On this week’s episode of SMILEFactor, we dive into the power of perseverance—overcoming obstacles, pushing through challenges, and finding the grit to move forward when things get tough. Join us as we share real stories, practical strategies, and a reminder that growth often happens in the hardest moments.

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The start of the school year often feels like a whirlwind—new initiatives, shifting priorities, and endless to-do lists that keep growing by the hour. In this episode, we talk about the weight educators carry as the year kicks off and share practical strategies to bring balance, focus, and calm to the chaos. From time-management tips to mindset shifts, we explore how to stay grounded, prioritize what matters most, and keep the joy in your work.

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Students Owning Their Learning

In this episode of SMILEFactor, we spotlight Jerri Kemble and her inspiring new book Badass Firefly. Together, we dive into the power of women in EdTech, the importance of lifting others as we rise, and how courage, collaboration, and creativity light the path forward. Listeners will hear stories of resilience, leadership, and the impact of empowering voices that too often go unheard.

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In this episode of SMILEFactor, we dive into the power of student agency—how giving students ownership of their learning builds confidence, engagement, and lifelong skills. We share strategies, real examples, and practical takeaways for creating classrooms where students take the lead, explore their passions, and drive their own success.

In this Back to School episode of SMILEFactor, we dive into the energy, ideas, and inspiration that set the tone for a successful new school year. From fresh strategies to strengthen school culture, to innovative ways educators can spark engagement from day one, this conversation is all about starting strong. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, building leader, or district administrator, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways and a renewed sense of excitement to make this year one filled with growth, collaboration, and unforgettable learning moments.

Show Notes

Welcome back to SMILEFactor! Season 3 is here, and I couldn’t be more excited. Over the past two seasons, we’ve shared stories, strategies, and sparks of inspiration that remind us why joy and connection matter in education and leadership.

This season, we’re taking it up a notch, bringing in fresh voices, powerful conversations, and real-world lessons that will leave you smiling, thinking, and ready to make an impact.

In this heartwarming episode, Matt and Laurie sit down with Christine Devane, a former second grade teacher who spent 13 joyful years inspiring young readers. Christine shares how reading aloud became a cornerstone of her classroom culture, creating magical moments with her students through stories. We dive into her passion for children’s literature and talk about her own book, Elephant Beach—a story that captures the wonder, curiosity, and imagination she championed in her classroom. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode will leave you smiling and maybe even reaching for your favorite picture book.

In this episode of the SMILEFactor podcast, Laurie and Matt sit down to unpack their biggest takeaways from ISTE. From hallway conversations that sparked fresh ideas to sessions that reignited their passion for teaching and leading, they reflect on the moments that mattered most. Hear about the inspiring voices they connected with, the tech tools that stood out, and the power of community that makes ISTE more than just a conference—it’s a catalyst for change. Whether you attended or followed along online, this recap will leave you energized and ready to bring new energy back to your school or district.

In this episode of the SMILEFactor Podcast, Matt and Laurie welcome the always insightful and entertaining Carl Hooker to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping both adult and student learning. From real-world classroom examples to big-picture shifts in professional development, we discuss the practical ways AI is making an impact right now. Tune in for laughs, lightbulb moments, and a forward-thinking conversation on harnessing AI to elevate engagement, creativity, and personalized learning for all.

SMILEFactor Podcast – AI in Action: Real Talk, Real Impact

In this episode of SMILEFactor, Matt and Laurie dive into the evolving world of Artificial Intelligence in education—not just the buzzwords, but the real, practical ways AI is showing up in classrooms and leadership spaces. From creating AI guidelines that support responsible use to piloting tools that enhance learning, they share how they’ve taken vision and turned it into action.

Tune in as they talk about their experiences leading AI integration in schools, discuss challenges and wins, and spotlight specific tools and examples that have helped educators work smarter—not harder. Whether you're just starting with AI or looking to go deeper, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and real talk about what's working.