Tag: ETC

Ep. 272 | Stations: The Secret Ingredient To Differentiation w/ Melanie Rhode and Bernadette Zamora

Struggling with differentiation? These two teachers share how station rotations transformed their classrooms—and their sanity. Real talk, tech tips, and spicy nuggets you won’t want to miss!

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai.

Differentiation doesn’t have to feel like chaos! In this episode recorded live at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference, I chat with Melanie Rhode and Bernadette Zamora, two incredible educators, who break down how they use station rotations to meet the needs of every learner. We unpack what differentiation really means, how they plan rotations, manage tech tools, and handle off-task behavior. You’ll also hear practical tips on grading, station setup, and how to kick off your school year with strong routines. If you’re looking to spice up your instruction and streamline your workflow, this one’s for you!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

About Melanie Rhode

Melanie is a third grade teacher at an independent school in Houston. She’s taught for 28 years. She’s taught 1,2,3,4,and 5th grade and loves anything ELA.

About Bernadette Zamora

Bernadette has been in education for almost 16 years. She has taught 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade and was an instructional specialist for two years. She is currently teaching 2nd grade and teaches all subject areas.

Ep. 271 | How To Run A School Makerspace With Cari Orts

Running a makerspace? Learn what it takes, what to skip, and how to thrive in this hands-on educator role—straight from Cari Ots who manages two makerspaces.

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai.

What does it really mean to run a makerspace? In this episode, recorded live at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference, I chat with Cari Orts who runs two school makerspaces. She shares the must-haves (and nice-to-haves), what a makerspace is not, and how to thrive if you’re suddenly handed the makerspace keys. Whether you’re a tech coach, a teacher, or an administrator, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration to bring creativity, collaboration, and curiosity to life in your school.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

Ep. 270 | Debunking The Myths of STEM, Coding, and Gaming w/ Kathryn Hofman

Think gaming is a waste and coding’s just for tech geeks? Discover why these STEM tools actually boost real-world skills and why your classroom might be missing out!

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai.

Are coding and gaming just educational fads—or powerful tools for learning? For many educators, these digital practices are still misunderstood, often dismissed as distractions or tech for “other” classrooms. In this episode, I sat down with a Kathryn Hofman, a dynamic STEM educator, who’s challenging that narrative. This conversation was recorded at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston, Texas.

Here’s what we uncovered—and why it matters for your students today.

🎮 Myth #1: Gaming Is Just Play

Spoiler alert: It’s not. Gaming, especially when designed with purpose (think Minecraft Education or Roblox Studio), offers students opportunities to collaborate, solve complex problems, and engage in creative thinking—all while having fun. It taps into intrinsic motivation and builds soft skills like perseverance and adaptability.

💻 Myth #2: Coding Is Only for Future Programmers

Coding isn’t about turning every student into a software engineer. It’s about teaching them how to think logically, analyze problems, and communicate ideas clearly. These are life skills—whether they pursue tech careers or not. Plus, platforms like Scratch, Tynker, and Code.org make it easier than ever to introduce coding in any subject area.

🧠 The 4 Cs: More Than Just Buzzwords

We all talk about the “4 Cs”—Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity. What if coding and gaming are actually the best tools we have to develop them? Our guest breaks down real classroom examples where students lead, iterate, and problem-solve in ways that traditional lessons just can’t replicate.

🛠️ Practical Takeaways for Educators

  • Start small. You don’t need to be a tech guru. Try one game-based lesson or a basic coding platform.
  • Focus on process, not perfection. STEM encourages iteration and learning from failure—something students (and teachers) benefit from.
  • Integrate across subjects. STEM isn’t just for science or math. Storytelling, history, and even art can be enhanced with code and interactivity.

📌 Final Thoughts

STEM isn’t a trend—it’s a toolkit. And when we use coding and gaming thoughtfully, we equip students with the skills they’ll need no matter what future they choose.

Listen To The Full Episode

Ep. 269 | Using MagicSchool AI For Planning and AI Literacy with Jeni Long

Discover how MagicSchool’s 80+ AI tools are saving teachers time, boosting engagement, and making AI literacy safe and fun for classrooms across the globe.

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai.

Are you an educator juggling lesson plans, grading, differentiation, and trying to keep up with the latest in AI? You’re not alone—and luckily, there’s a little magic available.

In this episode, I catch up with my good friend Jeni Long from MagicSchool at the Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston, Texas, to talk about how this powerful platform is helping over 6 million users worldwide teach smarter, not harder.

What Is MagicSchool?

MagicSchool is an AI-powered platform designed specifically for educators and students. With over 80 customizable tools, it supports tasks like lesson planning, feedback generation, differentiation, and AI literacy—all while maintaining student safety and data privacy.

Why Educators Love It

Here’s why MagicSchool is quickly becoming the go-to resource for teachers:

  • Time-saving automation: Instantly generate lesson plans, rubrics, parent emails, and more.
  • Student-friendly AI: Safe, structured AI literacy tools help students learn responsibly.
  • Customizable for every classroom: Whether you teach kindergarten or 8th grade, there’s a tool that fits.
  • Teacher-first design: Built by educators for educators—with real classroom needs in mind.

Safe and Smart AI Literacy

MagicSchool isn’t just about saving time—it’s also about preparing students for the future. The platform offers AI literacy tools that are age-appropriate, secure, and aligned with classroom standards, helping students understand how AI works and how to use it ethically.

Real Classroom Impact

Teachers are reporting saved hours each week, increased student engagement, and more time to focus on what really matters—teaching. From creating differentiated reading passages to organizing project rubrics, MagicSchool is making a real difference.

Final Thoughts

In a world where technology is moving fast, MagicSchool offers something rare: a simple, effective way to bring AI into the classroom without the overwhelm. Whether you’re AI-curious or already diving deep, this platform is worth exploring.

Check Out The Full Conversation From The TCEA Elementary Technology Conference

Trivia Night At The TCEA Elementary Technology Conference!

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!

Ep. 267 | Why You Should Attend The Elementary Technology Conference w/ Jeannine Freeman

Discover why the Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston, Texas is the ultimate blend of PD and paradise as Jeannine Freeman from TCEA shares what makes this event a must-attend.

What do flip-flops, beachfront views, and cutting-edge edtech have in common? They’re all part of the Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston, Texas! In this episode, Jeannine Freeman from TCEA joins us to dish on why this event is a must for educators looking to blend sunshine with professional growth. In this special episode, you’ll find out what makes this conference unlike any other—and why it might just become your favorite PD getaway.

Learn More And Register For The Elementary Technology Conference

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

About Jeannine Freeman

As TCEA’s partnerships and events manager, Jeannine Freeman plays a vital role in planning many of the events the organization’s 85,000 members know and love. Each year, Jeannine manages speakers and their content for the System and Network Administrators Conference, the TCEA Convention and Exposition, and the Elementary Technology Conference (ETC). As a previous elementary educator, her heart beats for this niche population, which makes ETC one of her favorite events to plan and attend.

Connect With Jeannine and TCEA

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