That "CTE" Guy - CHAT-CTE: Finally—PD That’s Personal

Steven shares the story of how ChatGPT and Base44 became essential tools for teaching intuitive cooking. This episode explores how AI prompts, structured learning, and conversational guidance can turn complex techniques into simple, approachable steps. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how modern tools can elevate the way we teach, learn, and practice culinary skills at home. Checkout the app - www.cookingwithskillet.com - Still has a long way to go, but its a great start!

In this episode, we dig into one of the most exhausting and misunderstood parts of teaching: modifying lessons for 504 and IEP students. Instead of pretending it’s a “quick” task, we get real about the pressure, the paperwork, and the way new CTE teachers often get blindsided by their first big meeting.

I share the moment everything changed for me — the near-disaster that pushed me toward Universal Design for Learning, reverse planning, and building a structure that actually supports students and protects teachers.

You’ll hear a real example of how a clear, step-by-step workflow saved me in a tough meeting, and how building systems up front can stop you from scrambling later.

Most importantly, we talk about why this matters on a human level: reducing panic, increasing clarity, and helping teachers breathe again when student needs get heavy.

The episode ends with a simple, practical action step you can try tomorrow to make your lessons clearer, more accessible, and easier to adapt — without adding hours to your workload.

If you’re a new teacher, a CTE teacher, or anyone trying to keep your head above water with accommodations and planning, this one’s for you.

Keep creating—because this is finally PD that’s personal.

In this special episode, I’m bringing you behind the scenes of a presentation I gave to graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania — a room full of future teachers wrestling with the fear, excitement, and chaos of AI in education.

If you don’t know my story, here’s the short version: I’m a dyslexic CTE teacher who can barely spell “accommodations,” yet somehow AI became the most powerful tool I’ve ever used in the classroom.

In this episode, I share:

• the real backstory I told U. Penn students
• how AI helped me overcome a lifelong writing struggle
• the mindset shift: AI isn’t cheat — it’s chat
• how I build a full one-week project in minutes
• why AI makes teaching more human, not less
• and how ANY teacher can use AI to make life easier

This isn’t a tech demo. This is a human conversation about burnout, creativity, and finding confidence again.

And yes — the presentation itself was turned into this podcast episode using AI… because that’s the whole point.

Keep creating—because this is finally PD that’s personal.

This episode walks CTE teachers through how to take a single project idea — starting with the prompt “I want to create a…” — and build it into a complete one-week, eight-hour lesson plan. Listeners learn how to structure each day, create admin-ready documentation, and build student-friendly materials like vocabulary lists, quizzes, and rubrics.

The episode ties back to the previous one (“Using the Task List to Plan the Year”), showing how to move from long-term planning to classroom-ready execution.

Planning your CTE year doesn’t have to start with a blank calendar. In this episode, host Steven Bross breaks down how to turn your program task list into a full-year plan that actually works — from estimating time per task to creating a natural flow from beginner to advanced.

You’ll learn how to:

• Organize your task list into teachable chunks
• Estimate how long it really takes to cover each skill
• Build a clear path for multi-year or single-year programs
• Map out your course calendar with real instructional hours
• Set up your systems and routines before the content begins
• Use ChatGPT to streamline every step of the planning process

Whether you’re a brand-new instructor or a seasoned teacher ready to simplify, this episode will help you plan with confidence — and maybe even get your weekends back.

Restorative practices don’t have to mean circles, scripts, or forced conversations that don’t fit your class culture. In this episode, I share how using AI chat reshaped my approach to community, accountability, and trust — not by replacing relationships, but by helping me build them better.

From co-writing class expectations to running critiques, organizing student leadership, and even producing podcasts with my students — AI became a quiet partner in helping me connect with them on their terms while still holding space for growth and responsibility.

If you’ve ever felt like restorative practices didn’t fit your teaching style, this episode might give you a new way in — one that feels real, creative, and true to who you are as a teacher.

Keep creating — because this is finally PD that’s personal.

AI is coming for jobs—or so the headlines say. But if you're a CTE teacher? You're built different.

In this episode, we cut through the panic and get real about what AI can do—and what it can't. Spoiler: it’s not teaching kids how to weld, cook, cut hair, or fix engines. But it can be the assistant you’ve always needed—handling the paperwork, planning, and prep while you run the shop and lead with purpose.

You'll hear:

• Why AI isn’t a threat to skilled trade teachers
• How to use it as a teammate (not a replacement)
• One easy challenge to test it in your own classroom this week

You’ve got the trade. You’ve got the talent. Now you’ve got a tool that finally works for you.

Chat-CTE: Finally, PD That’s Personal.

What if your PD actually understood your shop?

In this episode of CHAT-CTE, we explore how CTE teachers can use ChatGPT’s Custom GPT feature to build their very own AI co-teacher—one that talks like them, works like them, and supports the real day-to-day needs of a trade-based classroom.

You’ll learn how to kick off the process with one simple move: a self-interview. ChatGPT asks the questions. You answer in your voice. And together, you build a tool that doesn’t just “help”—it fits.

No coding. No fluff. Just real talk and a practical path to personalized support.

What you’ll get:

• A step-by-step breakdown of the self-interview method
• Real-world examples from welding, cosmetology, culinary, and more
• A simple plan to create and use your GPT in under 30 minutes

Custom GPTs aren’t the future—they’re your new shop buddy.

What happens when an overworked art educator meets a curious AI? This episode dives deep into how ChatGPT flipped my entire teaching experience—from burnout to boldness. I’ll walk you through the real impact it had on my planning, creativity, and classroom energy.

But this isn’t just my story—it’s an invitation.

I’ll show you exactly how to start using ChatGPT as a teacher (even if you’re tech-shy). No jargon, no pressure—just step-by-step ideas, voice-mode tips, and creative prompts to help you bring the spark back to your teaching practice.

Whether you’re drowning in lesson plans or just curious what AI can actually do for you—this episode is your guide to getting started with wonder, not worry.

Let’s get weird, get creative, and start sketching loud—with a little help from your new AI co-pilot.

✅ Lesson Walkthrough ✅ Real Teacher Examples ✅ Voice Mode Tips ✅ Creative Prompt Starters ✅ Call-to-Action Challenge

Follow along @cmths.viscom

Hosted by Steven Bross | CHAT-CTE

What if your first classroom rule wasn’t “stay seated” or “raise your hand”—but make a mess on purpose?

In this episode of Chat-CTE, I break down how I used ChatGPT to design a bold, creative launch to the school year. But this isn’t just about art class—it’s about rethinking how we set the tone for any subject, starting with trust, curiosity, and student voice.

You’ll hear how I flipped traditional first-week routines into mindset-building experiences, asked Chat to help me remix “rules” into creative challenges, and grounded all that energy in restorative reflection. And more importantly, you’ll get ideas and prompts to make it your own—whether you teach ELA, STEM, or CTE.

This one’s for the teachers ready to lead with values, not just expectations. Ready to sketch loud? Then ask yourself: What would you do?