Episodes

Episode 56: Competency Based Education
Aug. 30, 2025

Episode 56: Competency Based Education

On this episode of Under the Hat, we get to talk about Competency Based Education with Aman Sahota. Aman shares his work in this area with AI learner profiles, and the research he has done Toronto. Aman Sahota is the co-found...

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Episode 55: Are We AI Ready?
Aug. 23, 2025

Episode 55: Are We AI Ready?

On this episode of Under the Hat, Steve and Sophie hear from Scott Azar as he discusses his recent findings on AI as well as his insights on AR, VR, Edtech, and the science classroom! Scott Azar is an Earth and Space Science ...

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Episode 54: Universal Design for Learning
Aug. 16, 2025

Episode 54: Universal Design for Learning

On this episode of Under the Hat, we have the AMAZING Katie Novak chatting about UDL, cooking, and what students really need right now. Katie Novak, Ed.D., is a force of nature - part educational powerhouse, part motivational...

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Episode 53: Becoming a Prodigy in the Classroom
Aug. 2, 2025

Episode 53: Becoming a Prodigy in the Classroom

On this episode of Under the Hat, we are chatting with Norma Gonzalez who is a Special Education educator who teaches coding in the classroom and brings the Prodigy mindset to her classroom! Here are the links mentioned: www....

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Episode 52: Season THREE Kickoff!
July 26, 2025

Episode 52: Season THREE Kickoff!

Under the Hat is back with Season three! Listen in as Steve and Sophie chat about the upcoming guest lineup, potential topics, and what is top of mind as we get into the 2025-2026 school year.

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Episode 51: Season Two Reflection
May 4, 2025

Episode 51: Season Two Reflection

Listen in as Steve and Sophie reflect on season, discuss season three, updates, and announcements!

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Episode 50: AI in Education
March 2, 2025

Episode 50: AI in Education

On this Episode of Under the Hat, we celebrate episode 50 with Mark Henderson. Mark serves as the Director of Digital Initiatives at the Missouri School Boards’ Association, where he leads their AI Advisory Group and spearhea...

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Episode 49: Love and Literacy
Feb. 22, 2025

Episode 49: Love and Literacy

On this episode of Under the Hat, we have the pleasure of having Stephen Chiger back on the show to chat about ALL things education and literacy. Listen in as Stephen talks about his first book Love and Literacy , the importa...

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Episode 48: Disrupting Traditional Teaching Practices
Feb. 15, 2025

Episode 48: Disrupting Traditional Teaching Practices

We have the pleasure of having the AMAZING TR Deanon on the show this week! TR has 10 years of experience in education as an ELA teacher, Adult ESL, mentor, instructional coach for technology. TR is going to help us break dow...

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Episode 47: Can the PD Keep Up with the AI?
Feb. 2, 2025

Episode 47: Can the PD Keep Up with the AI?

On this episode of Under the Hat, we are joined by Andy Osborn who is discussing the critical topic of aligning PD to the reality of the fast pace of the AI advancements. Andy is in his 8th year as an EdTech Instructional Coa...

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Episode 46: Making. Learning. FUN!
Jan. 25, 2025

Episode 46: Making. Learning. FUN!

On this episode of Under the Hat, we have Heather Brown chatting about ALL fun things! With 15 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to crafting innovative strategies that engage students, especially in math—a sub...

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Episode 45: The Impact of UDL in the Classroom
Jan. 19, 2025

Episode 45: The Impact of UDL in the Classroom

Help us welcome Nate Ridgway to the show as we dive into Universal Design for Learning equity, differentiation, and....probably all the other things! Nate is a tech-loving history and educational consultant from Indianapolis,...

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Episode 44: An Honest Chat About Preventing Bullying in Education
Jan. 14, 2025

Episode 44: An Honest Chat About Preventing Bullying in Education

On this episode, we have Dr. Casey Jakubowskig helpling us unpack bullying in education, teacher burnout, and Steve's favorite...CIVICS! We are thrilled to learn from Casey's knowledge and educational journey. Want to learn m...

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Episode 43: Change in the AI Era
Jan. 7, 2025

Episode 43: Change in the AI Era

On this episode of Under the Hat, we have the pleasure of chatting with Dan Fitzpatrick who is an expert, author, and leading voice in the area of AI in education. Listen in as we learn from Dan on why change is crucial in th...

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Episode 42: Moe Labels, Moe Problems...
Dec. 15, 2024

Episode 42: Moe Labels, Moe Problems...

On this episode of Under the Hat, we have Lisa Moe who is passionate about removing labels from our students to see their full potential. Lisa also has a wide range of knowledge on SEL, STEAM, Computer Science, Edtech, and GA...

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Episode 41: The Importance of AI Literacy
Dec. 8, 2024

Episode 41: The Importance of AI Literacy

On this episode of Under the Hat, we are joined by Larisa Black who is a fellow Eduguardian and online educator. We are thrilled to hear Larisa's story and her knowledge of AI literacy. Want to learn more from Larisa? Here ar...

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Episode 40: Gratitude
Nov. 27, 2024

Episode 40: Gratitude

Listen in on this episode of Under the Hat as Steve and Sophie chat about gratitude, teaching, and what is coming up next for the show.

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Episode 39: Shaping Student Success with Culture
Nov. 16, 2024

Episode 39: Shaping Student Success with Culture

Shaun Hurtado has served in educational leadership roles (TK-12) in urban, rural, and suburban school districts. His experience, expertise, and passion are creating a positive school culture for students and staff where they ...

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Episode 38: Steph and Joe On the Go!
Nov. 15, 2024

Episode 38: Steph and Joe On the Go!

On this episode of Under the Hat, we have Stephanie and Howell and Joe Marquez talking about their podcast, instructional coaching, communicating, and what is top of mind! What to learn more from Steph and Joe? Here is the Po...

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Episode 37: The Man Behind the Beard
Nov. 9, 2024

Episode 37: The Man Behind the Beard

On this episode of Under the Hat, Steve and Sophie welcome Scott Nunes who brings an enormous amount of experience in education, Edtech, business, and passion for creativity! Want to learn more from Scott? Here are the links:...

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Episode 36: Unlocking SEL!
Nov. 2, 2024

Episode 36: Unlocking SEL!

On this episode, we are excited to chat with Lana Penley who is an expert, author, and advocate for Social Emotional Learning. Dive into this listen as we chat about Lana's educational journey and the work she is doing around...

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Episode 35: Trauma Informed Care
Oct. 26, 2024

Episode 35: Trauma Informed Care

On this episode of Under the Hat, we have Marissa Villanueva who is going to share her journey as an education specialist happily serving the Severely Emotionally Disturbed population, one that is often overlooked in special ...

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Episode 34: STEAM MACHINE
Oct. 23, 2024

Episode 34: STEAM MACHINE

Listen in as we welcome Tara Koehler John Sammon. Tara and John are specialist, authors, and leaders in the area of Poject-Based Learning. Learn how they are helping educators shift from the one-size-fits-all approach to hand...

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Episode 33: Teacher Better, Work Less
Oct. 21, 2024

Episode 33: Teacher Better, Work Less

Join us on Under the Hat as we learn and chat with Jon Corippo as he discusses his journey of going from disgruntled student to slayer of Eduprotocols! Jon's passion and enthusiasm is contagious and special. This is a MUST li...

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