The Pixel Classroom Podcast

In episode 229, I look back at the previous school year. From challenges, to growth to looking forward to what comes next.

Hello everybody and welcome to the Pixel Classroom History of Music. Today’s song is one of the most comforting songs ever written. It’s simple, it’s honest, and for a lot of people… it means more than just music. We’re talking about “You’ve Got a Friend,” made famous by James Taylor and written by Carole King.

I'm diving into something a little different with the music history, storytelling, and emotion all wrapped into one iconic song. Dreams. Two completely different interpretations of the same piece that somehow both capture something timeless.

I review the book, Becoming the Bison by Kim Gameroz. Kim Gameroz, M.Ed., is a change agent, published author, and founder of Teaching Inside Out, where she is revolutionizing classrooms through a systematic approach to teaching social and emotional skills. With over 15 years of experience coaching, training, and mentoring educators, students, and families globally, Kim has spoken at conferences nationwide, consults for school districts, serves on SEL panels, and contributes to publications and

I am joined all the way from New Zealand by Penelope Barton. Penelope Barton is the CEO of Crimson Global Academy and Co-founder of Crimson Academies, where she leads a portfolio of innovative schools redefining what education can look like in a digital-first world. This includes Crimson Global Academy (CGA), the world’s leading premium global online private school, serving 3000+ students across more than 70 countries. Beyond building schools, Penelope has been a driving force in education refor

John Meehan returns from episode 30. John Meehan is an instructional coach, professional development specialist, and English teacher from just outside Washington, D.C. He is the author of EDrenaline Rush (2019) and co-author of Fully Engaged (2021) and Playing With Purpose (2026). A nationally recognized speaker on student engagement and gamified instruction, John was named an ASCD Emerging Leader, served on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Teacher Advisory Council, and currently sits on the

In this month’s music history spotlight, Ryan explores the 1937 jazz standard “My Funny Valentine,” written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. From its Broadway origins in Babes in Arms to iconic interpretations by Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis, this episode reflects on why a song about imperfect love has endured for nearly a century.

In episode 222, I look at the history of the 1984 classic movie, The Neverending Story. The history of the movie/book, the song and of course it's pop culture references in Stranger Things. A fun little episode on why stories don’t survive because they’re old. They survive because we still need them.

Leah Ellis is a mother of four and the founder of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs (SoCE), a nonprofit dedicated to helping children ages 6–17 build confidence, leadership, and real-world business skills through hands-on learning. Inspired by watching her own children turn everyday ideas into action, Leah created SoCE to prove that children are capable of meaningful leadership right now. Through business fairs, curriculum, and coaching, she helps children launch real ventures, learn financial

Like every year, I reflect on 2025. What the year brought me, and where I'm looking to go next. From leaving Harvard to returning to CTE teaching at DeKalb to my plans for my book, The Pixel Teacher and my old creative series, Campus Square.

I review Tisha Richmond's new book, The Magical CTE Classroom. A book everyone should read in the next year. Doesn't matter if you are at CTE teacher, ELA, Math, SpEd. This book has something for everyone to really bring play, innovation and joy into career and technical education.

In end of the year, musical history episode. Happy Holiday wasn’t created as a Christmas song. It debuted in 1942 in the film Holiday Inn, starring BingCrosby and Fred Astaire. It’s the same movie that launched “White Christmas.” The film’s concept: a country inn that opens only on holidays, each with its own Irving Berlin song. Among them was “Happy Holiday.” Bing sang it as a general greeting — wishing joy for all the holidays throughoutthe year. Irving Berlin’s songwriting was timeless: simpl

I am joined by Paul Buckley who is the Founder and Managing Owner of Ratio Staffing, a groundbreaking platform reshaping how preschools connect with substitute teachers, enrichment educators, and speech pathologists. A former preschool teacher with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience, Paul’s mission is deeply personal: to help children thrive by supporting the educators who shape their early years. Before founding Ratio Staffing, Paul spent nearly a decade in biotech manufacturing leadership,

I am joined by Jeff C. Riley on the 215 episode of the Pixel Classroom Podcast. Jeffrey C. Riley (Jeff) is the former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, who co-founded and now leads the not-for-profit Day of AI organization in partnership with MIT RAISE..Mr. Riley was appointed Superintendent/Receiver of the Lawrence Public Schools, where, for over 6 years, he led a team that brought significant improvements by shifting resources and autonomy to the school level, e

Dr. Brandi Kelly brings more than 20 years of heart, hustle, and hands-on leadership experience. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Maxwell Certified Coach who has served as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent. A two-time Principal of the Year and the founder of Spark HOPE Edu, Brandi uses her H.O.P.E. System—Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence—to share the good stuff: hope, love, and joy. Her mission is to equip leaders to build resilient schools and

My friend, Mary “Beth” Foose, passed away this past weekend after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. She was the first in-studio teacher guest on The Pixel Classroom Podcast, appearing in Episode 86, which was recorded exactly four years ago today on November 18, 2021. Beth faced her diagnosis with incredible grace and strength. Her “Foose Fighters” stood with her every step of the way, lifting her spirits throughout the journey. A 2001 Sycamore High School graduate, Beth dedicated 13 yea

I am joined by Kurtis, Hewson on Pixel Classroom Podcast. Kurtis Hewson is an award-winning former administrator and teacher, as well as teaching faculty at the post-secondary level. He is the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning, a co-author of the bestselling text Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners, and currently works with districts and schools internationally establishing Collaborative Response frameworks and interacting with

In episode 212, I reflect on my journey as I begin work on my book, "As the Pixels Fade" that I'm hoping to have completed in early 2026.

Dana Goodier rejoins me on the Pixel Classroom Podcast. Dr. Dana Goodier has 25 years of experience in education. She has taught World Languages and English and has worked at the middle and elementary school level as an administrator. She completed her doctorate degree (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership in 2020. She often speaks at conferences, providing educators with techniques to minimize off-task behavior and to increase time on task. Currently, she serves as the president of CCFLT (Colorado

In episode 210 I dive into the history of the 60 year hit, (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone. Made famous as a B Side to the Monkee's debut album in 1966. But the song has an amazing history to it and even now is still a cultural staple as Micky Dolenz the last member of the Monkees continues to sing the song today.

In the 209th episode, I reflect on my first quarter of teaching high school again at D428. I reflect on the past 15 years when I took my first education job in DeKalb and everything I have been through the past two years. I also look at where I'm hoping to go as the semester is at it's midway point for 2025.