Category: Podcast Episodes

Ep. 291 | Why AI Checkers Keep Failing Teachers w/ Brittanie Payne

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?

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

About Brittanie Payne

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!

Connect With Brittanie Payne

This 10-Ingredient Salsa Verde Is Better Than Any Restaurant

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!

Ep. 290 | The 3 Ingredients of Authentic Assessment w/ Rachel Lemansky

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:

  1. What did I learn?
  2. What challenged me?
  3. 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!

Ep. 289 | Will AI Kill Critical Thinking? Carl Hooker’s 6 Predictions For 2026

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.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

About Carl Hooker

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

Connect With Carl Hooker

Ep. 288| How To Go From Stuck to Unstoppable With Barbara Bray

Feeling stuck as an educator? In this episode, Barbara Bray shares powerful strategies to rediscover your purpose and grow your why, one personal story at a time.

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.

Learn more at Teq.com.

Do you ever feel like you’ve lost your “why” as an educator? In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Barbara Bray, author, podcaster, and empowerment coach. She shares how burnout, system overload, and personal challenges can dim your spark… and how to get it blazing again. We discuss the process of rebranding your role in education to redefining purpose after life-altering events. Barbara offers empowering strategies to help you grow, heal, and teach with intention. If you feel like you’ve lost that spark, this episode will leave you ready to rise.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

About Barbara Bray

Barbara Bray is an award-winning author, podcast host, and international keynote speaker with over 30 years of expertise empowering women, educators, and thought leaders to navigate meaningful life transitions with clarity and confidence. As a cancer survivor and Story Weaver, she is known for listening deeply and helping people uncover purpose and possibility within their lived experiences. Through her Grow Your Why Collective and signature Purpose Shift: Values Framework, Barbara guides people to reclaim their voice, self-advocate, and become unstoppable—amplifying their influence, impact, and income, even in uncertain times.

Connect With Barbara Bray

Ep. 287 | Why AI Fails The Sniff Test Every Time w/ Scott Nunes

AI can plan, grade, and analyze but it can’t replace intuition. This episode explores why human relationships remain the most powerful tool in education, no matter how advanced AI becomes.

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.

AI is everywhere in education. It’s embedded into our lesson planning, grading, parent communication, and decision-making. But what happens when the data says “yes” and your gut says “no”?

In this episode, I sit down with a longtime educator, former tech coach, district advisor, and good friend Scott Nunes to unpack the one human superpower AI simply can’t replicate: intuition built through real relationships. We unpack hallway conversations, coffee chats, high-stakes gut decisions that protect students and families, and why schools can’t automate trust, empathy, or human judgment.

We also tackle equity in AI adoption, how under-resourced communities can scale responsibly, and why technology should support human intelligence, not replace it.

Plus… grilling talk, tortillas, Costco intuition, and why AI might know the recipe…but it’s never cooked in the kitchen a day in it’s life! This is a great conversation that is sure to get your human intuition and relationship-building skills up and ready for another day. Buen provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

About Scott Nunes

Scott Nunes is a founding member of the Human Intelligence Movement and an ISTE-certified AI educator who helps education and technology leaders translate emerging tech into measurable outcomes. Through Scott Nunes LLC, he partners with tech companies on go-to-market, community, and partner strategies—building the messaging, playbooks, and enablement needed to drive adoption at scale. He also works directly with school districts to evaluate and rationalize their application ecosystem, strengthen special programs like CTE, P-tech, and virtual schools, and align tools to instructional priorities. Known for connecting strategy to execution, Scott helps districts secure non-traditional funding to protect educator roles and ensure teams have the resources they need to succeed.

Connect With Scott Nunes

Ep. 286 | The Fix Your School Culture Needs With Mandy Froehlich

Why are so many teachers burning out and what can actually fix it? Discover how healing spaces can transform toxic school cultures in this powerful episode with my good friend Mandy Froehlich.

This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

Learn more at Teq.com.

In this powerful episode, I welcome back Mandy Froehlich—longtime friend of the podcast and a leading voice in educator mental health. Mandy introduces us to the concept of healing spaces. These are not just quiet rooms or meditation music, but deep cultural shifts that support teacher recovery, emotional well-being, and long-term sustainability in education.

We unpack the difference between burnout and demoralization, how leadership can unintentionally miss the mark, and what educators truly need to feel supported. If you feel like you’re trying to stay afloat or you’re an administrator ready to build a better culture, this episode is your blueprint for creating change.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

Connect With Mandy Froehlich

Meatloaf Men: The High-Protein, Low-Effort Dinner That’s Shaped Like a Cookie

Turn ground turkey into spicy, BBQ-glazed Meatloaf Men using your cookie cutter. A fun, high-protein twist on classic meatloaf that’s perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

If you’ve ever looked at your gingerbread man cookie cutter in January and thought, “Should I even keep this?”. The answer is yes. Keep it. In fact, make it the MVP of your weeknight dinner with these Meatloaf Men. This is a protein-packed, slightly spicy, hilariously shaped twist on classic turkey meatloaf.

This recipe isn’t just for laughs (although yes, it’s very funny). It’s simple, healthy-ish, and packed with bold flavor thanks to sautéed veggies and a layer of tangy BBQ sauce instead of ketchup. These meatloaf men are perfect for meal prep, picky eaters, or just anyone who appreciates dinner with a personality.

And yes, they freeze well. You’re welcome.

🍴 Why This Recipe Works

  • Uses lean ground turkey for a lighter meatloaf option
  • Packs in veggies without compromising on flavor
  • Kid-friendly in shape, adult-approved in spice
  • Perfect for meal prepping or serving as party bites
  • A creative way to use cookie cutters year-round

🎥 Video Recipe

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey
  • ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ white onion, finely diced
  • 1 small bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
  • ¼ tsp garlic salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup no-sugar-added BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)

🔪 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Sauté your veggies:
    In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  3. Mix it all together:
    In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed veggies, bread crumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined, but don’t overmix as that leads to dense meatloaf. Dense meatloaf leads to sadness.
  4. Spread the mixture:
    Press the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet until it’s about ½ inch thick. Think cookie dough… but meatier.
  5. Cut out your meatloaf men:
    Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to punch out as many “meatloaf men” as possible. Re-form scraps and repeat. Each man is a bite-sized masterpiece.
  6. Brush with BBQ sauce:
    Lightly coat each meatloaf man with BBQ sauce for that sticky, smoky finish.
  7. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until they reach an internal temp of 165°F and are browned around the edges.
  8. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side — or over a bed of mashed potatoes if you’re feeling fancy.

🧊 Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in oven or air fryer.

📌 Pro Tips

  • Want them extra crispy? Broil for the last 2 minutes.
  • Add shredded cheddar to the mix if you’re living dangerously.
  • Skip the jalapeño if you’re spice-averse, or double it if you’re not.
  • Use mini cutters to make meatloaf bites for parties or kids’ lunches.

🤔 Final Thoughts

Meatloaf Men aren’t just a funny dinner idea — they’re a legit solution for boring weeknights and forgotten kitchen gadgets. You get protein, veggies, a little kick, and the satisfaction of cutting meat into cookie shapes. That’s what we call balance.

Save this post, share it with your group chat, and the next time someone says “meatloaf is boring,” send them a meatloaf man with attitude.

📌 Don’t forget to pin this recipe or bookmark it for later — your cookie cutters will thank you.

Ep. 285 | 3 Simple Changes to Avoid Teaching on Autopilot in 2026

Three simple changes can help teachers reset for the second semester, reduce AI overuse, and avoid starting 2026 on instructional autopilot.

Happy New Year! We’re officially in 2026. Teaching on autopilot feels efficient until it drains energy from the classroom. This episode breaks down three simple changes to reset instruction, set healthy AI boundaries, and bring intention back to the second semester. And if you’re looking to start the year off with a great sourdough recipe, here it is. Buen provecho!

Sourdough Bread Recipe

  • 100g active sourdough starter (the star of the show)
  • 325g water
  • 500g bread flour
  • 10g salt
  • 20g honey (adds sweetness and helps the dough chill a bit)

For the full instructions, check out the blog post below.

Homemade Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Purchase Your Copy Of “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom”

https://tinyurl.com/CookingUpExperiences

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

Ep. 284 | What Frankenstein Gets Right About AI in Schools w/ Brett Salakas

AI isn’t the problem in schools, fear is. This episode helps educators understand AI in education, reduce resistance, and approach edtech change with clarity and confidence.

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.

AI is everywhere in education but what if our fear of it isn’t new at all?

In this episode, I’m joined by Brett Salakas from down under. He delivers one of the most unexpected AI metaphors you’ll ever hear: Frankenstein.

This conversation connects AI, educational change, and human fear in a way that will completely shift how you think about innovation in schools. We unpack why every major tech revolution follows the same pattern, why “Luddites” weren’t villains, and what educators can learn from a 200-year-old novel about embracing change without losing our humanity.

Oh and yes…Buc-ee’s, poetry slams, beaver onesies, and brisket sandwiches all make an appearance.

If you’re wrestling with AI implementation, staff resistance, or your own uncertainty, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and a few laughs along the way. Buen provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

About Brett Salakas

Brett Salakas, the HP Education Ambassador, is an international keynote speaker, the best-selling author of ‘A MAMMOTH Lesson’, the founder of #aussieED (the largest online network of teachers in Australia) and the co-founder of the ED Poets Society. Currently, he is identified by Linkedin as a TOP VOICE (top 1% worldwide) in K-12 Education. Brett was awarded with the NSWICTE and ISTE ‘Making ‘IT’ Happen award in 2024, was recently identified by the District Administration Leadership Institute as one of the top 100 most influential leaders in education globally (the only Australian named on the list) and he was named the Most Influential Educator in Australia for 2024 by The Educator magazine.

Brett is a teacher and experienced school leader who, over the past 26 years, has taught in South East Asia and Australia. He is passionately committed to turning educational theory into real classroom practice. Brett is all about CONNECTION, COLLABORATION and INSPIRATION.‍

Connect With Brett Salakas

Exit mobile version
%%footer%%