Latest Episode
Derek Crager: How to Use AI to Support Neurodivergent Students
In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, John Schembari speaks with Derek Crager, CEO of Practical AI, about one of the most promising—and often overlooked—applications of artificial intelligence in education: supporting neurodivergent learners.
Drawing on his own experience of being diagnosed later in life with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, Derek explains how AI can serve as a thinking partner that helps students organize ideas, communicate more clearly, reduce cognitive overload, and build grea
Recent Episodes
45
July 14, 2026
Derek Crager: How to Use AI to Support Neurodivergent Students
In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, John Schembari speaks with Derek Crager, CEO of Practical AI, about one of the most promising—and often overlooked—applications of artificial intelligence in education: supporting neurodivergent learners. Drawing on his own experience of being diagnosed later in life with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, Derek explains how AI can serve as a thinking partner that helps students organize ideas, communicate more clearly, reduce cognitive overload, and build grea
44
July 7, 2026
Shane Leaning: How School Leaders Create Change That Actually Lasts
Why do so many school change initiatives disappear after a year or two? In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, John Schembari talks with Shane Leaning, leadership consultant, author of Change Starts Here, and host of Education Leaders with Shane Leaning, about why traditional approaches to change often fail and how schools can build change that lasts. Shane challenges the idea that leaders should identify solutions and then seek staff “buy-in.” Instead, meaningful change begins by involving
43
June 30, 2026
Cinde Lock: How to Move Beyond Tests - Building Authentic Learning Through Connections, Assessment, and Purpose
This week I'm joined by Dr. Cinde Lock, Head of School at Pickering College and author of Connections, Academics & Purpose, to explore why traditional testing isn't enough and what schools can do instead. We discuss: Why students often forget what they memorize for tests The difference between authentic assessment and "doing a fun project" How community partnerships create meaningful evidence of learning Why alternative assessment can improve—not replace—academic rigor How AI makes persona
43
June 23, 2026
Brendan Lee: How Explicit Instruction Can Increase Student Learning
What does effective explicit instruction actually look like—and when should teachers move beyond it? In this episode, Dr. John Schembari sits down with Australian instructional coach Brendan Lee, founder of Knowledge for Teachers, to explore how cognitive science, explicit instruction, and the instructional hierarchy can help educators improve student learning and instructional decision-making. Brendan shares his own journey from struggling teacher to instructional coach and explains why under
44
June 16, 2026
Robert Cooper Jr: How to Help Boys Become Authentic Men
Why are boys disciplined more frequently than girls beginning as early as preschool? Why are boys of color disproportionately affected by school discipline? And how can educators support boys in developing healthy, positive masculinity while improving behavior, communication, and leadership skills? In this episode of the Have a Life Teaching Podcast, host John Schembari sits down with Robert Cooper Jr., founder of Young Men Becoming Men and author of The Authentic Man: Embracing Your Journey.
43
June 9, 2026
Melissa Sadorf and Derek Cantrell: How to Lead in Rural Schools
Rural schools educate nearly one-third of America's public school students, yet they are often underrepresented in national conversations about education policy, innovation, and school improvement. In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, Dr. John Schembari is joined by Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association and author of The Resilient Rural Leader, along with Derek Cantrell, principal of Alleghany Highlands High School and author of Better Together:
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