The Pixel Classroom Podcast

In episode 177, I reflect on the changes I made with the Building the Thinking Classroom Model. From it's beginnings to how it is in my curriculum and what is coming up next. You can learn more at Building Thinking Classrooms.

I am joined for the Landmark Episode 175 by The Present Teacher, Helena Hains. A teacher and a coach for first year and new teachers. When Helena graduated in 2018 with her M.Ed in Elementary Education from Eastern Oregon University at the age of 20. Helena moved to Pecos, New Mexico to teach Kindergarten for 3 years. During this time she became overwhelmed and reached teacher burnout and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety during her first year of teaching. From there Helena learned everything about time management and found a way to complete her teacher workload so that she could leave at contract time during my 2nd year of teaching. During this time, Helena decided to start The Present Teacher, a community where new and first year teachers could learn how to manage their workload in the classroom so they can enjoy their life outside of teaching. During this time Helena also created the Thriving Teacher Framework. A framework that helps new and first year teachers management their workload and have a thriving career. The stages are as follows: classroom management, communication, lesson planning and prepping, data and grading, organization, and teacher workload.

You can connect with Helena at:

https://www.instagram.com/thepresentteacher/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-present-teacher-podcast/id1607791717

https://tiktok.com/@thepresentteacher

In episode 176, I review the books, 50 Ways to Engage Student by Alice Keeler and Heather Lyon and Amplifying our Practice: Teachers talking Teaching by Pawan Wander and Chey Cheney. These books are great about teacher practices, engaging students from all grade levels up to college and more. I give these both 5 stars and I hope you check out the books for your reading.

In episode 174, I am joined by my friend, Jonathan Nalder from half way around the world in Australia. Through 23 years in Education, Jonathan ‘the Edunaut’ has been at the bleeding edge of learning how digital tools (STEM, AR/VR, AI, environment sensors) and a focus on our humanity can boost the success of students everywhere. He has also learned by working with luminaries such as Dr Rubin Puentedura (SAMR), Dr Larry Johnson (NMC) and Prof Stephen Heppell (Learnometer), the FutureWe Community, and his current role as Chief Futures Officer at STEM Punks, how tools alone are not enough - but must be combined with human-focused design and futures thinking to truly transform lives.

Jonathan is also a globally awarded Innovator, Mars Society Ambassador, ISTE online presenter and CoSpaces and Merge Edu Ambassador.

I am joined by Eduprotocols co-founder, Jon Corippo who returns to the podcast to talk about the most recent book release of TK-2. Jon also shares how Eduprotocols works so well in any classroom, how it builds and scaffolds with students. We even talk about home improvements during our conversation. You can learn more about Eduprotocols and Eduprotocols Plus on their website here.

I review the latest book from the Eduprotocols book series with Primary Edition TK-2 by Jenn Dean and Ben Cogswell partner with series pioneers Marlena Hebern and Jon Corippo to empower early-grades teachers to present key course content through activities that are easy to implement, engaging, and crucial to fostering the Four Cs: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

I talk about the strengths of the book and how it not only first in Primary Grades, but also can transfer to high school level and beyond. Check out Eduprotocol on their website.

Teacher, speaker, Instructional Coach and book writer, Tisha Richmond returns to the Pixel Classroom Podcast. Tisha talks about her journey in education. From Culinary Arts Teacher to Instructional Coach. What lead to her writing her books, setting up her two podcasts and working with her son, Tommy on their new book, Dragon Smart.

I am joined by Kathleen McClaskey on the 170th episode of the Pixel Classroom Podcast. Kathleen McClaskey, M.Ed. (@khmmc) is CEO and Chief Learning Officer of Empower the Learner, LLC (empowerthelearner.com), Founder of Make Learning Personal (kathleenmcclaskey.com) and co-author of bestsellers Make Learning Personal and How to Personalize Learning. She is an innovative thought leader, international speaker, professional developer, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) consultant with over 30 years experience in creating learner-centered environments as a teacher, K-12 administrator and consultant. Kathleen is passionate in empowering ALL learners to thrive with tools, skills and practices so they become self-directed learners, learners with agency, who are future ready for college, career and life.

You can connect with Kathleen at:

Kathleenmcclaskey.com

Empowerthelearner.com

[email protected]

I am joined by Road to Awesome founder and author, Darrin Peppard. Darrin Peppard is a school district superintendent, speaker, author, publisher and consultant focused on what matters most in leadership. Darrin’s an expert in school culture and climate as well as coaching and growing emerging leaders. He is known for his keen insight, culture-first leadership style, and dynamic personality. We talk about how effective strategies help leaders of all experience levels become more effective at their craft.

You can connect with Darrin on his website Road to Awesome.

I am joined for episode 168 with special guest star, Starr Sackstein. Starr Sackstein is an accomplished educator, author, and advocate, dedicated to transforming education through innovative practices. With a background in secondary education, she has championed student-centered learning, assessment reform, and technology integration. As an author of several influential books, including "Hacking Assessment," Starr empowers educators globally with practical strategies for creating learner-driven classrooms. Her insights, shared through speaking engagements, workshops, and online platforms, inspire educators to reimagine traditional teaching paradigms. Starr's commitment to fostering critical thinking, growth, and equity underscores her role as a thought leader shaping the future of education.