EduMatch Connect

In our very first EduMatch Connect, host Desmond Hasty sits down with Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth, Troy Long, and Dr. Sarah Thomas to talk about how educators can move past using AI as a search engine. The panel shares how to use AI as a thought partner, from checking an assessment for bias and accessibility gaps to planning around the spots where students usually get stuck. They talk about having students fact-check an AI-generated passage full of errors, using exit ticket data to plan the next day's lesson, and why the design of the assignment matters more than the tool. Rachelle shares the story of a teacher who walked in with no plans to use AI and left with ideas for her glue sticks, and Troy talks about his district writing the AI curriculum for the state of New Jersey.About our panelistsDr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an educator, consultant, attorney, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books, based in Pittsburgh. She teaches Spanish, French, and a technology course, runs ThriveinEDU, and has been researching AI in education since 2017. Find her on her blog, LinkedIn, and as @Rdene915 on X and Instagram. Her EduMatch books include In Other Words, True Story, Things I Wish [...] Knew, and Unconventional.Troy Long is the Director of CTE and Grants Administrator at Mercer County Technical Schools in Trenton, New Jersey, and a longtime CTE advocate.Dr. Sarah Thomas is the founder and CEO of EduMatch, with more than two decades in education spanning first grade through 12th grade, a master's in ed tech program, and central office. Find her at sarahjanethomas.com.Mentioned in this episodeDr. Scott McLeod's "vicious cycle" of AI, where the teacher, the student, and the grader are all AI and nobody learns anythingThe OECD's work on cognitive offloadingBelong in STEM, a program for students across 14 Pittsburgh-area districts run through a Penn State branch campusGemini Gems and custom GPTs for instructions you use over and overThe EduMatch Connect app, now in the App StoreShout-out to Hal in the chat!Come connect with us: join the EduMatch community at connect.edumatch.org and find everything else at edumatch.org.Upcoming EduMatch event: Publish It: A Summit for Educators, a free afternoon summit for educators who want to write and publish a book, on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM ET (1:00 PM CT, 11:00 AM PT, 7:00 PM GMT).

In this episode, Sarah checks in on Saturday 2/28, saying she’s troubled after hearing on a podcast about a recent bombing in Iran that hit a school. She reflects on how constant negative headlines and global division can cause primary, secondary, and tertiary trauma, urging listeners to care for themselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually while also supporting one another. Referencing Jerry Springer’s sign-off about taking care of yourselves and each other, she expresses love for her community and for the victims’ families, noting the tragedy feels especially heavy because it involved kids and schools. She shares that, rather than chasing happiness, she’s focused on purpose—drawing from TED and Mark Manson podcasts—and identifies her purpose as bringing people together through love, promising to return later to discuss upcoming AI plans.00:00 Saturday Check In00:11 News That Shook Me00:42 Coping With World Trauma02:03 Take Care Of Each Other03:09 Love And Community Mission03:46 Purpose Over Happiness05:36 Sending Love To Victims06:46 Part Two And Goodbye

Welcome to the EduBeat Podcast Welcome back to the EduBeat podcast, where we tune into the rhythm of education. Your hosts, Mandy and Sarah, bring you the freshest beats from the streets of learning and innovation. Edu Adulting: Sarah discusses the challenges of juggling work, outside projects, and family life, highlighting the support from her family and the EduMatch community. Mandy sparks a conversation on how people are coping with the stresses of the current time, and shares about her new horse. EduBeat News: Sarah introduces a blog post/podcast episode from Optimal Living Daily about how to train yourself to stay focused by Leo Babada. She emphasizes the importance of productivity and shares how she uses the Five a Day method by Mandy to improve her focus and productivity. Mandy talks about a tweet from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Harrison Butker's commencement speech, discussing the importance of diversity of opinions and how to address divisive comments with students. This sparks a broader conversation on women's rights and the importance of having difficult conversations in education. Article Referenced: How to Train Yourself to Stay Focused by Leo Babuata EduBeat Redacted: Sarah challenges Mandy to guess the title of an article: "It takes a _____. Why ____ are joining their _____ on the ____ at ______." Mandy challenges Sarah to guess another redacted title: "A university ______ with a dash of ____ _______." Articles Referenced: USA Today Article on Parents Joining Kids on Stage at Graduation Ohio State University Professor's Study on Exercise in Lectures Call to Action: Engage with us by subscribing, liking, sharing, and joining our ⁠Facebook Group⁠. Stay tuned, keep learning, and let's keep beating to the rhythm of educational change together.

Welcome back to the EduBeat podcast, where we tune into the rhythm of education. Your hosts, Mandy and Sarah, bring you the freshest beats from the streets of learning and innovation. Edu Adulting: Sarah talks about the challenges of juggling work, outside projects, and family life, highlighting the support from her family and the EduMatch community. Mandy shares a humorous yet poignant reflection on aging, sparking a conversation on the perception of aging and self-acceptance. EduBeat News: Sarah introduces a video from Jorge Valenzuela about entrepreneurship in education, emphasizing the importance of understanding the audience's needs over personal preferences. This sparks a dialogue on the essence of connecting with the client's requirements for successful consultancy. EduBeat Redacted: After a national backlash, Sarah discusses Florida lawmakers' reconsideration of book restrictions in schools. This topic unravels into a broader conversation on the impact of political decisions on educational content and the importance of diversity and representation in literature. Mandy delves into an article discussing teacher absenteeism as a symptom of broader systemic issues in education post-pandemic. She talks about the need for schools to rediscover their purpose and suggests strategies for moving forward, prompting a discussion on educational recovery. Articles Referenced: https://www.educationdaly.us/p/teacher-absenteeism-epitomizes-our-a18 https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/19/florida-book-challenges-fees-00136409 Call to Action: Engage with us by subscribing, liking, sharing, and joining our Facebook Group. Mark your calendars for the next episode of EduMatch® airing April 3, featuring the launch of "Cooper's Comics" by BreAnn Fennell, illustrated by Manuel Herrera. Stay tuned, keep learning, and let's keep beating to the rhythm of educational change together.

Join us as we celebrate a special book launch episode featuring Dr. Will Deyamport, III. The launch celebrates the release of Dr. Will's new book, "The Edupreneur." Introduction: Sarah introduces Dr. Will as a renowned instructional technologist, podcaster, consultant, and movie enthusiast. Dr. Will shares his inspiration for writing "The Edupreneur" and the importance of providing educators with a roadmap for entrepreneurial success. Book Overview: Dr. Will discusses the book's focus on guiding educators through the process of creating a business beyond the classroom. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the business aspects, such as legal considerations like business insurance. Target Audience: The book is tailored for educators across various sectors, including K-12, higher education, and community education. Recommended Resources: Dr. Will recommends resources like the Social Proof Podcast, the Dun Wiggins Show, and engaging with him on Twitter and LinkedIn. Availability: The book is available on multiple platforms, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and EduMatch Publishing. Call to Action: Educators inspired by Dr. Will's journey and insights are encouraged to grab a copy of "The Edupreneur" and start their entrepreneurial journey today. Next Episode Teaser: Don't miss the next episode of the EduBEAT Podcast, airing on March 21st, featuring engaging discussions on the latest trends and innovations in education. Stay Connected: For more inspiring conversations and to connect with educators worldwide, join the EduMatch community on Facebook and explore additional resources at edumatch.org. Music Credits: Ron Madison

Join us as we welcome Thomas Thompson, the visionary mind behind EduAide.AI, in this enlightening episode. Thomas shares his journey from classroom teaching to pioneering AI-powered educational tools, aiming to revolutionize teaching and learning with technology. Key Points: Thomas's Background: From classroom teacher to co-founder and CEO of EduAide.AI, Thomas discusses his passion for education and the genesis of this innovative AI platform. Introduction to EduAide.AI: Thomas provides an overview of EduAide.AI, highlighting its role as a comprehensive workspace for teachers to access AI-generated instructional materials, lesson planning tools, and gamification features. AI in the Teaching and Learning Process: Thomas discusses how generative AI can enhance teaching and learning by democratizing access to high-quality instructional materials, while also addressing concerns about bias and misuse of AI in education. Future Outlook: Thomas shares his vision for the future of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of alignment with educational goals and the potential for AI to enhance instructional design and data analysis. Call to Action: Educators, administrators, and educational technologists are encouraged to explore EduAide.AI and consider integrating it into their teaching practices to enhance student learning experiences. Next Episode: Don't miss the upcoming live launch of Dr. Will's The Edupreneur on March 19 at 7 PM ET. Stay Connected: For more inspiring discussions and to connect with educators worldwide, join the EduMatch community on Facebook. Explore additional resources and opportunities at edumatch.org.

Welcome back to the EduBeat podcast, where we discuss the latest news and trends in education. Edu Adulting: Sarah shares her experience at IdeaCon, highlighting the energy and connections made at the conference. Mandy reflects on her time at IdeaCon and discusses the exhaustion of the February-March period in education. EduBeat News: Sarah shares a video from Yaritza Villalba about reframing creativity, emphasizing that everyone has their own unique form of creativity. Mandy discusses a viral video demonstrating the challenges of keeping students on task, prompting humorous anecdotes from both hosts about classroom experiences. EduBeat Redacted: Mandy presents the topic of financial aid applications for immigrant families, sparking a discussion about equity and accessibility in education. Sarah presents the topic of the potential benefits of social media for teens' mental health, highlighting the positive aspects of online communities. Call to Action: Subscribe, like, share, and join the Facebook Group. Next episode of EduMatch® airs February 28th, featuring the launch of Amplify Learning: Amplifying Diverse Needs.

Join us as we welcome Riyon Harding, the innovative creator behind Magic Portal Books, in this engaging episode. Riyon shares her journey from an electrical engineer to pioneering children’s books with augmented reality (AR), blending technology with storytelling to create immersive learning experiences. Key Points: Riyon's Transition: From electrical engineering to revolutionizing children's literature with AR, Riyon discusses her path to creating Magic Portal Books, aiming to blend art, technology, and education. Exploring Magic Portal Books: Introduction to "Sherman the Tucson Tortoise" and how each page, through AR, opens a world of interactive learning scenes for children to explore, interact, and learn. Vision for Global Exploration: Riyon highlights her ambition to make real-world locations accessible for children’s learning through AR, broadening horizons beyond the classroom. Collaboration Invitation: Riyon calls on authors, illustrators, educators, and technologists to join the Magic Portal Books project, aiming to expand the reach and impact of this innovative educational tool. Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to discover Magic Portal Books and consider joining Riyon in enriching children’s educational experiences. Connect at magicportalbooks.com. Next Episode Teaser: Don't miss the EduBeat episode, tentatively scheduled on February 22nd at 6 PM Eastern, promising more insights into educational innovations. Stay Connected: For more inspiring discussions, join the EduMatch community on Facebook and explore additional resources at edumatch.org.

Celebrate World Read Aloud Day with us as EduMatch authors share excerpts from their beloved children's books. Hosted by Sarah, this special episode features Jennifer Casa-Todd, Dr. Joy, Alice Aspinall, and E.E. Dowd, offering a glimpse into their creative worlds and the stories behind their books. Featured Authors & Books: Jennifer Casa-Todd shares from Aubrey Bright in The Games We Play, exploring themes of gaming, digital citizenship, friendship, and conflict resolution. Dr. Joy delves into Back to Zero, focusing on managing emotions and developing coping strategies for children and adults alike. E.E. Dowd presents Shipshape, a middle-grade novel infused with technology, AI, and the spirit of being change-makers. Alice Aspinall reads from Everyone Can Learn Math, promoting a love for math through perseverance and a growth mindset. Episode Highlights: Insights into each author's inspiration and the impact of their work on education and children's literature. Engaging readings that bring characters and stories to life, emphasizing valuable lessons for young readers. Call to Action: Join the EduMatch community for more enriching discussions and updates. Share, like, and subscribe to our podcast, and don't miss our next episode featuring Riyon Harding from Magic Portal Books. Find the Books: Discover these stories and more by visiting edumatchpublishing.com, or check them out on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other retailers. Contact Information: Stay connected with EduMatch at edumatch.org and join our Facebook group for updates and community discussions. Thank you for celebrating World Read Aloud Day with us, and we hope you're inspired to explore these wonderful books further!

Episode Highlights: Edu Adulting: Tackling the nuances of adult responsibilities with a focus on health, wellness, and life transitions, offering insights and strategies for educators navigating their personal and professional lives. Edu News: Delving into the contentious issue of cell phone use in schools, exploring the impact of parental involvement through mobile devices on educational settings, and discussing the balance between connectivity and distraction. Edu Redacted: A dual discussion on empowering youth through voting in school board elections and addressing digital equity as highlighted in the National Ed Tech Plan. This segment emphasizes the importance of student voice in decision-making and the critical need for educators to bridge the digital design divide. Call to Action: Listeners are invited to reflect on these topics and contribute to the conversation by sharing their thoughts, stories, or questions at [email protected]. Closing Thoughts: A reminder of the evolving challenges and opportunities within the educational landscape, encouraging educators to stay informed, adaptable, and proactive. Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on educational innovation, technology trends, and the personal growth journeys of educators around the globe.