Episodes

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 y...

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.

I start my new feature here at the Pixel Classroom Podcast with the history of the song: The House of the Rising Sun (1964) by The Animals. Thisisn’t the story of some songwriter cranking out a hit. The House of the RisingSun is anonymous, timeless. Scholars trace its bones to broadside ballads—folkpoetry sold cheaply in old England—and there’s even a faint resemblance to the16th-century lament, ‘The Unfortunate Rake.’

I am joined by David K Richards from Changemaker EDU for episode 207. David K Richards is the Founder & CEO of Changemaker Education, a national network of affiliate love-based microschools and an incubator for founders who want to usher in a new paradigm for the future of education. He is also the host of the Changemaker ED“U” podcast. Previously, he was Founder & CEO of Growth Public Schools, and a founding teacher and leader with Summit Public Schools where he launched several innovative scho...

I'm joined by Angie Redmon from Angie Teaches Canvas. Angie has been teaching since 1998 (online since 2000) and have gathered lots of tips, tricks, and what-not-to-dos over the years, especially when it comes to the Canvas LMS. She is a community college math professor AND Faculty and Course Enrichment Coordinator. Always curious about learning how to teach more effectively with technology to make it the best possible experience for me and my students. You can learn more about Angie at her webs...

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...