10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher

Today, I interview Alex Kajitani, the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year and author of the book "You're a Teacher Now, What's Next?" In this podcast, we offer encouragement for new teachers and old alike with an emphasis on those in their first year of teaching and how it feels to be at this point in the school year. Alex emphasizes the importance of finding hope and perspective in teaching and shares how any teacher can start fresh at any point in the year to improve their practice. This podcast is full of fresh from the classroom teacher wisdom. If you need some encouragement, you'll enjoy this episode. Show notes, guest bio, and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e840

In today's episode, we're celebrating World Compliment Day; I find myself reflecting on the profound impact that giving compliments can have—not just on the recipients but on us as givers. It's a journey of noticing the beauty in everyday interactions, whether the strength we see in others, like the resilience Johnny Cash found through June Carter's encouragement or the wisdom in Martin Luther King Jr.'s words about the power of love and strength. Giving a compliment isn't about grand gestures but the simple, genuine moments of connection—acknowledging someone's effort, as Ludwig van Beethoven did through his music or the encouragement Sugar Ray Robinson offered to a young Flojo, igniting a dream. As we dive into the art of giving compliments, remember that this is about sharing small pieces of kindness that can brighten someone's day and when you do, you might just notice a big smile on your own face. Let's do this! Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e839

What is the Learning Pit metaphor? How can this illustration be used with students to help them learn? On today's episode, fifth-grade teacher James Nottingham from the UK explains how he uses this example with his students, discusses misconceptions, and how explaining to students how the learning process works helps them grow and be more successful. With insights that bridge the gap between theory and practice, James will shed light on how facing difficulties head-on can lead to profound understanding and growth in our students. He also discusses the importance of drawing the Learning Pit correctly and how to teach it to students. This practical episode from a classroom teacher will help us explain learning to our students. As you learn about the Learning Pit, prepare to move from challenge to triumph. Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e838 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for which I may receive compensation. Please click here to read my full FTC Affiliate Disclosure policy

In this episode, we're diving deep into a crucial topic for every student but often overlooked in the curriculum: financial literacy. Brian Curcio joins us from Rapunzl, an organization dedicated to providing financial literacy resources for students and educators. If you've ever wondered how to prepare your students for the real-world challenges of budgeting, investing, and understanding debt, this episode is your roadmap to making money management an engaging and essential part of your teaching. Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e837 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for which I may receive compensation. Please click here to read my full FTC Affiliate Disclosure policy

As rapidly as notebook services are changing, it is so important that its worth the risk. Today, I'll share six apps for digital note-taking and my experiences with each of them. I'll also give you a peek at my first testing of Google NotebookLM. I'll also give you tips on creating a workflow that works for you. The apps I'm covering in today's "Tech Tool Tuesday" include Evernote, Notion, OneNote, LogSeek, Apple Notes, and Google Keep as well as Google NotebookLM. We all need to find a system that works for us and we need to choose tools that align with our individual preferences and workflows. This show is also being posted to YouTube. When the video goes live, it will be posted on the blog post and show notes for this podcast episode. Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e836 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for which I may receive compensation. Please click here to read my full FTC Affiliate Disclosure policy

Today we learn from an NBA player who admitted he was illiterate at age 32, learned to read, went back to college and eventually earned his master's degree. In this episode we dive into the extraordinary life of Dean Tolson, a man whose life changed from dribbling basketballs to championing education. At age 32, Dean went from the high-flying courts of professional basketball to the halls of academics, where he learned to read and achieved the unimaginable Master's degree. Dean shares his inspiring transition from an illiterate athlete to a magna cum laude graduate; his story is not just about the victories or the setbacks; it's a powerful call to action for every listener to recognize the undeniable value of education in shaping one's destiny. Join us as Dean Tolson unfolds the chapters of his life, offering invaluable lessons on resilience, the importance of education, and the belief in one's potential to overcome any obstacle. I played the rough cut of this episode for my eighth graders and we had an incredible class discussion about how perhaps we have turned things upside down in our society. I hope there are many more like Dean who rise through athletics and go back and complete their education. We should all reflect on the emphasis we put on education and the importance of getting a great education even if a student is pursuing a career in sports. Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e835 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for which I may receive compensation. Please click here to read my full FTC Affiliate Disclosure policy

In a world where the mental health of our youth is becoming an increasingly pressing concern, Dr. Brian Smith's podcast couldn't come at a more critical time. His enlightening discussion on 'The Recipe for Student Well-Being' offers a beacon of hope, laying out a clear, actionable plan for schools eager to make a positive impact on their students' lives. But what exactly are these five essential ingredients for nurturing student well-being? From empowering educators with well-being skills to fostering safe and positive learning environments, enhancing positive relationships, providing direct instruction on well-being competencies, and implementing assessment for continuous improvement, Dr. Smith's formula is both comprehensive and compelling. As we peel back the layers of his approach, it's evident that supporting student well-being goes beyond mere academic achievement. It's about creating a holistic environment where students can thrive, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Join us as we dive into each of these ingredients, illustrated with real-life examples and practical ideas from Dr. Smith's podcast, to inspire and motivate educators, parents, and policymakers alike to champion the cause of student health and happiness. Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e834

In today's show, Barbara Blackburn shares about the concept of rigor in education. We discuss how rigor is not about making things harder for students, but about setting high expectations and providing support to help students achieve those expectations. Barbara also explores specific examples of rigor in math, literature, writing, science, and history, emphasizing the importance of going beyond the text and providing evidence to demonstrate understanding.We, as teachers, can focus on the process of learning and engage students in meaningful discussions and activities. Barbara also shares her website, which offers over 100 free resources for educators.(Included in the show notes.) Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e832 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Humility 00:44 Understanding Rigor 01:55 Rigor in Math 05:15 Rigor in Literature and Writing 13:39 Rigor in Science and History 15:00 Conclusion and Resources

Transform traditional worksheets into engaging teaching tools with innovative strategies like Showdown activity and group contests discussed in this classroom-focused podcast episode. Learn how to breathe new life into worksheets for powerful student engagement.

In this episode, Jesse Lubinsky, a former classroom teacher and education evangelist for Adobe, shares 10 awesome free ways that teachers can use Adobe Express in their classrooms. From using Animate from Audio to create animated reflections to using Text to Image to create generative AI art, Jesse provides practical tips and ideas for teachers to empower their students through creativity. Whether you're a seasoned Adobe user or new to the platform, this episode is packed with valuable insights and resources. Show notes and full transcript with links: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e831