PodcastPD

In this milestone episode of PodcastPD (Episode 150!), Chris and AJ welcome longtime friend and educator, Kathy Kersznowski, author of The Educator's Guidebook for Teaching AI Literacy and Ethics. Kathy shares why AI literacy is the new literacy and how educators can navigate AI responsibly and confidently. She dives into the motivation behind her book, the importance of ethics, and why scenarios and discussions—not fear—are key to helping students use AI well.Listeners will learn practical ways to introduce AI concepts in any classroom, discover strategies for modeling ethical AI use, and explore why transparency and discussion matter more than ever. Plus, Kathy reveals her favorite AI tools, tips for overwhelmed teachers, and the behind-the-scenes story of her book cover design.Topics DiscussedThe inspiration behind Kathy’s book and why educators need AI literacy now.What AI literacy means and why it’s as critical as digital literacy.Scenarios and discussion prompts: engaging students in real-world AI dilemmas.How teachers can model ethical AI use in the classroom.Overcoming misconceptions and fears about AI.Graphic organizers and resources included in the book.Why transparency and modeling AI use is a game-changer for educators.Kathy’s personal favorite AI tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and more.The story behind the symbolic book cover design.What We’re Listening ToMe Here, You There – Steve Somers’ legendary monologues and New York sports talk.The Mindset Advantage – JW Hillier on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.Teacher Nerdz Podcast – Educational conversations on maker spaces, STEM, global education, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 149 of PodcastPD, host Chris Nesi flies solo to help educators wrap up the school year with intention and head into summer feeling empowered and inspired. From meaningful end-of-year classroom strategies to practical and rejuvenating summer professional development ideas, this episode is packed with actionable advice for teachers at any grade level.Chris shares seven thoughtful tips for closing out the school year—from celebrating student growth and collecting feedback, to documenting success and preparing your future self for the fall. He also outlines seven summer PD ideas, including books to read, tech tools to explore, conferences to attend, and the importance of simply resting and rediscovering your “why.” Whether you’re finishing the school year or planning your summer, this episode has something for every educator.Key Topics Discussed:7 end-of-year classroom wrap-up strategiesCelebrate growth beyond gradesStudent feedback surveysClassroom cleanup and organizationDocumenting student and professional successReflective teaching practicesRecognizing colleagues and collaboratorsWriting a message to your future self7 summer PD ideas to fuel your growthRead a professional or personal development bookTry a new edtech tool (ex: Canva, Padlet, MagicSchool)Attend conferences (ISTE, Edcamp NJ, ASCD, ACTE)Listen to educational podcasts (House of #EdTech, Education Podcast Network)Enroll in a course or earn micro-credentialsRedesign curriculum with UDL or SEL integrationTake time to relax, recharge, and rediscover your "why"Resources & Mentions:Edcamp New Jersey – August 14, 2025 at Monmouth UniversityHouse of #EdTech podcastStart with Why by Simon SinekEducation Podcast NetworkCanva for EducationPadlet Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Becoming a school administrator is both a rewarding and challenging journey. It requires resilience, leadership, and an ability to foster a strong school culture. Todd Bloomer, an experienced educator with over 29 years in the field and more than a decade as a principal, has shared his insights on how administrators can navigate this demanding role. His book, The Blueprint: How to Survive and Thrive as a School Administrator, provides valuable guidance on leadership, culture-building, and mindset. Drawing from his experiences, this episode explores key strategies to help school administrators transition from merely surviving in their roles to truly thriving.The Challenges of School AdministrationMany new administrators struggle with the transition from teaching to leadership. Common obstacles include:Building Trust – Staff members may be hesitant to embrace a new administrator, especially if communication is unclear.Time Management – Balancing meetings, classroom visits, and administrative work is demanding.Decision-Making Pressure – The responsibility of making impactful decisions can be overwhelming.Work-Life Balance – Long hours and school-related responsibilities often interfere with personal life.Key Strategies for Thriving1. Develop a Clear Vision and Communicate EffectivelySuccessful administrators clearly define their mission and values and communicate them consistently to staff and students. Transparency fosters trust and alignment within the school community.2. Build Strong RelationshipsEngage with teachers, students, and parents regularly.Foster a culture of collaboration and open dialogue.Be visible and approachable—presence in hallways, classrooms, and school events matters.3. Manage Time and Delegate ResponsibilitiesDelegation is crucial in preventing burnout. Effective administrators prioritize instructional leadership and delegate operational tasks to assistant principals, counselors, or department heads when possible.4. Maintain a Positive School CultureRecognize and celebrate achievements.Support teacher growth through mentorship and professional development.Promote student engagement by encouraging extracurricular participation.5. Balance Professional and Personal LifeSet boundaries to protect personal time.Make time for family and personal well-being.Engage in hobbies and self-care to maintain mental and physical health.What We're Listening ToLeaning into Leadership – Hosted by Darren Peppard, this podcast focuses on leadership in education, offering insights and strategies for school administrators. Todd Bloomer is a frequent guest on this podcast.One by Willie – A podcast by Texas Monthly, where different artists discuss one Willie Nelson song that has significantly impacted their lives. It explores the deeper meaning of music and its cultural influence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AJ and Chris kick off the first episode of 2025 by diving into some important education topics, including inspiring students and addressing hate symbols in schools. They also tackle the challenge of dealing with students who refuse to do their work and share some of their own experiences and thoughts on the matter.Episode Highlights:Inspiring Students: How can we better engage students in a meaningful way and inspire them to do their best?Addressing Hate Symbols in Schools: AJ and Chris discuss strategies for handling hate symbols in the school environment and fostering a more inclusive atmosphere.Dealing with Resistance to Work: The duo explores what to do when students refuse to do their work, including strategies for encouragement, accountability, and support.Chris’s Soapbox Moment: Chris shares his frustrations with a popular education podcast that uses AI-generated voices for its content but fails to disclose it to listeners, sparking a conversation about ethics in podcasting and AI in education.Reflections on Education Post-Pandemic: Both hosts reflect on the state of education today, questioning its relevance and effectiveness in a post-pandemic world, and whether education, as we know it, is broken.What Are We Listening To:AJ: Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best. Our debaters use facts and passion to make their case -- teaching listeners how to defend their own opinions along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of PodcastPD, we welcome Walter McKenzie, a veteran educator with over 40 years of experience and the founder of The Worthy Educator. Walter shares his journey and discusses how his initiative supports mid- and late-career educators by building community, offering tailored professional development, and fostering legacy-building.Join us as we explore:The unique challenges faced by mid-career and veteran educators.Strategies for authentic leadership at the classroom, district, and national levels.How The Worthy Educator provides a lifeline for education leaders through collaboration and advocacy.Walter’s reflections on the importance of relationships, innovation, and mentorship in creating a lasting impact.If you’re an educator or leader seeking inspiration and practical advice to navigate the evolving landscape of education, this episode is a must-listen!Resources & Links:Visit The Worthy Educator: TheWorthyEducator.comShare Your Thoughts:What resonated most with you about Walter McKenzie's approach to leadership in education? Let us know! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Chris and Dr. Tani Farran dive into the innovative ways Rubi AI can support teachers with lesson planning, student engagement, and personalized learning. They discuss the importance of guiding students to use AI tools responsibly, encouraging them to be the primary creators of their work while leveraging AI for feedback and enhancement.Key Discussion Points:Empowering Student Ownership with AI: Chris and Tania emphasize that students' work must reflect their own voice and understanding. They discuss how AI can support but shouldn't replace students’ critical thinking and creative process.Ruby AI Features for Educators:Lesson Planning: Demonstration of Rubi AI’s lesson and unit planning capabilities, including pre-built modules for various subjects. Educators can quickly generate lesson outlines, objectives, and activities tailored to their needs.Document Anchoring: Rubi’s ability to “anchor” to specific documents (like PDFs) allows teachers to use existing materials as data sources for AI-generated summaries, questions, or content insights.Topic Research and Content Generation: Rubi’s modules can assist with topic research, providing structured information and summaries, which can be transformed into lesson plans, presentations, or study guides.Customizing Lessons: Tania shows how teachers can modify AI-generated content to better fit their curriculum goals, including adjusting lesson modules based on specific class needs.Practical Classroom Applications: Examples include using Rubi AI to create study guides for special education, generate multimedia resources for homeschooling, and support high school business students in projects like competitor analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of PodcastPD, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco dive into a mix of professional development topics, from school community participation to the challenges of dealing with verbally abusive parents. The hosts share personal experiences, offer insights into the complexities of the teaching profession, and discuss how to maintain professionalism in difficult situations.Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/144 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco catch up after a hectic summer. AJ reveals his exciting career move from Vice Principal to Principal in a new school district. The duo discusses the challenges and emotions involved in making such a significant decision, the interview process, and AJ's vision for his new role. They also explore how AJ’s family and mentors influenced his decision, and what he hopes to accomplish in his first 90 days as a principal. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an experienced educator, this conversation is packed with insights into educational leadership, personal growth, and the transition into a top administrative role.Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/143 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PodcastPD founder Stacey Lindes joins Chris while AJ is away. We dive into educational topics pulled from Reddit, offering practical advice for educators.Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/142 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this lively episode of PodcastPD, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco wrap up the end of June with reflections on the past school year, discuss the emotional graduation of a key student, delve into the ongoing debate about assigning zeros in education, and ponder the benefits and drawbacks of homework for primary school children.Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/141 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Tom Pesce, a unique educator who blends his passion for teaching with the art of magic. Tom shares his journey and insights on how educators can engage students by incorporating elements of surprise and personal interests into teaching.Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/140 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of PodcastPD, hosts Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco dive into a range of questions sourced from the internet to offer invaluable insights for educators. Episode 139 explores themes such as salary negotiation for new teachers, the logistics and emotions of changing classrooms, supporting partners who are teachers, and coping with a challenging year professionally. Join us for a blend of practical advice and thoughtful discussion aimed at enhancing your professional journey.Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/139 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of PodcastPD, AJ and Chris explore a range of educational topics sourced from across the internet. They debate the effectiveness of professional development, particularly when it feels disconnected from classroom realities, and share insights on how long is reasonable to decide on a job offer. The duo also addresses technology failures in the classroom, offering advice on bouncing back from a challenging observation experience. Plus, they weigh in on the age-old New Jersey debate: pork roll or Taylor ham? Tune in for reflections on resilience, personalized PD, and learning from tough experiences.Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/138 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of Podcast PD, AJ and Chris engage in a compelling conversation with guests Kevin and Jason from the 2Principals Podcast. The episode delves into the unique challenges educators face in achieving mental well-being and a healthy work-life balance.Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/137 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of PodcastPD, Chris and AJ are joined by Glenn Robbins and Danny Bauer to explore the application of stoic philosophy in educational leadership. The discussion delves into how stoic virtues like wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance can help school leaders navigate everyday challenges. Daniel and Glenn share their personal experiences and offer insights from their book Calm in the Chaos: Ancient Stoic Wisdom for Successful School Leadership. The conversation covers practical applications of stoicism, real-life case studies, and strategies for maintaining resilience and calm in tough situations.Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/136 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final episode of 2023, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco engage in a lively discussion around the critical question: Is professional development (PD) broken? As they navigate through various aspects of PD, from its current state in education to personal experiences, they offer insightful perspectives and pose thought-provoking questions about the future of PD in the education sector.Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/135 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 134 of PodcastPD, Dr. Adam Schoenbart joins Chris and AJ for an insightful discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, particularly from an administrative perspective. Key topics include AI’s potential to enhance learning, streamline administrative tasks, and improve communication. They explore Chappaqua Central School District's approach to AI integration in professional development and discuss ethical considerations, such as privacy and academic integrity. The episode also highlights practical uses of AI in school management and encourages educators to embrace AI as a tool for efficiency and innovation in the classroom.Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/134 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of PodcastPD, Chris and AJ tackle the complexities of using artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models in K-12 classrooms. They discuss critical topics such as data privacy, addressing bias and ensuring fairness in AI, and the evolving role of teachers as AI becomes more integrated into education. Additionally, they explore how schools can prepare students for a future shaped by AI, emphasizing the importance of ethics, accessibility, and responsible use in the learning environment. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on the implications of AI in education.Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/133 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into "The Future of Teacher PD." In the ever-evolving education landscape, it's crucial to reevaluate how educators receive professional development (PD). Are traditional workshops and seminars still effective? We explore emerging trends like micro-credentials, blended and flipped PD, and the importance of autonomy and voice in PD.We discuss the pressing need to involve teachers in PD planning, recognizing that they hold the key to success. Dive into the challenges and opportunities, including addressing diverse needs, assessing and evaluating PD offerings, and working within budget constraints.Looking ahead, we make predictions about the evolution of teacher PD, especially in light of emerging technologies. How can we harness AI to enhance PD effectiveness and foster a culture of continuous learning among educators? Our guests offer valuable recommendations and insights to shape the future of teacher professional development.Please listen in to gain a deeper understanding of the changing landscape of teacher PD and the role technology will play in shaping its future. Stay ahead of the curve and be part of the conversation on the future of education.What Are We Listening To?AJ - Strike Force Five - A new podcast hosted by Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers & John Oliver. All proceeds go to support their out-of-work staffs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Chris and AJ discuss their goals and plans for the upcoming school year. Chris shares his experiences with having student teachers and emphasizes the importance of guiding them through the complexities of classroom management, technology integration, and adapting their teaching style to high school students' needs. AJ shares his goal of being more involved in classroom activities as an instructional leader to support teachers and improve student behavior. They also discuss the challenges of maintaining a positive classroom culture and effective teaching strategies. Tune in to gain insights into the world of education, from fostering classroom engagement to managing discipline effectively.Episode Highlights:Chris and AJ reflect on the start of the new school year and their respective roles as educators.Chris discusses his experiences with student teachers and how he guides them through classroom management and instructional strategies.AJ shares his goal of being more visible in classrooms to support teachers and address behavior issues.The hosts explore the importance of building positive classroom cultures and establishing strong relationships with students.Chris and AJ emphasize the need for educators to adapt their teaching styles to meet students' needs and interests.They discuss the challenges of teaching high school students and the importance of developing effective classroom strategies.Chris and AJ talk about maintaining a balance between implementing teaching philosophies and accommodating school and district requirements.What Are We Listening To?Chris - Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong - There's an idea about how children learn to read that's held sway in schools for more than a generation — even though it was proven wrong by cognitive scientists decades ago. Teaching methods based on this idea can make it harder for children to learn how to read. In this podcast, host Emily Hanford investigates the influential authors who promote this idea and the company that sells their work. It's an exposé of how educators came to believe in something that isn't true and are now reckoning with the consequences — children harmed, money wasted, an education system upended.AJ - Everybody Pulls the TarpStephanie Skrocki - 20,000 Hertz - Music of Zelda - Part 1 & Part 2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.