Ray Talks Live

Teaching Gen Z Seniors: Comparing Modern Students to Boomers and Gen X

Ray Talks Live Season 5 Episode 12

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 19:44

Is Gen Z truly a "lost generation," or are they just playing a different game?

In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we’re pulling back the curtain on the most talked-about generation in the classroom. As a veteran high school teacher who has spent decades watching seniors prepare for the real world, I’ve seen the shift firsthand. We address the "bad wrap" Gen Z gets and explore why the "soft skills"—the communication, eye contact, and grit that Baby Boomers and Gen X were raised on—seem to be missing in 2026.

But it’s not all bad news. I’m sharing why I believe "all is not lost" and why this generation’s unique perspective might be their greatest strength. We’ll discuss the impact of growing up in a digital-first world, how it has reshaped the classroom dynamic, and what we as educators and parents can do to bridge the skills gap. Join me for a candid, "boots-on-the-ground" look at the reality of teaching Gen Z seniors and why we need to stop labeling them and start understanding them.

Gen Z job seekers article

Send us Fan Mail

Music by StudioKolomna from Pixabay.

Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe!  Follow on social media: