

10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
Vicki Davis
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
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 22, 2020 • 18min
Mathematical Modeling on Trial and the Maths Fix
The mathematics curriculum of today was created before computers. Conrad Wolfram has written a book, The Math(s) Fix and how AI can be part of this process of learning new math. He says we're "making humans into third rate calculators instead of helping humans be problem solvers." He also argues that math should be approachable for everyone and we spend too much time in schools on the wrong tasks. We even talk about some of the charts and numbers shared during the covid19 health crisis and the need for critical thinking in every area of society. www.coolcatteacher.com/e680 Sponsor: Welcome TGR Foundation and Discovery Education as a sponsor to my podcast. For nearly 25 years, the TGR Foundation, a Tiger Woods Charity, visualized a world where opportunity is universal and potential is limitless. Their mission is to empower students to pursue their passions through education - instilling in them the strength and skills to persevere and define their own path. Their award-winning curricula has already reached more than one million students. Now in the age of COVID-19 the TGR Foundation and Discovery Education introduce the first module in a new series of no-cost digital professional learning resources, empowering educators with new strategies to support student success far beyond school campuses. The PD series provides every educator, especially those from under-resourced communities, the access and materials needed to transform teaching during COVID-19 and beyond. Check it out at coolcatteacher.com/tgr. Conrad Wolfram - Bio as Submitted Conrad Wolfram – Strategic Director and European CEO/Co-Founder, Wolfram Research Conrad Wolfram, physicist, mathematician and technologist, is Strategic Director and European Co-Founder/CEO of Wolfram - the "computation company" behind Mathematica, Wolfram Language and Wolfram|Alpha (which powers knowledge answers for Apple's Siri) for over 30 years. Wolfram pioneers new approaches to data science and computation-based development, with technology and consulting solutions that drive innovation in analytics, software development and modelling. Working with start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, it spans industries as diverse as medicine, finance and telecoms. Conrad is recognised as a thought leader in AI, data science and computation, pioneering a Multi-Paradigm data science approach. Conrad is also a leading advocate for a fundamental shift of maths education to become computer-based or alternatively introduce a new core subject of computational thinking. He founded computerbasedmath.org and computationalthinking.org to fundamentally fix maths education for the AI age - rebuilding the curriculum assuming computers exist. The movement is now a worldwide force in re-engineering the STEM curriculum. His groundbreaking book 'The Math(s) Fix - an education blueprint for the AI age' www.themathsfix.org is released on 10th June. Conrad regularly appears in the media to talk about subjects ranging from decisions and data science to 21st-century education. He attended Eton College and holds degrees in Natural Sciences and Maths from the University of Cambridge. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a sponsored podcast episode. The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Jun 18, 2020 • 12min
What Does Next Level Teaching Look like Now?
Jonathan Alsheimer is a high energy teacher who, admittedly says he isn't so great with technology. He also teaches in a school with kids who don't have access to a lot of technology. He shares how he has leveled up his learning and looks back at what he did over the last eight weeks. He also looks forward to the fall and how he's going to continue to level up over the summer. www.coolcatteacher.com/e679 Jonathan Alsheimer - Bio as Submitted Jonathan Alsheimer is the unorthodox, energetic, and entertaining middle school teacher who refuses to live a life of limitations and works with UFC Fighters, Celebrities, and Clothing Brands. Jonathan often referred to as ""my favorite teacher"" by his students, is the author of ""NEXT LEVEL TEACHING. Jonathan, teaches at the world-renowned Fred Lynn Middle School, which was featured in two documentaries ""Relentless"" and ""Relentless: Chasing Accreditation"", has been featured as the teacher who forged a partnership with UFC Fighter and light-weight contender Paul Felder to bring a message of never giving up, fighting for their education, and empowering the students to believe in themselves, all principles that Jonathan promotes in his classroom. Jonathan Alsheimer also partnered with Fear the Fighter, MMA clothing brand to establish a stop-bullying campaign with ""Relentless"" Principal Hamish Brewer. Jonathan Alsheimer didn't stop there and established a formed a relationship with Chris ""Drama"" Pfaff, MTV reality star and CEO of Young and Reckless to bring clothing to his ""students in need"" and worked to build student leaders in his school. As Jonathan always says, ""Game-changing is not a cliche motto; it is a way of life... some talk about it while others live by it!" Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode includes some affiliate links. This means that if you choose to buy I will be paid a commission on the affiliate program. However, this is at no additional cost to you. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.

Jun 11, 2020 • 12min
Mastery Learning Excellence at a Distance
Rae Hughart gives fantastic ideas for tracking student learning mastery. She shares how she has applied these techniques as she has taught sixth grade math to 150 students at a distance. She also gives ideas for how to level up this summer to improve things for the fall. www.coolcatteacher.com/e678 Rae Hughart - Bio as Submitted Rae Hughart is a Middle Level Math Educator in Illinois, creator of the Teach Further Model, the Director of Training & Development for the Teach Better Team, and co-author of the "Teach Better" book and "Teachers Deserve It" book available August 2020. Rae continues to facilitate rich discussions with educators around mastering personalized learning, providing targeted student-focused feedback, and the impact of incorporating purpose into daily learning. After being inducted into The Illinois State University Hall of Fame in 2017, Rae was awarded the 2018 First Place Henry Ford Teacher Innovator Award for her innovative educational impact. Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode includes some affiliate links. This means that if you choose to buy I will be paid a commission on the affiliate program. However, this is at no additional cost to you. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.

Jun 8, 2020 • 9min
Assessment and Grading in Distance Learning
Assessment expert Dr. Thomas Guskey reflects on the positives and negatives of assessments during distance learning. He also gives advice about how he thinks schools can improve their assessments this fall to focus on learning. www.coolcatteacher.com/e677 Dr. Thomas Guskey - Bio as Submitted Thomas Guskey is a Professor of Educational Psychology in the College of Education at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. His research focuses on professional development and teacher change, program evaluation, assessment of student learning, grading and reporting, instructional effectiveness, and educational reform.

Jun 8, 2020 • 12min
What Educational Leadership Looks Like Today with Dr. Joe Sanfelippo
Leadership in this season is difficult. Dr. Joe Sanfelippo talks about partnering with parents, the message he's sending to his community, and how we move forward from this challenging time towards the fall. Note from Vicki: The focus of this episode is specifically pandemic related as it was recorded two weeks ago. Other episodes relating to the events of this and last week are being recorded to share conversations relating to racial equity and injustice. www.coolcatteacher.com/e676 Dr. Joe Sanfelippo - Bio as Submitted Dr. Joe Sanfelippo is the Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, WI. The Fall Creek School District was named an Innovative District in 2016 and 2017 by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Joe holds a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from St. Norbert College, an MS in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, an MS in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Leadership, Learning, and Service from Cardinal Stritch University. Joe is also an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Viterbo University. Joe has taught Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, and 5th Grade. He was also a school counselor and high school coach prior to taking on an elementary principal position in 2005. He has served as a principal in suburban and rural Wisconsin. Joe started the #1minwalk2work Leadership Challenge and co-authored The Power of Branding-Telling Your School's Story, Principal Professional Development: Leading Learning in a Digital Age and Hacking Leadership: 10 Ways Great Leaders Inspire Learning That Teachers, Students and Parents Love. He was selected as 1 of 117 Future Ready Superintendents in 2014 and 1 of 50 Superintendents as a Personalized Learning Leader in 2016 by the US Department of Education. He attended summits at the White House for both distinctions. Education Dive named Joe 1 of 5 K-12 administrators to watch in 2018 and their National Superintendent of the Year in 2019. Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode includes some affiliate links. This means that if you choose to buy I will be paid a commission on the affiliate program. However, this is at no additional cost to you. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.

Jun 1, 2020 • 11min
7 Ways to Pick PD that Fits Your Personal Plan this Summer
Summer 2020 will need to be one of healing and rest but it is also a summer where we need to learn and level up. ln today's show, Danielle Strohmeyer talks about seven things to consider as we design a personal learning plan this summer. We've also included links to the courses from advancement courses. Typically, I only do advertorials the week of ISTE each year, but because ISTE is in the fall, I'm going ahead to share this information now to help you. www.coolcatteacher.com/e675 Sponsor: Advancement Courses This Fall season is going to be different, but we're not sure how. Whatever happens, online learning will play a huge role in our teaching. What better way to understand online learning than to take your summer PD online through Advancement Courses? With Advancement Courses, you never stop learning. They offer over 280 graduate-level PD courses in 20 different subjects — all self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Thanks, Advancement Courses for sponsoring today's show. Danielle Strohmeyer - Bio as Submitted Danielle Strohmeyer is a former primary and middle school assistant principal of an international school and a current instructional designer for Advancement Courses. She has led and cultivated educators from around the world and as well as the designed curricula in a variety of subjects to support learners of all abilities. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a sponsored podcast episode. The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

May 29, 2020 • 19min
8 New Productivity Tools & Tips for Working from Home
Working at home changes us. It has certainly changed me as has the time away from the physical presence of my students and colleagues. Despite that some teachers and administrators say they are working less - I'm working much more. So, my method of working has had to change as well. Here are the 8 Productivity Tools and tips I've started using while working from home. www.coolcatteacher.com/e674 Sponsor: Advancement Courses This Fall season is going to be different, but we're not sure how. Whatever happens, online learning will play a huge role in our teaching. What better way to understand online learning than to take your summer PD online through Advancement Courses? With Advancement Courses, you never stop learning. They offer over 280 graduate-level PD courses in 20 different subjects — all self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Thanks, Advancement Courses for sponsoring today's show. Vicki Davis - Bio Vicki Davis is a classroom teacher and an Instructional Technology Director. She blogs at the Cool Cat Teacher Blog and hosts this podcast. See www.coolcatteacher.com/bio for her full bio. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a "sponsored podcast episode." The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

May 28, 2020 • 12min
3 Things to Learn over the Summer to Be Better at Distance or Blended Learning
Like it or not, blended learning is here to stay. Today, virtual trainer and Class Tech Tips guru Monica Burns talks about what we need to be learning over the summer so we can be healthier and more successful in the fall no matter what we face. www.coolcatteacher.com/e673 Sponsor: This Fall season is going to be different, but we're not sure how. Whatever happens, online learning will play a huge role in our teaching. What better way to understand online learning than to take your summer PD online through Advancement Courses? With Advancement Courses, you never stop learning. They offer over 280 graduate-level PD courses in 20 different subjects — all self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Thanks, Advancement Courses for sponsoring today's show. Monica Burns - Bio as Submitted Dr. Monica Burns is an EdTech and Curriculum consultant, author and former New York City public school teacher. She works with schools and organizations around the world to support PreK-20 educators with thoughtful technology integration. Monica's website ClassTechTips.com and Easy EdTech Podcast helps educators place "tasks before apps" by promoting deeper learning with technology. Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a sponsored podcast episode. The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

May 27, 2020 • 10min
Wakelet and WeVideo: Powerful Distance Learning Edtech
Teacher Bruce Reicher shares two of his favorite distance learning tools - Wakelet and Wevideo. He talks about how he uses them with students and teachers for classroom learning and teacher PD. Take a look at Wakelet for organizing files and WeVideo for editing and screencasts. www.coolcatteacher.com/e672 Sponsor: This Fall season is going to be different, but we're not sure how. Whatever happens, online learning will play a huge role in our teaching. What better way to understand online learning than to take your summer PD online through Advancement Courses? With Advancement Courses, you never stop learning. They offer over 280 graduate-level PD courses in 20 different subjects — all self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That's just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Thanks, Advancement Courses for sponsoring today's show. Bruce Reicher - Bio as Submitted Bruce Reicher has been a technology teacher for over 25 years. He's currently teaching Digital Leadership, Python Coding and Video Production at Cavallini Middle School in Upper Saddle River, NJ. Mr. Reicher's students have produced a live morning news show for the past 12 years and recently produced their 2,000th show. Mr. Reicher is an avid learner who enjoys going to Edcamps and conferences. His passion is to learn, share, teach and repeat. Mr. Reicher has been a proud Board Of Education member the past 8 years for Hawthorne, NJ public schools. https://wakelet.com/@reicher and https://sites.google.com/view/brucereicherpd/home Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a sponsored podcast episode. The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

May 26, 2020 • 16min
6 Tips to Close Out the School Year in Google Classroom
Google Classroom has been the tool of choice for many schools. Did you know that you need to "close out" the school year to set yourself up for success in the fall? In this episode, Kasey and I discuss how to effectively close out the school year. Check the blog post for more links to Kasey's material on this important best practice for Google Classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e670 Sponsor: My friend Kasey Bell writes the Shake Up Learning Blog. Kasey is who I turn to when I need to train my teachers on Google Classroom and the Level 1 Google Classroom Teacher Certification Training. Right now, Kasey is offering her Google classroom master class 50% off. That's a great deal, especially now, if you're in the middle of distance learning or upping your Google Classroom ability. Go to googleclassroomcourse.com and use the coupon code "homelearning" to get 50% off and take advantage of that great price and sign up for Kasey's Google Classroom Master Class. If you need training for your entire school, like I did, check out gsuitetrainingforschools.com. Tell her Vicki Davis, the Cool Cat Teacher, sent you. Kasey rocks -- and she'll help you become a better distance learning teacher now. Kasey Bell - Bio as Submitted Kasey Bell is a former middle school teacher turned award-winning digital learning coach, international speaker, author, blogger, and podcaster with a Texas-sized passion for technology and learning. Kasey is the author of the Shake Up Learning blog and book, host of The Shake Up Learning Show Podcast and co-host of The Google Teacher Podcast. As a skillful facilitator, Google Certified Innovator, and Google Certified Trainer, Kasey has led a variety of digital learning workshops across the globe and helped thousands of educators to transform their classrooms! Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a sponsored podcast episode. The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."


