The Pixel Classroom Podcast

Based off of my blog from May 2020, this brief bonus episode of the Pixel Classroom Podcast is about remaining kind and knowing that your words do make an impact matter how you say them. 

In episode 30, the amazing Spartan himself, John Meehan guest stars. Joh shares his history in education, why he wants students to learn the most and always be excited before they come to class and after they have learned a lesson or project. His book EDrenaline Rush is currently available for purchase that is just a fantastic book, especially his QR Break Ins, which we will talk about in this epi...

Jesse Lubinsky guest starts on this episode of the Pixel Classroom. We talk about the difference between gamfication and gaming. Talk about how eSports has really began to become an amazing part of not only education, but in the world, especially during COVID-19. We also geek out over comic book (mostly Marvel Comics) during the podcast. If you like to know more please check out his links and for...

In the 28th episode, Elementary and STEAM educator, Jesus Huerta joins us. We talk about, 3D printing, engineering, his history in education and STEAM curriculum in elementary school. A bit of video game knowledge (Ok, Pyscho Fox, but it was great), student engagement and how he brought 3D printers to EVERYONE of his students during remote learning. You can contact Jesus on Instagram and Twitter a...

The second season begins of the Pixel Classroom Podcast. I look back at the spring and summer of 2020. What the new school year currently looks for me. Also, looking ahead for what is coming up for the podcast and saying that you can't wait around for something to happen. Sometimes you have to go out and get it. You can also check out my district's new podcast, here and my donor's choose page here...

In episode 26 and the conclusion of Season 1 of the Pixel Classroom Podcast, I am joined with author, programmer and TEDx speaker, Brian Aspinall . The two of us talk about his career in education, why coding and programming is very important in education. How students can become leaders and makers in their classroom and talking about the Code Breaker Library and fellow authors Maggie Fray , Don E...

On our special 25th episode milestone episode, I talk with educators, Christine Pinto and Jessica Twomey on their upcoming book, Innovative Play . We also discuss their careers in education. How a collaborative classroom functions in early elementary school and for classrooms using technology tools. This was a fantastic episode and I had a great time talking to these amazing ladies. 

In our latest episode for April 2020, my friend and former class Dr. Marlo Barnett joins me on the Pixel Classroom Podcast. The two of us discuss the rise in remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. How professional development is extremely important to not just teachers, but also students.  You can connect with Marlo at: Marlobarnett39@gmail.com CS4IL: vicepresident@cs4il.org CSTA: CSTA...

In this special episode, I talk about a moment in my life that left me feeling ashamed for who I was, a comic book reader. During this time in my life, I learned to turn back to my passion and enjoyment of comic books, especially the Justice Society of America and how it inspired me and later my students in learning, reading and creation. A special thanks to Lance Ausfresser from the Star Girl and...

In our 22nd episode of the Pixel Classroom Podcast, I talk to former educator and current Marketing Consultant and Entreprenuer, Kimberly Free Sanderson. Kimberly shares her history in education, her present work with educators and businesses during this time of remote learning and stay at home. She even talks about how to stay health both physically and mentally during this time. You can connect...

In our first episode for April 2020, Dr. Traci Nicole Smith joins us on the Pixel Classroom Podcast. She talks about how she intuits to help others create lives full of peace, love, and hope. Her unique ideas and insightful perspective inspire others to be champions of their lives by nurturing an abundance consciousness to enjoy themselves. We have a wonderful discussion on E-Learning, the current...

In our 20th episode, I reunite with my friend, Hannah Pals, a mathematics and STEM teacher and Robotics coach. Hannah shares her love of math, how she came to be the advisor for her school's math, robotics and science clubs. We also discuss the introduction to E-learning to the Educational World during the CORVID-19 Pandemic currently going on and how this will most likely effect education going f...

I am joined by my friend the amazing Edu Ninja Mindse t author, J ennifer Burdis on the 19th episode of The Pixel Classroom Podcast. Jen shares with us her history in education. Practicing mindfulness, health, determination and how obstacles in life can make us better and how to learn and grow from our failures and continue to face our challenges head on. 

I reflect on a previous blog post from 2016 on the 6th anniversary of reading Teach like a Pirate by Dave Burgess thanks to Barbara Gruener . This episode is about what lead me to teaching and the 5th grade teacher who influenced my life since.

I reflect on the final day of the IDEA Conference Day 3.

On Day 2 of the IDEA Conference we talk to a plethora of fantastic educators from Rachael on Sketch Notes to Liv and Cindy from Liv Bits. Cathie and I also reflect on progress for not only students, but also for teachers and schools.

Love from IDEA Con in Schaumburg, IL. I talk with my fellow educators on what PIXELs they are learning in the various sessions at the conference and I am very happy to be joined by my fellow teachers from MERIDIAN 223.

In this special reflection episode, I look at my long eight year journey as a graduate student to completing my dissertation. What happened in that time? What did I learn? What hardships did I face? How did I growth both as an educator and as a person. Where do I go now?

The Pixel Classroom Podcast returns with guest star, Craig Badura . In this episode, Craig talks about getting into a growth mindset and getting out of a fixed mindset. Craig shares his X-Factor, Passion and how he brings that every day to his students, his many Cooking with Craig on Instagram . About going back to Kindergarten and learning and discovering new ways to learn and be innovative. You...

The Pixel Classroom Podcast is honored to welcome educator, director of innovation and author, Thomas C. Murray to the show. In this episode, Tom talks with me about Empathy and Humility in education and looking for the "Hidden Stories Within". Tom also shares the effective use of edtech, but also talking about what works when districts are spending so much on technology. This was an amazing time...

In my last episode for January 2020, I review the book: The Wild Card Kids: A Journey to Magic by Hope & Wade King , authors of the The Wild Card and illustrated b y Mat Sadler. In my review I not only talk about the key points in the book, but also reflect on one of the main characters, Piper. How she learns to Celebrate the success of others when it's not your time to shine. I also compare t...

In the ninth episode of the Pixel Classroom Podcast, Mandy Froehlich of author of Divergent EDU and The Fire Within and Co-host for Teacher’s Aid podcast on BAM Radio guest stars. Mandy discusses her career in education, being an author consultant and about reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession, as well as what is needed to support teachers in their pursuit of innovati...

Happy New Year Everyone! We kick off 2020 with my former instructional coach and now current Dean of Students, Joesph Sloan. Joe talks about his career in education, why Social/Emotional Learning is important in create School Culture. Forming relationships with students and the importance of making time for your family and with yourself. It was an amazing podcast with my friend. Please, click and...

In the last episode of 2019, I reflect on my teaching in 2019. The highs, the lows and what I have learned. I want to thank everyone who has made these first seven episodes a joy to create and produce. I look forward to what 2020 brings for the Pixel Classroom Podcast. Enjoy. 

In Episode 6 of the Pixel Classroom Podcast, teacher, curriculum leader, journal writer and author, Lisa Johnson guest stars. Lisa talks about her history in education. How she became known as the Tech Chef. How she teachers students to be college and career ready, her love of journal writing, how to focus on content and not just technology. Lisa also talks about publishing her two books, Cultivat...