Teach Smarter

Stephanie Dinnen and Pete Siner

Teach Smarter is a podcast for educators who want to save time, teach more effectively, and stay focused on what matters. Hosted by former classroom teachers Stephanie Dinnen and Peter Siner, each episode shares practical strategies you can apply right away—from planning routines and instructional tools to tech that actually supports learning. Our goal: help teachers work smarter without losing sight of what works in real classrooms.

  1. Student Agency and Design Thinking with Dr. Sabba Quidwai

    23 OCT

    Student Agency and Design Thinking with Dr. Sabba Quidwai

    In this episode, Peter talks with Dr. Sabba Quidwai about how educators keep agency with AI. Sabba explains why design thinking is action, not PDFs, and how her SPARK interview turns vague goals into five day wins. They dig into teaching AI as habits and mindsets, the leap from desktop thinking to mobile thinking, what to automate, and what to stop doing. They also cover the skills schools need next, learn to learn, take initiative, listen well, and ship work. About Dr. Sabba QuidwaiDr. Quidwai is a former Apple Education executive, researcher, and course designer who helps schools and organizations use design thinking to shape their future with AI. She built a pioneering iPad program at USC, completed research on AI and design thinking in 2020, released a documentary in 2022, and teaches technology and media literacy at UC Irvine. You can learn more about Sabba’s work at designingschools.org

    55 min
  2. The Teacher Retention Problem with Josh Czupryk

    6 OCT

    The Teacher Retention Problem with Josh Czupryk

    In this episode, Pete and Stephanie talk with Josh Czupryk about how the education job market is changing as ESSER funds expire and districts face tighter budgets. Josh shares what his data shows about which roles are shrinking, which ones are growing, and why clarity of value matters more than ever for organizations serving schools. They dig into what’s really driving teacher turnover, the one question every school leader should ask by October, and how respect—not money alone—keeps great teachers in the classroom. About Josh CzuprykJosh Czupryk is a former assistant superintendent, consultant, and education data analyst who tracks hiring trends across school systems, nonprofits, and edtech organizations. He helps educators navigate career transitions and advises leaders on building healthy, high-retention school cultures. You can find his work and connect with him at k12jobsblast.org/contact.

    42 min
  3. Building Better Classrooms with Dr. Catlin Tucker

    19 SEPT

    Building Better Classrooms with Dr. Catlin Tucker

    Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Pete and Stephanie talk with Catlin Tucker about what blended learning actually looks like when it’s done well. Catlin unpacks the core skill set teachers need to move beyond whole-group instruction, how to design intentional station rotations, and why balancing online and offline experiences matters. They explore the connection between blended learning and Universal Design for Learning, how to remove barriers for diverse learners, and what it takes to build a culture where teachers embrace their role as lead learners. About Catlin TuckerDr. Catlin Tucker is a bestselling author, international speaker, and veteran educator known for her expertise in blended learning, student-centered instruction, and professional learning design. She has written multiple influential books including Blended Learning in Action, Power Up Blended Learning, and Elevating Educational Design with AI (co-authored with Katie Novak). You can find her work, free resources, and upcoming events on her website catlintucker.com.

    37 min
  4. Balancing Tech and Teaching with Monica Burns

    1 SEPT

    Balancing Tech and Teaching with Monica Burns

    In this episode, we sit down with Monica Burns to talk about the real role of technology in today’s classrooms. We look at how teachers can bring AI and other digital tools into their instruction without losing sight of what matters most—teaching, learning, and student engagement. Monica shares practical strategies for using technology to support great pedagogy rather than replace it, and we explore how educators can make thoughtful decisions about new tools without getting overwhelmed. It’s a conversation about keeping innovation grounded in what works for kids and teachers. Guest Links Website: https://classtechtips.com Podcast: https://classtechtips.com/podcast EdTech Essentials (2nd Edition): https://www.ascd.org/books/edtech-essentials Tasks Before Apps: https://www.ascd.org/books/tasks-before-apps LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicaaburns/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips

    32 min
  5. Leaders from the Classroom: Nick the History Teacher

    6 AUG

    Leaders from the Classroom: Nick the History Teacher

    In this episode of Teach Smarter, part of our Leaders from the Classroom series, I talk with Nick, a middle school history teacher, about how he builds writing skills through in-class modeling, real-time feedback, and consistent practice across the year. We dig into why he doesn’t let students write essays at home, how he’s adapted writing instruction to fit his content area, and the challenges AI introduces when students rely on it too early. He also shares how he uses writing portfolios, gives individualized feedback, and tracks student growth from day one to the end of the year. Nick is a middle school History teacher with a decade of experience in the classroom. During this time, he’s played an integral role in the development of curriculum, and is a key figure in History writing instruction and development for his local district.

    1h 10m
  6. Librarians, Leadership, and Identity with Bill Bass

    31 JUL

    Librarians, Leadership, and Identity with Bill Bass

    In this episode, Pete and Stephanie talk with Bill Bass, Innovation Coordinator for Parkway School District and former ISTE Board President, about transforming school libraries and reframing what educator resistance really means. Bill oversees 29 school librarians, 16 of whom have been named Teacher of the Year. He shares why some educators aren't actually resistant to change, but are instead keepers of tradition who are protecting what works. He also walks through his three-part framework for shifting librarians from task-doers to school leaders and explains why his district’s librarians are never on the chopping block during budget cuts. About Bill Bass:Bill Bass is an award-winning educator and former English teacher who now serves as Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in Parkway School District in St. Louis, Missouri. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic, sustainable technology integration across all grade levels. Bill served as President of the ISTE Board of Directors and was named one of NSBA's 20 to Watch EdTech Leaders. He is an ISTE Certified Educator, Google Certified Innovator, Google for Education Certified Trainer, and author of four books including Leading from the Library (ISTE 2019, 2024). Learn more at billbass.tech

    47 min
  7. Cognitive Justice in the Age of AI with Zaretta Hammond

    23 JUL

    Cognitive Justice in the Age of AI with Zaretta Hammond

    Zaretta Hammond joins us to explore how AI and edtech can either reinforce a pedagogy of compliance or unlock true cognitive justice for students. We dig into over-scaffolding, feedback loops, the science of learning, and how teachers can reclaim their role as personal trainers of student thinking instead of just content deliverers. Zaretta is the author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain and a national consultant with over 25 years of experience helping educators deepen their instructional equity practices. Her upcoming book expands on this work, challenging educators to rethink how we coach cognition in an AI-saturated classroom. Guest Links: Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain — https://crtandthebrain.com Rebuilding Students’ Learning Power (preorder) — https://www.amazon.com/Rebuilding-Students%27-Learning-Power-Instructional/dp/1544376960 LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaretta-hammond-2b122ba/

    51 min
  8. What Lasting Change in Education Really Takes with Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green

    15 JUL

    What Lasting Change in Education Really Takes with Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green

    Commissioner Angélica Infante Green joins us to talk about what it actually takes to create lasting change in education. From improving attendance to implementing high-quality curriculum with fidelity, she shares how Rhode Island is staying focused without chasing the next big thing. We also get into how AI can support good teaching without replacing it, and what it means to lead with clarity in a shifting landscape.

    44 min
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About

Teach Smarter is a podcast for educators who want to save time, teach more effectively, and stay focused on what matters. Hosted by former classroom teachers Stephanie Dinnen and Peter Siner, each episode shares practical strategies you can apply right away—from planning routines and instructional tools to tech that actually supports learning. Our goal: help teachers work smarter without losing sight of what works in real classrooms.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Dinnen and Pete Siner
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stephanie Dinnen and Pete Siner
  • Show Website
    Teach Smarter

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