Cool Cat Teacher Talk

STEAM classroom ideas that actually work — from AI literacy to garden-based science. Nine expert educators share hands-on strategies you can use in your classroom this week.

This is Part 2 of the STEAM Super Series on Cool Cat Teacher Talk. In this episode, you'll learn:

- How Code.org's Hour of AI gives every teacher a free starting point for AI literacy — including unplugged activities with no computers needed
- Why a student who...

What happens when teachers stop starting with answers and start with questions instead?

In this first episode of our two-part STEAM Super Series, twelve educators share how shifting to an inquiry-driven, curiosity-first approach transforms science, math, art, and every subject in between. Sponsored by the Van Andel Institute for Education and their new Educator Studio.

In this episode you'll hear from:

• Terra Tarango — Inquiry-...

One in five children in the U.S. is neurodivergent, yet one in three educators believes learning disabilities are just laziness. In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, host Vicki Davis sits down with two remarkable guests who are changing how we think about neurodiversity in the classroom. Dr. Sue Fletcher-Watson from the University of Edinburgh s...

Nearly half of teachers say their students show little to no interest in learning. In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, four educators from around the world share what actually works to build classroom culture that transforms learning. From student motivation to productive struggle to teaching thinking on purpose, this episode is packed with pra...

Why are students forgetting everything you just told them? How do class rosters make or break a school year? This Epic Elementary Supershow brings together seven expert educators to tackle the challenges elementary teachers face every day. From executive functioning to differentiated math instruction to a remarkable story of 91% reading proficiency, ...

This episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk focuses on a challenge many teachers face right now: keeping student attention strong while navigating the rise of artificial intelligence in classrooms. We explore how learning science, memory strategies, and thoughtful AI use can help students focus, remember more, and think more deeply. With insights from Blake Harvard and Mary Ehrenworth, this conversation connects research-backed teaching ...

Loneliness. Hopelessness. A search for purpose. These are some of the deepest struggles we face today. But what if the answer isn't found in accomplishments, possessions, or fleeting distractions? What if the answer is found in a

 relationship with the One who knows you, loves you, and created you with a purpose? This Christmas, I'm stepping aside from our regul

ar episodes to share something deeply personal: how I talk about Jesus...

The science of attention explains why learning cannot happen without focus—and why one teacher can make all the difference.

In this episode, host Vicki Davis sits down with Myriam Da Silva, AI ethicist, neuroeducation leader, and CEO of CheckIT Learning, to explore how attention actu...

Artificial intelligence is accelerating faster than most schools can respond—and the greatest risk isn't the technology itself, but how unprepared we are to lead, teach, and think in this new era. In this powerful episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, Dr. Nancy Frey and Vickie Echols offer a practical, grounded roadmap for navigating AI with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, host Vicki Davis explores the "real deal" of AI, education, and student learning. First, AI expert Robert "the AI Guy" Benjamin demystifies leading models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini—and explains why critical thinking matters more than ever. Then, Zach Kinsler from

In this final episode of our three-part math series, we explore how to transform math classrooms into engaging, curiosity-driven environments. Instead of rote memorization, top educators share play-based strategies, project-based learning ideas, and mastery-based instruction to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematics.

Whether you're a math teacher, ...

How can we make math classrooms more engaging and effective? In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, I explore brain-based learning, real-world math engagement, differentiation, and mastery-based learning with top experts. Learn how to reduce math anxiety, foster curiosity, and create meaningful learning experiences that help every student succeed. Featuring insights from Liesl McConchie, Dan Meyer, Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson, and J...

This episode of my weekly radio/TV show Cool Cat Teacher Talk spotlights two important topics. First, I Have eight news stories that you'll want to hear about AI. Then, I have interviews with math educators Dr. Jennifer Bay-Williams and Dr. Gina Kling, co-authors of Math Fact Fluency: 60+ Games and Assessment Tools to Support Learning and Retention. We'll dive into how to help children learn math in a low-stress way and they'll giv...

When I sat down to record this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, I knew I wanted it to be practical, encouraging, and full of wisdom from some of the best people I know.

We start with Dr. Barbara Blackburn, one of my favorite experts on rigor. She reminds us that rigor isn't about piling on work — it's about raising expectations and giving students the support they n...

In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, Vicki Davis brings together four powerful voices in education to explore what it really means to teach every child.

• Isabelle Hau sha...

In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, host Vicki Davis brings together four powerful voices in education with smart ideas for today's classrooms.

• Jacob Kirksey shares urgent insights into the teacher certificati...

ick off the year with a no-fluff playbook: hook attention in the first five minutes, teach ADHD brains with novelty and challenge, protect teachers from burnout, and jump-start a campus culture that sticks.
Guests: Jheri South, Dr. Marc Isseks, Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson (Dr. PBJ), and "Stand Tall" Steve Bollar.

Back-to-school secrets from Richard Culatta, Brian Kulak, and Jessica Pack! Discover how to prepare AI-ready graduates, build strong school culture from day one, and engage students with creative storytelling — plus urgent AI safety news every educator should hear.

Full show notes & guest links: www.coolcatteacher.com/back2school2025