Welcome back to the TechEd Clubhouse Podcast, where we smash the status quo of traditional teaching and bring real talk to real classrooms. In this episode, I sit down with Marlena Hebern—former teacher, co-creator of EduProtocols, and all-around EdTech disruptor.

We break down:

• What an EduProtocol is (spoiler: it’s not another worksheet in disguise)

• Why most “tech integration” misses the point

• How lesson frames like Iron Chef, Sketch & Tell, and Number Mania build actual learning and not just point-getting

• Why open-ended routines are essential for building agency, equity, and deeper thinking

• How Smart Start routines set the tone for a year of student engagement

• How EduProtocols support collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication—without eating up your whole prep period

• How to keep learning student-centered without surrendering the reins

We also touch on:

• How to use EduProtocols with fidelity and flexibility

• The biggest mistakes teachers make when trying to use tech

• How to scaffold rigor, support ELLs, and make learning meaningful without losing your sanity

This one is full of hard truths, practical examples, and no-BS advice you can actually use tomorrow.

• Sketch & Tell – Think-pair-share with purpose

• Iron Chef – Fast, focused, and fun research and reteaching

• Number Mania – Crowdsourced data turned into powerful visuals

• 🔗 EduProtocols Website

• 🔗 EduProtocols Templates & Resources

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What’s one boring assignment you can swap with an EduProtocol this week? Tweet it out using #TechEdClubhouse or DM me @coachthomastech.