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
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!
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.
My personal TCEA conference experience filled with edtech sessions, podcasts, trivia nights, and community-building moments that redefined professional learning.
When a Conference Becomes a Community
What if a conference wasn’t just about sessions but also about shared meals, meaningful conversations, and real connections?
This year’s TCEA conference reminded me that the most impactful professional learning often happens between sessions. From donuts and trivia to podcasts and walking tours, this experience blended innovation, reflection, and community in the best possible way.
Fueling Learning: Breakfast With Purpose
I kicked off the conference by partnering with ClassDojo and BrainPOP to host an HTeaO and Voodoo Doughnut breakfast right outside the convention center.
There’s something powerful about starting the day with good food and good conversation. This simple act helped attendees refuel, reconnect, and walk into their sessions energized and ready to learn. It also fueled me by giving me the opportunity to chat with real people while literally breaking bread. It was definitely a great way to kick off a Monday. As I made my way through the convention center throughout that morning, it felt pretty awesome seeing HTeaO cups in hand of so many great educators.
One of the highlights of the week was hosting an epic trivia night with Robolink. This was in the planning for a few months and when it finally came to fruition, I couldn’t be happier of the outcome.
It was loud. It was fun. It was full of laughs, groans, food, and memories. More importantly, it brought educators together in a relaxed space where relationships, not just résumés, were built. The ambience at Casa Rio was perfect with an overview of the San Antonio River Walk. At times, I lost my voice trying to get people’s attention but it was worth it. We played six rounds including a halftime round and a gut-wrenching final round that actually turned the tables. The team that was in last place the whole time… shot up to third and became the “Most Improved” team that evening. This is happening again at a conference near you (as long as I’m there) so be on the look out for a future announcement. A huge shoutout to Frankie Baker and the entire Robolink team for supporting the vision, sponsoring this event, and handing out drones to the first place team. And an extra special shout out to everyone who attended. There were many events that evening but you chose to attend ours. Remember, don’t drink and fly!
Artificial Intelligence vs. Human Intelligence: A Podcast That Turned Into a Session
One of my favorite moments was recording a live podcast as an official TCEA session, diving into Artificial Intelligence vs. Human Intelligence with Brittanie Payne from El Campo ISD.
This wasn’t a passive experience. Attendees jumped in, challenged ideas, and raised thoughtful questions that gave all of us something to ponder long after the session ended. Real people, real dialogue, real learning. I spoke to some participants after who all had great things to say about our session, especially the AI checker portion of it. Thanks to those who attended and a special shout out to Brittanie for co-hosting with me. Be on the look out for that special episode dropping soon!
Breaking Bread & Building PLN: A Walking Food Tour
Taking learning beyond the convention walls, I hosted the official EdTech Bites Walking Food Tour through downtown San Antonio.
Over two miles of walking, we shared stories, strengthened our PLN, and even showcased MagicStudent Quizzes to tie learning back into the experience. This was community-building at its finest with a side of connections. These Walking Food Tours have become a staple of mine at conferences and being able to showcase what San Antonio has to offer felt extra special. I’d like to give a huge shout out to the staff at Voodoo Doughnut for making sure our order was on time and fresh, a shout out to Manny over at Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken for coming through for us and ensuring we all had piping hot plates ready for us, and an extra shout out to Ashok from Delicious Indian Cuisine for rolling out the red carpet for us and giving us our own space at their venue. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive for both food and experience. I couldn’t get enough mac and cheese, chicken tikka masala, and pastries the entire evening. But even better than the food were the conversations we had with one another while walking from place to place. Thanks again to MagicSchool AI for helping make this happen and for all those who participated. Always remember the motto of The EdTech Bites Walking Food Tours:
Connect, Eat, Walk, Repeat.
Making Vocabulary Stick (and Making It Fun)
I also had the opportunity to present strategies on making vocabulary stick with students. The turnout was fantastic, the interactions were lively, and the feedback was incredibly encouraging.
There were laughs, great questions, and meaningful takeaways—one of those sessions that reminds you why you do this work.
EdTech Friends, Real Connections, and Gratitude
Beyond the sessions and events, TCEA gave me the chance to reconnect with my edtech peeps. I got to enjoy lunches, hallway walks, and spontaneous catch-ups.
Al Thomas, Myself, and Carl HookerStacy Pattenaude and I Carl Hooker and I tearing down some burrata
I even got to share the Walking Food Tour experience with my blushing bride. She’s my backbone and my biggest supporter, and getting to share this experience with her made it even more meaningful.
I also loved recording in-person podcasts at the ClassDojo booth. Real people. Real conversations. No video calls. Those authentic connections always lead to better dialogue and I absolutely love that.
Thank You, TCEA Community
Thank you to TCEA, every participant, everyone who attended my sessions, joined the social events, and supported this journey. This conference was unforgettable and extra special for me (and not just because I ALSO got food poisoning).
I learned a lot and I also had the time and space to reflect on my own practices, both professionally and personally. This is one I’ll be carrying with me for a long time.
Final Takeaways & Call to Action
TCEA reminded me that:
Learning is amplified through connection
Community is built through shared experiences
Reflection fuels growth
👉 Did we connect at TCEA? Drop a comment, share your favorite moment, or reach out. I’d love to continue the conversation.
Start your TCEA morning right with tea, donuts, and selfies with Mojo and Moby. Grab breakfast on your walk into the Convention Center and fuel up for a day of learning.
Conference mornings move fast. You’re up early, walking from your hotel, mentally reviewing your schedule, and ready to dive into a full day of learning. Before you step into the Convention Center at TCEA 2026, we’re inviting you to make one easy and delicious stop.
I’ve partnered with ClassDojo and BrainPOP to host a grab-and-go breakfast featuring tea from the HTeaO tea truck and donuts from VooDoo Doughnut right outside the Convention Center.
This is the perfect grab-and-go moment for educators heading in from nearby hotels who want to fuel up, connect, and kick off the day on a high note.
A Breakfast Stop Worth Making
From 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM, stop by the front of the Convention Center and treat yourself to a morning pick-me-up before sessions begin. Whether you’re craving something sweet, a refreshing tea, or just a friendly face to start the day, this is your spot.
Here’s what to expect:
VooDoo Doughnuts for the first 500 attendees
Tea pouring until 11:00 AM
A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
A quick and easy stop on your walk to the conference
No lines for sessions. No pressure. Just a simple breakfast moment made for educators on the move.
Selfies, Smiles, and a Little BrainPOP Magic
Yes…Mojo and Moby will be there and ready for selfies.
Snap a photo, post it, tag it, and share how you’re fueling up for a full day of learning at TCEA. It’s a fun way to start the morning, connect with fellow educators, and add a little joy to your conference experience before the day gets busy.
Powered by Community
This event is about more than donuts and tea. It’s about creating space for educators to feel welcomed, appreciated, and energized. ClassDojo and BrainPOP are proud to support this moment of connection, knowing that great learning days start when people feel cared for.
Grab a donut. Sip some tea. Say hello. Take a photo. Then head inside ready to learn, collaborate, and make the most of your TCEA experience.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
How do you turn your passion for education into a platform for impact? At TCEA 2025, Jorge Valenzuela, Jean Darnell, Andre Daughty, and I uncovered the secret—hustle, heart, and connections. Meet “The Tech Thrillas” and hear how we got here!
This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.
What does it take to turn a passion for education into a thriving career of speaking, presenting, and inspiring others? If you’ve ever wondered how conference presenters get started, or if you dream of taking your expertise beyond your school walls, this episode is for you.
At TCEA 2025, I had the privilege of sitting down with three incredible educators—each of us on our own unique journey but united by a shared love for teaching, technology, and transformation. Over the course of our conversation, one thing became clear: success doesn’t just happen—it’s built on passion, persistence, and a whole lot of hustle.
The Road to Success: What It Really Takes
We all took different paths to get where we are today, but some common themes emerged:
🔥 Passion Drives Everything – We didn’t start out thinking we’d be presenters or keynote speakers. We simply loved what we did, shared it with others, and opportunities started opening up.
💪 The Hustle is Real – From writing proposals to presenting at local events (sometimes for free!) to saying “yes” to the scary opportunities, we put in the work. Success isn’t luck—it’s consistent effort over time.
🎤 Speaking & Presenting is a Skill You Build – None of us were born keynote speakers. We learned, practiced, and improved by putting ourselves out there, getting feedback, and refining our craft.
🤝 Connections Matter – This episode is proof that relationships shape careers. Our paths crossed through conferences, social media, and shared experiences. Now, we’re “The Tech Thrillas”—a group with big plans ahead!
So, How Can You Get Started?
If you’re an educator who wants to share your ideas on a bigger stage, here’s what we recommend:
Start Local – Present at your school, district, or regional events. Build your confidence and experience.
Find Your Niche – What are you passionate about? What do people always ask you for advice on? Lean into that expertise.
Apply for Conferences – Submit proposals to events like TCEA, ISTE, FETC, and state-level edtech conferences.
Connect & Collaborate – Network with others in the field, engage on social media, and don’t be afraid to reach out to speakers you admire.
Keep Learning & Growing – The best speakers are also lifelong learners. Keep pushing yourself to improve!
The Tech Thrillas Are Just Getting Started!
What started as a conversation turned into something much bigger. We’re now “The Tech Thrillas”—a group of passionate educators ready to make waves in edtech. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
🎧 Listen to the full episode for inspiration, motivation, and maybe even the push you need to start your own journey!
Is creativity disappearing in today’s classrooms? Not if we rethink how we teach! In this episode, Monica Roach shares simple ways to keep creativity alive while still covering content. Listen now for fresh ideas! 🎙️✨
Would you like me to adjust anything or add more?
This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.
Is Creativity Disappearing from the Classroom?
If you’re an educator, you’ve probably felt the weight of content coverage. Standards, testing, pacing guides—it all adds up, leaving little room for creative exploration. But is creativity truly being squeezed out of the classroom, or is there a way to weave it seamlessly into our content-driven instruction?
I recently sat down with Monica Roach, an expert in fostering creativity in education, and she had a powerful message: Creativity is still possible—it just looks different than it used to.
Why Creativity Feels Like It’s Disappearing
Many teachers feel that creativity has taken a backseat because of the intense focus on standards and testing. And while it’s true that instructional time is precious, we don’t have to choose between creativity and content. Instead, we need to shift how we view creative teaching.
Creativity and Content Can Coexist—Here’s How
In this episode, Monica Roach shares several actionable ways teachers can embed creativity into their lessons without losing precious instructional time:
Creative Thinking Routines – Simple activities like “What If?” scenarios, brainstorming sessions, or open-ended questions can spark curiosity and deepen understanding of content.
Choice-Based Assignments – Give students the freedom to show mastery in different ways: a podcast, a comic strip, a short story, or even a mini-documentary. The learning stays rigorous, but the engagement skyrockets.
Real-World Problem Solving – Connect lessons to real-life challenges. If students are learning about fractions, have them design a recipe. Studying history? Let them create a modern-day news broadcast about past events.
Art, Music, and Movement – Even in core subjects, incorporating music, drawing, or hands-on activities can activate different parts of the brain and make learning stick.
Low-Lift, High-Impact Strategies – Creativity doesn’t have to mean elaborate projects. Quick creative warm-ups, like “One-Minute Sketches” or “Six-Word Summaries,” get students thinking differently without taking up much class time.
The Big Takeaway
Creativity isn’t gone—it’s evolving. As educators, we have the power to design lessons that engage students in meaningful ways while still meeting standards. The key is to make space for creative thinking within the content, rather than seeing it as an “extra.”
So, how will you bring creativity back into your classroom?
🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Monica Roach on the latest episode and get inspired to make learning more engaging than ever!
EdTech meets food in this fun TCEA 2025 trivia episode! Test your knowledge against Frankie Baker’s on meals, ingredients, classroom tools, and more. Play along and see if you can outsmart us! 🎉🍔
This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.
After days packed with inspiring sessions, innovative tools, and miles of walking through the expo hall at TCEA 2025, I knew it was time for something a little different. Sure, we love discussing pedagogy, emerging trends, and the latest in classroom technology, but sometimes, you just need a moment to have some fun. That’s why we decided to shake things up with a special episode of trivia—combining two things we love: edtech and food! In this special episode, I sit down with Frankie Baker to test her edtech and food trivia while at TCEA 2025. She had three lifelines on the other side of the microphone and camera to help her get through it.
Why EdTech and Food? Think about it—both food and education are essential parts of our daily lives. We prepare, consume, and share them in ways that bring people together. Plus, in both fields, innovation is always on the menu. From smart kitchen gadgets to AI-driven learning platforms, there’s a surprising amount of overlap!
A Taste of Our Trivia Questions:
What dish originated in which country?
Which extension based app can help save teachers hours of time with student writing feedback?
What’s educational trend boomed in the 2010’s and included “The Oregon Trail”?
During the episode, we put our knowledge (and our guest’s!) to the test, sparking some hilarious moments and unexpected learning along the way. The best part? You can play along and see if you can outsmart us!
So, whether you’re an edtech guru, a foodie at heart, or just someone who loves a good trivia challenge, this episode is for you. Grab a snack, press play, and let’s dive into some seriously fun learning! Buen provecho!
