Under the Hat Podcast

A simple assignment isn’t always simple. And collecting data is only the beginning. In Episode 89: Shadow Quest Part III, Steve Martinez and Sophie Youngs continue their exploration of Shadow Quest with reflections on sessions by Stephanie Howell and Tina Nunez. First, we unpack the hidden barriers inside everyday classroom tasks. What looks like “just write one sentence” can require working memor...

Students aren’t the only ones who need flexible learning. Teachers do, too. 🎩In Episode 88: Shadow Quest Part II, Steve & Sophie explore what it means to support the whole learner—from quick SEL check-ins to professional learning that respects educators’ needs, experience, and time. We unpack Mantha’s check-in ideas, try a Snorkl activity with feedback and revision, and reflect on Christy &am...

The Shadow Quest begins! What if professional learning felt less like sitting through another presentation and more like a quest to remove the barriers standing between students and learning? In the first episode of our Shadow Quest virtual professional learning event, Steve and Sophie launch a free, educator-powered learning experience built around Universal Design for Learning (UDL), practical c...

What if students could turn a digital design into a real product they could use, sell, or share? Steven and Sophie are joined by Peter from Sawgrass Technologies and Vic from Craft Express to explore how sublimation printing can bring science, art, entrepreneurship, and career education together. They explain the science behind sublimation, introduce Versaflex printing for cotton, and share exampl...

What keeps an educator energized, curious, and committed after four decades in schools? Steve and Sophie sit down with Don Bott, a retired English teacher and instructional coach whose 41-year career included journalism, photography, ELD, AP, senior projects, technology leadership, and countless relationships with students at Stagg High School in Stockton, California. Drawing from his book, 40 Yea...

EdTech ambassador programs can make educators feel seen, valued, and connected—but where is the line between genuine community and unpaid product evangelism? In this “Real Talk” episode, Steve and Sophie reflect on their experiences as classroom educators, instructional coaches, EdTech ambassadors, and industry insiders. They explore the professional learning, relationships, and classroom innovati...

What does meaningful technology use actually look like in real classrooms—and what gets lost when the response to screen time is simply to remove the screens? In Episode 83, Steve and Sophie sit down with educational technology and instructional resource specialist Tina Nunez of Albuquerque Public Schools. Drawing on more than 21 years in education, Tina shares how an unexpected path from hospital...

In this special Bonus Episode of Under the Hat Podcast, Steve and Sophie take you on an exciting journey through Orlando, capturing the essence of ISTE Live 26. Join them as they share exclusive content and insightful interviews from the event, bringing you the latest trends and innovations in education technology. Whether you attended the conference or missed it, this episode offers a comprehensi...

Season 4 kicks off with Steve Sherman, Chief Imagination Officer at Living Maths, for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, technology, and restoring the joy of learning. Steve joins us from Cape Town to share his unconventional journey into education and his work inspiring students around the world through mathematics, problem-solving, space education, and playful learning. Together, we e...

In this season Finale, Steve and Sophie reflect on season three, share upcoming plans for season four, and discuss their experiences with conferences, guest highlights, and new initiatives in education and Edtech.

Most teachers feel overwhelmed by integrating AI and project-based learning — but Tara and John reveal simple, bite-sized strategies that make it achievable and impactful. In this episode of Under the Hat , these seasoned PD experts share practical tips from their recent book updates and real-world classroom successes, showing how AI can amplify student creativity without adding to teacher workloa...

In this episode, we sit down with educator and immersive-learning leader Austin Levinson to explore what it really takes to spark student agency in an era of instant gratification and shrinking attention spans. Austin shares how his own path—from early loves of puzzles and games to a career shift into gifted education—shaped a philosophy rooted in “fidelity to student needs,” not just fidelity to...

In this episode of Under the Hat, educator and author Dave Burgess shares his journey from classroom teacher to renowned speaker and author. Discover his innovative 'teach like a pirate' approach, the power of branding in education, and insights on fostering creativity and engagement among teachers and students alike. Want to learn from Dave? Here are the links: Website Podcast X/Twitter I...

In this episode of Under the Hat, high school innovator Anthony Beckett shares his journey from note-taking struggles to creating Markify, a collaborative classroom tool. Discover how student-led solutions can transform education and the future of edtech. Want to learn more? Here are the links: Website Twitter/X Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn BlueSky TikTok

Join the Under the Hat conversation as we explore the importance of developing student agency in the modern classroom with Dr. Desiree Alexander. Discover strategies, challenges, and insights to empower students and transform education. Want to learn more from Dr. Desiree Alexander? Here are here links: Website X/Twitter Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn BlueSky Pinterest TikTok Amazon

Summary In this episode, the Steve and Sophie discuss the upcoming Eduprotocols March Madness event and the importance of shifting from compliance-driven routines to fostering student agency in education. They are joined by Robert Mayfield, who shares insights on the systemic barriers in education, the role of teachers as designers, and the significance of mentorship. The conversation also explore...

In this episode, co-hosts Steve and Sophie engage with Chuck Moss, an experienced educator and assistant principal, discussing his journey in education, the importance of building relationships, and the philosophy of 'Don't Be Afraid to Be Awesome.' Chuck shares insights on leadership, the significance of teacher support, and the impact of social media in connecting with educators. The...

On this episode of Under the Hat, we are thrilled to drip an episode from Modern Classroom Project Podcast that featured the amazing Margie Tiner. To make this even better, we did a short intro interview with Margie to give us updates on her journey, the working she is doing at Kami, and what's coming up next. Be sure to check out all things Kami and the Modern Classroom Project Podcast! Here...

In this episode of Under the Hat, Dan Thomas, a retired STEM educator and certified LEGO Serious Play facilitator, shares his insights on the importance of play in education. With over 30 years of experience, Dan discusses how hands-on learning and project-based activities can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. He emphasizes the value of making learning relevant and fun, and how edu...

In this special bonus episode, Steve and Sophie take you behind the scenes of their unforgettable in-person adventure at FETC! Tune in as they dive into the vibrant sense of community, share their exhilarating Keynote experiences, and relive all the fun, surprises, and memorable moments from sunny Orlando. You won’t want to miss this lively recap!

In this episode, the Steve and Sophie explore the theme of unlocking growth in education entrepreneurship with guest Ildi Laczko-Kerr. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field, focusing on personalized coaching and professional development for educators. Ildi shares her journey from an immigrant to a leader in educational technology, emphasizing the importance of community and re...

🎙️ Episode Title: Navigating Education with Mantha CamachoIn this episode of Under That Hat, we're thrilled to sit down with the dynamic Mantha Camacho! As a passionate educator with years of experience, Mantha infuses her love for teaching with insights from her journey through the evolving world of EdTech. Join us as Mantha candidly shares her experiences supporting struggling students, cham...

In this exciting episode of Under the Hat, we get to hear from Ariella Racco, Co-Founder and CEO of CoLab Education. Listen as she weaves through the nuances of teacher isolationism, professional development, and the need for meaningful collaboration. Ariella Racco is an Ontario-based educator turned EdTech entrepreneur who founded CoLab Education after experiencing firsthand the challenges of tea...

On this episode, we’re chatting with Derek Oldfield about his educational journey and how we developed Sound Pedagogy. This tool is like a magic wand that captures everything in a classroom, giving us a deeper understanding of how teaching happens in real time. Derek Oldfield is an educator, builder, and coach who has spent his career helping teachers create classrooms full of curiosity, thoughtfu...

Welcome back Tisha Richmond to the show as she discusses her new book The Magical CTE Classroom: Bringing Play, Innovation, and Joy! Come learning Tisha's perspective and experiences in the amazing world of CTE. Tisha is an international speaker, educational speaker, Canva Learning Consultant, podcast host, and author from Southern Oregon. She has served as a district Tech Integration Speciali...