In this milestone episode of PodcastPD (Episode 150!), Chris and AJ welcome longtime friend and educator, Kathy Kersznowski, author of The Educator's Guidebook for Teaching AI Literacy and Ethics. Kathy shares why AI literacy is the new literacy and how educators can navigate AI responsibly and confidently. She dives into the motivation behind her book, the importance of ethics, and why scenarios and discussions—not fear—are key to helping students use AI well.

Listeners will learn practical ways to introduce AI concepts in any classroom, discover strategies for modeling ethical AI use, and explore why transparency and discussion matter more than ever. Plus, Kathy reveals her favorite AI tools, tips for overwhelmed teachers, and the behind-the-scenes story of her book cover design.

• The inspiration behind Kathy’s book and why educators need AI literacy now.
• What AI literacy means and why it’s as critical as digital literacy.
• Scenarios and discussion prompts: engaging students in real-world AI dilemmas.
• How teachers can model ethical AI use in the classroom.
• Overcoming misconceptions and fears about AI.
• Graphic organizers and resources included in the book.
• Why transparency and modeling AI use is a game-changer for educators.
• Kathy’s personal favorite AI tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and more.
• The story behind the symbolic book cover design.

• Me Here, You There – Steve Somers’ legendary monologues and New York sports talk.
• The Mindset Advantage – JW Hillier on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
• Teacher Nerdz Podcast – Educational conversations on maker spaces, STEM, global education, and more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 149 of PodcastPD, host Chris Nesi flies solo to help educators wrap up the school year with intention and head into summer feeling empowered and inspired. From meaningful end-of-year classroom strategies to practical and rejuvenating summer professional development ideas, this episode is packed with actionable advice for teachers at any grade level.

Chris shares seven thoughtful tips for closing out the school year—from celebrating student growth and collecting feedback, to documenting success and preparing your future self for the fall. He also outlines seven summer PD ideas, including books to read, tech tools to explore, conferences to attend, and the importance of simply resting and rediscovering your “why.” Whether you’re finishing the school year or planning your summer, this episode has something for every educator.

Key Topics Discussed:

7 end-of-year classroom wrap-up strategies

• Celebrate growth beyond grades
• Student feedback surveys
• Classroom cleanup and organization
• Documenting student and professional success
• Reflective teaching practices
• Recognizing colleagues and collaborators
• Writing a message to your future self

7 summer PD ideas to fuel your growth

• Read a professional or personal development book
• Try a new edtech tool (ex: Canva, Padlet, MagicSchool)
• Attend conferences (ISTE, Edcamp NJ, ASCD, ACTE)
• Listen to educational podcasts (House of #EdTech, Education Podcast Network)
• Enroll in a course or earn micro-credentials
• Redesign curriculum with UDL or SEL integration
• Take time to relax, recharge, and rediscover your "why"

Resources & Mentions:

• Edcamp New Jersey – August 14, 2025 at Monmouth University
• House of #EdTech podcast
• Start with Why by Simon Sinek
• Education Podcast Network
• Canva for Education
• Padlet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Becoming a school administrator is both a rewarding and challenging journey. It requires resilience, leadership, and an ability to foster a strong school culture. Todd Bloomer, an experienced educator with over 29 years in the field and more than a decade as a principal, has shared his insights on how administrators can navigate this demanding role. His book, The Blueprint: How to Survive and Thrive as a School Administrator, provides valuable guidance on leadership, culture-building, and mindset. Drawing from his experiences, this episode explores key strategies to help school administrators transition from merely surviving in their roles to truly thriving.

Many new administrators struggle with the transition from teaching to leadership. Common obstacles include:

• Building Trust – Staff members may be hesitant to embrace a new administrator, especially if communication is unclear.
• Time Management – Balancing meetings, classroom visits, and administrative work is demanding.
• Decision-Making Pressure – The responsibility of making impactful decisions can be overwhelming.
• Work-Life Balance – Long hours and school-related responsibilities often interfere with personal life.

Successful administrators clearly define their mission and values and communicate them consistently to staff and students. Transparency fosters trust and alignment within the school community.

• Engage with teachers, students, and parents regularly.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and open dialogue.
• Be visible and approachable—presence in hallways, classrooms, and school events matters.

Delegation is crucial in preventing burnout. Effective administrators prioritize instructional leadership and delegate operational tasks to assistant principals, counselors, or department heads when possible.

• Recognize and celebrate achievements.
• Support teacher growth through mentorship and professional development.
• Promote student engagement by encouraging extracurricular participation.

• Set boundaries to protect personal time.
• Make time for family and personal well-being.
• Engage in hobbies and self-care to maintain mental and physical health.

Leaning into Leadership – Hosted by Darren Peppard, this podcast focuses on leadership in education, offering insights and strategies for school administrators. Todd Bloomer is a frequent guest on this podcast.

One by Willie – A podcast by Texas Monthly, where different artists discuss one Willie Nelson song that has significantly impacted their lives. It explores the deeper meaning of music and its cultural influence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.