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.

Discover how to break free from algorithmic echo chambers and reclaim your personalized news feed. In this episode, William “Coach” Jeffery, an experienced educator and innovator, shares insights on using tools like Flipboard and the Fediverse to curate reliable, authentic, and diverse content for educators. Learn how to overcome filter bubbles, follow relevant hashtags, and amplify your professional learning with human-curated tools. Whether you're an educator or someone curious about alternative approaches to consuming news, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and inspiring discussions.

Episode Highlights Include:

• How Flipboard supports personalized, algorithm-free content curation.
• The role of the Fediverse in expanding digital reach and connectivity.
• Practical tips for educators to curate professional learning resources.

Perfect for K–12 teachers, administrators, and EdTech enthusiasts who want to stay informed without algorithmic constraints.

Listen now and start breaking the algorithm today!

Show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e877

In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, technology is redefining how we teach and learn. With the release of Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia, students and educators now have AI tools at their fingertips, embedded in everyday devices and apps.

In this episode of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast, Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher will cover:

• How Apple Intelligence integrates into apps, web browsers, and writing tools like Google Docs.
• A comparison between Apple Intelligence and Google's Gemini AI in education.
• Practical classroom applications, tips, and strategies to harness these tools effectively.
• Why thoughtful use of AI matters for encouraging meaningful learning experiences.

Join host Vicki Davis as she navigates the opportunities and challenges of integrating Apple’s latest AI tools into your classroom.

🔗 Show Notes: For links and resources mentioned in this episode, visit coolcatteacher.com/e876.

• The functionality and accessibility of Apple Intelligence.
• How students are already using AI tools in their devices (and how schools need to adjust)
• Steps educators can take to supervise and guide effective AI use in schools.

🎧 Listen now to stay ahead in education and leverage cutting-edge tools for your students!

🌟 Leadership is not about ego; it’s about transformation. 🌟

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Samuel Nix, award-winning educator and Chief Academic Officer of Duncanville Independent School District, shares actionable strategies for transforming school culture, rebuilding trust, and leading with humility. Whether you're striving to improve assessments, foster thriving school environments, or grow as a leader, this episode is packed with insights you can use immediately.

🔑 What You'll Learn:

• How to shift from being a results-only leader to one who inspires trust and connection.
• Practical ways to create a school culture where teachers, students, and parents thrive.
• Why formative assessments are tools for growth, not just grades.
• The role of language in leadership and how it fosters problem-solving mindsets.
• Strategies for recovering and growing after leadership setbacks.

Don’t miss these key insights to transform your leadership and school culture!

👉 Watch the full episode and find the show notes here: www.coolcatteacher.com/e875

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Servant Leadership: Recognize when ego is holding you back and how to lead with humility.
• Rebuilding Trust: Learn strategies to rebuild your reputation as a leader.
• Feedback & Growth: Create an environment where students and teachers can thrive through meaningful feedback.
• Vision-Driven Leadership: Focus on solutions and possibilities instead of barriers.

✨ Subscribe for More:
Hit the subscribe button for more episodes of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast, where we bring you actionable tips and inspiration for school leaders and educators.

In this episode of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Shapiro, author of The New Childhood: Raising Kids to Thrive in a Connected World. We tackle one of the most pressing challenges for parents and teachers today: how to help kids develop healthy relationships with their devices. From cell phone bans to managing screen time, we dive into the heart of the frustrations many adults face when navigating technology with children.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why kids struggle with device self-regulation and how adults can help them develop this critical skill.
• The concept of Joint Media Engagement (JME) and how sharing screen time with children can lead to healthier habits.
• A balanced perspective on the debate over cell phone bans in schools and what might work best for your classroom or district.
• How to encourage kids to engage critically with technology rather than passively consuming content.
• The role of AI tools like ChatGPT in education, including their limitations and how to guide students toward deeper, creative thinking.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Background
• 03:20 – The Importance of Joint Media Engagement (JME)
• 07:04 – The Debate on Cell Phone Bans in Schools
• 08:33 – Navigating Technology in the Classroom
• 14:59 – The Limitations of AI in Education
• 17:35 – Conclusion

👉 Listen now and access full show notes and bios at coolcatteacher.com/e874.

As a teacher, we must build our classrooms from the ground up. Today, veteran teacher and teacher coach and author of Always a Lesson: Teaching Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, Gretchen Bridgers, shares the four ways we build our classroom. From designing lessons that engage students powerfully to classroom management and student engagement, learn the fundamentals in this quick listen. And hear about the top level where all of us veteran teachers want to hang out "student ownership." Let's listen to what we can learn about building the best classroom ever!

This episode is a Classroom Spotlight episode where we focus on classroom stories of teachers and students that will inspire you. If you want to start 2025 off right, this will be the episode for you.

Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e873