Under the Hat Podcast

On this episode of Under the Hat, we get to talk about Competency Based Education with Aman Sahota. Aman shares his work in this area with AI learner profiles, and the research he has done Toronto. Aman Sahota is the co-founder of Factors Education, an award-winning edtech startup dedicated to transforming learning. A passionate lifelong learner, Aman has honed his expertise through prestigious accelerator programs like Next AI. His commitment to education extends beyond entrepreneurship; a pivotal 6-month road trip across the US, engaging with diverse schools, conferences, and districts, provided him with invaluable ground-level insights into the educational landscape. Aman is a recognized community leader, driving impactful change through his work with multiple non-profit organizations. He serves as the education co-lead for Anti-Racism initiatives in the Region of Peel, one of Canada's most diverse regions, and is a director at the Canadian Council of Black Elder Trailblazers. An accomplished international speaker, Aman frequently shares his vision and expertise at major conferences, including FETC and ISTE, inspiring educators and innovators globally.

Want to learn more from Aman? Here are the links and the resources he shared on the pod:

• https://scalingstudentsuccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025PolicyWhitePaper.pdf
• https://www.sandiego.gov/ccel#:~:text=Comic%2DCon%C2%AE%20Conference%20for,is%20open%20to%20the%20public.
• https://www.regents.nysed.gov/sites/regents/files/FB%20Monday%20-%20New%20York%20State%20Graduation%20Measures%20Initiative%20-%20.pdf

On this episode of Under the Hat, Steve and Sophie hear from Scott Azar as he discusses his recent findings on AI as well as his insights on AR, VR, Edtech, and the science classroom!

Scott Azar is an Earth and Space Science teacher and Long Island Master Teacher. He serves as one of his districts technology mentors, providing professional development relating to EdTech platforms that improve teaching practices.

This passion has led him to recently complete his doctorate with a study relating to the adoption and integration of AI by NYS K-12 educators. He also recently started a podcast “EdTech Tac Toe,” where he breaks down the wins (and epic fails) at the intersection of teaching and technology.

Each summer, he heads to Texas A&M University to facilitate G-Camp for Teachers, a program for educators from all over the country to learn more about earth science relating to Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico. He supports teachers in creating and using VR and AR technologies, another of his nerdy passions!

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

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4sf1VGrs5ZL7efK3PFVciP?si=d238b2d8f7d140d2
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHNDiMAILg8GIVgr9SmI1Q
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-scott-azar-50705051/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@azarscience?_t=ZP-8xugcNIgoG6&_r=1

On this episode of Under the Hat, we have the AMAZING Katie Novak chatting about UDL, cooking, and what students really need right now. Katie Novak, Ed.D., is a force of nature - part educational powerhouse, part motivational coach, part witty storyteller. With nearly 25 years of experience in education, a doctorate degree, and real-world experience as a former teacher, curriculum coordinator, and assistant superintendent of schools, she brings unmatched credibility and passion to everything she does. She's the go-to expert for making Universal Design for Learning (UDL), MTSS, and inclusive education not just accessible, but highly engaging. With a brain wired for clarity, a heart wired for impact, and a voice that’s equal parts inspiring and “let’s cut through the noise,” Katie builds tools, runs workshops, and writes books that both inform and ignite. An instructor at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of 16 books, with over 300,000 copies sold worldwide, Katie doesn’t just write about change; she leads it. Whether she’s consulting with districts, crafting PD that actually sticks, or running 50-mile races (yes, really ), Katie lives by one rule: Do it with purpose, do it with heart, and make it fun along the way. She’s the educator’s educator, blending hard evidence with humor, sass, and a relentless belief that better is always possible. 

Want to learn more from Katie? Here are her links:

• https://www.novakeducation.com/
• https://www.novakeducation.com/theeducationtablepodcast
• https://x.com/KatieNovakUDL
• https://www.instagram.com/novak_education/?hl=en
• https://www.facebook.com/NovakEducation/
• https://www.youtube.com/@NovakEducation
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/katienovakudl/

On this episode of Under the Hat, we are chatting with Norma Gonzalez who is a Special Education educator who teaches coding in the classroom and brings the Prodigy mindset to her classroom!

Here are the links mentioned:

• www.curriculum.elementarycomputingforall.org/impact
• prodigygame.com/main-en

Under the Hat is back with Season three! Listen in as Steve and Sophie chat about the upcoming guest lineup, potential topics, and what is top of mind as we get into the 2025-2026 school year.

Listen in as Steve and Sophie reflect on season, discuss season three, updates, and announcements!

On this Episode of Under the Hat, we celebrate episode 50 with Mark Henderson. Mark serves as the Director of Digital Initiatives at the Missouri School Boards’ Association, where he leads their AI Advisory Group and spearheaded the creation of The AI Toolkit for K-12 Education. Mark has presented on AI's impact on education at major conferences across the country, including in Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, and Minneapolis. With a background as a high school English teacher and extensive experience in educational and corporate technology, Mark brings a unique blend of classroom insight and tech expertise to his work in advancing AI in schools.

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

• Website
• LinkedIn

On this episode of Under the Hat, we have the pleasure of having Stephen Chiger back on the show to chat about ALL things education and literacy. Listen in as Stephen talks about his first book Love and Literacy, the importance of this work for all grade levels and subjects, and the need to close learning gaps.

Check out Stephen's website to learn more:

https://stevechiger.com/love-literacy/

We have the pleasure of having the AMAZING TR Deanon on the show this week! TR has 10 years of experience in education as an ELA teacher, Adult ESL, mentor, instructional coach for technology. TR is going to help us break down the need to be a disruptor in the traditional mindset of education to create a more active and relevant learning experience rather than a passive one. The shift in the teacher mindset when it comes to innovation.

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

• https://www.modernclassrooms.org/
• https://podcast.modernclassrooms.org/
• https://x.com/classroomflex
• https://www.instagram.com/classroomflex/?hl=en
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/modernclassrooms
• https://www.youtube.com/c/TheModernClassroomsProject
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonirosedeanon/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@classroomflex?lang=en

If you love a book club: https://go.modernclassrooms.org/l/1068872/2025-01-31/2cs5mnq

On this episode of Under the Hat, we are joined by Andy Osborn who is discussing the critical topic of aligning PD to the reality of the fast pace of the AI advancements.

Want to lear more from Andy, here are the links: