sustainability in education. We unpack the difference between burnout and demoralization, how leadership can unintentionally miss the mark, and what educators truly need to feel supported. If you feel like you’re trying to stay afloat or you’re an administrator ready to build a better culture, this episode is your blueprint for creating change.

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
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• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

• Mandy’s Website: http://www.mandyfroehlich.com
• Mandy On X: https://twitter.com/froehlichm

Happy New Year! We’re officially in 2026. Teaching on autopilot feels efficient until it drains energy from the classroom. This episode breaks down three simple changes to reset instruction, set healthy AI boundaries, and bring intention back to the second semester. And if you’re looking to start the year off with a great sourdough recipe, here it is. Buen provecho!

• 100g active sourdough starter (the star of the show)
• 325g water
• 500g bread flour
• 10g salt
• 20g honey (adds sweetness and helps the dough chill a bit)

For the full instructions, check out the blog post below.

https://edtechbites.com/2025/08/19/homemade-sourdough-sandwich-bread/

https://tinyurl.com/CookingUpExperiences

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