Innovative Pedagogy Podcast

Dr. Kristina Mattis has worn nearly every hat in education — classroom teacher, district leader, executive director, professor, state ed-tech consultant, and organizational change consultant. In this episode, she joins host Chris Garcia to reflect on the people, projects, and pivotal moments that shaped her leadership… Read more

Jacob Kantor, founder of JK K12 and known as the "District Office Door Opener," has spent his career connecting district leaders, educators, and ed-tech innovators across the country. In this episode, he joins host Chris Garcia to share what he's learned from thousands of conversations with superintendents and CIOs:… Read more

In this episode of the Innovative Pedagogy Podcast, Chris Garcia sits down with Rob Dickson, Chief Information Officer for Wichita Public Schools, to discuss relationships, partnerships, and purposeful digital leadership.Rob shares how trust and collaboration shape meaningful work in educational technology, especially… Read more

In this episode of the Innovative Pedagogy Podcast, Chris Garcia speaks with Dr. Daniel Winters, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Educational Technology at Sweetwater Union High School District.Dr. Winters reflects on his leadership journey from his early years as a coach to roles as a school administrator,… Read more

In this episode of the Innovative Pedagogy Podcast, host Chris Garcia is joined by Laura K. Spencer, Chief Academic Officer at Elite Academic Academy and former President of CALIE through CUE.This conversation explores leadership beyond a single organization. Dr. Spencer reflects on what it means to shape vision,… Read more

In this episode of the Innovative Pedagogy Leadership Series, Chris Garcia speaks with Lolita Rico, Coordinator of Innovation at Chula Vista Elementary School District.Lolita shares how digital citizenship has evolved from a set of online safety lessons into a core foundation for student identity, wellness, and… Read more

Leadership is often learned in motion, between roles, decisions, and moments of pressure. Rarely do we pause to examine why we lead the way we do.In this opening episode of the Innovative Pedagogy: Leadership Series, host Chris Garcia shares the series' vision and purpose. Drawing from experience across… Read more

🎮 In Part Two of our conversation with Pejman Salehi, Vice President Academic at Conestoga College, we explore how esports, gaming, and immersive technologies are reshaping higher education. We discuss how institutions can use esports, 🕶️ AR/VR, and emerging technologies to build digital skills, strengthen… Read more

In this episode of the Innovative Pedagogy Podcast, Chris Garcia talks with Dr. Jennette Vanderpool from CDW about what it means to lead smarter in today’s schools. Jennette shares how her experience as a teacher, administrator, and board member shapes her approach to efficient spending and strategic… Read more

In this episode, we sit down with Becky Keene, author of AI Optimism: A Guide to Redefining Artificial Intelligence in Education. Becky shares how AI can transform learning, address equity and access, and prepare students for success in an unknown future. From overcoming misconceptions to taking practical first steps,… Read more

In this episode, I’m joined by Pejman Salehi, Executive Dean of the School of Applied Computer Science and Information Technology and the School of Creative Industries at Conestoga College and author of the EdTech Magazine article, “How Higher Ed Leaders Can Adapt to Generational Shifts.”We explore how:- AI-driven… Read more

In this episode, I talk with Jihan Johnston-McGlotten, a leader in digital culture, education, and gaming. She is the co-founder of BeatBotics, a company she started with her son to bring together hip-hop, technology, and esports. Jihan believes in using storytelling to create change and open doors for people who are… Read more

Gaming should be for everyone! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alicia Gallegos and Carrie Lane from the San Diego County Office of Education to explore how to create truly inclusive gaming experiences for all students. From adaptive controllers to accessible game choices, we’ll discuss practical strategies for… Read more

At the Future of Education Technology Conference in Orlando, Florida, we explore the exciting potential of esports in K-12 education and its ability to support social and emotional learning (SEL). This session focuses on how gaming is evolving beyond entertainment to become a valuable tool for building empathy,… Read more

In this exciting episode, we sit down with Aman Sahota, Co-Founder of Factors (formerly Ei Amplified), an award-winning Canadian EdTech startup revolutionizing personalized learning with AI. Named the 2021 Canadian Educational Technology Startup of the Year, Factors is tackling the complex data challenges of tailoring… Read more

Welcome to the Innovative Pedagogy Podcast! Join host Chris Garcia as he chats with Max Tompkins, a seasoned esports commentator, analyst, and content creator with over five years in the industry. Max, who has worked with leading titles and major platforms like IGN, now runs Weirdo Studios and KEG Studios, where he… Read more

🎙️ Join us for an engaging discussion on AI and education with special guest Dr. Daniel Schiff from Purdue University. Dr. Schiff's expertise in the governance and social implications of AI promises an enlightening conversation on the future of education. Tune in to discover Dr. Schiff's journey into AI,… Read more

Join Chris, Smoke, and Rob on the "What the EdTech?" podcast as they dive into the transformative world of the San Diego County Office of Education's Innovation Center. Discover how the center is harnessing the power of RIASEC theory to align students' strengths, interests, and values. The episode… Read more

Join host Chris Garcia on the Innovative Pedagogy Podcast as he shares lessons learned from his tenure as a school administrator. Discover the importance of trust and collaboration within the administrative team, and how vulnerability fosters stronger bonds. Explore strategies for supporting office staff, including… Read more

🎙️ Join us for "Classrooms and Circuitboards: Teachers Unplugged at CES." Roel Mislan from Feaster Charter School discusses insights from industry leaders like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and more on cybersecurity, AI, gaming, and innovation in education. Dive into the future of EdTech with exclusive CES… Read more

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Edvar, a current CalTech student and former student in Mr. Garcia's class. Edvar's journey from our classroom to higher education exemplifies the transformative power of innovative experiences. Through immersive innovative STEAM experiences, he discovered… Read more

After one year of a hiatus, we are back and bringing you the latest content on innovative pedagogy, ed tech, and even technology that will impact the classroom now and for years to come.

How can teachers establish a classroom culture of consistency, respect, and expectations during the post-pandemic era of students returning to the classroom? Take a moment to hear what a first-year teacher did to make that happen. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a comment. Feel free to email us at… Read more

Mental health is such a vital topic that needs to be addressed. Here is a story from a current teacher and how they have been fighting the fight to keep their mental health sane during and after a pandemic. This episode is not intended to replace the advice from a licensed medical or mental health professional. If you… Read more

With so much response from our last episode I had a good friend and current history teacher, Peter Rappaport, reach out to share his take and thoughts on the topic of whether teachers are really teaching Critical Race Theory. Our conversation may enlighten you to know that not every teacher is teaching what mainstream… Read more

Critical Race Theory has been a term that the big market media has somewhat placed on the curriculum that teachers are teaching in the classroom. However, that has not been my experience. Take a listen to how I have gone about teaching culturally responsive teaching in the classroom. I also share some of my personal… Read more

Hey everyone, just a check in to let you know where we have been and how this school year has been going. Please continue to share the good news of what's happening with our podcast and don't forget to subscribe and leave us some ratings. 

In this episode, Chris Garcia shares a lecture from EdChange Global. Within this episode, Chris shares how he assesses the strengths of his students and utilizes those strengths to build respect, inclusivity, and academics in the classroom. For access to his presentation please click here:… Read more

In this episode, we talk to Dr. D.A. Graham, Interim Vice Provost Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at The University of Kansas. During this interview, we talk about what it takes for organizations to have those tough conversations around inclusion when they can be uncomfortable. Be sure to take a deep… Read more

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Jane Gore, a University of San Diego Alumni and current 1st-grade teacher. During this interview, we talk about the challenges of trying to find a job during a pandemic and also teaching students in between in-person and online instruction. Host: Chris Garcia (garciaedtech.com) Guest:… Read more

In this episode, we talk to Augusto Ejanda, a 6th-grade teacher within the Chula Vista Elementary School District. During this interview, we share the importance of the use of the movie Black Panther to address several issues such as sharing the focus and purpose for this curriculum with your class. As well as… Read more

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Daniel Winters, Director of EdTech & Research/Evaluation for Sweetwater Union High School District. During this interview, we talk about the importance of creating boundaries, health, and how teachers can continue to serve from a place of having a "full cup." Be sure to not only… Read more

In this episode we talk to Suzy Garcia, Coordinator of Digital Implementation, focusing on how a school district can create equitable digital access for students. Host: Chris Garcia (@garciaedtechsd) Guest: Suzy Garcia (@GadgetSGarcia)

Starting off the year is always fun and exciting, however it's also the time where expectations are to be met. With the use of so much technology our host, Chris Gacia, shares the importance of beginning the year with digital citizenship. Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating.Host: Chris Garcia (garciaedtech.com)

In this episode, we talk with an educator and friend of the show, Augusto Ejanda. In this episode, we share the importance of fostering relationships with our students in order to see the best holistic self come out of the students. Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating.Host: Chris Garcia (garciaedtech.com)

How can we grab the attention of our students? What keeps them motivated & excited about a lesson? Check out what I've done the last seven years to support my students with rap songs, movies, books, memes, etc. This is one episode that you'll definitely want to here if you need some ideas on what to do with your… Read more

During this pandemic of COVID-19, parents find themselves now on the front lines of being teachers. Here's some practical advice to guide and bring some emotional/mental support for all parents.   Host: Chris Garcia (@chrisgarcia03)  Guest: Chips & Salsa Homeschooling (https://bit.ly/2YRNIQg) … Read more

How can teachers best be prepared for #DistanceLearning with the best tools, terminology, and resources out there? In this episode, Chris Garcia's Technological colleague from the University of San Diego joins him to talk about the best tools that exist and some of the more common terms that teachers need to be aware… Read more

A special episode dedicated to all the first-year teachers. Hear from Ms. Anne Barnes, of Stephen Hawking STEM Academy, and how her first year of teaching went. Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating. Host: Chris Garcia (@chrisgarcia03) Background Music: "Mark II" from the Iron Man Soundtrack by Ramin Djawadi… Read more

We interview Dr. Laura Spencer listening to her experiences as an educator and how innovation has shifted and changed within the classroom. Plus we also share some of the great things happening with SDCUE as we both share a position on the board. Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating. Host: Chris Garcia… Read more

During this episode we talk with Dr. Laura Lemos as she shares some best practices when supporting students with special needs, as well as her own story of being a parent to a child with special needs. Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating. Host: Chris Garcia (@chrisgarcia03) Background Music: "Mark II" from the… Read more

During this episode, we discuss the focus of our podcast and what the 4 C's mean with 21st-century learning. Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating.Host: Chris Garcia (garciaedtech.com)