This show is about being practical and real world. From how AI works in the real world, to what employment looks like in the profession, to how to make PD real world for teachers and parents. We’ll even talk about real world homework hacks to help parents help their kids. This is an episode with a lot of takeaways for making education relevant to all of us.
In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, host we sit down with experts from education and business leaders in the AI world to talk about real world learning. We’ll talk about everything from AI innovation to personalized learning and homework strategies that truly work.
We’ll talk to AI leaders, school administrators, and classroom experts who share how real change happens when we focus on people. Focusing on students, teachers, and meeting real world needs will help all of us.
I wanted to bring you some people “doing the business” in AI and also some simple explanations for how AI works that anyone can understand.
Watch the YouTube Episode
The Real Deal: Real AI, Real Learning and Real Homework Hacks
Listen to the Podcast
Segment 1: The Real Story on AI (with Rob “The AI Guy” Benjamin)
Rob breaks down the big three AI models — ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini — and explains what each does best.
He shares how educators can stay grounded amid rapid AI change:
“The key skill for students now isn’t coding — it’s critical thinking.”
We also discuss the dangers of over-dependence on AI companions and how to teach students to think for themselves while using these powerful tools responsibly.
Segment 2: Working in AI (with Zach Kinsler, Boodle Box)
Zach, a young professional in the AI industry, talks about building a career in ethical AI and why transparency matters in classrooms and companies alike. He describes agentic AI — systems that automate tasks — and how teachers can prepare students for a world where AI is a collaborator, not a replacement.
Segment 3: Real-World Learning (with Courtney Walker)
2024 NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year Courtney Walker reveals how her school customizes professional learning through teacher-driven pathways. This brings real-world learning to teachers.
Teachers choose growth areas like differentiation, assessment, or relationships, then observe and learn from peers across disciplines.
This personalized approach:
- Empowers teachers as leaders
- Improves classroom practice
- Strengthens community and morale
“Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all — not for students, and not for teachers.” — Courtney Walker
Segment 4: Career Connections (with Misa Sato)
From Milwaukee, Misa Sato shares how her high school connects students to the International Baccalaureate Career Program — giving them college credit, internships, and exposure to real-world fields like health science, IT, and education. Here we have real-world learning for students.
Students discover their passions early — and can even pivot before college tuition is on the line.
📘 Segment 5: Homework Hacks (with Brian Page)
Finally, we want to get real world for parents: what does a productive homework time look like. Award-winning educator Brian Page closes the episode with practical, science-based strategies that help students take ownership of learning.
He covers:
- Organization and planning habits
- Movement, nutrition, and brain health
- Retrieval and spacing strategies from Make It Stick
- Growth-mindset thinking for resilience
Brian reminds us:
“Learning isn’t passive — if you’re really learning, you’re doing.”
Key Takeaway
Real AI, real learning, and real progress come from people — we have to be committed to listen to each other, work together, and innovate.
Vocabulary in this Episode
| Term | Definition | Context in Episode |
|---|---|---|
| Multimodal AI | AI that can process text, audio, images, and video together | Rob explains how Gemini can handle multiple input types |
| Agentic AI | An AI that can act autonomously on preset instructions | Zach uses Boodle Box examples of automated tasks |
| Critical Thinking | Analyzing and evaluating information to form reasoned judgments | Emphasized as the #1 skill for students |
| Personalized Learning Pathway | A professional-growth track chosen by teachers based on their needs | Courtney Walker’s system at Carrollton High School |
| IB Career-Related Program (IBCP) | A branch of the International Baccalaureate focused on career readiness | Misa Sato’s program at Reagan High School |
| Retrieval Practice | A memory strategy where students recall information to strengthen learning | Brian Page’s “retrieval box” method |
| Growth Mindset | The belief that abilities can develop through effort | Brian highlights this as key to student motivation |
Guest Bios – As Submitted
Robert Benjamin “Rob the AI Guy”
Robert Benjamin breaks down the latest in AI automation as a serial entrepreneur and YouTuber known for making complex technology accessible.
Having consulted with over 350,000 clients through his social media agency, he now runs a thriving community focused on AI agents and automation, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world business applications.
Blog: https://www.skool.com/ai-automation-school
Zach Kinsler
Driven by a passion for education and technology, I am dedicated to integrating AI to empower learners and educators. Through BoodleBox, I work on pioneering strategies to bring AI to students and schools, ensuring AI is a force for accessible, impactful learning. I am here to build bridges between technology and education, helping students and educators prepare for a tech-driven future.
My goal is to educate education about the transformative potential of AI in learning environments. I believe that by embracing AI responsibly, we can create more personalized, engaging, and effective educational experiences for students of all ages.
At BoodleBox, we empower team leaders with our cutting-edge platform designed to accelerate GenAI adoption, enhance collaboration, streamline automation, and facilitate seamless integration while providing security for your data. With over two decades of expertise in developing transformative technology, we have successfully enabled hundreds of teams—from innovative startups to established enterprises—to harness the full potential of AI.
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachkinzler/
Brian Page
Brian Page spent 15 years as an educator. I was recognized as a National Educator of the Year by the Milken Foundation and Ohio Department of Education, a CNN Money Hero, a CEE Forbes Award winner, and a former Working Group Member of the U.S. President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability. Brian also helped develop personal finance content for Next Gen Personal Finance, VISA, the University of Pennsylvania Wharton George Washington University GLFEC, and the Ohio Department of Education. He held a senior-level position with Next Gen Personal Finance, serving on a team that delivered over 160,000 hours of professional development for teachers over two years.
His course, Self Help Homework Hacks https://moneymarriageu.thinkific.com/courses/self-help-homework-hacks, allows students ages 13-22 to learn research-backed homework hacks and independent learning strategies.
Students work at their own pace in an engaging format, and a team of nationally renowned educators and current college standouts delivers the course.
Please email brian@modernhusbands.com if you are interested in sharing this opportunity with your students’ parents.
Blog: https://www.modernhusbands.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ModernHusbands
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernhusbands
Other social media: Modern Husbands Newsletter https://www.modernhusbands.com/newsletter
Misa Sato
Misa Sato serves as Assistant Principal of Reagan High School, an International Baccalaureate high school in Milwaukee Public Schools. Misa’s mission is to foster a school culture based on respect and high-expectations. Her leadership emphasizes student and staff well-being, with students knowing the school values their contributions.
Reagan has seen dramatic gains in student achievement. It was awarded the Wisconsin RtI Center Gold Award in Reading, Behavior, and Math in 2021 and 2022, and students are outperforming their peers statewide on a number of key measures.
With Sato’s leadership, the school’s IB Career Program has grown from 7 to 155 students, with pathways in Health Science, Technology, and Education. Misa works for the IB Organization, providing schools with professional development and supporting the implementation programs.
Misa has earned a Masters degree in Educational Policy and Leadership at Marquette University and an MBA in Education Leadership at Milwaukee School of Engineering.
Courtney Walker
The press release below was sent to me about Courtney Walker from NASSP.
Reston, VA — The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) named Courtney Walker, assistant principal of Carrollton High School in Carrollton, GA, the 2024 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year.
The announcement comes during NASSP’s annual celebration of Assistant Principals Week. “At the heart of Courtney’s work is a profound understanding of the unique needs of every student and teacher she works with,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “From bridging gaps in advanced coursework access to the Mental Health Minutes program, Courtney’s innovation and passion have built an inclusive and nurturing environment for every student to grow into their best selves. Her commitment to creating personalized educational pathways, ensuring that students are not just prepared but poised for success beyond her school doors, truly sets her apart. We’re honored to recognize her incredible contributions and the positive, lasting impact she’s made on her school community.”
Walker serves as the assistant principal of teaching and learning at Carrollton High School. She oversees master scheduling, remedial and gifted programs, student awards and recognitions, school improvement initiatives and professional development. The implementations of Professional Learning Pathways and Common Course Teams reflect her commitment to empowering teachers as leaders and improving student outcomes using data-driven instruction and shared leadership. She also supports school counselors in developing personalized academic plans tailored to student interest and ability to ensure students not only graduate enrolled, enlisted or employed but also engaged as leaders in their communities. “
I genuinely believe in shared leadership, so this honor is a testament to the collective efforts of the teachers, counselors, administrators and support staff within my school and district,” said Walker. “Together, we form a cohesive team, engaging in daily collaboration aimed at enhancing our ability to nurture, prepare and empower students to excel as leaders both academically and personally throughout their high school journey and beyond.”
Carrollton High School Principal Ian Lyle said he is proud of Walker. “I am thrilled Mrs. Walker has been named the NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year,” said Lyle. “This recognition is a testament to her excellence as an administrator and I couldn’t be more proud of her.” Carrollton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus expressed his pride and appreciation for Walker. “Mrs. Walker is the definition of a servant leader,” said Albertus. “She is a dedicated and passionate educator who truly cares about the success and well-being of our staff and students.
We are fortunate to have her at Carrollton City Schools and I am very proud NASSP acknowledged the significance of her leadership in education.”
Never Miss a Podcast Episode
Subscribe to get our podcast episodes by email.
