Teach Me, Teacher

#402 How Ed Tech is Harming Our Kids with Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath (pt.1)

On this week's Teach Me, Teacher we sit down with Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath — neuroscientist, educator, and author — to dive deep into one of the most urgent debates in education today: the role of technology in schools. All of the discussion items in this episode are inspired by and directed by Jared's latest book: The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning — And How To Help Them Thrive Again — check it out here. [https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Delusion-Classroom-Technology-Learning/dp/B0G5622DQQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YJJ9RBSQOHMY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wFXgHCeHkGgT_CIbXlGvy9n1NIhsEx_rwt_i99X1xf3lsde7FUhu1xn2Gq6pUWDKxttmgycgxl2TaxMMI1l3toLM_d5w6m8qubz4zpg2EKPiOES3PtMBofKhlgjgyGIMJZRDDaH3ys-lDCPbhzzpDa5kzP7fZLCVu2ssZpZVYHJcKKRmdimlCUj182ULjebrb7HbRUT7582zjw3-yBbqAPiVeESSnVgBo7w7LD7VyFk.1oDthzBWA-e1PjgyYNo4NDMU7feTnoc_sBdt6VIK2Qs&dib_tag=se&keywords=jared+horvath&qid=1767581002&sprefix=jared+horvath%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1] In this powerful conversation, Jared breaks down the myth of educational technology. His new book takes a rigorous, research-grounded view of why digital tools — once hailed as revolutionary — often fail to deliver on their promises and can actually hinder real learning. Jared and I explore how technology went from a supplemental tool to a central feature of classrooms. Fueled by optimism, investment, and the idea that digital tools automatically mean innovation, schools adopted laptops, tablets, apps, and AI — often without deep evidence that these tools improve learning. Drawing on decades of cognitive research, Jared explains how digital distraction — from multitasking to constant notifications — can disrupt memory, attention, and deep thinking. These are the very processes that real learning depends on. Rather than simply adding more tech, we talked about what happens when schools put teachers, relationships, and focused engagement back at the center of learning. Jared makes the case that most student-facing screens should be phased out — not because technology is inherently bad, but because its dominant role undermines learning outcomes and critical thinking skills We also cover what better education actually looks like: classrooms where print media, discussion, reflection, and deep practice take priority — and where technology serves only highly specific, evidence-based purposes rather than driving instruction. As schools grapple with stagnant achievement, reduced attention spans, and rising concerns about student well-being, this episode challenges the assumption that more technology equals better learning. It's time for educators, parents, and policy makers to rethink the role of ed tech — and that starts with honest conversations like this one. Check out our previous discussion on the podcast here. [https://teachmeteacherpodcast.com/2019/06/03/115-brain-science-to-make-your-message-stick-with-jared-horvath-pt-1/]

#401 Resolutions for Teachers in 2026

Hello everyone! In this episode of the podcast, we go over what resolutions teachers should embrace this coming year. The last several years have been difficult in the profession and for Jacob Chastain personally, but times change, we grow and we move on. The resolutions featured here are inspired by both personal and professional needs and hopefully provide a focus for the coming year. Resolutions in this episode include: 1. Show people the true nature of what we do 2. Advocate for yourself and your teams 3. Change it up and experiment 4. Be the teacher you needed as a kid If you have missed previous resolution episodes, they can be found below. 2020 Resolutions [https://teachmeteacherpodcast.com/2019/12/30/144-new-years-resolutions-for-teachers/] 2021 Resolutions [https://teachmeteacherpodcast.com/2021/01/01/190-2021-resolutions-for-teachers/] 2022 Resolutions [https://teachmeteacherpodcast.com/2022/01/03/244-2022-resolutions-for-teachers/] 2023 Resolutions [https://teachmeteacherpodcast.com/2023/01/02/292-new-year-resolutions-for-teachers-in-2023/] 2024 was a recap of the previous years and 2025 is here [https://teachmeteacherpodcast.com/2025/01/13/374-a-new-year-resolution-for-teachers/]

The Tool to Finally Engage Students in Writing (Redux)

Hello everyone! Writefully Empowered is HERE! It's my second book, all about creating a writing workshop that empowers young people to be their best and write pieces they care about. In this episode, I talk with my co-host of Craft & Draft [https://craftanddraftworkshop.com/] (my paused second podcast) about her experience with reading the book, what her takeaways are, and what other educators might find useful in it too. This episode previously aired when the book was released. You can get the book here [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1956306137/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&ref_=tmm_pap_swatch_0&sr=].

Empowering Inclusion with Melinda Arnost (Greatest Hits)

Hello everyone! If you have listened to the podcast for a significant amount of time, you have probably heard me talk about how my son is autistic. It has been a journey, for sure, but something that has been helpful along the way has been all of the great educators who have supported him and his needs. With that said, I couldn't be more excited to bring my talk with Melinda Arnost to you. She is the author of the upcoming book, Empowering Inclusion, and a passionate educator. Melinda is exactly the kind of educator we love to have on Teach Me, Teacher: passionate, innovative, and deeply in love with the work it takes to serve all students. This episode originally appeared as episode #184 of the podcast

#400 How Technology Can Support Literacy (Tinsley Galyean pt.2)

In this episode, we sit down with Tinsley Galyean—co-founder of Curious Learning and author of the forthcoming book REFRAME: How Curiosity & Literacy Can Redefine Us [https://www.amazon.com/Reframe-How-Curiosity-Literacy-Redefine-ebook/dp/B0FCJ628PD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JERQ3JHBXPG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.U1Leoe57ejBFh0-zXpd8uQ.ux9vE8FoXH382YRcSAIu2mxrV537WNjlLyJdj_-nLwc&dib_tag=se&keywords=TINSLEY+GALYEAN%2C&qid=1764557763&sprefix=tinsley+galyean%2C%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1]—to challenge everything we think we know about technology, kids, and learning. As debates rage over screen time, AI, and the impact of digital tools on child development, Galyean offers a powerful counter-narrative: what if technology, used intentionally, could become one of the most transformative forces in global childhood literacy? Drawing on fieldwork across Ethiopia, India, Bangladesh, South Africa, and beyond, Tinsley reveals how low-cost smartphones and child-driven learning apps are helping children learn to read in their mother tongue—even in communities with no formal schooling. We explore why curiosity is the secret engine of learning, how tech can support (not replace) human connection, and why it's time to reexamine the role technology can and should play in childhood literacy. If you're an educator, parent, or leader searching for evidence-based insights on technology and kids, digital learning, or the future of literacy, this conversation will expand your thinking and push you to reframe what's possible.