

My EdTech Life
Dr. Fonz Mendoza
My EdTech Life is where education meets innovation with clarity, caution, and purpose. Hosted by Alfonso "Fonz" Mendoza Jr., this podcast features real conversations with educators, founders, researchers, and thought leaders who are shaping the future of learning.From classroom-tested tools to emerging AI trends, we cut through the noise to spotlight what truly works in K–12 and higher education. As a leading voice in responsible AI adoption, Fonz challenges the hype and elevates voices that often go unheard, bringing practical, ethical, and future-forward insights to every episode.Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, policymaker, or edtech creator, this is your space to connect, question, and grow.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 7, 2021 • 1h 4min
Episode 81: How to Foster A Culture of Innovation
In this episode, we are joined by Sue Tranchina an amazing educator that trains other education leaders on how to integrate technology to engage students through project-based learning and creating a culture of innovation in a classroom.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportSupport the show

Jul 29, 2021 • 52min
Episode 80: Cultivating Creation
Nicte Cuevas is an award-winning Latina Brand Strategist and Graphic Designer who uses empathy-driven methods to evolve, invigorate, and amplify businesses’ unique brand positions. With roots in Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia, she has a deep love for cultural diversity, influencing her work. Nicte translates the complexities of color into purpose-driven branding using color psychology while delivering captivating messaging that can resonate with people on an emotional level. As a LinkedIn Learning instructor, Nicte has taught thousands worldwide with courses on branding, color psychology, and design.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportSupport the show

Jul 24, 2021 • 51min
Episode 79: I Wanna Be...
Matt has served in various roles within K-12 education. His professional experience includes being a high school social studies teacher, middle and high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and director of student support services. In addition to his K-12 work, Matthew has also served as an adjunct professor and field instructor at the collegiate level for student-teachers. Aside from this work, Matthew hosts a K-12 podcast, Leading Out theWoods, and is the author of the children’s book series, I Wanna Be..., starring his son imagining different occupations he would like to grow up to be. Matthew is currently working on his first processing guide, The Sandbox Mentality: Empowering Leadership.Matt is currently a doctoral student at Radford University. He received his B.S from Ferrum College in Social Studies and History, M. Ed from Virginia Tech in Educational Leadership and Administration, Ed.S. in Middle Grades Education, and a Graduate Certificate in Education Law & Policy from the University of Georgia.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportSupport the show

Jul 17, 2021 • 54min
Episode 78: Transition: Classroom to Platform
As an educator for over 15 years, Jamie has constantly worked to improve her methods of teaching and believes the learning process should continue throughout one’s life. A lifelong passion for learning is at the heart of a life well lived and is the foundation for world-ready and able leaders and contributors. Now, as The Juice’s sales manager, she is fortunate to reach beyond the walls of a classroom and help other teachers achieve these goals with their students.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportSupport the show

Jul 10, 2021 • 1h 6min
Episode 77: Unlock The Middle
Join host Alfonso Mendoza in a conversation with Massachusetts principals and podcast hosts of Unlock the Middle, Dean Packard, and Chris Starczewski. We will be talking about their current role as principals and how they work to build a culture of excellence in their schools.Questions:1. What are some ways that you connect with your school community? (Fostering Effective Relationships) 2. What are some areas of teaching and learning that you can lead in the school? (Instructional Leadership)3. What are you hoping teaching and learning look like in your school, and how do you communicate that vision? (Embodying Visionary Leadership)4. How do you build leadership in your school? (Developing Leadership Capacity)5. What will be your “fingerprints” on this building after you leave? (Creating Sustainable Change)--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportSupport the show

Jul 9, 2021 • 55min
Episode 76: Maker Magic
Mario is a NY-based touring family performer with an all-ages theater show and New York Times-recommended virtual experiences full of homespun magic, DIY robotics, and punk rock slapstick. It's magic through the lens of the Maker Movement! He has appeared on Sesame Street, NBC's Universal Kids, and live on tour with David Blaine, who calls him "the best kids magician in the world!!" Mario is also the author of The Maker Magician's Handbook and a content creator for Make: Magazine's Maker Camp programming.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportSupport the show

Jun 26, 2021 • 52min
Episode 75: Podcaster On Fire
Tim Cavey is a husband, stepfather of two, 8th-grade teacher, assistant principal, and the host of the Teachers on Fire podcast. In 2019, he completed a Master's in Educational Leadership degree that re-ignited his fire for teaching and put him on a new path of growth, professional reflection, and content creation. Tim's a firm believer in the growth mindset and advocates often for the kinds of informal professional learning that can be found on social media and in blogs, vlogs, or podcasts. When he's not creating content or spending time with his family, you'll find Tim hiking, flying his drone, or paddleboarding in the chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportSupport the show

Jun 25, 2021 • 1h 3min
Episode 74: Failing Forward Into Innovation
Patrick Hausammann is a perpetual optimist and believer in the power of a #growthmindset to #failforward en route to creativity and innovation. He is the founder of http://UnisonEDU.org (a nonprofit to help schools with PD), co-founder of #EdcampNSV, and is also a Google Certified Innovator, Trainer, and Educator I & II--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportSupport the show

Jun 19, 2021 • 58min
Episode 73: My Secret EdTech Diary
Al Kingsley’s 30-year career in technology is global and local. Globally, his company’s products run 18 million devices. Locally, Al serves on two Multi-Academy Trusts and a local School Governors’ Leadership Group in the UK. He is an expert on myriad educational topics but is most often asked to lend perspective about digital strategy in K-12 education and IT asset management.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportSupport the show

Jun 12, 2021 • 1h 9min
Episode 72: Amplify Creativity
In this episode, we were joined by my great friend and educator Omar Lopez. Omar shared his story of how he used creativity to help him become a better student after moving to the United States from Reynosa, Mexico. Omar has since been an advocate for English Language Learners and through the use of technology he helps amplify student voice and choice.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportSupport the show


