Have a Life Teaching

John Schembari

In this podcast, we will engage in conversation with educators providing insight on best-in-class K-12 curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.

  1. Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio: How to Lead It Like Lasso

    3D AGO

    Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio: How to Lead It Like Lasso

    In this episode, I’m joined by Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, authors of Lead It Like Lasso, to explore what school leaders can learn from Ted Lasso. We discuss leadership archetypes, building authentic school culture, and why leaders don’t need all the answers to be effective. We also dig into developing reluctant leaders, surrounding yourself with the right team, and the difference between students being “finished” vs. truly “ready.” Key Takeaways: Leadership comes in different styles—find your authentic approachCulture is defined by actions, not statementsYou don’t need all the answers—build trust through honestyStrong leaders develop others and invite challenge“Finished” doesn’t mean students are ready for the real worldA practical, real-world conversation connecting leadership, education, and culture. Marnie Stockman LinkedIn Page Nick Coniglio LinkedIn Page Lead It Like Lasso Book The Business of You Webpage Music by Aylex

    39 min
  2. Autumn Stewart: How Flight Simulation Prepares Students for a Complex World

    APR 7

    Autumn Stewart: How Flight Simulation Prepares Students for a Complex World

    In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, we explore what it really means to prepare students for a future shaped by rapidly evolving technology. While tools like flight simulation may seem niche, the deeper conversation is about something much bigger: how we design learning experiences that build decision-making, problem-solving, and real-world application. We discuss how immersive environments and AI-powered tools are shifting students from passive learners to active designers and why this shift is critical across all K–12 settings. This conversation pushes beyond “using technology” and into how students think, create, and navigate complexity. These skills will define success in both college and the workforce. Key Takeaways: Students need opportunities to apply knowledge in dynamic, real-world contextsSimulation and AI tools can amplify—not replace—student thinkingThe future of learning is less about content coverage and more about decision-making under uncertaintySchools must move from task completion → authentic problem-solvingEducators play a critical role in designing environments where students create, not just consume Topics Covered: The role of simulation in modern learningAI as a thinking partner vs. shortcutDesigning for applied intelligencePreparing students for unpredictable futuresBridging school learning with real-world demandsAutumn Stewart LinkedIn Page Stem Pilot Website Music by Aylex

    37 min
  3. Mariya Gluzman: How Notebook LM Can Support Teaching & Learning

    MAR 31

    Mariya Gluzman: How Notebook LM Can Support Teaching & Learning

    In this episode, I’m joined by Mariya Gluzman to explore how educators can use Notebook LM to support—not replace—student thinking. We discuss how AI is shifting instruction from product to process, and how tools like Notebook LM can help structure deeper learning, safer AI use, and more intentional instructional design. AI should supplement thinking, not replace itTraditional plagiarism detection is no longer reliable → task design must changeStrong instruction in an AI era = process, scaffolding, and feedback loopsNotebookLM creates a closed, source-based AI environment for learningEducators can use AI to generate:AI can act as a “study buddy” to support skill developmentThe real shift is from knowing about AI → learning with AIThe challenge isn’t access to AI—it’s designing learning experiences where AI enhances thinking instead of bypassing it. Mariya Gluzman LinkedIn Page Brooklyn College Academic Information Technologies Watch Here: Mariya Gluzman-Brooklyn College (Notebook LM) - Descript Music by Aylex

    1h 7m
  4. Norm Hunter: How to Lead Without Rushing Into Wrong Decisions

    MAR 24

    Norm Hunter: How to Lead Without Rushing Into Wrong Decisions

    Leadership Isn’t About the Idea as much as It’s About the Decision Most leaders have great ideas. The difference? Execution lives in the shadow between idea and reality. In this podcast episode, we speak with Norman Hunter - author of the book "Between the Idea and the Reality: Decision-Making for the Thinking Educational Leader". We dive into: Why decision-making defines leadership How great leaders think beyond the obvious What it really takes to move from concept → impact If you’re leading a school, team, or classroom… this one hits. Listen in and rethink how you lead. Norm Hunter LinkedIn Page Between the Idea and the Reality - Book (Amba Press)

    34 min
  5. Natan Last: How Crossword Puzzles Deepen Thinking and Highlight the Hidden Math of Language

    MAR 17

    Natan Last: How Crossword Puzzles Deepen Thinking and Highlight the Hidden Math of Language

    What can crossword puzzles teach us about learning? In this episode of the Have a Life Teaching Podcast, I speak with crossword constructor and social scientist Natan Last, author of Across the Universe: The Past, Present, and Future of the Crossword Puzzle. We explore how crossword puzzles bring together language, mathematics, history, and creative thinking—and why they can be powerful tools for classroom learning. Natan explains how crossword solving strengthens decoding skills, pattern recognition, and productive struggle. We also discuss how puzzles reflect cultural moments in history and how teachers can use crossword creation as a collaborative learning activity. If you’re looking for ways to help students think more strategically and deeply, this conversation offers surprising insights. Topics in this episode How crossword puzzles develop analytical and creative thinking Why the best solvers rely on pattern recognition—not just knowledge The mathematics behind crossword grid design Crossword puzzles as cultural and historical artifacts Using crossword creation as a classroom learning strategy How puzzles foster collaboration and community Guest Natan Last is a crossword constructor whose puzzles appear in The New York Times and The New Yorker. He is also a social scientist whose research focuses on migration and asylum policy. Natan Last LinkedIn Page Natan Last Website Natan Last Book - Across the Universe Music by Aylex

    32 min
  6. Donita Grissom and Vicki Kelchner: How School Leaders Can Build Teacher Resiliency

    MAR 10

    Donita Grissom and Vicki Kelchner: How School Leaders Can Build Teacher Resiliency

    In this episode of the Have a Life Teaching Podcast, John speaks with Dr. Danita Grissom and Dr. Vicki Kelner, co-authors of High Five to Thrive: Five Proven Practices to Unleash Your Passion for Teaching. The conversation explores why so many teachers are overwhelmed, why burnout is often created by the system rather than the individual, and what educators and leaders can do to restore hope, regulation, and sustainability. The guests share practical strategies including reconnecting to purpose, developing “hope habits,” self-regulation practices, and simple leadership moves that help teachers feel supported rather than depleted. This episode is for teachers, school leaders, coaches, and anyone trying to build healthier, more human-centered schools. Donita Grissom LinkedIn Page Vicki Kelchner LinkedIn Page High Five Book Best Questers Website Music by Aylex

    44 min
  7. Jeffrey Riley: How to Increase AI Literacy, Student Safety, and the Future of Teaching

    MAR 3

    Jeffrey Riley: How to Increase AI Literacy, Student Safety, and the Future of Teaching

    In this episode of Have a Life Teaching Podcast, John sits down with Jeff Riley, former Commissioner of Education for Massachusetts and current Executive Director of Day of AI, a nonprofit initiative launched out of MIT. Together, they explore what AI truly means for K–12 education beyond the fear, beyond the cheating headlines, and beyond the hype. Jeff shares: Why AI literacy may become the “fourth R” How schools can balance innovation with student safety Why banning AI outright may harm students long-term The importance of teaching students to be healthy skeptics How AI can finally make real differentiation possible Why districts should start with guardrails — not panic-driven policy The growing role of AI in global education systems How AI can reduce teacher workload and reignite instructional joy They also discuss: The dangers of AI hallucinations and why prompting matters AI companions and the urgent need for parent awareness Why AI leadership cannot live in just one classroom The opportunity to unleash teacher creativity post-COVID Jeff’s core message:AI is already here. The question is not whether schools will use it but whether they will use it thoughtfully. If implemented wisely, AI may reduce administrative burdens, strengthen differentiation, and give teachers back the space to design engaging, joyful learning experiences. Jeffrey Riley LinkedIn Page Day of AI Website Music by Aylex

    43 min
  8. Suzy Koontz: How to Use Movement to Make Math Stick

    FEB 24

    Suzy Koontz: How to Use Movement to Make Math Stick

    Anyone who has stepped into a K–5 classroom knows this truth: kids need to move. But they also need strong math foundations. So how do we do both—without sacrificing rigor? In this episode, I sit down with Suzy Koontz, CEO and Founder of Math & Movement, to explore how movement-based learning can dramatically increase math fluency, engagement, and student confidence. A former actuary turned education innovator, Suzy shares how a simple trampoline moment with her daughter sparked a 25-year journey into brain-based math instruction . We discuss: The brain science behind movement and learning How cross-body motion activates both hemispheres of the brain Why skip counting is foundational for multiplication and division fluency Research showing significant gains in math achievement and self-efficacy How schools can systematize movement-based strategies across classrooms Practical examples teachers can implement immediately The impact on student collaboration, behavior, and math identity We also preview Suzy’s upcoming ASCD book, Activate Math: Using Movement to Spark Engagement and Ignite Learning Activate Math: Using Movement to Spark Engagement and Ignite Learning. If you believe math should be active, conceptual, and confidence-building—not passive and procedural—this episode is for you. Suzy Koontz LinkedIn Page Suzy Koontz Web Page Math and Movement Website Music by Aylex

    38 min
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About

In this podcast, we will engage in conversation with educators providing insight on best-in-class K-12 curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.

Information

  • Creator
    John Schembari
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    130
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © John Schembari
  • Show Website
    Have a Life Teaching

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