10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher

How could you take your whole elementary classroom year and gamify it? What if everything students learn could gain them XP (experience points?) What if you can reach those strugglers by making a classroom on mission? Today, Heather Marrs, a teacher and instructional coach from Oregon, takes us through the five steps she used to gamify her elementary classroom and give us the tips and tricks she learned to motivate every learner. www.coolcatteacher.com/e615  Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom. I love it because videos and the editing projects move seamlessly between all of my student’s devices. Check out this and other Adobe resources including some from my friend Todd Nesloney on the Education Trailblazers Pinterest board that you can view at coolcatteacher.com/adobepins. Heather Marrs - Bio As submitted Heather Marrs is an Instructional Coach at Eagle Rock Elementary in Eagle Point, Oregon. She is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Seesaw Ambassador, Book Creator Ambassador and FlipGrid Ambassador. Heather is passionate about integrating technology in education to amplify student voice, increase communication, and engage students. She has been a presenter at ISTE 2019, NCCE 2016-19, the Southern Oregon EdTech Summit 2015-18, and IntegratED 2017-18. Heather is the founder and main moderator of the Oregon EdChat which can be found at #OrEdChat on Twitter. She enjoys being a connected educator and providing professional development both locally and regionally. Outside of teaching, she is a wife and mother of two amazing kiddos. Blog: https://hmarrs24.wordpress.com/ Twitter: @hmarrs24 Resource: I've created a Google site that accompanies a three-day workshop that I do on gamifying your classroom at the elementary level. It's called Next Level Gamification: https://sites.google.com/eaglepnt.k12.or.us/nextlevelgamification3day/home 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."

Mike Messner teaches seventh-grade social studies in Silicon Valley. He shares his stories of the tech they use, what Silicon Valley parents like (and don't like), and how he has joined an online PLN to bring state of the art to his classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e614 Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom. I love it because videos and the editing projects move seamlessly between all of my student’s devices. Check out this and other Adobe resources including some from my friend Todd Nesloney on the Education Trailblazers Pinterest board that you can view at coolcatteacher.com/adobepins. Mike Messner - Bio As Submitted Mike Messner is a social studies teacher at Los Altos High School in Silicon Valley. He has also taught at Skyline College, the College of San Mateo. Santa Clara University and Wilcox High School. Mike is a Google Certified Teacher and a member of the #4OCFPLN network. He lives with his wife, son, and beagle in Mountain View, CA. 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."

Language arts classrooms can use more than books to teach. Kate Hodges, a language arts teacher in Ohio, shares how she uses project-based learning (PBL), making, and more to help students learn language arts. www.coolcatteacher.com/e613  Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom. I love it because videos and the editing projects move seamlessly between all of my student's devices. Check out this and other Adobe resources including some from my friend Todd Nesloney on the Education Trailblazers Pinterest board that you can view at coolcatteacher.com/adobepins. Kate Hodges - Bio As Submitted Kate Hodges is a fifth-year English Language Arts teacher at Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. She currently holds an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati. Her thesis work explored how STEM infused projects influenced creative self-efficacy in her students. Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/mshisflippin.wordpress.com Twitter: @_KateHodges 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."

Fortnite has a physics engine in the game. Unknown to many educators, Fortnite has three modes of play. While Battle Royale is a first-person shooter, the creative mode is not. Some educators are creating private islands (for free) that their students can make Rube Goldberg machines and other creations. Today's guest, Mike Washburn, is on the educator advisory board for Fortnite. He takes us through lessons that teachers are teaching in Fornite and also the two warnings that educators need to keep in mind when teaching with this tool. www.coolcatteacher.com/e612  Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom. I love it because videos and the editing projects move seamlessly between all of my student's devices. Check out this and other Adobe resources including some from my friend Todd Nesloney on the Education Trailblazers Pinterest board that you can view at coolcatteacher.com/adobepins. Mike Washburn - Bio As Submitted Mike is co-host of the popular education podcast OnEducation, founder of the OnPodcastMedia Network, and the Head of Curriculum & Training for Logics Academy in Canada. In his prior role as a Computer Science teacher, he created a custom-made curriculum, using elements of game design and game-based learning, to captivate and engage his students. He has had the opportunity to share his approach to Computer Science education at ISTE (2015, 2018), FETC (2019, 2020) BIT (2014, 2019), CONNECT (2019, 2020), Schoology NEXT (2018), as well as in interviews with major newspapers (Toronto Star, 2017). Mike’s Grade 8 curriculum, which asked students to spend the entire school year designing their own video games, from proposal to pitch, graphics to BETA and release has seen him be recognized as a thought-leader in Computer Science education. Mike is a Google Certified Educator, an Apple Teacher, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, a Global Minecraft Mentor, and a member of the Prezi Educators Society. Mike is a sought after keynote speaker who challenges educators to never stop learning. Mike challenges all educators to never stop learning and always be reaching for what’s next. He has an unshakable resolve to change the world through technology education. You can follow Mike on Twitter @misterwashburn and visit his personal site at https://www.mikewashburn.net/ 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."

We can build a positive school culture that includes good student relationships. From building a wall of dreams to bringing our best energy, Danny Steele encourages us to grow and connect with colleagues and students. www.coolcatteacher.com/e611  Sponsor: Adobe I use Adobe Premiere Rush to teach digital filmmaking in my classroom. I love it because videos and the editing projects move seamlessly between all of my student's devices. Check out this and other Adobe resources including some from my friend Todd Nesloney on the Education Trailblazers Pinterest board that you can view at coolcatteacher.com/adobepins. Danny Steele - Bio As Submitted I'm an educator, author, and speaker. This year marks my first as an assistant professor at the University of Montevallo. Blog: www.steelethoughts.com Twitter: @SteeleThoughts Instagram: @SteeleThoughts Books: I co-authored Essential Truths for Teachers and Essential Truths for Principals. 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."

You can't always pick your team but you can start helping your team come together and work like one. Jamy Bechler, host of the Success is a Choice podcast shares five ways to start building a strong team today. From knowing your purpose to developing leaders, adding value, connecting, and sharing responsibility - learn some lifelong principles of leadership. www.coolcatteacher.com/e610  Sponsor: Discovery Education Today’s podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. They have two STEM challenges running now. The Stanley Black and Decker Making for Good Student Challenge runs now through Thursday, January 30, 2020 for students in the US in grades 9-12.  The CITGO Fueling Education Student Challenge is for students in the US in grades 5-8 now through February 13, 2020. Both challenges have students designing STEM or STEAM solutions to our world’s problems and submitting their solutions via video and an online application form.  These are two fantastic STEM education projects that will encourage design thinking, sustainability, and computational thinking as well as video-related presentation skills. Join in today! Jamy Bechler - bio as Submitted Jamy Bechler is the host of the “Success is a Choice” podcast and is the author of "The Bus Trip" and “The Leadership Playbook". The former college basketball coach and high school athletic director now travels across the country speaking and consulting with sports teams and educators about leadership, culture, motivation, and teamwork. Jamy is also a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach and you connect with him on twitter https://twitter.com/CoachBechler or at his website https://JamyBechler.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."

Relationships are a key component of change. We have to relate to educate. We also have to relate to cooperate with our peers. Today, Vernon Wright, creator of the Zero Apology Zone, shares some drivers of change including three questions you don't want to miss. www.coolcatteacher.com/e609 Sponsor: Discovery Education Today’s podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. They have two STEM challenges running now. The Stanley Black and Decker Making for Good Student Challenge runs now through Thursday, January 30, 2020 for students in the US in grades 9-12.  The CITGO Fueling Education Student Challenge is for students in the US in grades 5-8 now through February 13, 2020. Both challenges have students designing STEM or STEAM solutions to our world’s problems and submitting their solutions via video and an online application form.  These are two fantastic STEM education projects that will encourage design thinking, sustainability, and computational thinking as well as video-related presentation skills. Join in today! Vernon Wright - Bio As Submitted Vernon Wright is an entrepreneur, speaker, leader, veteran educator, show host, associate editor, and consultant with 15 years of experience in large, urban school districts. He has served as a teacher, teacher leader, campus administrator, and central office leader. Vernon has shared his experiences numerous times over the years at the campus, district, regional, state levels and beyond garnering acclaim from recognized industry leaders. Vernon has collaborated literally across the world with some of the biggest names in educational leadership and entrepreneurial pursuits. He has an established presence on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube (@TheWrightLeader), has an online apparel store (ZeroApologyZone.com) and as well as a coaching and consulting company that focuses on elevating leadership performance. Unabashedly he stands as a voice for the people with no apologies. He espouses the three cornerstone values of Connect, Impact, and Scale as the foundation of his pursuits. Vernon welcomes you to the #ZeroApologyZone. Blog: ZeroApologyZone.com Twitter: @TheWrightLeader Instagram: @TheWrightLeader YouTube: The Wright Leader 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."

Connect your classroom! It can be done. Today Michael Drezek takes us into the "Our Global Classroom" Community and shares three of the many ways students are collaborating. Join in! www.coolcatteacher.com/e608  Sponsor: Discovery Education Today’s podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. They have two STEM challenges running now. The Stanley Black and Decker Making for Good Student Challenge runs now through Thursday, January 30, 2020 for students in the US in grades 9-12.  The CITGO Fueling Education Student Challenge is for students in the US in grades 5-8 now through February 13, 2020. Both challenges have students designing STEM or STEAM solutions to our world’s problems and submitting their solutions via video and an online application form.  These are two fantastic STEM education projects that will encourage design thinking, sustainability, and computational thinking as well as video-related presentation skills. Join today! Resources Our Global Classroom Our Global Classroom Flipgrid DigCitCommit Virtual Summit - February 2020 Global Ed Student Chat - 2nd Tuesday of every month at 1 pm ET Michael Drezek - Bio As submitted Michael is the District Technology Integrator for Lake Shore Central School District in Angola, NY. He is passionate about supporting teachers in stepping out of their comfort zones when using educational technology. He is also passionate about empowering students and creating opportunities for them to grow as digital and global citizens. Michael is a Google Certified Innovator, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, and former NYSCATE Teacher of the Year. Michael has regularly presented regionally, nationally and internationally and has also delivered several Ignite Talks. He is an organizing member of Global Maker Day, Global Ed Student Chat and Our Global Classroom. Michael is also a contributing author to the book DigCitKids and added the foreword to the book The Journey to the Y in You. Michael was recognized as a NYSCATE Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Michael resides outside of Buffalo, New York and when not in the classroom you might be likely to find him at the local ice hockey arena playing, coaching or just enjoying a game. Blog: https://michaeldrezek.com/ Twitter @m_drez Instagram @mdrez07 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.drezek.7 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-drezek-88b789152 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."

Google Classroom is a tool that can help build relationships between students and teachers. But not everything is perfect. Google Classroom Guru Alice Keeler talks about what is hot and not in Google Classroom and how teachers are using it to teach. Enjoy! www.coolcatteacher.com/e607  Sponsor: Discovery Education Today’s podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. They have two STEM challenges running now. The Stanley Black and Decker Making for Good Student Challenge runs now through Thursday, January 30, 2020 for students in the US in grades 9-12.  The CITGO Fueling Education Student Challenge is for students in the US in grades 5-8 now through February 13, 2020. Both challenges have students designing STEM or STEAM solutions to our world’s problems and submitting their solutions via video and an online application form.  These are two fantastic STEM education projects that will encourage design thinking, sustainability, and computational thinking as well as video-related presentation skills. Join in today! Alice Keeler - Bio As Submitted Teacher and mom of 5, Alice Keeler is the Google-crowned “Queen of Spreadsheets”, an international speaker on teaching and EdTech integration, co-author of 5 books, Google Certified Innovator, Google Apps Developer, founder of #coffeeEDU, and has degrees in Mathematics and Educational Media Design and Technology. Alice shares her expertise through online workshops at alicekeeler.com/goslow, blogs at alicekeeler.com and tweets @alicekeeler. 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."

Children need educators to reach into their world and relate to them. When struggling students find an educator who connects to them, life change can result. While one educator can't possibly reach every child, every educator can reach some child. Over a lifetime, every educator could possibly transform many children. Today, Ryan Sheehy, principal and author of Be the One for Kids: You Have the Power to Change the Life of a Child, challenges us with stories, anecdotes, and timeless truths to "Be the One" for some of the children in your classrooms and schools. www.coolcatteacher.com/e606  Sponsor: Discovery Education Today’s podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. They have two STEM challenges running now. The Stanley Black and Decker Making for Good Student Challenge runs now through Thursday, January 30, 2020 for students in the US in grades 9-12.  The CITGO Fueling Education Student Challenge is for students in the US in grades 5-8 now through February 13, 2020. Both challenges have students designing STEM or STEAM solutions to our world’s problems and submitting their solutions via video and an online application form.  These are two fantastic STEM education projects that will encourage design thinking, sustainability, and computational thinking as well as video-related presentation skills. Join in today!   Ryan Sheehy - Bio As Submitted Ryan was raised in Southern California where his diverse educational experiences all started. He attended public school, private school, and was homeschooled. He has seen and been part of all types of education systems, which gives him a different perspective. Ryan is a passionate educator that has made it his mission to help everyone live up to their potential and unleash their power to change the life of a child. He also has an immense dedication for kids and for making sure all educators understand the power they have in a child's life. Ryan was a physical education teacher for ten years before taking the leap from teacher to administrator. After serving two years as a high school vice-principal, Ryan is now the lead learner/principal of an elementary school in Concord, California. Ryan prides himself as being someone who can build a strong school culture and that is exactly what has happened at the schools where he has served as an administrator. Ryan works in the community where he lives, which allows him to build many relationships that foster a great learning environment for staff, students and families. Ryan also travels and speaks about creative educational practices and how we all have the power to Be the One for Kids. Ryan also speaks about Incorporating Technology, Being an Educator In Action, Creating a School Where No One Wants To Leave, and many other topics. He moderates a variety of Twitter chats and is very active on social media. Ryan is the author of Be The One For Kids and co-author of Principals In Action. Ryan's wife, Barbara, and four children, Robert, Joshua, Julianna, and Zachary, are the light of his world. Ryan and his family reside in Concord, Ca Blog: www.ryansheehy.us Books: Be the One for Kids: You Have the Power to Change the Life of a Child Principals in Action: Redefining the Role Twitter: @sheehyrw Instagram: @sheehyrw 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."