Back-to-school secrets from Richard Culatta, Brian Kulak, and Jessica Pack! Discover how to prepare AI-ready graduates, build strong school culture from day one, and engage students with creative storytelling — plus urgent AI safety news every educator should hear.

Full show notes & guest links: www.coolcatteacher.com/back2school2025

In this episode: Kick off your school year with purpose, creativity, and strong connections in this back-to-school special of Cool Cat Teacher Talk. Three inspiring guests share actionable strategies you can use right away:

• Richard Culatta (CEO, ISTE + ASCD) — Preparing AI-ready graduates, rethinking assessment, and balancing human + AI strengths

• Brian Kulak (Principal, Author) — Simple, high-impact ways to build school culture, from name recognition to restorative practices

• Jessica Pack (California Teacher of the Year, Author of Moviemaking in the Classroom) — Creative first-week projects and storytelling ideas that engage every learner

We also open with urgent news from Common Sense Media about AI social companion apps — why they pose an "unacceptable risk" for kids under 18, and how educators can start conversations that protect students.

What You'll Learn:

• Designing authentic assessment in the AI era

• Practical ways to connect with students from day one

• Why storytelling builds student voice and confidence

• How to talk with students about AI "synthetic relationships"

• Balancing human strengths and AI capabilities in learning

📖 Full show notes, guest bios, and resources: www.coolcatteacher.com/back2school2025