Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

Latest Episodes:

EnlightenAI: Your Virtual TA Feb 17, 2026

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In today’s episode, we'll explore how EnlightenAI can assist in evaluating student writing and providing valuable formative feedback. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Supporting Students Inside and Outside of the School Building, with Christina Hay Feb 11, 2026

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In this episode, we’re joined by Christina Hay, an experienced student support advocate, mentor, and community leader, who brings over a decade of experience in education and youth outreach. Christina shares compelling insights into the challenges and opportunities of working with students both in schools and in community-based settings.

When it comes to supporting students, Christina Hay believes the work can’t end when the final bell rings. At the heart of this conversation is the understanding that students need consistent, meaningful support both inside and outside the classroom. “A lot happens when kids leave the school,” Christina says, “and they still need that support. They still need safe spaces. They still need their village, because we are their village.”

Throughout the episode, Christina encourages educators to embrace collaboration with families and community organizations to fill in the gaps that schools alone can’t cover. She emphasizes the importance of proactive—not reactive—student support and leaves our listeners with a clear message: When educators, families, and communities work together, students are better equipped to succeed. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Resources for Keeping Current with Ed Tech Feb 10, 2026

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In today’s episode, we'll explore online resources that you can access to stay current with educational technology trends, tools, and integration strategies. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

The Transition to High School, with Ann Bucher Feb 04, 2026

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Transitioning to high school is more than just moving up a grade. It’s a full developmental leap. At the heart of this episode is the theme of managing transitions, and our guest, Ann Bucher, brings her unique perspective as both a new high school teacher and a veteran middle school educator. She reflects candidly on the challenges her freshmen face, from learning how to manage time and meet deadlines to understanding that GPA and credits now carry real consequences.

Ann emphasizes the power of structure and repetition, noting that even high schoolers benefit from routines and clearly defined expectations. “I want to hold you accountable for your learning,” she tells her students, “but I also want to be real with you that we’re not all going to be perfect all the time.” Her story underscores the importance of grace, honesty, and modeling growth, for students and teachers alike, as they navigate the shifting demands of high school and beyond. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

OpenAI's Teen AI Literacy Blueprint Feb 03, 2026

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In today’s episode, we'll explore OpenAI's Teen AI Literacy Blueprint, which outlines a five-step approach to preparing teens with the skills they'll need for an AI-infused world. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Behavior Solutions, with Dr. Jessica and Dr. John Hannigan Jan 28, 2026

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In this episode of Unpacking Education, we’re joined by Dr. Jessica Djabrayan Hannigan and Dr. John Hannigan—educators, authors, and national consultants—for a powerful conversation on shifting from reactive discipline to proactive behavioral support. Drawing from their experience and research-based frameworks, Jess and John challenge common misconceptions around student misbehavior and unpack how schools can replace punishment with targeted teaching. You’ll learn how their work, including Behavior Academies and Don’t Suspend Me!, equips educators with actionable tools to support students’ behavior and growth and, by extension, transform school climate. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

EduGems Jan 27, 2026

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In today's episode, we'll explore EduGems, a free collection of premade AI Gems for K-12 Education offered by Eric Curts. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

AI Optimism, with Becky Keene Jan 21, 2026

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Can artificial intelligence be more than just a time-saver in the classroom? In this episode, education leader and author Becky Keene shares how AI can be a transformative force in K–12 education. Drawing from her book AI Optimism, Becky offers practical frameworks and powerful ideas that move beyond efficiency toward redefining what and how we teach.

From classroom-tested strategies to thought-provoking insights on student agency, Becky makes a compelling case for seeing AI not as a threat, but as a tool for creativity and innovation. Tune in to discover how you, and your students, can take the wheel in a reimagined learning landscape. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Generative AI Applications for the K-12 Classroom Jan 20, 2026

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In today’s episode, we'll review deep research results that include 3 teacher strategies and 7 student-facing practices for effectively using generative AI in K-12 Education. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Exploring AI Use and Innovation, with Danielle Reyes Jan 14, 2026

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In this episode of Unpacking Education, we sit down with Danielle Reyes—a dynamic AVID Elective educator, instructional coach, and tech-empowered leader in the Poway Unified School District—to explore how AI is reshaping classroom practices and professional development. As a member of her district's AI Innovators Cohort, Danielle brings firsthand experience with tools and strategies that support personalized learning, student engagement, and ethical AI use.

Danielle shares helpful insights and practical ways that educators can thoughtfully integrate AI into their classrooms, which include using chatbots to build debate skills and differentiating instruction with tools like Diffit. She also emphasizes the importance of foundational digital citizenship, collaborative professional development, and going slow to go far. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.