Are you a teacher feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks and struggling to find time for what truly matters—your students? In this episode of The 10 Minute Teacher Podcast, Dr. Desiree Alexander, an award-winning educator and consultant, shares 11 practical time management hacks every teacher can use to reclaim their time and reduce stress. 📋 Show Notes: Access the full show notes and links mentioned in this episode at coolcatteacher.com/e879. 🎓 About Dr. Desiree Alexander: Dr. Desiree Alexander is the Founder and CEO of Educator Alexander Consulting, LLC, and the Deputy Director for the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana. With over two decades of experience in education, she is an award-winning speaker, consultant, and advocate for teachers. Her work focuses on empowering educators with practical strategies and tools to thrive in their profession. 📧 Subscribe to the Cool Cat Teacher Newsletter: Stay up-to-date with inspiring teaching tips and resources by subscribing to our newsletter at coolcatteacher.com/newsletter. 📺 Watch on YouTube: Want to see more engaging content? Watch this episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel at youtube.com/coolcatteacher. 🎧 Where to Listen: Subscribe and listen to The 10 Minute Teacher Podcast on your favorite platforms.   Classroom Organization Tips: 01:24 ⏳ 1. Get Organized  Declutter your workspace and avoid the dreaded “stack of death.” Set up a simple and functional filing system to make paperwork more manageable. 01:45 📂 2. Use a Simple Filing System  Whether digital or paper, having an easy-to-use system will keep your materials accessible and prevent last-minute scrambling. 02:15 📝 3. Empower Students to File Their Own Work  Save time by letting students take responsibility for filing their assignments. This simple step fosters organization skills and lightens your workload. Personal Productivity Hacks: 03:02 📅 4. Plan Lessons Early to Reduce Last-Minute Stress Gather resources ahead of time—copies, books, manipulatives—to avoid scrambling when the copier inevitably breaks right before class. 05:03 👥 5. Have Multitasking Moments to Socialize and Get Work Done  Balance productivity with connection! Grade papers or file documents while chatting with colleagues, so you don’t have to take as much work home. 05:54 🚪 6. Close the Door and Minimize Distractions  Find a quiet space to focus during planning periods, so you can get work done efficiently without unnecessary interruptions. 06:10 🏡 7. Protect Your Peace and Work-Life Balance  Your well-being matters. Set limits on how much work you bring home, and make time for family, rest, and hobbies. Technology and Task Management Tips 06:50 ✅ 8. Use the Answer, File, Delete (AFD) or Three D’s (Delegate, Dump, Do) Method  Prioritize your tasks by immediately answering, filing, or deleting emails. If it doesn’t need your attention, delegate or dump it! 08:03 📧 9. Use Email Tools Like Sweep to Stay Organized  Leverage email automation tools like Sweep to clear out old emails, filter messages, and keep your inbox manageable. Important principles to remember as you manage your time 09:30💡 10. Put People First When Prioritizing Tasks  Before diving into your to-do list, check in with students and colleagues. Prioritizing people builds stronger relationships and improves your day. 10:21 🚧 11. Set Boundaries and Say No  Educators are natural people-pleasers, but overcommitting leads to burnout. Practice saying “no” and protect your time.   Thank you for listening to the show! Subscribe to my newsletter at coolcatteacher.com/newsletter and let's connect on social @coolcatteacher wherever you connect! See you later educator!

Discover how to revolutionize student support with RTI (Response to Intervention) and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) in this expert-led episode. Mike Mattos, an internationally recognized educator, author, and co-creator of the RTI at Work™ model, shares proven strategies to help schools ensure every learner thrives. Drawing from decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and thought leader in professional learning communities, Mike breaks down practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, and insights for building a powerful framework of student success. Whether you're a teacher, principal, or district leader, this episode is packed with actionable advice to make RTI and MTSS work in your school. Learn more about Mike Mattos, his books, and resources at www.coolcatteacher.com/rti-mtss.

Discover how to break free from algorithmic echo chambers and reclaim your personalized news feed. In this episode, William “Coach” Jeffery, an experienced educator and innovator, shares insights on using tools like Flipboard and the Fediverse to curate reliable, authentic, and diverse content for educators. Learn how to overcome filter bubbles, follow relevant hashtags, and amplify your professional learning with human-curated tools. Whether you're an educator or someone curious about alternative approaches to consuming news, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and inspiring discussions. Episode Highlights Include: How Flipboard supports personalized, algorithm-free content curation. The role of the Fediverse in expanding digital reach and connectivity. Practical tips for educators to curate professional learning resources. Perfect for K–12 teachers, administrators, and EdTech enthusiasts who want to stay informed without algorithmic constraints. Listen now and start breaking the algorithm today! Show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e877

In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, technology is redefining how we teach and learn. With the release of Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia, students and educators now have AI tools at their fingertips, embedded in everyday devices and apps. In this episode of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast, Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher will cover: How Apple Intelligence integrates into apps, web browsers, and writing tools like Google Docs. A comparison between Apple Intelligence and Google's Gemini AI in education. Practical classroom applications, tips, and strategies to harness these tools effectively. Why thoughtful use of AI matters for encouraging meaningful learning experiences. Join host Vicki Davis as she navigates the opportunities and challenges of integrating Apple’s latest AI tools into your classroom. 🔗 Show Notes: For links and resources mentioned in this episode, visit coolcatteacher.com/e876. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The functionality and accessibility of Apple Intelligence. How students are already using AI tools in their devices (and how schools need to adjust) Steps educators can take to supervise and guide effective AI use in schools. 🎧 Listen now to stay ahead in education and leverage cutting-edge tools for your students!

🌟 Leadership is not about ego; it’s about transformation. 🌟 In this inspiring episode, Dr. Samuel Nix, award-winning educator and Chief Academic Officer of Duncanville Independent School District, shares actionable strategies for transforming school culture, rebuilding trust, and leading with humility. Whether you're striving to improve assessments, foster thriving school environments, or grow as a leader, this episode is packed with insights you can use immediately. 🔑 What You'll Learn: How to shift from being a results-only leader to one who inspires trust and connection. Practical ways to create a school culture where teachers, students, and parents thrive. Why formative assessments are tools for growth, not just grades. The role of language in leadership and how it fosters problem-solving mindsets. Strategies for recovering and growing after leadership setbacks. Don’t miss these key insights to transform your leadership and school culture! 👉 Watch the full episode and find the show notes here: www.coolcatteacher.com/e875 🎯 Key Takeaways: Servant Leadership: Recognize when ego is holding you back and how to lead with humility. Rebuilding Trust: Learn strategies to rebuild your reputation as a leader. Feedback & Growth: Create an environment where students and teachers can thrive through meaningful feedback. Vision-Driven Leadership: Focus on solutions and possibilities instead of barriers. ✨ Subscribe for More: Hit the subscribe button for more episodes of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast, where we bring you actionable tips and inspiration for school leaders and educators.

In this episode of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Shapiro, author of The New Childhood: Raising Kids to Thrive in a Connected World. We tackle one of the most pressing challenges for parents and teachers today: how to help kids develop healthy relationships with their devices. From cell phone bans to managing screen time, we dive into the heart of the frustrations many adults face when navigating technology with children. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why kids struggle with device self-regulation and how adults can help them develop this critical skill. The concept of Joint Media Engagement (JME) and how sharing screen time with children can lead to healthier habits. A balanced perspective on the debate over cell phone bans in schools and what might work best for your classroom or district. How to encourage kids to engage critically with technology rather than passively consuming content. The role of AI tools like ChatGPT in education, including their limitations and how to guide students toward deeper, creative thinking. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Background 03:20 – The Importance of Joint Media Engagement (JME) 07:04 – The Debate on Cell Phone Bans in Schools 08:33 – Navigating Technology in the Classroom 14:59 – The Limitations of AI in Education 17:35 – Conclusion 👉 Listen now and access full show notes and bios at coolcatteacher.com/e874.

Gretchen Bridgers, a veteran teacher, coach, and author of "Always a Lesson," shares essential strategies for building impactful classrooms. She emphasizes thoughtful lesson design and the importance of adaptability in classroom management. The discussion highlights ways to enhance student engagement through collaboration and technology integration. Bridgers also champions promoting student ownership, encouraging teachers to empower their students with choices and responsibilities to foster independence and teamwork.

What if you could achieve a 40% increase in ELA proficiency in just one school year? Teacher Ezera Washington from Paterson, New Jersey, did exactly that—reaching an astounding 91% proficiency rate with her students. In this episode, Ezera shares her proven methods for improving reading test scores while building meaningful relationships with students. You’ll learn how to: Adapt teaching using real-time data and formative assessments. Scaffold complex content to ensure all students meet grade-level goals. Build strong parent-teacher partnerships to reinforce learning at home. Inspire struggling readers to believe in their potential. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, this episode offers actionable strategies to boost reading proficiency in your classroom. 📄 Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e872

Get ready for CS4Ed Week 2024 and the Hour of Code with this special episode of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast! 🎉 We’re sharing 12 practical and fun coding activities that will inspire creativity and teach kids computational thinking. From gamified platforms like CodeCombat to app development with Mad Learn, hands-on robotics, and unplugged challenges, there’s something here for every educator and student. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to use CodeCombat and Code.org to engage students in coding. Creative ideas like Dance Party, Minecraft, and coding with Anna and Elsa. Hands-on activities with mBot Robots, Arduino Boards, and Hummingbird Kits. Unplugged coding with Hot Wheels for a screen-free coding experience. Why coding is an essential skill for students of all ages. 🎙️ About the Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Mad Learn, a comprehensive app-building platform that integrates the design thinking process. Learn how to inspire students with app development tools they’ll love: https://coolcatteacher.com/madlearn. 📚 Links and Resources: All resources mentioned in this episode are available at https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e871 👩‍🏫 Host: Vicki Davis, the Cool Cat Teacher®, shares practical tips and tools to inspire educators worldwide. She is a classroom teacher, programmer, author, and Mom.

This special extended episode is for family and friends to listen to in the car or around the holidays. It is from what I call my "legacy project," Cool Cat Teacher Talk, soon to be released as its separate podcast. In this, I'll tell you about the Cool Cat Teacher Talk Show project, why I'm doing it, and how it is being created and shared. Then, I'll share my 58-minute Cool Cat Teacher talk episode on Gratitude and Thankfulness. I hope you enjoy the show.  Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkgratitude