Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

Growth often begins with a simple question: What can I do better? For Courtney Shearer, the answer was tracking engagement, not just understanding. This insight led her to transform her classroom through diagnostic teaching—collecting real-time data, implementing reflection routines, and shifting ownership of learning to her students. “I wanted to know that students were being heard, being challenged, but really being seen,” she says.In this episode of Unpacking Education, fourth-grade dual language teacher and AVID Certified Educator Courtney Shearer takes us inside her journey with diagnostic teaching. Her experience provided her with the tools, collaboration, and support to reframe challenges as opportunities. From tracking hand signals and student talk time to encouraging metacognitive conversations, Courtney models what it means to reflect with purpose. Her message to fellow educators: start small, plan for joy, and celebrate both student and teacher wins along the way.Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

A lively look at using vibe coding with large language models to generate app ideas from natural language. Short steps cover ideation without computers, prompt-writing structure, and building first drafts in tools like Google AI Studio. The conversation moves through iteration, debugging by exposing code, publishing student apps, and reflecting on process-focused assessment.

In this episode, Anthony Asé, a veteran Algebra and Physics teacher from Lindbergh High School in Renton, Washington, shares how he uses trust, relevance, and creativity to shift student perspectives on math. With over two decades of experience and a passion for working with youth, Anthony brings thoughtful insight into how math classrooms can become spaces of empowerment and growth.Anthony discusses strategies for overcoming math anxiety, using AI as a learning tool, and making math meaningful for students today. In his approach—which centers on student connection, understanding, and respect—Anthony reframes "wrong answers" as learning opportunities and uses puzzles to build community. Tune in for practical tips and an encouraging vision of what math learning can be. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore how EnlightenAI can assist in evaluating student writing and providing valuable formative feedback. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode, we’re joined by Christina Hay, an experienced student support advocate, mentor, and community leader, who brings over a decade of experience in education and youth outreach. Christina shares compelling insights into the challenges and opportunities of working with students both in schools and in community-based settings.When it comes to supporting students, Christina Hay believes the work can’t end when the final bell rings. At the heart of this conversation is the understanding that students need consistent, meaningful support both inside and outside the classroom. “A lot happens when kids leave the school,” Christina says, “and they still need that support. They still need safe spaces. They still need their village, because we are their village.”Throughout the episode, Christina encourages educators to embrace collaboration with families and community organizations to fill in the gaps that schools alone can’t cover. She emphasizes the importance of proactive—not reactive—student support and leaves our listeners with a clear message: When educators, families, and communities work together, students are better equipped to succeed. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore online resources that you can access to stay current with educational technology trends, tools, and integration strategies. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Transitioning to high school is more than just moving up a grade. It’s a full developmental leap. At the heart of this episode is the theme of managing transitions, and our guest, Ann Bucher, brings her unique perspective as both a new high school teacher and a veteran middle school educator. She reflects candidly on the challenges her freshmen face, from learning how to manage time and meet deadlines to understanding that GPA and credits now carry real consequences.Ann emphasizes the power of structure and repetition, noting that even high schoolers benefit from routines and clearly defined expectations. “I want to hold you accountable for your learning,” she tells her students, “but I also want to be real with you that we’re not all going to be perfect all the time.” Her story underscores the importance of grace, honesty, and modeling growth, for students and teachers alike, as they navigate the shifting demands of high school and beyond. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

A concise look at OpenAI’s five-part plan to prepare teens for an AI-driven world. Topics include teacher-led implementation and training, strengthening core subject knowledge, and creating STEM and modern career pathways. The conversation also covers building community learning hubs and updating infrastructure, policies, and open resources to ensure equitable AI access.

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we’re joined by Dr. Jessica Djabrayan Hannigan and Dr. John Hannigan—educators, authors, and national consultants—for a powerful conversation on shifting from reactive discipline to proactive behavioral support. Drawing from their experience and research-based frameworks, Jess and John challenge common misconceptions around student misbehavior and unpack how schools can replace punishment with targeted teaching. You’ll learn how their work, including Behavior Academies and Don’t Suspend Me!, equips educators with actionable tools to support students’ behavior and growth and, by extension, transform school climate. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today's episode, we'll explore EduGems, a free collection of premade AI Gems for K-12 Education offered by Eric Curts. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.