The Pixel Classroom Podcast

I am joined by Jeff C. Riley on the 215 episode of the Pixel Classroom Podcast. Jeffrey C. Riley (Jeff) is the former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, who co-founded and now leads the not-for-profit Day of AI organization in partnership with MIT RAISE..Mr. Riley was appointed Superintendent/Receiver of the Lawrence Public Schools, where, for over 6 years, he led a team that brought significant improvements by shifting resources and autonomy to the school level, expanding the school day, increasing enrichment opportunities, and ensuring all schools had great leaders and teachers. His previous experience spanned urban and suburban districts, including teaching in Baltimore, MD and serving as principal of Tyngsboro Middle School and Boston’s Edwards Middle School. Mr. Riley holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Pomona College in California, a master’s degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, and a master’s degree in school administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University.

You can reach out to Jeff through www.dayofaiusa.org and [email protected]

Dr. Brandi Kelly brings more than 20 years of heart, hustle, and hands-on leadership experience. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Maxwell Certified Coach who has served as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent. A two-time Principal of the Year and the founder of Spark HOPE Edu, Brandi uses her H.O.P.E. System—Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence—to share the good stuff: hope, love, and joy. Her mission is to equip leaders to build resilient schools and communities where every person feels seen, heard, and valued.

• Her first book - Lead with H.O.P.E.: Building a System of Self Efficacy is available on Amazon now

• Listen to my Podcast: Lead with HOPE

• Free Download Intro Chapter

• Buy the Book: Lead with H.O.P.E.

• Working on their second book - When Life Speaks - A 30 day devotional.

• Brandi's Podcast Lead with H.O.P.E. shares stories of H.O.P.E. Fueled Leaders

• She is available for speaking, executive coaching and consulting

  You can reach out by Website: https://sparkhopeedu.com/

• You can find all of their social media channels on her website

• Email: [email protected]

My friend, Mary “Beth” Foose, passed away this past weekend after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. She was the first in-studio teacher guest on The Pixel Classroom Podcast, appearing in Episode 86, which was recorded exactly four years ago today on November 18, 2021.

Beth faced her diagnosis with incredible grace and strength. Her “Foose Fighters” stood with her every step of the way, lifting her spirits throughout the journey.

A 2001 Sycamore High School graduate, Beth dedicated 13 years to District 427, teaching at Southeast Elementary, Sycamore Middle School, and South Prairie Elementary. Her impact on students and colleagues will be deeply missed.

This episode revisits moments from our original conversation, celebrating her passion, humor, and the heart she brought to education. I will miss you Beth, fly free.

I am joined by Kurtis, Hewson on Pixel Classroom Podcast. Kurtis Hewson is an award-winning former administrator and teacher, as well as teaching faculty at the post-secondary level. He is the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning, a co-author of the bestselling text Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners, and currently works with districts and schools internationally establishing Collaborative Response frameworks and interacting with thousands of educators annually. He also hosts the Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast series, which I was recently a guest on.

You can reach out to them at: [email protected]

In episode 212, I reflect on my journey as I begin work on my book, "As the Pixels Fade" that I'm hoping to have completed in early 2026.

Dana Goodier rejoins me on the Pixel Classroom Podcast. Dr. Dana Goodier has 25 years of experience in education. She has taught World Languages and English and has worked at the middle and elementary school level as an administrator. She completed her doctorate degree (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership in 2020. She often speaks at conferences, providing educators with techniques to minimize off-task behavior and to increase time on task. Currently, she serves as the president of CCFLT (Colorado Congress for Language Teachers). She often writes blogs for the Teach Better Team and is the author of Out of the Trenches: Stories of Resilient Educators, published in 2022. She is the host of the “Out of the Trenches” podcast, which features educators who share their stories of resiliency. Follow her on Facebook, X, BlueSky: @danagoodier & IG, Threads, BlueSky, YouTube @outoftrenchespc and visit her website at: www.danagoodier.com and visit her speaker’s page at: Featured Educator: Dana Goodier

In episode 210 I dive into the history of the 60 year hit, (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone. Made famous as a B Side to the Monkee's debut album in 1966. But the song has an amazing history to it and even now is still a cultural staple as Micky Dolenz the last member of the Monkees continues to sing the song today.

In the 209th episode, I reflect on my first quarter of teaching high school again at D428. I reflect on the past 15 years when I took my first education job in DeKalb and everything I have been through the past two years. I also look at where I'm hoping to go as the semester is at it's midway point for 2025.

I start my new feature here at the Pixel Classroom Podcast with the history of the song: The House of the Rising Sun (1964) by The Animals. Thisisn’t the story of some songwriter cranking out a hit. The House of the RisingSun is anonymous, timeless. Scholars trace its bones to broadside ballads—folkpoetry sold cheaply in old England—and there’s even a faint resemblance to the16th-century lament, ‘The Unfortunate Rake.’

I am joined by David K Richards from Changemaker EDU for episode 207. David K Richards is the Founder & CEO of Changemaker Education, a national network of affiliate love-based microschools and an incubator for founders who want to usher in a new paradigm for the future of education. He is also the host of the Changemaker ED“U” podcast. Previously, he was Founder & CEO of Growth Public Schools, and a founding teacher and leader with Summit Public Schools where he launched several innovative schools. In addition he serves as a leadership and life coach. David has worked in education reform for over 25 years as a teacher, principal, executive, and board member. He lives in Sacramento, CA with his wife and his two children, and holds a BA from UC Berkeley and an MA from Stanford University.