Loneliness. Hopelessness. A search for purpose. These are some of the deepest struggles we face today. But what if the answer isn't found in accomplishments, possessions, or fleeting distractions? What if the answer is found in a

relationship with the One who knows you, loves you, and created you with a purpose? This Christmas, I'm stepping aside from our regul

ar episodes to share something deeply personal: how I talk about Jesus in my classroom. As a Christian educator, I believe every child is a masterpiece, and I strive to teach in a way that reflects the love and truth of Christ. In this special episode, you'll hear incredible stories of how God is working in the lives of everyday people-friends, students, and even in my own life.

Jesus isn't just a figure in history; He's alive, He's personal, and He cares deeply about each of us.

Featuring heartfelt accounts from Leandra, Myrna, Kenny, Anna, and a unique student story from Sophie, this episode reveals the beauty of a relationship with Jesus. I also share my own story of middle school bullying and not fitting in as well as my mom's last words of encouragement and hope that she wrote and we read at her funeral in January 2021. If you've ever felt alone, uncertain about your purpose, or simply curious about what it means to know Jesus, this episode is for you. Let's talk about the greatest story ever told-and how it brings hope to the hearts of ordinary people like you and me. Next week, we'll return to our usual episodes, but t

oday, join me for a heartfelt reflection on faith, purpose, and the message of Christmas. Show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/talkjesus

Subscribe to this channel to get classroom news, ideas, and ethical technology ideas. Subscribe to the Cool Cat Teacher Classroom Newsletter for weekly tips and ideas delivered to your inbox every Tuesday morning at www.coolcatteacher.com/newsletter See you later, educator!

The science of attention explains why learning cannot happen without focus—and why one teacher can make all the difference.

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

Artificial intelligence is accelerating faster than most schools can respond—and the greatest risk isn't the technology itself, but how unprepared we are to lead, teach, and think in this new era. In this powerful episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, Dr. Nancy Frey and Vickie Echols offer a practical, grounded roadmap for navigating AI with clarity and confidence.

Dr. Nancy Frey, Professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University, breaks down how AI is reshaping classrooms, assessments, and the ways students process information. She explains the essential "Levels of AI Use," why banning AI is not a long-term strategy, and how teachers can protect learning while strengthening critical thinking.

Leadership expert Vickie Echols, author of AI for School Leaders, helps administrators understand how to reclaim connection in a fast-moving AI world. She shares the tools leaders should be using now, the tasks AI can remove from their workload, and the mindset shifts required to build trust and support staff well-being.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why "ban vs. plan" is the wrong AI debate

• How the 4 Levels of AI Use guide safe, effective classroom practice

• New assessment strategies that make learning visible and cheating far more difficult

• How school leaders can use AI to improve communication and reduce burnout

• A "Stay Smart Checklist" that helps educators use AI responsibly without losing cognitive rigor

This episode gives educators and leaders a clear, actionable way to move forward—without fear and without overwhelm.

Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/criticalai