10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher

Today, Million+ follower, TikTok teacher, and creator of #TeacherTipTuesday, Megan Mayer, shares her thoughts about TikTok, how to prevent profanity on TikTok and why it is a valuable tool for teachers. Megan talks openly about what she’s learned about her videos that have gone viral, how to pick hashtags, and secrets for making videos that will help teachers. We end the podcast by discussing the controversial things teachers sometimes see doing on TikTok that we wish they wouldn’t. I’ve joined TikTok and am learning. This interview with Megan introduced me to TikTok as I embark on a learning journey on a new platform. Sponsor: Advancement Courses Last summer I took my professional development with Advancement Courses and I am so glad that I did! On my blog, I recently shared 10 Ways to Rejuvenate and Learn This Summer. All of the course ideas come from the advancement courses catalog to go to https://www.coolcatteacher.com/top10   Learn about some courses you might want to take and some things that you need to do this summer. Your current needs should impact your professional development. Advancement Courses makes it so easy to complete your PD with courses that are online and self-paced so you can take them anywhere any time with up to six months to complete. And right now you can use the code COOL15 to get 15% off your course today. So go to www.coolcatteacher.com/top10  and begin deciding what you want to learn this summer. Show Notes and Transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e785  Meghan Mayer (@thecrazycreativeteacher) Sarasota County Schools, Florida Followers: 1.2 million Meghan Mayer joined TikTok in February 2020 as @thecrazycreativeteacher and had nearly 500,000 followers when she was featured on CBS’ The Greatest #AtHome Videos. The episode Mayer appeared in portrayed the struggles of teaching from home during the covid lockdown and included situations like Zooming into class from her bathroom and doing a parent-teacher conference in her closet. Untraditional? Sure. But during the pandemic, teachers did everything they could to be there for students and families. And, anyway, the view of Mayer captured in the CBS show would have been familiar to anyone who watched with her popular ongoing TikTok series "Teacher Tip Tuesday." Two years later, a lot more people have checked in with the series—Mayer now has more than 1.2 million followers. Mayer’s TikToks offer unique insights into the life of a teacher. Another is projects from her middle-school language arts classroom, which often feature the use of a Cricut print-and-cut machine. Those videos got the attention of the company, which offered her a sponsorship. (Cricut is part of a growing number of brands interested in working with Mayer.) The money from that relationship circulates back into the classroom. As a Florida Gulf Coast University profile noted, "Like many educators, [Mayer] ends up spending her own money on classroom amenities like parties, prizes and décor to enhance the learning environment for her exceptional-education students." Source of Bio: https://elective.collegeboard.org/tiktok-famous-teachers-everyone-should-follow Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."  

Can we have joy in schools? How about on social media? With so many difficulties, it seems beyond impossible sometimes to find joy but it can be done. Today, Dean Shareski, the author of Embracing a Culture of Joy brings his perspective to the challenges of modern living and learning. While his message has been around for a while, it is perhaps even more important today. In today’s show we’ll discuss: How Dean brings joy and humor to Zoom meetings (and podcasts) including some cool hardware and software The ambient irritability that seems to be prevalent today Why we still need joy How small kindnesses can make a big difference and some examples in schools Keeping perspective as we face problems How we can embrace multiple emotions at once Having concern for the world’s problems and still finding joy in your day The importance of reflection How Vicki gets information from her students at the end of the school year to become a better teacher Some interesting laughs along the way! Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e784 Sponsor: Advancement Courses Last summer I took my professional development with Advancement Courses and I am so glad that I did! On my blog, I recently shared 10 Ways to Rejuvenate and Learn This Summer. All of the course ideas come from the advancement courses catalog to go to https://www.coolcatteacher.com/top10   Learn about some courses you might want to take and some things that you need to do this summer. Your current needs should impact your professional development. Advancement Courses makes it so easy to complete your PD with courses that are online and self-paced so you can take them anywhere any time with up to six months to complete. And right now you can use the code COOL15 to get 15% off your course today. So go to www.coolcatteacher.com/top10  and begin deciding what you want to learn this summer. Dean Shareski - Bio as Submitted Dean Shareski is a Senior Partnership Consultant for Advanced Learning Partnerships supporting districts and schools throughout North America in digital transformation. He taught grades 1-8 for 14 years and spent nine as a digital learning consultant for a Canadian school district. His blog consistently ranks among the top educational blogs. In 2010 he won the ISTE Award for Outstanding Leader of the Year. Dean has had the opportunity to speak to various education audiences both nationally and internationally. He has recently authored “Embracing a Culture of Joy” and co-authored “Different Schools for a Different World.” His passion remains to help teachers explore the affordances of technology for learning.  Dean believes humor and humility go a long way in supporting and advocating transformational practices in teaching and learning. Blog http://shareski.ca  Twitter @shareski Instagram @dshareski Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The end of the school year can be so exciting and give us ideas for great teaching. Jillian DuBois talks about her end of the school year and from the conversation we have twelve inspiring ideas for classrooms everywhere including: how to use the element of surprise in learning vocabulary building ideas watching bald eagles and teaching ideas about them how eagles fly higher on turbulent winds how to know children in even a very large class and more. Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e783  Sponsor: Advancement Courses Last summer I took my professional development with Advancement Courses and I am so glad that I did! On my blog, I recently shared 10 Ways to Rejuvenate and Learn This Summer. All of the course ideas come from the advancement courses catalog to go to https://www.coolcatteacher.com/top10   Learn about some courses you might want to take and some things that you need to do this summer. Your current needs should impact your professional development. Advancement Courses makes it so easy to complete your PD with courses that are online and self-paced so you can take them anywhere any time with up to six months to complete. And right now you can use the code COOL15 to get 15% off your course today. So go to www.coolcatteacher.com/top10  and begin deciding what you want to learn this summer. Jillian DuBois - Bio as Submitted   Jillian is a repurposed elementary educator from Clearwater, FL, and currently serves as a Professional Learning Guide for Forward Edge/Edge•U in Ohio. Her passion is to infuse joy to those in educational leadership by focusing efforts on listening, serving, and growing. She uses her voice to foster hope by celebrating equity and empathy.  She is a children’s book author and illustrator of Liv’s Seashells, Road to Awesome: A Journey for Kids, and Look at YOU, Piper Lou!, and Destiny’s Amazingly Different Dreams. She is the founder + Chief Optimistic Originator of Imparted Joy, LLC, which provides services to help others ‘spark their stories’ with confidence. Each day is a FRESH opportunity to listen, be slow to criticize, and be quick to empathize. Keep dancing and dreaming with JOY. Twitter: @JillDuBois22 Instagram: jilliande FB: jilliandee TikTok: JillDuBois22 www.linkedin.com/in/jill-dubois Web: www.impartedjoy.com Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Awesome teachers connect with their students. KeKe Powell teaches second grade and has lots of ideas for ending the year and also just connecting with kids. She also shares some of her story of deciding to share what she does with a wider audience as she is becoming an education influencer. If you’re considering if you want to share or if you just want great teaching ideas, this is a great listen for you. Scroll down for the show notes and transcript. Notes and Transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e782  Sponsor: Advancement Courses Last summer I took my professional development with Advancement Courses and I am so glad that I did! On my blog, I recently shared 10 Ways to Rejuvenate and Learn This Summer. All of the course ideas come from the advancement courses catalog to go to https://www.coolcatteacher.com/top10   Learn about some courses you might want to take and some things that you need to do this summer. Your current needs should impact your professional development. Advancement Courses makes it so easy to complete your PD with courses that are online and self-paced so you can take them anywhere any time with up to six months to complete. And right now you can use the code COOL15 to get 15% off your course today. So go to www.coolcatteacher.com/top10  and begin deciding what you want to learn this summer. Keke Powell - Bio as Submitted Just a teacher learning and spreading my aloha with others! I relocated from Hawaii to the great state of Texas! I enjoy learning new things and exploring the outdoors. Blog = www.mspowellteaches.com  Twitter = @mspowellteaches Instagram = @mspowellteaches TikTok = @mspowellteaches_  Linked in - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mspowellteaches/ I have created my platform to showcase ways I implement new things in my classroom. I have learned so many new things from other educators and I enjoy to continue to pay it forward! As educators, we are all doing great things inside our classroom and I believe we should highlight each others success! Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."  

School leadership is more challenging than ever. Assistant superintendent Chris Chappotin shares ideas for making yourself available, the importance of taking things off teachers' plates (and not adding to them), and questions you can ask when encouraging leaders. Practical, encouraging ideas are shared throughout this show for principals, administrators, and anyone working to encourage school leaders. Transcript and Resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e781 Sponsor: Readlee is an amazing literacy tool that enables teachers to go from collecting reading data a couple times a year to getting data each week (or day!) in just 5-10 minutes. Developed in collaboration with researchers at the Harvard School of Education, students read aloud and the tool collects data on fluency and accountability (think words correct per minute and total time read, among others) and a recording and transcript of their reading. You can provide feedback to your students on any text (print or digital) and they can hear you read as well.This is a perfect tool for summer school, reading tutors and anyone teaching reading. Go to Readlee.com today to set up your free account and get started. Chris Chappotin - Bio As submitted Chris Chappotin has been serving as Assistant Superintendent for Boyd ISD in Boyd, TX since January 2020. Chris grew up in Farmington, IA, Irving & Keller, TX, and completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology at Abilene Christian University. After a 14-year career in student & worship ministry, public speaking, and starting churches, in 2011, Chris began working for Burleson ISD in Burleson, TX as a 4th and 5th Grade Math and Reading Special Education Teacher at J.W. Norwood Elementary School. Chris earned a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, and was promoted into administration in Burleson ISD where he served as Academic Associate Principal at Centennial High School and Academic Associate Principal and Principal at STEAM Middle School. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctorate of Educational Leadership at Texas Tech University with an expected graduation date of May 2024. Chris is passionate about leading empowerment organizations, designing innovative instructional systems, and accomplishing both in the context of meaningful, team-oriented relationships. He has been featured on the Teach Better, Aspire Lead, Teachers On Fire, and Many Voices of Grit podcasts. Furthermore, he was the parody writer and voice of Burleson ISD's school year launch videos from 2016 to 2019. Chris and his wife, Heidi, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on July 25, 2022. They have 5 children: Torie (21), Ryan (15), Hudson (12), Ava Grace (10), and Sam (7), and live in Boyd, TX with their 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 snakes, and 1 goat. Blog: https://linqapp.com/ChrisChappotin Twitter: @Chris_Chappotin Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Did you know you can use a live translator app in PTA meetings, parent teacher conferences, and presentations -- that actually works? Did you know there is a tool that will translate your parent newsletters? How about one that parents can use to translate homework so they can help their children? Well, all of these exist! You'll learn about these and more on a special extended episode of the podcast with Teresa Magpayo Castro and Ricardo Recinos. You'll learn to empathize with students who struggle with English as a second language as Teresa and Ricardo tell their own stories. If you have students in your school who do not have English as their primary language, this is a must-listen-to episode. (Or read the transcript at the end of this post.) Help every student become included in learning and become empowered. We can do this! Transcript and Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e780 Sponsor: Readlee is an amazing literacy tool that enables teachers to go from collecting reading data a couple of times a year to getting data each week (or day!) in just 5-10 minutes. Developed in collaboration with researchers at the Harvard School of Education, students read aloud and the tool collects data on fluency and accountability (think words correct per minute and total time read, among others) and a recording and transcript of their reading. You can provide feedback to your students on any text (print or digital) and they can hear you read as well.This is a perfect tool for summer school, reading tutors and anyone teaching reading. Go to Readlee.com today to set up your free account and get started. Bios as Submitted Teresa Magpayo Castro​ Teresa Magpayo Castro is a Technology TOSA for the Unified School District of Hacienda La Puente USD. Her tech team conducts professional development for teachers and admin levels Prek-12. She is also part of the Transformational Technology team who provides weekly PDs to educators all over the globe. Blog: https://www.bit.ly/transformationaltech Twitter: @CastroCorner Note from Teresa: We conduct weekly PDs across 5 platforms, including our YouTube Channel https://www.bit.ly/transformationaltech on topics requested by our teachers! We also create tutorials on our District YouTube Channel https://www.bit.ly/hlpyoutube. Our Newsletter provides important info and highlights our teachers https://sites.google.com/hlpusd.k12.ca.us/tech/edtech-focus-newsletter?authuser=0 . Ricardo Recinos​ Ricardo Recinos is a proud Technology TOSA in Hacienda La Puente USD and a supervising instructor for John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. His role includes training teachers and administrators on all things related to technology and district initiatives. He is a part of the Transformational Tech team and a lead for Region 3 ILC for CTA. He is also a College Board ETS Table Leader and College Board Consultant. Blog: https://sites.google.com/hlpusd.k12.ca.us/tech/edtech-focus-newsletter?authuser=0  Twitter: @TechTosas Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Years ago when I discussed strategy with a Disney Cruise leader, they told me that people tend to remember how an experience starts and how it ends. Therefore, they designed events with intentionality, particularly on the first day and the last night. So, I adopted this approach in my own classroom and so has today's guest fourth-grade teacher, Alana Stanton. Over the last seventeen years, Alana has created some traditions in her classroom and today she shares them. Get ready to end the school year in a memorable and fun way for your students (and you!) Transcript and Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e779   Advancement Courses - Show Sponsor Advancement Courses is who I chose for my professional development. I love their courses because they are flexible with up to 6 months to complete and you can receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners or continuing education units that meet your state requirements. I recently shared 21 Top PD Topics for Teachers. With over 280 courses to choose from, Advancement Course offers subjects in everything from educator wellness to social-emotional learning and more. After you pick your PD, use the code COOL15 to save 15% off when you sign up at Advancement Courses. I highly recommend Advancement Courses for your professional PD.   Alana Stanton Bio As Submitted Alana Stanton is a kindergarten teacher at Mulberry Elementary in Gwinnett County, Georgia. She has taught several grades over her 14-year career including K-3 literacy special, first grade, second grade, kindergarten, and technology special. Alana believes that relationships always come first in the classroom and the classroom should be a place where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She currently writes for her blog, More Than A Lesson where she shares the stories of her classroom and her heart. Blog: http://morethanalessonst.blogspot.com/  Twitter: @stantonalana   Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Nicole Biscotti had children, and she was a teacher. She thought she understood everything about children. That was until her fourth son, Jason, was born. As Jason grew, Nicole knew he was different. Nicole shares how eventually she discovered Jason had ADHD and how she changed her high school classroom to reach all of the children. Kids with ADHD are different and need accommodations, but it can be challenging for already stressed teachers to figure out how to reach every child. Nicole shares her solution and some surprising things she learned as she has helped Jason grow and succeed in the classroom and at home. This show is a must-listen episode for parents of kids with ADHD and the teachers working to reach these precious children. Show Transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e778 Advancement Courses: Show sponsor Advancement Courses is who I chose for my professional development. I love their courses because they are flexible with up to 6 months to complete and you can receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners or continuing education units that meet your state requirements. I recently shared 21 Top PD Topics for Teachers. With over 280 courses to choose from, Advancement Course offers subjects in everything from educator wellness to social-emotional learning and more. After you pick your PD, use the code COOL15 to save 15% off when you sign up at Advancement Courses. I highly recommend Advancement Courses for your professional PD Nicole Biscotti - Bio As Submitted Nicole is proud to be an educator and believes that everyone should have access to a quality education that connects them with their purpose.  She seeks to bridge understanding, spark conversations, and inspire through her speaking, consulting, and writing.   She wrote I Can Learn When I'm Moving: Going to School with ADHD with her 9 year old son about ADHD from the unique perspectives of a child and a mother who is also a teacher. She has seen both personally and professionally how children struggle to be understood and how adults are often at a loss with how to handle the difficult behaviors associated with ADHD and believes that by sharing her and her son’s story, along with researched-based strategies, she can bridge understanding for kids who desperately need our support. Blog NicoleBiscotti.com  Twitter @BiscottiNicole Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

World language teachers can have challenges with teaching students. Particularly when many want to use technology translators instead of learning the language. However, Rachelle Dene Poth has experience engaging and exciting students in her Spanish classroom From building relationships to using technology, she shares how Spanish teachers can engage students in learning. She uses augmented reality and virtual reality along with basic teaching concepts that apply to any world language classroom. Transcript and Show Notes: CoolCatTeacher.com/e777  Sponsor: Advancement Courses Last year, when I needed to take a college CEU course, I chose Advancement Courses and learned so much about teaching computer science in the classroom. I recently wrote about this on my blog called Seven Reasons Advancement Courses has Excellent Teacher Professional Development.  Signup for a new course at Advancement Courses  and use the code COOL15 to receive 15% off your Advancement Courses purchase. Thank you, Advancement Courses for awesome PD and for sponsoring today's episode. Rachelle Dene Poth - Bio As Submitted Rachelle Dene Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher. Rachelle teaches Spanish and STEAM: What’s nExT in Emerging Technology at Riverview Junior Senior High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. She is a Consultant and Speaker, owner of ThriveinEDU LLC Consulting. She serves as the past president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network and serves on the Leadership team of the Mobile Learning Network. At ISTE19, she received the Making IT Happen Award and a Presidential Gold Award for volunteer service to education. She is also a Buncee Ambassador, Nearpod PioNear and Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. Rachelle is the author of four books, ‘In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU” (EduMatch) and “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” In 2020, Rachelle Dene published with ISTE “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World."  She recently published Your World Language Classroom: Strategies for In-Person and Digital Instruction. Rachelle is a blogger for Getting  Smart, Defined Learning, District Administration, NEO LMS, and the  STEM Informer with Newsweek. Twitter @Rdene915 and on Instagram @Rdene915. Rachelle has a podcast, ThriveinEDU available at https://anchor.fm/rdene915 ThriveinEDU is also a weekly show on Learningrevolution.com on Wednesdays.

As teachers, we have many ways to open class. Bell ringers, conversation starters, and even special handshakes can open class. But what if the answer is a question that helps create social connections? Dr. Leigh Zeitz from the University of Northern Iowa surveys his students. The result has helped him (and us) better engage students. (He also will share why his students said they turned off their cameras in zoom.) The results might surprise you! Show Notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e776  Show Sponsor: Advancement Courses is my preferred professional development provider. Last year when I needed to take a college CEU course, I chose Advancement Courses and learned so much about teaching computer science in the classroom. I recently wrote about this on my blog called 7 Reasons Advancement Courses Has Excellent Teacher Professional Development. Go to Advancement Courses and use the code COOL15 to receive 15% off your Advancement Courses purchase. Thank you Advancement Courses for awesome PD and for sponsoring today’s episode! Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."