The Pixel Classroom Podcast

I am joined by Loper co-founder, Sam Bernstein. Sam is the co-founder of Loper, a free mobile app designed to help students explore and discover their best educational opportunities after high school. The inspiration for Loper came out of the pandemic, where “life on pause” led to two college friends (Sam and his co-founder Eric) spending long nights discussing their shared passion: education. Fast forward two years and they quit their jobs to launch Loper, which has now helped nearly 200,000 students find best-fit opportunities after high school.

Since founding Loper Sam has spoken at nearly a dozen industry conferences, and he always loves the opportunity to present to both students and parents on college and career readiness. Sam lives in Chicago, loves to bike, and (so far) has kept up with his 2025 resolution to read more fiction. His favorite podcast is “Revolutions” by Mike Duncan.

The best place to connect with Sam is on LinkedIn. If you have questions about Loper or are interested in either a virtual or live presentation to your students, you can reach him at [email protected].

In episode 196, I talk about cutting back on my equipment has a few things in my life has blind sided me. I reflect on the changes to both my podcasts and live streaming. The selling off of my Rode equipment and how to continue to move forward inspite of hardships.

In my 195th episode, I talk about When Change Happens. When it happens at the best of times, the worse and sometimes it can be a blessing in disguise. No matter what, change is constant and how we react to that change determines how we move forward.

I review : Making Learning Accessible, Inclusive, and Equitable by Catlin R. Tucker and Katie Novak. Educators understand the crucial importance of developing learning experiences that are accessible, engaging, and student-center Elevating Educational Design with AId. However, when faced with a long list of ever-increasing demands, teachers are often left without the time, energy, and resources necessary to turn best intentions into best practices. Enter Elevating Educational Design with AI, a guide for teachers who want to use technology to activate engagement, give students agency over their learning, and streamline workflows.

I review the book, Making Impact outside the classroom by Starr Sackstein. In her book, Starr Sackstein begins by helping you decide whether you want to move into another position or leave altogether. She then shows you how to seek opportunities, take risks, network, and prepare for interviews. Next, she presents a wide variety of career pathways for educators, including school and district-based options, consulting work, EdTech opportunities, publishing jobs, higher education, and more!

In episode 192, I do a tribute episode to my friend and mentor, Clark Neher. Clark was active in the DeKalb and NIU communities. He was a hospice volunteer for 20 years; a kindness repaid in his own final days through care and companionship from wonderful hospice staff and volunteers. As a Kiwanian he enjoyed working with DeKalb High School Key Club members. He served as president of the DeKalb Public Library Board of Trustees, a term which included a major expansion and renovation of the library. He was a long time professor and community theatre member. You can read his Obituary here.

In the 191th episode, I look back at the troubling year that I personally experienced. From lost of unemployment to financial issues. This was a year that has been very difficult, still not comparable to 2008 for me. But despite all the struggles and experiences of loss. There is still hope ahead and knowing that even given in years of despair, you can still see all the days in-between and know there is still a lot of good too. Something even 2025 will show.

I am joined in episode 190 with ELL teacher, Andrea Bitner. Andrea Bitner is an English Language Learner educator, international author, and engaging educational speaker based out of Philadelphia, PA. She has worked with students in grades K-12 throughout her twenty-four years in public education from all around the world.   Her first book, “Take Me Home,” was published by Austin Macauley in July of 2021. "Take Me Home" is the true story of 11 of her former EL students who give a first-hand account of what it's really like to become bilingual in America. 

She is also a co-author of Chip Baker’s “The Impact of Influence-Volume 3 , Dr. Rick Jetter’s 100 No-Nonsense Things ALL School Leaders Shout STOP Doing,” and has contributions that can be found in two of Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld’s recent EL texts.  Andrea has also been recognized by the state of Pennsylvania for writing an Innovative Teaching Grant, in addition to being featured in an article for her work with EL’s in PSEA’s “The Voice.”  She teaches EL’s daily, and travels the country speaking and supporting thousands of educators on how to confidently teach and reach EL students, and effectively communicate with EL families!  

You can find Andrea at www.andreabitnerbooks.com, as well on social media outlets Linked in and Twitter @andreabitnerbooks.

In the 189th episode. I talk about what being a leader and being part of leadership can be defined as. Based on past experiences, I talk about how while anyone can be put in a leadership position. It takes knowing what one can and cannot do that will determine if they are a leader.

In the 188 episode, I reflect on why recognition isn't always needed. That being true to who you are and the positive impact you have on others is all you really need.