Episodes

In episode 206 I pay tribute to Patrick E. Davis better known as YouTube content creator PATMANQC. I talk about his history and how I first discovered his YouTube channel and how impactful it was to me. You can read his Obituary here.

I review the book, The Language of Behavior: A Frame Work to elevate Student Success. By authors, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper. I go over a few of the points and frameworks that I have successfully used in the classroom in the last few months. I also talk about about highlights and why you need to add this tool to your Teacher Toolbox. You can get full breakdowns of the chapters over on their website here.

I kick off Season 7 of the Pixel Classroom podcast talking about my return to high school teaching. What I have planned for the upcoming season including new features such as the history of classic songs inspired by my father.

I wrap up Season 6 of the Pixel Classroom podcast with episode 203. I do my yearly reflection, in this case the past 18 months. I reflect on the change I made both professionally and personally in education. How after 200 episodes, what is coming next for the podcast, remembering my Dad and the change coming this fall as I return to high school teaching. Thank you everyone for your support not just this season, but the past six.

I talk about my father, Roddy Read, who passed away on May 9, 2025. His career, personal life and my memories with him and my family.

In this reflection episode, I look back at the podcast after accomplishing 200 episodes (201 if you count this one). From the struggles, hardships, accomplishments and where to go next after five years and 201 episodes. Please come join me.

I am joined by Dr. Peter Liljedahl, author of Building the Thinking Classroom. Dr. Peter Liljedahl is Professor of Mathematics Education in the Faculty of Education, and an associate member in the Department of Mathematics, at Simon Fraser University in Canada. He is a former high school mathematics teacher who has kept his research interest and activities close to the classroom. He is a member of the executive of the British Columbia Mathematics Teachers Association (BCAMT) and current presiden...

In Episode 199 I make a big announcement as my career returns to high school teaching. Please join me on this change in my life and career and how sometimes you can return to the beginning.

In episode 198, I share a personal story that recently happened to me and how it brought up a lot of my professional career for both me and other educators. How decisions are made that can haunt us days, months or years later. Yet, despite those choices that we made or didn't make. We don't have to be haunted by them.

I am joined by Loper co-founder, Sam Bernstein. Sam is the co-founder of Loper, a free mobile app designed to help students explore and discover their best educational opportunities after high school. The inspiration for Loper came out of the pandemic, where “life on pause” led to two college friends (Sam and his co-founder Eric) spending long nights discussing their shared passion: education. Fast forward two years and they quit their jobs to launch Loper, which has now helped nearly 200,000 st...

In episode 196, I talk about cutting back on my equipment has a few things in my life has blind sided me. I reflect on the changes to both my podcasts and live streaming. The selling off of my Rode equipment and how to continue to move forward inspite of hardships.

In my 195th episode, I talk about When Change Happens. When it happens at the best of times, the worse and sometimes it can be a blessing in disguise. No matter what, change is constant and how we react to that change determines how we move forward.

I review : Making Learning Accessible, Inclusive, and Equitable by Catlin R. Tucker and Katie Novak. Educators understand the crucial importance of developing learning experiences that are accessible, engaging, and student-center Elevating Educational Design with AId. However, when faced with a long list of ever-increasing demands, teachers are often left without the time, energy, and resources necessary to turn best intentions into best practices. Enter Elevating Educational Design with AI, a g...

I review the book, Making Impact outside the classroom by Starr Sackstein. In her book, Starr Sackstein begins by helping you decide whether you want to move into another position or leave altogether. She then shows you how to seek opportunities, take risks, network, and prepare for interviews. Next, she presents a wide variety of career pathways for educators, including school and district-based options, consulting work, EdTech opportunities, publishing jobs, higher education, and more!

In episode 192, I do a tribute episode to my friend and mentor, Clark Neher. Clark was active in the DeKalb and NIU communities. He was a hospice volunteer for 20 years; a kindness repaid in his own final days through care and companionship from wonderful hospice staff and volunteers. As a Kiwanian he enjoyed working with DeKalb High School Key Club members. He served as president of the DeKalb Public Library Board of Trustees, a term which included a major expansion and renovation of the librar...

In the 191th episode, I look back at the troubling year that I personally experienced. From lost of unemployment to financial issues. This was a year that has been very difficult, still not comparable to 2008 for me. But despite all the struggles and experiences of loss. There is still hope ahead and knowing that even given in years of despair, you can still see all the days in-between and know there is still a lot of good too. Something even 2025 will show. --- Support this podcast: https://p...

I am joined in episode 190 with ELL teacher, Andrea Bitner. Andrea Bitner is an English Language Learner educator, international author, and engaging educational speaker based out of Philadelphia, PA. She has worked with students in grades K-12 throughout her twenty-four years in public education from all around the world. Her first book, “Take Me Home,” was published by Austin Macauley in July of 2021. "Take Me Home" is the true story of 11 of her former EL students who give a first-hand accoun...

In the 189th episode. I talk about what being a leader and being part of leadership can be defined as. Based on past experiences, I talk about how while anyone can be put in a leadership position. It takes knowing what one can and cannot do that will determine if they are a leader. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pixelclassroom/support

In the 188 episode, I reflect on why recognition isn't always needed. That being true to who you are and the positive impact you have on others is all you really need. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pixelclassroom/support

I am joined for episode 186 with guest, Dr. Maggie Broderick. Dr. Maggie Broderick is an associate professor at National University, where she serves as a dissertation chair and as a faculty lead for Social Emotional Learning and Curriculum and Instruction. She is also the director of NU’s Advanced Research Center and the editor of the International Journal of Online Graduate Education. Dr. Broderick is an active scholar who is passionate about teaching and learning at all levels. The two of us ...

Can you believe it? The Pixel Classroom Podcast turns five years old. In this episode I reflect on the past five years and what the podcast has meant to me and others. From simple beginnings to being part of a larger teacher network. Warning, you might tear up at the end, I sure did. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pixelclassroom/support

I am joined my educator and author, Annick Rauch. The two of us discuss her book, PheMOMenal Teacher: Pursue Your Dreams and still Be Your Best Self at Work and at Home. Self care, health and how to strive to the greatest heights, no matter your reality. You can check out all on her website https://www.annickrauch.ca/. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pixelclassroom/support

I am joined by author, educator and fellow podcaster, Dana Goodier from the Teach Better Network. Dana discusses working with ELL students, finding and using resilience in and out of the classroom. Dana also shares her upcoming conferences she will be part of and more. You can check out here website here: https://danagoodier.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pixelclassroom/support

I review the book, PheMOMenal by Annick Raunch. With relatable stories, powerful teachings, and helpful how-to tips, she has created this practical guide to following your passion and achieving your goals. As a mother and educator, you can absolutely strive to the greatest heights, no matter your reality. This book was a great read and I wish I would have read it much sooner. There was a lot of reflection in it that helped me deal with a lot of the struggles I have been facing in 2024. --- Sup...