Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we sit down with Michael McCormick, Superintendent in Residence at AVID Center, to explore what it really takes to lead through change in today’s educational landscape. With over three decades of experience—from juvenile probation to classroom teaching to district leadership—Michael shares insights from his personal journey and digs into practical change the...

In today’s episode, we'll explore ways to integrate the blended learning strategy of whole group rotation into your classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we’re joined by international educator Mathilde Landemaine to explore the rich and varied experiences of teaching abroad. With a teaching journey that spans France, England, and Japan, Mathilde offers an insider's look at how educational systems differ—and what that means for students and teachers alike. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about curr...

In today’s episode, we'll explore the key components and benefits of blended learning. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode, the Unpacking Education podcast hosts dig into effective ways to open and close a class period. Throughout their conversation, they reflect on the benefits of beginning and ending routines, including the consistent use of bell ringer and exit ticket activities. They offer a wealth of specific examples that teachers can apply to their own classrooms. Visit AVID Open Access to learn...

In today’s episode, we'll explore a newly developed draft document— Empowering Learners for the Age of AI: An AI Literacy Framework for Primary and Secondary Education —from the European Commission and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, with support from Code.org and other leading international experts. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode, Winston, Rena, and Paul discuss the importance of authentic learning. They break down what authentic learning is while providing specific examples of it in action from their experiences as students, teachers, and professional learning facilitators. Through this conversation, you’ll discover common attributes that make authentic learning powerful and actionable in any context. Visi...

In today’s episode, we'll explore three ways to level up your understanding and use of artificial intelligence. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

What do teens really think about the news, and how prepared are they to navigate today’s complex information landscape? We explore these questions in this episode of Unpacking Education, as we’re joined by Kim Bowman and Peter Adams from the News Literacy Project (NLP) , a nonpartisan nonprofit. Kim and Peter share the results of their national study, News Literacy in America: A Survey of Teen Inf...

In today’s episode, we'll explore how AI Trust You , a free Google add-on, can increase open and honest communication between students and teachers regarding AI use on assignments. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode of Unpacking Education , we dive into the realities of teaching in a tech-saturated world with educator and author Lisa Green. Drawing from her book Outsmarted: The Changing Face of Learning in the Era of Smartphones and Technology , Lisa explores how smartphones, social media, and technology are transforming the way students learn, socialize, and engage in the classroom. Lisa shar...

Explore the highlights of the President’s Executive Order: “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.”

In today’s episode, we'll explore how technology can enhance the publishing phase of the writing process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Sophie Ricouard, Pre-Elementary Academic Director (Toddler–K) at the San Diego French-American School, joins us to discuss the benefits of bilingual education. She explains how her school starts with French immersion and then gradually transitions to a 50/50 mix of French and English. Sophie emphasizes the cognitive and social advantages of bilingualism, noting that children learn to switch betwee...

In today’s episode, we'll explore how technology can be integrated into the polishing phase of the writing process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we sit down with education coach, author, and researcher Dr. Jorge Valenzuela to explore how instructional innovation and project-based learning (PBL) can transform the learning experience and empower both students and educators. Jorge introduces the updated second edition of his book, Project-Based Learning+: Enhancing Academic Learning and Essential Life S...

In today’s episode, we'll explore meaningful ways to integrate technology into the revision portion of the writing process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore strategies and tech tools for the drafting stage of the writing process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

What does it mean to truly infuse AI into classroom practice—not just as a tool, but as a partner in learning? In this episode, ed tech expert Holly Clark joins the Unpacking Education team to unpack the evolving role of AI in education. With over 25 years of experience and a deep commitment to student-centered learning, Holly shares how generative AI can help educators personalize instruction, su...

In today’s episode, we'll explore strategies and digital tools to help students organize their content so that they're ready to begin writing. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we speak with Tracie McMurray, an educator with 20 years of experience whose participation in the AVID Certified Educator program reignited her passion for teaching. From rethinking the role of student data to revamping classroom routines, Tracie shares how strategic lesson design transformed her instruction and helped her reconnect with the purpose that bro...

In today's episode, we explore strategies for researching, generating citations, and note-taking. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we’re joined by author, educator, and inquiry consultant Trevor MacKenzie to explore the powerful role of curiosity in learning. Trevor shares how authentic inquiry can transform disengaged classrooms into thriving learning communities and how the simple act of sparking student curiosity leads to deeper thinking, better questions, and meaningful engagement....