Many teachers are frustrated when AI gives great results one day and confusing or unreliable responses the next. This episode explores why that happens and how it affects both teachers and students in real classrooms. I sit down with Rob the AI Guy to unpack a key concept that explains much of this inconsistency and helps educators use AI more wisely. If you want clearer results and better classroom conversations about AI, this episode will help.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Understand why AI responses can drift or become unreliable over time

• Use simple strategies, like starting fresh conversations, to get better results

• Explain the idea of a context window to students in clear, age-appropriate ways

• Help students avoid overtrusting or misusing AI tools

• Emphasize critical thinking when working with AI in the classroom

Show notes and resources:
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e922

The science of attention explains why learning cannot happen without focus—and why one teacher can make all the difference. Learn how to understand the science of attention and help students learn.

This episode is an extended episode shared from my other podcast/radio/TV show: Cool Cat Teacher Talk. I'm sharing it because it is helpful, but also because I share a very special story at the end. - I hope you enjoy! - Vicki

In this episode, host Vicki Davis sits down with Myriam Da Silva, AI ethicist, neuroeducation leader, and CEO of CheckIT Learning, to explore how attention actually works in the brain and what that means for today's classrooms.

Rather than telling students to "just pay attention," this conversation breaks down the different states of attention, why sustained focus is biologically limited, and how teachers can design lessons that align with how the brain learns best. You'll hear practical, research-based strategies teachers can use immediately, including how to start class with a strong hook, leverage the attention curve, build in attention resets, reduce distractions, and teach students to self-regulate their focus.

The episode also features the powerful classroom story "Sue and Mrs. Scruggs," illustrating how a teacher's intentional attention can change a student's confidence, trajectory, and life.

Myriam also shares insights from her work in ethical, human-centered AI, including how neuroeducation-informed tools can support teachers while preserving the essential teacher–student relationship at the heart of learning.

This episode is ideal for educators, school leaders, parents, and anyone interested in learning, child development, and the future of education.

Show notes and resources:
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/attention

Every child can become a reader — but only when we build strong foundational skills. In this episode, literacy consultant Jennifer Burns explains the "Fundamental Four" every student needs to read with confidence: seeing like a reader, hearing like a reader, thinking like a reader, and believing they are a reader.

Whether you teach early learners, support struggling readers, or want practical strategies to strengthen reading instruction, Jennifer shares clear, teacher-ready ideas you can use right away.

You'll learn how to improve eye training and decoding, how to reduce reading fatigue, how to build a positive reading identity, how to use text variety to boost comprehension, and what high-performing schools do differently in literacy.

Sponsored by Speakable — the AI tool that helps language and reading teachers assign speaking tasks, give instant feedback, and save time grading. Learn more at www.coolcatteacher.com/speakable.

This conversation brings clarity, encouragement, and actionable steps for teachers who want every child to grow as a reader.

Show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e920

What if math could feel like play? 🎲 In this inspiring episode, mathematician and educator Dan Finkel—founder of Math for Love—joins Vicki Davis, the Cool Cat Teacher, to explore how curiosity, productive struggle, and play can make math more meaningful and fun for every learner.

Discover how to start math lessons with questions, why struggle builds deeper understanding, and how to help students fall in love with problem-solving again. Perfect for teachers, parents, and anyone who wants to make learning joyful.

📘 Show Notes & Links: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e919

🧲 Sponsor:
Today's episode is sponsored by Clixo—the award-winning magnetic play system that turns 2D shapes into endless 3D creations! Perfect for makerspaces, STEM labs, and creative kids at home. See https://www.clixo.com/pages/target/

🎧 Subscribe and listen to more episodes of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Dr. Catlin Tucker, bestselling author and blended learning expert, joins Vicki Davis to talk about how teachers can design better lessons with AI—without losing their essential human touch. From universal design for learning (UDL) to creating meaningful student choice, Dr. Tucker explains how AI can elevate lesson planning when used with intentionality and creativity. They discuss the limits of "AI lesson generators," what true differentiation looks like, and why great teaching still depends on relationships, empathy, and design thinking.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Clixo, an award-winning magnetic play system that inspires creativity in classrooms and makerspaces. These flexible magnetic pieces let students design, build, and explore endless 3D creations—perfect for STEAM labs, centers, or travel. Learn more at https://www.clixo.com/pages/target

Listen and explore:

• How to use AI for meaningful lesson planning
• What teachers should not automate
• Building lessons that honor every learner's strengths
• The enduring value of teachers in an AI-driven world

Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e918

Teaching writing can feel challenging in today's world of short attention spans and AI-generated text—but it doesn't have to be! In this encouraging episode, author and professor Nancy McCabe joins host Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher) to share six creative strategies that help students rediscover the joy of writing.

From 10-minute free writing sessions to outdoor field trips and imitating great authors, Nancy shares proven ideas that work for every age. She also explains why mistakes and "messy drafts" are not problems to fix—but signs of authentic thinking and growth.

Sponsored by Speakable — the AI tool that helps language and reading teachers assign speaking tasks, give instant feedback, and save time grading.
Learn more at www.coolcatteacher.com/speakable.

🎙️ Listen now to discover:

• Why free writing unlocks creativity and confidence

• How turning points and sensory details make stories come alive

• Ways to connect reading and writing through imitation

• Why taking writing outside the classroom boosts engagement

• How to embrace imperfection in the age of AI

• Why writing is thinking—and how to help students believe it

Learn more and find show notes at www.coolcatteacher.com/e917

Learning a new language can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be! In this inspiring conversation, Spanish teacher Dawne Beck joins host Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher) to share practical ways to create a low-anxiety, high-engagement classroom where students actually enjoy speaking another language.

From using game-based learning and storytelling to integrating AI pronunciation tools like Speakable, Dawne explains how to build students' confidence while keeping the focus on communication over perfection. She also discusses strategies for helping third-language learners and students who feel self-conscious about speaking in class.

Sponsored by Speakable. All opinions are those of Dawne Beck and Vicki Davis.

🎙️ Listen now to discover:

• How to lower anxiety in your language classroom
• Simple ways to use laughter and games for learning
• What "CAPT" (Computer Assisted Pronunciation Training) means for teachers
• How AI feedback tools like Speakable can save time and build confidence

Learn more and find show notes at www.coolcatteacher.com/e916

My students asked me about the Adam Raine wrongful death suit. Parents have asked me. So, I had to spend some time digging into the issues there and how I will be part of the solution. Part of protecting kids from their favorite 'homework helper.' We should all be concerned, and I look forward to continuing to learn and converse about the issue of our times as it relates to children.

Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/chatgpt-wrongful-death-suit