The Pixel Classroom Podcast

In episode 178, I talk about Surviving a School Year. From past reflections to now and going from surviving, to thriving to living and enjoying.

I am joined for episode 168 with special guest star, Starr Sackstein. Starr Sackstein is an accomplished educator, author, and advocate, dedicated to transforming education through innovative practices. With a background in secondary education, she has championed student-centered learning, assessment reform, and technology integration. As an author of several influential books, including "Hacking Assessment," Starr empowers educators globally with practical strategies for creating learner-driven classrooms. Her insights, shared through speaking engagements, workshops, and online platforms, inspire educators to reimagine traditional teaching paradigms. Starr's commitment to fostering critical thinking, growth, and equity underscores her role as a thought leader shaping the future of education.

In the 4th episode of my Journey into the Thinking Classroom Model. I share my experiences with: note taking, formative and summative assessment in my classes. I also share the uses of the EduProtocols models in aiding in Thinking Classroom Note Taking and use of STEM with assessment uses.

In Week 3 of my series, I talk about using EDUprotocols in my lessons and how to start assessing my students work and how notes are taken in my classroom that is 70% paperless.

Episode 160 has me doing a reflection on 2023. From the classroom to life in general. As I look ahead into 2024 with the Thinking Classroom Model. New live stream EDU and moving forward into the new year.

I review the book, Dragon Smart by the mother/son team of Tommy and Tisha Richmond. The book follows the story of Tommy the Dragon. He is gifted, smart, knows his facts, but when it comes to tests, Tommy isn't the best. The book is amazing look into something we have all experienced. We know our facts, we do our studying, we love learning, but when it comes to tests, we panic or can't do our best. Yet, we are smart in our own ways, we are talented and we will find a way to explore and understand. We are all Dragon Smart.

I review the books: Chasing Rabbits: A Curious Guide to a Lifetime of Mathematical Wellness by Sunil Singh. Lessons that Last: 185 Reflections on the Life-Shaping Power of a Teacher by Julie Schmidt and Laura Estes-Swilley. Both books are must pick ups if you are a teacher, administrator or even starting your educational journey.

In episode 157 I reflect on the past few weeks I have not recorded an episode. Talking about that it's ok to step away from things for a while. Relax, find out what is important and how you can grow and learn from it.

I am joined by one of the Teach Better Team co-founders, Rae Hughart on the Pixel Classroom. The Teach Better Team imagines a world where every educator is connected, supported, and inspired to be BETTER every day; so that all learners can discover and develop their passions to positively impact our communities. Rae shares her history as an educator, how the Teach Better Team works with other educators and organizations to bring the best for students, teachers and administrators.

I am joined by my friend, and fellow Co-host of Games, Comics and Coffee live stream, Adam Muller. The two of us talk about games, currently media and copyright laws and upcoming games we are excited about. Adam also goes into depth about why gamification in education is important to students and learning.

I am joined by Josh Tovar, an educator with thirty-two years in education. The two of us talk about education, technology, STEM and SEL. We also spend most of the episode talking about why relationships and establishment with students is very key to learning in education. From Sports to the Classroom, Josh goes into why it matters to know your students.

In episode 151, I reflect on my first year at my new school year. The triumphs, set backs, accomplishments and even looking at how far I have gone in the last 11 years. I also wish my graduating class of 2023 good luck.

I talked with Shut and Teach's Elijah Cabajal for the big 150th episode of the Pixel Classroom podcast. Elijah talks about his career, his podcasts, learning sessions and some of his upcoming projects. Including the release of his book and his EDU Couples Podcast with his wife.

In one of the last book reviews for season 4, I review The AI Educator by Matt Millar. The AI Classroom by Daniel Fitzpatrick, Amanda Fox & Brad Weinstein. The Science Box by Kim Adsit and Adam Peterson and finally, Study like a Gamer by Kai Rush. All books are great for your summer reading and looking into: AI, STEM/STEAM and Student Studies skills from SEL to PBL. Check them out today.

In episode 145, after several recording issues. I reflect on where I am as the school year begins to draw to a close with the final 9 weeks of the 2023 school year. How returning to Community Theater allowed me to look at where I came from. Where I am now and where I am going forward.

In episode 140, I talk about starting my blog over again. Why I started in back in the Summer of 2012. How it was a great tool to use my reflection and sharing and connecting with the education community. How it started to wane and became more of a website to house my latest podcast episodes. Now, in 2023, how I'm looking forward to restarting it with a new look, a new mission and using it as a reflection not just in my journey in a new year in the classroom, but also what I love to do. 

Keven Rinaman returns to the Pixel Classroom Podcast. If you don't remember Keven from episode 85, Keven Rinaman is an educator and author. He has taught history, math, and technology at middle and high school grades, and has served as the technology director and Dean of Students for his district. Keven has coached numerous sports including: wrestling, golf, baseball and esports. He is a graduate of Heidelberg University and Western Governors University, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Tiffin University. Keven is the author of 3DU: A Guide to 3D Printing in Every

Classroom, the host of an educational podcast titled, Magic Potion EDU, and blogs at TeachersTechToolbox.com. Keven has spoken at numerous national and regional conferences including FETC and OETC. Keven lives with his wife Katie, and son, Cooper in Tiffin, Ohio.

Contact Keven at kevenrinaman@gmail.com

I will be on Hiatus until mid or late January 2023. I have personal pieces to focus on. See everyone in the New Year. 

In this reflection episode, as I "sit at home", I talk about resting. How it comes in different ways, but also how you have to be careful that your rest doesn't over take your life. It's about a balance of what you do, what your goals are and learning to breathe and reflect in those times. It can be from enjoying your favorite sports, to simply reading a good book, or working on that shelving unit in your garage. 

In this week’s episode I talk about my experience at the district’s institute day and meeting Adam Peterson.

I am joined by Marisa Thompson (M.A. Teacher Education) who has seventeen years of experience teaching various levels of English including advanced and support classes. As a Curriculum & Intervention Coordinator, she assesses success and develops goals and curriculum, K-12, and designed a role to become her previous district’s first Innovation Support coach. She is a designated cooperating teacher for several credential programs and a Professional Development instructor for University of San Diego. Besides teaching, she has traveled with students on educational trips to Europe, South America, and Asia. Traveling internationally for 30 years, she believes in "the power of education, the transformative effects of travel and experience, and the joy the unexpected can bring" and pushes students to move past "so-called limitations" by embracing student voice, choice, talent, and inspiration. Her experiences culminate in a pedagogy she calls “Instruction-less Teaching,” which includes her TQE Method, currently in classrooms around the world from kindergarten to graduate school. Marisa appears on many podcasts including Cult of Pedagogy, writes for her own blog and others, and speaks regularly at districts’ professional development, universities’ credential programs, and education conferences. She recently won the 2019 Ed Innovate Live Pitch competition and was named CUE’s 2019 San Diego Innovative Educator of the Year. 

You can connect with Marisa at: 

Twitter: @MarisaEThompson

Instagram: marisa.e.thompson

Facebook: Marisa Thompson

Website: Unlimited Teacher.com

On International Podcast Day, I reflect on relationships not with students, but work co-workers and staff members. How connecting and understanding each other can make some amazing friendships and relationships that will last for many years. No matter where you or they go in life.