In this inspiring episode, former Commack High School student Austin takes us through his journey from high school to becoming an industrial operating engineer at the University of Michigan. Now an integral part of his company, Austin’s blend of technical expertise and positive mindset has played a key role in his success. Whether you're interested in engineering or just looking for career advice, this episode is packed with practical insights and tips. Don’t miss Austin’s motivating story—tune in now for a dose of inspiration! 🎧

What Can Classical Music Teach Educators and Parents?

In the hustle and bustle of daily routines, educators and parents sometimes need a reminder of why they do what they do. Teaching is more than just about sharing knowledge—it’s about forming meaningful connections and inspiring young minds. As Richard Kurtz reflects, "A child does not care what you know, they want to know that you care." Despite the challenges, the role of an educator is a privilege that goes beyond academic lessons. The emotional impact you have can last far longer than any test score.

In his TED Talk, The Transformative Power of Classical Music, Benjamin Zander offers a powerful reminder of the importance of our role in awakening potential in others. Zander’s words, “Never say anything to someone that couldn’t stand as the last thing ever said,” and “My job is awakening possibility in others. When their eyes are shining, it's working,” serve as an uplifting call for educators to refocus on their deeper mission—helping students shine, not just in their studies, but in their lives.

In moments of frustration, take a pause and reflect on these inspiring thoughts to restore your sense of purpose. Watch the full video for an uplifting perspective on why teaching is so much more than just a job. Watch here.

When I was in fifth grade, a simple library book changed my life. It introduced me to the Whooping Crane—one of the most majestic and endangered birds in North America. At the time, there were fewer than 50 left in the wild. Their story of survival, migration, and conservation sparked my passion for wildlife, biology, and education.

Decades later, I finally fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to Texas to see these incredible birds in their wintering grounds. Their journey—from near extinction to a remarkable conservation success—is a powerful lesson in biology, environmental stewardship, and human impact.

In this blog, I share my experience and provide resources for homeschool parents and educators to bring the story of the Whooping Crane into the classroom. Let’s inspire the next generation to care about conservation!

🔗 [Read more and explore lesson ideas here!]

In this episode of TeacherTalks with Kurtz, Mehtaab reflects on his educational journey through the Commack School District and how his high school experiences, interactions with fellow students, and early collaborations shaped his path to success. After graduating from Commack High School in 2014, he pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania and MIT. Mehtaab went on to earn his PhD from MIT and is now an assistant professor at Columbia University. He also holds the prestigious title of Clay Mathematics Institute Fellow, a recognition awarded to researchers with significant achievements and the potential to lead in mathematics. Join us as Mehtaab shares how his early experiences and academic partnerships have fueled his outstanding accomplishments.

A child’s interest in STEM often begins at home, where curiosity and creativity can flourish with the right encouragement. While schools play an important role, parents and guardians have a unique opportunity to foster a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through simple, everyday activities.

You don’t need to be a scientist to inspire your child—just a willingness to explore alongside them. From encouraging questions like “Why does this work?” to creating DIY maker spaces at home, there are countless ways to ignite their passion for discovery.

For more practical tips and resources, including STEM activities and links to inspiring projects, check out the full article. Together, we can guide the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers!

Wisdom from a Video Game Developer

Matthew’s journey from a high school innovator at Commack to a game developer for titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, he shares how his early passion for programming and mentorship paved the way for success. From co-creating the indie hit NoStranger to navigating the challenges of Silicon Valley, Matthew offers invaluable advice for aspiring developers.

Ready to explore the highs and lows of game development? Tune in now!

When students tell me they're bored in class, I see it as a challenge to make learning an adventure. Education should connect students with opportunities that ignite curiosity, whether through building a Parker Solar Probe replica or designing an experiment for a high-altitude balloon. KBLOG is here to help parents and educators discover dynamic resources that transform learning across all settings. Together, we can turn boredom into a spark that lights the way to lifelong discovery.

Philip graduated from Southside High School in 2004. We connected right away, like me, he hailed from Canada, and we shared a deep love for biology and nature. Throughout high school, Philip slowly got over his shyness and got involved in school life. His path was shaped by a series of fortuitous events and a steadfast determination to combine his love for the outdoors with his career. Today, he proudly serves as a forest research officer with the Canadian Forest Service in New Brunswick, living his dream.

The Thomas Edison Pitch Contest empowers young innovators to tackle real-world problems through creativity, teamwork, and STEM exploration. From brainstorming ideas to creating prototypes, students gain invaluable skills while showcasing their inventions."

In my latest episode, Kerry, a 2004 South Side High School alum, opens up about her inspiring journey from uncertainty to becoming a university professor and researcher. 🌿🔬 With a passion for science and mentorship, Kerry discusses how embracing failure turned into a springboard for success. Her story is a powerful reminder that setbacks are often just steppingstones to uncovering your true potential. Whether you’re a student, educator, or STEM enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on turning challenges into opportunities!

Explore upcoming STEM opportunities for teachers! Apply for STEM Research Grants (due Nov 15) to fund classroom research, and check out Environmental Education Resources for lesson plans on climate and biodiversity. Don’t miss the Smithsonian Teacher Innovator Institute (due Jan 20) for a free, hands-on experience at the Air and Space Museum.

In the latest episode of Teacher Talks with Kurtz, I had the privilege of speaking with Gabe, a truly inspiring individual! From his research at Commack High School to earning a Fulbright Scholarship in neuroscience in France, Gabe's journey is one for the books. Now, he’s starting an MD/PhD program at Stony Brook University.

Don’t miss out on his incredible story and the valuable advice he shares for students and aspiring medical professionals.

During my teaching career, I often taught students diagnosed with ADHD, a condition affecting about 11.4% of children aged 3-17 in the U.S. As ADHD diagnoses continue to rise, it’s important for teachers, parents, and homeschoolers to have strategies in place to support these learners. I’ve gathered four excellent resources that provide practical tips for managing ADHD in educational settings. These resources cover everything from classroom strategies to homeschooling advice.

If you have tips or resources that have worked well, feel free to share them in the comments!

Welcome to “Teacher Talks” with Mr. Kurtz!

In each episode, I reconnect with former high school students to explore how their education shaped their lives, providing valuable insights for parents, teachers, and students alike.

Calling all students and parents! If you’re considering a career in medicine, you won’t want to miss this episode. Join me as Amy shares her inspiring journey, filled with unwavering determination and passion. She offers essential advice for aspiring medical professionals, breaking down what it takes to succeed as a physician’s assistant in orthopedic surgery.

As educators and parents, we play a crucial role in guiding students toward their dreams. Together, we can help nurture their aspirations and equip them with the tools they need to succeed.

Tune in to "Teacher Talks" with Kurtz and get motivated to chase your dreams!

Explore the potential of AI in education with practical insights from Dr. Ethan Mollick and Dr. Lilach Mollick of the Wharton School. Learn how AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance student learning through ready-to-use prompts and personalized teaching strategies. This post shares key resources by the Mollicks' to help educators integrate AI thoughtfully into classrooms, offering examples, strategies, and prompts to foster interactive learning experiences. Discover how to maximize AI's benefits while addressing its challenges. Read more for expert guidance on using AI in teaching.

To truly make Project Based Learning a central part of our students' and children's educational journey, we need a streamlined, practical strategy that can seamlessly fit into our busy routines. KBLOG 68 offers some strategy with links.

Summertime is a time to recharge and learn new things. Reading is a great way for teachers, parents and students to expand knowledge and get new ideas. This KBLOG includes links to books you may want to consider for yourself or your students (children).

Sometimes students with disabilities get overlooked or not exposed to advanced STEM courses. The challenge for educators and parents is to cultivate, encourage and provide opportunities for all students who demonstrate an interest in STEM. I found that as a teacher.

Optical illusions can be linked to many aspects of learning and offer a fun and interesting gateway into a variety of topics. Try using optical illusions in your classroom lessons and/or home to increase student creativity, observational and problem-solving skills.

Students learn new STEM concepts best when they are taught in conjunction with real-life practical examples. Case studies are a great vehicle to enhance and reinforce STEM learning for all levels of students. Check out the National Science Teaching Association’s case study collection .