In this episode of the Play Ed 3 podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha welcome Fonz Mendoza, an influential figure in education and EdTech. They discuss Fonz’s unexpected journey into teaching, the importance of resilience and adaptability in education, and the impact educators have on their students. Fonz shares insights from his podcast, My EdTech Life, which he started during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for meaningful conversations in the education space. The episode highlights the shared experiences of educators and the importance of community in fostering growth and learning. In this conversation, Fonz Mendoza, Tisha Poncio, and Rick Butterworth delve into the complexities of education in the age of AI, discussing the monetization of educational frameworks, the importance of data in assessing student success, and the need for representation in educational discussions. They introduce the AIM framework for defining student success and emphasize the importance of foundational skills over technology. The conversation also touches on personal growth, leadership, and the challenges educators face in adapting to new technologies while maintaining a focus on student needs.

Takeaways

• Resilience and adaptability are crucial in teaching.

• It’s important to share stories and experiences in education.

• Fonz emphasizes the importance of community in education.

• Conversations about education should include diverse perspectives.

• We need to balance innovation with traditional teaching methods.

• Representation in education is crucial for diverse perspectives.

• Teachers should not feel pressured to adopt every new technology.

• Foundational skills are essential before introducing technology.

• Finding passion and purpose can lead to fulfillment in teaching.

About Fonz Mendoza

Alfonso Mendoza Jr., also known as Fonz, is a passionate educator, EdTech leader, and host of the award-winning podcast My EdTech Life. With over a decade of experience in education and instructional technology, Fonz has become a nationally recognized voice in the EdTech space, known for his candid conversations, forward-thinking approach, and deep respect for the classroom.As a Digital Learning Coordinator and doctoral candidate researching AI in education, Fonz brings both practical insight and academic rigor to his work. His podcast has become a hub for educators, founders, and policy makers to explore the real world impact of technology in schools, with over 300 episodes amplifying voices that often go unheard.Whether he’s training thousands of educators, presenting at ISTE and TCEA, or mentoring teachers in the field, Fonz’s mission is clear: empower educators and students to harness technology as a tool for connection, creativity, and critical thinking.A cautious advocate for AI, Fonz centers his work on equity, ethics, and the human side of innovation in education. He believes every educator has a voice and he’s here to help them use it.

Follow Fonz Mendoza on:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myedtechlife

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MyEdTechLife?sub_confirmation=1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amendoza1381/

Other: https://www.myedtech.life/

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🙋‍♀️Follow Tisha on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio

X (Twitter): https://x.com/tishaponcio

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tishaponcio

🙋‍♂️Follow Rick on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickbutterworth

X (Twitter): https://x.com/r1ck11

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickbutterworth

Want to be a guest?: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCaEyQrrPcYsKdQHaSlFbVXVVC_eNyXMMfy5NTj0aRNcR6Vw/viewform?usp=header

🧠 Let’s learn, grow and play together