Classroom technology has evolved dramatically, but the ultimate question remains: Does it empower educators and enhance student learning? A recent episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast featured host Coach Jeffrey in conversation with Carly Sallay, BENQ Education's North America marketing lead, exploring how BENQ's digital boards and integrated ecosystem are redefining adaptability, collaboration, and innovation in today's classrooms. Here’s a glimpse into their discussion and how BENQ is shaping the future of education.

"Future-ish Proof" Flexibility: Teaching Your Way, Not Tech's Way

Carly highlighted BENQ's core strength: the agnostic nature of their boards. Designed to be "future-ish proof," these boards seamlessly integrate with any platform or teaching style. Forget learning proprietary software – BENQ boards function intuitively, like giant, secure, and versatile tablets.

Imagine teachers using Google Classroom. With BENQ's NFC card system, a simple tap on any board loads their personalized settings, including instant access to their Google Drive. Say goodbye to cable clutter and device connection headaches – lessons and resources are immediately at their fingertips, streamlining everything from daily instruction to collaborative projects.

Effortless Connectivity, Dynamic Collaboration

BENQ's free Instashare software eliminates HDMI cable woes, enabling both teachers and students to wirelessly share content from anywhere in the classroom. This game-changer even allows up to nine student devices to share simultaneously, fostering truly interactive learning and facilitating quick formative assessments.

For students familiar with technology, getting started is a breeze. Using Chrome devices, accessing the board requires just a room number and a passcode provided by Instashare. This ease of use encourages active participation, peer feedback, and collaborative creativity across all subjects.

Real-World Transformation: Empowering Instruction

The podcast highlighted compelling real-world examples. Picture a third-grade advanced English class using Canva to create infographics. With BENQ's board and Instashare, students can present their work and receive immediate feedback from their peers in real-time, all without disrupting the lesson flow. Finished projects are then seamlessly integrated back into Google Classroom.

Carly shared that districts upgrading from older technology consistently report they "can't imagine going back." Furthermore, BENQ boards, now Google Edla certified, offer built-in access to the Play Store. This allows teachers to install any district-approved, classroom-friendly app, ensuring a flexible, personalized, and relevant educational experience.

Beyond the Board: A Comprehensive Suite of Educational Tools

While BENQ's interactive boards are a flagship offering, their comprehensive lineup extends further. Their projectors, renowned in home theater and eSports, include ultra-short throw, auditorium-grade, and high-lumen models featuring long-lasting, maintenance-free technology. This eliminates the hassle of bulb and filter replacements in busy school environments.

For seamless wireless presentations, BENQ's InstaShow offers peer-to-peer encrypted casting that works across various devices without relying on the school's Wi-Fi network. This makes it an ideal solution for meetings and even older facilities, adopted by institutions ranging from medical schools to government agencies.

The AyadeaCam, a versatile document camera with a built-in magnifier, was also highlighted. Perfect for detailed science demonstrations, examining money patterns, or microscopic explorations, it functions as both a standard webcam and a tool for low-level microscopic work.

The Verdict: BENQ – A True Partner for Educators

BENQ's philosophy is clear: provide technology that adapts to educators, empowering their creativity rather than limiting it. As Carly Soleil aptly stated, "Your creativity is where this board ends." Whether your goal is to enhance classroom interactivity, simplify content sharing, or expand your school's digital toolkit, BENQ offers a suite of reliable and future-ready tools designed to help educators excel at what they do best: inspire and engage students.

Ready to discover more? Visit BenQBoard.com and be sure to tune into the Flipboard EDU Podcast for more insightful discussions on the intersection of technology and education.

Host: Coach Jeffery (he/him)Guest: Dr. Kara Stern

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, Coach Jeffery sits down with Dr. Kara Stern to tackle the pressing issue of chronic absenteeism in schools—an urgent topic in a post-pandemic world. Dr. Stern, with her extensive background as a teacher, principal, and education nonprofit leader, now works in ed tech helping schools re-engage students and boost attendance.

The conversation dives into the staggering scale of absenteeism nationwide (with Houston, TX alone missing 230,000 students), and explores not only the stakes for student outcomes but also the actionable steps schools can take to create a sense of belonging and connection.

Dr. Stern introduces SchoolStatus, an integrated suite of tools designed to improve attendance, enhance communication—especially across language barriers—and help educators and school leaders support students before attendance issues escalate. She emphasizes the human side of this work, arguing that genuine relationships and culturally responsive systems can make a lasting difference.

Key Topics Covered

* The current landscape of chronic absenteeism post-pandemic

* Root causes: from family/language barriers to larger systemic challenges

* The consequences of absenteeism for student futures

* How belonging, communication, and engagement drive attendance

* How SchoolStatus helps schools:

* Multilingual family engagement tools

* Attendance management systems to detect early warning signs

* Streamlined workflows for positive home-school partnerships

* Teacher growth and support resources

* The limitations of tech—why caring, human relationships are essential

* Real success stories from California, Texas, New York, and beyond

* Special considerations for historically marginalized communities

Featured Quotes

* "When we talk about fixing absenteeism, we're really talking about saving kids' lives." — Dr. Kara Stern

* "The chronic absenteeism is kids voting with their feet." — Dr. Kara Stern

* "For students to come to school, they need to feel as if they belong there." — Dr. Kara Stern

Resources & Links

* Learn More: schoolstatus.com

* Connect with SchoolStatus:

* LinkedIn

* Facebook

Connect with the Host

* Coach Jeffery: Flipboard EDU Podcast

Thank you for tuning in! If you’re an administrator or educator looking to tackle chronic absenteeism with real, human-centered tech solutions, check out SchoolStatus. Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations that matter in education.

Link to a source discussing the report:

* Houston Chronicle: Report: Nearly 230K students were chronically absent in Harris County last school year

We are excited to announce a brand-new episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast has just dropped, and trust us, you won’t want to miss this one!Special Guests: Tamara Albury & Delia Montelongo and Host Coach Jeffery.

🎧 Episode Introduction

This week, Coach Jeffery welcomes powerhouse educators Tamara Albury and Delia Montelongo for an honest, energetic, and inspiring conversation about empowering young women in single-gender schools. The Barbie movie might’ve started the discussion, but the real gems are about leadership, systems, and how those “little girl” experiences shape the way these women lead today.

🔑 5 Keys You’ll Learn in This Episode:

* How Childhood Experiences Shape Leadership: Discover how the “little girl” inside influences these leaders in the way they build safe, empowering spaces for their students—down to the smallest details.

* Why Systems Matter—Every Single Time: Learn how deliberate school systems (like collaborative hiring including students) lead to consistently high-performing teams and exceptional student outcomes.

* Creating Space for Student Voice: Get strategies on helping students—especially girls—find their voice, lead at the table (not just sit at it), and advocate not just for themselves, but for their communities.

* Empowerment (When It Goes “Wrong”): Delia and Tamara share real stories about teaching girls to be empowered and impactful—with a few laugh-worthy moments when student activism catches even the principal by surprise!

* Balancing It All as a Leader: Honest talk on self-care, boundaries, and showing up authentically as a high-profile leader—and why it matters for your staff, your students, and yourself.

🎲 Fun Fact from the Episode

When asked about work-life balance, Delia Montelongo reveals she’s recently taken up watercolor painting as her creative and mindful outlet! (Spoiler: She’s not entirely sure what her creations look like yet, but it brings her joy and fuels her leadership.)

👋 Outro

This episode is packed with wisdom and real-life strategies that apply to any educator or leader wanting to foster more voice, equity, and agency among students—especially girls. Plus, it’s full of laughs, lived experiences, and straight-from-the-heart inspiration.

📢 Call to Action

Don’t wait—hit play on this episode now! Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or education enthusiast, there’s something in here for you (and maybe your “inner little girl” too).Listen, share, and let us know: How are YOU nurturing leadership and voice in your school or community? Reply to this email or tag us on social media!

Stay connected, keep flipping, and keep empowering the next generation!

— Your Flipboard EDU Podcast Team

🎧 Listen to the Latest Episode Now!💬 Join the Conversation on Flipboard 📚 Subscribe for Future Episodes

Thanks for being part of our Flipboard family!

In this engaging episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast, our host Coach Jeffery sits down with the amazing Alice Keeler. Alice, an experienced math teacher and a Google Developer Expert, dives into her passion for student-centered classrooms, technology in education, and the importance of flexibility in school systems.

Episode Summary:

In this compelling episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast, Coach Jeffery hosts Stephanie Filardo, an educator and curriculum developer. Their discussion centers on recognizing the human element within educational settings, with a focus on social-emotional wellness and addressing students' fundamental needs.

Stephanie shares her experience in curriculum development, highlighting her dedication to creating inclusive environments where all students see themselves as capable in mathematics. The episode delves into the critical issue of allowing students dignity in meeting basic needs, such as unrestricted restroom access.

The conversation explores the complexities of restroom policies and the social-emotional considerations educators must make, particularly in supporting female students during sensitive times. This includes fostering safe, approachable environments where students feel comfortable expressing their needs, especially regarding menstrual cycles.

Through personal anecdotes, thoughtful insights, and practical advice, Stephanie and Coach Jeffery examine strategies to cultivate a supportive and understanding school culture that prioritizes student and teacher well-being. They also touch upon health conditions like PCOS and their impact on students' attendance and performance.

Key Takeaways:

* The importance of acknowledging the humanity of teachers and students within the educational system.

* Addressing and improving school restroom policies to ensure students' basic needs are met with dignity and respect.

* The significance of building strong, trust-based relationships between students, teachers, and administrators.

* Stephanie's insights into creating inclusive classroom environments and the value of establishing "need stations" for students.

* Consideration of chronic health issues like PCOS that can affect students' attendance and academic performance.

Where to Find Stephanie:

* Stephanie is not very active on social media currently.

* Her dog, Sailor, has an Instagram account: "lab_named_sailor."

* Look for her potential presentations at upcoming educational technology conferences like ISTE.

This enlightening episode provides valuable insights into how small changes in school policies and culture can significantly impact the social-emotional needs of students and educators.

Hosts:

* Coach Jeffery

Guest:

* Stephanie Filardo, Curriculum Developer at Amplify

Summary: This episode examines recent developments and challenges impacting education in the United States, including policy changes, legal disputes, and evolving institutional practices. Coach Jeffery provides an overview of these complex issues.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Federal Education Policy Changes: Discussion of proposals to restructure the Department of Education, including the potential impact of executive actions and congressional roles.

* Legal Challenges to Educational Practices: Review of the Texas Attorney General's lawsuit against Coppell ISD, focusing on allegations regarding the teaching of critical race theory and its alignment with state law.

* Impact of Funding Adjustments on Universities: Analysis of reductions in federal grants and their consequences for university programs, including potential impacts on diversity initiatives.

* Title IX Compliance and Transgender Athletes: Examination of the Department of Education's rulings related to Title IX and the participation of transgender athletes in sports, including specific cases and compliance deadlines.

* Federal Funding and University Controversies: Overview of federal funding decisions related to university controversies, such as the withdrawal of funding from the University of Pennsylvania, and the resulting debates on fairness and inclusion.

* Broader Trends in Education Policy: Exploration of the evolving discussions around race, gender, equity, and inclusion in education, and their influence on school policies and practices.

Join the Conversation: Share your perspectives and experiences on these evolving educational issues on social media.

Works Cited

U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). About ED. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/landing.jhtml

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. (2011, April). Dear Colleague Letter: Sexual Violence. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/title-ix-rights-201104.html

Texas Attorney General. (n.d.). Office of the Attorney General. Retrieved from

https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/using_articles.html

Congress.gov. (n.d.). Congress.gov. Retrieved from

https://www.congress.gov/

Episode Overview:

In this enlightening episode, Coach Jeffery delves into the transformative changes aimed at expanding access to higher education and addressing equity challenges. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

* Harvard University’s Bold Move: We kick off with Harvard University's groundbreaking decision to offer free tuition starting in the 2025-2026 academic year for families earning up to $200,000.1 For those earning under $100,000, all expenses, including tuition, housing, and fees, are fully covered.

* Impact Across Higher Education: Learn about similar initiatives being adopted by MIT, UMass, and other elite universities. These efforts aim to diversify student bodies and level the financial playing field, potentially benefiting nearly 90% of U.S. families.

* Challenges for Smaller Schools: The discussion highlights concerns about how smaller institutions can compete with these new standards set by elite universities and what this means for the future of higher education.

* Federal Funding and Legal Battles: Coach Jeffery explores the lawsuit led by California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, challenging proposed cuts to the Department of Education. Discover the potential disruptions these cuts could cause, especially for low-income and special education students.

* Financial Literacy Focus: An OECD report reveals that only 11% of teenagers can solve complex financial problems.2 This sparks a debate on the best methods for teaching financial literacy, from standalone classes to integrated curriculums, alongside creative solutions like community budgeting workshops.

* Preparing for the Digital Economy: The episode concludes with a discussion on the need for systemic changes to equip students for financial challenges in the digital age.

Key Takeaways:

* The push for free tuition is a significant step toward making higher education accessible to more families.

* Smaller institutions need innovative strategies to remain competitive.

* Legal battles over federal cuts highlight the ongoing discussions around education funding and priorities.3

* There is a growing recognition of the importance of financial literacy in preparing students for future challenges.

Tune in to explore these pivotal changes in education and their implications for future generations.

Connect with Us:

* Follow us on Twitter @TheCoachJeffery

* Join our Facebook group for more discussions and updates.

Works Cited

Harvard University. (2024). Harvard announces enhanced financial aid program. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/12/harvard-announces-enhanced-financial-aid-program/

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). (n.d.). Affordability & Aid. Retrieved from https://sfs.mit.edu/affordability/

University of Massachusetts (UMass). (n.d.). Tuition and Fees. Retrieved from https://www.umass.edu/bursar/tuition-fees

California Department of Justice. (2023). Attorney General Bonta Leads Coalition Challenging Federal Cuts to Critical Education Programs. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-leads-coalition-challenging-federal-cuts-critical

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2020). PISA 2018 Results (Volume IV): Are Students Ready to Thrive in an Interconnected World? Retrieved from https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/pisa-2018-results-volume-iv_5307258e-en

In this episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast, Coach Jeffery welcomes Brittany Walker, a passionate theater director from a prominent Houston district. Brittany shares her remarkable journey in theater arts, from her initial discovery of her love for performing to becoming an inspiring theater director dedicated to making a difference in Title I schools.

Key Highlights:

* Introduction to Brittany Walker (00:00:13):

* Brittany discusses her lifelong passion for theater and how her experiences performing in school and college shaped her career.

* Impact of Theater in Title I Schools (00:01:55):

* Brittany talks about the transformative power of theater programs in Title I environments, emphasizing the importance of providing students a creative outlet and a sense of belonging.

* Cultivating Relationships (00:03:53):

* Learn how building strong relationships with students leads to better behaviors and performance, as Brittany explains the essential role trust plays in the classroom.

* Inspiration from Educators (00:04:51):

* Brittany shares how her eighth-grade theater teacher and later a college professor recognized her talents and encouraged her to pursue directing, highlighting the invaluable impact educators can have.

* Advice for New Teachers (00:09:39):

* Brittany gives insight into maintaining authenticity, high expectations, and recognizing the potential and talent in all students.

* Guidance for Administrators (00:11:17):

* Discover tips on how administrators can support and grow theater programs as culture drivers within schools.

* Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (00:12:59):

* Brittany eloquently addresses the importance of inclusion and the need to put politics aside to truly reach and support students of all backgrounds.

* Looking Forward to Leadership (00:18:30):

* Brittany discusses her future ambitions in pursuing administration to influence positive change and extend her classroom culture to more learning environments.

Join Coach Jeffery and Brittany Walker for an insightful conversation on the necessity of the arts in education and how they cultivate not just talent but empowered, confident individuals.

Where to Find Brittany Walker:

You can connect with Brittany Walker on LinkedIn. Stay tuned to keep up with her journey as she continues to inspire and lead future generations in the world of education.

Tune in and enjoy the episode!

Episode Summary:

This powerful episode explores the importance of affinity spaces for educators of color, particularly focusing on the Black affinity space created at ISTE Live 2024. The discussion features three distinguished guests who share their experiences and insights about creating safe spaces for educators of color and the challenges of Black leadership in education.

Featured Guests:

* Dr. Desiree Alexander - Founder/CEO of Educator Alexander Consulting

* Leticia Citizen - Education Coach with Samsung Education

* Dr. Toutoule Ntoya - Educational Consultant and Advocate

Key Topics Discussed:

* The significance and impact of affinity spaces at educational conferences. These spaces offer a sense of community and belonging, allowing educators of color to connect with others who share similar experiences.

* Challenges faced by Black leaders in K-12 education. Guests discuss systemic barriers, microaggressions, and the unique pressures faced by Black educators in leadership roles.

* Supporting educators who are "the first" or "the only one" in their positions. The episode explores the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and creating inclusive environments.

* The importance of community support and mentorship. Guests highlight the value of peer networks and organizations that provide professional development and advocacy.

* Navigating predominantly white spaces as educators of color. The discussion delves into strategies for navigating cultural differences, advocating for equitable practices, and maintaining well-being.

* The emotional labor and professional expectations placed on Black educators. Guests discuss the disproportionate burden often placed on Black educators to address issues of race and equity within their schools and districts.

Notable Quotes:

"The affinity space is a space for people that are usually part of the same racial group to come together and have a brave space to hang out, discuss topics... where you don't have to explain yourself." - Dr. Desiree Alexander

Resources Mentioned:

* Equity in Action California

* Our Voices Alliance

Where to Find the Guests:

* Dr. Desiree Alexander: educatoralexander.com

* Leticia Citizen: @CityCoach on Twitter and Instagram

* Dr. Toutoule Ntoya: @TatouleNtoya on Twitter and LinkedIn

Follow. Like. Share.

Guest: Dr. Rachelle Dene Poth

Summary:

In this episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast, Coach Jeffery interviews Dr. Rachelle Dene Poth, an educator, consultant, attorney, and author, about her career journey and insights on education.

Key Discussion Points:

* Starting the New School Year:Dr. Poth discusses the challenges and excitement of a new school year, including adapting to technology changes and staying positive.

* Motivation Behind Teaching:She explains her passion for education and impacting students, which motivates her to continue teaching despite her other roles.

* Classroom Strategies and Tips:Dr. Poth shares insights on setting up a welcoming classroom, building relationships with students, and incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL).

* Managing Student Behavior:She emphasizes effective communication, clear expectations, and promoting respect in the classroom.

* Incorporating AI in Education:Dr. Poth discusses her journey into AI, emphasizing responsible use and highlighting tools like EduAid and Snorkel.

Favorite AI Tools:

* EduAid: Focuses on data privacy and teacher needs.

* Snorkel: Combines whiteboards with AI feedback for instant evaluations and suggestions.

Closing Remarks:

Coach Jeffery acknowledges Dr. Poth's contributions to education and her support for fellow educators. Dr. Poth shares her contact information and resources for listeners.

Resources and Links:

* Dr. Rachelle Dene Poth's Latest Book: "How to Teach AI: Weaving Strategies and Activities into Any Content Area"

* Other Books

* Podcast: Thriving EDU podcast

* Social Media: @rdene915

* Facebook Community for Educators: Thrive in EDU community

* Contact: [email protected]

Final Note:

Thank you to Edumatch and their community for connecting educators like Dr. Poth and Coach Jeffery.

Subscribe to the Flipboard EDU Podcast for more insightful conversations!