Join us at ETC 2025 for Trivia Night—six rounds, teacher brainpower, and no devices allowed. Compete, connect, and claim your crown as trivia royalty!
If you’re heading to the 2025 TCEA Elementary Technology Conference and love a good challenge, don’t miss our epic Trivia Night! I’ve partnered with MagicSchool AI for an ultimate no-tech, all-fun competition where teachers team up to tackle questions from pop culture, cartoons, geography, history, and more. With six themed rounds, a unique halftime challenge, and prizes, this event promises brainy laughs and bold answers. Whether you’re in it to win it or just here for the good vibes, Trivia Night is your chance to shine and connect with fellow educators. Bring your best thinking cap—you’re gonna need it.
RSVP by clicking on the image. Can’t wait to see you soon!
Looking to grow this summer without the stress? Check out the Bright Ideas Summer Learning list brought to you by Book Creator. It’s packed with inspiring reads for every educator, plus author interviews, humor, and just the right amount of sunshine.
Let’s face it—teachers are superheroes, but even superheroes need a break. After a school year filled with grading papers at red lights (don’t lie), chugging coffee like water, and surviving another round of “Is this going to be on the test?”, summer is finally here. But if you’re anything like most educators I know, your idea of relaxing still involves learning… just with your feet up and no bells ringing every 47 minutes. The problem? During the year, there’s barely time to read the back of a cereal box, let alone a book. That’s where this comes in.
Introducing the Bright Ideas Summer Learning hub from Book Creator—a sun-soaked solution to every teacher’s “I want to read more but where’s the time?” dilemma. It’s a curated collection of top-notch books written by educators for educators, and yes, my book is on there too (cue the donut and taco cannons). Whether you’re into leadership strategies, classroom creativity, or just looking to add some sizzle to your teacher toolbox, this list was made with you in mind.
And it’s not just the usual suspects, either. This list has range! We’re talking everything from tech integration tips to educational equity, spicy strategies for school leaders, and more. Basically, it’s a literary charcuterie board for educators—something for every taste, interest, and reading level, no matter if you’re a principal, a para, or a Pinterest-addicted teacher on the hunt for inspiration.
Click On Each Image To Check Out Their Book Study Video
Each book also includes a short author interview, giving you a peek behind the curtain at what inspired these writers (spoiler: probably caffeine and a looming deadline). It’s a great way to hear directly from fellow educators who understand what it’s like to teach fractions to 30 kids while keeping your sanity intact. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll definitely want to highlight a few lines for your next staff meeting mic drop moment.
So go ahead—grab your sunglasses, your favorite cold drink, and dive into the Bright Ideas Summer Learning list. Growth doesn’t have to mean stress, and learning doesn’t have to wait until August PD sessions. There’s no better time than now, and no better way to keep those teacher gears turning while still soaking up every second of summer. Happy reading, and remember: sunscreen first, professional development second.
Discover how the QBall Pro boosts student engagement, amplifies voices, and transforms classroom discussions with zero setup stress.
Want a simple way to make every student feel heard and actually excited to participate? If you’re looking for an easy-to-use classroom tool that encourages student voice and improves classroom management, let me introduce you to the QBall Pro.
What Is the QBall Pro?
The QBall Pro is a durable, soft, throwable microphone designed specifically for classrooms. Yes, you read that right — it’s a microphone you can toss across the room! Inside the foam ball is a wireless mic that transmits crystal-clear audio to your classroom speaker. That means no more shouting to be heard — even your quietest students can speak up with confidence.
It’s built to withstand drops, tosses, and the general chaos of a classroom. Plus, the Pro version features better audio clarity, longer wireless range, and improved durability — making it ideal for daily classroom use.
How Easy Is It to Set Up?
Very. One of the biggest wins for teachers is how quick and easy it is to get started:
Plug the receiver into your classroom speaker (typically via the AUX port).
Turn on the QBall and receiver.
That’s it — you’re ready to roll!
💡 Pro Tip: If your speaker is already in use for a projector or computer, a simple audio mixer can help manage multiple sound sources.
💡 Practical Ways to Use QBall Pro in Your Classroom Here are some fun, practical ways teachers are using the QBall Pro every day:
✅ Morning Meetings: Toss the QBall to the student sharing their thoughts or doing greetings. ✅ Review Games: Use it to call on students during trivia, Jeopardy-style games, or quiz review. ✅ Class Discussions: Keep things structured by passing the ball to whoever’s speaking next — it encourages listening and turn-taking. ✅ Exit Tickets: Let a few students reflect on what they learned by “catching” the mic on their way out.
🧠 Bonus Tip: Establish a “gentle toss only” rule and maybe even designate a soft landing zone to keep it safe and smooth.
Why Teachers Love the QBall Pro
The QBall Pro isn’t just about sound — it’s about engagement, equity, and energy. It gives every student a voice, helps reduce classroom noise, and makes participation feel more like a game than a chore.
For teachers, it’s a powerful classroom management tool and a great way to build student confidence. And because it’s so easy to set up, you can start using it immediately without adding to your workload.
Watch It in Action
Ready to see how it works? Peep the video below:
Have you tried the QBall or QBall Pro? If so, how do you boost student engagement in your classroom? Drop a comment below or on YouTube. I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips!
We’re celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with daily giveaways May 6–8! Enter to win MagicSchool AI swag, a Dunkin’ gift card, a QBall Pro—and get my cheesecake recipe just for signing up.
Hey there, awesome educator! 👋
To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I’m giving away three amazing prizes from May 6th–8th, 2025:
🎉 One unique winner will be announced each day, and when you sign up, you’ll also get something sweet—my secret cheesecake recipe delivered straight to your inbox.
Let’s celebrate YOU this week—because you’ve more than earned it.
Ready to enter? 👉 Click the button below to sign up with your personal email address (so your school filter doesn’t block the fun!)
Discover 5 delicious reasons why school leaders should embrace AI. Save time, boost communication, and lead like a master chef in today’s fast-paced education kitchen.
When you’re running a school, every day can feel like you’re managing a kitchen during the dinner rush: the bell rings, orders (ahem, tasks) come flying in, and you’ve got to make sure everyone gets what they need—hot, fresh, and on time. As a principal, vice principal, or dean of students, your plate is overflowing. Enter AI: your new sous-chef in the school leadership kitchen. It’s not here to take your job, but to sharpen your knives, prep your ingredients, and help you whip up results with less stress and more flavor.
Here are five mouth-watering reasons to fire up the AI oven and get cooking.
1. Streamline Administrative Workflows and Save Time
Think of AI like a food processor in your leadership kitchen—it chops, blends, and preps the basics so you can focus on crafting the perfect educational recipe. From drafting staff emails to preparing board meeting talking points, AI can serve up first drafts that save hours of time each week.
Examples to taste-test:
A middle school principal uses AI to auto-generate staff memos and rewrites them with their own seasoning (aka voice and tone).
A Dean of Students uses AI to draft behavior contracts and reflection forms tailored to student situations—no more slicing and dicing from scratch every time.
During back-to-school season (the equivalent of prepping for a full house on a Friday night), AI creates checklists, welcome letters, and calendar invites faster than you can say “Open House Night.”
“AI isn’t taking the spatula from your hand—it’s just helping you preheat the oven.”
2. Enhance Data-Informed Decision Making (Hold the Student Names!)
Using AI to analyze data is like having a high-tech thermometer in your kitchen. Instead of guessing when the roast (or in this case, your intervention plans) is done, you get precise insights that help you take action before anything burns. Whether you’re digging into attendance patterns or trying to make sense of benchmark data, AI can summarize, highlight trends, and even suggest next steps—as long as you first remove all personally identifiable information (PII).
Seriously, scrub that data first! Just like you wouldn’t serve raw chicken, don’t serve raw student data to an AI tool. Clean it, anonymize it, and then let the analysis begin.
Real-world servings:
A vice principal anonymizes campus discipline data and asks AI to find patterns. It turns out most referrals spike after lunch on rainy days—time to beef up indoor transition plans.
A high school admin uploads a PII-free testing report and gets a concise summary for their next leadership meeting, complete with insights and next steps that would have taken hours to cook up manually.
“You can’t cook without tasting the sauce—but AI helps you decide what spices to add next.”
3. Improve Communication and Responsiveness
Every administrator knows that crafting the right message can feel like frosting a cake with a butter knife. But with AI in your pantry, you have access to a piping bag and precision tools. Whether it’s newsletters, sensitive parent emails, or staff shoutouts, AI can help you whip up drafts that are clear, professional, and aligned with your school’s tone.
Samples from the field:
A principal drafts an email about a new campus safety protocol. AI helps revise it to be more supportive and solution-focused, ensuring it lands well with families and staff.
Another leader uses AI to translate general updates into multiple languages and then works with bilingual staff to review and fine-tune them. No AI-generated dish should be served without a final taste test!
“Great communication is like a well-balanced dish—savory, sweet, and just the right temperature. AI helps you get the recipe right.”
4. Model Innovation and Future-Ready Leadership
If you want your staff to try new things, you have to be willing to taste the menu first. Using AI in your work sends a strong message: innovation is on the menu, and it’s not just for the tech-savvy teacher in Room 302.
A few leadership bites:
A principal kicks off a faculty meeting by showing how AI helped them plan a student recognition program—from theme ideas to personalized certificates. Teachers leave buzzing with ideas for their own classrooms.
A dean uses AI to draft restorative circle prompts that align with SEL goals, modeling how tech can support meaningful human connection.
“You can’t lead a kitchen you never cook in.”
5. Support Teacher and Student Wellbeing
Great chefs know when to delegate so they can focus on flavor. The same goes for school leaders. By encouraging AI use for planning, feedback, and differentiation, administrators help teachers reclaim their time and energy—and that directly impacts students.
Tasty success stories:
An assistant principal introduces their favorite AI tool [ahhhh…. you thought I was going to pick ONE, didn’t you?] during a PLC and shows how to create standards-based warm-ups in under two minutes. The teachers’ jaws drop—and so does their Sunday night stress.
A campus leader helps a team of teachers use AI to analyze writing samples (with PII removed) and generate feedback comments tailored to each student’s strengths and growth areas.
“Give teachers back their prep time, and you’ll see classrooms where creativity isn’t just an appetizer—it’s the main course.”
Final Course: AI Isn’t a Fad, It’s a New Ingredient in the Kitchen
The goal isn’t to replace human leadership or judgment. It’s to enhance your impact by using the tools available to you—just like a food processor doesn’t replace a chef, but it sure makes prep work faster. The same goes for AI. When used thoughtfully and responsibly, it can help you lead more efficiently, support your staff more effectively, and focus on what matters most: students.
So grab your apron, sharpen your knives, and fire up your AI tools. The kitchen is open, and your leadership just got a whole lot tastier.
Discover how teachers can use the latest NotebookLM features—like AI chatbots and interactive podcasts—to simplify lesson planning and boost productivity. Watch the full video tutorial inside!
Let’s be real—teachers wear a lot of hats. We’re part educator, part counselor, part tech support, and, let’s face it, full-time email warriors. So when a tool comes along that promises to organize your research, summarize documents, and even talk to you like your own personal podcast host… yeah, I hear you loud and clear.
NotebookLM, Google Labs’ AI-powered note-taking and research assistant, just rolled out some shiny new features, and they’re honestly too good not to share. Imagine uploading your lesson plans, PDFs, or student readings—and instantly being able to ask your own custom-trained AI chatbot to summarize, clarify, or even quiz you on the content. Welcome to the future of prep time.
In this video (embedded below for your convenience—you’re welcome!), I break down what’s new inside NotebookLM, including a sleek new interface, a ridiculously easy way to create notebooks, and a wild new feature that basically turns your documents into an interactive podcast. Yes, you can now “listen” to your sources while walking the dog or sipping that reheated coffee during your planning period. And better yet—you can ask questions mid-podcast and get real-time responses. Magic? No, just AI.
If you’re curious how this can fit into your teaching life—planning smarter, differentiating instruction, or just trying to survive grading season—this video is packed with practical ways to make NotebookLM work for you. Hit play below, and let’s explore how to put this AI to work in your classroom.
Discover 3 powerful MagicSchool AI tools that save teachers time, boost instructional clarity, and support student success during state test prep season.
State testing season has a way of turning even the most caffeinated, color-coded teachers into questionably-functioning robots. The pressure to cover every standard, give meaningful feedback, and somehow stay on top of emails is enough to make anyone consider a career in interpretive dance. That’s where MagicSchool AI comes in—not as a replacement for great teaching, but as a support system that keeps you focused on what actually matters: helping students learn.
Break Down Complex Standards into Manageable Chunks
Some standards read like ancient riddles, and decoding them into student-friendly goals can eat up precious planning time. MagicSchool helps turn these Mount-Everest-sized expectations into bite-sized, teachable objectives. This makes it easier to scaffold lessons, track progress, and give students a clearer sense of what success looks like—essential when you’re racing the calendar toward test day.
Create Clear and Consistent Rubrics
Crafting a rubric that’s both specific and adaptable can feel like writing a novel—one with no climax, just bullet points. MagicSchool helps simplify this by generating clear, criteria-based rubrics you can use across assignments. That means students know exactly how they’re being evaluated, which builds confidence and reduces those last-minute “Is this what you wanted?” questions.
Automate Your Email Responses and Save Time
The inbox is the Bermuda Triangle of your planning period. Automating common responses not only saves time, it protects your energy for the tasks that actually impact learning. With MagicSchool, you can handle parent communication, admin requests, and the occasional student excuse with a few smart prompts—giving you more time to review data, adjust instruction, or finally eat a warm lunch.
These tools don’t just make life easier—they strengthen instructional clarity, improve feedback loops, and keep teachers sane during crunch time. And when your head isn’t buried in logistics, you can do what you do best: teach with intention and impact.
Watch the video below to learn how to use these tools
Join the Brisk Teaching team and I for the ultimate MACUL Walking Food Tour on March 20th—good food, great company, and zero regrets. Learn more and sign up before spots are gone!
🍽️ Three restaurants. One unforgettable night. Endless flavors. 🍽️
Friends, food lovers, and fellow MACUL attendees—get ready for an experience that will satisfy your taste buds, get you some steps, and leave you with new foodie friends and a very full belly.
On Thursday, March 20th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, I’m teaming up with Brisk Teaching and the MACUL Conference to take YOU on a Walking Food Tour through Detroit’s culinary scene. That’s right—this isn’t just any dinner. This is an adventure! And for the low cost of $15, you get to join an exclusive group of 30 lucky participants as we eat our way through the city.
(That’s three amazing restaurants for the price of, well, probably less than your last fancy coffee order.)
Why You Need to Be on This Tour
You Love Food. (Obviously.)
You Love Walking. (Or at least love the idea of earning your next bite.)
You Love Good Company. (Educators + food = instant connection.)
You Want a Break from Conference Sessions. (Let’s be real—after a full day of learning, your brain needs a snack.)
You Want to Brag About Your Detroit Foodie Experience. (Because this is the kind of networking that matters.)
But Here’s the Catch…
Only 30 spots. That’s it. First come, first served. When they’re gone, they’re gone!
So if you want to be part of this exclusive, delicious, and slightly ridiculous (in the best way) food-filled adventure—grab your spot now before someone else takes your fork! See you in Detroit, hungry and ready to feast!
MACUL Walking Food Tour Details
When is it? Thursday, March 20th 2025
What time is this exclusive event? 6:00pm-8:00pm ET
How many people can attend? 30 attendee spots
How much does it cost to attend? Cost is $15 per person
We will be walking about a mile total through Downtown Detroit
Those participating will be responsible for getting to and from the food tour on their own
How Do I Sign Up and How Will I Know If I Got A Spot?
Click the image below to fill out the form using A PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS as district filters can and will block outside emails
Check your email frequently for further instructions
If you’re one of the first 30, you’ll receive instructions to submit payment to secure your spot (If you submit payment and have a change of plans, I cannot issue a refund but you can give your spot away to someone else and handle reimbursement with them)
You’ll receive your confirmation email by March 16th. If all spots are filled, you will receive an email stating so
As we get closer to the event, you’ll receive an email with the map, times, and further instructions
What Is Brisk Teaching?
Brisk is an easy-to-use Google Chrome extension that integrates time-saving AI directly into the platforms where teachers spend the most time, like Google Docs, Slides, articles, YouTube videos, PDFs, and more. With just a few clicks, Brisk quickly completes tasks that usually take hours, like generating student feedback, differentiating resources, creating instructional materials, and assessing student writing. Trusted by over 900,000 teachers, Brisk is the leading AI-powered Chrome Extension designed specifically for educators, helping them get more done in less time.
It’s been a month since the FETC 2025 Conference in Orlando, Florida. It was a whirlwind of energy, learning, and connection. Over the course of several packed days, I presented sessions, signed books, hosted a Walking Food Tour with Lumio, recorded podcasts, and connected with educators and edtech changemakers. What I left with is a message I hope resonates with educators everywhere: There is no digital substitute for in-person conversations and experiences. Here’s a glimpse of my FETC journey, highlighting why events like these are invaluable for educators.
Presenting Sessions: Sharing Practical Solutions with Educators
One of the most rewarding parts of FETC is sharing knowledge and actionable tools with educators. I had the opportunity to present sessions on student podcasting and how instructional coaches can use Notion to streamline their workflows and boost productivity. Each session was met with thoughtful discussions, questions, and those powerful lightbulb moments when you can see the audience connect with a new idea. At the Class Companion booth, I delivered another presentation showcasing how teachers can gain quick insights into student writing through innovative AI assisted edtech solutions. Being on stage or at a booth while engaging directly with fellow educators reaffirms that technology isn’t the heart of education—it’s the people who leverage it to make learning meaningful.
Book Signing at the Meet The Author Experience Booth: A Full-Circle Moment
X-Factor EDU (AKA Matthew Joseph) made it possible for me to give away signed copies of my book at the expo hall Meet The Author Experience booth, a humbling and exciting experience. What made this moment even more powerful was reflecting on the journey. Last year, I stood in the expo hall as a first-time author, signing my very first copy, just a week after my book release. Returning this year to see educators excited to grab a signed copy felt like a full-circle moment—one rooted in growth, gratitude, and a deeper connection to the educators who inspire me daily. Something about giving someone the end result of hard work and dedication fills my heart and makes me realize how blessed I am to have had this experience.
FETC 2024 giving away my first ever autographed copy of my book.
FETC 2025…One year later and it feels just as good!
The EdTech Bites Walking Food Tour: Dessert First, Connections Always
Sponsored by Lumio, the EdTech Bites Walking Food Tour in downtown Orlando brought educators together for an unforgettable culinary adventure. We kicked off the evening with authentic Colombian desserts, hot chocolate, and coffee at Mecatos Bakery, followed by stops at Loading Zone Philly Steaks and The Great Greek Mediterranean Kitchen. Our food tour included indulgent Philly cheesesteaks, crispy fries, flavorful chicken skewers, and light Mediterranean fare to end the night. But this tour wasn’t just about food—it was about creating memories. Breaking bread with educators is more than sharing a meal; it’s a way to build connections, share stories, and inspire collaboration.
MagicSchool AI Pickleball Social: Networking Through Fun
After the food tour, I hit the court at the MagicSchool AI pickleball social event. The evening wasn’t just about burning off calories—it was about working up laughter, making new friends, and strengthening bonds within the edtech community. Seeing familiar faces and catching up with fellow educators in a setting outside the conference walls showed me how important it is to blend work and play. The energy was infectious, and it served as a reminder that collaboration is most powerful when fueled by genuine connections and shared experiences.
Podcasting At FETC: Powerful Stories from Educators
One of the highlights of FETC for me was recording 10 podcast episodes and releasing those episodes in 10 days, thanks to the support of Class Companion. There’s something special about sitting across from someone, face to face, and capturing their authentic story. I connected with incredible educators to discuss topics ranging from AI ethics in education and edtech pet peeves to STEM activities with Legos and personalized learning. One conversation that stood out was with a first-time conference attendee, Roy Francis. As I listened to his excitement, I remembered being in his shoes years ago, wide-eyed and ready to soak it all in. Now, I was on the other side, sharing advice and encouraging him to lean into the experience.
The conversations we had weren’t just interviews—they were connections that inspired deeper reflection and fresh ideas. In-person podcasting taps into that natural flow of conversation that digital spaces can’t replicate. Click on the images below to peep the full episode!
The Heart of FETC: Human Connection
Throughout the conference, I had countless opportunities to connect, collaborate, and create—whether it was seeing familiar faces in the crowd during sessions, talking to educators at vendor booths, or simply sharing a meal. The truth is, no tool, no AI chatbot, and no email can replicate the power of a face-to-face conversation.
Social media and virtual meetings are important, but the magic happens when we come together in person. We’re reminded that behind every edtech solution, every strategy, and every tool is a teacher with a story, a challenge, and a dream.
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Reflections and Gratitude
As I wrap up this reflection, I feel immense gratitude for the people and moments that shaped my FETC experience. From presenting and signing books to breaking bread and recording meaningful conversations, I left Orlando with a full heart and a renewed sense of purpose. The biggest takeaway from this conference is one I hope educators everywhere hold onto: Human connection is at the core of what we do.
Whether you’re teaching, coaching, or presenting, remember that the relationships we build in real life will always be the most impactful part of our work. So the next time you see an opportunity to attend a conference, sign up, show up, and connect. The rewards will be far greater than any tool or resource you bring home. Check out the recap video below. Buen provecho!
If you’re heading to TCEA, you’re not going to want to miss out on the EdTech Bites x Brisk Teaching Walking Food Tour of Downtown, Austin!
Pssst! Hey, TCEA peeps… WE’RE BAAAACK! That’s right, another Walking Food Tour for TCEA 2025 in Downtown, Austin. The awesome folks at Brisk Teaching and I have partnered to be able to offer this exclusive event to 20 participants. I can’t think of a better way to kick off TCEA 2025 than with Brisket and Brisk It! Get it?! See what I did there?! Anyway… Check out the details below and click on the image below to sign up.
TCEA Walking Food Tour Details
When is it? Saturday, February 1st 2025
What time is this exclusive event? 6:00pm-8:00pm CT
How many people can attend? 20 attendee spots
How much does it cost to attend? Cost is $15 per person
A Variety Of Steak , Chicken, Al Pastor Pork, Vegetarian Tacos, and Aguas Frescas (all natural vegetable and fruit juices)
Smoked Brisket, Sausage, Mac & Cheese, and Potato Salad
Donuts… Do I Really Need To Explain Any Further?!
Things To Consider Before Signing Up
There will be meat, dairy, and gluten
We will be walking about a mile total through Downtown Austin
Those participating will be responsible for getting to and from the food tour on their own
How Do I Sign Up and How Will I Know If I Got A Spot?
Click the image above to fill out the form using A PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS as district filters can and will block outside emails
Check your email frequently for further instructions
If you’re one of the first 20, you’ll receive instructions to submit payment to secure your spot (If you submit payment and have a change of plans, I cannot issue a refund but you can give your spot away to someone else and handle reimbursement with them)
You’ll receive your confirmation email by January 27th. If all spots are filled, you will receive an email stating so
As we get closer to the event, you’ll receive an email with the map, times, and further instructions
What Is Brisk Teaching?
Brisk is an easy-to-use Google Chrome extension that integrates time-saving AI directly into the platforms where teachers spend the most time, like Google Docs, Slides, articles, YouTube videos, PDFs, and more. With just a few clicks, Brisk quickly completes tasks that usually take hours, like generating student feedback, differentiating resources, creating instructional materials, and assessing student writing. Trusted by over 900,000 teachers, Brisk is the leading AI-powered Chrome Extension designed specifically for educators, helping them get more done in less time.
