Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

When schools focus on what’s working and align around a shared vision, transformation becomes possible.In this final installment in our National Principals Month series, Principal David Shaffer of Port Salerno Elementary shares how the AVID program has impacted his leadership and his school by providing structure, focus, and identity. David Shaffer and his team have used AVID not just as a program, but as a foundation for building schoolwide coherence and student agency. From “WICOR Wednesdays” to student-led collaboration, AVID structures help shift the cognitive load from teachers to students—giving learners ownership of their path and purpose.At the heart of it all is a community-driven approach. As David explains, “It really takes that community to create the system.” His team’s grassroots efforts have improved academic outcomes and reshaped how students advocate for themselves—even long after they leave elementary school. This episode is a blueprint for schools seeking to embed AVID into their DNA while staying rooted in their local context and strengths.Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Discover the versatility of NotebookLM, a Google Workspace tool designed for both teachers and students. It features targeted content that minimizes AI errors and aids in unpacking standards. The podcast highlights practical uses like summarizing texts and brainstorming assignments. Exciting new elements include audio and video overviews, mind maps for better organization, and an interactive flashcard generator. Plus, there's a quiz feature to enhance learning. Tune in to explore how these tools can transform classroom experiences!

In today's episode, we'll explore the student group generator, Grouper, how it works, and how it can save you time setting up customized student groups. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Darrell Potts, Principal of Northridge Middle School in Charlotte, North Carolina. As an AVID alum, former AVID teacher, and now AVID-focused leader, Darrell shares how he’s cultivated a schoolwide culture rooted in the belief that every student is an achiever. In fact, at Northridge Middle School, success is not an abstract ideal but rather a daily practice, fueled by a shared mantra: “We will strive for excellence in all that we do . . . because we are achievers.” Darrell embodies this belief in every facet of his leadership, using AVID as the framework to embed college and career readiness into the school’s culture. His approach centers on building systems that empower both students and teachers to believe in their potential and work toward it, one step at a time.Whether it's through the Triple A initiative that rewards attitude, academics, and attendance, or the intentional use of student voice to shape school incentives, Darrell prioritizes relevance, recognition, and relational capacity. His advice to fellow educators is clear: Start small, lean on your network, and don’t be afraid of the struggle because without it, there’s no progress. This episode offers powerful insights for leaders looking to build a culture where excellence isn’t just expected, it’s achieved. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore the features and functionality of Google Gemini's image generation tool, Nano Banana. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Dr. Rosalind (Rose) Henderson, principal of March Middle School in Moreno Valley, California, shares how an experiment with student-led PD evolved into a transformative movement at her school. You’ll hear how middle school students are taking charge of real instructional design, presenting to teachers, and even leading sessions at teacher conferences. With high expectations, authentic ownership, and a belief in every child’s potential, Rose explains how student-led PD builds skills, confidence, and schoolwide culture.Student-led PD positions students as experts, coaches, and collaborators in shaping the very instruction they receive. Rose shares, "We're future builders," which is a belief that runs deeply through her leadership philosophy.This episode highlights the profound shift that occurs when students are trusted with real responsibility. These young learners are becoming confident speakers, critical thinkers, and advocates, not just for themselves but for their peers. As Rose reminds us, “How do you become responsible if you’re not given the opportunity to be responsible for something?” Her story is a compelling reminder that when we co-create knowledge with students, we are going beyond teaching and are truly transforming lives. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore Gems, custom chatbots created in Google Gemini. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In honor of National Principals Month, Unpacking Education is kicking off a new series this October to spotlight school leaders making a difference. In this episode, Brett Bowers, Vice President of School District Leadership at AVID Center and a former principal of two award-winning high schools, joins the conversation to reflect on his leadership journey.Through the lens of a powerful “general contractor” analogy, Brett shares what it takes to lead a school with vision, adaptability, and trust. This episode offers valuable insights for any educator committed to building schools that truly serve students, as Brett discuss empowering teacher leaders, navigating budget constraints, and sustaining long-term success. Tune in for practical strategies, candid stories, and a celebration of the unsung complexities of the principalship. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore the features and functionality of TeacherServer, an AI tool designed to support teachers. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.