Episodes

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 ...