A podcast exploring education's biggest topics
Engaging *Conversations* in Education
"Under the Hat" is the destination to discuss what's top of mind in education. Join Steve as he explores pedagogy, challenges, leadership, and success stories. In the "Under the Hat" podcast, Steve listens to what is working and what is not in education. Tune in for a series of energized conversations that digs into the thoughts and minds of the teaching profession.
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82
Sept. 8, 2026
Episode 82: ISTE 26 Bonus Episode
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.
35
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: Podcast Twitter/X Instagram YouTube LinkedIn
41
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 are the links: YouTube LinkedIn
58
Sept. 20, 2025
Episode 58: Making Number Sense...Common 🔢
On this episode of Under the Hat, we have math expert/author Lisa M Nowakowski to chat all things math, MathReps, Eduprotocols, and number sense! Lisa is passionate about helping people understand how to use technology in the classroom. She is dedicated to helping teachers, students, and administrators become more effective in their use of Ed Tech. She firmly believes that technology should be used to promote creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. She has also developed
61
Oct. 18, 2025
Episode 61: Humane Grading and Assessment
On this episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from Starr Sackstein. Starr brings a tremendous amount of insight on various topics but one of her passions is changing the mindset around grading and assessing. Starr Sackstein is a recovering perfectionist, assessment reform advocate, and education consultant dedicated to transforming how we do teaching and learning. As the Massachusetts State Coordinator for Educators Rising, she advocates for bringing young people into education, as it is the
Latest Episodes
85
Sept. 27, 2026
Episode 85: Forty Years, Forty Stories
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.
84
Sept. 20, 2026
Episode 84: Real Talk-Edtech Ambassador Programs
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.
83
Sept. 12, 2026
Episode 83: Starting AI Conversation with Implementation
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 experimen
82
Sept. 8, 2026
Episode 82: ISTE 26 Bonus Episode
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.
81
Sept. 6, 2026
Episode 81: Leading with Imagination
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
80
May 11, 2026
Episode 80: Season 3 Finale
In this season Finale, Steve and Sophie reflect on season three, share upcoming plans for season four, and discuss their experiences with conferences, guest highlights, and new initiatives in education and Edtech.
79
April 26, 2026
Episode 79: STEAM MACHINE RETURNS!
Unlocking the Future of PBL with AI: Insights from Tara & John In this episode, educators Tara and John revisit their pioneering work on project-based learning (PBL), emphasizing how AI tools are transforming classroom dynamics, community engagement, and teacher capacity. They share practical strategies, recent book updates, and insights on fostering meaningful human-AI collaboration to elevate student thinking and skills. Key Topics: The evolution and re-release of "The Tapas Approach" with
78
April 19, 2026
Episode 78: Engagement for the TikTok Generation
Austin Levinson joins the podcast to discuss the ongoing engagement crisis in education and why the solution isn’t simply “less technology,” but more intentional, student-centered learning. Drawing on design thinking and project-based pedagogy, Austin argues that real engagement involves active participation and that educators should prioritize empathy for student needs over rigid adherence to curriculum. The conversation also explores healthier approaches to assessment—emphasizing feedback o
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