Giving Student Voice a Stage ft. Tim Belmont | My EdTech Life 357

Student voice is one of the most powerful forces in education — but only when it has a real stage. In this episode, Dr. Fonz welcomes back returning guest Tim Belmont, Language Arts teacher and Technology Coordinator at Lyndhurst High School in New Jersey, for a rich conversation on what it actually means to give students an authentic voice — and the innovative project he built to make that a reality.Tim breaks down how he integrates podcasting into his Public Speaking and Advanced Public Speaking classes, why choice and personal connection are the secret ingredients to genuine student expression, and how the NPR Student Podcast Challenge transforms reluctant students into passionate communicators. He also shares the story behind the Bell Tower — a privacy-conscious podcast platform he built from the ground up to give student voices a stage that goes beyond the classroom walls, while staying FERPA and COPPA compliant.Whether you are a classroom teacher, a tech coordinator, or a district leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you define assessment, student engagement, and what authentic learning looks like in the age of AI.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:43 Tim Belmont's Background in Education05:51 Integrating Podcasting in the Classroom10:26 Authentic Student Voice vs. Performative Voice15:15 The Impact of Authentic Audiences20:24 The Importance of Scripted Communication22:32 The Bell Tower Project Overview23:40 The Bell Tower Project: Vision and Goals29:57 Authentic Audience Engagement in Education34:45 Transformative Student Experiences through Podcasting39:34 Getting Started with Podcasting in the Classroom44:25 The Future of Student-Created Media and AssessmentConnect with Tim Belmont:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbelmont/Tools & Resources Mentioned:NPR Student Podcast Challenge & Curriculum — npr.orgAdobe Podcast https://podcast.adobe.com/Screencastify https://www.screencastify.com/The Bell Tower https://www.linkedin.com/company/belltower-edu/Connect with Dr. Fonz:🎙️ Website: https://www.myedtech.life/📲 Follow on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & YouTubeThank you to our sponsors:📚 Book Creator Edu: Use Code MYEDTECHLIFE for Premium Access!🎓 Peel Back EducationPeel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show