Under the Hat Podcast

What if students could turn a digital design into a real product they could use, sell, or share?

Steven and Sophie are joined by Peter from Sawgrass Technologies and Vic from Craft Express to explore how sublimation printing can bring science, art, entrepreneurship, and career education together. They explain the science behind sublimation, introduce Versaflex printing for cotton, and share examples of how schools are using these tools in maker spaces, student stores, STEM programs, CTE pathways, and entrepreneurial classrooms.

The conversation also explores how educators can help students become “micropreneurs” by learning to design products, manage production, calculate costs, and create something tangible that makes an impact beyond the screen.

Want to learn more? Here are the links:

• Sawgrass Technologies
• X/Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Amazon

What keeps an educator energized, curious, and committed after four decades in schools? Steve and Sophie sit down with Don Bott, a retired English teacher and instructional coach whose 41-year career included journalism, photography, ELD, AP, senior projects, technology leadership, and countless relationships with students at Stagg High School in Stockton, California.

Drawing from his book, 40 Years, 40 Stories: Lessons for Educators in Their First or Final Year or Any Time In Between, Don reflects on teacher optimism, the power of telling redemptive stories, and why educators must teach the students in front of them—not the students of another era. The conversation explores grading versus assessment, resisting harmful labels, building classroom culture, embracing innovation without abandoning strong teaching fundamentals, and finding pride in communities too often dismissed by outsiders.

Don also names what should be “under the hat” for education: creating a culture where excellent teachers are rewarded for staying in the classroom. It is a hopeful, honest conversation about longevity, learning, and why it is time to make teaching cool again.

Want to learn more from Don? Here are the links:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Amazon

EdTech ambassador programs can make educators feel seen, valued, and connected—but where is the line between genuine community and unpaid product evangelism?In this “Real Talk” episode, Steve and Sophie reflect on their experiences as classroom educators, instructional coaches, EdTech ambassadors, and industry insiders. They explore the professional learning, relationships, and classroom innovation these communities can foster while asking harder questions about compensation, ownership of educators’ ideas, and how companies use teacher voices across product development, sales, and marketing.From certification badges and beta testing to conference presentations and branded swag, this candid conversation invites educators to recognize the value of their expertise—and decide when an opportunity is truly mutually beneficial.Topics include:The power of educator communities and the “hive mind”How ambassador programs have changed over timeProduct feedback versus sales and marketingCompensation for educators’ time, ideas, and expertiseBuilding authentic professional relationshipsSetting boundaries and knowing your worthRecognizing mutually beneficial opportunities in EdTech

What does meaningful technology use actually look like in real classrooms—and what gets lost when the response to screen time is simply to remove the screens?

In Episode 83, Steve and Sophie sit down with educational technology and instructional resource specialist Tina Nunez of Albuquerque Public Schools. Drawing on more than 21 years in education, Tina shares how an unexpected path from hospitality to teaching led to classroom innovation, district-wide professional learning, and a deep commitment to practical, student-centered technology.

Together, they unpack the growing “techlash” in education, the difference between passive screen time and purposeful learning, and why strong pedagogy—not the presence or absence of a device—should guide instructional decisions. They also explore universal design for learning, accessibility, AI, teacher confidence, and the digital-proficiency skills students need to become capable creators rather than passive consumers.

This honest, energetic conversation cuts through the EdTech noise to ask a better question: What tools, skills, and learning experiences will help real students and educators thrive tomorrow?

Want to learn from Tina? Here are the links:

• Innovators UnscriptED Podcast
• technicallytina.com
• X/Twitter
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest

In this special Bonus Episode of Under the Hat Podcast, Steve and Sophie take you on an exciting journey through Orlando, capturing the essence of ISTE Live 26. Join them as they share exclusive content and insightful interviews from the event, bringing you the latest trends and innovations in education technology. Whether you attended the conference or missed it, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the highlights and key takeaways from ISTE Live 26. Tune in to hear all the amazing conversations!

Season 4 kicks off with Steve Sherman, Chief Imagination Officer at Living Maths, for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, technology, and restoring the joy of learning.Steve joins us from Cape Town to share his unconventional journey into education and his work inspiring students around the world through mathematics, problem-solving, space education, and playful learning. Together, we explore declining literacy and attention spans, the opportunities and risks of AI, and why technology should be used intentionally—not simply for technology’s sake.We also discuss hands-on strategies such as Story Dice, the importance of helping every student feel seen, and why schools must prepare learners to adapt, communicate, think creatively, and unlearn and relearn. Steve leaves us with a powerful challenge: education should help students learn, not merely be taught, and inspire them to genuinely look forward to school.Keep your hats on and your minds open for a thought-provoking start to Season 4

In this season Finale, Steve and Sophie reflect on season three, share upcoming plans for season four, and discuss their experiences with conferences, guest highlights, and new initiatives in education and Edtech.

Most teachers feel overwhelmed by integrating AI and project-based learning — but Tara and John reveal simple, bite-sized strategies that make it achievable and impactful.
In this episode of Under the Hat, these seasoned PD experts share practical tips from their recent book updates and real-world classroom successes, showing how AI can amplify student creativity without adding to teacher workload.You'll discover:

• How to start small with core PBL elements and leverage AI as a co-designer to reduce prep time and increase capacity.
• The importance of centering your end goal in the lesson design, using backward planning with AI to ensure authenticity and community relevance.
• How to incorporate AI tools like Gemini, School AI, and BRIC safely to support student research, visual creation, and critical evaluation.
• Practical prompts to teach students sophisticated language and reflection skills, transforming AI outputs into meaningful learning experiences.
• The critical role of fostering ethical, reflective thinkers who are "meaningfully in the loop," prepared for today's and tomorrow's world.

Why does this matter? Because the future of education isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing better, smarter, and more equitably with the tools we now have. Ignoring these strategies risks leaving teachers overwhelmed and students unprepared for the real world.
Whether you're wary of AI or excited to try, this episode offers tangible, manageable steps to integrate innovation without the overwhelm. Perfect for educators seeking to deepen engagement and deepen skills through PBL and AI—without burning out.Guests Tara Koehler and John Sammon bring over 40 years of combined experience in transforming classrooms and empowering teachers. From co-authoring The Tapas Approach to pioneering AI in PBL, their insights cut through the noise and give you actionable frameworks to carry into your practice.Get ready to reimagine what’s possible in your classroom—bite by bite.
Are you ready to turn AI into your most powerful teaching partner? Tune in now to start transforming overwhelm into opportunity.

Want to learn more from Tara and John? Here are the links:

• Website
• Beyond the Algorithm
• The Tapas Approach to Project-Based Learning

In this episode, we sit down with educator and immersive-learning leader Austin Levinson to explore what it really takes to spark student agency in an era of instant gratification and shrinking attention spans. Austin shares how his own path—from early loves of puzzles and games to a career shift into gifted education—shaped a philosophy rooted in “fidelity to student needs,” not just fidelity to the curriculum.

Together, we unpack why engagement has been a challenge long before smartphones, what authentic engagement actually looks like in classrooms, and how design thinking—especially the often-skipped empathy phase—can help learners create work that matters to real audiences. Austin also offers a practical reframe for educators: everything needs feedback, but not everything needs a grade, and reflection works best when students capture “aha moments” in real time.

We then dive into immersive, simulation-based learning through Megaminds, where students step into realistic career scenarios—like a healthcare triage simulation—interacting with AI-powered characters to practice critical thinking, communication, and decision-making in low-stakes environments. Along the way, Austin discusses formative assessment insights teachers can use immediately, the promise of “simternships” for career exploration, and how to keep humanity at the center of learning by reconnecting students with tangible, passion-building experiences beyond the screen.

Want to learn from Austin? Here are the links:

• Megaminds
• LinkedIn

In this episode of Under the Hat, educator and author Dave Burgess shares his journey from classroom teacher to renowned speaker and author. Discover his innovative 'teach like a pirate' approach, the power of branding in education, and insights on fostering creativity and engagement among teachers and students alike.

Want to learn from Dave? Here are the links:

• Website
• Podcast
• X/Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• BlueSky
• TikTok
• Amazon