The Pixel Classroom Podcast

I keep asking the same question: where do you find balance when life keeps moving the goalposts? If you’ve felt stretched thin lately, balance” — I want to know I’m not the only one. Between school, bills, family changes, work, and trying to make space for the things I love, I’ve had to relearn this more than once. Some seasons look fine on paper and still feel heavy in real life. A setback can hi...

I am joined by CEO / Co-founder - Teach Better Team, Chad Ostrowski. Chad works with schools, districts and organizations to improve instructional outcomes. His expertise in Mastery Learning and instructional design allows him and his team to help schools and districts thrive. He is an author, speaker, consultant and PD provider helping the world “Teach Better”.

In this episode of The Pixel Classroom Podcast , we dive into the fascinating history behind Dolly Parton’s iconic workplace anthem, "9 to 5" ! 🎸✨ From its origins tied to the 1980 hit comedy film and the real-life women’s labor movement to how Dolly famously used her own acrylic nails as a percussion instrument, we break down the story, impact, and legacy of a song that defined a generation of...

Tish Richmond returns to the Pixel Classroom Podcast. In this episode we talk about framework discussions center on bridging academic learning with hands-on, practical skills—preparing students for post-secondary pathways, trade careers, and emerging tech fields. Integrating gamification, interactive lesson structures, and project-based learning within technical subjects to keep students actively...

I review The EduProtocol Field Guide: AI Literacy Edition (featuring 15 lesson frames for teaching AI literacy across content areas). Covering: AI: Tool or Replacement? (0:47) AI in Education: A Teacher's Perspective (0:56) AI Ethics: Asking the Right Questions (0:53) AI in Education: Ethical Use & Bias (0:56)

I am joined by friend and former classmate, Jim Windelborn as we discuss the importance of adaptability, the role of AI in education, and strategies for student success in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

In this episode 231 of The Pixel Classroom Podcast , we welcome educator Annick Rauch for an inspiring conversation about navigation, resilience, and storytelling. Annick shares her personal journey writing through her cancer diagnosis and treatment, highlighting how writing serves as a powerful outlet for processing, reflection, and connection within education and beyond.

In episode 229, I look back at the previous school year. From challenges, to growth to looking forward to what comes next.

Hello everybody and welcome to the Pixel Classroom History of Music. Today’s song is one of the most comforting songs ever written. It’s simple, it’s honest, and for a lot of people… it means more than just music. We’re talking about “You’ve Got a Friend,” made famous by James Taylor and written by Carole King.

I'm diving into something a little different with the music history, storytelling, and emotion all wrapped into one iconic song. Dreams. Two completely different interpretations of the same piece that somehow both capture something timeless.

I review the book, Becoming the Bison by Kim Gameroz. Kim Gameroz, M.Ed., is a change agent, published author, and founder of Teaching Inside Out, where she is revolutionizing classrooms through a systematic approach to teaching social and emotional skills. With over 15 years of experience coaching, training, and mentoring educators, students, and families globally, Kim has spoken at conferences n...

I am joined all the way from New Zealand by Penelope Barton. Penelope Barton is the CEO of Crimson Global Academy and Co-founder of Crimson Academies, where she leads a portfolio of innovative schools redefining what education can look like in a digital-first world. This includes Crimson Global Academy (CGA), the world’s leading premium global online private school, serving 3000+ students across m...

John Meehan returns from episode 30. John Meehan is an instructional coach, professional development specialist, and English teacher from just outside Washington, D.C. He is the author of EDrenaline Rush (2019) and co-author of Fully Engaged (2021) and Playing With Purpose (2026). A nationally recognized speaker on student engagement and gamified instruction, John was named an ASCD Emerging Leader...

In this month’s music history spotlight, Ryan explores the 1937 jazz standard “My Funny Valentine,” written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. From its Broadway origins in Babes in Arms to iconic interpretations by Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis, this episode reflects on why a song about imperfect love has endured for nearly a century.

In episode 222, I look at the history of the 1984 classic movie, The Neverending Story. The history of the movie/book, the song and of course it's pop culture references in Stranger Things. A fun little episode on why stories don’t survive because they’re old. They survive because we still need them.

Leah Ellis is a mother of four and the founder of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs (SoCE), a nonprofit dedicated to helping children ages 6–17 build confidence, leadership, and real-world business skills through hands-on learning. Inspired by watching her own children turn everyday ideas into action, Leah created SoCE to prove that children are capable of meaningful leadership right now. Through...

Like every year, I reflect on 2025. What the year brought me, and where I'm looking to go next. From leaving Harvard to returning to CTE teaching at DeKalb to my plans for my book, The Pixel Teacher and my old creative series, Campus Square.

I review Tisha Richmond's new book, The Magical CTE Classroom. A book everyone should read in the next year. Doesn't matter if you are at CTE teacher, ELA, Math, SpEd. This book has something for everyone to really bring play, innovation and joy into career and technical education.

In end of the year, musical history episode. Happy Holiday wasn’t created as a Christmas song. It debuted in 1942 in the film Holiday Inn, starring BingCrosby and Fred Astaire. It’s the same movie that launched “White Christmas.” The film’s concept: a country inn that opens only on holidays, each with its own Irving Berlin song. Among them was “Happy Holiday.” Bing sang it as a general greeting —...

I am joined by Paul Buckley who is the Founder and Managing Owner of Ratio Staffing, a groundbreaking platform reshaping how preschools connect with substitute teachers, enrichment educators, and speech pathologists. A former preschool teacher with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience, Paul’s mission is deeply personal: to help children thrive by supporting the educators who shape their early ye...

I am joined by Jeff C. Riley on the 215 episode of the Pixel Classroom Podcast. Jeffrey C. Riley (Jeff) is the former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, who co-founded and now leads the not-for-profit Day of AI organization in partnership with MIT RAISE..Mr. Riley was appointed Superintendent/Receiver of the Lawrence Public Schools, where, for over 6 years, he led a...

Dr. Brandi Kelly brings more than 20 years of heart, hustle, and hands-on leadership experience. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Maxwell Certified Coach who has served as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent. A two-time Principal of the Year and the founder of Spark HOPE Edu, Brandi uses her H.O.P.E. System—Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence—to share...

My friend, Mary “Beth” Foose, passed away this past weekend after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. She was the first in-studio teacher guest on The Pixel Classroom Podcast, appearing in Episode 86, which was recorded exactly four years ago today on November 18, 2021. Beth faced her diagnosis with incredible grace and strength. Her “Foose Fighters” stood with her every step of the way, lif...

I am joined by Kurtis, Hewson on Pixel Classroom Podcast. Kurtis Hewson is an award-winning former administrator and teacher, as well as teaching faculty at the post-secondary level. He is the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning, a co-author of the bestselling text Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners, and currently works with distr...

In episode 212, I reflect on my journey as I begin work on my book, "As the Pixels Fade" that I'm hoping to have completed in early 2026.