Start your TCEA morning right with tea, donuts, and selfies with Mojo and Moby. Grab breakfast on your walk into the Convention Center and fuel up for a day of learning.
Conference mornings move fast. You’re up early, walking from your hotel, mentally reviewing your schedule, and ready to dive into a full day of learning. Before you step into the Convention Center at TCEA 2026, we’re inviting you to make one easy and delicious stop.
I’ve partnered with ClassDojo and BrainPOP to host a grab-and-go breakfast featuring tea from the HTeaO tea truck and donuts from VooDoo Doughnut right outside the Convention Center.
This is the perfect grab-and-go moment for educators heading in from nearby hotels who want to fuel up, connect, and kick off the day on a high note.
A Breakfast Stop Worth Making
From 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM, stop by the front of the Convention Center and treat yourself to a morning pick-me-up before sessions begin. Whether you’re craving something sweet, a refreshing tea, or just a friendly face to start the day, this is your spot.
Here’s what to expect:
VooDoo Doughnuts for the first 500 attendees
Tea pouring until 11:00 AM
A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
A quick and easy stop on your walk to the conference
No lines for sessions. No pressure. Just a simple breakfast moment made for educators on the move.
Selfies, Smiles, and a Little BrainPOP Magic
Yes…Mojo and Moby will be there and ready for selfies.
Snap a photo, post it, tag it, and share how you’re fueling up for a full day of learning at TCEA. It’s a fun way to start the morning, connect with fellow educators, and add a little joy to your conference experience before the day gets busy.
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This event is about more than donuts and tea. It’s about creating space for educators to feel welcomed, appreciated, and energized. ClassDojo and BrainPOP are proud to support this moment of connection, knowing that great learning days start when people feel cared for.
Grab a donut. Sip some tea. Say hello. Take a photo. Then head inside ready to learn, collaborate, and make the most of your TCEA experience.
Why are so many teachers burning out and what can actually fix it? Discover how healing spaces can transform toxic school cultures in this powerful episode with my good friend Mandy Froehlich.
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 powerful episode, I welcome back Mandy Froehlich—longtime friend of the podcast and a leading voice in educator mental health. Mandy introduces us to the concept of healing spaces. These are not just quiet rooms or meditation music, but deep cultural shifts that support teacher recovery, emotional well-being, and long-term sustainability in education.
We unpack the difference between burnout and demoralization, how leadership can unintentionally miss the mark, and what educators truly need to feel supported. If you feel like you’re trying to stay afloat or you’re an administrator ready to build a better culture, this episode is your blueprint for creating change.
If you’ve ever walked out of a conference dinner thinking, That was fine… but I didn’t really meet anyone, this event is for you.
Conference schedules are packed. Days are full of sessions, conversations, and ideas. By the time evening rolls around, many educators find themselves choosing between yet another sit-down dinner or heading back to their hotel to recharge. But what if there were a third option—one that blends fun, connection, food, and just the right amount of friendly competition? Enter…The Official EdTech Bites Trivia Night sponsored by Robolink!
This after-hours trivia night is designed for educators who want to unwind, laugh, and build meaningful connections without the pressure of awkward networking or formal presentations. It’s casual, upbeat, and intentionally social. Because some of the best conference moments happen outside the breakout rooms.
Why Trivia?
Trivia has a way of leveling the playing field. You don’t need to be an expert in any one topic to have a great time. One question might tap into pop culture, the next into random facts, and another into something you haven’t thought about since middle school. The magic happens when teams realize that everyone brings something different to the table.
At this event, trivia isn’t about being perfect. It’s about collaborating, laughing when you miss a question, celebrating when someone pulls a random answer out of thin air, and bonding over the shared experience. It’s the kind of environment where conversations happen naturally and connections feel authentic.
A True Social Experience
This isn’t a lecture. It isn’t a product demo disguised as a dinner. It’s a social night out created specifically for educators who value community and conversation.
There will be appetizers, music playing between rounds, and plenty of opportunities to mingle before, during, and after trivia. Teams will form organically, making it easy to meet educators from different schools, districts, and states. Whether you come with colleagues or arrive solo, you’ll leave having met new people and expanded your professional learning network in a way that feels effortless.
As your MC for the evening, I’ll be keeping the energy high, the pacing lively, and the experience memorable. Think of it as structured fun with plenty of room for spontaneity.
The Setting Matters
Casa Rio on the River Walk isn’t just a location—it’s part of the experience. With the River Walk lights, the view from the balcony, the sound of the water, and the buzz of downtown San Antonio in the evening, the atmosphere sets the tone for a relaxed and welcoming night. It’s a reminder that professional learning doesn’t always have to happen in carpeted ballrooms or fluorescent-lit rooms. Sometimes it happens over shared plates, laughter, and a little friendly competition.
Prizes, Bragging Rights, and More
Of course, no trivia night is complete without prizes. The winning team will walk away with some awesome giveaways, but the real prize is the experience itself. These are the kinds of moments people talk about long after the conference ends. It will be remembered as the night they skipped another sit-down dinner and ended up having one of the most fun evenings of TCEA 2026.
Even if you don’t win, you’ll leave with stories, new connections, and probably a few inside jokes that only your trivia team will understand.
Important Details to Know
Because this is meant to be an intimate, high-quality experience, attendance is capped at 35 participants. That smaller group size ensures everyone has space to participate, interact, and truly enjoy the evening without getting lost in a sea of strangers.
If you’re interested in attending, RSVP is required. Each person must complete the RSVP form individually using their own personal email address. You may use your work email address but district filters can block our email communication. Please do not submit one form for multiple people. This helps ensure spots are distributed fairly and communication is clear.
Once all spots are filled, registration will close.
Why You Should RSVP Now
Conference schedules fill quickly, and social events tend to book up faster than expected…especially ones that promise good food, great company, and even better experiences. This trivia night is intentionally designed to be different from the typical after-hours option. It’s relaxed, engaging, and built around what educators value most: connection, community, and fun.
If you’re looking for a night where you can:
Break bread with fellow educators
Build your PLN without forced networking
Let your random trivia knowledge shine
Enjoy music, laughter, and great conversation
then this is the event for you.
Spots are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Click the RSVP link, save your spot, and consider sharing this with a colleague who would love a night like this too.
RSVP BELOW
We’ll see you on the River Walk for an unforgettable evening. Buen provecho!
Turn ground turkey into spicy, BBQ-glazed Meatloaf Men using your cookie cutter. A fun, high-protein twist on classic meatloaf that’s perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
If you’ve ever looked at your gingerbread man cookie cutter in January and thought, “Should I even keep this?”. The answer is yes. Keep it. In fact, make it the MVP of your weeknight dinner with these Meatloaf Men. This is a protein-packed, slightly spicy, hilariously shaped twist on classic turkey meatloaf.
This recipe isn’t just for laughs (although yes, it’s very funny). It’s simple, healthy-ish, and packed with bold flavor thanks to sautéed veggies and a layer of tangy BBQ sauce instead of ketchup. These meatloaf men are perfect for meal prep, picky eaters, or just anyone who appreciates dinner with a personality.
And yes, they freeze well. You’re welcome.
🍴 Why This Recipe Works
Uses lean ground turkey for a lighter meatloaf option
Packs in veggies without compromising on flavor
Kid-friendly in shape, adult-approved in spice
Perfect for meal prepping or serving as party bites
A creative way to use cookie cutters year-round
🎥 Video Recipe
🛒 Ingredients
1.5 lbs lean ground turkey
½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 large egg
½ white onion, finely diced
1 small bell pepper, finely diced
1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
¼ tsp garlic salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup no-sugar-added BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
🔪 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sauté your veggies: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
Mix it all together: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed veggies, bread crumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined, but don’t overmix as that leads to dense meatloaf. Dense meatloaf leads to sadness.
Spread the mixture: Press the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet until it’s about ½ inch thick. Think cookie dough… but meatier.
Cut out your meatloaf men: Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to punch out as many “meatloaf men” as possible. Re-form scraps and repeat. Each man is a bite-sized masterpiece.
Brush with BBQ sauce: Lightly coat each meatloaf man with BBQ sauce for that sticky, smoky finish.
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until they reach an internal temp of 165°F and are browned around the edges.
Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side — or over a bed of mashed potatoes if you’re feeling fancy.
🧊 Storage Tips
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in oven or air fryer.
📌 Pro Tips
Want them extra crispy? Broil for the last 2 minutes.
Add shredded cheddar to the mix if you’re living dangerously.
Skip the jalapeño if you’re spice-averse, or double it if you’re not.
Use mini cutters to make meatloaf bites for parties or kids’ lunches.
🤔 Final Thoughts
Meatloaf Men aren’t just a funny dinner idea — they’re a legit solution for boring weeknights and forgotten kitchen gadgets. You get protein, veggies, a little kick, and the satisfaction of cutting meat into cookie shapes. That’s what we call balance.
Save this post, share it with your group chat, and the next time someone says “meatloaf is boring,” send them a meatloaf man with attitude.
📌 Don’t forget to pin this recipe or bookmark it for later — your cookie cutters will thank you.
You can’t learn if you’re hungry. Here are a few of my favorite restaurants to visit in Orlando, Florida while attending FETC. Buen provecho!
For the first time in three years, I will NOT be hosting a Food Tour. I apologize but I could not get a sponsor to offset the cost for participants.
If you know me, you KNOW I’m all about good food so just because I’m not doing a food tour doesn’t mean I won’t share my favorite places to eat. I’ve created a list and Google Map with some of my favorite places to eat in Orlando, Florida. This way, you know where to eat while attending FETC from a certified foodie. Some of these places are in Downtown and require an Uber but split that with a friend and it all pays off. Check them out for yourself. Try to stay away from the chain restaurants while in the beautiful city of Orlando.
This place has the BEST pastries in town. My favorite is the quesito con guayaba which is a pastry filled with cream cheese and guava paste. Pair that with a good Columbian coffee and you’re set for a few hours! You also have to try their homemade Columbian hot chocolate. It might be out of the way, but it’s worth it!
I’ve had Philly steaks in Philadelphia and these are THE CLOSEST to those. They have a variety to choose from but my favorites are the classic and the buffalo chicken. Pair that with the tater tots and it’s a WRAP! Good food that sticks to the ribs.
This is good, clean food here. Their chicken skewers and spicy hummus are off the chain! Fresh ingredients are the key to their dishes. I usually order the Greek salad with a variety of hummus, pita bread, chicken, and top it off with the Baklava ice cream. Yes, I said it… Baklava ICE CREAM! Must try!
Classic Puerto Rican Food. My go-to dish is the shrimp Mofongo and Arroz con Gandules. It’s mashed up plantains topped with garlic shrimp, a side of Puerto Rican rice and pigeon peas. Trust me… if you visit Pal Campo, this dish is a must.
REALLY good Middle Eastern food with a very chill vibe. I order the Kofta Kabab. It’s a handmade kabab made with lamb, spices, vegetables, and flavor. I pair that with a side of vegetables and good naan after a day at FETC. I also cannot resist their homemade Baklava. It’s just too good to pass up.
This is just good, thin crust New York style pizza in Orlando, Florida. I went there a few years ago because I was hungry and this place isn’t too far from the convention center. I fell in love with it. They had a two cheese slice special that I just couldn’t pass up. Not only was it affordable, it was REALLY good. A must try when at FETC.
Planning your FETC schedule? Explore interactive sessions on AI, edtech, and engagement designed to leave you inspired, energized, and ready to try something new.
Conferences should feel energizing, not exhausting. At FETC this year, I’m focusing on sessions that invite conversation, creativity, and collaboration. These sessions will still deliver practical tools and strategies you can use right away. Here’s a breakdown of the sessions I’ll be leading and what you can expect from each one. If we happen to cross paths or you decide to stop in at one of my sessions, please say “hi”. Before we get into the sessions, I have a bit of bad news for this year’s FETC.
For the first time in three years, I will NOT be hosting a Food Tour. I apologize but I could not get a sponsor to offset the cost for participants. Click Here to view some of my favorite places to eat in Orlando.
Monday January 12th
Live Podcasting With Guests
I’ve partnered with Teq to bring you incredible interviews with guests while at FETC 2026. These will be released on my show, The EdTech Bites Podcast. These episodes will be released throughout the next few months and are a great way to get your learning on while walking, driving, or cooking up experiences in the classroom or kitchen. Make sure you’re subscribed using the buttons below.
FETC Meet The Author Experience | 11:00am -11:45am Expo Hall
Come get an autographed copy of my book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom” at the Meet The Author Experience booth in the Expo Hall. I’ll be there with some other authors from the X-Factor EDU team spreading the word about our writing experience and how our books can help meet your needs.
Are You Smarter Than A Food Expert w/ Kira Learning | 12:30pm-1:30pm Kira Booth #2805
I’m teaming up with Kira for a live trivia showdown at FETC, but with a twist: you’ll be trying to stump me. We’ll run three rounds, and players will use Kira’s ChatPods to create food-themed trivia questions. Spots to play are limited, so if you want to be guaranteed a seat, sign up using the form below. You’re still welcome to watch and cheer even if you don’t play.
AI And EdTech SuperShare: Tools and Tips To Supercharge Your Teaching | 3:00pm-3:45pm MEGA3
This is an awesome session I’m presenting with Vicki Davis, Jaime Donally, Rachelle, Dené Poth, and Victoria Thompson.
Ready to ignite your classroom with AI and edtech tools that truly make a difference? This fast-paced, high-energy panel brings together innovative educators who use these tools daily to boost engagement, personalize learning, and support every student. You’ll explore classroom-tested solutions across all subjects and grade levels—from AI-powered platforms that simplify differentiation to immersive technologies that turn abstract concepts into unforgettable experiences. This isn’t a sit-and-listen session. Expect rapid-fire demonstrations, real student work, and practical strategies you can implement immediately. Presenters will spotlight tools with strong accessibility features, budget-friendly options, and scalable solutions for any learning environment. You’ll leave with a curated toolkit of top apps and resources, QR codes for instant access, and a clear action plan for integrating AI without overwhelming yourself or your students. If you want ideas you can use Monday morning—and inspiration that lasts all year—this is the session you can’t miss.
Tuesday January 13th
Book Signing | 11:30am-12:30pm K12 Learning Booth #2640
I’ll be with my X-Factor EDU crew giving out autographed copies of our books. There are books for coaches, leadership, teachers… basically anyone in education. Make sure you stop by, get an autographed copy of a book of your choice, take some pics, and smile along with us at the K12 Learning booth.
Snorkl Your Way To Smarter Insights | 3:00pm-3:45pm Table 10
Discover how Snorkl transforms student feedback into actionable insights. This session will explore how AI-powered feedback enhances engagement, supports personalized learning, and streamlines teacher workflows. Walk away with practical strategies to implement Snorkl in your classroom for deeper student understanding and improved outcomes.
Three simple changes can help teachers reset for the second semester, reduce AI overuse, and avoid starting 2026 on instructional autopilot.
Happy New Year! We’re officially in 2026. Teaching on autopilot feels efficient until it drains energy from the classroom. This episode breaks down three simple changes to reset instruction, set healthy AI boundaries, and bring intention back to the second semester. And if you’re looking to start the year off with a great sourdough recipe, here it is. Buen provecho!
Sourdough Bread Recipe
100g active sourdough starter (the star of the show)
325g water
500g bread flour
10g salt
20g honey (adds sweetness and helps the dough chill a bit)
For the full instructions, check out the blog post below.
AI isn’t the problem in schools, fear is. This episode helps educators understand AI in education, reduce resistance, and approach edtech change with clarity and confidence.
Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.
AI is everywhere in education but what if our fear of it isn’t new at all?
In this episode, I’m joined by Brett Salakas from down under. He delivers one of the most unexpected AI metaphors you’ll ever hear: Frankenstein.
This conversation connects AI, educational change, and human fear in a way that will completely shift how you think about innovation in schools. We unpack why every major tech revolution follows the same pattern, why “Luddites” weren’t villains, and what educators can learn from a 200-year-old novel about embracing change without losing our humanity.
Oh and yes…Buc-ee’s, poetry slams, beaver onesies, and brisket sandwiches all make an appearance.
If you’re wrestling with AI implementation, staff resistance, or your own uncertainty, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and a few laughs along the way. Buen provecho!
Brett Salakas, the HP Education Ambassador, is an international keynote speaker, the best-selling author of ‘A MAMMOTH Lesson’, the founder of #aussieED (the largest online network of teachers in Australia) and the co-founder of the ED Poets Society. Currently, he is identified by Linkedin as a TOP VOICE (top 1% worldwide) in K-12 Education. Brett was awarded with the NSWICTE and ISTE ‘Making ‘IT’ Happen award in 2024, was recently identified by the District Administration Leadership Institute as one of the top 100 most influential leaders in education globally (the only Australian named on the list) and he was named the Most Influential Educator in Australia for 2024 by The Educator magazine.
Brett is a teacher and experienced school leader who, over the past 26 years, has taught in South East Asia and Australia. He is passionately committed to turning educational theory into real classroom practice. Brett is all about CONNECTION, COLLABORATION and INSPIRATION.
South Africa just made coding mandatory for ALL kids. Are they ahead of us? Discover why one global educator says most schools are teaching AI completely wrong.
Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.
In this episode, I chat with Steve Sherman to discuss the evolution of STEAM education in South Africa, particularly the integration of coding and robotics into the national curriculum for K-7 students. He highlights the rapid adoption of AI and EdTech tools in schools, the challenges of ensuring data privacy, and the disparities in resources between different schools. Steve also emphasizes the importance of AI literacy and ethical use in education, and shares his efforts to foster global collaboration among educators through a dedicated online community. He also schools us on Rooibos tea and how it’s made. Buen provecho!
Steve is the Chief Imagination Officer and Executive Dayreamer at a STEM-based NGO called Livingmaths.com, based in South Africa. He is works with many schools in person and online, teaches a few thousand students a week, facilitates teacher training a d he is an Edtech Evangelist. Steve knows Karate, Jujutsu and 2 other Japanese words.
The 13 Days of AI: Taco Edition gives teachers daily AI tips and tools from Dec 3–19. Explore fun taco themes, classroom ideas, and easy ways to boost planning and engagement.
As educators wrap up the semester and prepare for a busy testing and holiday season, a little inspiration can go a long way. That is why this year’s 13 Days of AI is getting a spicy upgrade with a brand new theme: Tacos. Beginning December 3rd 2025 and running through December 19th 2025, teachers will receive a daily bite-sized resource that mixes practical AI tools with fun taco-inspired creativity. This collection was designed to support lesson planning, student activities, productivity, and assessment, all while keeping the tone light, festive, and flavorful.
What You Can Expect This Year
Each day features a different type of taco paired with an AI tip, template, or classroom strategy. From brisket tacos matched with Brisk Teaching’s Inspect Writing Tool to breakfast tacos linked with morning warm-ups, every entry blends tasty cultural elements with meaningful instructional value. Teachers will explore a range of tools that help with feedback, planning, creativity, differentiation, and student engagement. These ideas are ready to use and can fit easily into any grade level or subject area.
This year’s calendar also highlights specific tools like Wayground, Knowt, and Adobe, MagicSchool, Brisk Teaching, Snorkl, Class Companion, and many more! Each spotlight includes a short explanation of its classroom value so educators can decide quickly if the tool is worth exploring. The goal is to save teachers time, spark new ideas, and offer accessible ways to integrate AI into their daily routines without feeling overwhelmed.
Why Follow Along
The 13 Days of AI is not only a themed celebration. It is a practical collection of high-impact strategies that can reduce stress and boost creativity during one of the busiest months of the year. By checking in each day, teachers can gather resources that support student learning, promote engagement, and streamline planning.
Join the Fun
Bookmark the page, share it with a colleague, and follow along from December 3rd to December 19th. A new taco and a new AI idea will be waiting for you each day. Let this season be both delicious and productive as we continue exploring the possibilities of AI in education. Buen provecho!
