Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

Latest Episodes:

AI and Research, Step 4: Evaluating Information Nov 04, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll explore how AI can fit into step four of the research process: Evaluating Information. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

A University Perspective on College and Career, with Stephen Beckermann Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

AI and Research, Step 3: Searching for Sources Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll explore how AI can fit into step three of the research process: Searching for Sources. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

A College Senior’s Perspective on College and Career, with Kailey Gamnis Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

The most important step toward the future is oftentimes just being willing to go for it. For students facing decisions about college, careers, majors, or other postsecondary options, there can be enormous pressure to make the “right” choice immediately. But growth often comes from taking a chance, trying something new, and giving yourself permission to change course along the way.

In this episode, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee senior Kailey Gamnis shares what she has learned while navigating college, career planning, and the transition into life after graduation. Kailey reflects on the choices, risks, and experiences that have shaped her path, including spending her freshman year studying in Rome, transferring schools, pursuing a film degree, and completing a corporate internship.

Over the course of our conversation, Kailey discusses the importance of following your own direction, rather than simply doing what everyone else is doing. She also shares practical insights about college readiness, building relationships with professors, choosing a major, developing self-advocacy and organization skills, using AI responsibly, and gaining real-world experience through internships. Her message to students is to be brave, put yourself out there, and don’t be afraid to change direction as you're navigating on your journey. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

AI and Research, Step 2: Background Knowledge and Planning Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll explore how AI can fit into step two of the research process: Background Knowledge and Planning. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Preparing Students for College Success and Meaningful Career Pathways, with Dr. Matt Mayhew Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

AI and Research, Step 1: Task Definition Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll explore how AI can fit into the first step of the research process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Cognitive Resilience, with Shelly Muñoz Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

With AI being able to generate an answer in seconds, the challenge for educators is making sure that students still do the thinking that leads to learning. As our guest, Shelly Muñoz, states, “Don’t outsource the thinking you’re trying to develop.” When used as a replacement, AI can remove the productive struggle that builds understanding. However, when used as an amplifier, it can challenge reasoning, surface new perspectives, test ideas, and help students push their thinking further.

Shelly is a STEM curriculum coordinator, longtime educator, and author of Architects of Cognitive Resilience: Reimagining Learning in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. In this episode, she helps the podcast team explore what teaching and learning should look like when answers are increasingly easy to obtain and why helping students develop intellectual agency is critical right now.

Shelly introduces her Cognitive Resilience Framework, which moves learners from curiosity and exploration toward sense-making, integration, innovation, and ultimately, wisdom. The conversation examines how educators can make student thinking visible, use AI to amplify rather than replace thinking, rethink assessment, foster cognitive belonging, and prepare students to encounter unfamiliar challenges with the confidence to figure out what to do next. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Enhancing the Socratic Seminar with AI Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll explore ways that AI might be integrated effectively before, during, and after a Socratic Seminar. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Implications of State-Level Math Policy on the Classroom, with Lindsey Henderson Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

State policy can feel far removed from daily classroom instruction, but it plays a major role in determining which priorities receive funding, time, and long-term support. In this episode, Lindsey Henderson, Senior Policy Director for Math at ExcelinEd, explains how evidence-based math policy can provide educators with the resources, structures, and guidance needed to strengthen student achievement.

Drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher, district math specialist, state education leader, and policy advisor, Lindsey explores the difference between standards and policy, the importance of early screening and intervention, and the need for clear, strengths-based communication with families. She also shares how guaranteed access to advanced math can expand opportunity for students who have historically been underrepresented in rigorous coursework and why educators should view policy as an opportunity to create lasting change. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.