Teach Your Class Off Radio

n the Season 9 finale of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ reflects on a life-changing senior mission trip to St. Croix, the power of student stories, losing his wedding ring in the Caribbean, and what educators can do to finish the school year strong. The conversation covers end-of-year projects, student apathy, teacher burnout, classroom management, AI in education, career transitions, and preparing for next year.

Season 9 comes to a close, but Sunday Night Teacher Talk returns with Season 10 on July 5th!

In Episode 348 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ reflects on the emotional chaos of the end of the school year, preparing for senior trip, graduation weekend, and fundraising with students using World’s Finest Chocolate. The episode dives into teacher burnout, conference season, community support, classroom culture, mentoring, and practical advice for educators navigating transitions, interviews, classroom management, and difficult parent situations.

Topics include:

• End-of-year teacher exhaustion
• Senior trip prep & graduation weekend
• Teacher mentoring & finding the right mentor
• Classroom management strategies
• Choosing between teaching positions
• Working with difficult parents
• Supporting disengaged students
• Creative classroom projects & literature ideas
• Why consistency matters in teaching

The end of the school year is here and with it comes chaos, big projects, and students who are either all-in or completely checked out.

In this episode of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ shares how he’s structuring final exam projects, keeping energy high during the last stretch, and having real conversations with students who are struggling to stay motivated.

If you’re trying to finish the year strong without burning out, this one’s for you.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Opening + End-of-Year Reality Check
02:10 Final Exam Project Ideas & Structure
06:30 “Firing on All Cylinders” This Time of Year
08:45 Question: Staying Positive at the End of the Year
15:10 Building for the Students Who Care
18:40 Late Work & Parent Requests
24:20 Proactive Parent Communication Systems
28:30 End-of-Year Testing: Does It Actually Matter?
33:40 Student Engagement Wins (Sign-on-a-Stick Story)
36:10 Journals: Paper vs Digital + Grading Systems
41:30 Using AI to Simplify End-of-Year Planning
45:10 Biggest Lessons After Years of Teaching
49:30 Time Management Systems That Actually Work
54:20 Motivating Students Who Have Checked Out
59:40 Closing Thoughts + Resources

___________________________________________________________________

CJ kicks off Episode 346 with a real-life chaotic Sunday and a reminder that growth-minded teachers show up—even when it’s messy. From students not turning in work to end-of-year burnout, CJ breaks down practical strategies to re-engage your classroom, chunk projects, and refocus on what actually works. He also dives into motivation, the power of joy, and how to avoid focusing on the wrong students. Plus: ideas for summer reading, classroom projects, and why “doing less but better” might be the key to finishing the year strong.

Chapters

0:00 Chaotic Sunday + real-life teacher life
2:00 Growth mindset: why showing up matters
4:15 New classroom addition: class fish + engagement ideas
6:10 Why students aren’t turning work in (and what to do)
10:45 Chunking projects for better completion rates
14:30 Fast grading + making grades visible to students
17:20 Summer book club idea for students
20:10 Reflection: best lessons from this year
24:00 Brain rot project + engagement strategies
28:15 Spirit weeks + building student buy-in
31:00 Resetting after long days + avoiding burnout
35:20 Inspiration vs. exhaustion (how to refill your energy)
39:10 Science fair + school-wide event ideas
43:00 Screen time in schools: what’s actually working
48:30 Why teachers are leaving (and how to stay grounded)
56:10 Refocusing on the right students
1:01:00 End-of-year motivation + finding joy again
1:06:30 Planning ahead for next school year
1:11:00 Closing thoughts + upcoming resources

________________________________________________________________________

With only a few weeks left in the school year, CJ dives into one of the trickiest seasons in teaching—when you’re balancing burnout, expectations, and unfinished goals. This episode tackles scripted curriculum frustrations, holding coworkers accountable, managing difficult student behaviors, and navigating high-stress situations like classroom incidents and toxic environments. CJ also shares practical strategies for end-of-year engagement, classroom consistency, and protecting your mental and emotional well-being as a teacher.

________________________________________________________________

⏱️ Chapters (Spotify Timestamps)

0:00 Welcome + 4 weeks left mindset
2:15 Experimenting at the end of the year
4:30 Play, creativity, and learning (playground documentary insight)
7:20 Scripted curriculum: follow it or go rogue?
15:30 Holding your ground as a professional educator
18:45 Getting coworkers to complete emergency plans
24:30 Teacher overwhelm vs. “squeaky wheel” accountability
27:15 Serious moment: teacher assaulted by student
35:40 Mental health, therapy, and taking time off
40:10 Classroom management: grouping difficult students
46:00 Parent communication and behavior tracking strategies
50:30 Workman’s comp + documentation tip (recording meetings)
53:30 Quick question: best teacher shoes
57:00 Closing thoughts + end-of-year reflections

_____________________________________________________

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

This week, CJ shares a heartbreaking story from his classroom week after losing one of the family cats just before school started, and talks honestly about what it looks like to teach when life feels heavy. He answers questions about becoming a teacher resource, rebuilding trust with disconnected classes, making SEL lessons more meaningful, preparing students for major exams, using AI ethically, gardening, spring behavior shifts, getting into teaching later in life, and the difference between clear expectations and a harsh “no excuses” mindset.

Chapters

0:00 Episode 343 and a tough week emotionally
1:10 New website update and newsletter mention
2:05 Losing the family cat and teaching through grief
5:20 It is okay to show up without pretending everything is fine
6:37 Ernesto’s question: how to become a teacher resource
9:32 Ruth’s question: rebuilding trust with a class trained not to care
17:30 Heather’s conference update and speaking invite note
18:18 Ruth’s question: making SEL lessons actually engaging
22:10 Geography Teacher’s question: reviewing for a national geography test
27:08 Mandy’s question: is it okay to use AI for evaluation responses?
34:18 Mallory’s question: beginner gardening tips and where to start
41:20 Logos Project’s question: why students dip before break
46:20 Switching into teaching from engineering
50:03 Advice for an 18-year-old future teacher
54:12 Mentoring reminder and coaching wins
55:42 Sweden question: the “no excuses” approach to education
1:03:40 Technology in teaching: tool or crutch?
1:06:00 Final encouragement and closing

_____________________________________________________

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ gets real about coming back from a spring break that was anything but restful. He talks about feeling worn down, spiritual resistance, tech disasters, sickness at home, and what it looks like to keep showing up when you do not feel refreshed. He also shares a fascinating insight from Malcolm Gladwell on ideal class size, then answers questions about reviewing for state tests, choosing novels that actually work, helping students who have checked out, building relationships with new admin, and what to do when grief hits right before Monday’s lessons.

Chapters

0:00 Spring break was not a break
2:18 Hacked accounts, broken gear, sickness, and a hard week at home
4:52 Malcolm Gladwell, dyslexia, and the surprising truth about class size
9:08 Why 18–22 students may be the sweet spot
11:18 Taylor’s question: reviewing old world history without losing US history time
17:22 David’s question: novels and stories that work in English 1
21:32 Dark Red Wood’s question: one student changing the whole class dynamic
29:42 Talking Into the Mic Show’s question: loud classes and no admin support
37:40 Notes From My Overdraft’s question: how to tell if a district is financially stable
45:31 Becky’s question: what to do when a family member dies and Monday is coming
54:53 Closing encouragement and final thoughts

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ talks about that awkward week right before spring break, how to keep class fun without losing structure, and why student behavior often spikes before a break. He also answers questions on exhaustion, long commutes, entitled students, test prep classes, building trust with new admin, reaching discouraged students, and how to start getting your school ready to bring in a speaker.

Chapters

0:00 Spring break is close… now what do you do with this week?
3:05 Keeping class light, structured, and meaningful before break
6:45 Short projects that work before spring break
10:02 Ruth’s question: extreme commute, exhaustion, and what rest really looks like
17:08 Logan’s question: handling a parent who thinks you have a grudge
26:02 David’s question: what to do with students after testing hours are complete
34:22 Linda’s question: building a positive relationship with a new principal or AP
42:18 David’s question: helping a student who has mentally checked out of school
54:15 Spring break encouragement and mentoring reminder
56:10 Build Your Class Off: sanding and finishing student-built benches
59:25 Advice for a freshman studying math education
1:03:25 How to bring CJ to your school to speak
1:07:05 Final encouragement: don’t wait for school culture to change by itself

_____________________________________________________

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ opens with a powerful reminder: everything you want is on the other side of being honest with yourself.

As March begins and the stretch to the end of the year feels long, CJ and Jen tackle real teacher struggles — student apathy, inconsistent behavior, tech vs. traditional instruction, AI misuse, co-teaching tension, and how to push through burnout before spring break.

Plus: practical strategies for classroom management, gamifying engagement, and helping students advocate for better instruction.

__________________________________________________________________________________

0:00 – If You’re Barely Holding On, This Is For You
3:40 – Full Weeks, Spring Break Pressure & Landing the Plane
8:25 – Exit Tickets & End-of-Class Chaos
16:50 – Analog Clocks & Managing the Last Five Minutes
21:10 – March Reading Month Ideas (Beyond Book Reports)
29:30 – How to Sell Big Ideas to Administration
37:20 – What I Want to Accomplish Before the End of the Year
42:15 – The Brain Rot Writing Project Explained
50:05 – Teaching Hatchet & Making Reading Come Alive
57:45 – Supporting New Teachers & Advocating Upward
1:05:30 – Tech vs. Traditional & AI in Essays
1:15:40 – When Students Push Back on Instruction
1:24:00 – Ideation: How to Brainstorm Creative Lessons
1:31:00 – Classroom Management Audit & Radical Honesty

__________________________________________________________________________________

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ reflects on speaking in Kansas and why hands-on programs like woodshop, robotics, and CTE matter more than ever. He answers big questions about moving on from a school after tough evaluations, advocating for teacher support, handling co-teaching tension, student apathy, AI in writing, and encouraging students to advocate for better instruction. Plus: practical advice on organization, sub plans, and building real classroom momentum in the final stretch of the year.

_________________________________________________________________

0:00 – Speaking in Kansas & Why Hands-On Programs Matter

5:30 – Outgrowing a School & Moving On After Tough Reviews

14:10 – Supporting Teachers Who Feel Unsupported

21:40 – Grading Sub Work & Managing Absences

26:50 – Staying Organized During the School Year

33:15 – Fighting Student Apathy in February

42:20 – Co-Teaching with an Uncommunicative Partner

50:30 – Tech vs. Traditional Teaching & AI Concerns

1:01:45 – Students Advocating for Better Instruction

1:07:30 – CTE Classes, Overload & Lesson Planning Strategy

1:17:40 – Brainstorming Creative Classroom Ideas

1:25:20 – Workshop Skills: Building Benches & Teaching Process

1:31:30 – Newsletter, Resources & Speaking Info

_________________________________________________________________

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ shares highlights from speaking in Kansas, why hands-on programs like woodshop and robotics matter, and how to fight the “February funk” hitting teachers and students alike. He answers questions about grading sub work, staying organized, handling co-teaching tension, navigating student apathy, and building joy into heavy seasons of the school year. Plus: practical strategies for inclusion classrooms and supporting struggling learners.

_______________________________________________________________

0:00 – 71° in New Mexico & February Funk

3:15 – Speaking in Kansas: Why Hands-On Programs Matter

8:40 – Grading Sub Work (Yes or No?)

13:55 – Staying Organized During the School Year

19:20 – Handling Student Apathy This Time of Year

28:05 – Co-Teaching with an Uncommunicative Partner

36:40 – Teaching Mixed-Level & IEP Classrooms

46:15 – Resetting Expectations After Break

50:30 – If I Were a Superintendent…

55:10 – Weekend Lesson Planning Without Burnout

1:00:25 – Encouragement for the Heavy Middle of the Year

1:03:40 – Newsletter, Friday Reflection & Speaking Info

______________________________________________________________

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and his wife Jen dive into the tough realities of leaving the classroom, balancing motherhood and identity, and why some teachers need to take a mental health day—guilt-free. They also cover strategies for teaching mixed-level classes (especially in therapeutic or IEP settings), how to bounce back after long breaks, why leadership visibility matters, and how to find joy during the midyear slump. Bonus: CJ reveals a new classroom resource and what he’s reading lately.

In Episode 335 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ reflects on how tracking small wins and classroom buy-in can re-energize your teaching midyear. He and his co-host Jen dive into questions about: resetting expectations after big projects, writing honest but compassionate feedback for student teachers, managing disruptive classes, and overcoming anxiety when stepping into the classroom after a long break.

Plus:

• Sprinkling magic as a substitute

• Making snow days count

• Whether student behavior contracts actually work

• Classroom management when you're outnumbered

• And how to leave a room (and a school) better than you found it.

💬 Know a teacher who needs a little extra support this week? Share the podcast with them!

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ reflects on KnowledgeCon in Los Angeles and the power of surrounding yourself with people who sharpen your vision and re-ignite your passion. He shares updates from the classroom, including why he transformed his room into a jungle, how he resets after winter break, and how to make even midterm testing feel supportive, joyful, and human.

Also in this episode: writing activities that work during tech transitions, how unstructured play is deeply underrated, why he changes up even successful lessons when they start to feel stale, and how a SPED teacher can manage 192+ students with rhythm and strategy.

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ kicks off 2024 with real talk about easing back into the classroom, navigating grading overwhelm, and how to show up with purpose and joy—even when the work feels heavy. He shares first-day-back routines, practical tips for grading essays and tests without drowning, and why teachers need both play and structure to thrive.

Topics also include: navigating burnout in chaotic schools, what to do when admin withholds critical info about student behavior plans, and reflections on whether CJ would ever become a school leader himself. Plus: goal-tracking systems, concession stand joy, and summer travel hopes for New Jersey and beyond.

In this low-key, holiday break episode, CJ reflects on the first half of the school year and shares his goals for a more intentional and joyful second half. Topics include helping students build confidence and creativity, choosing new core texts like Tuesdays with Morrie and Of Mice and Men, and using storytelling-based assessments.

He also chats about parenting during tech-heavy times, how he uses winter break to realign his faith, family, and classroom vision, and why working the school concession stand is his new favorite way to connect with the community. A cozy, encouraging listen for anyone resetting over break.

n this episode of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ unpacks what it means to lead with kindness—even when students act entitled. He shares how to respond when your classroom data gets called out, how to restore confidence through honest conversation, and why teaching with joy is a radical act in hard times.

We also dive into media-based storytelling projects for December, parenting with purpose in a tech-heavy world, and what a faith-based teacher workshop might look like. Whether you’re heading into break or hanging on by a thread, this one will remind you: you’re not alone, and you were made for this mission.

Back from Thanksgiving break with three weeks 'til Christmas—and it’s already chaos. In this episode, CJ talks about navigating shifting schedules due to sports tournaments, whether to cancel the long-awaited brain rot project, and how to reset classroom expectations in December. He also dives into what to do when students trash-talk you for holding them accountable, how to come back after a rough sickness, and where to find encouragement when your admin won’t give it. Plus: funny holiday game ideas on the cheap, showing grace to students with medical challenges, and a look at joyful teaching as a healing practice.

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ shares hallway snowstorms, Christmas confetti, and real talk about what happens when a student’s only friend cuts ties. We dive into how to rebuild class culture after an extended absence, why some teachers are ditching scripted curriculum (or fighting to), and what to say when other staff roll their eyes at esports teams.

Also in this episode: strategies for ADHD-friendly lesson planning, navigating parent pressure to get rid of Chromebooks, joyful ideas for the holidays, and how to line up students without chaos. Plus—why being a teacher from another country doesn't mean starting from scratch.

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, we’re unpacking what it really looks like to build a classroom and school culture from the ground up—especially when you’re new to the building. CJ shares updates on how shared experiences like lunch invites, Spirit Week, and hallway antics are shaping connection at his new school.

Other big topics this week include how to use ChatGPT to streamline grading while still giving meaningful feedback, what to do when group work falls apart, how to scaffold large writing tasks for struggling students, and why you don’t need to post the Ten Commandments to live your values in the classroom.

As always, we’re getting real about the teacher life, student behavior, faith, and showing up with joy—one week at a time.

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ dives into the real stuff teachers are navigating—burnout in the early months, resetting energy and habits, and how to bring “sprinkle magic” to your classroom without losing your mind. We also get real about romantic relationships in middle and high school, how to spot great leadership when job hunting, and how to keep your class culture joyful and grounded—even when you're exhausted.

_____________________________________________________

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

What do a viral meme, a dream classroom makeover, and AI-powered grading all have in common? They're all part of this week’s Sunday Night Teacher Talk. In Episode 324, CJ shares a wild story about discovering one of his former students is behind the “6.7” meme, reflects on revamping outdated lessons, and answers questions about teacher burnout, classroom management, using AI ethically, and how to handle cheating and overly chatty students. Whether you’re new to teaching or deep in the game, this one’s full of insights, laughter, and real talk.

_____________________________________________________

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

In this episode of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ dives into how to reboot your classroom mid-year, the power of bringing in guest speakers (like Marvel’s Jeff Willis!), and what to do when you're starting to feel stuck or stale in the classroom.

He also unpacks how to handle school toxicity, prep for paternity leave, respond to student hardship, and balance journals/vocab without assigning homework. Whether you're navigating burnout, dreaming of launching a creative elective, or simply trying to stay ahead of your grading, this episode has real talk and encouragement for every educator.

_____________________________________________________

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

Whether you're drowning in grading, battling classroom chaos, or questioning your impact after a tough student interaction, this episode brings real talk and real solutions.

CJ reflects on the surprising challenges of returning to the classroom, shares how he's using AI to speed up grading without sacrificing feedback, and unpacks everything from behavior consequences that don’t stick to what happens when a student confesses they cheated… after graduation.

Grab your coffee, your planner, and your teacher heart — this one’s packed with practical tips, soul-level encouragement, and some Halloween candy nostalgia too.

Welcome to Episode 321 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, where we dive deep into some of the most difficult—but important—questions facing teachers today. From managing explosive behaviors to balancing life as a parent of a neurodivergent child, this episode is packed with real talk, practical tools, and heartfelt encouragement.

_____________________________________________________

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

Welcome to Episode 320 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk—a jam-packed conversation covering everything from classroom chaos and phone bans to teacher job loss and unexpected student feedback.

This week’s wins, worries, and real talk include:

Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome + Brody joins to share about ghost story day
05:10 – Who are your education heroes? (Rules to Engagement Season 2 input)
08:15 – Helping students when parents aren’t supportive
15:30 – Managing student disrespect and enforcing procedures with integrity
22:10 – What to do when you strongly disagree with a student’s case manager
30:20 – How to handle your mugshot going public
33:40 – Balancing skit projects and sprinkling in classroom magic
38:00 – Should phones be banned or taught as tools?
47:50 – Handling immature behavior and the “6-7” meme
54:10 – Is it okay to split quizzes/tests for struggling students?
1:03:00 – Navigating subbing a required class with limited time
1:08:00 – When you get fired due to under-enrollment: what now?
1:17:20 – Tips for first-time parent-teacher conferences
1:23:10 – What sets CJ’s PD sessions apart from other trainings
1:28:50 – What classroom jobs CJ uses (and how he delegates)
1:32:40 – Dealing with staff-student conflict as a teacher
1:39:00 – Maintaining professionalism in IEP disagreements
1:47:00 – CJ’s current daily schedule + how he balances school, business, and family

If you need support with classroom management, building student relationships, or surviving the messiness of teaching, you're in the right place.

Welcome to Episode 319 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk!
This week’s live Q&A hit everything from high-stakes classroom conversations to low-budget cozy setups. If you’ve got freshmen acting like they’re still in elementary school—or if you’re wondering how to set work boundaries, teach hard topics, or deal with planner drama—this one’s for you.

Chapters & Topics Covered:
00:00 – Welcome, chia seeds, and the astronaut story projector
02:20 – Using immersive setups to make classroom magic
06:40 – What CJ eats & drinks during a typical school day
11:55 – Helping students overcome perfectionism in art class
20:10 – Talking with students about violence and hard news stories
26:30 – Decorating your classroom on a budget (Barnes & Noble Dark Academia vibes)
32:50 – Tips for not working past contract hours
38:15 – How to respond to toxic masculinity and sexist student comments
47:00 – When will lesson planning finally get easier?
52:10 – Choosing curriculum and avoiding resource overload
57:20 – Should teachers be fired for social media comments?
1:05:40 – Strategies for planner systems and keeping parents in the loop
1:12:40 – How to run a successful parent-teacher conference
1:18:00 – Tips for handling immature freshmen
1:25:00 – What makes CJ’s PD sessions different (and effective)

Episode 318 brings another round of real questions from real educators around the world—including one all the way from Iran.

This week we dig into:

Welcome back to another week of real talk for real teachers. Whether you’re a new teacher, returning to the classroom, or just trying to survive week three, this episode is packed with practical advice, encouragement, and a few laughs.

This week we covered:

• What has been the biggest surprise for you starting this school year in a new location?

• What do you do when parents are okay with their child refusing to follow directions?

• Can you walk us through the structure of a typical class period?

• Do you follow your own scope and sequence, the New Mexico Instructional Scope 2.0, or a hybrid?

• How do your students manage notes, papers, and binders?

• When your students look back years from now, what do you hope they say about being in your class?

• How do you keep students quiet and focused during lectures and work time?

• Do you have a pre-class slide you can share?

• How do you handle students coming in 10 minutes late to class?

• What if admin doesn't support consequences for late students?

• Do you have an outline of your Life Odyssey lesson?

• What has been your biggest challenge in changing schools?

• Are there significant differences in public schools now vs. before?

• What are you planning for back-to-school night or report card night to "sprinkle some magic"?

• What would you want to hear as a parent when meeting your child’s teacher for the first time?

• Do you have an Amazon wish list?

• What would you do if you have a class that comes in right after gym and is always late?

• Any tips for working with a special education co-teacher (ICT)?

• I’m scared to be too friendly—will students see me as weak?

• How do you balance being kind and still maintain respect?

This week we cover:
💭 What to do when it’s the beginning of the year and you already feel like quitting
🎉 How to run Fun Fridays that students actually look forward to
🗣️ Getting more students to participate—especially the ones who refuse
🧠 Helping slow note-takers without slowing down the whole class
⏰ How to deal with overloaded schedules
🧑‍🏫 Tips for mentoring a brand-new teacher
📚 My first day of school routines
💪 Staying motivated when the job gets tough
😞 How to handle the sting of students dropping your class—and telling others to do the same

It’s honest, practical, and full of encouragement for teachers at every level. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. Let’s teach our class off, together.

Daily Classroom Management Blueprint

This week we’re talking about:
🎉 Icebreakers for staff meetings that don’t suck
📱 What to do when your classroom aide is lazy and glued to their phone
🔁 How to bounce back after a year with students who made you question everything
⚖️ Finding work-life balance after years away from the classroom
📚 Managing multiple class preps without burning out
🤖 Using AI to create meaningful classroom content
🎓 Advice for student teachers entering their final placement

🗓️ What I hope to accomplish in the first six weeks of school

Whether you're a new teacher, a returning veteran, or somewhere in between—this episode is for you. Let's teach our class off, together.

Daily Classroom Management Blueprint

Too often, teachers are trained to plan for the worst—disruptions, burnout, failure. But what if we flipped the script? In this episode, I’m sharing a few simple, intentional ways I’m planning for the best school year yet. You deserve a classroom filled with joy, possibility, and purpose. Let’s talk about how to make that happen.

_____________________________________________________________________

✉️  TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF WEEKLY

Stay updated and learn more! Sign up for my weekly class updates and email newsletter here.

In Episode 314 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, we’re diving into real questions from real educators—like how to find joy after a tough year, how to rebuild your teacher identity in a new school, and how to manage chatty classes during activities. We also talk about building meaningful PD, getting to know new students, work-life balance, and what I’m excited to try this year.

If you're heading into the school year feeling hopeful and heavy, this one's for you.

___________________________________________________________

Daily Classroom Management Blueprint

In this throwback episode, I’m sharing 5 practical back-to-school tips to help you start the year strong. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro, these simple strategies will help you feel more prepared, more confident, and more connected from day one.

_____________________________________________________________________

✉️  TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF WEEKLY

Stay updated and learn more! Sign up for my weekly class updates and email newsletter here.

In Episode 312 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, we’re tackling a fresh batch of teacher questions—from first-year jitters to classroom joy boosters.

This week’s questions include:
🎓 Advice for a brand-new full-time middle school teacher (teaching both Social Studies and ELA!)
📚 How to get students to take ownership of their learning
📝 Tips for helping kids write essays with more flare
🎉 Ideas to spice up a dry curriculum and bring more joy into the classroom
🤰 Teaching while pregnant—what to expect and how to prepare
🏫 Moving from middle to high school—how to navigate the shift
📖 Unconventional book recommendations for teachers
🪑 Updates on my new classroom setup and joyful finds

Whether you're a brand-new teacher or a veteran looking for fresh energy, this episode has something for you. Let’s keep sharpening one another—because we’re better together.

Daily Classroom Management Blueprint

In Episode 312 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, we’re tackling a fresh batch of teacher questions—from first-year jitters to classroom joy boosters.

This week’s questions include:
🎓 Advice for a brand-new full-time middle school teacher (teaching both Social Studies and ELA!)
📚 How to get students to take ownership of their learning
📝 Tips for helping kids write essays with more flare
🎉 Ideas to spice up a dry curriculum and bring more joy into the classroom
🤰 Teaching while pregnant—what to expect and how to prepare
🏫 Moving from middle to high school—how to navigate the shift
📖 Unconventional book recommendations for teachers
🪑 Updates on my new classroom setup and joyful finds

Whether you're a brand-new teacher or a veteran looking for fresh energy, this episode has something for you. Let’s keep sharpening one another—because we’re better together.

Daily Classroom Management Blueprint

We’re back! After a short break, Sunday Night Teacher Talk returns with Episode 311, and we’re diving into all the things teachers are thinking about as a new school year approaches.

This week’s live Q&A covers:

• How to lesson plan when you’re teaching brand-new material

• Ways to engage students who just don’t care

• What to do when a retiring teacher hands you their old curriculum

• Tips for teaching a text you’ve never read

• Encouragement for first-year teachers finding their own voice

• Study strategies for students

• How to embed writing across your school’s curriculum

• The power of teaching with your individual gifts

• And yes… what my kids should call me now that I’m teaching them! 😄

Plus, I share my favorite part of the summer so far.
We’re sharpening one another because, as Proverbs says, iron sharpens iron.

Let’s teach our class off—together.

__________________________________________________________

Daily Classroom Management Blueprint

In this powerful, raw, and deeply honest episode of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, I sit down with one of my teacher heroes—Rafe Esquith, legendary educator and founder of The Hobart Shakespeareans. Rafe opens up about how he went from struggling in the classroom to building one of the most extraordinary programs in public education history.

We talk about:

• The power of slow growth in teaching

• Why student buy-in takes time—and patience

• How to build classroom culture that changes lives

• Why some of the best teaching comes from anger at injustice

• The importance of empathy, joy, and real-world purpose in education

• And why “there are no shortcuts” is more than a classroom rule—it’s a way of life

You’ll also hear about Rafe’s personal relationship with Sir Ian McKellen, how he avoided burnout for over 35 years, and why “being the person you want your students to become” is the most essential rule of all.

Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, this episode is a masterclass in heart, honesty, and what it really takes to transform students' lives—especially when the world underestimates them.

This week, we’re talking about navigating sudden job changes, making the most of the final weeks of school, and tips for teachers moving into new age groups or content areas. We’ll also touch on building confidence as a new language teacher, what it’s like to teach your own kids, and how to communicate with parents in ways that build trust.

The Odyssey Home-End-Of-Year Classroom Experience: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-odyssey-home-end-of-year-classroom-experience

Some of you may have had the sort of year that has you asking yourself "is teaching still for you?" I have good news.

The Odyssey Home: End of Year Experience: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-odyssey-home-end-of-year-classroom-experience

🎉 NEW! End Your Year on a High Note with The Odyssey Home 🎉
We just dropped a brand new resource designed to help you wrap up the school year with purpose, joy, and a sense of belonging. The Odyssey Home is packed with editable templates, student reflection activities, classroom awards, and everything you need to create a meaningful class send-off.