News Roundup: What’s the Latest in Edtech and AI Right Now?
What do teachers need to know this week about AI, edtech tools, privacy risks, and time-saving features? In this fast-paced news update, Vicki Davis — the Cool Cat Teacher — shares teacher-tested headlines that impact the classroom. From Google's bulk grading feature to concerns about AI eye-tracking and international AI policy, this episode is packed with insights that matter. Also, a huge health concern with touching the receipts of many of your local retailers. 💡 Includes a teacher tip on using data for AP test prep — and a heads-up about a surprising classroom health hazard! 🗓️ Show notes + resources: www.coolcatteacher.com/e894 💬 Tag a teacher friend who needs to hear this episode!
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10:08
How to Help Every Child Feel Like They Belong
In this inspiring episode, Principal Carlos Ramirez, named "2024 Principal of the Year" by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents shares how he turned a school tradition into a movement for community and inclusion. Discover how he builds trust with families, shows up for students, and leads a school where every child feels they belong. This is a must-listen for school leaders and teachers who want to create a culture of care and connection. 🎯 Highlights Include Leading with Compassion During Crisis: How Carlos returned to school during the pandemic to support families without internet access. A Walk to End Homelessness: How replacing Halloween with a community fundraiser became a new, inclusive tradition. Making Attendance Personal: The powerful impact of walking students to school and starting conversations that build trust. Why Belonging Matters More Than Buzzwords: Carlos explains how to avoid division by focusing on every student’s humanity. 🔗 Show page: www.coolcatteacher.com/e893 📲 Don’t Miss an Episode 🎧 Love the show? Don’t miss an episode — subscribe and leave a review!
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10:24
Fun Grammar Strategies That Actually Work
Can grammar really be fun? Yes! In this episode, literacy coach and author Patty McGee shares fresh, playful ways to teach grammar that actually work—and won't leave kids groaning. If you've ever struggled to make grammar stick, you'll love these shame-free, curiosity-fueled strategies that bring joy and purpose back into your language lessons. (And personally I also like that there can be alternatives to diagramming sentences.) Solution Tree 💼 Sponsor Message: This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree. For over 25 years, Solution Tree has partnered with schools and districts to deliver research-driven professional development that helps teachers turn their passion into real progress for their students. 👉 See the results they’ve helped schools achieve at SolutionTree.com/10MinuteTeacher Highlights Include How to Break Grammar Shame: Why traditional approaches often fail—and what works better Sentence-Based Strategies: From simple to complex, how sentence play builds understanding Fun, Free, and Flexible Ideas: SPF-approved activities that require no fancy tools 🔗 Show page: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e892 Call to Action 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. 🎧 Don’t miss an episode of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast!
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Teaching Math in 2025: Dan Meyer on Tools, Trends, and True Engagement
How do we move beyond drill-and-kill and actually engage students in math? In this visionary episode, Dan Meyer shares how Desmos and Amplify are transforming math classrooms—and what every teacher needs to know for the future of math instruction. Highlights from Dan Meyer include: • Real-Time Math Engagement: How Desmos shifts math from static worksheets to dynamic experiences. How Amplify also works in this area. • Embedded PD That Works: Why the best professional development happens inside the tools teachers already use. • The Mindset Shift: Why great math teachers start with what students already know—not just what’s in the book. 🔗 Episode Page: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e901 💬 Call to Action: 📲 Tag a teacher friend who needs to hear this!
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56% of New Teachers in Texas Are Uncertified: The Impact on Learning
Is passion enough to teach? In this powerful episode, Dr. Jacob Kirksey—Assistant Professor of Education Policy at Texas Tech University—reveals research on the rise of uncertified teachers (56% of new teachers in Texas are uncertified) and the real cost to student learning. Discover why teacher training matters more than ever and how we can fix the broken pipeline in education. 💼 Sponsor Message: This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree. For over 25 years, Solution Tree has partnered with schools and districts to deliver research-driven professional development that helps teachers turn their passion into real progress for their students. 👉 See the results they’ve helped schools achieve at SolutionTree.com/10MinuteTeacher 🧠 Highlights of this episode include: • The Cost of Uncertified Teachers: Students lose 3–4 months of learning in a single year when taught by uncertified teachers. • Impact on Dyslexia Diagnosis: Early learners are significantly less likely to be diagnosed correctly when taught by uncertified educators. • Veteran Teachers Under Strain: Certified teachers are absorbing the load—facing burnout, pacing gaps, and unfair support burdens. 🔗 Episode Page: www.coolcatteacher.com/e890 🎧 Love the show? Don’t miss an episode — subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow educator!
About 10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
Jam-packed with cool classrooms, cool apps, and cool teaching ideas, full-time teacher and award-winning edtech influencer, Vicki Davis, who blogs as the Cool Cat Teacher Blog, loves to interview awesome teachers and educators from around the world on this teacher podcast. Her goal is to interview the most in-classroom teachers on one helpful teacher podcast. This encouraging show will give you quick ideas you can use right away. You can follow Vicki @coolcatteacher on all social media and join the conversation.
South Africa