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. Starr Sackstein, Michael McDowell, and Alexandra Laing: How to Use Actionable Assessment in Real Time

    5d ago

    Starr Sackstein, Michael McDowell, and Alexandra Laing: How to Use Actionable Assessment in Real Time

    In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, I sit down with Starr Sackstein, Michael McDowell, and Alexandra Laing, co-creators of Actionable Assessment, to unpack one of the most pressing instructional questions teachers face every day: When some students get it, some don’t, and some are already ahead… what do you do next? We explore how formative assessment should be less about collecting data and more about making immediate instructional decisions during Tier 1 teaching. Key takeaways include:✅ Quick checks for understanding that don’t interrupt lesson flow✅ How to respond to students below, at, and above readiness levels in the moment✅ Why differentiation does not have to mean separating students into intervention groups✅ How visual “instructional snapshots” help teachers choose responsive next moves fast✅ Why advanced learners deserve extension—not becoming the class tutor✅ Simple routines that build student metacognition and ownership of learning✅ How schools can embed responsive teaching through PLCs, coaching, and leadership follow-through This conversation is a practical look at the intersection of formative assessment, differentiation, MTSS, and instructional coaching—with actionable strategies teachers can use tomorrow. Starr Sackstein Webpage Michael McDowell Webpage Alexandra Liang LinkedIn Page Book Featured: Actionable Assessment: A Step-by-Step Guide to Responsive Teaching and Student Growth Music by Aylex

    43 min
  2. Charlotte Dungan: How AI Bootcamps Can Develop Both Teachers and Students While Preserving Our Humanity

    May 19

    Charlotte Dungan: How AI Bootcamps Can Develop Both Teachers and Students While Preserving Our Humanity

    In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, I sit down with Charlotte Dungan, Chief Learning Officer at the Mark Cuban Foundation, to explore what meaningful AI education actually looks like in K-12. We unpack: • What effective AI professional learning for teachers should include • Why AI literacy must go beyond prompts and productivity • How the Mark Cuban Foundation’s free teacher and student AI bootcamps work • The connection between AI, CTE, entrepreneurship, and future workforce readiness • Equity, access, and ensuring rural and underserved students aren’t left behind • Why teacher agency matters more than overly rigid AI policies • Practical AI tools for assessment, feedback, classroom conversations, and teacher practice A standout takeaway: AI should reduce the drudgery so humans can do more of the creative, relational, deeply human work that matters most. Because schools are not just preparing workers. We’re preparing citizens. Charlotte Dungan LinkedIn Page Mark Cuban Foundation Music by Aylex

    37 min
  3. Philip Gillette and James Soler: How to Use Music, Culture, and Play to Build Student Engagement

    May 12

    Philip Gillette and James Soler: How to Use Music, Culture, and Play to Build Student Engagement

    In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, John Schembari speaks with Musical IQ leaders Philip Gillette and James Soler about how music can become a bridge to culture, identity, collaboration, and deeper learning. The conversation explores how schools can move beyond treating music and the arts as “extras” and instead use them as powerful tools for engagement, systems thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and community building. Topics include:• Why music creates belonging and confidence for students• How Musical IQ uses African and Afro-diaspora music traditions to teach culture and history• Using drumming, storytelling, and ensemble work to develop student voice and collaboration• Why “play” is essential for curiosity and learning• Helping students feel seen through culturally responsive instruction• The connection between music, memory, and deeper learning• How arts integration supports systems thinking and interdisciplinary instruction• Navigating cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation in education• Practical ways schools can integrate music and culture into everyday teaching• How immersive science experiences through Cosmic IQ connect to the same philosophy of engagement and wonder One powerful takeaway from the episode:“If students feel seen, connected, and curious, learning accelerates.” Listen if you are interested in:• Student engagement• Arts integration• Culturally responsive teaching• Interdisciplinary learning• Student voice and agency• Music education• Building joyful classrooms• Global and culturally connected instruction Musical IQ Website James Soller LinkedIn Page Phillip Gilette Website Music by Aylex

    43 min
  4. William DeJean: How to Lead Schools in the Era of Overwhelm

    May 5

    William DeJean: How to Lead Schools in the Era of Overwhelm

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. William DeJean, CEO of Unleash Learning, to unpack a reality many school leaders are feeling but struggling to name: we’re in an era of overwhelm. We explore why traditional approaches to leadership—compliance, checklists, and even strategy overload—are no longer enough. Instead, William makes the case for systems thinking: grounding schools in a clear teaching and learning mission and a stable instructional “system” that can absorb new initiatives without overwhelming staff. We discuss: Why leaders are losing focus on teaching and learningThe difference between compliance, strategies, and systems thinkingWhat it actually means to “make learning stick for everyone”How student engagement works like “lifting weights” for the brainWhy too many initiatives increase cognitive load instead of improving practiceThe importance of shared language and modeling at the leadership levelKey takeaway: In a world where educators can’t keep up with everything, strong systems reduce overload and refocus schools on what matters most—learning that sticks. William DeJean LinkedIn Page Unleash Learning Website A New Way Forward for Schools - Book Unleash Learning TV Music by Aylex

    40 min
  5. Norene Bunt: How to Solve the Literacy Puzzle

    Apr 28

    Norene Bunt: How to Solve the Literacy Puzzle

    In this episode, we explore one of the most debated questions in literacy instruction: 👉 Should students read grade-level texts or texts matched to their ability? Joined by Dr. Noreen Bunt, we unpack: Why grade-level text access matters for all studentsThe risks of over-relying on leveled groupingHow to support struggling readers without lowering expectationsPractical strategies for:The evolving role of literacy in content-area classroomsHow MTSS, Tier 1 instruction, and small groups should actually functionThis conversation challenges common practices and offers a clearer path toward equitable, effective literacy instruction. Norene A. Bunt LinkedIn Page Solving the Literacy Puzzle Book Music by Aylex

    41 min
  6. Kate O'Connell, Leo Thompson, and Craig Randall: How to Navigate International Schools as an Educator

    Apr 21

    Kate O'Connell, Leo Thompson, and Craig Randall: How to Navigate International Schools as an Educator

    International Schools: What Educators Need to Know Summary: What is it really like to teach in an international school? This episode explores the realities—opportunities, challenges, and misconceptions—of working abroad as an educator. Key Points: • There is no single definition of an international school • Leadership and school quality matter more than location • Compensation often includes housing, travel, and benefits • Professional growth comes from exposure to different systems • The experience builds global perspective—but requires adaptability Guests: • Kate O’Connell • Leo Thompson • Craig Randall Key Question: 👉 How would teaching in a different system change your practice? Kate O'Connell Website - EduKate Leo Thompson Website - Edsplorer Craig Randall Website - Trust Based Observations Special thanks to my students Liz DiClementi and Elizabeth Levin for co-hosting this episode! Music by Aylex

    47 min
  7. Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio: How to Lead It Like Lasso

    Apr 14

    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
  8. 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
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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
    136
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © John Schembari
  • Show Website
    Have a Life Teaching

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