The Partial Credit Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Nerdy Nick at Night - PC113 Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, the boys were joined by their old friend, Nicholas Provenzano. They dove into some pretty "interesting" conversations from the FETC conference and introduced a brand new app created by Donnie called Classroom Draft. They also reflect on their experiences at the first EdTech draft and discussed Nick's new role at School AI.

Creative Chili with Melissa Kincaid - PC112 Dec 20, 2025

Show notes

This week, the boys were joined by Melissa Kincaid, an EdTech coach, advocate and former math teacher. In addition to discussing creativity in the math classroom, the conversation touched on Cincinnati's unique food culture and a celebration of the legacy of Rob Reiner. Jeff and Donnie also did a deep dive on Sora AI and potential creative applications in the classroom.

This One Goes to 111 with Jim Sill - PC111 Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jim Sill joins Donnie, Jesse, and Jeff to discuss the unique experience of celebrating Thanksgiving in Australia, the timing of Christmas decorations, and the impact of AI tools in education. They also engage in a fun challenge of ranking various EdTech apps, sharing personal anecdotes and insights along the way. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss and rank various Google tools based on their effectiveness in educational settings. They explore the functionalities of tools like Google Drive, Gmail, and Nearpod, while also reflecting on their personal experiences and preferences. The discussion highlights the impact of these tools on teaching and learning outcomes, as well as the innovative features that enhance their usability. The episode concludes with a final ranking of the tools and a look towards the future of educational technology.

School Fundraisers, Phones, and The Man of Your Dreams - PC110 Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Partial Credit, Jesse Lubinsky, Donnie Piercey, and Jeffrey Heil engage in a lively discussion about innovative fundraising strategies for schools, and the role of smartphones in education. They discuss the importance of community engagement in fundraising efforts, share unique ideas for school events, and debate the impact of technology in the classroom. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the role of cell phones in education, questioning their necessity and impact on student learning. They explore the mental health implications of technology addiction, the challenges of setting boundaries for device use, and the evolving nature of communication in the digital age. The discussion culminates in reflections on the responsibilities of educators and parents in guiding children through these challenges.

The Promises and Peril of AI with Ken Shelton - PC109 Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Partial Credit Podcast, hosts Jesse Lubinsky, Donnie Piercey, and Jeffery Heil celebrate Ken Shelton's 10th appearance. The conversation explores various themes, including the evolution of technology in education, the promises and perils of AI, and a critique of the Alpha School's educational model. The hosts discuss the impact of AI on learning and teaching, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and the role of teachers in innovative education. The episode highlights the need for a critical examination of educational practices and the influence of technology on student outcomes. In this conversation, the speakers critically examine the themes of equity in education, the role of AI in teaching and learning, and the need for innovative assessment strategies. They discuss the importance of AI literacy for educators and students, emphasizing the necessity of teaching foundational skills before integrating AI tools. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in education, advocating for a thoughtful approach to its implementation.

Celebrating Seven Years of Partial Credit at the Sizzler - PC108 Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Partial Credit, the hosts celebrate their seven-year anniversary while diving into various topics including fantasy sports, classroom activities, and the cultural phenomenon of K-Pop Demon Hunters. They discuss the controversies surrounding sports friendships, the integration of technology in creative writing, and the intersection of sports and YouTube culture. The episode wraps up with a fun segment on useless websites and activities for listeners. Takeaways:

The podcast celebrates its seven-year anniversary, reflecting on its journey.
Fantasy sports leagues can be a fun way to engage with friends and family.
Controversies in sports can affect friendships and lead to humorous situations.
Kids' interests, like K-Pop, can be integrated into classroom activities.
Using technology, such as AI, can enhance creative writing projects in schools.
K-Pop Demon Hunters has become a cultural phenomenon among students.
The intersection of sports and YouTube culture is growing, with unique events like Mr. Beast's challenges.
Useless websites can provide fun and engaging activities for students.
Teachers can use fantasy sports to teach math and statistics in a fun way.
Engaging students with creative projects can lead to memorable learning experiences.

Viva Teaching in Las Vegas with Jason Smith - PC107 Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Teacher Jason Smith stops by to talk about his classroom, the time he got to go to the Super Bowl, and his student teaching experience.

Schools of Rock Fantasy Draft - PC106 Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Partial Credit, the fellas dive into the excitement of fantasy draft season, but with a twist: they draft musicians to serve as teachers in a fictional school. Each host selected musicians for various subjects, leading to humorous debates and creative reasoning behind their choices. The conversation flows through the selection process, culminating in a lively analysis of their picks and a call for listeners to vote on the best team. The draft results: Donnie's School: Brian May (Science) Bjork (Arts) Raffi (Reading) Bob Dylan (Math) Jeff's School: John Coltrane (Math) Neil Peart (Arts) Ezra Koenig (English) Roger Taylor (Science) Jesse's School: "Weird" Al Yankovic (Math) David Bowie (Arts) Lin-Manuel Miranda (English/History) Dexter Holland (Science) Who do you think won? Let us know using by tagging us at @partialcredited.

The One Where We Talk About Sandwiches - PC105 Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

This week, the boys talked about AI generated music in the classroom and sandwiches. Jeff also had a very important public service announcement.

And We're Back... Again! - PC104 Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Donnie, Jeff, and Jesse are going to start recording again.. for real this time. And yes, we're going to start releasing more episodes.

Also for real.