Dr. Marc Isseks, author of Captivate: Engaging and Empowering Students in a World of Digital Distractions, talks bluntly about cell phone policies and his opinion that attempting to ban cell phones is pointless. He also discusses the ways that you can engage students who have a short attention span (sometimes it feels like zero, but there are a few seconds — 3 seconds. Some would say that is zero!)
His thoughts on starting class are important ones to discuss. Whether it is pop culture, or other tips he offers, we can engage students in learning from the moment they walk in the door.
Dr. Marc Isseks is a third-generation educator with 30 years of experience. He has served as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and building administrator in Brooklyn and Long Island. Marc is passionate about sharing strategies to increase student engagement and ensuring that schools cultivate the nurturing and invigorating learning environment every student deserves. A self-proclaimed Educational Pyromaniac, Marc is dedicated to lighting fires under people who work and setting fire to systemic conventions that do not.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode includes some affiliate links. This means that if you choose to buy I will be paid a commission on the affiliate program. However, this is at no additional cost to you. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.
Today, I'm sharing what I've learned and my favorite links from this week. In a world where Perplexity can give us so much, it can't give the perspective of an American teacher who is in the classroom and her observations on what is going on around us. And while I like Perplexity like others do, I used to do these blog posts where I would share what I'd bookmarked from that week.
I used Diigo for years and have been missing the functionality I had in that tool. So, I still have an account and I went back over there this week. This tool lets me bookmark and then generate a report that I can then share. For many years, it was such a great way to share, and honestly, as we move back towards valuing human curation.
(and yes, I do think we will shift that way. While AI is can be helpful, I predict there will be an inevitable backlash and a desire for human curation, particularly as people start sharing fake links and malware intrudes its nasty little head into non-vetted links and websites that aren't adequately maintained but get cited by that form of search.)
What is the new Image Generation engine on ChatGPT 4.5 that everyone is talking about?
In eighth grade class Thursday we discussed the new Image Generation Feature that rolled out with ChatGPT 4.5 on Thursday. It first rolled out to Pro users and then it is coming to free users. We were amazed at the results. I will be writing a full blog post on how I did this.
So, I watched this video ( above) on YouTube about Image Generation on ChatGPT 4.5 and my journey began.
How are Teachers using the new image generation feature in Chat GPT 4.5?
I'm going to do a whole blog post on this, but for creating infographics and content,t we have a massively exciting update to ChatGPT — image creation.
We were playing with it in class, and I turned a picture of three adventurous boys in the class into cartoon characters and then into Veggie Tales characters.
So I saw a note from Holly Clark on Linked In – about how she generated an image from the water cycle (the conversation underneath her post is an interesting one.) She encouraged educators to learn how to use this when it is in the free plan.
I shared this thought and graphic on her post that gives insight to some early observations I have on this tool.
A ChatGPT generated directional blood flow graphic containing errors in labeling the aortic arch and a mispelling of the left atrium. My friend Jessica, our science department chair, and I worked with ChatGPT 4.5 until we had to give up because it wouldn't edit. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post about this.
So the free version is not quite there yet for teachers (but will be.) Also, I generated an image with our science teacher on blood circulation of the heart and there were subtle issues that she saw that I was clueless about – there is a selection and correction tool but we could not get it to work, it wouldn't label the aorta for anything and we ended up having to go into canva to fix it. So this is yet another example of content knowledge being king.
So I've run out of credits until April 2nd (I have pro version ($20/month) and my teachers don't – yet — that is a big price tag for the school to pay but we'll figure it out.) But the problem with it for teachers is if it gets really really close the first time it is great, but if it makes mistakes and you have to fix them, it is almost impossible to get it to do that.
Revision is where it is very very weak. But I do agree with you that ChatGPT is the best and it is my favorite tool by far. (I will be blogging about the experience this week but this is the chart we finally abandoned and yes, this was a harder task but it is ok. It did get the deoxygenated and oxygenated blood right and it is attractive. Just needs to let us revise better. Thanks for sharing, Holly.
How can someone get started with ChatGPT?
I do agree with the “knowing the reasoning behind” and the ability to analyze photos and I also do use the “talk to ChatGPT” features in the car. If you’re feeling like a beginner and want to sharpen up your ChatGPT skills, this is a good place to start.
How can students use Notebook LM in order to study for final exams?
My AP students loved this lesson as I demonstrated Notebook LM to them for studying for finals. They thanked me. Now, these are the same students who expressed skepticism in my Global AI Literacy Day podcast I released Friday but they said, “now, finally an AI that helps me learn. I don't want AI to do work for, I want it to help me learn.”
Note that students must be 18 or older to use Notebook LM from Google.
This video gave me the content, but I'll be sharing in an upcoming video.
How is AI changing the way math teachers plan lessons?
Lauraine Langreo writes an article for Education Week on how AI is changing the way math teachers plan lessons.
Math and AI? Yes, AI is being used by math teachers – here's how.
Opinion: I think what I like most about this article is I know how it was written. The reporter, Lauraine Langreo spent a good thirty minutes talking to me about all of the ways I use AI in the classroom (I have a small quote at the end.) I'm sure each person in this article she talked to them for just as long if not longer, since I'm more Computer Science than math (even though math is in my subject quite heavily.) We need to value, appreciate and reshare the kind of reporting that is humans talking to humans. Human written, human researched and shared. If we do not, we will delegate our most precious freedom – that of personal expression to the bots. And bots can parrot us but they cannot spot moral issues or other things as well as we can. Our words matter and humans matter and so as someone who loves words, I'm going to continue to write in my flawed, imperfect way and to cherish that in my own students.
How do we help develop the metacognitive skills to help us think better and live better?
Bill Murphy, Jr.
In Inc Magazine, Ethan Kross says that we spend ⅓ of our time focused on the past or the future and not living in the moment, and we engage in those conversations with ourselves. The negative self-talk can consume us, as anyone who loves a personal struggle with mental health knows. This article says that if you can address yourself by name and use second-person pronouns in a strategy called “distanced self-talk,” you can literally help yourself. There are other powerful strategies in this article, and it is worth reading.
How do we talk to students about AI and the ethics of AI?
People share their opinions as AI takes their order at Taco Bell. It makes a perfect conversation with my students about the role AI will have in our society.
My goal is to bring in 1-2 real world examples of AI a week. Yesterday in Atlanta I filmed a Waymo training car driving down the street in Atlanta
We discuss what this will feel like. The impact on workers who work at the location and how people might respond to an AI order taker. We discuss what programmers must look for and how it will be trained.
Article Summary
According to USA Today, AI will soon be taking your drive-thru orders at 500 Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC locations as they partner with nVidia starting in April and through June. Let’s see how this goes.
AirPod Live Translation coming soon! While we’re talking Apple, the AirPods might get a live translation feature soon. It can translate live in-person conversations from one language to another. When this happens, it will be truly be a game changer for communications (and also possibly training data for the Apple devices, but they are already full of data.)
Could you imagine what this would do in ELA classrooms where students just grab their airpods and everything can be translated? Also, how do we teach them about mistranslation and what to do when it glitches and doesn't translate everything correctly? Will this be a new school supply?
Audible. -I love to listen to books in the car.It always gives me fresh content from brilliant minds to talk about that day in class.
My Radar – is the best weather app. It willshow you live weather radar on your carplay. There have been times I have changed my leave time from school or direction home and avoided very bad weather. This is literally a lifesaver in my book that everyone should have.
Overcast – My favorite podcast app after Castro went on the fritz for an extended period. (Plus my dear Cuban friend, Mirna just hated it when I recommended Castro even though it has nothing to do with Cuba.)
Music apps – we all have these….
So, depending on how long you commute and even if you don't have carplay, taking time to research the apps can make your commute better and more productive, so here are some links to do that.
from Android Police shares some great tools to get the most of out of your phone when you’re in the car if you have an android. On my iphone I love the live radar and the podcast apps that help me get the most out of my commute.
How can AI help me handle my Gmail faster?
If you use gmail, the new AI-powered search results factors in how you click on things, frequent contacts and they say that emails you are looking for are more likely to be at the top of your results. The new “most relevant” search results are rolling out now.
How are student attendance numbers now in 2024-2025?
According to an article in Schools news, for the first half of 2024-2025 overall K12 school attendance rates have improved, says eschool news, in a study that analyzed more than 1 million students in 143 districts. The overall rate is 93.45%.
What are common interventions that are improving attendance?
They noticed that 7th grade is the “tipping point” where attendance rates drop and chronic absenteeism rises. The report goes on to recommend early warning systems and proactive intervention. Perhaps this is a conversation for middle school teachers in your staff meeting this week.
What are student technology leadership programs and how do they work?
So much of technology is taught in-situ as we experience concerns and problems. I can teach more with one real world problem than a thousand textbooks. If you want to produce tech whizzes, give them lots of problems. Tech and Learning has information on how this works and why they are so effective. If you don’t have one, check it out!
I do this with my truth or fiction game but this approach helps students learn about how people manipulate media and is a simulation. I’m not sure I’ll do with students until I spend some time testing this simulation but the interface and approach are intriguing and worth a look for all of you who are (hopefully) teaching information literacy.
Are people turning away from smart phones and using them differently?
Matthew Hew Lloyd on Linked in wrote about how he is using his smartphone now. It is a great read. I'm finding increasingly good content on Linked In, but let me give you a warning. As someone who has seen the algorithms come and go, I think writing where you control your ownership is very important. Otherwise, when something changes, as has Facebook and their live videos, you are stuck losing content. (If you want to connect on Linked In, here's my profile link.)
Here's my response:
And as I work with kids who have mental health issues – who are so concerned about possible war, problems with China, problems with Russia, the first thing we are taught to do to help is to take away the phone and get rid of all of the news. I know that isn't great sounding but we have to start finding trusted news sources that are human-written, sometimes might be boring, are different from us.
For me, I've gone back to Feedly and am working to curate and add more of my favorite writers there. I've gone back to Diigo and am starting to bookmark again. And I'm pulling away from certain tasks being done by AI.
For example, I derive great joy from writing. It moves my heart and makes me feel alive. Therefore, generating does not spark the same joy for me as writing it myself. Also, no matter what I do, it cannot write like me.
It cannot share that I recorded a waymo self driving training car in Atlanta yesterday that I'll show to my students or discussed the Taco Bell Ai ordering attendant with my family last night at dinner and rolled with laughter.
I'm also working to respond more on writing I like because then the algorithm will do a better job of not bringing the sensational and disturbing to me but good writing like this.
Today is AI Literacy Day, Friday, March 28, 2025. So, as my part in celebrating this day, I thought the best people to speak about this topic is my students. So, I issued a call to my AP students and two of them showed up this past Tuesday and we recorded this show. I think that their honest, intelligent, reflective thoughts of the issue of their generation and their concerns and hopes for the future where my students share:
How teachers can respond in healthy, helpful ways
How they really use AI in the classroom
What AI gets wrong — and how to spot it
Whether AI detection tools work (or not)
Why understanding AI is a national security issue
The ethical dilemmas students face every day
If you didn't want to talk to your students about Artificial Intelligence, you will after this show.
I'm going to watch this with my other classes to start the conversation. The boldness and honesty shines through and I know I'm biased, but I'm just so, so proud of them! Way to go Will and Lucy. Thanks for speaking out!
Also, I'll share how I used AI to edit the show and create graphics below the show content.
How I used AI to edit the show and create graphics
So, as part of AI Literacy Day, I'm going to share all of the ways I used AI in the development, production, and publication of this podcast episode.
Graphic: ChatGPT 4.5
As a note, I developed the Podcast graphic with the new ChatGPT 4.5 Graphic generator (before I ran out of credits – will be writing on that soon!) ChatGPT 4.5 graphics were released this past Wednesday, March 26, 2025. This is one of the most exciting things.
Title: Headline Analyzer
I use Coschedule and Yoast to help me with feedback as I develop titles, so I've been using this a long time. I create options and also generate a few on ChatGPT. (Today I used 4.5 but I created a project for this activity trained on how I like to write titles but I'm pretty sure it uses an older version so I wanted to try the newer one.)
Introduction: Eleven Labs
I also used ElevenLabs and their AI voice for my intro. You can sign up free and use credits to generate what you type into it.
Recording, Camera Selection, Editing with Text to Video
I used Riverside to record, which has text editing (a feature that is AI-based, although I made every edit – you just edit the text and it makes the cuts in the video for me. Riverside AI also determined which camera shot would be featured, and I made a few tweaks to that.)
Spell Check
I used Grammarly for Spell check but not for any AI rewrites. Just commas. (I'm terrible at them. Mrs. Caldwell tried, she really did.)
This Blog Post
I wrote it myself while looking at a summary from Riverside and my own personal handwritten notes.
Thumbnail for Blog Post
I used Canva. I'm out of GPT 4.5 Photo Credits.
AI Transcription
Apple's AI transcription is better than I can do. So, now, if people want a transcript, I refer them to the show on Apple Podcasts, you can click and copy the transcript and read it there. It just happens behind the scenes and I don't check it.
Tags for YouTube
I use VidIQ to help me with my YouTube videos. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep this service as I've been testing it for about a month. I type in 5 tags I think I should use, and it suggests others based on popularity.
Opus Clip
I am also testing Opus Clip for short-form video content, something people consume a lot of these days. I will import the YouTube link, and it will make suggested clips, apply the captions, and my logo. It is a time saver, although I'm still unsure if I like it. Riverside can also generate these, but Opus Clip does auto-scheduling for them.
My Testing
I usually test 1-2 new tools a month. I have a little budget for monthly payment (not annual) to see what I think. So, right now as part of my “innovate like a turtle” strategy, Vidiq and Opus Clip are part of my turtle time as I'm learning. I haven't decided to recommend them or not.
Why Use AI?
So, through the use of AI, I could produce this show in a couple of hours instead of at least 10 or more while still making all of the decisions on edits and content.
Teaching is not easy. We have a difficult job. So much about teaching is a challenge. While I've built this whole website to help teachers and you can click and dig into resources to help you, I want one page to specifically address things unique to being teachers to put all of those resources to help teachers.
So, when I talk specifically things that every teacher needs to know, I'm going to post it here.
YouTube and Your Favorite Podcast Listening App
You can subscribe to this show on YouTube, or in your favorite Podcast directory. The show is released Thursday morning on podcast and on Thursdays on YouTube.
Setting Boundaries and Advocating For Yourself as a Teacher
The youtube video will be released on Thursday March 27 and will be posted here.
(YouTube Video will appear here.)
Show Notes for Setting Boundaries and Advocating for Yourself as a Teacher (Season 2 Episode 10 – Cool Cat Teacher Talk)
These show note times are close (but not quite exact) but still can share with you the part you can go to that will help you the most.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Burnout and Self-Care in Education
00:25 Two Kinds of People
01:40 My Concerns with the Word Self Care
02:00 Practical Strategies for Setting Boundaries
02:57 Teacher Well Being is a Major Predictor of Student Success
03:19 How Teaching Can Attract People Who struggle with Boundaries
04:14 A new end of the day habit that helps
06:48 Preventing Powerlessness and Regaining Power
14:29 A Better Way to Handle Problems is to Have Crucial Conversations Early
16:42 The Importance of Feeling Like We Matter
17:54 Insights from Experts on Teacher Well-Being
25:25 Charle Peck
27:11 How to Do a Rapid Reset
34:33 Morgane Michael – Techniques to Help Cope
40:56 A 3 Time a Day Habit to Help Recenter
43:30 Implementing Self-Care Techniques
52:16 Takeaways on SElf Care
In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, teacher retention and customized learning are at the forefront of discussions among educators and administrators. With teacher shortages becoming a pressing issue nationwide, innovative approaches to instructional leadership and personalized learning are important.
Today you'll meet Courtney Walker, the 2024 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal at Carrollton High School in Georgia. She will share her insights on creating professional learning pathways and customizing education for both teachers and students. Her advice for empowering teachers as part of creating learning objectives for the school and their own personalized learning. Her ideas are exciting!
Key Takeaways:
Teacher Retention and Leadership: Addressing teacher shortages by providing opportunities for teachers to lead without leaving the classroom.
Customized Professional Learning: Implementing professional learning pathways that allow teachers to choose areas of growth and collaborate across disciplines.
Student-Centric Education: Developing personalized learning plans that cater to students' strengths and interests, including internships and advanced coursework.
Collaborative Decision-Making: Involving teachers in the decision-making process to ensure initiatives align with school improvement goals.
Dive deeper into these strategies by listening to the show (or watching it on YouTube.)
Learn how Courtney Walker Personalizes Learning for Teachers and Students – YouTube
Courtney Walker – Bio as Submitted
Reston, VA — The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) named Courtney Walker, assistant principal of Carrollton High School in Carrollton, GA, the 2024 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year. The announcement comes during NASSP’s annual celebration of Assistant Principals Week.
“At the heart of Courtney’s work is a profound understanding of the unique needs of every student and teacher she works with,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “From bridging gaps in advanced coursework access to the Mental Health Minutes program, Courtney’s innovation and passion have built an inclusive and nurturing environment for every student to grow into their best selves. Her commitment to creating personalized educational pathways, ensuring that students are not just prepared but poised for success beyond her school doors, truly sets her apart. We're honored to recognize her incredible contributions and the positive, lasting impact she's made on her school community.”
Walker serves as the assistant principal of teaching and learning at Carrollton High School. She oversees master scheduling, remedial and gifted programs, student awards and recognitions, school improvement initiatives and professional development. The implementations of Professional Learning Pathways and Common Course Teams reflect her commitment to empowering teachers as leaders and improving student outcomes using data-driven instruction and shared leadership.
She also supports school counselors in developing personalized academic plans tailored to student interest and ability to ensure students not only graduate enrolled, enlisted or employed but also engaged as leaders in their communities.
“I genuinely believe in shared leadership, so this honor is a testament to the collective efforts of the teachers, counselors, administrators and support staff within my school and district,” said Walker. “Together, we form a cohesive team, engaging in daily collaboration aimed at enhancing our ability to nurture, prepare and empower students to excel as leaders both academically and personally throughout their high school journey and beyond.”
Carrollton High School Principal Ian Lyle said he is proud of Walker. “I am thrilled Mrs. Walker has been named the NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year,” said Lyle. “This recognition is a testament to her excellence as an administrator and I couldn’t be more proud of her.” Carrollton City Schools
Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus expressed his pride and appreciation for Walker. “Mrs. Walker is the definition of a servant leader,” said Albertus. “She is a dedicated and passionate educator who truly cares about the success and well-being of our staff and students. We are fortunate to have her at Carrollton City Schools and I am very proud NASSP acknowledged the significance of her leadership in education.”
In the world of music education, building a thriving music program is both an art and a science. Music teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of their students, and expert Adrian Gordon offers invaluable insights into this rewarding journey. With over 20 years of experience in the music classroom, leading all-state choruses, and authoring the book “Note to Self: A Music Director’s Guide for Transitioning to a New School and Building a Thriving Music Program,” Adrian Gordon shares his wisdom on student engagement, music classroom strategies, and overcoming challenges such as music program funding and competition with other electives.
Expert Music teacher Adrian Gordon shares some of his tips and pointers on teaching music in episode 884.
Key Takeaways:
Prioritize self-care to sustain your energy and passion as a music teacher.
Remember your “why” to stay motivated and focused on the impact you have on students' lives.
Meet students where they are and set incremental goals to foster growth and confidence.
Build a community within your music program through fun, bonding activities outside the classroom.
Emphasize the importance of patience and discipline in mastering musical skills.
Create a safe and welcoming environment where students feel valued and supported.
For more insights and practical advice from Adrian Gordon, check out the full podcast and video interview.
YouTube Video – How to Build a Thriving Music Program
Adrian Gordon – Bio as Submitted
Adrian Gordon is a 20 year music teacher, composer, and director of award winning orchestras around the country. He is author of “Note to Self” a book for music teachers everywhere.
Adrian Gordon is an internationally performed composer and seasoned music educator. As a composer with Alfred Music and founder of Leap Year Music Publishing, he specializes in publishing string music for diverse school ensembles. His compositions appear on Orchestra Association Music Performance Reading Lists across multiple states, including California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Texas.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, he currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and two sons, serving as the Director of Orchestras at Providence Day School.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode includes some affiliate links. This means that if you choose to buy I will be paid a commission on the affiliate program. However, this is at no additional cost to you. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.
above) on YouTube about Image Generation on ChatGPT 4.5 and my journey began.
See what we did: 
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