Tired of the polarizing debate about AI in writing classrooms? Dr. Kelsey Hammond offers a more nuanced path forward. Rather than creating endless guidelines about when students should or shouldn’t use ChatGPT in their writing process, she explores how writing itself can become a tool for understanding our relationship with AI. Through reflective essays, poetry, metaphor-making, and examining our own prompts as "mirrors of self," educators can help students develop discernment instead of just follow rules. This conversation invites each of us to shift how we think about AI, writing, and what it means to be human.

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Why is systemic change at the high school level such a challenge? In this episode, we sit down with Jenny Curtin, Director of Education at the Barr Foundation, to explore what real transformation looks like—and why adding more programs isn't the answer. Jenny shares how listening deeply to students reveals gaps between current reality and what's possible, and why pairing excellence with equity creates the conditions for meaningful change. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or education advocate, this conversation offers a practical framework for moving beyond quick fixes to address the root causes keeping high schools from serving all students well.

A framework for quality in high schools that Barr uses with school partners: https://barrfdn.issuelab.org/resource/indicators-of-school-quality.html

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Should first-graders learn to read analog clocks? It's a small question with big implications about what we choose to teach—and why. In this episode, we're in conversation with Dr. Tony Wagner, author of Mastery, exploring how technology has outpaced pedagogy and what that means for today's classrooms. We discuss the "Five Cs" every community wants for graduates (but rarely teaches), why intrinsic motivation matters more than grades, and actionable strategies teachers can implement tomorrow—no permission required.

The future of learning starts with asking better questions.

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In this episode, we explore ConnectINK, an AI-powered writing coach that's different from every other AI tool you've encountered: it will never write for your students. Instead of generating content, ConnectINK asks questions. "Who else was there?" "What did that feel like?" "Can you describe another event related to this one?" Join us for a conversation with the full design team—educators, software engineers, and program managers—as they share how they built a tool that speeds up the feedback cycle while keeping students in the driver's seat. You'll hear about the 16-year-old who rejected an "easier" feature because "writing is supposed to be difficult," teachers who went from AI-skeptics to enthusiasts, and why innovation happens when you put student learning above everything else. If you're wrestling with how to use AI ethically in your classroom, this conversation will change how you think about what's possible.

We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html

Fifty balloons. Stories of cupcakes. A student shouting profanities before storming out. These are the moments teacher prep programs can’t prepare you for. Dr. Adam Wolfsdorf joins us to discuss "subversive moments"—when classroom control completely evaporates and you have to make split-second decisions while somehow pretending you're not destabilized. Learn why disruptions can be opportunities, how to de-escalate without taking it personally, and why the most flexible teachers create the most expansive learning spaces for students. Based on his book Teaching in the Riptide: Anchoring Pedagogies for Soulful Practitioners.

We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html

Feeling overwhelmed by Gen AI in education? You're not alone. Dr. Julianne Ross-Kleinmann and Yaa Yaa Whaley-Williams from Ulster BOCES join us to discuss the real digital divide, why banning AI doesn't work, and what technology can never replace—the human heartbeat of teaching. Whether you're AI-curious or AI-cautious, this conversation offers practical guidance for navigating this revolution while keeping students at the center of teaching and learning.

We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html

Episode Correction: AAS degree pathways are for computer systems technology or electromechanical engineering technology, not for cybersecurity.

Too little curriculum or too much? Most teachers have experienced one extreme or the other. Dr. Jacqui Stolzer joins us to discuss her research on curriculum ideologies—four frameworks that help teachers identify the values embedded in their curriculum work, navigate professional tensions, and ask the critical question: What am I not seeing? A must-listen for anyone trying to bridge the gap between curriculum mandates and classroom reality.

We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html

What can the iconic movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" teach us about student engagement? This episode explores the critical disconnect between students and educators, examining why students mentally and physically check out of their education. Guests Colleen Keating-Crawford, Sydney Tweedley, and Izzy Fitzgerald from The Reinvention Lab at Teach For America share personal stories that reveal a startling truth: many students are physically present but mentally absent, highlighting a deeper crisis in our education system. Our conversation emphasizes that creating meaningful connections and relevant learning experiences is crucial for keeping students engaged. We also share practical strategies teachers can implement immediately to make a difference right where they are. Learn more about the people and research they discuss att: https://www.reinventionlab.org/

We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html

🌟 Join us for an inspiring conversation about creating inclusive classrooms where every voice can shine! In this episode, our guest Katherine Hamilton, Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning, joins us as we dive into the complex and rewarding world of supporting multilingual learners in the classroom. We celebrate the incredible value of multilingualism in our classrooms and explore how ALL teachers—not just language specialists—can embrace simple techniques to help English language learners thrive across every subject.

Don't miss this uplifting and practical episode that will leave you energized and equipped with fresh ideas for your classroom. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation! 🎧✨

We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html

In this episode, we continue our discussion focused on multilingual learners, diving deep into why linguistic mobility isn't just academic—it's the key to true community inclusion! Maria Underwood, Senior Professional Development Advisor at CPET, and Vince Moua, CPET Professional Development Coach, and Teachers College Zankel Fellow, join Roberta to discuss:

-Why multilingual teaching creates explosive learning opportunities for ALL students

-How understanding language history can revolutionize your classroom

-Practical, ready-to-use strategies for celebrating language diversity

-The hidden social dynamics that make or break multilingual learners' success

This isn't just talk—it's a vital addition to your toolkit for creating a classroom where EVERY language is valued and EVERY student can thrive!

We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html