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.
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.
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!
Learn how to make homemade salsa verde with roasted tomatillos, serrano peppers, garlic, and cilantro. This easy Mexican salsa recipe is fresh, bold, and ready in 15 minutes.
If you think salsa verde tastes too tart or too bland, you probably just have not had the right one yet. A good homemade salsa verde should be bright, flavorful, and have just the right amount of heat. Once you make it fresh, it is hard to go back to anything from a jar.
In this video, I walk through how to make a simple salsa verde that is packed with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare. The key is roasting and broiling the vegetables before blending them. That extra step brings out a deeper flavor that makes this salsa perfect for tacos, chips, grilled meats, and just about anything else on the table.
Let’s break down how to make it.
What Is Salsa Verde?
Salsa verde is a classic Mexican green salsa made primarily with tomatillos and peppers. Tomatillos look similar to small green tomatoes but they have a slightly tangy flavor that gives salsa verde its signature taste.
Unlike many red salsas, salsa verde often has a brighter flavor profile. When the vegetables are charred or roasted first, the salsa develops a deeper smoky flavor that takes it to another level.
This recipe uses serrano peppers for heat, fresh cilantro for brightness, and a few simple ingredients that bring everything together.
Ingredients for Homemade Salsa Verde
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this authentic salsa verde recipe.
8 to 10 tomatillos (husks removed and rinsed)
4 to 5 serrano peppers
1/4 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 cup fresh cilantro
Juice of half a lemon
1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder (I use the Knorr brand)
1 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp cooking oil
The beauty of homemade salsa is that you can adjust the heat. Serrano peppers pack a punch, so if you prefer a milder salsa you can remove some of the seeds or use fewer peppers.
Step 1: Char the Vegetables
Start by heating a pan with a little oil.
Add the tomatillos, onion, garlic, and serrano peppers. Let them cook until they begin to char slightly. This step adds flavor and helps soften the vegetables before blending.
You do not need to cook them all the way through in the pan. Just get some color on them. And whatever you do, DO NOT remove the stems from the tomatillos. This will cause them to burst open and burn in the pan.
Step 2: Broil for Extra Flavor
After charring the vegetables, transfer them to a baking sheet and place them under the broiler.
Let them broil for about 3 to 4 minutes. This gives them a deeper roasted flavor and enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatillos and onions. I personally like to char mine in the broiler a little longer than necessary. Honestly, I char them until I get a nervous. I freak out and think that I burned them but trust me, the char gives the salsa so much depth of flavor.
Keep an eye on them because they can quickly go from roasted to burnt in the blink of an eye under the broiler.
Step 3: Blend the Salsa Verde
Once the vegetables are roasted, add everything to a blender.
Include the juices from the pan along with:
Fresh cilantro
Lemon juice
Oregano
Chicken bouillon
Blend until smooth. The salsa should have a vibrant green color and a slightly thick consistency.
Give it a taste before adding anything else. Because of the bouillon, it often already has enough salt and seasoning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the salsa into a glass container or bowl and it is ready to serve.
This salsa verde is perfect for:
Tortilla chips
Tacos
Breakfast eggs
Grilled chicken or steak
Burritos and quesadillas
S’mores
Coffee
Cheesecake
The flavor is bright, fresh, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Just kidding about the S’mores, coffee, and cheesecake… please don’t do that.
Why Homemade Salsa Verde Is Worth It
Once you make salsa verde at home, it is hard to go back to store bought versions. Fresh ingredients, roasted vegetables, and the ability to control the spice level make a huge difference.
Plus, it only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
If you want to see the full process step by step, check out the video above where I walk through the entire recipe and show you exactly how I make it.
Make a batch, grab some chips, and enjoy. Buen provecho!
Authentic assessment isn’t about flashy projects. It’s about process, accessibility, and reflection. Discover practical classroom strategies that make student thinking visible and learning truly meaningful in the age of AI.
3 Big Lies About Authentic Assessment (And What Actually Works in Real Classrooms)
If you’ve ever searched for authentic assessment examples or creative assessment ideas for teachers, you’ve probably seen the same suggestions over and over again:
“Do a project.”
“Have students make a video.”
“Try project-based learning.”
But here’s the real question:
Is it truly authentic… or just a worksheet with better lighting?
After unpacking this topic with Rachel Lemansky, it became clear that authentic assessment isn’t about flashy tools or creative formats. It’s about three critical ingredients that many classrooms are missing.
1. Authentic Assessment Is About Process — Not Just Product
Traditional assessments focus on the final grade. But the final product is only a data point.
Real learning happens in:
Drafts
Revisions
Student thinking
Feedback cycles
The “messy middle”
If teachers can’t see student process, they can’t fully assess understanding.
Practical classroom idea: Require students to submit thinking artifacts such as voice notes, revision reflections, or rough drafts — alongside final work. This makes student learning visible and authentic for the student.
2. Accessibility Is Not Optional (UDL Matters)
If students struggle to access the format of your assessment, you’re not measuring mastery, you’re measuring barriers.
Authentic assessment should include:
Written options
Audio recording options
Video responses
Visual representations
Translation or read-to-me support when needed
When teachers apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, assessment becomes more equitable and more accurate.
Practical classroom idea: Offer at least two response formats for major assessments. Let students choose how they demonstrate learning.
3. Reflection Is the Growth Engine
Here’s the hard truth: reflection is often the first thing teachers cut when time runs short.
But metacognition — students thinking about their thinking — is what transforms learning from compliance to growth.
Without reflection:
Students repeat mistakes.
Feedback goes unused.
Growth stalls.
With reflection:
Students identify strengths.
Students correct misunderstandings.
Students build transferable skills.
Simple reflection prompts teachers can use tomorrow:
What did I learn?
What challenged me?
What would I improve next time?
That’s authentic assessment in action.
Authentic Assessment in the Age of AI
With AI tools becoming more common in schools, the need for visible process is greater than ever.
When teachers:
Require process artifacts
Incorporate student voice
Include reflection
Design multimodal assessments
They make learning human again.
Authentic assessment isn’t about being trendy. It’s about designing tasks that reveal real thinking.
Final Thought for Teachers
Before giving your next assessment, ask:
Does this show student process?
Is it accessible to all learners?
Does it require reflection?
If not, you may be serving fast food instead of farm-to-table learning.
And our students deserve better ingredients. Oh and after recording this conversation with Rachel, there will be a beef stew recipe video coming soon. Buen provecho!
Will AI kill critical thinking? Explore six of Carl Hooker’s 2026 edtech predictions about artificial intelligence in schools, digital literacy, student data, and the future of learning management systems.
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, Carl Hooker and I unpack six of his bold 2026 edtech predictions, including students becoming the product in the AI economy, the rise of AI generated “pink slime” misinformation, the threat to critical thinking, and the emergence of a unified Teacher Operating System. We also explore wearable tech, social media trust, and the fine line between innovation and surveillance. If you want clarity and practical insight on leading responsibly in an AI saturated world, this conversation is for you.
Carl Hooker has spent the past 27 years in education as a teacher and administrator focused on the thoughtful integration of technology and innovation in schools. He consults for multiple districts across the country and is a frequent keynote speaker at state and national events. He’s also a 10-time author, 5-time podcast host, advisor to multiple ed tech companies, and National Faculty Emeritus for Future Ready Schools. Carl is also the co-founder of K12Leaders.com – A social media platform made by educators for educators. Check out his website https://CarlHooker.com and his blog at HookedOnInnovation.com
