Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

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.

In this episode, we’re joined by Tyler Moberg, an AI learning and training specialist and founder of Amplified Impact. Drawing on his rich experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and professional learning designer, Tyler shares how educators can embrace AI as a powerful tool to streamline planning, boost creativity, and achieve meaningful results without losing the human touch. Tyler includes both mindset shifts and practical strategies in his guidance on how to invite AI to the table, not as a replacement, but as a collaborator. This conversation will help you rethink what’s possible when educators use everyday AI to amplify their impact. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Suno, An AI-Powered Music ToolIn today’s episode, we'll explore Suno, an AI-powered tool that allows users to create songs through text and audio prompts. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

What does it take to pursue a lifelong career in science, and what unexpected paths might lead there? In this episode, Dr. Ray Wheeler reflects on his 36-year career as a senior scientist and plant physiologist at NASA, where he helped pioneer research in growing plants for space travel. From Boy Scouts to botany to breakthrough innovations at the Kennedy Space Center, Dr. Wheeler shares how curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance guided his journey.Listeners will gain insights into the scientific process, the value of interdisciplinary teamwork, and the vital role of education and durable skills in shaping future scientists. Whether you're sparking student interest in STEM or looking for real-world applications of classroom learning, this episode offers a fascinating look into the possibilities of a career in science.Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today's episode, we'll explore three tools you can use to introduce Machine Learning to your students: Google's Teachable Machine, Micro:bit CreateAI, and Grammarly's Complete Guide to Machine Learning. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Stephen Johnson, educator, author, and founder of AptivPrep, shares his inspiring journey from growing up in inner-city Los Angeles to building an AI-powered platform that helps students reach top-tier SAT and ACT scores. With the mantra “Better scores lead to more open doors,” Stephen explains how early preparation, access to free resources, and intentional mindset shifts can transform college and career opportunities for students, especially those facing systemic barriers.The conversation dives into his philosophy of service, how technology can scale impact without losing the human touch, and practical strategies educators can use to demystify standardized testing for their students. Along the way, Stephen offers encouraging reminders that persistence, preparation, and the right tools can change life trajectories. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Explore the features and functionality of ChatGPT's new study mode.