Maine Richardson's Blog

Saturday, May 10, 2025

AI Gone Wild, Canva Code, and ChatGPT Tennis?! 15 Edtech News Stories

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

Subscribe to the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts.

You know what time it is — it’s the end of the week, and that means it’s time for your 10-minute edtech news briefing from a real classroom. I’m Vicki Davis, a full-time teacher, instructional tech coach, and IT director, bringing you the stories I’m actually sharing with my students this week — the prompts, tools, and questions we’re exploring in real time.

Here's this week's news. Subscribe on your favorite podcatcher to make sure you never miss an episode.

Teaching Artificial Intelligence is unlike anything we’ve done before — because it’s evolving faster than any curriculum, textbook, or PD schedule can keep up. That’s why I started sharing these weekly updates: to offer a classroom-grounded view of what’s working, what’s changing, and what needs our attention.

We need more teachers — the ones in front of students every day — adding their voices to the AI conversation. My hope is that by sharing what I see and do, I encourage you to do the same. Whether it’s in the breakroom, on social, or in a staff meeting — your insights matter. The only way we guide this well is together.

So, let’s get into this week’s filtered, teacher-tested stories: a new AI protocol that could change how we connect tools, Canva's leap into code generation, a viral badger phrase that’s surprisingly useful for teaching AI hallucinations, and a word of caution about “ChatGPT Tennis.” And I also take a moment to give a celebratory shout out to a beloved edublogging legend for many of us — Larry Ferlazzo on his retirement.

🎧 Watch and Listen to the Episode

📺 Watch on YouTube

🎵 Listen on the Podcast

Stream by clicking here.

Subscribe to the Show

⏰ Episode Chapters (with Time Stamps)

Introduction (00:00)
The Emergence of the MCP (Model Context Protocol) and Why It Matters for Educators — A new open standard could let your AI assistant pull data across platforms like calendars, lesson plans, and gradebooks. Read more (00:19)
Microsoft Releases an AI Agent to Help You Fix Your Windows 11 Computer — An AI assistant for system settings shows how AI could soon support teachers' tech troubleshooting. Read more (01:43)
Fun End of Year Activity with Lifetoon — Turn student memories into free, comic-style visuals. Great for projects or classroom celebrations. Check it out (02:13)
Popular Edublogger Larry Ferlazzo Retires from Teaching — Larry's blog has inspired thousands. Read his announcement (02:26)
How to Use the Viral Phrase ‘You Can't Lick a Badger Twice' to Teach AI Hallucination — A great activity to teach students how generative AI makes up definitions. See it on BlueSky Google example (02:35)
Canva Code Can Make Websites and Apps — Canva's new feature allows students to create interactive projects. Try Canva Code (04:24)
Gemini 2.5 Pro Is Building Better Websites Than Ever — This model is outperforming others in web dev quality. Read about the leaderboard (04:30)
Why AI-Created Code Still Needs Programmer Supervision — Teachers need to help students evaluate AI-generated code. (04:57)
When AI Behaves Unethically in Real Use — Rolling Stone reports eerie behavior from AI models. Read more (05:15)
AI's Role in Content Creation and Spirituality — AI influencing beliefs? Yup. Teachers should guide students in digital discernment. (05:45)
How Many Files Can You Upload to Claude, Gemini, and GPT-4? — A feature breakdown for teaching research with AI. (07:48)
o1 and o3 Models Don’t Support Attachments or Memory — Know which AI tools do what before your students start using them. (08:15)
Don't Play ChatGPT Tennis in Schools — Paul Matthews warns against outsourcing all teaching and learning tasks to AI. Read more (08:38)
Teach Students to Use AI Feedback for Self-Assessment — Pair AI suggestions with teacher rubrics to foster authentic learning. (09:15)

The post AI Gone Wild, Canva Code, and ChatGPT Tennis?! 15 Edtech News Stories appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

If you're seeing this on another site, they are "scraping" my feed and taking my content to present it to you so be aware of this.

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e900/

Thursday, May 8, 2025

5 Ways to Build Your Platform with a Purpose

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

Subscribe to the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts.

If having a good day is what it takes for me to talk about what matters, I don’t know if I’d ever talk—because every day is a mix of good and hard. But I keep showing up because teachers matter, and our voices matter.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve learned that building a platform isn’t about fame—it’s about faithfulness. It’s about showing up, telling the truth, and serving others even when the spotlight doesn’t shine or the algorithm doesn’t favor you.

I’m doing this series because I believe more educators, especially those grounded in purpose and values, need to be visible and vocal in today’s world.

This show is deeply personal to me. It’s part of the legacy I want to leave—not just tips on how to blog or speak, but guidance on building something meaningful, sustainable, and true to who you are.

This is the second episode in the series I'm creating on building a personal brand, I talk about:

How your purpose fuels consistency
Why knowing your strengths and weaknesses matters
How to identify and serve your audience
And the importance of being consistently helpful, even when things are hard

You can find all episodes and resources from the full Personal Branding for Educators series at:
👉 https://www.coolcatteacher.com/brandtips/

🎥 Watch the Episode on YouTube

🎧 Listen to the Podcast

Podcast Title: Building Your Platform with a Purpose
Podcast Series: Cool Cat Teacher Talk – Personal Branding Part 2
📢 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible | iHeart Radio | Deezer

🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode

See the full infographic at the bottom of this post.

Platform Principle #1: Authentic Purpose and Principles Create Sustainability
Your purpose will keep you going when the path gets hard—and people follow passion rooted in values.
Platform Principle #2: Know Your Strengths and Leverage Them
What makes you unique? Your gifts leave clues in the moments that energize you.
Platform Principle #3: Understand Your Weaknesses and Build Systems
Don’t power through your limitations—build workflows, trust your inner circle, and let others help you shine.
Platform Principle #4: Be Clear on Your Audience
The more you know who you’re helping, the more powerful your content becomes.
Platform Principle #5: Be Consistently Helpful
You don’t have to be perfect—just consistently useful to the people you’re called to serve.

✨ Quotes to Remember

“Consistency builds trust, not perfection.”

“You don’t have to be famous to be faithful.”

“My platform is about helping teachers love and serve every child who walks into their classroom.”

🙌 Let’s Build Something That Lasts

Your story, your journey, and your voice matter. Whether you're blogging, speaking, creating videos, or simply encouraging a fellow teacher—you're already influencing others. My hope is that this series helps you do it with more clarity, confidence, and purpose.

👉 Visit the full series archive here:
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/brandtips/

Let me know in the comments: Which principle resonated with you most?
And if you’re building your platform, tag me @coolcatteacher—I’d love to see what you're creating!

7 Principles of Personal Branding

Here are principles I believe that underpin a lasting, helpful personal brand as you're working to share and help people online.

Infographic titled “7 Platform Principles for Personal Branding” by Vicki Davis. It features seven vertically listed principles on a beige background with bold navy blue text. The principles are: 1) Authentic Purpose and Principles Create Sustainability, 2) Know Your Strengths and Leverage Them, 3) Understand Your Weaknesses and Build Systems, 4) Be Clear on Your Audience, 5) Be Consistently Helpful, 6) Select Tools That Match Your Workflow, and 7) Make Decisions Based on Your Values That Add Value to Your Audience. The graphic includes the URL www.coolcatteacher.com/brandtips at the bottom.

The post 5 Ways to Build Your Platform with a Purpose appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

If you're seeing this on another site, they are "scraping" my feed and taking my content to present it to you so be aware of this.

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/build-your-platform-personal-branding/

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

How to Be a More Effective Teacher

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

Subscribe to the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts.

When you’re standing in front of a classroom, what actually works? In this episode, Nathaniel Hansford shares the scientific principles every teacher should know. He draws from meta-analysis and global classroom experience. Then, he explains how to move beyond guesswork and trends. Finally, Nathaniel uses strategies proven to make a difference.

Whether you're new to teaching or a veteran looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with research-based insight you can apply right away.

Listen to the Episode

10 Minute Teacher Podcast – YouTube

10 Minute Teacher Podcast – Audio

Stream by clicking here.

Subscribe to the Show

Key Takeaways

Infographic showing four science-based teaching principles—spaced practice, retrieval practice, feedback loops, and cognitive load management—along with explanations and classroom tips, featuring Nathaniel Hansford and a link to coolcatteacher.com/e899. — What does science say about effective teaching? These 4 research-based strategies—shared by Nathaniel Hansford—can help every teacher improve learning outcomes

What makes someone an effective teacher? 🔍

Nathaniel breaks down how research identifies high-impact strategies that make a difference in real classrooms. It's not about charisma—it's about clarity, feedback, and deliberate practice.

How can teachers use research without being overwhelmed?

He explains how to use meta-analysis to understand which practices are worth investing time in—and which to skip.

Why do so many PD sessions fall flat?

At the end of the show, Vicki shares how professional development often misses the mark because it's not tailored to individual school contexts. Solution Tree’s model (the sponsor of this show) offers a more personalized approach.

What scientific principles of teaching actually work? ⚖️

From spaced practice to retrieval, this episode is full of classroom-ready applications backed by hard data.

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening!

Links Mentioned in the Show

The Scientific Principles of Teaching by Nathaniel Hansford https://a.co/d/cr2PaJM
Pedagogy Non Grata Podcast
Nathaniel's Blog: Teaching by Science
Solution Tree

👤 Guest Bio – Nathaniel Hansford

Nathaniel Hansford has taught every grade from preK to 12 in many interesting and diverse locations—from South Korea to the subarctic of Quebec. He specializes in using meta-analysis research to help teachers implement proven methodologies.

Blog: www.teachingbyscience.com

Twitter: @NateJoseph19

Podcast: Pedagogy Non Grata https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pedagogy-non-grata/id1448225801

The Scientific Principles of Teaching: https://a.co/d/cr2PaJM
The Scientific Principles of Reading Instruction: https://a.co/d/h4aCNQd

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. 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.”

The post How to Be a More Effective Teacher appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

If you're seeing this on another site, they are "scraping" my feed and taking my content to present it to you so be aware of this.

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e899/

Saturday, May 3, 2025

How Do We Know Who’s Human? A New Tech Raises Big Questions

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

Subscribe to the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts.

On May 1, 2025, Sam Altman’s identity project, now called World (formerly Worldcoin), launched iris and face-scanning locations in six U.S. cities.

The goal? Prove you're human — and get a World ID in return (and some of their cryptocurrency.)

A Media Literacy Moment, For Sure

This story is important. As I did research, I was astounded at the variety of angles on this. Also, at what isn't being said and how deeply I had to dig. (Make a copy of my Google Doc with links and resources including the question poster.)

Download the Google Doc with lesson resources

Download the PDF of this poster

So, I wanted to break down the detailed research I conducted. My hope is that these various aspects and articles will help facilitate research and discussion with students. In my opinion, you can teach media literacy by showing the dramatically different angles that these articles share the story of these identity centers. From the “everybody get a free ID and some crypto” articles to the “oh no, this is bad for privacy” angle and even more!

Bias in Sources

Not every story is simple. Not any one news source can be as trusted as the deep, intentional research and reading.

And quite honestly, not every AI tool can be trusted. And, particularly because this is about OpenID, I found that my research required leaning on non-OpenAI tools. (Sam Altman leads OpenAI which created ChatGPT and is a co-founder of World.) I had to lean on AI tools other than ChatGPT to get at what I wanted for this one.

Whatever AI I've used, it is incredibly hard to keep AI from minimizing my skeptical thoughts or concerns about AI. This is why I always write everything myself. I can use AI to format, but even then, I have to give intentional oversight on any work I do in the AI realm when using AI.

A little bit of commentary from Vicki.(AI companies want you to use their tool. AI companies also want you to think favorably about their tools and companies. I am not saying they are intentionally doing anything, but remember, their employees are using their own tools and therefore, the training data, if they are using their own, most likely will bias the results. It is inherent in how AI works. I guess this is why people who say they no longer need people to train them that ChatGPT can tell them everything they need to know means they are not really educated on how AI works. It is this sort of thinking that marginalizes teachers of all ages. Get educated. Isn't that the noble profession we cherish?)

Additionally, as I recorded this, I wanted you to know that there are valid reasons why solutions are needed in a world where AI can imitate humans. However, this identity solution from World, in particular, is full of issues.

Why do we need to prove we are human?

So what are the three major reasons this global ID push is happening?

Stopping identity fraud and deepfakes.
Verifying age online to protect children. This isn't in this solution now, but I can see it coming.
Distinguishing humans from synthetic AI agents (in this case for dating sites.)

You might also be concerned why a dating site like Match.com is partnering with World. And also, why VISA would partner with this program? Good questions. I have my theories. (Even why Austin TX is one of the locations they chose.)

Can a World Identity truly be anonymous?

While World says that everything is anonymous, I want to remind us of its purpose.

It is obvious through the partnerships that the ultimate purpose is to cut fraud and slash fake profiles on dating sites which actually require a connection between you and your WorldID – and that, my friends, by definition is not anonymity. Be careful. Be wise. Your identity is priceless.

I think that the next step is age verification and making sure someone is who they say they are – and likely worse. As I share in the show, social security numbers in the US were never intended to be a national number. But now, if someone steals yours, they can ruin your life.

So, I don't want to steal my own thunder by getting into everything here. I have included all of the notes below. I hope you'll take a few minutes to listen to the show, share your thoughts in the comments on this post or YouTube.

In particular, I'm interested in how you educators and parents will discuss or use this as a current events lesson with your students and children.

Listen to the Episode

How Do We Know Who's Human? – YouTube

How Do We Know Who's Human? – Podcast

Stream by clicking here.

Subscribe to the Show

Key Takeaways

Here are the links for the statistics and commentary I share in this episode.

🤖 What is World and How Does It Work?

World, formerly WorldCoin, is opening U.S. locations in six cities, LA, San Francisco, Atlanta, Nashville, Miami, and Austin to scan your iris (not just your face) with an NVIDIA-powered AI orb. You get a World ID and cryptocurrency. They’ve partnered with Visa and Match Group.

Link: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/business/money-report/sam-altmans-eye-scanning-id-project-launches-in-u-s-with-six-locations/3734896/

🔐 Why Do People Want Human Verification? (And Identity Verification)

Ethical Concerns and Classroom Connections

️Why Iris Scanning Raises Privacy Alarms

My news story last week where I shared concerns about eye tracking for a math app – https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e894/
Your iPhone uses face scan — this is different. This is iris scanning.
Explanation of webcam abilities vs. iris scanning: https://imotions.com/blog/learning/best-practice/webcam-eye-tracking-vs-an-eye-tracker/#how-does-webcam-eye-tracking-work

If It’s Free, You’re the Product

Washington Post's Headline: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/05/02/world-id-iris-biometric-altman/
Google's $5 Billion lawsuit for collecting data in incognito mode: https://www.npr.org/2023/12/30/1222268415/google-settles-5-billion-privacy-lawsuit

Can Good Intentions Go Too Far?

Social Security Numbers were never meant to be a national ID number in the US: https://www.npr.org/2018/03/22/596180023/how-social-security-numbers-became-a-form-of-national-identification
World ID's Website: https://world.org/world-id

Do We Trust Tech Companies with Our Data?

Only 24% trust companies to use data ethically. Source: https://blog.incogni.com/americans-attitudes-towards-privacy-us-survey-2022/
77% don’t trust social media leaders. Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/10/18/how-americans-view-data-privacy/

What the Founder, Alex Blania, Says

Alex Blania's Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xpAnu0QRG8
Tools for Humanity, World's parent organization: https://www.toolsforhumanity.com/

Your Voice Matters 🗣️

In Episode 898, I share what I’ve learned so you can decide what you believe and how to bring it to your classroom. If you’re teaching digital citizenship, ethics, or AI literacy — this episode will help you start a vital classroom conversation.

Found this Helpful?

Leave a comment about what you think or how you'll use this as a lesson with students.
Subscribe or get my newsletter over to the right.

digital identity verification is here with Sam Altman's WorldID

The post How Do We Know Who’s Human? A New Tech Raises Big Questions appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

If you're seeing this on another site, they are "scraping" my feed and taking my content to present it to you so be aware of this.

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e898/

Thursday, May 1, 2025

How to Truly Connect with Students (and Why It Matters)

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

Subscribe to the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Do you have kids you struggle to reach? I do! Do you have kids who you think are acting out just for the attention? Me too! How do you connect with students when you're struggling to fit it all in? It can be done. That is the topic of today's show.

Infographic titled "3 Keys to Connecting with Students" featuring strategies from Dr. Lucy Lambert-Guesnard. Includes: See the Student, Give Meaningful Feedback, and Pivot with Purpose. Designed for Episode 897 of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast. — **3 Keys to Connecting with Students** — Dr. Lucy Lambert-Guesnard shares how teachers can build authentic relationships that help every student feel seen. From Episode 897 of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast.

Back when I first started teaching, I thought the key to success was the perfect lesson plan. Over time, I realized something deeper. Kids need connection to learn. You truly have to relate to educate, as I often say.

In this episode, Dr. Lucy Lambert-Guesnard, a 50-year veteran educator, shares stories and strategies to help us reach every child—especially the ones who seem unreachable. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with wisdom you can use right now in your classroom.

✨ Sponsored by Solution Tree
🎧 Listen to the Episode
- 10 Minute Teacher Podcast – YouTube
- 10 Minute Teacher Podcast – Audio
Key Takeaways
💬 Let’s Stay Connected
👤 Guest Bio – As Submitted

✨ 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.

Learn about Solution Tree's PD Opportunities

🎧 Listen to the Episode

10 Minute Teacher Podcast – YouTube

10 Minute Teacher Podcast – Audio

Stream by clicking here.

Subscribe to the Show

Key Takeaways

How do we build trust before we teach?

Quote graphic featuring the words “You can’t teach the value of X until students know they’re valued” by Dr. Lucy Lambert-Guesnard, from Episode 897 of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast. Set in bold typography on a light background with podcast branding. — This quote from Dr. Lucy Lambert-Guesnard says it all. 💛 Before we reach minds, we have to reach hearts.

“You can't teach the value of X until students know they are valued.” – Dr. Lucy
Dr. Lucy shares why trust is foundational—and how a small gesture, like remembering a favorite drink at Starbucks, can inspire us to help students feel truly seen.

What’s the “softer side” of teaching really about? ️

It’s not praise for praise’s sake—it’s intentional validation that helps students feel safe enough to learn.
Dr. Lucy distinguishes between hollow encouragement and feedback that shows students we see them.

What do we do with “that kid” who’s acting out?

Hear the story of Joey, a paper-ball-throwing student who found a surprising role in classroom culture.
Rather than send him out, Dr. Lucy offers a strategy to redirect his behavior into something positive—and how teachers can do the same without losing structure.

💬 Let’s Stay Connected

📲 Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
✅ Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with a teacher friend!

👤 Guest Bio – As Submitted

Meet Our Guest: Dr. Lucy Lambert-Guesnard

Dr. Lucy Lambert-Guesnard, veteran teacher and author, shares how real connection can transform student engagement and behavior.

Dr. Lucy has been an educator for 50+ years. She has been a teacher, campus administrator, and university professor in the Dallas area. She is the former talk show host of The Dr. Lucy Show:Perspectives on Education (660am The Answer).

Dr. Lucy has recently published The Softer Side of Teaching (a good read for ALL teachers and a MUST read for new teachers). She will soon be joining the ranks of educational podcasters! Be sure to come along for the ride! Twitter: @drlucy88 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucy.lambertguesnard Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lucy-lambert-guesnard

The post How to Truly Connect with Students (and Why It Matters) appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

If you're seeing this on another site, they are "scraping" my feed and taking my content to present it to you so be aware of this.

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e897/

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

5 Free Evernote Features Every Educator Should Know

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

Subscribe to the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Podcast graphic for Episode 896 of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast featuring Dr. Frank Buck with the title "Free Evernote Features Every Educator Should Know." — Episode 896 of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast features Dr. Frank Buck sharing 5 free Evernote tools teachers and school leaders can use to stay organized and boost productivity.

A decade ago, I tried to break up with Evernote—more than once. But somehow, I always come back. Why? Because it still works.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by productivity expert Dr. Frank Buck to explore five free features of Evernote that still make it one of the best digital tools for educators.

Whether you're a teacher with a busy classroom or an administrator handling walkthroughs and meetings, you’ll find real strategies. These strategies will help you to streamline your work and reduce stress.

Whatever you do, make sure you've selected a digital notebook service that works for you. I also help my students do that as well (as I shared in my book, Reinventing Writing — this is still important!)

Listen to the Episode

Free Evernote Features Every Educator Should Know – YouTube

Free Evernote Features Every Educator Should Know – Podcast

Stream by clicking here.

Subscribe to the Show

Infographic titled "5 Free Evernote Features Every Educator Should Know" highlighting tools like Web Clipper, Email to Evernote, Snapshot Search, Custom Templates, and Offline Notebooks with icons and descriptions on a beige background. — Use these 5 free Evernote features to stay organized as an educator. Learn more in Episode 896 with Dr. Frank Buck

Key Takeaways

💻 What Can Evernote’s Free Plan Still Do for Educators?

Evernote might have changed its pricing, but it still offers impressive features at no cost—like email forwarding, offline notes, and custom templates. Frank explains how to use them smartly without hitting the 50-note limit.

📸 How Can Educators Use Evernote to Organize Real-World Information?

From snapping a picture of your bookshelf to archiving Amazon receipts with the web clipper, Frank shares practical ways teachers and leaders can use Evernote to track the details that matter.

👩‍🏫 What Should Administrators Use Evernote For?

Frank shares specific ideas for using Evernote during classroom walkthroughs, meetings with parents, and observations—including attaching audio, images, and typed notes all in one place.

🔎 Why Do So Many Educators Still Use Evernote in 2025?

Despite competition from Notion, OneNote, and Google Keep, Evernote’s fast search, cross-device syncing, and ease of use still make it a productivity powerhouse.

🎧 Don’t Miss an Episode!

📲 Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
💬 Tag a teacher friend who needs to get organized!

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Show

Dr. Frank Buck – Bio as Submitted

Dr. Frank Buck shares five free Evernote features every educator should know. Episode 896 of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast.

Frank Buck is a veteran school administrator, public speaker, productivity coach, and author of Get Organized!: Time Management for School Leaders and Get Organized Digitally!: The Educator's Guide to Time Management! Most people are overwhelmed by the amount of paper and digital information in their lives. Frank Buck makes organization easy so you can increase productivity, decrease stress, and enjoy life.

He has spoken to audiences throughout the United States and internationally to help busy professionals achieve total control over their time and the peace of mind that nothing is falling through the cracks. Global Gurus ranked Frank #1 in the world in the “Time Management” category for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Blog: https://FrankBuck.org

Twitter: @DrFrankBuck

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drfrankbuck/

YouTube: https://YouTube.com/@DrFrankBuck

Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/frank-buck-consulting

Dr. Frank Buck's Books

The post 5 Free Evernote Features Every Educator Should Know appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

If you're seeing this on another site, they are "scraping" my feed and taking my content to present it to you so be aware of this.

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e896/

Monday, April 28, 2025

How to Stop Teacher Burnout Before It Stops You

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

Subscribe to the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Teaching is a calling — but it can also wear you down. We know this. It can be hard on us. It can also affect our families. We need to learn to draw some lines to be healthy.

After 23 years of teaching, I know the feeling all too well. I have tried to hold everything together. But there are times it just isn't possible. Like now. Details aren't necessary but it happens to all of us. That's why today's Monday Motivation episode is so personal and powerful. I told Dr. PBJ that even if I never aired the episode, that this one is for me.

A motivational quote graphic with a light yellow background. The quote reads, "At some point, your body, your nervous system, and your mind says, that's enough," in bold dark blue text. Below the quote, "Dr. PBJ" is written in bold red letters, followed by the website link www.coolcatteacher.com/e895 in smaller dark blue text.

Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson (known as Dr. PBJ) shares her own story of burnout — and how educators like us can stop burnout before it stops you.

Her bestselling Book Disrupting Burnout: The Professional Woman's Lifeline to Finding Purpose, has ideas that can help! If you're feeling stretched too thin, this episode is for you. We can learn how to protect ourselves as teachers while we still serve our teachers well.

Listen to the Episode 🎧

How to Stop Teacher Burnout Before It Stops You – YouTube

How to Stop Teacher Burnout Before It Stops You – Podcast

Stream by clicking here.

Subscribe to the Show

Key Takeaways from the Show ✨

Why is recognizing burnout early so important for teachers? 🚨

Burnout doesn't happen overnight. Dr. PBJ shares how recognizing the early signs — physical exhaustion, emotional fatigue, and disconnection — can help teachers stop the cycle before it's too late. Learn to name what you're experiencing so you can move forward.

“At some point, your body, your nervous system, and your mind says, that's enough.” – Dr. PBJ

How can setting boundaries protect a teacher’s well-being? 🚪

Boundaries aren't selfish — they're necessary. Learn how to define what you're unwilling to lose and prioritize self-care practices that help you thrive inside and outside the classroom. We all have to set those healthy boundaries.

What role should schools play in preventing teacher burnout? 🏫

It's not all on individual teachers. Dr. PBJ shares how schools and districts can rethink support structures, including creative scheduling solutions and “care plans” for educators. Learning to advocate for the teachers at your school is important. Be proactive and help each other. Learn how in the show.

How can teachers start healing if they’re already burned out? ❤️

Starting with small steps — like micro-breaks, moments of fun, and allowing space for emotions — can open the door to true recovery without needing to abandon your passion for teaching.

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Links Mentioned in the Show 🔗

👤 Guest Bio – Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson “Dr. PBJ”

Dr. PBJ focuses on helping educators step back from burnout and thrive. She speaks from experience and a heartfelt passion and shares her expertise from her bestselling book, “Disrupting Burnout.”

Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson, known in her community as Dr. PBJ, gives educators the strategies for accomplishing purposeful work without burnout. Dr. PBJ is an educator of almost 25 years and an Executive Coach for more than 10 years.

She holds a doctoral degree in Education Administration, served in executive leadership at colleges and universities, and facilitated leadership training as a faculty member for the Center for Creative Leadership. Dr. Jackson worked in higher education at many levels, from student assistant to President’s Cabinet and is the recipient of several professional awards and accolades.

Dr. Jackson founded EduCare Training and Consulting, LLC through a purpose of pouring in to those who pour out so much. Much of her work is specifically focused on equipping and refreshing educators. Compassionate work can carry a high price tag: your mind, body, spirit and relationships may be in distress as you serve the needs of others.

Dr. Jackson leads her community to serve well without paying an ultimate price. Dr. PBJ is the creator and host of the Disrupting Burnout podcast as well as the author of the Amazon best-seller, Disrupting Burnout: The professional woman’s LIFELINE to finding purpose.

Blog: https://www.patricebucknerjackson.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drpatricebucknerjackson

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-buckner-jackson-ed-d/

Podcast: https://www.patricebucknerjackson.com/podcast

The post How to Stop Teacher Burnout Before It Stops You appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

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Saturday, May 10, 2025

AI Gone Wild, Canva Code, and ChatGPT Tennis?! 15 Edtech News Stories

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⏰ Episode Chapters (with Time Stamps)

🔗 Related Links Mentioned in the Episode

Thursday, May 8, 2025

5 Ways to Build Your Platform with a Purpose

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🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode

✨ Quotes to Remember

🙌 Let’s Build Something That Lasts

7 Principles of Personal Branding

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

How to Be a More Effective Teacher

Sponsored by Solution Tree

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Key Takeaways

What makes someone an effective teacher? 🔍

How can teachers use research without being overwhelmed?

Why do so many PD sessions fall flat?

What scientific principles of teaching actually work? ⚖️

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Links Mentioned in the Show

👤 Guest Bio – Nathaniel Hansford

Saturday, May 3, 2025

How Do We Know Who’s Human? A New Tech Raises Big Questions

A Media Literacy Moment, For Sure

Bias in Sources

Why do we need to prove we are human?

Can a World Identity truly be anonymous?

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Key Takeaways

🤖 What is World and How Does It Work?

🔐 Why Do People Want Human Verification? (And Identity Verification)

Problem #1: Combatting Identity Fraud

Problem #2: Verifying Age for Online Safety

Problem #3: Dating Scams and Fake Profiles

🧠 AI Is the Biggest Risk Factor

Ethical Concerns and Classroom Connections

️Why Iris Scanning Raises Privacy Alarms

If It’s Free, You’re the Product

Can Good Intentions Go Too Far?

Do We Trust Tech Companies with Our Data?

What the Founder, Alex Blania, Says

Your Voice Matters 🗣️

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Thursday, May 1, 2025

How to Truly Connect with Students (and Why It Matters)

Table of contents

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Key Takeaways

How do we build trust before we teach?

What’s the “softer side” of teaching really about? ️

What do we do with “that kid” who’s acting out?

💬 Let’s Stay Connected

👤 Guest Bio – As Submitted

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

5 Free Evernote Features Every Educator Should Know

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Key Takeaways

💻 What Can Evernote’s Free Plan Still Do for Educators?

📸 How Can Educators Use Evernote to Organize Real-World Information?