Teachers Have Bigger Fish to Fry: Can AI Help?, with Maurie Beasley

 Educators are juggling more than ever, from administrative overload to emotional demands, and finding time for new innovations feels impossible. In this episode, we sit down with Maurie Beasley, an educator, counselor, tech administrator, and author, to explore the crucial question: Can AI actually help?

 Drawing from her new book, Teachers Have Bigger Fish to Fry! Tales from K12 Education: How AI Might Help…or Maybe Not, Maurie shares honest and heartfelt stories from the classroom. Together, we explore how AI is showing up as a helpful tool and also, depending on the situation, sometimes an unfit substitute. Tune in to hear how AI is giving teachers time back—and where it still falls short in meeting the deeply human needs of students and educators alike. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll review the contents of the AI Literacy Toolkit for Families co-created by Common Sense Media and Day of AI. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded into daily life, computer science education must evolve to help students navigate and shape this new terrain. At the heart of this transformation is a powerful idea: keeping humans in the loop.

In this episode, Perry Shank, Senior Director of Research and Development at CodeVA, joins the Unpacking Education team to explore how computer science education is redefining itself in an AI-driven world. He shares his personal journey, touches upon the importance of understanding AI—not just as users but as informed creators and collaborators—and offers powerful insights around integrating AI meaningfully and ethically into the classroom.

Perry emphasizes that while AI tools can be powerful collaborators, they should never replace human reasoning, creativity, or ethical judgment. “We have to make sure students are not just asking for an output and running with it,” Perry says. “They need to balance machine reasoning with their own sense of judgment.”

This episode explores how educators can foster that balance by demystifying how AI works, spotlighting human decision-making in data and design, and engaging students in thoughtful use of these tools. From hands-on activities—like Google's Teachable Machine and micro:bit CreateAI—to building custom Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs) for critical conversation, Perry highlights the importance of curiosity, experience, and reflection. AI literacy must be as foundational as math, and it must center the learner as a thinking, ethical, and empowered human in the loop.

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In today’s episode, we'll explore four questions to address when establishing technology routines for your K-12 classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Magallanez, Head of Interaction Design at AVID Center, returns to Unpacking Education to share how AVID Future Lab is equipping students with the durable skills they need to thrive beyond the classroom. The conversation explores how project-based learning (PBL), student voice and choice, and real-world issues—like the impact of social media on mental health—prepare learners for the future of work and life.

 Learn how the free resources within AVID Future Lab, supported by Adobe Express, give students authentic opportunities to research, create, and present solutions to real problems—all while building confidence, collaboration, and creativity. Regardless of your familiarity and experience with PBL, this episode offers accessible strategies and free classroom-ready resources to help every student see themselves as a designer and change-maker. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore three ways that you can leverage technology to increase personal connections, collaboration, and relationship building in your classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we dive into the powerful world of agricultural education and career and technical education (CTE), with award-winning ag teacher Eric Sawatzke. Eric shares how hands-on learning and real-world applications—like hydroponic farming, meat processing labs, and FFA leadership—are transforming student engagement and preparing learners for meaningful careers.

This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical tips about a wide range of topics, from rural classrooms to national grants. Whether you're new to CTE or looking to expand your school's opportunities, Eric's insights offer a compelling look at how education can open doors and build pathways to success beyond the traditional college track. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore how you can use the best of face-to-face classroom instruction and online virtual learning by implementing the hybrid model of blended learning. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this inspiring episode, middle school science teacher Leif Voltz returns to the Unpacking Education podcast to share his reflections on a challenging, yet rewarding, school year and how he's preparing to start fresh with hope and joy. Leif opens up regarding burnout, the importance of relationships, and the mindset shifts that help educators recharge and reconnect with their purpose. Listen in for a discussion exploring how to balance high expectations with grace, lean into student-centered practices, and embrace both new technologies like AI and timeless classroom values. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore three types of blended learning playlists, their benefits, and a process for how to create them. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.