The Pixel Classroom Podcast

In what we have nicked named the "hard luck episode". As this was recorded over the course of a few weeks. I am joined with EduProtocols co-founder, Jon Corippo. Jon has served a decade at the K-8 level, opened a 1-1, PBL, Google-based high school, served in two county offices, including as an Assistant Superintendent and It Director. Jon has been recognized a County Teacher of the Year, a 20 to W...

In episode 134, I sit down to do a book review of three great books from DBC Inc. Empowered to Choose by Andrew Easton . Lights, Camera, Teach! by Kevin J. Bulter and Leading the Whole Teacher by Allyson Apsey . Three great books for teachers, administrators, student teachers and instructional coaching. I highly recommend reading these books this winter. 

In this reflection episode, as I "sit at home", I talk about resting. How it comes in different ways, but also how you have to be careful that your rest doesn't over take your life. It's about a balance of what you do, what your goals are and learning to breathe and reflect in those times. It can be from enjoying your favorite sports, to simply reading a good book, or working on that shelving unit...

In episode 132, I am joined by award winning and long time writer, JM DeMatteis. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, J. M. DeMatteis was a professional musician and rock music journalist before entering the comic book field.  DeMatteis has written almost all of the major DC and Marvel icons—including memorable runs on Spider-Man (his classic "Kraven’s Last Hunt". Also co-writing Justice Le...

I am joined in Episode 131 by Adam Bellow. Adam is a dedicated educational technologist, father of two young boys, and is CEO and Co-Founder of Breakout EDU, the immersive gaming platform that enables teachers and students to transform classrooms into places of discovery and inquiry-based learning. Previously, he served as a Presidential Innovation Fellow for the White House, created several edtec...

I am joined in episode 129 with Maverik Education Founder and Professional Development speaker, Erik Francis. He is an international author and presenter with over 25 years of experience working in education as a classroom teacher, a site administrator, an education program specialist with a state education agency, and a trainer who produces and provides professional development for teachers and s...

In this week’s episode I talk about my experience at the district’s institute day and meeting Adam Peterson.

I am joined by Marisa Thompson (M.A. Teacher Education) who has seventeen years of experience teaching various levels of English including advanced and support classes. As a Curriculum & Intervention Coordinator, she assesses success and develops goals and curriculum, K-12, and designed a role to become her previous district’s first Innovation Support coach. She is a designated cooperating tea...

On International Podcast Day, I reflect on relationships not with students, but work co-workers and staff members. How connecting and understanding each other can make some amazing friendships and relationships that will last for many years. No matter where you or they go in life. 

We celebrate the 125th episode of the Pixel Classroom Podcast with long time award winning comic artist, Ron Frenz. Ron shares how he became interesting in being a comic artist, especially Spider-Man since he was young. How he broke into the comic book industry, his partnership with writer, Tom DeFalco. Being the artist who drew the famous black suit for Spider-Man in the 80s, the creation of Eric...

I'm joined by artist and business owner, Eddie deAngelini is a long time comic book fan and collector. His love of comics began at a young age and continues to this day and his webcomic Collectors is loosely based on his own life, marriage and comic collecting obsession. Collectors is a love letter to the pop culture phenomenon of comic books and to all the wives who trip over longboxes all over t...

This week I reflect at having fun during the school year. Whether you are doing in the classroom, at events or out with friends. Have some fun this year.

I am joined by author, teacher and entrepreneur, Don Wettrick. Don Wettrick is the founder and CEO of The STARTedUP Foundation, which hosts Innovate WithIN- Indiana's innovation and entrepreneurship programming and competition. He is also the author of “Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation,” which aims to create innovation mindsets in our schools. Don is known for his award-winning work a...

In this short episode I reflect on student engagement and when to get out of the way and let students work.

In episode 120 I review Hacking Assessments Vol. 2. In Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School, award-winning teacher and world-renowned formative assessment expert Starr Sackstein unravels one of education's oldest mysteries: how to assess learning without grades -- even in a school that uses numbers, letters, GPAs, and report cards. I review my favorite chapter...

In episode 119 I reflect on making mistakes in the classroom, learning and growing from them. It was a very regular week of school, but a very good one.

In the 118th episode of the Pixel Classroom Podcast, I talk about starting your own podcast in your classroom. What are your options for elementary? What are the pitfalls to avoid? What equipment should you use? How can Flip help you get started to empower Student Voice. What does the book, The Magnificent Microphone by Chey Cheney and Pawan Wander and Shawnna Purkis fit in all of this? Listen to...

In the 117th episode, I reflect on the first regular week of school. About working with new students, handling rough days and creating rapport with new and old coworkers.

In episode 116, I talk about starting the 2022-2023 School Year in an uncomfortable position that occurred for me just before the first week of school. I reflect on what it is like to play it safe, knowing when to take a chance on something. I also explain why I'm happy with where I am at and where I am going in my career. 

I reflect on my first week at my new school. On a beautiful but windy day.

I am joined by Aspire Podcast author and Teach Better Team member, Joshua Stamper. Joshua Stamper is the Training and Development Specialist for the Teach Better Team and manages the Teach Better Podcast Network. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a middle school Administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach. In addition to being on the Teach Better Team, Joshua is the author o...

I reflect in my new teacher orientation as I begin to prepare for the new school year.

In episode 112, I review the books I read this summer. I review: Edu Protocols Field Guide: Social Studies Edition, Evolving with Gratitude, Stanley and the Very Messy Desk, She Leads, The Edtech Coaching Primer, Breaking the Blockbuster Model, A Teacher's Top Secret Confidential and The Magnificent Microphone.  You can check out these books: The Magnificent Microphone  A Teacher's Top S...

In episode 111 I begin a new weekly segment reflecting on the week as I walk home from school. In the first episode I talk about my first day in my new room. Starting my curriculum planning and what I’m hoping for the new school year.

Kicking off Season Four of the Pixel Classroom Podcast, I review the Summer of 2022, a summer of relaxing, recharging and what I'm hoping to bring to the classroom this fall. I also talk about my new weekly reflection: As I Walk Home that will begin in episode 111 and as new school year begins.