In this podcast, we will engage in conversation with educators providing insight on best-in-class K-12 curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.
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, engaging families in grading reform, and Guskey’s fundamental challenge to educators: Are we selecting talent or developing it?
Thomas Guskey LinkedIn Page (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-guskey-9b458813/?isSelfProfile=false)
Engaging Parents and Families in Grading Reforms Book (https://www.amazon.com/Engaging-Parents-Families-Grading-Reforms-ebook/dp/B0CJ3C7G8R?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oYOo_m15FRPzCUgBq2LW7xKQdVy2GlwvUcIdMovH5vfq5nTq4jSmK9WdsstQuNKZCh_F19DXyUOC5lsZI5KlavB_wKjTtEKwQEW3DjN-xQ3XssPQZjpGsbAebqgo7mOe39soWdH0F5NS4XZa9iiswW2bgskY3Eky2DxSCHmN4oTmnZI8fSGniYEa7Zmtwe_6ZICeTjb0oCBpuQxu45x3ZHWW5vsqFF64TsWRIAL0ho4.w4KQCd_N_vrVwWDQCOZghrFX9apPrcVUMPXO-1MPP2Y&dib_tag=AUTHOR)
Music by Aylex
30 Sept 2026
Deborah Higdon and Chaco Abraham: How to Make Fathers Feel Welcomed at School
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, previous negative experiences, and invitations that unintentionally speak more to mothers than fathers. The conversation offers practical ways schools can change that: personally inviting dads, giving them specific and meaningful roles, asking when and how they want to participate, using technology when physical presence isn’t possible, and recognizing that “showing up” can take many forms.
Most importantly, the conversation challenges schools to stop measuring father engagement simply by attendance at events and instead ask a deeper question: Do fathers have a meaningful place in their child’s educational life?
Deborah Higdon LinkedIn Page (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-deborah-higdon-8194ba1b1/?isSelfProfile=false)
Chaco Abraham LinkedIn Page (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chacko-abraham-ed-d-1a734a34/?isSelfProfile=false)
The Dad Difference Book (https://www.ascd.org/books/the-dad-difference?variant=125005)
Music by Aylex
23 Sept 2026
Brett Roer: How AI Can Give Teachers Their Time Back
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 technology.
In this episode:
A simple AI/time-saving hack teachers can try tomorrow
The “AI sandwich” approach
Turning teacher expertise into reusable AI tools
Using AI to personalize learning without outsourcing thinking
Why AI implementation sometimes fails
Building staff trust and co-creating AI expectations
Starting small and moving toward an AI-forward school
Brett Roer LinkedIn Page (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-roer/)
Amplify and Elevate Innovation Website (https://aeieducation.org/)
Music by Aylex
Who has been a guest on Have a Life Teaching
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Susan Midlarsky
Ken Kahn
Lindsey Cormack
Jenn David-Lang
Kim Marshall
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
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Quality
57
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Have a Life Teaching
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