Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

In today’s episode, we'll review an overview of The Center for Universal Education at Brookings' study titled, "A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect." Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore the features and functionality of Writing Coach, Khan Academy's new collaboration with Google Gemini. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Growth often begins with a simple question: What can I do better? For Courtney Shearer, the answer was tracking engagement, not just understanding. This insight led her to transform her classroom through diagnostic teaching—collecting real-time data, implementing reflection routines, and shifting ownership of learning to her students. “I wanted to know that students were being heard, being challenged, but really being seen,” she says. In this episode of Unpacking Education, fourth-grade dual language teacher and AVID Certified Educator Courtney Shearer takes us inside her journey with diagnostic teaching. Her experience provided her with the tools, collaboration, and support to reframe challenges as opportunities. From tracking hand signals and student talk time to encouraging metacognitive conversations, Courtney models what it means to reflect with purpose. Her message to fellow educators: start small, plan for joy, and celebrate both student and teacher wins along the way. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore how vibe coding can be used in the K–12 classroom to help students develop critical thinking skills. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode, Anthony Asé, a veteran Algebra and Physics teacher from Lindbergh High School in Renton, Washington, shares how he uses trust, relevance, and creativity to shift student perspectives on math. With over two decades of experience and a passion for working with youth, Anthony brings thoughtful insight into how math classrooms can become spaces of empowerment and growth. Anthony discusses strategies for overcoming math anxiety, using AI as a learning tool, and making math meaningful for students today. In his approach—which centers on student connection, understanding, and respect—Anthony reframes "wrong answers" as learning opportunities and uses puzzles to build community. Tune in for practical tips and an encouraging vision of what math learning can be. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore how EnlightenAI can assist in evaluating student writing and providing valuable formative feedback. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode, we’re joined by Christina Hay, an experienced student support advocate, mentor, and community leader, who brings over a decade of experience in education and youth outreach. Christina shares compelling insights into the challenges and opportunities of working with students both in schools and in community-based settings. When it comes to supporting students, Christina Hay believes the work can’t end when the final bell rings. At the heart of this conversation is the understanding that students need consistent, meaningful support both inside and outside the classroom. “A lot happens when kids leave the school,” Christina says, “and they still need that support. They still need safe spaces. They still need their village, because we are their village.” Throughout the episode, Christina encourages educators to embrace collaboration with families and community organizations to fill in the gaps that schools alone can’t cover. She emphasizes the importance of proactive—not reactive—student support and leaves our listeners with a clear message: When educators, families, and communities work together, students are better equipped to succeed. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore online resources that you can access to stay current with educational technology trends, tools, and integration strategies. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Transitioning to high school is more than just moving up a grade. It’s a full developmental leap. At the heart of this episode is the theme of managing transitions, and our guest, Ann Bucher, brings her unique perspective as both a new high school teacher and a veteran middle school educator. She reflects candidly on the challenges her freshmen face, from learning how to manage time and meet deadlines to understanding that GPA and credits now carry real consequences. Ann emphasizes the power of structure and repetition, noting that even high schoolers benefit from routines and clearly defined expectations. “I want to hold you accountable for your learning,” she tells her students, “but I also want to be real with you that we’re not all going to be perfect all the time.” Her story underscores the importance of grace, honesty, and modeling growth, for students and teachers alike, as they navigate the shifting demands of high school and beyond. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore OpenAI's Teen AI Literacy Blueprint, which outlines a five-step approach to preparing teens with the skills they'll need for an AI-infused world. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we’re joined by Dr. Jessica Djabrayan Hannigan and Dr. John Hannigan—educators, authors, and national consultants—for a powerful conversation on shifting from reactive discipline to proactive behavioral support. Drawing from their experience and research-based frameworks, Jess and John challenge common misconceptions around student misbehavior and unpack how schools can replace punishment with targeted teaching. You’ll learn how their work, including Behavior Academies and Don’t Suspend Me!, equips educators with actionable tools to support students’ behavior and growth and, by extension, transform school climate. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today's episode, we'll explore EduGems, a free collection of premade AI Gems for K-12 Education offered by Eric Curts. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Can artificial intelligence be more than just a time-saver in the classroom? In this episode, education leader and author Becky Keene shares how AI can be a transformative force in K–12 education. Drawing from her book AI Optimism, Becky offers practical frameworks and powerful ideas that move beyond efficiency toward redefining what and how we teach. From classroom-tested strategies to thought-provoking insights on student agency, Becky makes a compelling case for seeing AI not as a threat, but as a tool for creativity and innovation. Tune in to discover how you, and your students, can take the wheel in a reimagined learning landscape. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll review deep research results that include 3 teacher strategies and 7 student-facing practices for effectively using generative AI in K-12 Education. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we sit down with Danielle Reyes—a dynamic AVID Elective educator, instructional coach, and tech-empowered leader—to explore how AI is reshaping classroom practices and professional development. As a member of her district's AI Innovators Cohort, Danielle brings firsthand experience with tools and strategies that support personalized learning, student engagement, and ethical AI use. Danielle shares helpful insights and practical ways that educators can thoughtfully integrate AI into their classrooms, which include using chatbots to build debate skills and differentiating instruction with tools like Diffit. She also emphasizes the importance of foundational digital citizenship, collaborative professional development, and going slow to go far. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore the features and functionality of Chat GPT's Deep Research and compare it to Google's Gemini Deep Research. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we sit down with renowned educator and practitioner Mike Mattos to explore the powerful intersection of Response to Intervention (RTI) and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). With 38 years of experience as a teacher and principal, Mike shares how shifting from individual responsibility to collective action can transform outcomes for all students. Mike offers practical, research-informed strategies to build collaboration, embed intervention into the school day, and create a culture of shared responsibility. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore the features and functionality of Google's Gemini Deep Research as well as ways you might use it in your work as a teacher. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.