James Kakalios: How to Teach Physics with Superheroes

The Physics of Superheroes: Bringing Science to Life with James Kakalios Can Spider-Man really stop a runaway train? What would happen if Ant-Man shrank to the size of an insect? And what can superheroes teach us about scientific thinking? In this episode, I speak with James Kakalios, physics professor at the University of Minnesota, author of The Physics of Superheroes and The Physics of Superheroes Goes Hollywood, and Hollywood science consultant. We explore how comics and superhero films c

Classroom Reset: Bringing Students Into the Conversation | Maureen Chapman & James Simons What happens when classroom culture starts to unravel? Instead of imposing more rules, what if teachers invited students into the conversation? On this episode of Have a Life Teaching, returning guests Maureen Chapman and James Simons of Cor Creative Partners discuss their new book, Classroom Reset: Improving Class Culture Through Collaborative Conversations with Students. We explore: Why classroom cult

How to Go Beyond the Science of Reading — Natalie Wexler Have we gotten better at teaching children how to read without paying enough attention to what they need to know? Natalie Wexler, author ofThe Knowledge Gap and Beyond the Science of Reading, joins Have a Life Teaching to explore why phonics alone isn't enough. We discuss the importance of background knowledge, vocabulary, writing, and connecting literacy instruction to the science of learning. We also consider how schools can build know

Thomas Guskey on Rethinking Grading What should a grade actually tell us? I talk with grading and assessment expert Thomas Guskey about why grades should communicate what students have learned and can do but not how they rank against classmates. We discuss why schools need a shared purpose for grading, the problems with averaging and percentage grades, and why product, process, and progress all matter but shouldn’t be combined into one confusing mark. We also explore homework, clearer rubrics

What if schools stopped asking why fathers aren’t involved—and started asking whether fathers truly feel invited to belong? In this episode, John talks with Dr. Debra Higdon and Dr. Chacko Abraham, co-authors of The Dad Difference: How and Why to Invite Fathers into Your School, about moving beyond traditional parent-engagement events toward meaningful relationships with fathers. They explore the barriers that can keep fathers disconnected—including time, transportation, school culture, previo

Can AI make teaching easier and make teaching better? John talks with Brett Roer, founder and CEO of Amplify and Elevate Innovation, about practical ways educators can use AI and digital tools to save time while keeping human expertise at the center. From voice memos and AI “sandwiches” to customized Gems and schoolwide AI playbooks, Brett shares concrete strategies teachers and leaders can use right away and explains why successful AI implementation starts with human wisdom, not the technolog