Teachers on Fire

→ How can education podcasting impact professional growth over time?→ What is the single most dangerous misconception schools are making about artificial intelligence right now?→ How can design thinking prepare secondary students for a complex, uncertain, technology-driven future?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Alex Gray. Alex is head of sixth form, BSME Network Lead for AI in Education, and founder of the DEEP Education Network, a global platform connecting 1,000+ educators across 50+ countries with courses, community, and evidence-based frameworks for modern teaching. He hosts The International Classroom Podcast, one of Dubai's largest education podcasts with hundreds of thousands of views.You can connect with Alexon LinkedIn,on Instagram @deepeducationnetwork,on YouTube @deepeducationnetwork, and on his website at deepeducationnetwork.com/blog.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Alex Gray is a secondary educator and podcaster in Dubai1:48 - Alex's journey from the UK to Dubai5:43 - Teacher sustainability in international contexts9:26 - Teacher burnout around the globe12:31 - Podcasting as professional development15:46 - AI literacy23:09 - School misconceptions about AI25:30 - Vibe coding29:20 - Design thinking in secondary34:54 - Alex's courses for educators at deepeducationnetwork.com37:46 - How and where to connect with Alex onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://

→ How can we improve the effectiveness of the questions we ask in the classroom?→ What’s a better way to respond the next time we get the classic “I don’t know”?→ What does collecting actionable microdata look like during a live lesson?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Connie Hamilton. Connie is an author and instructional expert known for helping educators shift more thinking to students through effective questioning, collaboration, and high-impact classroom practices.You can connect with ConnieOn Facebook and LinkedIn, On Instagram @conniehamiltonEd andAt her website at conniehamilton.org.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Connie Hamilton is an education author, speaker, and presenter1:14 - How to improve teacher questioning2:57 - Questioning that shows student reasoning5:10 - How to respond to "I don't know"7:39 - Questions that produce more equity and inclusion11:41 - Teacher invisibility - giving students agency and ownership15:33 - Productive struggle - what teachers need to know20:12 - Microdata points for instructional coaches to look for25:55 - Signs of curiosity and inquiry in a classroom27:20 - Providing coaching support to teachers without burdening30:37 - How and where to connect with Connie Hamilton's workVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.

→ What is the single most rewarding aspect of international teaching?→ For educators considering an international leap in their teaching career, what are the most crucial factors to consider?→ What is the most common mistake teachers make when interviewing for an international teaching contract?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Gregory Lemoine. Greg has been teaching overseas for the past 25 years in international schools. He is the author of Finding the Right Fit: Your Professional Guide for International Educator Recruiting Fairs and Amazing Stories of a Teacher Living Overseas. On The International Teacher Podcast, he enjoys spreading the best kept secret in education: international teaching.You can connect with GregoryOn Facebook and LinkedIn,On Instagram @internationalteacherpodcast, and At his website, itpexpat.com.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - What to consider before teaching internationally1:29 - Five years of the International Teacher Podcast4:01 - Reverse culture shock6:18 - The countries Greg has taught in10:47 - The path to ed leadership in international schools12:29 - International teaching recruitment fairs15:59 - The life of a third culture kid (TCK)19:59 - How AI is impacting international schools24:04 - The most rewarding aspect of international teaching25:57 - How and where to connect with Greg Lemoine onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.

→ How do traditional grading systems quietly undermine deep learning?→ How can teachers shift assessment paradigms without burning out?→ What steps can administrative teams take to genuinely support their staff?About Danielle PaloposkiDanielle is an educator and former school administrator with extensive experience as a classroom teacher and middle level leader, specializing in standards aligned, competency based assessment. A contributing author to the British Columbia K–12 Reporting Policy, she has led system wide shifts from traditional grading to competency focused approaches grounded in feedback, professional judgment, and evidence of learning over time. Danielle now partners with the Canadian Assessment Centre to support schools in building coherent, humane, and sustainable assessment systems that cultivate transferable skills and self regulated learners.You can connect with DanielleOn Facebook, LinkedIn, On Instagram @dpalo_ed, and On her website at https://danielle-paloposki.mykajabi.com/Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - How traditional assessment undermines learning4:15 - Why Danielle founded the Competency Code Collective9:52 - How to support teachers in assessment transitions16:10 - Are learning targets just for administrators?18:59 - From evaluator to learning coach23:39 - Ensuring our assessment language is consistent31:08 - How to use AI to design better assessment35:49 - Assessment resources from DanielleVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.

→ Which foundational money concepts do our students struggle with the most?→ Why do states and districts continue to downplay the importance of financial literacy in our curricular standards?→ What is one practical way for teachers to build financial literacy in their classrooms on Monday morning?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Debra Kierstead. Deb is an elementary teacher and financial literacy coach who helps educators bring real-world money skills into the classroom. Her hands-on approach makes budgeting, saving, and spending feel simple and fun - for students and teachers alike.You can connect with DebraOn Facebook, On Instagram @kierstead.deb, andAt her website, liveskillsmoney.com.Take advantage of Deb's free starter class: www.liveskillsmoney.com/free-starter-class (not sponsored)

→ How can we build literacy skills and environmental stewardship at the same time?→ What is the Everglades Foundation Literacy Program, and what resources do they offer classroom teachers?→ What is Everglades Ecoquest, and how can educators use this web-based platform to bring interactive, gamified learning to their students?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Jennifer Diaz. Jennifer Diaz is the Vice President of Education at The Everglades Foundation, where she has dedicated the past 12 years to building and leading Florida’s only comprehensive, statewide Everglades environmental education program. Since joining the Foundation in 2014, she has guided the growth of the Everglades Literacy Program into a national model for place-based environmental learning, now adopted by 31 school districts and reaching more than 300,000 students and families annually.You can connect with the Everglades Foundation …On X @EvergFoundation,On Instagram @evergladesfoundation,On Facebook and LinkedIn, andAt their website, evergladesfoundation.org.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Welcome to Jennifer Diaz, VP of Education at the Everglades Foundation0:16 - The mission and vision of the Everglades Foundation1:07 - Everglades Foundation literacy resources are free to anyone2:02 - Building environmental stewardship through literacy skills4:13 - The Teacher Toolkit 41 lesson plans are curriculum-aligned6:03 - Resources for Spanish and Haitian Creole learners7:41 - What is Everglades Ecoquest and what does it offer students?10:35 - Hands-on learning experiences related to the Everglades12:59 - The Champion Schools program builds environmental leadership<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEkin7_Qdo4&t=954s" ta

How can teachers challenge their gifted learners without burning out?How we spot high-ability learners who might be masking their abilities in the classroom?How can we make sure our choice boards don’t just become busywork?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Dr. Alicia Schroeder-Schock (pronounced Shrader-Shook). Alicia is an educator, consultant, and founder of Elementary Elevated, where she helps teachers design engaging, rigorous learning experiences for advanced elementary learners. With an Ed.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership and a master’s in Educational Psychology, Alicia presents nationally on gifted curriculum and  differentiation and serves on the board of the North Dakota Association for Gifted Children.Connect with AliciaOn her blog at elementaryelevated.comTimestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Welcome to Dr. Alicia Schroeder-Schock1:31 - What are high-ability learners?2:16 - How can we spot them?3:44 - What does elevating standards look like?5:53 - How AI can help to elevate standards6:53 - How to design choice boards8:36 - From objectives to outcomes10:51 - What is curriculum compacting?14:57 - Elevating the student writing process19:13 - How to differentiate for high-ability learners20:41 - Social and emotional challenges25:05 - What's keeping you on fire?<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP4h_IERPFo&t=1738s" target="_

→ What are executive functions, and why do they matter?→ What are the differences between core and higher order executive functions?→ How can we tweak the physical and acoustic environment of our classrooms to support all learners?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teachers on Fire are Sarah Oberle and Mitch Weathers, authors of Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start.Mitch Weathers is an educator, author, and nationally and internationally recognized expert on executive functioning in the classroom, known for translating brain science into practical strategies that work in real schools. His work centers on strengthening students’ skills in organization, task initiation, self-regulation, and follow-through through intentional systems that support learning without increasing teachers’ workloads. Through his writing, speaking, and consulting, he challenges educators to reconsider why students struggle and equips them with a shared language and concrete tools to unlock student potential.Sarah Oberle is an educator, writer, and professional learning designer with 18 years of experience as a primary classroom teacher. Her work centers on helping educators understand how learning happens and how that understanding shapes daily instructional decisions.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle are veteran educators and authors2:37 - What are executive functions?4:29 - Why executive functions matter in primary grades6:59 - Designing tier one environments that support all learners10:10 - Confusing behaviors with executive functions14:13 - Core vs higher order executive functions16:45 - How to reduce cognitive load and improve working memory20:51 - Two ways to reduce cognitive load in the primary classroom25:22

→ How can an education podcast impact personal growth and professional practice?→ Is there still room for more education content creators today?→ How do two veteran educators view today’s educational landscape?About These GuestsToday’s Teachers on Fire are Martin Stuible and Roy Hunt, hosts of the After the Bell podcast. Martin Stuible is deep into his third chapter of life with his creative company, Creative Moments on 11th. Roy Hunt is a geologist, world traveller, master teacher, and podcaster.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Martin Stuible and Roy Hunt are the hosts of the After the Bell podcast1:28 - How Martin and Roy connected4:45 - How the After the Bell podcast was born9:24 - How the podcast has impacted personal growth13:46 - Is there still room for more education podcasts20:21 - Practical habits of self-compassion for overwhelmed educators24:26 - Thoughts on AI in education today31:08 - Thoughts on the thesis of the Digital Delusion40:20 - How to connect with the After the Bell podcastVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.

→ How can educators model healthy skepticism while also being brokers of hope regarding AI tools?→ What practical boundaries can we set so our students don't outsource their critical thinking to algorithms?→ With all that is going on in education and politics, how can we preserve cultures of joy in today's classrooms?About This GuestDean Shareski is a Senior Partnership Consultant with Advanced Learning Partnerships, bringing decades of experience at the intersection of education, leadership, and innovation. He works closely with school systems to translate big ideas—especially around learning design, leadership development, and emerging technologies—into practical, scalable strategies. Known for his clear thinking and candid approach, Dean helps leaders move from aspiration to action.Connect with Dean ShareskiOn X @shareski,On Instagram @dshareski, On his podcast at The Canadian_Ed Leadership Show, andOn his blog at http://ideasandthoughts.org or http://shareski.ca.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Dean Shareski is an author, speaker, writer, and K-12 education consultant1:50 - Educators as "brokers of hope"4:53 - How to model healthy skepticism with AI tools7:38 - Losing students' productive struggle to AI13:38 - Leverage digital tools to amplify and transform student learning17:26 - How to protect the wonder and joy of our classrooms20:59 - Building school teams like the Blue Jays of 202524:42 - Sports gambling creeping into schools28:31 - What gives Dean hope for the future31:48 - What keeps Dean's fire for learning burning bright34:33 - How and where to connect with Dean Shareski onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at <a hr

→ What does recess look like if it is as safe as necessary but not as safe as possible?→ What are the links between the decline of independent, risky play and the rise in student anxiety?→ How do we distinguish between healthy 'rough-and-tumble’ play and actual aggression?Today’s Teachers on Fire are Dr. Mariana Brussoni and Dr. Megan Zeni, the authors of the recently published Embracing Risky Play at School: Getting Kids Outdoors to Explore, Learn, and Grow. Dr. Mariana Brussoni is a Professor within the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine and a scientist with British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, where she leads the Outside Play Lab. Her research reimagines how outdoor and risky play can be integrated into everyday life to help children thrive.Dr. Megan Zeni is a teacher consultant and researcher in the province of British Columbia. She has 3 decades of professional K-7 teaching experience in classrooms, outdoor classrooms, and school gardens. Megan supports just about anyone interested in building capacity for effective and sustainable implementation of risky play, school gardens, and outdoor classrooms in elementary schools. Learn more and follow her work at meganzeni.com.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Welcoming Dr. Mariana Brussoni and Dr. Megan Zeni 2:00 - Distinguishing between RISKS and HAZARDS in the school environment5:24 - As safe as necessary but not as safe as possible7:14 - Surplus safety as a barrier to development10:06 - The 17-second pause before intervening12:42 - Links between the decline of risky play and the rise in student anxiety18:35 - Creating 'Yes spaces' in our schools27:02 - Healthy rough-and-tumble play vs actual aggression30:19 - Items to add to a playground35:22 - Going outdoors consistently beats occasional trips38:16 -

→ Is it still possible to engage productively as a teacher on social media?→ What do our students risk losing when they lean into AI tools and strategies?→ What can be gained by bringing student writing to authentic audiences?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About This Guest, David CutlerDavid is a dad, husband, and writer. He’s also a veteran US history, government, and journalism teacher who is exploring AI in education with caution.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - David Cutler is a high school history and journalism teacher in Massachusetts1:30 - "ChatGPT has no place in my classoom!"2:41 - Don't let AI climb the hill for our kids6:01 - Too much help from AI tools7:49 - Is there a contradiction in belief when teachers use AI tools?12:01 - How teachers can use social media productively17:38 - Teaching students to identify fake news20:53 - Using comic books in the social studies classroom22:40 - The value of frequent, low-stakes assessments24:49 - Sharing student writing with authentic audiences27:31 - Why David writes about education on Medium30:10 - How and where to connect with David Cutler onlineConnect with David Cutleron LinkedIn,on X @spinedu,on Instagram @teachercutler,on Medium at medium.com/@spincutler, and on his website, dcutler.pressfolios.com.Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at <a href="https://teachersonfire.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"

→ How can education leaders help staff move from AI anxiety to AI optimism and fluency?→ How can we make sure that pedagogy always trumps technology in our classrooms?→ How can we promote the kind of disruptive thinking necessary to future-proof our learners for an unpredictable world?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About This Guest, Eric SheningerEric works with schools throughout the world, helping educators meet and exceed their potential to improve outcomes for learners. He is the founder and CEO of Aspire Change EDU, a collaborative consultancy designed to provide personalized support to all educational systems. Prior to this, he was a teacher and an award-winning Principal at New Milford High School.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Eric Sheninger is an award-winning principal, author, and speaker.2:01 - About his book, Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners 3:47 - Leveraging technology and personalized learning frameworks7:56 - How to use AI as a force multiplier as education leaders12:57 - Which AI tools Eric uses for which purposes16:22 - How to move from AI anxiety to AI optimism and fluency21:16 - Pedagogy trumps technology - and that includes AI24:59 - The disruptive thinking necessary to future-proof our learners28:02 - Words for the innovative educator who feels alone34:06 - How and where to connect with Eric online34:54 - Eric's current work on a next bookConnect with Ericon LinkedIn,on X @E_Sheninger,on Instagram @esheninger, on YouTube @EricSheninger, andon his website at <a href="https://ericsheninger.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferr

→ What does it look like to put student connections before content?→ How can we help every student in our communities feel a sense of belonging?→ How can we leverage social media to tell stronger stories as building leaders?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About This Guest, Josh TovarJosh is the proud principal at Memorial Pathway Academy in Garland ISD, just outside of Dallas, Texas. Josh has been in education for over thirty years and has supported at all levels from elementary to university. Josh is the proud son of Virginia and Jesus Tovar, a proud immigrant to the USA and former US Marine.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Josh Tovar is the principal of Memorial Pathway Academy in Garland, TX1:43 - How Josh's wife empowers his leadership7:29 - "No More Orange Jumpsuits" at MPA15:47 - How Josh uses social media to tell stories and build culture21:40 - How Josh makes every MPA student feel that they belong27:02 - Combining the discipline of the Marines with love and joy30:59 - How Josh relates with students who have made big mistakes34:30 - Josh's contributions on two recent ed leadership books39:33 - How and where to connect with Josh onlineConnect with Joshon LinkedIn,on LinkedInand on X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @JTspotlights.Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

I'm trying something NEW!In this first walking journal entry, I reflect on three recent guests on the Teachers on Fire Podcast who inspired changes to my personal and professional life. They are: Edmond Chin, Rich Czyz, and Becky Keene.

→ How can AI tools and technologies support learning in the classroom?→ How can students leverage AI tools for greater creativity and judgment?→ How can we make sure our AI policies align with mission and core pedagogical beliefs?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About This Guest, Becky KeeneBecky is an educator, author, and speaker who helps schools integrate AI to empower students as creators and support innovative teaching and learning. She designs professional learning for teachers and leaders on practical, responsible AI use—blending instructional coaching and game-based learning to make AI meaningful in the classroom.Connect with Beckyon LinkedIn,on X @beckykeene, on Instagram and TikTok @BeckyKeeneEdu, and at her website, beckykeene.com.Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

→ How can principals do better than superficial gestures of teacher appreciation?→ How can we address teaching colleagues who seem caught in a martyr mindset?→ How can school leaders work efficiently without building a toxic culture of rushing?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About This Guest, Ruth PoulsenRuth is an international school leader who has spent her career building cultures of care—from China to Colorado, and next up, Jordan. She’s currently on sabbatical and writing Regenerative Schools, a newsletter exploring the mindset shifts and systems changes needed to prevent the crisis of educator burnout and ultimately, to support student wellbeing.Connect with Ruthon LinkedIn, on Substack at regenerativeschools.substack.comIn This Conversation0:00:00 - Ruth Poulsen is a school principal and education writer.1:31 - Stepping from an industrial paradigm to a regenerative mindset4:56 - Distinguishing between efficiency and frantic rushing9:19 - The "fertilizer" in our schools: toxic element or asset?11:48 - How can teachers show appreciation beyond superficial efforts?14:52 - Surveys: How to take the pulse of teachers effectively20:13 - How to set up tree lines in our schools: boundaries that preserve and protect29:04 - Managing parent complaints30:25 - How to coach colleagues caught in a martyr mindset35:01 - Creating intentional moments in schools that connect with mission36:53 - Ruth talks about Regenerative Schools, her Substack<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?

→ What does it mean to lead with curiosity over expertise?→ How can we make our schools places where the adults like to come to work?→ How can school leaders build a presence that feels more supportive, less policing?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About This Guest, Dr. Danny SteeleDanny is a former award winning principal who speaks to educators around the country about the difference they make for kids. He’s also the author of several best-selling books for educators, including The Instructional Leader in You: 10 Strategies for Every School Leader, Essential Truths for Principals, and The Total Teacher: Understanding the Three Dimensions that Define Effective Educators.Connect with Dannyon LinkedIn, on X @SteeleThoughts,on Instagram @SteeleThoughts,on his blog at https://www.steelethoughts.com/In This Conversation1:50 - Passion drift for school leaders4:09 - Leading with curiosity over expertise6:48 - Creating cultural conditions to overcome stagnancy7:53 - Staff come first, students second8:57 - Admitting vulnerability as a building leader10:31 - Observing the student experience instead of teacher performance12:09 - When an expert teacher struggles to integrate into the community13:15 - Being a supportive resource instead of a policing presence15:11 - Shouting out teachers for their great work16:49 - Building fun and meaningful traditions in your school19:14 - Danny raps about the power of good choices<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DynbyKCv8Zg&t=1266s" target="_b

→ How should we approach the tensions around the Science of Reading?→ What does the art of teaching literacy look like in today’s classroom?→ How can we set up our students for successful independent writing?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About This Guest, Leah MermelsteinLeah collaborates with school districts, educational professionals, learning organizations, and families to enhance K-6 literacy instruction and promote literacy development.Connect with Leahon LinkedIn, on X @MermelsteinLeah,on Instagram @leahmermelsteinconsulting, on her website, leahmermelstein.com, and on her Substack at leahmermelstein.substack.com.In This Conversation0:00:00 - Leah Mermelstein is a literacy consultant based in Hoboken, New Jersey.1:19 - The gradual release model for independent writing5:42 - How to navigate the Science of Reading11:15 - Collaborative writing as the missing link17:53 - The "art" of teaching in a research-aligned classroom23:38 - How to think about teacher feedback29:36 - How parents can support their children in ELA32:46 - Literacy toolkits, personalized coaching, and learning cohorts from Leah34:56 - Where to connect with Leah Mermelstein onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

→ Why must attention become the curriculum of our schools?→ How are classrooms disrupting student attention and learning?→ What is the important choice that our schools and districts must make?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About this guest, Andrew CantaruttiAndrew is an educator and writer with over a decade of experience teaching in public and private schools across Canada and the world. His work bridges classroom practice with educational theory, drawing on insights from philosophy, developmental psychology, and cognitive science to reimagine how learning environments can cultivate focus, depth, and intellectual resilience. Connect with Andrew Cantaruttion LinkedIn, on X @walledgardenedu, on Instagram @walledgardenedu, and at https://walledgardenedu.substack.com.In This Conversation0:00:00 - Andrew Cantarutti is an educator and writer with international experience1:12 - Imagining schools as walled gardens for deep attention and critical thinking4:54 - Teacher reactions to "Why Attention Must Become Curriculum"7:38 - How are we disrupting student attention in the classroom?12:49 - Why schools must avoid the Marketplace Mirror Model16:29 - Gamification of learning, "engagement"18:22 - How do we make attention the curriculum itself?27:19 - Andrew on the role of AI in schools 34:29 - The choice facing schools today37:56 - Where to connect with Andrew Cantarutti onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fir

→ How did a new running habit transform one educator’s life?→ What’s brewing in the coffee world, and what is one bean that we need to try?→ How can we take our own next steps of personal and professional growth in 2026?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About this guest, Edmond ChinToday’s Teacher on Fire is Edmond Chin. Edmond is a runner, coffee connoisseur, and high school teacher in Vancouver, Canada. He’s also a colleague and personal friend of the host, Tim Cavey, which makes this episode extra special.Connect with Edmondon LinkedIn, on X @EdmondC87, andon Instagram @edmondc87In This Conversation0:00:00 - Edmond Chin is a runner, coffee connoisseur, and high school teacher in Vancouver.1:35 - Edmond's running story: how and why it started5:22 - The challenge of building the habit6:26 - The benefits of a running habit8:55 - Keys to consistency13:16 - Edmond's running goals for 202618:46 - How Edmond's coffee quest began20:36 - Coffee highlights from 202522:47 - Why teachers should cultivate passions outside of the classroom24:37 - Edmond's professional goals for this year26:13 - How and where to connect with Edmond Chin onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

→ What hope is there for the school leader who feels constantly overwhelmed?→ What’s the most common productivity pitfall that school leaders fall into?→ How can we manage fires and interruptions without burning out?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About this guest, Rich CzyzRich is a school principal, cofounder of fouroclockfaculty.com, the author of four books on education and leadership. Rich is dedicated to creating productive environments and engaging all stake-holders in meaningful and relevant learning opportunities.Connect with Richon LinkedIn, on X @RACzyz,at his website, https://fouroclockfaculty.com.In This Conversation0:00:00 -  Rich Czyz is the principal of an elementary school in New Jersey1:21 - The vision for school leaders in Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders2:45 - A misconception about productivity4:13 - One immediate shift that education leaders can make5:29 - A common productivity pitfall for school leaders8:08 - Being visible on campus as a building leader9:54 - How to manage interruptions in the weekly calendar12:00 - How to think about delegation when it feels like only you can do it13:57 - 5th Grade students do the intercom announcements15:34 - Doing the work that powers the mission before email18:08 - How to conduct a personal time inventory20:33 - Rich's

→ How can direct instruction impact student learning and growth?→ Where are schools going wrong with technology in the classroom?→ Is it possible for every student to succeed without lowering expectations?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About Dr. Zach GroshellZach is a highly distinguished teacher, instructional coach, and education consultant. Based in Seattle, he works with schools nationwide and internationally to develop high quality instruction based on the science of how kids learn. Zach is the author of Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching, and hosts a podcast, Progressively Incorrect.Connect with Zachon LinkedIn, on X @mrzachg,on Substack at mrzachg.substack.com, and at his website, https://educationrickshaw.com/.In This Conversation0:00:00 - Introducing Dr. Zach Groshell, author of Just Tell Them1:23 - The thesis of Just Tell Them3:00 - The opposite of direct instruction5:20 - Using examples and non-examples in instruction8:17 - Zach's take on success criteria10:14 - Teaching to a group of students effectively13:59 - The role of teacher talk in the classroom18:36 - Can all students succeed without lowering expectations?21:13 - What is effective classroom management?24:23 - The value of starting the class on time26:44 - How schools are getting it wrong with technology<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9p9uYK5Pro&t=2094s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopen

→ What are some moves that teachers can make to protect their mental health?→ What’s better: stay at school til the work is done, or leave as soon as possible?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Rae Hughart. Rae is the CEO and Founder of Teachers Deserve It. She’s also a TEDx Speaker and author of two books: Teachers Deserve It and Teach Better. Growing up with IEP support after being diagnosed with Specific Learning Disabilities in Reading, Writing, and Math, Rae has made it her mission to collaborate with educators and districts nationwide to design mastery learning classrooms that reach all learners. Through Teachers Deserve It, she leads a movement dedicated to empowering educators with sustainable, standards-based grading practices that promote clarity, equity, and student success.Connect with Raeon LinkedIn, on Instagram @RaeHughart,  on TikTok @RaeHughartEDU,on Substack at raehughart.substack.com, and  at her website, teachersdeserveit.com.In This Conversation0:00:00 - Rae Hughart is the founder of Teachers Deserve It2:39 - Boundary 1: Leaving the building after contract hours4:07 - How Rae followed this boundary as a teacher5:49 - Boundary 2: Taking a sick day when we're sick11:58 - Boundary 3: Declining voluntary committees that we don't have capacity for17:08 - Boundary 4: Taking quiet moments on your lunch break19:54 - Boundary 5: Setting email hours23:45 - Should we turn off mobile notifications for email?27:11 - Resources for teachers available at TeachersDeserveIt.com31

→ How can our assessment decisions increase equity for all learners?→ Are learning targets actually a valuable part of instruction and assessment?→ Should teachers give zeros for cheating or deduct marks for late assignment submissions?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Karley Alleyn. Karley is a BC-based assessment consultant, a sessional instructor for the University of Victoria's BEDILR (Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization) program, and a consultant with the Canadian Assessment Centre. Karley's research in assessment identity has led her to speak across BC, Hawaii, London, and in 2026, Singapore.Connect with Karleyon LinkedIn, on Instagram @accessible_assessment, andin her newsletter at https://www.karleyalleyn.com/assessment-identified.In This Conversation0:00:00 - Karley Alleyn is an assessment consultant and former teacher based in BC1:47 - What IS assessment?2:40 - What is the purpose of assessment?4:11 - How can assessment produce greater equity for learners?5:52 - Making every learner feel good?6:38 - Assessment identity as an educator9:54 - Are learning targets valuable or a waste of time?14:01 - Should teachers ever give zeros?19:32 - A great formative assessment strategy23:56 - What does Extending proficiency mean in BC?32:54 - Assessment resources offered by Karley Alleyn35:25 - How and where to c

→ How can we reimagine parent-teacher conferences?→ What are the issues most responsible for burning out teachers today?→ What are some rhythms and activities that can keep our fire for teaching alive?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Jeff Smith. Jeff has taught in 12 schools over 32 years, with high school courses including mathematics (Pre-Algebra through AP Calculus), AP Comparative Government, Human Geography, and US History. He writes about teacher whitespace on Substack on Teachers' Unmuted.Connect with Jeffon LinkedIn andon Substack at https://jeffuson.substack.com/In This Conversation0:00:00 - Jeff Smith is a high school teacher in Illinois1:46 - Are teachers just customer service representatives?4:18 - What Jeff means by "whitespace" - where teachers find agency6:52 - More about whitespace as a metaphor for freedom7:58 - Bringing one story, one question into our conferences10:28 - Jeff's view: what causes teacher burnout?13:11 - What is the Teachers Unmuted blog on Substack all about?16:10 - Why Jeff writes about his professional practice20:08 - The hobbies and interests that keep Jeff on fire23:38 - Where to connect with Jeff Smith and Teachers UnmutedVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

🔥 How can we bring back the golden age of Edu Twitter?🔥 What happens when we step out of the classroom and into edtech?🔥 How should schools and districts think about AI tools for teachers right now?About This GuestScott Nunes is an international keynote speaker and award-winning education technology strategist. He leverages his network of AI researchers, Fortune-500 tech leaders, and workforce-development partners to share insights on the convergence of education, industry, and emerging technologies.Connect with Scotton LinkedIn,on X @mrnunesteach, on Instagram @iammredtech,and on his website, scottnunes.com.In This Conversation0:00:00 - Scott Nunes is an entrepreneur and former teacher based in Texas1:47 - The golden age of Edu Twitter3:15 - How can we bring back Edu Twitter today?5:58 - Scott retraces his professional steps8:49 - How Scott's PLN has produced professional mobility10:50 - How does the corporate life compare with the classroom?14:19 - Scott's value proposition for edtech companies and school districts20:48 - Scott's advice to schools and districts regarding AI tools27:28 - Is there still room for more new edtech companies?30:32 - Will AI replace teachers?34:57 - How Scott maintains his physical health40:00 - How and where to connect with Scott Nunes onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.yout

🔥 What happens when our doubts, mistakes, and questions start to take over?🔥 What is a quick, simple routine that we can follow to rekindle our fire?🔥 How can music build identity and belonging in a learning community?About This GuestSean Gaillard is a school administrator in North Carolina, author of The Pepper Effect, and host of the Leadership Liner Notes podcast. He blogs about leadership, education, and inspiration for Leadership Liner Notes, and is currently writing a new book for Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. titled Leadership Riffs.Connect with Seanon LinkedIn,on X @smgaillard,on Instagram @smgaillard,on his blog at https://seangaillard.com/.In This Conversation0:00:00 - Sean Gaillard is a principal and author in Lexington, North Carolina1:59 - The dark times that education leaders face6:37 - Reset Step 1: Take a breath8:49 - Reset Step 2: Anchor in gratitude12:02 - Reset Step 3: Affirm and reframe15:28 - Reset Step 4: Reconnect21:36 - One more thing: your presence matters24:10 - Revisiting our why, passions, dreams, and values27:22 - How can music build identity and belonging?30:00 - What to expect from Leadership Riffs31:36 - How to motivate teams with low morale34:01 - How and where to connect with Sean Gaillard onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

🔥 Are Kahoot and Blooket the best ways for students to review content?🔥 How can we build fluency, literacy, and thinking skills in the science classroom?🔥 What’s the role of pencils and paper in the classroom of 2025?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Marcie Samayoa. Marcie is a high school chemistry teacher from Los Angeles, California with ten years of experience in the classroom. Through her blog, Scientists in the Making, she shares evidence-based teaching strategies that connect cognitive science to instructional practices.Connect with Marcieon LinkedIn,on X @SciInTheMaking on Instagram @scientistsinthemaking, andon her website at ⁠⁠www.scientistsinthemaking.com⁠⁠.In This Conversation⁠⁠0:00:00⁠⁠ - Marcie Samayoa is a high school chemistry teacher based in Los Angeles, CA⁠⁠1:43⁠⁠ - Doesn't Kahoot increase student engagement?⁠⁠4:16⁠⁠ - Review Step 1: a low-stakes practice test on paper with topics labeled⁠⁠5:48⁠⁠ - Review Step 2: turn to neighbours, compare answers, consult notes, discuss differences⁠⁠8:47⁠⁠ - Review Step 3: students note the topics that they struggled with⁠⁠8:54⁠⁠ - Review Step 4: students review weaker topics using retrieval⁠⁠10:10⁠⁠ - Review Step 5: 2nd practice test, this time in Google Forms without topics⁠⁠12:23⁠⁠ - Review Step 6: students take the test again as homework to build fluency⁠⁠16:55⁠⁠ - The current pushback from educators against overuse of edtech and AI in the classroom⁠⁠21:11⁠⁠ - Marcie's critique of Building Thinking Classrooms<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzEk6172cNw&t=1642s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer

🔥 Are Kahoot and Blooket the best ways for students to review content?🔥 How can we build fluency, literacy, and thinking skills in the science classroom?🔥 What’s the role of pencils and paper in the classroom of 2025?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Marcie Samayoa. Marcie is a high school chemistry teacher from Los Angeles, California with ten years of experience in the classroom. Through her blog, Scientists in the Making, she shares evidence-based teaching strategies that connect cognitive science to instructional practices.Connect with Marcieon LinkedIn,on X @SciInTheMaking on Instagram @scientistsinthemaking, andon her website at ⁠www.scientistsinthemaking.com⁠.In This Conversation⁠0:00:00⁠ - Marcie Samayoa is a high school chemistry teacher based in Los Angeles, CA⁠1:43⁠ - Doesn't Kahoot increase student engagement?⁠4:16⁠ - Review Step 1: a low-stakes practice test on paper with topics labeled⁠5:48⁠ - Review Step 2: turn to neighbours, compare answers, consult notes, discuss differences⁠8:47⁠ - Review Step 3: students note the topics that they struggled with⁠8:54⁠ - Review Step 4: students review weaker topics using retrieval⁠10:10⁠ - Review Step 5: 2nd practice test, this time in Google Forms without topics⁠12:23⁠ - Review Step 6: students take the test again as homework to build fluency⁠16:55⁠ - The current pushback from educators against overuse of edtech and AI in the classroom⁠21:11⁠ - Marcie's critique of Building Thinking Classrooms⁠27:22⁠

🔥 Are Kahoot and Blooket the best ways for students to review content?🔥 How can we build fluency, literacy, and thinking skills in the science classroom?🔥 What’s the role of pencils and paper in the classroom of 2025?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Marcie Samayoa. Marcie is a high school chemistry teacher from Los Angeles, California with ten years of experience in the classroom. Through her blog, Scientists in the Making, she shares evidence-based teaching strategies that connect cognitive science to instructional practices.Connect with Marcieon LinkedIn,on X @SciInTheMaking on Instagram @scientistsinthemaking, andon her website at www.scientistsinthemaking.com.In This Conversation0:00:00 - Marcie Samayoa is a high school chemistry teacher based in Los Angeles, CA1:43 - Doesn't Kahoot increase student engagement?4:16 - Review Step 1: a low-stakes practice test on paper with topics labeled5:48 - Review Step 2: turn to neighbours, compare answers, consult notes, discuss differences8:47 - Review Step 3: students note the topics that they struggled with8:54 - Review Step 4: students review weaker topics using retrieval10:10 - Review Step 5: 2nd practice test, this time in Google Forms without topics12:23 - Review Step 6: students take the test again as homework to build fluency16:55 - The current pushback from educators against overuse of edtech and AI in the classroom21:11 - Marcie's critique of Building Thinking Classrooms27:22 - How and where to conn

🔥 What can we do as teachers to uplift the students in our classrooms?🔥 What happens when our students see themselves in a story of learning?🔥 What should concern us most about AI tools in education?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Marcus Luther. Marcus is a high school English teacher with over a decade in the classroom. He cohosts a teacher-centered podcast and Substack called The Broken Copier, which focus on conversations and strategies to better support teachers.Connect with Marcuson LinkedIn,on X @marcusluther6, on Instagram @thebrokencopier, on BlueSky @marcusluther.bsky.social, and on Substack at thebrokencopier.substack.comIn This Conversation0:00:00 - Marcus Luther is a high school English teacher and host of The Broken Copier2:15 - The heaviness that can settle in a classroom4:31 - Uplifting Move 1: “Everyone write down what ___ said!"7:11 - Uplifting Move 2: Kneeling down and giving quiet praise9:37 - Uplifting Move 3: Ask if you can take a picture and use it as an example11:59 - Uplifting Move 4: Who can I brag to about how well you're doing?16:12 - Helping students reflect on their own writing journeys20:23 - What's the real problem with AI in K-12 education right now?28:27 - How and where to connect with Marcus Luther's reflections onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track CreditTropic Fuse by French FuseGO! by Neffex*All songs retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

🔥 How should teachers start every day?🔥 What are the best ways to organize our workspaces?🔥 When is the right time to leave the school building? About This GuestToday’s Teacher on Fire is Liz Prather. A 30-year high school classroom teacher, Liz is the Co-Director of Programming for the Kentucky Writing Project. She holds an MFA in Fiction from the University of Texas-Austin and is the author of three books about teaching writing from Heinemann Press: Project Based Writing; Story Matters; and The Confidence to Write.Connect with Liz Pratheron LinkedIn and on Substack at https://writingteacher.substack.com/In This Conversation0:00:00 - LIZ PRATHER is a a 30-year high school writing teacher1:43 - Daily Ritual 1: Arrive to school early4:59 - Daily Ritual 2: Take 5 minutes for yourself7:50 - Daily Ritual 3: Organize your room for efficiency11:16 - Daily Ritual 4: Look out for your future self14:41 - Daily Ritual 5: Leave school within an hour of the last bell17:25 - A BIG IDEA about writing instruction in 202520:22 - Encouraging teachers to write and publish their own work23:27 - Three books on writing and instruction by Liz Prather25:31 - Where to connect with Liz Prather onlineConnect with Teachers on Fire and Host Tim Cavey:On X @TeachersOnFire (https://X.com/TeachersOnFire)On Facebook @TeachersOnFire (https://www.facebook.com/TeachersOnFire/)On YouTube @Teachers On Fire (https://www.youtube.com/@teachersonfire)On LinkedIn https://www.linked

When students have committed offenses against other students, staff members, or property, should an apology be optional? Here are my thoughts. Read the blog post here: https://teachersonfire.net/2025/01/26/im-sorry-why-im-in-favor-of-forced-apologies/

🔥 What’s the state of cyberbullying in our schools today? 🔥 What are the silent impacts on our children, and what can we do to protect them? 🔥 When used effectively, can devices actually increase collaboration and communication in the classroom? Join me in conversation with Eva Harvell as we dig into these and other critical questions. About This Guest Eva Harvell serves as the Director of Technology for the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. She was recognized as the 2021 Mississippi Educational Computing Association's Administrator of the Year. As a national speaker, published author, doctoral candidate, and an Education and Research Partner for the Mississippi AI Collaborative, she drives innovation in K-12 educational technology. Connect with Eva Harvell on LinkedIn and on X @techie_teach. This episode is sponsored by Linewize.com. Linewize helps schools, districts and the communities they serve to keep children safe and thriving in their digital lives - in school, at home and everywhere in between. Visit Linewize.com to learn more about their best-in-class filtering, threat detection, and student empowerment solutions. In This Conversation: 0:31 - Who is Eva Harvell? 1:54 - Story time: moving from the classroom to a new position 4:58 - What is the state of cyberbullying in our schools today? 12:22 - What is Linewize and how does Linewize support schools and districts? 23:46 - Are student phone bans the right path forward for schools? 29:06 - Australia's attempt to ban social media for minors 31:37 - Can devices in the classroom actually promote the 4 Cs? 34:21 - Eva's thoughts on AI tools in schools right now 38:19 - Google for Education is squeezing schools and districts into paid tiers 41:09 - A productivity hack: lists 41:42 - An edtech tool pick: Claude.ai <a href="https://ww

🔥 What can teachers do to protect their fire for teaching? 🔥 What can we do to attract and keep great people in our profession? 🔥 What happens in a school community when the principal is not okay? Join me in conversation with MICHELLE PAPA and ERIN TASHIAN as we dig into these critical questions. About These Guests Michelle Papa is the principal of a nationally recognized Middle School to Watch in Northern New Jersey. She is passionate about supporting a healthy and inspiring school climate and culture, understanding this starts with the principal. Michelle is dedicated to continuing her personal and professional growth around the social and emotional learning competencies and is hoping to inspire other educational leaders to do the same. She’s had the privilege to partner with Erin Tashian to promote this mission within her school and district and has seen tremendous impact on her students, staff, and community as a result. Erin Tashian is a distinguished educator, coach, and professional developer, renowned for her efforts in supporting the educator wellness through emotional resilience and self-awareness practices. Erin believes that it is our responsibility as educators to develop a deep understanding of our emotional world so we can create safe, connected school communities that support students and staff academically and emotionally. You can connect with Michelle on LinkedIn and  on X @MPapaEdu. You can connect with Erin on Linkedin, on X @themindfuleds, on Instagram @Erin_Tashian, and  at her website at https://erintashian.com/. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:32 - Who is Michelle Papa? 1:09 - Who is Erin Tashian? 2:30 - Why Erin Tashian left 31 years of teaching elementary to support teachers 5:08 - Is it okay when the principal is not okay? 8:42 - Challenges that teachers face today 11:37 - Michelle on her takeaways from Erin's work 14:08 - Erin Tashian's Educator Wellness Institute <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmBNLkaug6Q&t=1

🔥 How can today’s teachers eat well and care for their bodies? 🔥 How can we fit movement and fitness into our hours at school? 🔥 What are some simple strategies we can follow to improve our nutrition? Join me for this conversation with Florida PE teacher Eric Nelson as he responds. About This Guest: Eric is a K-5 physical education teacher and the Director of Member Success at TeacherFit. TeacherFit provides proactive wellness solutions that focus on physical and mental health for teachers and students. You can connect with Eric on LinkedIn, on X @teacherfit_, on Instagram @teacherfit__, and through the TeacherFit newsletter https://teacherfitnewsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:31 - Who is Eric Nelson? 1:30 - How Eric learned to say no to requests for his time 3:00 - Challenges teachers face in 2024 4:47 - Ways to fit in quick workouts during the school day 7:31 - Advice for the teacher who feels like exercise is torture 9:58 - How to cook nutritious meals with little time 13:11 - Dig it or ditch it? Eric's take on popular fitness practices 16:31 - The TeacherFit newsletter 18:39 - Eric's mental health hacks: detaching from email 20:38 - An edtech tool pick: Canva 22:10 - A book recommendation: Are My Kids on Track? 23:01 - Someone to follow online: Dr. Don Parker <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx3ETrcG-zg&t=1438s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopene

🔥 Can you describe the vision of your school? 🔥 How can teacher-leaders raise up the people around them? 🔥 How can schools and districts better communicate with their communities? Join me for this conversation with national superintendent of the year, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, as he shares his insights on these and other critical questions.  About This Guest: Dr. Joe Sanfelippo is a celebrated educational leader and author. During his tenure as superintendent, his Wisconsin school district was twice recognized for innovation by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Joe was named one of the 100 Most Influential Educators by District Administration Magazine, and in 2019, Education Dive (now K-12 Dive) awarded him National Superintendent of the Year.  You can connect with Joe on LinkedIn, on X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @joe_sanfelippo, and at his website, www.jsanfelippo.com. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:27 - Who is Dr. Joe Sanfelippo? 2:35 - Story time: When the work eclipsed his family relationships 5:07 - How to acknowledge the great work of teachers in your building 8:52 - Narrowing the focus of a community on a collective goal 13:09 - How can teachers lift up the teachers around them? 18:44 - "I don't have time to prioritize my school's brand." 22:03 - How can we protect teacher fire in 2024? 25:23 - How can schools communicate better with their communities? 29:25 - A daily habit: starting and ending the day with encouraging text messages 30:08 - A favorite edtech tool: CapCut 30:38 - A book recomm

🔥 How can media creation activities support student learning? 🔥 How should we think about student phones in today’s classrooms? 🔥 How can we captivate, engage, and empower our students in a world of digital distractions? Join me for this conversation with New York assistant principal, author, and podcaster Dr. MARC ISSEKS as he shares his insights on these and other critical questions. About This Guest: Marc 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 that every student deserves. A self-proclaimed educational pyromaniac, he is dedicated to lighting fires under people who work and setting fire to systemic conventions that do not.  Dr. Isseks is the author of Forward Fast: Making Sense of Education in an Era of Rapid Change (2019) and the recently published Captivate: Engaging and Empowering Students in a World of Digital Distractions. You can connect with Dr. Marc Isseks on LinkedIn, on X @marcisseks, on Instagram and TikTok @edupyro, and on his website at marcisseks.com. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:30 - Who is Dr. Marc Isseks? 2:09 - "What the F was that?" 5:06 - The challenge that teachers face in 2024 6:17 - Hope for the struggling teacher 10:13 - "But this is how we've always done it!" 14:07 - How assessment can play a role in student engagement 17:56 - How media creation can support student learning 21:35 - Can student phones possibly be a win in the classroom? 24:37 - One thing to realize about student motivation 28:55<

🔥 How can we promote values like courage, commitment, and sacrifice in our learning communities? 🔥 What is the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, and how can it impact your school? Join me for this conversation with California middle school teacher and trainer MARILYNN ALFORD-WALSH as she shares her insights on these and other critical questions. About This Guest: Marilynn has been in education for over 30 years, teaching all grade levels from preschool through middle school. Today, she teaches middle school science, college and career, technology, and education courses.  She’s also been a national curriculum trainer for the Medal of Honor Character Development Program for the past 13 years, and uses the program regularly with her middle school students.  You can find out more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Character Development Program at cmohs.org/lessons and the Path to Honor at pathtohonor.cmohs.org/introduction. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:28 - Who is Marilynn Alford-Walsh? 1:28 - Marilynn's story: Building connections with middle schoolers 4:31 - Six Core Values: Courage, Commitment, Integrity, Sacrifice, Citizenship, Patriotism 5:21 - What is courage? 6:09 - What is integrity? 6:51 - What is citizenship? 7:31 - What is sacrifice? 10:11 - How the Character Development Program has impacted Marilynn's students 12:43 - How the CDP supports writing and thinking skills 14:35 - How Marilynn plans to use the CMOHS Path to Honor this year <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

🔥 How has the teaching profession changed over the last five years? 🔥 What would you say to a rookie teacher struggling with imposter syndrome? 🔥 As federal elections approach, what is the role of the Social Studies teacher? Join me for this conversation with New Brunswick resource teacher and podcaster LUCAS CLARKE as he shares his insights on these and other critical questions. About This Guest: Lucas is an academic support teacher in Saint John, New Brunswick, and the host of the Mr. Clarke After Dark podcast. Connect with Lucas on Linkedin, on Instagram and TikTok @mrclarke.afterdark,  on his podcast Mr. Clarke After Dark, and on his YouTube channel @MrClarkeAfterDark. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:30 - Who is Lucas Clarke? 1:33 - Two stories of adversity 11:55 - Why Lucas moved from Alberta to Saint John, New Brunswick 16:59 - Lucas's current position as Academic Support Teacher (Resource Teacher) 20:06 - Resource teacher strategy: Pull students out or push in? 24:39 - Advice for new teachers struggling with Imposter Syndrome 28:54 - How has education changed over the last five years? 32:40 - What is the role of the Social Studies teacher as federal elections loom? 38:14 - The Mr. Clarke After Dark Podcast 43:25 - A productivity hack: grade fewer assignments 45:41 - An edtech app pick: Epic 47:18 - A book recommendation: The Boy Who Was Raised As a Dog 48:56 - An educator to follo

🔥 What does a coaching mindset look like in professional observations? 🔥 How important is mentorship when it comes to the growth of school leaders? 🔥 How can we better support the learning of our youngest readers and writers? Join me for this conversation with author and Director of Literacy LAUREN KAUFMAN as she shares her insights on these and other critical questions. About This Guest Lauren is passionate about empowering teachers to lead and develop lifelong literacy practices in all learners. She serves as a Director of Literacy K-12 in Long Island and is the author of The Leader Inside: Stories of Mentorship to Inspire the Leader Within. You’ll find Lauren’s work on her blog, podcasts, The Teach Better Team, Future Ready Schools, and in various publications including Edutopia, Education Week, George Couros's Because of a Teacher, and Lainie Rowell’s Evolving With Gratitude. Connect with Lauren on Linkedin, on X @LaurenMKaufman, on Instagram @LaurenMKaufman, and at her website, www.LaurenMKaufman.com. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation 0:23 - Who is Lauren Kaufman? 1:47 - Overcoming the disappointment of unmet expectations 5:56 - How can mentorship impact the growth of school leaders? 12:58 - Can formal mentorship structures make a difference? 18:00 - What does the ideal mentorship arrangement look like? 23:11 - What does a coaching mindset look like during teacher observations? 30:07 - What does 30-second feedback look like? 33:40 - The power of job-embedded learning as a model for Pro D 36:23 - A personal productivity hack: slow reading and note-taking 38:22 - Lauren's edtech tool picks: Canva and Notebook LM <a href="h

🔥 What does your school’s dream makerspace look like? 🔥 Will AR and VR tools ever impact K-12 education in a significant way? 🔥 How are students using 3D printing, laser cutting, and sublimation to create? Join me for this conversation with education technology coach JESUS HUERTA as he shares his insights on these and other critical questions. About This Guest: Jesus is an education technology coach based in southern California who believes that access to technology should not be determined by demographics. He believes that improved technology in the classroom can lead to higher engagement and spark student interest in STEAM careers from a young age. Connect with Jesus on Linkedin, on X @jesush1979,  on TikTok @jesush1979,  on Instagram @Mrhuertasclass. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:29⁠ - Who is Jesus Huerta? ⁠1:50⁠ - Story time: rekindling his fire for teaching after the pandemic ⁠5:17⁠ - The state of 3D printing opportunities in K-12 schools today ⁠11:36⁠ - What are K-12 students creating with laser cutting and sublimation? ⁠16:12⁠ - Project-based learning that solves real-world problems for others ⁠21:48⁠ - What would be in your dream school makerspace? ⁠27:37⁠ - Game design as a teaching tool in the classroom ⁠34:23⁠ - Will AR and VR tools ever make a big impact in K-12 classrooms? ⁠45:32⁠ - Jesus's productivity hack: making lists ⁠46:02⁠ - An edtech tool pick: Canva ⁠47:03⁠ - An inspiring educator to follow online: Martin Ricardo Cisneros  @TheTechProfe   ⁠48:20⁠ - How to connect with Jesus Huerta online Connect with Teachers on Fire and Host Tim Cavey: On X @TeachersOnFire (https://X.com/TeachersOnFire) On Facebook @TeachersOnFire (https://www.facebook.com/TeachersOnFire/) On YouTube @Teachers On Fire (https://www.youtube.com/@teachersonfire) On LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/timwcavey/ Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/. Song Track Credit Tropic Fuse by French Fuse GO! by Neffex *All songs retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teachersonfire/

🔥 What does it mean to grow beyond grades? 🔥 What works about standards-based grading, and where does it fall short? 🔥 How can we deemphasize grades and shift the focus to growth in our practice? Join me for this conversation with assessment leader ARTHUR CHIARAVALLI as he shares his insights on these and other critical questions. About This Guest: In his teaching career, Arthur has taught mathematics, language arts, media arts, and technology. He has a passion for helping teachers move toward more humane, effective approaches to assessment, feedback, and reporting that help students develop positive beliefs in their abilities. He is also the founder of Grow Beyond Grades, a global group of educators convinced that teaching and learning is better when we grade less. Connect with Arthur on Linkedin, on X @iamchiaravalli, and on growbeyondgrades.org. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:29 - Who is Arthur Chiaravalli? 2:01 - Arthur's story: hitting an assessment rock bottom in Atlanta 5:49 - The wins and losses of SBG, or Standards-Based Grading 10:56 - Defining gradeless and the practice of grading less 13:40 - Arthur describes his first steps on the journey of grading less 19:55 - Benefits from de-emphasizing grades and focusing on growth 24:30 - Increasing student engagement and engagement 29:56 - Arthur's laments regarding traditional grading practices 36:47 - Why Teachers Going Gradeless became Grow Beyond Grades 39:15 - An update on Arthur's upcoming book 41:01 - What's next for the Grow Beyond Grades team <a href="htt

🔥 How can I take my students and their learning outdoors? 🔥 How do students win when learning occurs outside the school building? 🔥 How do curriculum, feedback, and assessment appear in outdoor environments? Join me for this conversation with LAUREN MACLEAN as she shares her insights on these and other critical questions. About This Guest: Lauren is an elementary school teacher and the author of Me and My Sit Spot, Finding Common Ground, and Sitting with Nature: An Educator's Guide to Sit Spots. She is the host of the Teach Outdoors podcast where she shares her passion for outdoor learning and promoting environmental education. She is also an outdoor learning consultant for school districts in Canada and the USA. Connect with Lauren on Linkedin, on X @lkmaclean, on YouTube @TeachOutdoors on Instagram @teachoutdoors.ca, on TikTok @teachoutdoorsca, and at her website, teachoutdoors.ca. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:15 - Who is Lauren MacLean? 1:25 - Story Time: Lauren recalls responding to an upset parent 4:10 - Lauren describes the themes in her latest book, Finding Common Ground 6:19 - Why teaching and learning outdoors sets Lauren on fire 8:44 - The natural environment around Lauren's elementary school 10:26 - How to respond to the practical challenges of teaching outdoors 13:09 - How to address feedback and assessment in the outdoor classroom 16:24 - Lauren discusses her first children's book, Me and My Sit Spot 19:29 - Nature's Path: 12 months of professional support for schools and educators 21:50 - Lauren previews her next book project: Sitting with Nature <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuwyGJyMaoY&t=1446s" target=

🔥 What does it mean to create a classroom of abundance? 🔥 How can we make multiple iterations of work an integral part of our learning culture? 🔥 How can we build strong relationships with our students at the start of the school year? Join me for this conversation with ADRIAN NEIBAUER as he shares his insights on these and other critical leadership questions. About This Guest: Adrian is a public school educator in Colorado with 20+ years of experience in helping students find their voices. His elementary classes rely on design thinking as a process for creativity and innovation. Forever a student of teaching, Adrian runs learning experiments in his classroom to collect feedback on what’s working and tweak things that are not. Connect with Adrian on Linkedin, on X @MrNeibauer,  at his website, adrian-neibauer.com, and  on Substack at adrianneibauer.substack.com. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:27 - Who is Adrian Neibauer? 1:48 - Adrian's story of teaching through some low years 3:58 - How to build relationships with students in the first week of school 9:28 - Designing learning experiences and classrooms of abundance 13:32 - Design thinking in the English Language Arts classroom 18:20 - Why Adrian blogs about teaching and learning on Substack 23:21 - Adrian talks about his YouTube video titled 'Why I Teach' 27:15 - A message for veteran teachers who feel off their game 30:31 - Adrian loves reading and writing poetry 31:09 - A productivity habit: a little bit every day 32:19 - An edtech tool pick: Microsoft Flip <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fvqoWsggwI&t=1979s" target="_blank" rel="noreferr

🔥 What are the core ingredients of successful school leadership teams? 🔥 How important is mindset when it comes to the effectiveness of a school leader? 🔥 What is one piece of advice that new principals, APs, and teacher-leaders should consider as they head into this school year? Join me for this conversation with Dr. DARRIN PEPPARD as he shares his insights on these and other critical leadership questions. About This Guest: Dr. Darrin Peppard is an author, leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on developing emerging leaders and building organizational cultures. He is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering high school principal’, Darrin shares strategies and lessons learned from 26 years in public education to help leaders gain clarity, find joy in their work, and walk in their purpose. Connect with Darrin on Linkedin, on X @DarrinMPeppard, On TikTok @DarrinMPeppard, on Instagram @darrin_m_peppard,  on YouTube at Darrin M Peppard EdD, at his website, https://darrinpeppard.edublogs.org/, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/darrin.peppard. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:27 - Who is Dr. Darrin Peppard? 2:04 - Darrin tells the story of his rocky start in school leadership 8:03 - How significant is mindset when it comes to the effectiveness of a school leader? 11:40 - What are the core ingredients of successful school leadership teams? 17:49 - What are the most common pitfalls of school leadership teams? 21:57 - What's the first step to repairing a broken system? (Question from ‪@ElementalEducator‬) 25:24 - Advice for new principals and school leaders <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngT6r_8yAb8&t=1720s" target="_blank" rel="noreferr

🔥 What is one mindset shift I need to make as a teacher in 2024? 🔥 Why do student-centered approaches matter now more than ever? 🔥 How can generative AI support project-based learning in the classroom? Join me for this conversation with Hong Kong educator KYLE WAGNER as he shares his insights on these and other questions. About This Guest: Kyle is the founder and lead PBL/Learning Design Coach for Transform Educational Consulting, an organization that empowers forward thinking schools and educators to create more globally, socially and emotionally aware citizens through project-based experiences and student-centered environments. Kyle is also the former Coordinator of Futures Academy at the International School of Beijing, has 12 years classroom teaching experience, and worked as a Humanities Teacher at world-renowned High Tech High. He has authored The Power of SIMPLE and Where is the Teacher, hosts a popular podcast, and holds an M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership. Connect with Kyle on Linkedin, on X @kwagssd3, on Instagram @kylewagner3, on YouTube at @transformschool, and at his website, www.transformschool.com, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/transformyourschool. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:28 - Who is Kyle Wagner? 1:58 - Kyle tells a story of losing his job in his second year of teaching 4:22 - In the age of AI, why do student-centered approaches matter now more than ever? 6:52 - Kyle explains what he means in the title of his book: Where is the Teacher? 9:09 - Shift: Moving student learning from content-driven to inquiry-driven 10:58 - Shift: Moving motivation from grades to problem-solving (deeper purpose) 13:36 - How can Chat GPT power deeper project-based learning experiences? 17:09 - "Simple designs beget complex behaviours" <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVcdoYVGn6E&t=1293s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopen

🔥 How can we create a sense of belonging for every learner? 🔥 How can we make the physical spaces of our schools more welcoming? 🔥 What are 1-2 tangible daily practices that we can use to promote cultures of positivity in our schools? Join me for this conversation with BC educator MORGANE MICHAEL as she shares her insights on these and other questions. About This Guest: Morgane is a teacher and mother of two boys in Victoria, Canada. She is also a coach, speaker, and host of the KindSight 101 podcast. She has written two books: From Burnt Out to Fired Up (2021) and Blueprint for Belonging, A: Building a Positive School Culture From the Ground Up (2024). Connect with Morgane on Linkedin, on X @MorganeMichael, on Instagram @SmallActBigImpact, on TikTok @Morgane.Michael, on YouTube at Small Act Big Impact, and at her website, https://morganemichael.com/. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:30 - Who is Morgane Michael? 1:54 - Morgane's experience of not speaking English as a student 6:28 - Is belonging actually important in the learning environment? 10:20 - Daily practices that build cultures of positivity in our school 17:17 - How to make our physical spaces in our schools feel welcoming 23:37 - How boundaries contribute to a sense of belonging 27:16 - Morgane's sense of teacher morale across North America today 31:15 - Morgane's coaching services for educators looking to offer more 34:30 - Passions outside of education: kids, working out, and travel 35:23 - A productivity hack: the Pomodoro Technique 35:56 - An edtech tool pick: Canva <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7mFm7MwsCs&t=2198s" target="_

🔥 How can play-based learning change mindsets in Math class? 🔥 How can teachers develop core competencies in their students? 🔥 What can a collaborative learning model look like in your classroom? Join me for this conversation with BC educator ASHLEY BODNAR as she shares her insights on these and other questions. About This Guest: Ashley is a teacher in Coquitlam, Canada. She was a 2023 recipient of the Prime Minister’s Teaching Excellence Certificate of Achievement and is known for her work in inquiry, collaboration, and building students’ core competencies.  Connect with Ashley on Linkedin and on Instagram @teachreflectrepeat. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00am Pacific and 11:00am Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. In This Conversation: 0:28 - Who is Ashley Bodnar? 1:27 - A story of resistance before collaboration 3:51 - What is a collaborative learning model? 7:43 - Beginning the teacher journey as a paraprofessional 10:22 - Teaching in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside 13:30 - Core competencies for every student in BC 14:43 - Ashley's book aims to support core competency integration 17:07 - Play-based learning in the Math classroom 20:24 - Ashley's learning outside of education: yoga, wellness, self-care 21:30 - A productivity hack: bookmarking ideas on teacher Instagram 22:21 - Two edtech app picks: Canva and Classroom Screen 23:35 - Ashley's book recommendation: What Happened to You 24:29 - An educator to follow online:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@edutopia" target="