Episodes

What’s hiding inside a “simple” assignment—and what happens after we collect student data? Steve and Sophie explore Stephanie Howell’s ideas on UDL and executive function, then reflect on Tina Nunez’s Forms-to-Gemini data workflow in Episode 89: Shadow Quest Part III.

Students aren’t the only ones who need flexible, meaningful learning—teachers do, too. In Episode 88, Steve Martinez and Sophie Youngs continue their Shadow Quest conversation by exploring how choice, accessibility, and purposeful support can improve learning at every age. They begin with a big question: when should accommodations and modifications stop? Rather than focusing on age or setting, they consider the barriers learners face and how support can evolve alongside their needs.

Through reflections on Mantha’s SEL check-in session, Steve and Sophie discuss giving students different ways to express how they’re doing—and taking time to understand what their responses mean. A hands-on Snorkl bat-cave activity brings the learning process to life: explain your thinking, receive targeted feedback, revise, and try again.

The conversation then turns to Christy and Dave’s Night at the PD Museum, prompting a rethink of one-size-fits-all professional development. Relevance, hands-on pr…

Welcome to Shadow Quest Part I, the first of three Under the Hat episodes connected to our free virtual professional learning event. The full event brings together 14 educator presenters sharing approximately 15-minute, UDL-based sessions grounded in classroom practice. The podcast series highlights selected sessions; registration unlocks the full on-demand archive so you can choose the learning that fits your needs.

What if students could turn a digital design into a real product they could use, sell, or share?


Steven and Sophie are joined by Peter from Sawgrass Technologies and Vic from Craft Express to explore how sublimation printing can bring science, art, entrepreneurship, and career education together. They explain the science behind sublimation, introduce Versaflex printing for cotton, and share examples of how schools are using these tools in maker spaces, student stores, STEM programs, CTE pathw...

After 41 years in education, Don Bott believes great teaching depends on optimism, adaptability, reflection, and an unwavering belief in students. He joins Steve and Sophie to discuss the stories that sustain educators, the harm of labeling students and communities, the role of meaningful innovation, and why schools must make it rewarding for excellent teachers to remain in the classroom.

Steve and Sophie take an honest look at EdTech ambassador programs, exploring how they can empower educators, build community, and inspire classroom innovation. They also examine the line between meaningful collaboration and unpaid promotion, encouraging educators to value their expertise, set boundaries, and seek mutually beneficial opportunities.

Steve and Sophie welcome Tina Nunez, an educational technology and instructional resource specialist with Albuquerque Public Schools, Google Certified Innovator, Apple Learning Coach, ISTE Certified Educator, MagicSchool AI Ambassador, conference speaker, and co-host of *Innovators Unscripted*.

Tina traces her unconventional path into education, from earning a business management degree and working in hospitality to spending 16 years teaching fourth and fifth grade. She explains how experimentation in the classroom led to coaching and EdTech—and how stepping into that role just before the COVID-19 shutdown accelerated her learning overnight.

The conversation moves beyond individual tools to examine the bigger instructional questions underneath educational technology. The group discusses why passive digital assignments deserve criticism, but argues that eliminating technology altogether also removes opportunities for accessibility, student agency, creativity, and real-world skill…

In this special Bonus Episode of the Under the Hat Podcast, Steve and Sophie explore Orlando and capture the essence of ISTE Live 26. They share exclusive content and insightful interviews, highlighting the latest trends and innovations in education technology. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the conference’s highlights and key takeaways, making it accessible to both attendees and those who missed it.

Season 4 kicks off with Steve Sherman, Chief Imagination Officer at Living Maths, for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, technology, and restoring the joy of learning.Steve joins us from Cape Town to share his unconventional journey into education and his work inspiring students around the world through mathematics, problem-solving, space education, and playful learning. Together, we explore declining literacy and attention spans, the opportunities and risks of AI, and why technology ...

In this season Finale, Steve and Sophie reflect on season three, share upcoming plans for season four, and discuss their experiences with conferences, guest highlights, and new initiatives in education and Edtech.

Unlocking the Future of PBL with AI: Insights from Tara & John
In this episode, educators Tara and John revisit their pioneering work on project-based learning (PBL), emphasizing how AI tools are transforming classroom dynamics, community engagement, and teacher capacity. They share practical strategies, recent book updates, and insights on fostering meaningful human-AI collaboration to elevate student thinking and skills.
Key Topics:
The evolution and re-release of "The Tapas Approach" with new chapters on community partnerships and authentic real-world products
Introducing "Beyond the Algorithm," a new book exploring AI’s role in PBL and human decision-making
The significance of focusing on "bite-sized" projects for manageable implementation
Leveraging AI as a co-designer to enhance planning, community connections, and student creativity
Strategies for critical evaluation of AI outputs—truthfulness, hallucinations, and relevance
The importance of prompts in role-specific AI …

Austin Levinson joins the podcast to discuss the ongoing engagement crisis in education and why the solution isn’t simply “less technology,” but more intentional, student-centered learning. Drawing on design thinking and project-based pedagogy, Austin argues that real engagement involves active participation and that educators should prioritize empathy for student needs over rigid adherence to curriculum.

The conversation also explores healthier approaches to assessment—emphasizing feedback over constant grading—and more meaningful reflection by capturing learning moments as they happen. Finally, Austin introduces immersive simulation-based learning through Megaminds, where students practice communication, critical decision-making, and career exploration in low-stakes, AI-driven scenarios, helping them build confidence, persistence, and agency.

Keywords

education, teaching strategies, teach like a pirate, teacher branding, student engagement, professional development, educational technology, AI literacy, teacher empowerment.

Key Topics

The origin of 'Teach Like a Pirate'
Branding and marketing in education
Fostering creativity and engagement
International education insights
The role of AI literacy in teaching

Keywords

education technology, student innovation, classroom collaboration, edtech, Markify, entrepreneurship in education

Key Topics

Anthony Beckett's educational journey
Development and impact of Markify
Challenges and successes in edtech implementation

Sound Bites

"Why can't notes be on my Chromebook?"
"Markify supports account integration."
"Group work becomes teamwork."

Keywords

student agency, education, teaching strategies, educational leadership, classroom management, AI in education, teacher empowerment, educational reform

Key Topics

Understanding student agency and its importance
Barriers to implementing student agency in classrooms
Strategies to meet students where they are
The impact of buzzwords like AI and equity in education
The importance of teacher authenticity and passion

Sound Bites

"Meet people where they are in understanding"
"Pushback is a sign of success in education"
"Find your niche and teach what you love"

In this episode, the Steve and Sophie discuss the upcoming Eduprotocols March Madness event and the importance of shifting from compliance-driven routines to fostering student agency in education. They are joined by Robert Mayfield, who shares insights on the systemic barriers in education, the role of teachers as designers, and the significance of mentorship. The conversation also explores the integration of technology and AI in the classroom, emphasizing the need for teacher equity and retention. The episode concludes with reflections on Cal Newport's work and its relevance to educators.

In this episode, co-hosts Steve and Sophie engage with Chuck Moss, an experienced educator and assistant principal, discussing his journey in education, the importance of building relationships, and the philosophy of 'Don't Be Afraid to Be Awesome.' Chuck shares insights on leadership, the significance of teacher support, and the impact of social media in connecting with educators. The conversation emphasizes the need for visibility, vulnerability, and intentionality in leadership roles, ultimately highlighting the importance of empowering teachers and fostering a positive school culture.

On this episode of Under the Hat, we are thrilled to drip an episode from Modern Classroom Project Podcast that featured the amazing Margie Tiner. To make this even better, we did a short intro interview with Margie to give us updates on her journey, the working she is doing at Kami, and what's coming up next.

Be sure to check out all things Kami and the Modern Classroom Project Podcast!

Here at the links:

Modern Classroom Project Podcast
Kami
Book Creator

Play is a powerful tool. Hands-on projects develop skills. Make learning relevant to students. Focus on durable skills, not content. Encourage collaboration and perseverance. Create an environment for discovery. Engagement is active participation. Adapt to meet students' needs. Build connections with students. Share successful teaching practices.

In this special bonus episode, Steve and Sophie take you behind the scenes of their unforgettable in-person adventure at FETC! Tune in as they dive into the vibrant sense of community, share their exhilarating Keynote experiences, and relive all the fun, surprises, and memorable moments from sunny Orlando. You won’t want to miss this lively recap!

In this episode, the Steve and Sophie explore the theme of unlocking growth in education entrepreneurship with guest Ildi Laczko-Kerr. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field, focusing on personalized coaching and professional development for educators. Ildi shares her journey from an immigrant to a leader in educational technology, emphasizing the importance of community and relationships in entrepreneurship.




Want to learn more from Ildi? Here are her links:



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🎙️ Episode Title: Navigating Education with Mantha CamachoIn this episode of Under That Hat, we're thrilled to sit down with the dynamic Mantha Camacho! As a passionate educator with years of experience, Mantha infuses her love for teaching with insights from her journey through the evolving world of EdTech.Join us as Mantha candidly shares her experiences supporting struggling students, championing accessibility, and embracing the bold transitions in her career—from the classroom to EdTech and ...

In this exciting episode of Under the Hat, we get to hear from Ariella Racco, Co-Founder and CEO of CoLab Education. Listen as she weaves through the nuances of teacher isolationism, professional development, and the need for meaningful collaboration.




Ariella Racco is an Ontario-based educator turned EdTech entrepreneur who founded CoLab Education after experiencing firsthand the challenges of teacher isolation and collaboration barriers. With several years of classroom experience and a de...

On this episode, we’re chatting with Derek Oldfield about his educational journey and how we developed Sound Pedagogy. This tool is like a magic wand that captures everything in a classroom, giving us a deeper understanding of how teaching happens in real time. Derek Oldfield is an educator, builder, and coach who has spent his career helping teachers create classrooms full of curiosity, thoughtful work, and deep thinking. He’s the founder of Sound Pedagogy, an emerging platform that uses AI to ...