In this Cool Cat Teacher Talk episode, we will explore effective assessment strategies with Dr. Thomas Guskey, Becky Holden, Dr. Samuel Nix, Alan November, Mike Roberts, and Christie Thompson. We will talk about what makes an effective assessment and the importance of both formative and summative assessments. I'll share tools and how I use a custom GPT to give formative feedback for project-based learning. Experts and teachers will share tips for all grade levels as we focus on practical formative assessments.

Show notes and bios: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkassessment

In this heartfelt episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, we reflect on the remarkable careers of Mrs. Grace Adkins, who retired at age 94 after 77 years in education, and Mrs. Sharon Howard, who taught kindergarten for 44 years. These veteran educators share invaluable lessons on resilience, compassion, and the love of learning that every teacher can carry into their own classroom. Listen for timeless wisdom on creating a positive impact in students' lives. These women are spunky, vibrant women.

The episode with Grace Adkins was recorded five years before Mrs. Adkins retired when she was 89. She was my 4th grade teacher and colleague for 16 years. Mrs. Howard was my colleague at Sherwood Christian Academy and is such an amazing woman!

Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talklegacy

 If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe here or on YouTube and subscribe to my weekly newsletter.

In this episode, we dive into essential qualities of effective school leadership. From building relationships to tackling teacher burnout, our guest principals and educational experts share their strategies for creating positive, high-impact school environments. Hear from award-winning principals like Tracie Anderson Swilley and Carlos Ramirez, alongside thought leaders George Couros, Eric Sheninger, and top episodes from the past including Nancy Blair, Chris Chappotin, Pam Moran and more…

This full episode and show notes can be found at https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkleadership 

Welcome to Cool Cat Teacher Talk Episode 6, where we dive into the essential role of teachers, parents, and communities in helping children heal from trauma. This episode focuses on supporting children impacted by recent natural disasters and life's storms, with insights from leading educators, child psychologists, and leaders who know firsthand the challenges and power of resilience. As you watch, remember that every small act of kindness and support can make a difference in a child's life. Whether it's a smile, a listening ear, or a classroom community built on understanding, these moments shape healing. I hope this episode offers both practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement as we support our children.

Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkstorm 

• Dr. Steven Berkowitz
• Dr. Michael Catt 
• Dr. Brianna Kurtz
• Joe Mazza
• Your host, Vicki Davis

Lately, I’ve had people tell me, “Just breathe,” or “Take care of yourself.” But how? When life is a constant whirlwind of responsibilities, how do we actually make time for self-care?

In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, I’ve gathered some of the most powerful interviews I've done on teacher well-being. These “best of” excerpts will encourage and inspire you to prioritize yourself—because self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential.

✨ Michelle Blanchet, co-author of Startup Teacher Playbook, explains how understanding our frustrations is the first step toward real self-care.

✨ Tinashe Blanchet tackles procrastination—because sometimes, taking care of ourselves starts with getting things done.

✨ Stephanie Dorsey offers sustainable self-care habits that have helped her navigate the toughest seasons of teaching.

✨ Lana Penley, an Oregon principal, shares how self-care became a crucial part of her school’s recovery after a devastating fire. ✨ Sarah Parker Wolf, author of Daily Intentions for the Classroom Teacher, reminds us of the power of intentional self-care in managing daily stress.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a reminder that you matter, this episode is for you. Listen now at coolcatteacher.com/talkselfcare.

🚀 What happens when a whole school shifts to a mastery-based model? Principal Nicki Slaugh shares how Quest Academy made the leap, improving student engagement and outcomes. Plus, hear from three educators using mastery-based learning in science, language arts, and math!

✅ What competency-based learning is & how it differs from traditional models ✅ How Quest Academy implemented a school-wide mastery-based system ✅ Strategies that boost student engagement & academic performance ✅ How teachers personalize learning in science, language arts, & math ✅ Misconceptions about mastery-based learning & how to overcome them ✅ Practical tips for bringing mastery-based learning to ANY classroom

🎧 Read the show notes and bios of today's guests: coolcatteacher.com/talkmastery

💡 Tag us! Share your takeaways on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram @coolcatteacher!

How can we engage students in learning from the moment they step into the classroom? In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, Vicki Davis explores hands-on, playful, and project-based learning strategies that spark curiosity and excitement. Our expert guests share powerful insights on why engagement matters, the neuroscience behind movement in learning, and how play prepares students for success in an uncertain world.

Featured Guests:

• Dave Burgess, author of Teach Like a PIRATE, shares high-energy strategies for student engagement.

• Suzanne Creswell, occupational therapist, explains the neuroscience of movement and learning.

• Nancy Frey, acceleration research expert, discusses effective engagement strategies.

• David Gann, author of The Playful Entrepreneur, shares the business case for play in education.

• Dr. Jenny Nash, head of education impact for LEGO Education, talks about hands-on learning.

• Eric Sheninger, educator and author of Personalize, explores personalized learning approaches.

• Zest Simmons, Alabama State Teacher of the Year (2018-2019), shares real-world engagement strategies.

Key Topics:

• The power of “the hook” in engaging students from the start

• Why movement improves focus and learning outcomes

• The neuroscience of play and hands-on learning

• How play prepares students for success in an unpredictable future

• Practical classroom strategies for playful, project-based learning

📌 Show Notes & Links: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkengagement

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: 🔗 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

📩 Stay Connected: 💬 Leave a review and share this episode with fellow educators looking for fresh engagement strategies!

How can we create safer schools while fostering strong relationships with students? In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, Vicki Davis speaks with experts who have firsthand experience in school safety, crisis response, and student relationship-building. These powerful conversations shed light on what truly makes schools safer and more supportive environments for students.

Featured Guests:

• Frank DeAngelis, former principal of Columbine High School, shares lessons on leading through crisis and rebuilding a community.

• Scarlett Lewis, Sandy Hook mother and founder of the Choose Love Movement, explains how SEL can help prevent school violence.

• Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley, an award-winning principal, discusses proactive school safety measures.

• Darrell “Coach D” Andrews, educator and speaker, reveals how strong student relationships improve school culture.

Key Topics:

• Lessons from Columbine and how schools can support students after tragedy

• The role of SEL in preventing violence and building emotional intelligence

• Proactive school safety strategies and real-world applications

• How positive relationships with students impact school culture and safety

📌 Show Notes & Links: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talksafety

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: 🔗 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

📩 Stay Connected: 💬 Leave a review and share this episode with fellow educators and leaders who care about school safety and student well-being.

🎙 Host: Vicki Davis | Cool Cat Teacher

🚀 Episode Summary: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education—but how are teachers adapting? In this premiere episode, we explore AI's impact on teaching, learning, and ethics with expert guests. From classroom experiments to AI in higher education, discover how educators are navigating this evolving landscape.

🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Real classroom experiments with AI
• AI’s impact on student writing and academic integrity
• Ethical concerns & AI’s future in education

🎙 Featured Guests:

• Jason Thacker – AI and Ethics Expert
• Victoria Thompson – Equity & AI in Education Advocate
• Steve Dembo – AI in Student Writing Experiments
• Tom Mullaney – The Eliza Effect & AI Misconceptions
• Omar Shepherd – AI & Computer Science Education
• Laurel Aguilar-Kirchhoff – Preventing AI Cheating
• Hear from these expert voices on AI's impact in education

🔗 Show Notes & Resources: 📌 Full episode details, guest bios & sponsor info → www.coolcatteacher.com/talkai

💡 Subscribe & Review! Enjoying the show? Subscribe & review on your favorite podcast app! Your support helps us bring insightful episodes to educators worldwide. 🌍✨

👉 Follow Vicki Davis on Social Media: @coolcatteacher everywhere