Like every year, I reflect on 2025. What the year brought me, and where I'm looking to go next. From leaving Harvard to returning to CTE teaching at DeKalb to my plans for my book, The Pixel Teacher and my old creative series, Campus Square.
I review Tisha Richmond's new book, The Magical CTE Classroom. A book everyone should read in the next year. Doesn't matter if you are at CTE teacher, ELA, Math, SpEd. This book has something for everyone to really bring play, innovation and joy into career and technical education.
In end of the year, musical history episode. Happy Holiday wasn’t created as a Christmas song. It debuted in 1942 in the film Holiday Inn, starring BingCrosby and Fred Astaire. It’s the same movie that launched “White Christmas.” The film’s concept: a country inn that opens only on holidays, each with its own Irving Berlin song. Among them was “Happy Holiday.” Bing sang it as a general greeting — wishing joy for all the holidays throughoutthe year. Irving Berlin’s songwriting was timeless: simple, warm, and instantly memorable. “Happy Holiday” fits thatperfectly. The lyrics are welcoming, and the message is essentially: enjoy every celebration ahead.
I am joined by Paul Buckley who is the Founder and Managing Owner of Ratio Staffing, a groundbreaking platform reshaping how preschools connect with substitute teachers, enrichment educators, and speech pathologists. A former preschool teacher with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience, Paul’s mission is deeply personal: to help children thrive by supporting the educators who shape their early years.
Before founding Ratio Staffing, Paul spent nearly a decade in biotech manufacturing leadership, where he trained global teams, revised over 300 SOPs, and earned a Six Sigma Green Belt. Today, he fuses that systems expertise with his passion for education to create a platform that offers true flexibility, transparency, and community impact.
Ratio Staffing removes the predatory norms of traditional staffing agencies, allowing schools to choose their teachers and educators to negotiate fair rates. Paul’s vision is simple yet powerful: better classrooms, better care, and a better future—for everyone involved. You can reach out to Paul at info@ratiostaffing.com
I am joined by Jeff C. Riley on the 215 episode of the Pixel Classroom Podcast. Jeffrey C. Riley (Jeff) is the former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, who co-founded and now leads the not-for-profit Day of AI organization in partnership with MIT RAISE..Mr. Riley was appointed Superintendent/Receiver of the Lawrence Public Schools, where, for over 6 years, he led a team that brought significant improvements by shifting resources and autonomy to the school level, expanding the school day, increasing enrichment opportunities, and ensuring all schools had great leaders and teachers. His previous experience spanned urban and suburban districts, including teaching in Baltimore, MD and serving as principal of Tyngsboro Middle School and Boston’s Edwards Middle School. Mr. Riley holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Pomona College in California, a master’s degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, and a master’s degree in school administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University.
You can reach out to Jeff through www.dayofaiusa.org and jeff@dayofai.org
Dr. Brandi Kelly brings more than 20 years of heart, hustle, and hands-on leadership experience. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Maxwell Certified Coach who has served as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent. A two-time Principal of the Year and the founder of Spark HOPE Edu, Brandi uses her H.O.P.E. System—Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence—to share the good stuff: hope, love, and joy. Her mission is to equip leaders to build resilient schools and communities where every person feels seen, heard, and valued.
Her first book - Lead with H.O.P.E.: Building a System of Self Efficacy is available on Amazon now
Working on their second book - When Life Speaks - A 30 day devotional.
Brandi's Podcast Lead with H.O.P.E. shares stories of H.O.P.E. Fueled Leaders
She is available for speaking, executive coaching and consulting
You can reach out by Website: https://sparkhopeedu.com/
You can find all of their social media channels on her website
Email: bkelly@sparkhopeedu.com
My friend, Mary “Beth” Foose, passed away this past weekend after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. She was the first in-studio teacher guest on The Pixel Classroom Podcast, appearing in Episode 86, which was recorded exactly four years ago today on November 18, 2021.
Beth faced her diagnosis with incredible grace and strength. Her “Foose Fighters” stood with her every step of the way, lifting her spirits throughout the journey.
A 2001 Sycamore High School graduate, Beth dedicated 13 years to District 427, teaching at Southeast Elementary, Sycamore Middle School, and South Prairie Elementary. Her impact on students and colleagues will be deeply missed.
This episode revisits moments from our original conversation, celebrating her passion, humor, and the heart she brought to education. I will miss you Beth, fly free.
I am joined by Kurtis, Hewson on Pixel Classroom Podcast. Kurtis Hewson is an award-winning former administrator and teacher, as well as teaching faculty at the post-secondary level. He is the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning, a co-author of the bestselling text Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners, and currently works with districts and schools internationally establishing Collaborative Response frameworks and interacting with thousands of educators annually. He also hosts the Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast series, which I was recently a guest on.
You can reach out to them at: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
Search Jigsaw Learning on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
In episode 212, I reflect on my journey as I begin work on my book, "As the Pixels Fade" that I'm hoping to have completed in early 2026.
Dana Goodier rejoins me on the Pixel Classroom Podcast. Dr. Dana Goodier has 25 years of experience in education. She has taught World Languages and English and has worked at the middle and elementary school level as an administrator. She completed her doctorate degree (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership in 2020. She often speaks at conferences, providing educators with techniques to minimize off-task behavior and to increase time on task. Currently, she serves as the president of CCFLT (Colorado Congress for Language Teachers). She often writes blogs for the Teach Better Team and is the author of Out of the Trenches: Stories of Resilient Educators, published in 2022. She is the host of the “Out of the Trenches” podcast, which features educators who share their stories of resiliency. Follow her on Facebook, X, BlueSky: @danagoodier & IG, Threads, BlueSky, YouTube @outoftrenchespc and visit her website at: www.danagoodier.com and visit her speaker’s page at: Featured Educator: Dana Goodier
In episode 210 I dive into the history of the 60 year hit, (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone. Made famous as a B Side to the Monkee's debut album in 1966. But the song has an amazing history to it and even now is still a cultural staple as Micky Dolenz the last member of the Monkees continues to sing the song today.
In the 209th episode, I reflect on my first quarter of teaching high school again at D428. I reflect on the past 15 years when I took my first education job in DeKalb and everything I have been through the past two years. I also look at where I'm hoping to go as the semester is at it's midway point for 2025.
I start my new feature here at the Pixel Classroom Podcast with the history of the song: The House of the Rising Sun (1964) by The Animals. Thisisn’t the story of some songwriter cranking out a hit. The House of the RisingSun is anonymous, timeless. Scholars trace its bones to broadside ballads—folkpoetry sold cheaply in old England—and there’s even a faint resemblance to the16th-century lament, ‘The Unfortunate Rake.’
I am joined by David K Richards from Changemaker EDU for episode 207. David K Richards is the Founder & CEO of Changemaker Education, a national network of affiliate love-based microschools and an incubator for founders who want to usher in a new paradigm for the future of education. He is also the host of the Changemaker ED“U” podcast. Previously, he was Founder & CEO of Growth Public Schools, and a founding teacher and leader with Summit Public Schools where he launched several innovative schools. In addition he serves as a leadership and life coach. David has worked in education reform for over 25 years as a teacher, principal, executive, and board member. He lives in Sacramento, CA with his wife and his two children, and holds a BA from UC Berkeley and an MA from Stanford University.
I'm joined by Angie Redmon from Angie Teaches Canvas. Angie has been teaching since 1998 (online since 2000) and have gathered lots of tips, tricks, and what-not-to-dos over the years, especially when it comes to the Canvas LMS. She is a community college math professor AND Faculty and Course Enrichment Coordinator. Always curious about learning how to teach more effectively with technology to make it the best possible experience for me and my students. You can learn more about Angie at her website.
In episode 206 I pay tribute to Patrick E. Davis better known as YouTube content creator PATMANQC. I talk about his history and how I first discovered his YouTube channel and how impactful it was to me. You can read his Obituary here.
I review the book, The Language of Behavior: A Frame Work to elevate Student Success. By authors, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper. I go over a few of the points and frameworks that I have successfully used in the classroom in the last few months. I also talk about about highlights and why you need to add this tool to your Teacher Toolbox. You can get full breakdowns of the chapters over on their website here.
I kick off Season 7 of the Pixel Classroom podcast talking about my return to high school teaching. What I have planned for the upcoming season including new features such as the history of classic songs inspired by my father.
I wrap up Season 6 of the Pixel Classroom podcast with episode 203. I do my yearly reflection, in this case the past 18 months. I reflect on the change I made both professionally and personally in education. How after 200 episodes, what is coming next for the podcast, remembering my Dad and the change coming this fall as I return to high school teaching. Thank you everyone for your support not just this season, but the past six.
I talk about my father, Roddy Read, who passed away on May 9, 2025. His career, personal life and my memories with him and my family.