Enter the Teacher Appreciation Week giveaway for a chance to win daily EdTech prizes, gift cards, and classroom tools!
What if Teacher Appreciation Week didn’t just mean a free donut in the lounge but actual tools, resources, and gifts you want?
This year, we’re turning up the appreciation in a big way.
I’m celebrating educators with five days of giveaways, incredible partners, and daily live events. If you’re looking for a little excitement (and a chance to win some seriously awesome prizes), you’re in the right place.
From Monday, May 4th through Friday, May 8th, I’m hosting a live giveaway every single day.
Each day = a new prize
Each live = a new chance to win
I’ll be going live to randomly select winners, so you’ll get the excitement of a live reveal and the chance to connect with fellow educators.
Incredible Prizes from EdTech Partners
I’ve teamed up with some amazing companies to bring you prizes that are actually useful (and fun!).
Tune in to our daily live giveaways (info will be emailed)
Cross your fingers
Bonus: By entering, you’ll also be added to the EdTech Bites Newsletter (if you’re not already subscribed), where I share EdTech tips, tools, and insights to make your teaching life easier.
Teacher Appreciation Week is your time and I’m we’re here to help make it count.
With daily giveaways, amazing prizes, and a fun live experience, this is your chance to celebrate, connect, and maybe even win big.
Fill out the form below to enter now
Join us live each day
Give these amazing companies a huge shout out on social media for donating these gifts
And don’t forget to share with your teacher friends!
Schools tried banning AI but that strategy is already breaking down. In this episode, we explore how teachers are redesigning assignments, building transparency, and turning AI into a tool for deeper thinking instead of shortcuts.
This episode is sponsored by TWT Audio. Are your students dealing with broken headsets, poor audio quality, or unreliable microphones at moments that matter most? TWT Audio was built for educators, by educators, designing headsets specifically for real classroom environments, durable enough to last, and comfortable for all-day use. With over 5 million headsets and headphones sold, schools trust TWT because they just work, delivering consistent performance while simplifying technology.
Instead of replacing cheap headsets year after year, invest in a solution that schools nationwide trust every day.
TWT Audio — hear the difference.
AI isn’t going away but the way schools are handling it might be doing more harm than good. In this episode, I chat with Annie Kim Sytsma from Michigan Virtual to unpack what’s really happening inside schools right now. From districts banning AI to others fully embracing it, the reality is messy and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
We dive into:
Why banning AI is no longer realistic
How teachers are redesigning assignments to outsmart shortcuts
What students are actually doing with AI (hint: it’s changing)
How to build transparency instead of fear in your classroom
If you’ve been unsure how to approach AI with your students or feel like you’re already behind, this episode gives you practical, honest strategies you can start using immediately. Buen provecho!
Annie Kim Sytsma serves schools across the state of Michigan as an AI Strategist with Michigan Virtual. With over 13 years of experience in education and dual Master’s degrees in Educational Technology and Instructional Design, she brings a balanced, ethical, and thoughtful approach to integrating AI in teaching and learning. Her background as an English and Psychology teacher, District Technology Specialist, District Intervention Coordinator, and school administrator gives her deep instructional and systemic insight into how intentionally designed technology can transform education. Annie focuses on creating learning experiences that harness AI to deepen thinking, strengthen metacognition, and expand student agency while supporting responsible engagement with emerging technologies.
Learn how to make a delicious protein smoothie that tastes like a milkshake using frozen bananas, fresh strawberries, and vanilla protein. Say goodbye to chalky, clumpy protein shakes!
Let’s be honest: most protein shakes are a chore to drink. We’ve all been there, shaking a plastic bottle like our lives depend on it, only to end up with a lukewarm, clumpy mess that tastes like vanilla-scented drywall. It’s a sad way to start a morning or finish a workout.
But here’s the good news: your protein goals don’t have to be a punishment. Through my own personal weight loss journey, I’ve spent way too much time experimenting with ingredients and I’ve finally dialed in the perfect Vanilla Strawberry-Banana Protein Smoothie. It’s thick, it’s creamy, and it actually tastes like a milk shake, not a chore.
Why This Recipe Works
The biggest mistake people make with smoothies is relying on too much ice or room-temperature fruit. If you want that “milkshake” consistency, the frozen banana is your best friend. It acts as a natural thickener that smooths out the texture of the whey protein.
I use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey (not sponsored…YET) because it blends incredibly well without that weird aftertaste, but the real magic happens when you pair it with fresh strawberries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness of the vanilla, giving you a balanced flavor that doesn’t feel heavy. Pair it with my zucchini and egg breakfast and you’ll be full for hours with only about 500 calories.
The Ingredients
1 scoop (30 grams) Vanilla Protein Powder: (Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is my go-to).
1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk: The perfect low-calorie base that stays out of the way of the other flavors.
1/2 a Frozen Banana: This is the “secret sauce” for that creamy, non-icy texture.
4 Fresh Strawberries: Halved or quartered to make it easier on your blender blades.
1 cup Ice: For that perfect, frost-filled chill.
Instructions
Liquid First: Pour your almond milk into the blender first.
The Powder: Add your scoop of vanilla protein on top of the fruit.
Mix: I use a milk frother to make sure the protein powder is completely incorporated with the almond milk
Add the Solids: Drop in your frozen banana chunks and your strawberries.
The Chill: Top it off with the ice.
The Blend: Start your blender on the lowest setting and slowly ramp up to high. Blend for about 45–60 seconds until you don’t hear any more ice chunks rattling around.
If your smoothie is too thick to move, don’t just keep hitting the “pulse” button and praying. Add one extra splash of almond milk at a time. Patience is the key to a smooth blend!
Rushing to work? Just finished a heavy lifting session? This smoothie is the ultimate “fast food” that actually loves you back. It’s filling, it’s refreshing, and most importantly, it’s something you’ll actually look forward to drinking. And the macros are perfect!
The Macros
Calories: 218
Fat: 4.3 grams
Carbs: 22 grams
Protein: 26 grams
Did this recipe change your mind about protein shakes? I want to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite smoothie add-ins, or tag me in a photo of your creation on Instagram. Don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter for more practical, delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox! Buen provecho!
AI literacy is not about prompts. Learn why schools are misusing AI tools and how leaders can simplify edtech decisions for better results.
This episode is sponsored by TWT Audio. Are your students dealing with broken headsets, poor audio quality, or unreliable microphones at moments that matter most? TWT Audio was built for educators, by educators, designing headsets specifically for real classroom environments, durable enough to last, and comfortable for all-day use. With over 5 million headsets and headphones sold, schools trust TWT because they just work, delivering consistent performance while simplifying technology.
Instead of replacing cheap headsets year after year, invest in a solution that schools nationwide trust every day.
What if everything we think we know about AI literacy in education is…off?
That’s exactly where my conversation with Ken Shelton goes. And fair warning, it gets deep fast.
Most educators hear “AI literacy” and immediately think about prompts, chatbots, and what students should or should not type into tools. But that definition is way too small. AI literacy is not just about using tools. It is about understanding how those tools work, how language shapes outcomes, and how human decisions influence the results.
In other words, it is less about “what do I type?” and more about “how do I think?” Check out the full conversation for yourself down below.
A big takeaway from this episode is that language matters more than we realize. The difference between words like summarize, analyze, or interrogate can completely change what an AI system produces. That is not a tech skill. That is communication skill. That is literacy.
And here is where things get even more interesting.
Many educators are unknowingly treating AI like Google. They use vague searches and expect precise results. That mismatch leads to frustration and poor outcomes. AI systems require clarity, specificity, and intentionality. The more precise the input, the more useful the output.
Now let’s zoom out to leadership.
School administrators are facing a different challenge. Not just how to use AI, but how to make decisions about it. And right now, many are moving too fast. There is pressure from all directions. Vendors, teachers, parents, and policy concerns.
The advice shared here is simple but powerful. Slow down.
Start with your goals. What does your school actually need? Then evaluate tools based on alignment, not hype. Because here is the reality. Some districts are juggling hundreds of platforms. In one case, over 500.
Yes. 500.
After auditing usage, many of those tools were redundant. By narrowing down to just two platforms with strong overlap, the district saved money and improved professional development. Fewer tools. Better results.
That is the game.
AI literacy at the leadership level is not about knowing every tool. It is about making intentional, strategic decisions that support teaching and learning.
And if you are feeling overwhelmed, here is a helpful mindset shift. Think of AI like cooking.
At first, you follow the recipe exactly. Over time, you develop intuition. You adjust, experiment, and create. That is when the process starts to feel easier. The same is true with AI.
You do not need to rush mastery. You need consistent practice and thoughtful application.
So before you chase the next shiny tool, pause and ask yourself one question.
Is this aligned with what we are trying to accomplish?
If the answer is no, it is probably just another app collecting digital dust.
About Ken Shelton
Ken Shelton is a multi award winning educator, author, speaker, and consultant. He has worked in education for well over 20 years. His work includes teaching middle school technology, keynote speaking, leading professional development, and providing consulting support to many education systems around the world. He is the co-author of the best selling book “The Promises and Perils of AI in Education: Ethics and Equity have Entered the Chat.”
Discover how teachers use Google Gemini Gems to save time, streamline lesson planning, and avoid common AI mistakes with practical, classroom-ready strategies for immediate implementation.
This episode is sponsored by TWT Audio. Are your students dealing with broken headsets, poor audio quality, or unreliable microphones at moments that matter most? TWT Audio was built for educators, by educators, designing headsets specifically for real classroom environments, durable enough to last, and comfortable for all-day use. With over 5 million headsets and headphones sold, schools trust TWT because they just work, delivering consistent performance while simplifying technology.
Instead of replacing cheap headsets year after year, invest in a solution that schools nationwide trust every day.
TWT Audio — hear the difference.
What happens when one educator builds over 100 custom AI tools—and realizes the real problem isn’t access, it’s adoption? In this episode, I chat with Eric Curts to discuss his world of Gemini Gems (custom AI assistants) and how educators can stop reinventing the wheel every day. This conversation explores how AI can actually save time if we rethink how we use it.
Eric has been in education for 34 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. He also provides keynotes, professional development, and consulting for schools, organizations, and conferences around the world. Eric’s areas of expertise include artificial intelligence, Google tools, assistive tech, and creative ways to use technology in teaching and learning. He is an authorized Google Education Trainer and Innovator, and co-leads the Ohio Google Educator Group. Eric runs the websites ControlAltAchieve.com and EduGems.ai where all of his edtech resources can be found, and is the author of the book “Control Alt Achieve: Rebooting Your Classroom with Creative Google Projects”.
Embarrassing classroom moments aren’t failures, they’re opportunities. Discover how embracing mistakes, building relationships, and laughing at yourself can transform your teaching and strengthen student connections.
Let’s be honest, every educator has that moment.
You know the one. The tech fails. You say the wrong thing. You trip, freeze, or completely lose your train of thought.
And for a split second, you think: “Well… that’s it. My credibility is gone.”
But what if that moment is actually doing more for your classroom than your perfectly planned lesson ever could?
Why Embarrassing Classroom Moments Might Be Your Greatest Teaching Tool
In this episode recorded with Jen Casa-Todd, we reflect on a simple truth: Embarrassing moments are not a matter of if, they’re a matter of when. And instead of fearing them, we should expect them. Why? Because they humanize us. Students don’t connect with perfection, they connect with authenticity.
You can check out the video, audio podcast, and blog post below.
This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.
In this episode, Jen Casa-Todd and I dive into a topic every educator experiences—but rarely talks about openly: embarrassing classroom moments. We get a bit vulnerable and discuss some of our most cringe-worthy classroom moments and what we did to turn that embarrassment into empowerment. Instead of avoiding or regretting these situations, we explore how they can actually become powerful opportunities for connection, growth, and even joy. We’ve all had (or will have) them so let’s talk about them and use them to our advantage. This is one episode you won’t want to miss. Buen provecho!
Jennifer Casa-Todd is a wife, mom, educator, former Literacy Consultant, and the author of several books focusing on Digital Leadership. Jennifer was the recipient of the YSCPC Teaching Excellence Award (2023), and recipient of the ISTE Digital Citizenship Network Award (2020). She is a Google Educator Group leader, a Google Certified Innovator, and a board member for the Canadian Library Association. Jennifer has a Masters in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Technology. Jennifer can currently be found supporting pre-service teachers at Lakehead University (Ontario). She has been a presenter, featured speaker, and keynote speaker at conferences across Canada and around the world. She is passionate about amplifying student voice and showing teachers, parents and students how they can use technology positively and productively.
Classroom headphones breaking during testing? Discover why cheap school headsets cost more long-term and how durable audio solutions improve student performance, support AI assessments, and reduce tech replacement cycles in K–12 education.
This episode is sponsored by TWT Audio.
Are your students dealing with broken headsets, poor audio, or unreliable microphones when it matters most? TWT Audio designs headsets for educators, by educators—built for real classrooms, durable, and comfortable for all-day use.
With over 5 million units sold, schools trust TWT because they simply work—delivering consistent performance without the constant replacements.
Stop rebuying cheap headsets. Invest in what lasts.
TWT Audio — hear the difference.
If you’ve ever dealt with broken headphones during testing season, you already know the chaos.
In this episode, I sit down with a Alan Sherbourne, a former educator turned edtech leader, and now VP o marketing at TWT Audio to break down the real cost of low-quality classroom audio. We explore why schools keep replacing headsets year after year, how poor audio impacts student performance (especially for multilingual learners), and how durability, clarity, and thoughtful design can completely change the game.
You’ll hear:
Why “cheap” tech ends up costing more long-term
The hidden risks of poor audio during testing and AI assessments
How durability and modular design extend device life cycles
What educators should actually look for when purchasing headsets
Why wired solutions are making a comeback in the age of AI cheating
If you’re preparing for testing season or planning next year’s tech purchases, this episode is a must-listen.
Alan Sherbourne is a former Administrator of Technology and Innovation in one of the largest school districts in the nation, where he helped drive impactful, forward thinking initiatives at scale. A proud Army veteran, he continues his service beyond the military by leading with discipline, purpose, and a commitment to others. He is a passionate advocate for Career and Technical Education as well as adult education, championing pathways that create real world opportunities for learners of all ages. Deeply rooted in his community, Alan serves on multiple boards, contributing his expertise to help shape local growth and development. Above all, he is committed to student success and putting people first in everything he does.
Discover why TWT Audio could be the best classroom headsets for students. Compare durable, affordable, and high-quality options designed for schools, including the LITE, ERGO, DURO, and REVO models.
Let’s face it, most classroom headsets don’t survive the school year. Between tangled cords, broken connectors, and worn-out ear cushions, replacing them becomes a constant (and costly) cycle.
But what if your school could invest in headsets designed specifically to withstand student use while improving learning experiences?
In this guide, I’ll break down four classroom-ready headset models by TWT Audio: LITE, ERGO, DURO, and REVO. This guide should help you determine which is the best fit for your students, devices, and budget. I’ve also recorded an accompanying YouTube video guide for these headsets. Check that video out below and read the rest of this blog post to determine which headsets are right for your students and budget.
🔍 Why Classroom Headsets Matter for Student Learning
High-quality headsets aren’t just accessories, they’re essential tools for:
🎧 Focused learning in noisy classrooms
💻 Clear audio for digital lessons and assessments
🧠 Improved comprehension during multimedia instruction
🗣️ Student participation with built-in microphones
The challenge? Finding headsets that are durable, affordable, and compatible with school devices.
🎧 LITE Headset: Affordable & Reliable for Everyday Classroom Use
The LITE model is designed for schools that need a cost-effective solution without sacrificing quality.
Key Features:
Lightweight, on-ear design for student comfort
Optional microphone for flexible use
Standard 3.5mm compatibility (Chromebooks, laptops, desktops)
Durable construction tested for classroom environments
1-year warranty for peace of mind
Best For:
Elementary classrooms
Budget-conscious schools
Daily use with minimal strain
💡 Why you and your students will love them: It delivers surprisingly strong audio performance for its price point while remaining durable enough for student handling.
🎧 ERGO Headset: Comfort-First Design for Long Learning Sessions
The ERGO series takes comfort and versatility to the next level.
Key Features:
Ergonomically angled ear cushions to reduce fatigue
Clear left/right labeling for easy student use
High-quality audio for instructional clarity
Available in 3.5mm or USB-C connections
2-year warranty
Best For:
Longer digital learning sessions
Middle and high school students
Classrooms using mixed device types
💡 Why you and your students will love them: The ergonomic design helps students stay comfortable and engaged during extended use—perfect for testing or online learning blocks.
🎧 DURO Headset: Durable Over-Ear Design for Maximum Focus
The DURO model is built for immersion and durability.
Key Features:
Over-ear design for better sound isolation
Cushioned padding for extended comfort
Inline controls for easy adjustments
Multiple connection options (USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm)
2-year warranty
Best For:
Noisy classrooms
Testing environments
Students who need fewer distractions
💡 Why you and your students will love them: The over-ear design helps block out classroom noise, allowing students to focus on content without interruptions. This is not to be confused with noise cancellation. Students can still hear what’s going on around them.
🎧 REVO Headset: Modular & Future-Proof for Schools
The REVO is a game-changer in classroom audio technology.
Key Features:
Modular design with replaceable cables and ear cushions
Over-ear noise isolation for focused learning
High-quality build for long-term use
Available with or without microphone
Multiple connection options (USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm)
Best For:
Schools focused on long-term cost savings
Tech departments managing large device fleets
High-use environments
💡 Why you, your students, and your admin will love them: Instead of replacing entire headsets, schools can simply swap out worn parts—saving money and reducing waste.
🏫 Choosing the Right Headset for Your Classroom
When selecting a headset, consider:
Student age & comfort needs
Device compatibility (USB vs. 3.5mm)
Durability requirements
Budget constraints
Length of daily use
Quick Recommendation Guide:
Budget-friendly → LITE
Comfort-focused → ERGO
Noise isolation (NOT cancellation) → DURO
Long-term investment → REVO
Choosing the right classroom headset can significantly improve student focus, engagement, and overall learning outcomes.
From the affordable LITE to the future-proof REVO, each model offers unique benefits tailored to educational environments.
Ready to upgrade your classroom audio?
Explore these options, share your experiences in the comments, and let me know if you’re already a TWT Audio user. Buen provecho!
Innovative Learning Specialist, Amy Storer, shares her journey from classroom teacher to EdTech consultant and back to a school district. Learn what educators should know about career transitions in education.
This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.
Career paths in education rarely follow a straight line.
Some educators spend decades in the classroom. Others move into instructional coaching, district leadership, or EdTech consulting roles. But occasionally, educators experience all of those roles before finding the work that truly fits.
In this episode, I sit down with Amy Storer, an innovative learning specialist who has experienced nearly every corner of the education ecosystem.
Her story offers valuable insight for teachers who are curious about the many professional pathways available beyond the classroom.
Starting in the Classroom
Like many educators, her journey began in the classroom teaching third and fourth grade math and science.
Early in her career, she discovered something that would eventually shape her path: she loved helping other teachers grow.
While still teaching, she began presenting at local conferences. Those first presentations sparked what many educators call “the presenter bug.”
Presenting allowed her to work with adult learners while still remaining connected to the classroom.
Soon after, her district launched an instructional coaching program, and she became one of the first coaches supporting teachers across elementary campuses.
Discovering a Passion for Professional Development
As an instructional coach, she realized how powerful professional learning could be when it was practical and teacher-focused.
She continued presenting at conferences and building connections with educators across the country.
Eventually, those connections led to an opportunity to work with an EdTech professional development company that partnered with major platforms like:
Google
Microsoft
Canva
Adobe
Her role involved traveling to schools nationwide, working with teachers, and helping them integrate technology intentionally into their classrooms.
What It’s Like Working in EdTech
For many educators, working for an EdTech company sounds exciting—and it can be.
The role allowed her to:
Travel across the country
Present at national conferences
Work directly with teachers and students
Build a large professional network
One of her favorite experiences involved working with a district in Georgia over an extended period, supporting the same teachers and students each month.
Those long-term relationships reminded her of what she loved most about education: community.
The Moment Everything Changed
Despite enjoying her work in EdTech, there was a moment that made her reconsider her path. While visiting her former school during the holidays, she spent time reconnecting with teachers and administrators. Driving home afterward, she realized how deeply she missed the day-to-day community of working within a school district. That realization sparked a difficult but important question: Was it time to return to public education?
After months of reflection, she decided that if the right opportunity appeared in the district she loved, she would take it. Eventually, that opportunity arrived.
Returning to a School District
Today, she serves as an Innovative Learning Specialist, supporting teachers across multiple campuses.
Her role combines everything she loved from her previous positions:
Working with teachers
Coaching instructional strategies
Integrating technology intentionally
Visiting classrooms and modeling lessons
She describes the work simply:
“I wake up happy, and I go to bed happy.”
Advice for Teachers Considering a Career Shift
For teachers thinking about becoming coaches, presenters, or consultants, she shared several key pieces of advice.
1. Say Yes to Opportunities
Many career shifts begin with a small opportunity—leading a training, presenting at a conference, or supporting colleagues.
Trying new experiences can help educators discover strengths they didn’t realize they had.
2. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Professional growth often requires stepping outside of familiar routines.
Presenting, coaching, or working with adult learners can feel intimidating at first, but those challenges can lead to new possibilities.
3. Find Strong Mentors
Mentors play a critical role in career growth.
Connecting with experienced educators at conferences or within your district can open doors and provide valuable guidance.
Final Thoughts
Education careers evolve in many different directions.
Some educators move into leadership roles. Others explore EdTech, consulting, or instructional coaching.
And sometimes, the journey comes full circle—back to the schools and communities that started it all.
What matters most is finding work that aligns with your purpose and passion for supporting teachers and students.
Amy Storer is an Innovative Learning Specialist and respected speaker in Montgomery ISD who is passionate about empowering educators through purposeful technology integration. She thrives on partnering with educators to enhance the great learning already happening in their classrooms and schools by leveraging powerful digital tools. Amy is a certified educator and trainer for Google, Microsoft, Adobe Express, and Canva, and she brings energy, expertise, and heart to every professional learning experience. Her work centers on meaningful PD, authentic classroom connections, and innovative strategies that make learning stick.
AI detection tools aren’t as reliable as many teachers think. Learn why AI checkers fail and how educators can rethink assignments and assessment.
What happens when a student submits an essay that suddenly sounds like it was written by a 40-year-old lawyer instead of a 15-year-old sophomore?
For many educators, the first instinct is to run the assignment through an AI detection tool. But here’s the uncomfortable reality: most AI checkers still aren’t reliable enough to confidently accuse a student of cheating. False positives happen, advanced writers get flagged, and multilingual students can be unfairly targeted by algorithms that simply don’t understand the complexity of real classrooms.
In this episode, we explore one of the most challenging questions teachers face today: How do you handle AI-generated work when the tools meant to detect it aren’t trustworthy?
Instructional technology coach and former English teacher Brittanie Payne joins the conversation in an episode recorded live at TCEA 2026 to unpack why AI detection tools continue to struggle, what teachers should actually look for when evaluating student work, and why the future of assessment may require a major shift in mindset.
Instead of focusing only on the final product students submit, educators may need to start paying closer attention to the learning process behind the work. When teachers understand how students brainstorm, draft, revise, and reflect, AI suddenly becomes much easier to navigate.
We also discuss practical strategies teachers can use right now, including redesigning assignments, strengthening classroom relationships, and building AI literacy so students understand when and how these tools should be used responsibly.
AI isn’t going away anytime soon. The real question for educators is this: Are we grading the work students submit, or are we paying attention to how they actually learn?
Brittanie Payne is the Instructional Coach for Technology for El Campo ISD in El Campo, Texas. She is a former high school ELA teacher. When she’s not at work, she likes spending time with her family and watching football. Go Chiefs!
