Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

Latest Episodes:

Station Rotation Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll explore the basics of station rotation and how to begin implementing this strategy in your classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Navigating Change in K-12 Education, with Michael McCormick Jul 16, 2025

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In this episode of Unpacking Education, we sit down with Michael McCormick, Superintendent in Residence at AVID Center, to explore what it really takes to lead through change in today’s educational landscape. With over three decades of experience—from juvenile probation to classroom teaching to district leadership—Michael shares insights from his personal journey and digs into practical change theory for schools.

Tune in to hear why understanding your "North Star" matters, how technology can empower rather than overwhelm, and what systems-level shifts can help educators stay grounded amid rapid transformation." Regardless of your role—be it in the classroom or at the district level—you’ll leave with thoughtful strategies to help navigate the evolving world of K–12 education. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Whole Group Rotation Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll explore ways to integrate the blended learning strategy of whole group rotation into your classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Teaching Abroad: Exploring Schools in Other Countries, with Mathilde Landemaine Jul 09, 2025

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In this episode of Unpacking Education, we’re joined by international educator Mathilde Landemaine to explore the rich and varied experiences of teaching abroad. With a teaching journey that spans France, England, and Japan, Mathilde offers an insider's look at how educational systems differ—and what that means for students and teachers alike.

Tune in for a fascinating conversation about curriculum design, student motivation, and classroom culture across continents. From project-based learning in international schools to the rigor of France’s baccalaureate exams, this episode invites you to reflect on what we can learn when we view education through a global lens. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

The Power of Blended Learning Jul 08, 2025

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In today’s episode, we'll explore the key components and benefits of blended learning. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Engaging Bell Ringers and Exit Tickets Jul 02, 2025

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In this episode, the Unpacking Education podcast hosts dig into effective ways to open and close a class period. Throughout their conversation, they reflect on the benefits of beginning and ending routines, including the consistent use of bell ringer and exit ticket activities. They offer a wealth of specific examples that teachers can apply to their own classrooms. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

An AI Literacy Framework Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll explore a newly developed draft document—Empowering Learners for the Age of AI: An AI Literacy Framework for Primary and Secondary Education—from the European Commission and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, with support from Code.org and other leading international experts. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

The Impact of Authentic Learning Jun 25, 2025

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In this episode, Winston, Rena, and Paul discuss the importance of authentic learning. They break down what authentic learning is while providing specific examples of it in action from their experiences as students, teachers, and professional learning facilitators. Through this conversation, you’ll discover common attributes that make authentic learning powerful and actionable in any context. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Three Steps for Developing Your Personal AI Professional Learning Plan Jun 24, 2025

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In today’s episode, we'll explore three ways to level up your understanding and use of artificial intelligence. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

News Literacy in America: a Teen Study, with Kim Bowman and Peter Adams Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

What do teens really think about the news, and how prepared are they to navigate today’s complex information landscape? We explore these questions in this episode of Unpacking Education, as we’re joined by Kim Bowman and Peter Adams from the News Literacy Project (NLP), a nonpartisan nonprofit. Kim and Peter share the results of their national study, News Literacy in America: A Survey of Teen Information Attitudes, Habits and Skills (2024), with insights from over 1,100 teens. The data reveals both a significant gap in media literacy instruction and a powerful call to action: 94% of teens believe media literacy should be a required part of school.

Our conversation digs into what students are seeing in their feeds—from conspiracy theories to sponsored content—and how well they’re able to distinguish between reliable journalism and misinformation. Kim and Peter break down five key standards for news literacy, discuss how even small doses of instruction can boost trust and civic engagement, and offer actionable strategies to help educators integrate these critical skills across content areas. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.