EdTech Bites Podcast

Gabriel Carrillo

EdTech Bites is a Podcast about all things EdTech and Food hosted by Gabriel Carrillo. He interviews teachers, leaders, and innovators to discuss the latest trends in educational technology. Many times, while sharing a meal together. So subscribe, tell a friend or colleague, and remember that great conversations happen when we break bread with great people. Buen Provecho!

  • 23 minutes 48 seconds
    Ep. 294 | Why Embarrassing Moments Make Better Teachers w/ Jen Casa-Todd

    This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

    Learn more at Teq.com.

    In this episode, Jen Casa-Todd and I dive into a topic every educator experiences—but rarely talks about openly: embarrassing classroom moments. We get a bit vulnerable and discuss some of our most cringe-worthy classroom moments and what we did to turn that embarrassment into empowerment. We’ve all had (or will have) them so let’s talk about them and use them to our advantage. This is one episode you won’t want to miss. Buen provecho!

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Jen

    Jennifer Casa-Todd is a wife, mom, educator, former Literacy Consultant, and the author of several books focusing on Digital Leadership. Jennifer was the recipient of the YSCPC Teaching Excellence Award (2023), and recipient of the ISTE Digital Citizenship Network Award (2020). She is a Google Educator Group leader, a Google Certified Innovator, and a board member for the Canadian Library Association. Jennifer has a Masters in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Technology. Jennifer can currently be found supporting pre-service teachers at Lakehead University (Ontario). She has been a presenter, featured speaker, and keynote speaker at conferences across Canada and around the world.

    Connect With Jen

    30 March 2026, 8:00 pm
  • 34 minutes 57 seconds
    Ep. 293 | Why Cheap Headsets Are Actually Costing You More w/ Alan Sherbourne

    This episode is sponsored by TWT Audio. TWT Audio was built for educators, by educators, designing headsets specifically for real classroom environments, durable enough to last, and comfortable for all-day use. With over 5 million headsets and headphones sold, schools trust TWT because they just work, delivering consistent performance while simplifying technology.

    Instead of replacing cheap headsets year after year, invest in a solution that schools nationwide trust every day.

    TWT Audio — hear the difference.

    If you’ve ever dealt with broken headphones during testing season, you already know the chaos. In this episode, I sit down with a Alan Sherbourne, VP of marketing at TWT Audio to break down the real cost of low-quality classroom audio. We explore why schools keep replacing headsets year after year, how poor audio impacts student performance, and how durability, clarity, and thoughtful design can completely change the game. If you’re preparing for testing season or planning next year’s tech purchases, this episode is a must-listen.

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Alan Sherbourne

    Alan Sherbourne is a former Administrator of Technology and Innovation in one of the largest school districts in the nation, where he helped drive impactful, forward thinking initiatives at scale. Above all, he is committed to student success and putting people first in everything he does.

    Connect With Alan Sherbourne and TWT Audio

    27 March 2026, 3:11 am
  • 23 minutes 49 seconds
    Ep. 292 | From Classroom To EdTech And Back Again w/ Amy Storer

    This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

    Learn more at Teq.com.

    What happens when an educator leaves the classroom for EdTech… and then decides to come back?

    In this episode, I sit down with Amy Storer, an innovative learning specialist who has experienced education from multiple angles: classroom teacher, instructional coach, national EdTech consultant, and district innovation leader.

    She shares the journey from teaching elementary math and science to presenting at conferences across the country, working with major education technology partners, and eventually feeling the pull back to the school community she loved.

    If you’re an educator considering a leap into EdTech, this episode offers honest insight into career transitions in education.

    And of course… we also debate an extremely important question at the end: corn tortillas or flour tortillas?

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Amy Storer

    Amy Storer is an Innovative Learning Specialist and respected speaker in Montgomery ISD who is passionate about empowering educators through purposeful technology integration. She thrives on partnering with educators to enhance the great learning already happening in their classrooms and schools by leveraging powerful digital tools. Amy is a certified educator and trainer for Google, Microsoft, Adobe Express, and Canva, and she brings energy, expertise, and heart to every professional learning experience. Her work centers on meaningful PD, authentic classroom connections, and innovative strategies that make learning stick.

    Connect With Amy Storer

    17 March 2026, 11:00 am
  • 49 minutes 23 seconds
    Ep. 291 | Why AI Checkers Keep Failing Teachers w/ Brittanie Payne

    In this episode, Instructional Technology Coach Brittanie Payne joins the conversation to unpack AI detection, academic honesty, and classroom assessment in the age of generative AI. From unreliable AI checkers to redesigning assignments and prioritizing process over product, this discussion gives teachers and instructional leaders a practical framework for navigating one of education’s biggest current challenges.

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Brittanie Payne

    Brittanie Payne is the Instructional Coach for Technology for El Campo ISD in El Campo, Texas. She is a former high school ELA teacher. When she's not at work, she likes spending time with her family and watching football. Go Chiefs!

    Connect With Brittanie Payne

    16 March 2026, 11:00 am
  • 24 minutes 6 seconds
    Ep. 290 | The 3 Ingredients of Authentic Assessment w/ Rachel Lemansky

    This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

    Learn more at Teq.com.

    In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Lemansky to unpack the 3 biggest misconceptions about authentic assessment and what it actually requires to move beyond compliance and into real student growth. From process over product, to UDL and accessibility, to the metacognitive reflection we’re all tempted to cut when time runs short, we break down what makes assessment truly meaningful (and human).

    You’ll walk away with practical examples, a fresh lens on AI’s role in student work, and a farm-to-table framework that makes authentic assessment stick.

    And yes… there’s beef stew involved. Buen provecho!

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Rachel Lemansky

    Rachel Lemansky is an Elementary Library Coordinator and certified STEM educator dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional literacy and digital innovation. Based in central Massachusetts, she serves both Charlton Elementary and Heritage School within the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District. Rachel views literacy as a dual-pathway of textual and digital fluency; she fosters a deep-seated love for books while simultaneously preparing students for a technology-driven future. Ultimately, Rachel strives to ignite imagination by turning pages into portals, ensuring that the library remains an inclusive space where learning is always an adventure.

    Connect With Rachel Lemansky

    2 March 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 40 minutes 42 seconds
    Ep. 289 | Will AI Kill Critical Thinking? Carl Hooker’s 6 Predictions For 2026

    Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.

    In this episode, Carl Hooker and I unpack six of his bold 2026 edtech predictions, including students becoming the product in the AI economy, the rise of AI generated “pink slime” misinformation, the threat to critical thinking, and the emergence of a unified Teacher Operating System. We also explore wearable tech, social media trust, and the fine line between innovation and surveillance. If you want clarity and practical insight on leading responsibly in an AI saturated world, this conversation is for you.

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Carl Hooker

    Carl Hooker has spent the past 27 years in education as a teacher and administrator focused on the thoughtful integration of technology and innovation in schools. He consults for multiple districts across the country and is a frequent keynote speaker at state and national events. He’s also a 10-time author, 5-time podcast host, advisor to multiple ed tech companies, and National Faculty Emeritus for Future Ready Schools.

    Connect With Carl Hooker

    23 February 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 26 minutes 23 seconds
    Ep. 288| How To Go From Stuck to Unstoppable With Barbara Bray

    This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

    Learn more at Teq.com.

    Do you ever feel like you’ve lost your “why” as an educator? In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Barbara Bray, author, podcaster, and empowerment coach. She shares how burnout, system overload, and personal challenges can dim your spark… and how to get it blazing again. We discuss the process of rebranding your role in education to redefining purpose after life-altering events. Barbara offers empowering strategies to help you grow, heal, and teach with intention. If you feel like you’ve lost that spark, this episode will leave you ready to rise.

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Barbara Bray

    Barbara Bray is an award-winning author, podcast host, and international keynote speaker with over 30 years of expertise empowering women, educators, and thought leaders to navigate meaningful life transitions with clarity and confidence. As a cancer survivor and Story Weaver, she is known for listening deeply and helping people uncover purpose and possibility within their lived experiences. Through her Grow Your Why Collective and signature Purpose Shift: Values Framework, Barbara guides people to reclaim their voice, self-advocate, and become unstoppable—amplifying their influence, impact, and income, even in uncertain times.

    Connect With Barbara Bray

    16 February 2026, 5:08 am
  • 29 minutes 38 seconds
    Ep. 287 | Why AI Fails The Sniff Test With Scott Nunes

    Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.

    In this episode, I sit down with a longtime educator, former tech coach, district advisor, and good friend Scott Nunes to unpack the one human superpower AI simply can’t replicate: intuition built through real relationships. We unpack hallway conversations, coffee chats, high-stakes gut decisions that protect students and families, and why schools can’t automate trust, empathy, or human judgment.

    Buen provecho!

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Scott Nunes

    Scott Nunes is a founding member of the Human Intelligence Movement and an ISTE-certified AI educator who helps education and technology leaders translate emerging tech into measurable outcomes. Known for connecting strategy to execution, Scott helps districts secure non-traditional funding to protect educator roles and ensure teams have the resources they need to succeed.

    Connect With Scott Nunes

    9 February 2026, 10:15 pm
  • 30 minutes 6 seconds
    Ep. 286 | The Fix Your School Culture Needs With Mandy Froehlich

    This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

    Learn more at Teq.com.

    In this powerful episode, I welcome back Mandy Froehlich—longtime friend of the podcast and a leading voice in educator mental health. Mandy introduces us to the concept of healing spaces. These are not just quiet rooms or meditation music, but deep cultural shifts that support teacher recovery, emotional well-being, and long-term sustainability in education. We unpack the difference between burnout and demoralization, how leadership can unintentionally miss the mark, and what educators truly need to feel supported. If you feel like you’re trying to stay afloat or you’re an administrator ready to build a better culture, this episode is your blueprint for creating change.

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    Connect With Mandy Froehlich

    27 January 2026, 2:06 am
  • 11 minutes 16 seconds
    Ep. 285 | 3 Simple Changes to Avoid Teaching on Autopilot in 2026

    Happy New Year! We’re officially in 2026. Teaching on autopilot feels efficient until it drains energy from the classroom. This episode breaks down three simple changes to reset instruction, set healthy AI boundaries, and bring intention back to the second semester. And if you’re looking to start the year off with a great sourdough recipe, here it is. Buen provecho!

    Sourdough Bread Recipe

    • 100g active sourdough starter (the star of the show)
    • 325g water
    • 500g bread flour
    • 10g salt
    • 20g honey (adds sweetness and helps the dough chill a bit)

    For the full instructions, check out the blog post below.

    https://edtechbites.com/2025/08/19/homemade-sourdough-sandwich-bread/

    Purchase Your Copy Of “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom”

    https://tinyurl.com/CookingUpExperiences

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    4 January 2026, 5:28 pm
  • 22 minutes 23 seconds
    Ep. 284 | What Frankenstein Gets Right About AI in Schools w/ Brett Salakas

    Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It's the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.

    AI is everywhere in education but what if our fear of it isn't new at all?

    In this episode, I'm joined by Brett Salakas from down under. He delivers one of the most unexpected AI metaphors you'll ever hear: Frankenstein.

    This conversation connects AI, educational change, and human fear in a way that will completely shift how you think about innovation in schools. We unpack why every major tech revolution follows the same pattern, why "Luddites" weren't villains, and what educators can learn from a 200-year-old novel about embracing change without losing our humanity.

    Oh and yes…Buc-ee's, poetry slams, beaver onesies, and brisket sandwiches all make an appearance.

    If you're wrestling with AI implementation, staff resistance, or your own uncertainty, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and a few laughs along the way. Buen provecho!

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Brett Salakas

    Brett Salakas, the HP Education Ambassador, is an international keynote speaker, the best-selling author of 'A MAMMOTH Lesson', the founder of #aussieED (the largest online network of teachers in Australia) and the co-founder of the ED Poets Society. Currently, he is identified by Linkedin as a TOP VOICE (top 1% worldwide) in K-12 Education. Brett was awarded with the NSWICTE and ISTE 'Making 'IT' Happen award in 2024, was recently identified by the District Administration Leadership Institute as one of the top 100 most influential leaders in education globally (the only Australian named on the list) and he was named the Most Influential Educator in Australia for 2024 by The Educator magazine.

    Brett is a teacher and experienced school leader who, over the past 26 years, has taught in South East Asia and Australia. He is passionately committed to turning educational theory into real classroom practice. Brett is all about CONNECTION, COLLABORATION and INSPIRATION.‍

    Connect With Brett Salakas

     

    28 December 2025, 10:16 pm
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