Category: Blog

Beyond the Sessions: How TCEA Turned Learning Into Community

My personal TCEA conference experience filled with edtech sessions, podcasts, trivia nights, and community-building moments that redefined professional learning.

When a Conference Becomes a Community

What if a conference wasn’t just about sessions but also about shared meals, meaningful conversations, and real connections?

This year’s TCEA conference reminded me that the most impactful professional learning often happens between sessions. From donuts and trivia to podcasts and walking tours, this experience blended innovation, reflection, and community in the best possible way.

Fueling Learning: Breakfast With Purpose

I kicked off the conference by partnering with ClassDojo and BrainPOP to host an HTeaO and Voodoo Doughnut breakfast right outside the convention center.

There’s something powerful about starting the day with good food and good conversation. This simple act helped attendees refuel, reconnect, and walk into their sessions energized and ready to learn. It also fueled me by giving me the opportunity to chat with real people while literally breaking bread. It was definitely a great way to kick off a Monday. As I made my way through the convention center throughout that morning, it felt pretty awesome seeing HTeaO cups in hand of so many great educators.

Trivia, Tech, and Togetherness

One of the highlights of the week was hosting an epic trivia night with Robolink. This was in the planning for a few months and when it finally came to fruition, I couldn’t be happier of the outcome.

It was loud. It was fun. It was full of laughs, groans, food, and memories. More importantly, it brought educators together in a relaxed space where relationships, not just résumés, were built. The ambience at Casa Rio was perfect with an overview of the San Antonio River Walk. At times, I lost my voice trying to get people’s attention but it was worth it. We played six rounds including a halftime round and a gut-wrenching final round that actually turned the tables. The team that was in last place the whole time… shot up to third and became the “Most Improved” team that evening. This is happening again at a conference near you (as long as I’m there) so be on the look out for a future announcement. A huge shoutout to Frankie Baker and the entire Robolink team for supporting the vision, sponsoring this event, and handing out drones to the first place team. And an extra special shout out to everyone who attended. There were many events that evening but you chose to attend ours. Remember, don’t drink and fly!

Artificial Intelligence vs. Human Intelligence: A Podcast That Turned Into a Session

One of my favorite moments was recording a live podcast as an official TCEA session, diving into Artificial Intelligence vs. Human Intelligence with Brittanie Payne from El Campo ISD.

This wasn’t a passive experience. Attendees jumped in, challenged ideas, and raised thoughtful questions that gave all of us something to ponder long after the session ended. Real people, real dialogue, real learning. I spoke to some participants after who all had great things to say about our session, especially the AI checker portion of it. Thanks to those who attended and a special shout out to Brittanie for co-hosting with me. Be on the look out for that special episode dropping soon!

Breaking Bread & Building PLN: A Walking Food Tour

Taking learning beyond the convention walls, I hosted the official EdTech Bites Walking Food Tour through downtown San Antonio.

We hit three of my favorite spots:

Over two miles of walking, we shared stories, strengthened our PLN, and even showcased MagicStudent Quizzes to tie learning back into the experience. This was community-building at its finest with a side of connections. These Walking Food Tours have become a staple of mine at conferences and being able to showcase what San Antonio has to offer felt extra special. I’d like to give a huge shout out to the staff at Voodoo Doughnut for making sure our order was on time and fresh, a shout out to Manny over at Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken for coming through for us and ensuring we all had piping hot plates ready for us, and an extra shout out to Ashok from Delicious Indian Cuisine for rolling out the red carpet for us and giving us our own space at their venue. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive for both food and experience. I couldn’t get enough mac and cheese, chicken tikka masala, and pastries the entire evening. But even better than the food were the conversations we had with one another while walking from place to place. Thanks again to MagicSchool AI for helping make this happen and for all those who participated. Always remember the motto of The EdTech Bites Walking Food Tours:

Connect, Eat, Walk, Repeat.

Making Vocabulary Stick (and Making It Fun)

I also had the opportunity to present strategies on making vocabulary stick with students. The turnout was fantastic, the interactions were lively, and the feedback was incredibly encouraging.

There were laughs, great questions, and meaningful takeaways—one of those sessions that reminds you why you do this work.

EdTech Friends, Real Connections, and Gratitude

Beyond the sessions and events, TCEA gave me the chance to reconnect with my edtech peeps. I got to enjoy lunches, hallway walks, and spontaneous catch-ups.

Al Thomas, Myself, and Carl Hooker
Stacy Pattenaude and I
Carl Hooker and I tearing down some burrata

I even got to share the Walking Food Tour experience with my blushing bride. She’s my backbone and my biggest supporter, and getting to share this experience with her made it even more meaningful.

I also loved recording in-person podcasts at the ClassDojo booth. Real people. Real conversations. No video calls. Those authentic connections always lead to better dialogue and I absolutely love that.

Thank You, TCEA Community

Thank you to TCEA, every participant, everyone who attended my sessions, joined the social events, and supported this journey. This conference was unforgettable and extra special for me (and not just because I ALSO got food poisoning).

I learned a lot and I also had the time and space to reflect on my own practices, both professionally and personally. This is one I’ll be carrying with me for a long time.

Final Takeaways & Call to Action

TCEA reminded me that:

  • Learning is amplified through connection
  • Community is built through shared experiences
  • Reflection fuels growth

👉 Did we connect at TCEA? Drop a comment, share your favorite moment, or reach out. I’d love to continue the conversation.

Kick Off TCEA 2026: Tea And Donuts With Mojo And Moby

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.

Powered by Community

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.

Event Details at a Glance

RSVP Here

If you’re attending TCEA 2026, don’t rush past breakfast. Start your day with something warm, sweet, and community-centered.

We’ll see you bright and early with your tea poured, donuts ready, and cameras out. ☕🍩📸

The TCEA 2026 After-Hours Event You Don’t Want to Miss

Not Another TCEA Conference Dinner.

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!

🗓️ When? Monday, February 2nd from 6:00pm–8:00pm

📍 Where? Casa Rio on the River Walk.

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!

Where To Eat In Orlando, Florida For FETC 2026

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.

Mecatos Bakery And Cafe

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!

Loading Zone Philly Steaks

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.

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill – Orlando, FL – Skyhouse

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!

Pal Campo Restaurant

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. 

Arabian Nights Restaurant and Hookah Lounge

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. 

NYPD Pizza Lake Cay

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. 

Let’s Make FETC 2026 Memorable: Join Me for These Interactive Sessions

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.

Click Here To Sign Up

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.

Spice Up Your Classroom: 13 Days of AI and Tacos

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!

Click Below To Check It Out

🦃 Run Forward, Give Back: Join the X-Factor EDU x Snorkl Virtual 5K Turkey Trot

Join the X-Factor EDU x Snorkl Run Forward, Give Back Virtual 5K Turkey Trot! Run, donate, and support Feed America this Thanksgiving while earning a medal and giving back.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give thanks, give back, and get moving! The X-Factor EDU x Snorkl Run Forward, Give Back Virtual 5K Turkey Trot is back for its second year—and this time, we’re trotting with purpose.

This fun, flexible, and feel-good virtual 5K fundraiser invites educators, families, and runners everywhere to support FeedAmerica.org. Together, we’re aiming to raise $1,000 to help feed families in need this holiday season—and the best part? Snorkl is matching donations up to $750!

🏃‍♀️ How to Join the Virtual 5K

Joining the Turkey Trot is simple (and won’t require you to dodge any actual turkeys). Here’s how it works:

  • Sign Up & Donate: Click here to register for the 5K and donate any amount toward our $1,000 goal.
  • Complete Your 5K: Run, walk, or jog anywhere, anytime between November 22nd through November 30th.
  • Snorkl Your Reflection: After you finish, record your reflection video in our special Snorkl activity and share your “run forward, give back” story!
  • Claim Your Medal: Everyone who donates, completes the 5K, and records their Snorkl video will receive a Turkey Trot Medal, thanks to Snorkl.

🎁 Bonus for Generous Donors

Those who donate $10 or more, complete the 5K, and share their “run forward, give back” story through the special Snorkl activity will also receive a free copy of a book of your choice:

💛 Why “Run Forward, Give Back”?

Because Thanksgiving isn’t just about the feast, it’s about gratitude, generosity, and giving back. This event brings together runners, educators, and friends to support a cause that matters while having a little fun (and maybe earning that second helping of pie).

You could run or walk through your neighborhood, hit the treadmill, or jog around the track while knowing every step makes a difference. Let’s move together, give together, and help families in need this Thanksgiving.

👉 Ready to Trot for a Cause?

Join the X-Factor EDU x Snorkl Run Forward, Give Back Virtual 5K Turkey Trot today!

Sign up, donate, and make this Thanksgiving one to gobble about while supporting Feed America.

Create A Virtual Ofrenda For Día De Los Muertos In Canva

Celebrate Día De Los Muertos in your classroom with this Canva digital ofrenda activity! Students design creative altars to honor loved ones while learning cultural history and symbolism.

October can feel like a marathon of candy, costumes, and controlled chaos, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to help students explore meaningful cultural traditions. Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of those celebrations that beautifully blends history, art, and reflection without requiring a sugar rush to enjoy it.

I created a Canva digital ofrenda activity as a simple, engaging way to introduce students to this important tradition. An ofrenda is a home altar built to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. It’s often decorated with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, photos, and favorite foods. Each element holds significance, from guiding spirits back to the world of the living to celebrating the lives that shaped us. Check mine out below along with the explanation.

This Canva template comes with three different design options, plus a design assets page packed with icons, flowers, frames, candles, and sugar skulls that students can copy and paste directly into their own ofrenda. Once students choose their favorite layout, they can delete the other two and get straight to creating. Easy, colorful, and no glue sticks required.

What makes this activity especially powerful is the chance for students to share their own stories. They can honor a family member, a pet, or even a historical figure they admire. You’ll also get a window into what matters most to your students, making it both a cultural and community-building experience.

Below, you can check out my ofrenda with an explanation of each component. Feel free to share this with your students (or make your own using the template).

Carrillo’s Ofrenda

My parents have both since passed and this ofrenda highlights just some of the artifacts that remind me of my parents, their likes, and some of my fondest memories with them. The grandkids all referred to my parents as “Tita and Tito” which is short for “abuelita” and “abuelito”. My mother was fond of crispy wings and her homemade enchiladas. Those enchiladas were special and are still an all time favorite of mine. She loved to read biographies and was constantly sliding around the house in her “pantuflas” or slippers. She had a beautiful rose garden with some of the biggest roses I’d ever seen in my life. My father and her were constantly in the garden together tending to their roses. Tito loved his $1.50 Costco hot dogs and coffee roughly the same temperature as the sun. He would dip apple fritter donuts into his coffee and to balance his health, he walked many miles everyday. If you had the opportunity to meet Tito, he was more than likely wearing a Hawaiian shirt. Some of my fondest memories of them were at family parties where they would be singing love songs together on the microphone.

If you’re ready to add some meaningful creativity to your end of October lessons, grab the Canva template and bring Día De Los Muertos into your classroom. It’s a little bit of history, a lot of art, and a reminder that every story—past or present—deserves to be celebrated.

Feel free to tag me on social media with your creations and let me know of the stories shared in your classroom. Buen provecho!

Click The Image Below To Get The Canva Template

One Prompt to Prepare You for Any Parent Meeting or Email (and Keep Your Cool)

Tough parent meeting ahead? Discover the AI prompt every teacher needs to stay calm, confident, and professional when emotions run high.

Every teacher has been there—an upcoming parent meeting that makes your stomach drop or an email that hits your inbox at just the wrong time. Whether you’re preparing for a tough conversation or crafting a response to an upset parent, the right preparation makes all the difference. That’s where this custom AI chatbot prompt comes in. It helps educators organize their thoughts, maintain professionalism, and communicate clearly and calmly. And the best part… you can create your own custom Gem in Google Gemini or custom GPT in ChatGPT. The choice is yours!

Preparing for the Meeting

Parent meetings can quickly become emotional, especially when student behavior, grades, or discipline are involved. Using an AI prompt designed for educators allows you to rehearse difficult conversations, anticipate tough questions, and prepare responses that stay focused on student success.

Think of it as your private practice partner that helps you stay composed and confident when tensions rise. The goal isn’t to sound robotic, but to BE prepared, fair, and professional.

Writing Emails That Stay Professional and Protected

When it comes to replying to an angry or frustrated parent, your best tool is a calm, factual response. Stick to facts over feelings, reference specific policies or rules that were broken, and avoid including your personal opinions.

Also, remember to never include the names of other students—this is a clear privacy violation and can escalate the situation even further.

Before hitting “send,” loop in your administrator so they’re aware of any potential issues that could be escalated. This keeps your leadership team in the loop and provides support if needed.

And if the email can wait until the next school day, let it. Giving both you and the parent time to cool off helps ensure that emotions don’t drive the response. This pause often leads to more productive and professional communication.

Why It Matters

Clear, calm communication builds trust between home and school. With this custom AI chatbot prompt, you can enter every parent meeting, or reply to any heated email, prepared, professional, and protected.

Try the AI Prompt for Yourself

Ready to take the stress out of parent communication? Copy and paste the AI prompt below into your favorite chatbot (ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, or your personal favorite) and start preparing for your next parent meeting or drafting a professional, level-headed email response in seconds.

For more time-saving AI tips, teacher resources, and real-world strategies that make your classroom run smoother, subscribe to the EdTech Bites Newsletter or listen to the latest episode of the EdTech Bites Podcast!

AI Prompt For Chatbot

Your job is to assist me with drafting email responses and helping me answer defensive questions to parents. Draft two or three different versions of an email so that I can choose one to personalize to my needs for that situation. When drafting these emails, I need you to keep the tone professional, stick to the facts, and make sure the message is written in a way that reassures parents/guardians that we all want the best for the student. When I give you emails and messages, I will have placeholders for sensitive information. Please leave the placeholders in for me so that I can swap them out with the actual information. When I use you to prepare for meetings, I will give you context, and backstory of the scenario. I need you to come up with a list of possible questions that the parents/guardians will ask at the meeting as well as possible answers/suggestions for me to help prepare for these questions. Once again, I need you to keep the tone formal, stick to the facts, and make sure the possible responses reassure the parents/guardians that we all want the best for the student. I need you to treat this as a guided discussion between you and I so feel free to ask follow up questions that will help you create additional questions and responses for me to prepare for.

🎥 LIVE EVENT: How Drones Are Feeding the Future w/ Frankie Baker

Drones are changing what’s on your plate. Find out how in our livestream October 28th!

Have you ever looked up at a drone and thought, “I bet that thing knows more about my burger than I do”? Well… you might be right.

I’m going LIVE with Frankie Baker from Robolink for a special episode of our podcast, and this one’s flying straight into the future of food. You never know, we might even have our podcast snack delivered live with a drone. And you better believe there will also be some food trivia for Frankie. Tune in and see if you could outscore her.

🗓️ Event Details

📍 Where: YouTube (embedded below), LinkedIn, Facebook
📅 When: October 28th, 6:00pm CT
🎟️ Mark your calendars now to watch live or on demand!

Watch The Livestream Below

What’s This All About?

I’m sitting down with Frankie Baker to explore how unmanned aerial vehicles are transforming agriculture, food production, and the global supply chain. From precision farming to data-driven crop decisions, drones are helping educators and students understand the intersection of STEM, sustainability, and what ends up on your plate.

Oh, and yes—there will be some foodie trivia as well. 🍽️💬

Why You Should Tune In

✅ Learn how drones are used in real-world agricultural settings
✅ Hear how educators are using drones to teach STEM + food systems
✅ Explore the role of drone tech in sustainability and food equity
✅ Get inspired with ideas you can bring to your classroom or community
✅ Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some delicious food insights along the way

For Educators, Admins, and Curious Humans

Whether you’re a teacher, instructional coach, school leader, or just someone who wants to know what flying robots have to do with farm-fresh veggies, this event is for you.

So grab a snack, click the link, and join us LIVE for a tasty blend of tech, teaching, and treats.

Have questions you want us to ask during the livestream? Drop them in the comments below or message us on social media!