10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher

What does real world STEM education look like in a high school where students run actual manufacturing contracts on industry-grade equipment, intern at MIT, and learn AI ethics alongside CAD? Joe Fatheree (Top 10 Global Teacher Prize, Illinois Teacher of the Year) and Dr. Mark Buckner (Smart Industry Top 50 Innovator, founder of Oak Ridge High School's iSchool and Wildcat Manufacturing) take Vicki inside a $1.25 million state grant program where 26 student-run contracts with 18 companies have produced near-net-shape metal 3D printing, augmented reality experiences, and graduates already working four to five years ahead of their college peers. This extended episode also tackles the AI conversation educators most need: where AI belongs in classrooms, where it doesn't, what neuroscience says about kids' developing brains in the attention economy, and why "just because you can does not mean you should" is the most important lesson STEM students will learn this year. In this episode, you'll learn: Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e933 EF Explore America STEM Tours sponsored today's show. Show students how STEM impacts the world up close and in action. Students could code robots with MassRobotics at MIT or explore marine ecosystems in Florida's coral reefs or even sit down to talk with a former spy in Washington DC. Students will learn how STEM thinking often shows up where you least expect it. Inspire your students visit efexploreamerica.com/STEM

ADHD misconceptions are sabotaging your students' confidence and success. In this episode, Jheri South—a certified ADHD specialist and mom of seven neurodivergent kids—reveals the five things that actually engage an ADHD brain, the hidden emotional struggle affecting 95% of people with ADHD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria), and why "just try harder" is the worst advice you can give. Learn practical strategies for classroom engagement, how to recognize hyper-focus, and why consistency matters more than you think. In this episode: Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e932 This episode is sponsored by the VAI Educators Studio from Van Andel Institute for Education. Get 50% off with promo code COOLCAT at coolcatteacher.com/vai .

Free AI literacy resources for every K-12 teacher — not just computer science. Karim Meghji, President and CEO at Code.org, shares how to teach AI in any classroom. In this episode, you'll learn: innottowith'soffor5toinandtotoand Karim explains that students need to understand not just how to use AI tools, but how they actually work under the hood. Code.org's Hour of AI brings together hundreds of partners offering one-hour activities across grade levels and subjects. And their new unplugged AI curriculum lets students explore generative AI through conversation and collaboration before ever touching a computer. Show notes and all links: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e931 This episode is sponsored by the VAI Educators Studio from Van Andel Institute for Education. Get 50% off with promo code COOLCAT at coolcatteacher.com/vai .

Inquiry-based learning doesn't have to mean overhauling your entire schedule. Terra Tarango, Chief Education Officer at Van Andel Institute for Education, shares practical ways K-8 teachers can weave inquiry and hands-on science into any subject — starting small and building from there. Sponsored by the VAI Educator's Studio from Van Andel Institute for Education. In this episode, you'll learn: Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e930 Get 50% off VAI Educator's Studio membership with promo code COOLCAT at coolcatteacher.com/vai

In this episode, Malia Hollowell shares actionable, science-backed strategies to transform early reading instruction. Learn how to organize sight words by phonics rules, leverage spoken language as your teaching superpower, support dyslexic learners, and use word ladders for real reading growth. You'll also discover why leveled readers fall short and how to find trustworthy literacy resources. In this episode, you'll learn: Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e929 About the Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Van Andel Institute for Education. The Educator's Studio is a resource-packed platform with classroom-tested lessons, hands-on projects, professional development, and a supportive educator community. Get 50% off with promo code COOLCAT at coolcatteacher.com/vai.

Phone addiction in teens is real — and Australian psychologist Dr. Brad Marshall has evidence-based strategies that actually work from treating 2,500+ families. Dr. Brad Marshall, known as the Unplugged Psychologist and Director of Australia's Screen & Gaming Disorder Clinic, joins Vicki Davis to share what two decades of clinical work and university research reveal about helping kids break free from phone addiction — without shame or judgment. In this episode, you'll learn: Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e928 Love the show? Rate and review on Apple Podcasts — it's the #1 way to help other teachers find us.

Executive function strategies Kindergarten through 3rd grade teachers can implement today. Dr. Sarah Oberle shares science-backed ways to support working memory, inhibition, and focus in the classroom. Dr. Sarah Oberle is a primary educator and cognitive science expert whose upcoming book, Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom, translates learning science into practical classroom strategies. In this episode, she breaks down the six executive functions developing in young children and explains why they matter more than content knowledge for student success. In this episode, you'll learn: Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e927 If you enjoy the 10 Minute Teacher, take 30 seconds to leave a rating! This will help other teachers discover the show. Thank you!

Balanced class lists set students and teachers up for success. Principal Carrie Hetzel shares her team approach, time-saving tech tools, and advice for planning ahead. Class Composer is sponsoring this podcast. Sign up now for your free trial of Class Composer. For elementary principals and guidance counselors, this is a must-use. Creating balanced class lists is one of the most important — and labor-intensive — tasks elementary principals tackle each spring. In this episode, Carrie Hetzel, principal of Paradise Canyon Elementary School in California (a National Blue Ribbon School), explains how her team builds balanced class lists using a multi-stage revision process that combines data with deep knowledge of every student. She also shares how Class Composer, a class placement tool, cut hours off their workflow by updating data in real time. In this episode, you'll learn: Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e926 Love the show? Rate and review on Apple Podcasts — it's the #1 way to help other teachers find us.

Too many bright, high-achieving students hit a wall because they lack access, know-how, and the "network advantage" that makes college applications feel possible. In this episode, I talk with Zak Adams, a junior at Harvard University, about how mentorship can help high-potential, low-opportunity students pursue "dream universities" they might not otherwise consider. We discuss Project Access, an international, UK-registered charity that pairs students with mentors connected to their target universities. If you work with juniors right now, this conversation will help you see practical next steps you can take to support students who need a roadmap. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Recognize when a high-achieving student needs mentorship, not just encouragement Identify "high-potential, low-opportunity" indicators that can signal a need for added support Refer students early and plan ahead for deadlines that often arrive around September Understand why mentor matching connected to a target university can provide "network advantage" Encourage students by helping them build a plan when they don't know where to begin Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e925

This episode focuses on how teachers can better welcome and support English Language Learners from the very first day of school. Many educators want to help multilingual students thrive but aren't always sure what to ask, how to plan, or how to build connection quickly. Andrea Bitner shares practical, experience-based guidance to help teachers create inclusive classrooms where every student feels seen, valued, and capable. What You'll Learn In this episode, you'll learn how to: Ask students what name they prefer and ensure it is pronounced and used correctly Learn about a student's previous school experience to better understand literacy and learning needs Partner intentionally with English Language Learner teachers to plan supports and accommodations Recognize that limited English does not equal limited intelligence Ask families which language they prefer for school communication instead of making assumptions Maintain a learner's mindset by continuing to grow through collaboration, conferences, and shared practice Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e924 Speakable: Today's Sponsor This podcast is sponsored by Speakable. Want to bring daily speaking practice to your classroom without adding prep or grading? Speakable helps language teachers assign speaking tasks, give instant feedback, and leaders can track progress, all with tools aligned to ACTFL and WIDA standards. ✅ Instant AI grading ✅ No setup or training required ✅ Student data and growth insights 👉 Explore how Speakable works, whether you're a teacher or a school leader, you'll find the right place to start.

Opening Paragraph In this episode, we tackle the challenges educators face as uncertainty around AI, demographic shifts, and evolving student futures continue to reshape schools. Teachers are feeling the pressure to personalize learning for every student, and we explore how AI might assist rather than overwhelm us in that work. Jennifer Womble, Conference Chair for FETC, joins us to unpack trends that matter now and in the years ahead. Whether you're attending FETC or not, this conversation will help you make sense of what's next in education. What You'll Learn In this episode, you'll learn how to: think about the implications of today's kindergarteners graduating in 2035 and what shifting demographics mean for schools reframe AI as an assistant to support teaching and learning rather than a threat recognize why learning as a human-centered, relational skill remains essential consider how schools and teachers can respond to change with clarity and purpose Episode Link Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e923

Many teachers are frustrated when AI gives great results one day and confusing or unreliable responses the next. This episode explores why that happens and how it affects both teachers and students in real classrooms. I sit down with Rob the AI Guy to unpack a key concept that explains much of this inconsistency and helps educators use AI more wisely. If you want clearer results and better classroom conversations about AI, this episode will help. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Understand why AI responses can drift or become unreliable over time Use simple strategies, like starting fresh conversations, to get better results Explain the idea of a context window to students in clear, age-appropriate ways Help students avoid overtrusting or misusing AI tools Emphasize critical thinking when working with AI in the classroom Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e922

The science of attention explains why learning cannot happen without focus—and why one teacher can make all the difference. Learn how to understand the science of attention and help students learn. This episode is an extended episode shared from my other podcast/radio/TV show: Cool Cat Teacher Talk. I'm sharing it because it is helpful, but also because I share a very special story at the end. - I hope you enjoy! - Vicki In this episode, host Vicki Davis sits down with Myriam Da Silva, AI ethicist, neuroeducation leader, and CEO of CheckIT Learning, to explore how attention actually works in the brain and what that means for today's classrooms. Rather than telling students to "just pay attention," this conversation breaks down the different states of attention, why sustained focus is biologically limited, and how teachers can design lessons that align with how the brain learns best. You'll hear practical, research-based strategies teachers can use immediately, including how to start class with a strong hook, leverage the attention curve, build in attention resets, reduce distractions, and teach students to self-regulate their focus. The episode also features the powerful classroom story "Sue and Mrs. Scruggs," illustrating how a teacher's intentional attention can change a student's confidence, trajectory, and life. Myriam also shares insights from her work in ethical, human-centered AI, including how neuroeducation-informed tools can support teachers while preserving the essential teacher–student relationship at the heart of learning. This episode is ideal for educators, school leaders, parents, and anyone interested in learning, child development, and the future of education. Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/attention

Every child can become a reader — but only when we build strong foundational skills. In this episode, literacy consultant Jennifer Burns explains the "Fundamental Four" every student needs to read with confidence: seeing like a reader, hearing like a reader, thinking like a reader, and believing they are a reader. Whether you teach early learners, support struggling readers, or want practical strategies to strengthen reading instruction, Jennifer shares clear, teacher-ready ideas you can use right away. You'll learn how to improve eye training and decoding, how to reduce reading fatigue, how to build a positive reading identity, how to use text variety to boost comprehension, and what high-performing schools do differently in literacy. Sponsored by Speakable — the AI tool that helps language and reading teachers assign speaking tasks, give instant feedback, and save time grading. Learn more at www.coolcatteacher.com/speakable. This conversation brings clarity, encouragement, and actionable steps for teachers who want every child to grow as a reader. Show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e920

What if math could feel like play? 🎲 In this inspiring episode, mathematician and educator Dan Finkel—founder of Math for Love—joins Vicki Davis, the Cool Cat Teacher, to explore how curiosity, productive struggle, and play can make math more meaningful and fun for every learner. Discover how to start math lessons with questions, why struggle builds deeper understanding, and how to help students fall in love with problem-solving again. Perfect for teachers, parents, and anyone who wants to make learning joyful. 📘 Show Notes & Links: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e919 🧲 Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by Clixo—the award-winning magnetic play system that turns 2D shapes into endless 3D creations! Perfect for makerspaces, STEM labs, and creative kids at home. See https://www.clixo.com/pages/target/ 🎧 Subscribe and listen to more episodes of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Dr. Catlin Tucker, bestselling author and blended learning expert, joins Vicki Davis to talk about how teachers can design better lessons with AI—without losing their essential human touch. From universal design for learning (UDL) to creating meaningful student choice, Dr. Tucker explains how AI can elevate lesson planning when used with intentionality and creativity. They discuss the limits of "AI lesson generators," what true differentiation looks like, and why great teaching still depends on relationships, empathy, and design thinking. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Clixo, an award-winning magnetic play system that inspires creativity in classrooms and makerspaces. These flexible magnetic pieces let students design, build, and explore endless 3D creations—perfect for STEAM labs, centers, or travel. Learn more at https://www.clixo.com/pages/target Listen and explore: Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e918

Teaching writing can feel challenging in today's world of short attention spans and AI-generated text—but it doesn't have to be! In this encouraging episode, author and professor Nancy McCabe joins host Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher) to share six creative strategies that help students rediscover the joy of writing. From 10-minute free writing sessions to outdoor field trips and imitating great authors, Nancy shares proven ideas that work for every age. She also explains why mistakes and "messy drafts" are not problems to fix—but signs of authentic thinking and growth. Sponsored by Speakable — the AI tool that helps language and reading teachers assign speaking tasks, give instant feedback, and save time grading. Learn more at www.coolcatteacher.com/speakable. 🎙️ Listen now to discover: Why free writing unlocks creativity and confidence How turning points and sensory details make stories come alive Ways to connect reading and writing through imitation Why taking writing outside the classroom boosts engagement How to embrace imperfection in the age of AI Why writing is thinking—and how to help students believe it Learn more and find show notes at www.coolcatteacher.com/e917

Learning a new language can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be! In this inspiring conversation, Spanish teacher Dawne Beck joins host Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher) to share practical ways to create a low-anxiety, high-engagement classroom where students actually enjoy speaking another language. From using game-based learning and storytelling to integrating AI pronunciation tools like Speakable, Dawne explains how to build students' confidence while keeping the focus on communication over perfection. She also discusses strategies for helping third-language learners and students who feel self-conscious about speaking in class. Sponsored by Speakable. All opinions are those of Dawne Beck and Vicki Davis. 🎙️ Listen now to discover: Learn more and find show notes at www.coolcatteacher.com/e916

My students asked me about the Adam Raine wrongful death suit. Parents have asked me. So, I had to spend some time digging into the issues there and how I will be part of the solution. Part of protecting kids from their favorite 'homework helper.' We should all be concerned, and I look forward to continuing to learn and converse about the issue of our times as it relates to children. Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/chatgpt-wrongful-death-suit

Teachers often feel pressured to say “yes” to everything. Dr. Brad Johnson shares why assertiveness is the secret to avoiding burnout and thriving in your teaching career and how you can do it in a way that you're not considered negative. 3 Takeaways: • Assertiveness is about healthy boundaries, not aggression. • Saying “no” is essential to teacher self-care. • Administrators and teachers both benefit from assertive communication. Growth Reflection: How do you set healthy boundaries as an educator? Show Notes Link: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e914