041: It's a Techy Holiday!

Happy holidays, teacher friends! Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, winter break, or simply breathing for the first time in weeks, this episode is our gift to you. We’re revisiting powerful, joyful, meaningful moments from some of our favorite conversations this year—with incredible educators who bring creativity, courage, purpose, and fun into classrooms every day.You’ll hear:🎙️ Debbie Tannenbaum on authentic, student-centered EdTech and reflection🌮 Gabriel Carrillo on food as connection + AI literacy + real talk PD🎭 Kiki (Keke) Powell on joy, costumes, innovation, and believing BIG for kids🎮 John Meehan playing a lightning-round classroom strategy game that is pure teacher joyLight, warmth, laughter, growth, and seriously good thinking—this one feels like gathering around a holiday table with the best people in education. 00:00 – 01:55Holiday welcome + episode intro + setting the tone for warmth, joy, and reflection01:56 – 10:14Co-teaching with empathy and pacing for teacher comfortBuilding culture, not one-off tech momentsStudent reflection beyond pencil & paperCreating problem-finders, not just problem-solversShifting from consumption → creation10:44 – 16:45Food as a universal engagement toolClassroom + PD lessons = meals we craft with intentionAI literacy, ethics, modeling, and district responsibility16:45 – 19:56“Click-click-click” PD isn’t learningImplementation mattersCoaching + co-teaching + real classroom transferEvidence from student artifacts + classroom practice20:20 – 21:56Why she dresses upFamily supportCostumes as engagement & memory anchorsLearning that feels magical21:56 – 25:15Choosing brand partnerships with integrityUsing influence to help teachersAwards, impact, gratitude, and growth25:34 – 28:20Grant writing courageStudent-led innovationListening to kidsThinking WAY beyond flexible seating28:20 – 33:40Fast-paced fun deciding whether to:Keep it 🔥Rethink it 🤔Topics include:Bell ringers • Homework • Classroom jobs • Digital badges • Extra credit • Assigned seats • Lectures • Escape roomsTeacher PD disguised as joy? Absolutely.✔️ Holiday encouragement✔️ Fresh EdTech mindset✔️ A spark of joy + creativity✔️ Leadership thinking without overwhelm✔️ A laugh (or three)Debbie TannenbaumGabriel CarrilloKiki “Keke” PowellJohn MeehanIf you enjoyed today’s episode:⭐ Subscribe💬 Leave a review📣 Share with a teacher friend📚 Support our guests’ books on Bookshop.orgWishing you peace, joy, and a season full of rest and inspiration!⏱️ Episode Breakdown⭐ Debbie Tannenbaum (Meaningful EdTech & Reflection)⭐ Gabriel Carrillo (Food, Connection & AI Literacy)⭐ Gabriel Carrillo (PD That Actually Works)⭐ Kiki / Keke Powell (Joy, Costumes & Classroom Magic)⭐ Keke Powell (Purpose, Partnerships & Recognition)⭐ Keke Powell (Innovation & Pop-Up Learning Pods)⭐ John Meehan Game Segment — “Rush or Rethink It”🎧 Listen If You Need:🙌 Featuring❤️ Thanks for Listening!