Teachers on Fire

Episoder

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  Why I'm Leaving the Classroom This Year (After 25 Years) 17.08.2026 16min

  Choosing to leave the classroom and go all-in as an administrator wasn't an easy decision. Here were some of the factors I considered.
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  UDL for Little Learners with Jeff Horwitz 01.08.2026 29min

  → What is Universal Design for Learning?→ How does UDL look different in the early grades?→ What is a first step that any educator can take tomorrow to make their lessons more accessible for all learners?ABOUT THIS GUEST, Jeff HorwitzJeff is a veteran educator and school leader who's spent over two decades in early childhood education, from classroom teaching to school administration in St. Louis. He specializes in bringing Universal Design for Learning into early childhood classrooms, helping teachers turn big frameworks into practical, joyful strategies for their youngest students. He's worked with schools and educators across North America, and he's currently putting the finishing touches on his first book, UDL for Little Learners, coming out this December.CONNECT with JEFF HORWITZon LinkedIn,on X @mrteachersir,on Instagram @edtech_jeff, andat udlforlittlelearners.com. TIMESTAMPS0:00:00 - Jeff Horwitz has spent two decades in primary classrooms1:28 - Define Universal Design for Learning2:04 - Misunderstandings about UDL3:37 - UDL in primary classrooms5:48 - Practical first steps into UDL15:00 - UDL and neurodivergence19:04 - Technology's place in the classroom24:00 - The future of elementary education26:05 - Book preview - UDL for Little Learners28:24 - How and where to connect with Jeff onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  You're MORE Than A Teacher: Build Your Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Jen Rafferty 26.07.2026 36min

  → How can we learn to recognize our body’s stress signals as data?→ What is a daily micro-move educators can practice to regulate themselves?→ How can prioritizing our own wellness directly impact our students and create generational change?TIMESTAMPS0:00:00 - Dr. Jen Rafferty is an educator, author, and speaker2:14 - A turning point from burnout to wellbeing3:20 - Writing The Empowered Educator5:45 - The body's stress signals as data7:29 - Other stress signals12:47 - Emotional intelligence15:26 - Increasing our self-awareness19:11 - Categorizing repetitive tasks23:07 - Generational change27:42 - A path to sustainability30:38 - Recovering personal identity35:13 - How and where to connect with Dr. RaffertyABOUT THIS GUEST, Dr. JEN RAFFERTYDr. Rafferty is an educator, author, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Empowered Educator, an organization transforming the culture of education by placing educator well-being at the center of school success. She holds a PhD in educational psychology, degrees in music education, and certifications in Emotional Intelligence and Neuro-Identity Evolution. As a former middle school music teacher, Jen knows firsthand the challenges and joys of life in the classroom, and the toll it can take when personal well-being comes last. Her own journey from burnout to balance ignited her mission to help educators reconnect with their purpose, restore their energy, and feel empowered as leaders both in and out of the classroom.Dr. Rafferty is the author of a brand new book, The Empowered Educator: 10 Lessons to Prevent Burnout, Reclaim Your Joy, and Unlock Your Teaching Potential.CONNECT with Dr. RAFFERTYon Facebook and LinkedIn,on Instagram @jenrafferty_,and on her website, empowerededucator.com.Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  Rebuilding Teacher Resilience with Dr. Naomi Hall 18.07.2026 39min

  → How can we make this school year the best of our professional careers?→ What is a Resilience Bank Account, and how can it support busy educators on the hard days?→ What is the Scribble and Scrap technique, and how can it help us against negative self-talk?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About This Guest, Dr. Naomi HallDr. Hall is a speaker, educator, and stress management coach dedicated to helping high-achieving professionals reclaim their well-being and reignite their passion for their work through building resilience. With 22 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, district leadership, and consulting, she brings a deep understanding of the challenges today’s professionals face—because she has lived them herself.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Dr. Naomi Hall is an experienced educator, speaker, and coach2:11 - Dr. Hall's personal journey with burnout5:31 - Resilience bank accounts7:08 - The 5 foundations of wellness10:40 - Intermittent fasting12:57 - Building wellness habits16:10 - Managing anxiety with Zones of Control22:31 - Scribble and Scrap26:59 - Managing boundaries30:33 - Professional development33:58 - Receive support from Dr. Naomi Hall37:36 - How and where to connect with Dr. Hall onlineYou can connect with Dr. Naomi Hallon Facebook and LinkedIn,on Instagram @drnaomirhall,and at her website, nrhdynamic.com.Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  From Dropout to PhD: Learn the Craft of Teaching with Dr. Anthony Richiez 12.07.2026 49min

  → How did today’s guest go from high school dropout to PhD, and what can we learn from his story?→ How can we shift our focus from merely managing behavior to truly captivating our students?→ What is the first step educators must take to reverse the burnout cycle?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Dr. Anthony Richiez. Dr. Richiez is a recognized expert in the area of Dynamic Teaching. He revolutionizes teaching by guiding educators to elevate their methods, resulting in more dynamic classrooms and improved student learning. For 15 years, Anthony has offered seminars and workshops for schools and educators, helping them increase student engagement and maximizing comprehension in their classrooms.You can connect with Dr. Richiezon LinkedIn,on X and Instagram @AnthonyRichiez, andAt his website, myteachcraft.com.
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  Unity Over Division: How Virginia Principal Derek Cantrell Merged Two Schools Into One 07.07.2026 35min

  → How did a Virginia school principal help to merge two rival schools into one?→ How can we build positive school culture during times of change and transition?→ How can we translate our school mission and values into meaningful daily practices?Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Derek Cantrell was named the 2026 Outstanding Principal of Virginia1:45 - The story of the merger in Better Together5:08 - Honoring the traditions of both schools8:33 - Including student voice during the transition12:48 - Biggest lessons learned from the merger14:47 - Retaining teachers, logistical challenges16:57 - Improving attendance and engagement post-merger22:36 - Reinforcing school values on a daily basis24:00 - Using AI tools to improve lessons28:00 - Using AI to improve efficiency as a school administrator31:59 - One hope for the coming school year33:14 - How and where to connect with Derek onlineAbout This Guest, Derek CantrellDerek is the principal of Alleghany High School and was named 2026 Outstanding High School Principal of Virginia. He is the author of Better Together: Building One School, One Culture, and One Community from Two Rivals, sharing lessons learned from leading a successful school consolidation while building a unified culture focused on relationships, student success, and community. Derek is a frequent presenter on school culture, leadership, and practical applications of AI in education, helping school leaders create systems that put people first while improving outcomes for students and staff.Connect with Derek Cantrell on LinkedIn and on X @derekcatch19.Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  Unlock Student Motivation with Stephen de Groot 29.06.2026 20min

  → How do needs, values, goals, and strengths reframe how we motivate and engage learners?→ What are the things that actually drain motivation for students in the classroom and at home?→ How can teachers build better Regulation, Resources, and Relationships for students in their classrooms?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Stephen De Groot. Stephen has spent his career focused on one central idea: helping people get to better. As president and co-founder of Brivia, he has worked with more than 300 organizations across 12 countries and presented to more than 50,000 people worldwide. His experience spans an unusually wide range of environments, from working with at-risk youth, gang members, and correctional institutions to coaching CEOs, military leaders, and professionals in sectors such as mining, healthcare, law, and business.A former adjunct professor of human behaviour theory, de Groot is the author of Getting to Better: A New Model for Elevating Human Potential at Work and in Life,  which reached the Top 3 on Amazon Canada’s Hot New Releases in Business Leadership, as well as the Top 100 in Interpersonal Relations, Leadership, and Management.You can connect with Stephen De Grooton LinkedIn, on Instagram @StephendeGrootOfficial, andat his website, gettingtobetter.com.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Stephen de Groot is an author, speaker, and consultant1:47 - How Getting to Better connects with the classroom2:51 - How the Core 4 Dimensions motivate learners4:52 - Universal truths about human motivation8:01 - Educators need to feel safe, significant, and situated10:06 - What drains student motivation13:01 - How to build greater resilience in students15:37 - How to manage stress as an educator17:21 - A helpful daily practice for principals18:48 - How and where to connect with Stephen onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  Curiosity Sets Up Direct Instruction: OLIVIA ODILEKE 20.06.2026 45min

  → Why is curiosity foundational to everything that happens in the classroom?→ How can simple micro-inquiry tasks at the beginning of a lesson set up direct instruction to follow?→ How can teachers use AI as a collaborative thought partner to amplify student thinking?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Olivia Odileke. Olivia is an educator, author, instructional technology leader, and founder of Kampus Insights CC, where she helps schools design engaging, curiosity-driven learning experiences. With over 15 years of experience in Title I schools, she has trained thousands of educators and is passionate about helping teachers spark student thinking before delivering content. Olivia is also the creator of the Spark Curiosity EDU experience, a movement designed to help educators rediscover wonder, joy, and purpose in teaching and learning.You can connect with Olivia Odilekeon LinkedIn, on X @KampusCoach,on Instagram @fearless.educator, andat her website, sparkcuriosityedu.com.[You’ll also find helpful resources from Olivia related to this conversation at ai.sparkcuriosityedu.com, app.leadsparkteam.com, and fearlesseducator.com.]Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Olivia Odileke is an education author, speaker, and teacher trainer1:51 - Curiosity is NOT just an extra, it's everything4:55 - Micro-inquiry tasks at the beginning of the lesson9:26 - The Spark Curiosity EDU "anti-conference" in Austin19:24 - The Spark Curiosity GPT Coach26:25 - What's killing curiosity in our classrooms today29:29 - Olivia's AI-generated music for educators34:20 - The AI tools she uses for her music37:11 - Unleashing Curiosity, Olivia's most recent book41:39 - How and where to connect with Olivia onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  Dr. BRAD JOHNSON: Build Your RQ, Build Your Learning Community 13.06.2026 32min

  → How can relational leadership transform your school community?→ How can we encourage colleagues overwhelmed by fatigue, culture wars, or literacy battles?→ As technology debates rage, where is the conversation going in K-12 education?Today’s Teacher on Fire is Dr. Brad Johnson. Dr. Johnson is an internationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, and one of the leading voices in relational leadership and educator wellness. A former teacher, principal, and professor, Brad has authored multiple books and works with schools around the world to help leaders build trust, strengthen culture, and create environments where both students and educators thrive.You can connect with Dr. Brad Johnsonon Facebook and LinkedIn,on X and Instagram @DrBradJohnson, andat his website, doctorbradjohnson.com.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Dr. Brad Johnson is a renowned education author and speaker1:38 - The story in Coffee with the Custodian5:32 - Leadership principles that administrators struggle with7:38 - Relational leadership11:25 - A mistake that new administrators make sometimes14:13 - How to recognize character traits in students16:45 - Encouraging tired teachers20:39 - How to best leverage strengths of teachers22:40 - The technology debate raging in K-12 education27:22 - One thing that keeps Dr. Johnson's fire burning29:51 - How and where to connect with Dr. Brad JohnsonVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  7 Steps to School Success - with Dr. James Lane, Former Superintendent of the Year 07.06.2026 28min

  → What are the seven steps to school success?→ What are the most common distractions school leaders face?→ How can we build schools that give our graduates the kinds of skills that actually have career-ready value in tomorrow’s marketplace?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is James Lane, Ed. D. James is Managing Director of K–16 at ETS, where he leads initiatives to strengthen connections between K–12, higher education, and the workforce. Previously, he served as CEO of PDK International and Educators Rising, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education, and Superintendent of Public Instruction in Virginia, where he was named 2017 Virginia Superintendent of the Year. A lifelong educator and musician, Dr. Lane is also a trumpet player and member of the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame.You can connect with Dr. James Laneon X and Instagram @DrJamesLane, on LinkedIn, at universityinstructors.com, and at leadingwithlaserfocus.com.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Dr. James Lane is a former Superintendent of the Year1:52 - The 7 steps to school success4:48 - Distractions for school leaders6:34 - Advice for future leaders8:47 - Grow your own - from students to district leaders11:53 - How to build trust in a new school community14:47 - Standardized testing and deeper learning17:47 - From worksheets to competencies20:34 - Career readiness for our graduates23:37 - Inclusive practices and potential for all learners27:14 - How and where to connect with Dr. James Lane onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  AI Literacy and Design Thinking - with Alex Gray 31.05.2026 39min

  → How can education podcasting impact professional growth over time?→ What is the single most dangerous misconception schools are making about artificial intelligence right now?→ How can design thinking prepare secondary students for a complex, uncertain, technology-driven future?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Alex Gray. Alex is head of sixth form, BSME Network Lead for AI in Education, and founder of the DEEP Education Network, a global platform connecting 1,000+ educators across 50+ countries with courses, community, and evidence-based frameworks for modern teaching. He hosts The International Classroom Podcast, one of Dubai's largest education podcasts with hundreds of thousands of views.You can connect with Alexon LinkedIn,on Instagram @deepeducationnetwork,on YouTube @deepeducationnetwork, and on his website at deepeducationnetwork.com/blog.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Alex Gray is a secondary educator and podcaster in Dubai1:48 - Alex's journey from the UK to Dubai5:43 - Teacher sustainability in international contexts9:26 - Teacher burnout around the globe12:31 - Podcasting as professional development15:46 - AI literacy23:09 - School misconceptions about AI25:30 - Vibe coding29:20 - Design thinking in secondary34:54 - Alex's courses for educators at deepeducationnetwork.com37:46 - How and where to connect with Alex onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  Better Questions, Deeper Learning - with Connie Hamilton 16.05.2026 32min

  → How can we improve the effectiveness of the questions we ask in the classroom?→ What’s a better way to respond the next time we get the classic “I don’t know”?→ What does collecting actionable microdata look like during a live lesson?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Connie Hamilton. Connie is an author and instructional expert known for helping educators shift more thinking to students through effective questioning, collaboration, and high-impact classroom practices.You can connect with ConnieOn Facebook and LinkedIn, On Instagram @conniehamiltonEd andAt her website at conniehamilton.org.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Connie Hamilton is an education author, speaker, and presenter1:14 - How to improve teacher questioning2:57 - Questioning that shows student reasoning5:10 - How to respond to "I don't know"7:39 - Questions that produce more equity and inclusion11:41 - Teacher invisibility - giving students agency and ownership15:33 - Productive struggle - what teachers need to know20:12 - Microdata points for instructional coaches to look for25:55 - Signs of curiosity and inquiry in a classroom27:20 - Providing coaching support to teachers without burdening30:37 - How and where to connect with Connie Hamilton's workVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  Teach Internationally - with Greg Lemoine 10.05.2026 28min

  → What is the single most rewarding aspect of international teaching?→ For educators considering an international leap in their teaching career, what are the most crucial factors to consider?→ What is the most common mistake teachers make when interviewing for an international teaching contract?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Gregory Lemoine. Greg has been teaching overseas for the past 25 years in international schools. He is the author of Finding the Right Fit: Your Professional Guide for International Educator Recruiting Fairs and Amazing Stories of a Teacher Living Overseas. On The International Teacher Podcast, he enjoys spreading the best kept secret in education: international teaching.You can connect with GregoryOn Facebook and LinkedIn,On Instagram @internationalteacherpodcast, and At his website, itpexpat.com.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - What to consider before teaching internationally1:29 - Five years of the International Teacher Podcast4:01 - Reverse culture shock6:18 - The countries Greg has taught in10:47 - The path to ed leadership in international schools12:29 - International teaching recruitment fairs15:59 - The life of a third culture kid (TCK)19:59 - How AI is impacting international schools24:04 - The most rewarding aspect of international teaching25:57 - How and where to connect with Greg Lemoine onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  Competency-Based Assessment with Danielle Paloposki 02.05.2026 40min

  → How do traditional grading systems quietly undermine deep learning?→ How can teachers shift assessment paradigms without burning out?→ What steps can administrative teams take to genuinely support their staff?About Danielle PaloposkiDanielle is an educator and former school administrator with extensive experience as a classroom teacher and middle level leader, specializing in standards aligned, competency based assessment. A contributing author to the British Columbia K–12 Reporting Policy, she has led system wide shifts from traditional grading to competency focused approaches grounded in feedback, professional judgment, and evidence of learning over time. Danielle now partners with the Canadian Assessment Centre to support schools in building coherent, humane, and sustainable assessment systems that cultivate transferable skills and self regulated learners.You can connect with DanielleOn Facebook, LinkedIn, On Instagram @dpalo_ed, and On her website at https://danielle-paloposki.mykajabi.com/Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - How traditional assessment undermines learning4:15 - Why Danielle founded the Competency Code Collective9:52 - How to support teachers in assessment transitions16:10 - Are learning targets just for administrators?18:59 - From evaluator to learning coach23:39 - Ensuring our assessment language is consistent31:08 - How to use AI to design better assessment35:49 - Assessment resources from DanielleVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  Money and Financial Literacy in YOUR Classroom: Debra Kierstead 25.04.2026 24min

  → Which foundational money concepts do our students struggle with the most?→ Why do states and districts continue to downplay the importance of financial literacy in our curricular standards?→ What is one practical way for teachers to build financial literacy in their classrooms on Monday morning?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Debra Kierstead. Deb is an elementary teacher and financial literacy coach who helps educators bring real-world money skills into the classroom. Her hands-on approach makes budgeting, saving, and spending feel simple and fun - for students and teachers alike.You can connect with DebraOn Facebook, On Instagram @kierstead.deb, andAt her website, liveskillsmoney.com.Take advantage of Deb's free starter class: www.liveskillsmoney.com/free-starter-class (not sponsored)
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  Bringing the Everglades to Your Literacy Classroom: Jennifer Diaz 22.04.2026 18min

  → How can we build literacy skills and environmental stewardship at the same time?→ What is the Everglades Foundation Literacy Program, and what resources do they offer classroom teachers?→ What is Everglades Ecoquest, and how can educators use this web-based platform to bring interactive, gamified learning to their students?Welcome back to the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Jennifer Diaz. Jennifer Diaz is the Vice President of Education at The Everglades Foundation, where she has dedicated the past 12 years to building and leading Florida’s only comprehensive, statewide Everglades environmental education program. Since joining the Foundation in 2014, she has guided the growth of the Everglades Literacy Program into a national model for place-based environmental learning, now adopted by 31 school districts and reaching more than 300,000 students and families annually.You can connect with the Everglades Foundation …On X @EvergFoundation,On Instagram @evergladesfoundation,On Facebook and LinkedIn, andAt their website, evergladesfoundation.org.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Welcome to Jennifer Diaz, VP of Education at the Everglades Foundation0:16 - The mission and vision of the Everglades Foundation1:07 - Everglades Foundation literacy resources are free to anyone2:02 - Building environmental stewardship through literacy skills4:13 - The Teacher Toolkit 41 lesson plans are curriculum-aligned6:03 - Resources for Spanish and Haitian Creole learners7:41 - What is Everglades Ecoquest and what does it offer students?10:35 - Hands-on learning experiences related to the Everglades12:59 - The Champion Schools program builds environmental leadership15:54 - A first step to take to build environmental literacy17:11 - How to connect with the Everglades FoundationVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  Differentiation for High-Ability Learners with Alicia Schroeder-Schock 11.04.2026 30min

  How can teachers challenge their gifted learners without burning out?How we spot high-ability learners who might be masking their abilities in the classroom?How can we make sure our choice boards don’t just become busywork?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teacher on Fire is Dr. Alicia Schroeder-Schock (pronounced Shrader-Shook). Alicia is an educator, consultant, and founder of Elementary Elevated, where she helps teachers design engaging, rigorous learning experiences for advanced elementary learners. With an Ed.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership and a master’s in Educational Psychology, Alicia presents nationally on gifted curriculum and  differentiation and serves on the board of the North Dakota Association for Gifted Children.Connect with AliciaOn her blog at elementaryelevated.comTimestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Welcome to Dr. Alicia Schroeder-Schock1:31 - What are high-ability learners?2:16 - How can we spot them?3:44 - What does elevating standards look like?5:53 - How AI can help to elevate standards6:53 - How to design choice boards8:36 - From objectives to outcomes10:51 - What is curriculum compacting?14:57 - Elevating the student writing process19:13 - How to differentiate for high-ability learners20:41 - Social and emotional challenges25:05 - What's keeping you on fire?28:58 - How and where to connect with Dr. Alicia Schroeder-Schock onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  Executive Functions in K-3 with Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle 08.04.2026 50min

  → What are executive functions, and why do they matter?→ What are the differences between core and higher order executive functions?→ How can we tweak the physical and acoustic environment of our classrooms to support all learners?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.Today’s Teachers on Fire are Sarah Oberle and Mitch Weathers, authors of Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start.Mitch Weathers is an educator, author, and nationally and internationally recognized expert on executive functioning in the classroom, known for translating brain science into practical strategies that work in real schools. His work centers on strengthening students’ skills in organization, task initiation, self-regulation, and follow-through through intentional systems that support learning without increasing teachers’ workloads. Through his writing, speaking, and consulting, he challenges educators to reconsider why students struggle and equips them with a shared language and concrete tools to unlock student potential.Sarah Oberle is an educator, writer, and professional learning designer with 18 years of experience as a primary classroom teacher. Her work centers on helping educators understand how learning happens and how that understanding shapes daily instructional decisions.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle are veteran educators and authors2:37 - What are executive functions?4:29 - Why executive functions matter in primary grades6:59 - Designing tier one environments that support all learners10:10 - Confusing behaviors with executive functions14:13 - Core vs higher order executive functions16:45 - How to reduce cognitive load and improve working memory20:51 - Two ways to reduce cognitive load in the primary classroom25:22 - How to tweak the physical and acoustic learning environments31:15 - Why starting the whole class together makes a difference36:07 - How Sarah uses voice recorders in her first grade classroom38:45 - A first step to take for the overwhelmed educator45:38 - How and where to connect with Mitch and Sarah onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  Retired but Podcasting: Martin Stuible and Roy Hunt from After the Bell 29.03.2026 42min

  → How can an education podcast impact personal growth and professional practice?→ Is there still room for more education content creators today?→ How do two veteran educators view today’s educational landscape?About These GuestsToday’s Teachers on Fire are Martin Stuible and Roy Hunt, hosts of the After the Bell podcast. Martin Stuible is deep into his third chapter of life with his creative company, Creative Moments on 11th. Roy Hunt is a geologist, world traveller, master teacher, and podcaster.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Martin Stuible and Roy Hunt are the hosts of the After the Bell podcast1:28 - How Martin and Roy connected4:45 - How the After the Bell podcast was born9:24 - How the podcast has impacted personal growth13:46 - Is there still room for more education podcasts20:21 - Practical habits of self-compassion for overwhelmed educators24:26 - Thoughts on AI in education today31:08 - Thoughts on the thesis of the Digital Delusion40:20 - How to connect with the After the Bell podcastVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library.
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  Brokers of Hope, Cultures of Joy - with DEAN SHARESKI 18.03.2026 36min

  → How can educators model healthy skepticism while also being brokers of hope regarding AI tools?→ What practical boundaries can we set so our students don't outsource their critical thinking to algorithms?→ With all that is going on in education and politics, how can we preserve cultures of joy in today's classrooms?About This GuestDean Shareski is a Senior Partnership Consultant with Advanced Learning Partnerships, bringing decades of experience at the intersection of education, leadership, and innovation. He works closely with school systems to translate big ideas—especially around learning design, leadership development, and emerging technologies—into practical, scalable strategies. Known for his clear thinking and candid approach, Dean helps leaders move from aspiration to action.Connect with Dean ShareskiOn X @shareski,On Instagram @dshareski, On his podcast at The Canadian_Ed Leadership Show, andOn his blog at http://ideasandthoughts.org or http://shareski.ca.Timestamps from This Episode0:00:00 - Dean Shareski is an author, speaker, writer, and K-12 education consultant1:50 - Educators as "brokers of hope"4:53 - How to model healthy skepticism with AI tools7:38 - Losing students' productive struggle to AI13:38 - Leverage digital tools to amplify and transform student learning17:26 - How to protect the wonder and joy of our classrooms20:59 - Building school teams like the Blue Jays of 202524:42 - Sports gambling creeping into schools28:31 - What gives Dean hope for the future31:48 - What keeps Dean's fire for learning burning bright34:33 - How and where to connect with Dean Shareski onlineVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.