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EdTech Nerds

🤓 NerdSquad Notes 25.07

Published 11 months ago • 5 min read

June let you nap without guilt, ignore emails with reckless abandon, and reclaim your identity as a human being not powered solely by caffeine and chaos. Well done. Gold star. But now July has quietly tapped you on the shoulder with a gentle whisper: “Hey...school’s coming.”

Don’t panic. July isn’t here to steal your peace, it’s here to help you slowly build it into your back-to-school blueprint. This month, we’re talking about the art of the soft launch: keeping one foot in the hammock while dipping the other into purpose-driven prep. Think: goal-setting without the pressure, organization without the bindersplosion, and mindset shifts that don’t require a yoga retreat (unless that’s your thing, then carry on, zen master).

You don’t need a full reboot. Just a smart recharge.

Let’s make this school year feel a little less like survival mode and a little more like...you’ve got this.

🎧 Featured Listen: The Ed Mylett Show – Episode 419: "What QTR Taught Me About Time, Peace, and Power"

If July had a spirit animal, it might be this episode. In “What QTR Taught Me About Time, Peace, and Power,” Ed Mylett gets real about protecting your energy, mastering your minutes, and aligning your actions with what truly matters. “QTR” stands for “Quality Time Remaining,” and it’s not just motivational mumbo jumbo, it’s a mindset shift.

This episode is a perfect companion to your mid-summer reset. Ed’s insights are a reminder to live (and teach) with intention. Because yes, you can prepare for back-to-school without sacrificing your sanity or your relationships with those who matter most.

🎧 Podcast Vibes: No Dumb Questions​
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Need a break from “productive” podcasts shouting about morning routines and bullet journals? No Dumb Questions is the audio equivalent of a thoughtful walk with a curious friend. Hosted by Destin Sandlin (of Smarter Every Day) and Matt Whitman (of The Ten Minute Bible Hour), this podcast blends science, philosophy, and dad-level humor into conversations that feel like a deep breath for your brain.

Episode 196 is a fan favorite: equal parts gentle banter and thoughtful exploration. It’s highly rated for a reason. Whether they’re unpacking time perception or debating the moral implications of hot dog eating contests (yes, really), these two remind you that learning can be both relaxing and inspiring.

As you prep for a new school year, this podcast is a perfect reminder: rest isn’t a break from progress... it’s part of the process.

🔥 Hot Tips for Cool Teachers

A few quick wins to make your digital life easier, your feedback better, and keep your sanity intact.

📄 Google Docs: Compare Like a Pro​
Use Tools > Compare Documents to see two versions side by side - perfect for tracking student growth, spotting revisions, or realizing your original draft was, in fact, the better one.

🔍 Command (or CTRL) + F: The Real MVP​
Can’t find that one line in a 47-page doc? Hit Command (Mac) or CTRL (Windows) + F to summon instant clarity. It's like GPS for your brain in digital form.

😀 Add Some Emoji Energy​
Use the emoji keyboard (Mac: Control + Command + Space | Windows: Win + .) to lighten your feedback tone. Sometimes a 🎯 or 🤔 says more than a paragraph ever could.

⚙️ Prep Now, Breathe Later: Self-Checking GSheets to the Rescue

Looking for a fresh way to engage students and lighten your grading load? Steve Buch’s Google Sheets templates are self-checking, student-friendly, and way more exciting than your average digital worksheet. Start with his free training that walks you through building your own self-checking activity in just 15 minutes, no spreadsheet sorcery required. From there, you can explore his full membership and course to take things even further.

These templates don’t just check answers, they give real-time feedback, track student progress, and let you peek in on who’s nailing it and who needs a nudge . Plus, if you really want to level up, his “Teach with Sheets” course and "Sheet Load of Templates" membership offer deep dives into formula hacks, gamification strategies, and time-saving automations.

Here’s the smart move: budget some time this July to play with a template or two. Tinker, tweak, toss in your own questions and imagine the hours you’ll save next month when school ramps back up. Smart prep doesn’t disrupt your rest, it honors it.
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🎁 Bonus Feature: Mindful Moments Bingo

Looking for a fun, low-pressure way to bring more calm into your days? Grab our free Mindful Moments Bingo card. It’s packed with simple, doable ideas to help you slow down, breathe deeper, and reset your rhythm.

Play solo for some quiet self-care or challenge a friend to a friendly round of mindful living. Loving it? You can also snag the full 5-card set to keep the good vibes going all summer long.

​Click here to drop your stress and up your calm. Then check your email for the download link.

Upcoming EdTech Nerds Events

Summer Webinar Series July 9 - 25 🏖️

Thank you for taking the poll!

You talked, we listened.

This series has been specifically designed for you. All times are 4pm, CDT.

  • Wed, July 9 - AI Test Kitchen: From Demos to Decisions
  • Fri, July 11 - Calm the Chaos: Brain Breaks that Work
  • Wed, July 16 - The Curiosity Code: Cracking Student Engagement with Creativity
  • Thur, July 17 - Shelf-Care for the Digital Age: AI, Engagement & the Evolving Library
  • Fri, July 18 - Dear AI: Please Handle This Nonsense So I Can Teach
  • Wed, July 23 - From Cringe to Captivating: Instructional Videos That Don't Embarrass You Later
  • Fri, July 25 - The Island of Misfit EdTech: Too Many Good Ideas, Not Enough Adult Supervision

Robstown TechConnect
July 31 - Robstown, TX

Join us at Robstown Early College High School for TechConnect, Robstown ISD’s one-day edtech conference for teachers, coaches, admin assistants, and support staff.

We’ll be presenting on a mix of practical edtech topics, perfect for getting that back-to-school mindset humming. Whether you're deep into tools or tech-curious, TechConnect is your July recharge to end the summer on a high note.

We're presenting on:

➡️ Present with Pizzazz

➡️ Differentiation

➡️ Formative Assessments

➡️ Flipped Classroom

➡️ Inclusive Feedback Strategies

🎓 Coming This Fall: NERDSquad+

Get ready to level up! EdTech Nerds is launching a members-only community this fall designed just for teachers like you. Inside, you’ll find exclusive micro‑trainings, monthly live Q&As, ready-to-use resources, and a supportive peer network to fuel your creativity and sanity.

Picture this: a one-stop hub that saves you prep time, keeps you inspired, and offers help exactly when you need it. Early members will also get behind-the-scenes access and special launch perks you won’t see anywhere else.

Stay tuned! This is the recharge and refresh you’ve been waiting for.

🚀 Early Nerd Gets the Perks​
Want in early? We’re opening the EdTech Nerds Membership doors this fall, but we’re offering a sneak peek (and some juicy early bird perks) to our most curious and committed educators.

👉 Click below if you want first dibs, early access, and input on what we build. No spam. No pressure. Just nerdy goodness, tailored to you.

Here’s to making every day matter. We’ve got your back!

Until next time,
Destiny & Kris

Let's connect! 💬 You can find me on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Bluesky.

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Connect with Kris - Bluesky & Instagram​

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Note: EdTech Nerds shares product recommendations based on personal experience and professional insights. We are not affiliated with or compensated by the companies or creators of these products. Our goal is simply to provide valuable resources for mindful educators.

Find out more about us | Book us for trainings | Read our blog posts | See our latest products

​www.edtechnerds.com​

Join our free private Facebook group, Calm Teachers Use Tech​

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EdTech Nerds

A Mindful Approach to EdTech

At EdTech Nerds, we blend mindfulness with practical tech solutions to help teachers streamline their workload without sacrificing their well-being. Our goal is to help educators reclaim their time, avoid burnout, and build a more balanced, fulfilling teaching life.

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