As AI tools like ChatGPT become more accessible, how can teachers help students develop authentic writing skills? In this episode, Vicki Davis talks with Dawne Beck, an experienced ELA teacher, about practical strategies for integrating AI into writing instruction while maintaining academic integrity.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to teach writing as a process to reduce AI misuse.

✅ Ways to use AI for feedback and editing without replacing student creativity.

✅ How to design writing prompts that AI can’t complete well.

✅ Why students often prefer their own writing over AI-generated text.

I isn’t going anywhere—so let’s teach students to use it wisely without losing their unique voice. 🎙️

🔗 Show notes & resources: coolcatteacher.com/e880

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.