The Pixel Classroom Podcast

The Pixel Classroom Podcast with Special Guest Jim Windelborn

I am joined by friend and former classmate, Jim Windelborn as we discuss the importance of adaptability, the role of AI in education, and strategies for student success in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

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The Pixel Classroom with Annick Rauch

In this episode 231 of The Pixel Classroom Podcast, we welcome educator Annick Rauch for an inspiring conversation about navigation, resilience, and storytelling. Annick shares her personal journey writing through her cancer diagnosis and treatment, highlighting how writing serves as a powerful outlet for processing, reflection, and connection within education and beyond.

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2025-2026 School Year in Review

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

Episode 227: The History of You've Got a Friend

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.

Episode 225: The History of the Song “Dreams.”

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.

Becoming the Bison Book Review

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 podcasts focused on transforming education from the inside out. ​ She is the author of Becoming the BISON, a bold call for educators to face challenges head-on and lead with intentional action. Through Teaching Inside Out and her second company, SELebrate Good Times, Kim has built a thriving community of heart-centered educators across the country. She is committed to ensuring teachers feel seen, valued, and SELebrated through her events, professional development, and retreats.

Guest Penelope Barton

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 reform. She led advocacy efforts that resulted in legislative change to open New Zealand’s first-ever online charter school. Following the law’s passage, she secured accreditation to launch AIA, that opened in 2026 with 400 enrolments on day one.

John Meehan returns to talk about Playing With Purpose

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 Pulitzer Center’s 2025 Information & AI Teacher Advisory Council. His book EDrenaline Rush was ranked among Book Authority’s “Top 10 Teaching Books of All Time.” Alongside Michael Matera in 2021, John co-founded EMC² Learning, a global platform providing hundreds of gamified classroom resources to educators worldwide. EMC² Learning was named the 2023 FETC Pitchfest winner for Best Online Classes and honored in HundrED’s 2024 Spotlight on Gamified Curricula. Outside the classroom, he’s a CrossFitter and proud new dad. You can connect with John at connect@EMC2Learning.com and www.emc2learning.com

The History of My Funny Valentine

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.

The History of the Neverending Story

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.

Episode 221 with special guest, Leah K Ellis

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 literacy, and develop resilience through experience, not theory. At the heart of her work is the belief that when kids are trusted with responsibility and supported by community, they rise. Leah’s leadership is rooted in motherhood, creativity, and a commitment to building spaces where children and families can thrive. You can connect with Leah at: www.facebook.com/SocietyofChildEntrepreneurshttps://www.instagram.com/societyofchildentrepreneurs/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahkellis/ https://societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/https://leahkellis.com/ https://bit.ly/m/SoCEHub

2025 Year Reflection

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.

Book Review The Magical CTE Classroom by Tisha Richmond

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.

Episode 218: The History of Happy Holiday

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: simple, warm, and instantly memorable. “Happy Holiday” fits thatperfectly. The lyrics are welcoming, and the message is essentially: enjoy every celebration ahead.

Episode 217 with Guest Paul Buckley

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, where he trained global teams, revised over 300 SOPs, and earned a Six Sigma Green Belt. Today, he fuses that systems expertise with his passion for education to create a platform that offers true flexibility, transparency, and community impact. Ratio Staffing removes the predatory norms of traditional staffing agencies, allowing schools to choose their teachers and educators to negotiate fair rates. Paul’s vision is simple yet powerful: better classrooms, better care, and a better future—for everyone involved. You can reach out to Paul at info@ratiostaffing.com ratiostaffing.com

Talking AI with Jeff Riley

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, expanding the school day, increasing enrichment opportunities, and ensuring all schools had great leaders and teachers. His previous experience spanned urban and suburban districts, including teaching in Baltimore, MD and serving as principal of Tyngsboro Middle School and Boston’s Edwards Middle School. Mr. Riley holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Pomona College in California, a master’s degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, and a master’s degree in school administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University. You can reach out to Jeff through www.dayofaiusa.org and jeff@dayofai.org

The Pixel Classroom Podcast Episode 214, special guest, Dr. Brandi Kelly

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 communities where every person feels seen, heard, and valued. Her first book - Lead with H.O.P.E.: Building a System of Self Efficacy is available on Amazon now Listen to my Podcast: Lead with HOPE Free Download Intro Chapter Buy the Book: Lead with H.O.P.E. Working on their second book - When Life Speaks - A 30 day devotional. Brandi's Podcast Lead with H.O.P.E. shares stories of H.O.P.E. Fueled Leaders She is available for speaking, executive coaching and consulting You can reach out by Website: https://sparkhopeedu.com/ You can find all of their social media channels on her website Email: bkelly@sparkhopeedu.com

Tribute to Beth Foose

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 years to District 427, teaching at Southeast Elementary, Sycamore Middle School, and South Prairie Elementary. Her impact on students and colleagues will be deeply missed. This episode revisits moments from our original conversation, celebrating her passion, humor, and the heart she brought to education. I will miss you Beth, fly free.

The Pixel Classroom Podcast Episode 213 with guest, Kurtis Hewson

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 thousands of educators annually. He also hosts the Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast series, which I was recently a guest on. You can reach out to them at: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca jigsawlearning.ca/free jlinsiders.com Search Jigsaw Learning on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Episode 212 How did I get here

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.