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

In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, host Vicki Davis explores the "real deal" of AI, education, and student learning. First, AI expert Robert "the AI Guy" Benjamin demystifies leading models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini—and explains why critical thinking matters more than ever. Then, Zach Kinsler from Boodle Box shares insights on working in the AI industry and how young people can use AI responsibly.
Next, Courtney Walker, NASSP's 2024 National Assistant Principal of the Year, reveals how personalized learning pathways are transforming teacher development, while Misa Sato discusses Milwaukee's IB career-related program connecting high schoolers to real-world careers. Finally, Brian Page offers science-backed "homework hacks" that help students take ownership of their learning.
It's real AI, real change, and real progress—all in one inspiring show.

📄 Full show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/realdeal

In this final episode of our three-part math series, we explore how to transform math classrooms into engaging, curiosity-driven environments. Instead of rote memorization, top educators share play-based strategies, project-based learning ideas, and mastery-based instruction to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematics.

Whether you're a math teacher, school leader, or parent, this episode provides practical techniques and real-world applications to make math fun, meaningful, and relevant for students.

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

✔️ How play-based learning makes math fun (Dan Finkel)
✔️ Why productive struggle builds confidence in students (Dr. Lidia Gonzalez)
✔️ The power of Shark Tank-style design challenges in math (Dr. Erin Krupa)
✔️ Using Fortnite Creative for interactive math & physics (Andrew Vanden Heuvel)
✔️ How real-world projects improve math engagement (Tinashe Blanchet)
✔️ The role of differentiation and flexible grouping (Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson)
✔️ The math innovation challenge to bring new ideas into your classroom

• Dan Finkel – Math for Love – Play-based math learning
• Dr. Erin Krupa – NC State University – Math challenges that promote inquiry
• Dr. Lidia Gonzalez – Productive struggle in math
• Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson – Differentiation Central – Differentiating math instruction
• Tinashe Blanchet – iteachmath.org – Real-world math projects
• Andrew Vanden Heuvel – Fortnite Physics Education – Using Fortnite Creative for physics
• Joseph Manfre – Modern Classrooms – Mastery-based, self-paced learning
• Lauren Harris – Project-Based Learning for Math – How projects deepen math retention
• Dan Meyer – Desmos – Using interactive technology in math lessons
• Liesl McConchie – Brain-Based Learning – How to create a math-ready brain

How can we make math classrooms more engaging and effective? In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, I explore brain-based learning, real-world math engagement, differentiation, and mastery-based learning with top experts. Learn how to reduce math anxiety, foster curiosity, and create meaningful learning experiences that help every student succeed. Featuring insights from Liesl McConchie, Dan Meyer, Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson, and Joe Manfre, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to transform your math classroom!

Show notes and bios: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkmath

This is part of a 3 part series on math education.

We start with Dr. Erin Krupa who shares the research about what works in math and is turning math into SharkTank-style adventures. Dr. Lidia Gonzalez, author of Bad at Math, is dismantling the harmful beliefs that hold our students back.

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

This episode of my weekly radio/TV show Cool Cat Teacher Talk spotlights two important topics. First, I Have eight news stories that you'll want to hear about AI. Then, I have interviews with math educators Dr. Jennifer Bay-Williams and Dr. Gina Kling, co-authors of Math Fact Fluency: 60+ Games and Assessment Tools to Support Learning and Retention. We'll dive into how to help children learn math in a low-stress way and they'll give us their favorite math games. Then, at the end of the show, I'll unpack the parent lawsuit against ChatGPT and share the lessons we can learn (and how I'm talking about it to my students.)

• 5 Edtech Tools TEachers are Talking About (Snorkl, Diffit, TeachAid.ca, Book Creator, Google Notebook LM)
• 8 News stories educators are talking about
• Low-Stress Math Learning – Replace anxiety with confidence through games.
• The Research on Timed Tests – Why they fail and what to do instead.
• Parent Partnerships – Changing the "I'm not a math person" mindset.
• AI Literacy and Safety – Understanding the wrongful death case and AI companion dangers.
• Faith and Technology – Why we must teach discernment, not dependence.

Show notes and links: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/s4e1