Teach Smarter: AI in Education
“Teach Smarter,” hosted by former classroom teachers Stephanie Dinnen and Peter Siner, is for educators who want to save time, stay sharp, and keep their work sustainable. Each episode explores practical strategies, from classroom systems to emerging tools like AI, with insights from real educators and expert guests who help make teaching more manageable and meaningful.
Episodes
In this episode, I talk with Chris Hull, a former teacher and the co-founder of Otus, a platform that helps schools manage assessment, data, and instruction in one place. We dig into how Otus came to be, what makes edtech actually usable, and how AI can support teachers without getting in the way.
The conversation centers on one tool, but the focus is on what it means to build solutions that come from real classroom experience.
AI isn’t just changing how students complete assignments—it’s forcing colleges to rethink everything from course design to institutional purpose. In this episode, Dr. Nik Janos, sociology professor at California State University, Chico, joins Pete and Stephanie to talk about what higher ed needs to confront in the age of AI. From assessment systems written before the internet to the collapse of the TA pipeline, they explore what’s ...
AI tools like ChatGPT, MagicSchool, and SchoolAI are becoming go-to lesson planners for busy teachers. But are they actually building strong instruction? In this episode, Pete and Stephanie dig into new research that says not quite. They unpack what these tools are getting wrong, why it matters, and how educators can start using AI with more intention and less guesswork.
In this conversation, Elliot Hedman (Build Empathy) shares insights from his research on how students are using generative AI in schools, often in ways that go unnoticed by educators. Drawing on his experience designing digital learning tools for companies like LEGO, McGraw-Hill, and i-Ready, Elliot discusses the limitations of AI detection tools, the rise of paraphrased outputs, and why banning AI may be doing more harm than good....
In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Kassorla discusses the integration of AI in the writing classroom, emphasizing the shift from teaching against AI to teaching with it. She highlights the importance of formative assessment, the need for a focus on process over product, and the significance of teaching voice, tone, and audience awareness. Dr. Kassorla also addresses the challenges of AI's limitations, the necessity of transpare...
In this episode, we’re joined by Julie Foss of True Nexus Consulting to cut through the noise around AI in education. Julie brings two decades of experience as a teacher, leader, and consultant—and she’s not here to hype the latest tool. Instead, we talk about what really matters: strategic implementation, change management, and how to align AI with the actual goals of your school or district.
In this episode, Pete and Stephanie dive into Notebook LM, a Google AI tool designed to help users synthesize information from multiple sources. They explore its key features, practical applications in education, and how it can support teachers in implementing curricula more effectively. The discussion also highlights Notebook LM’s interactive mode, which allows users to engage dynamically with the generated content. The episode wr...
Join us as we dive into the world of AI-powered language learning with Brent Warner, an award-winning community college professor and tech innovator. Brent works globally with teachers and organizations, offering practical strategies to help Multilingual Learners (MLLs) harness technology for clearer communication. A blogger for TESOL International, co-host of The DIESOL Podcast, and author of the soon-to-be-released EdTech for Mul...
In this episode of Teach Smarter, Pete Siner and Stephanie discuss key insights from the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) 2025, exploring the latest advancements in AI for education. They break down how AI tools should enhance—not replace—teaching, the importance of professional development, and the Think Smarter framework for creating personalized student pathways. The conversation also tackles skepticism toward AI...
How can we transform ordinary lessons into extraordinary learning experiences? In this episode, we're joined by John Sammon and Tara Koehler, veteran educators and STEAM Professional Development Specialists from the Wappingers Central School District in New York. Together, they share their innovative strategies for blending Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Project-Based Learning (PBL) to empower both teachers and students.
As co-au...
In this solo episode of Teach Smarter, Stephanie dives into how AI can help educators focus on their own growth—personally and professionally. Drawing from a powerful gardening metaphor, she shares how tools like ChatGPT can guide teachers through the January doldrums, mapping out tailored professional development plans. Whether you're looking to grow in your teaching role or explore education-adjacent opportunities, this episode i...
In this episode Peter dives into Magic School, an AI-powered platform that helps K-12 teachers with tasks like lesson planning, grading, and student tracking. Pete breaks down how the platform’s tools can save time and make teaching more efficient, while offering personalized support for students. Tune in for a practical overview of how Magic School can streamline your classroom.
In this conversation, Pete and Stephanie discuss the rapid developments in AI and its implications for education, particularly in the context of testing and data analysis. They explore how AI can help teachers manage overwhelming amounts of data and improve instructional planning, while also addressing the challenges posed by standardized testing and the need for effective data interpretation. In this conversation, Stephanie and Pe...
In this solo episode of Teach Smarter, Stephanie discusses the evolving role of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of understanding how schools and educators can effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices. She introduces the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) as a tool to help educators navigate the complexities of AI use in student assessments and projects, providing a structured approach to ethical AI engagement. The...
In this solo episode, Pete Siner dives into the mechanics of AI and how understanding its inner workings can transform teaching, learning, and personal efficiency. From the differences between traditional and modern AI to real-world classroom applications, Pete explains how educators can use AI as a co-teacher to enhance collaboration and creativity. Learn why teaching students about AI is as important as teaching them how to use i...
In this candid and wide-ranging episode, Pete and Stephanie explore how AI can transform creativity in education. From generating dynamic assignments to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, they share practical ways teachers can use AI to reimagine instruction and inspire students. They also tackle common concerns about AI's role in the classroom, discuss the need for professional development, and highlight tools that can hel...
In this episode, Pete and Stephanie discuss how to effectively communicate with AI in educational settings. They introduce the TEACH framework for prompting AI, explore the concept of AI hallucinations, and emphasize the importance of feedback and iteration in AI interactions. The conversation also covers the selection of appropriate AI tools and best practices for engaging with AI to enhance educational outcomes.
Welcome to the first episode of our podcast, where we explore the intersection of AI and education. Join educators Stephanie D-R and Pete Siner as they dive into how AI is changing the way teachers work. From tackling time management to enhancing classroom efficiency, this episode sets the stage for practical insights and strategies to make teaching smarter, not harder.