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Ep 138 How to Make Cheating Harder in the Age of AI

Kids are cheating with AI, and it’s definitely become a problem. As an ardent AI enthusiast, I’ve previously shared my excitement for this revolutionary technology. However, the dark side emerges as students increasingly turn to AI as a shortcut,…

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Ep 137 The Best Way To Ensure a Smooth Substitute Day

As educators, we understand that unexpected situations can arise at any moment, making the prospect of taking a day off seem daunting. Whether it’s due to a sudden illness, a family emergency, or just needing a well-deserved personal day, the process…

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Ep 136 Catch up struggling students with this method

Struggling with students falling behind in the school year? In this episode, I share my proven method for addressing this common challenge. Whether it’s a handful or an entire class, falling behind is a tough spot. Do I slow down for all or forge…

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Ep 135 This Can Get You Fired, Even Outside of Work

In this episode, I delve into the challenging world of teachers’ off-duty actions and their digital footprint, uncovering a real-life case that rocked a Kansas school and led to a teacher’s dismissal. I explore how a series of TikTok videos had…

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Ep 134 What teachers can do when students are at different levels

Teachers constantly struggle to figure out how to teach content when every student is at a different level and has different needs. In this episode, I discuss practical ways that I scaffold for the varying needs of my students as well as my take on…

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Ep 133 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Deciding to Become a Teacher

Are you considering a career in teaching? SHOULD you become a teacher, and do you have what it takes to not only survive but THRIVE? It’s a noble pursuit, but let’s face it – deciding to become a teacher can be a minefield of potential mistakes. You…

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Ep 132 How to Avoid Parent-Teacher Conflicts in Your Classroom

In this episode, I delve into the art of managing difficult parent-teacher relationships to ensure a harmonious and successful school year. I share personal stories and practical advice to help you become a master of handling difficult parents. These…

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Ep 131 What teachers should NEVER do at Open House (and what you should do instead)

Want to know the secrets to a successful Open House? Discover the 5 things you should NEVER do, along with 5 practical alternatives that guarantee a memorable Open House experience. In this episode, I bring you over 20 years of experience with Open…

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Ep 130 5 Outdated Back-to-School Trends That Teachers Need to Ditch

Are you ready to break free from the same old back-to-school routine? In this episode, we’ll dive into 5 outdated back-to-school trends that are long overdue for a revamp. Join me as I explore alternative approaches that promote a dynamic and…

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Ep 129 This one shift could make you a better teacher

Are you tired of endless piles of paperwork and countless hours of grading? Do you dream of a streamlined assessment process that saves you time and energy? In this episode, we delve into the game-changing strategies that will create LESS work for…

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Ep 128 How to realistically reach 99% of your students

Pretty much every teacher struggles to teach in a way that addresses the needs of all of their students. Despite their attempts at differentiation, the vast array of levels in their classroom makes it daunting at best.

What if the way we’ve been…

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Ep 127 Teaching at a new school? 6 essential questions to ask

Congratulations on landing your dream teaching job! The exhilaration of this new opportunity is boundless. I understand that you may have a whirlwind of thoughts running through your mind as you prepare for your first day at the new school. That’s why…

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Ep 126 Ten ways teachers can prepare for bad student behaviors

Classroom management and behavior issues can seem daunting (especially after this past school year), but fear not! In this episode, I share essential tips and strategies to help you master the art of classroom management. By following these…

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Ep 125 Six ways teachers can transform daily struggles into daily wins

As a newer teacher, you’re bound to make mistakes, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s necessary. Embracing failure allows you to learn from your experiences, adjust your teaching strategies, and improve your classroom management…

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Ep 124 Best ChatGPT prompts for teachers – how to get the most from AI

There’s still a lot of skepticism around the role of ChatGPT and other generative AI in education. Many educators have complained that it doesn’t seem any better than Google, and that the results it produces aren’t impressive.

In today’s episodes,…

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Ep 123 15 streams of income for teachers you can start this summer to make more money

With summer break coming up, it’s the perfect time to start a side hustle and add different streams of income since you’ll have more time and mental energy to try a new endeavor. And who knows, some of these might even produce enough income to replace…

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Ep 122 Challenges I face as a teacher that make me want to quit teaching

In this episode, I delve into the significant changes that have occurred in the education landscape since the COVID-19 pandemic that make me want to quit. I explore the effects of student apathy, increased instances of disruptive behavior, and the…

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Ep 121 Non-renewal notices for teachers and what it means

If you’re a teacher and received a notice of non-renewal, it’s important to understand your rights and options. It’s a scary and frustrating time, especially when you don’t know what to do next. In this episode, we’ll be discussing notice of…

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Ep 120 Forget videos – project-based learning will get your students excited to learn!

Are you tired of traditional classroom methods that leave students bored and unengaged? Look no further than project-based learning! In this video, Nancy Mikhail from BuildaProject.net and I explore how project-based learning can transform your…

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Ep 119 End-of-the-year prep for teachers – how to survive without hating life

The end of the school year is both a time of excitement and dread. Excitement because we’re almost at summer break and dread because things can get really hectic. And it can be super stressful if you don’t plan for it correctly because there are so…

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Ep 118 5 Alternatives to Quitting Teaching

Let’s be real – teaching is a tough job, and it’s not uncommon to feel like throwing in the towel at times. Between unsupportive administrators, heavy workloads, angry parents, disrespectful students, and external pressures from policymakers, it can…

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Ep 117 Teaching Stress Can Age You – Find Out How to Reverse the Damage!

Teaching can be a rewarding and fulfilling profession, but it can also be demanding and stressful. Many teachers experience burnout and rapid aging due to the pressures of the job. In this episode, I explore the importance of self-care, stress…

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Ep 116 Introverted teachers can still be the fun teacher

Are you one of those teachers who’s a little more introverted or serious, and maybe not categorized as the “fun” teacher? Do you wish that your students were more engaged and that you had more buy-in from them without having to put on a dog and pony…

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Ep 115 When life gets really hard, here’s how to survive teaching

When a major event happens in your life, it can be hard to figure out how to get everything done. Teachers especially struggle with the day-to-day in terms of planning lessons, teaching, and grading, and that’s without anything big happening in their…

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Ep 114 Hacks for grading assignments fast when you’re falling behind

Are you a teacher who’s feeling overwhelmed with grading? You’re not alone! All teachers fall behind on grading at some point in their careers, and it can be a HUGE source of stress. But don’t worry, there are ways to grade faster and catch up. In…

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Ep 113 How to get students to submit their homework

One aspect of teaching that frustrates literally EVERY TEACHER is students not turning in their homework. No matter what consequences or how much extra time you give, it seems like some students just REFUSE to do any work, let alone submit it! In this…

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Ep 112 How to cut your grading time in HALF

Teachers tend to spend HOURS of time grading, and especially outside of their work hours. Whether you’re physically taking papers home or online, grading assignments is often the bane of all teachers. Surprisingly, there ARE ways to cut down on…

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Ep 111 Understanding student behavior in the classroom

Many students have been struggling with their behavior in the classroom since the start of the pandemic. Parents and students went through tremendous amounts of stress and anxiety, which caused a disruption in student behavior. It can be difficult to…

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Ep 110 How ChatGPT Can Transform Teaching

Are you tired of spending countless hours on lesson planning, grading, and answering emails? ChatGPT is here to change that! This cutting-edge AI technology can assist teachers in so many aspects of their job and make their lives in their classrooms…

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Ep 109 How your past experiences in school are hurting your teaching

Many teachers today can trace their successes and difficulties in the classroom back to their own experiences when they were students. Unfortunately, if those experiences were negative or traumatic, that can affect how they interact with their current…

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Ep 108 How to finally find happiness in teaching

A lot of teachers are truly dissatisfied and fed up with teaching for many reasons, but one of the main ones is student behavior. Students, their parents, other staff, and admin can definitely behave in ways that trigger us and make us want to give up…

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Ep 107 The truth about problematic student behaviors

Having difficulty managing behavior in the classroom as a newer teacher? This video explores how to break the cycle of cause and effect between student behaviors and your own. Learn to be honest with yourself about your presence in the classroom, as…

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Ep 106 No-brainer hacks for effectively teaching a lesson

In this video, I cover how to deliver effective lessons in the classroom. It covers how to explain concepts in a way that students understand, use lectures, have students read a text, watch a video, or solve a problem. If you’ve been struggling with…

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Ep 105 3 bad habits that kill student engagement

In this episode, I discuss three bad habits that are killing student engagement in the classroom and provide strategies for educators to improve learning experiences. I look at ways to talk less, be more engaging, and be more flexible and relatable….

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Ep 104 8 Uncomfortable Truths About Quitting Teaching

In today’s episode, I’m discussing the pros and cons of quitting mid-year so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to leave your job. I talk about the benefits of continuing to work through the end of the semester, as well as the…

Ep 103 3 Activities to Do Before Any Test To Help Students Succeed

It’s that time of the year again – finals are quickly approaching and you have a limited amount of time to make sure your students are prepared. Preparing for any test can be an overwhelming task, but with the right strategies in place, it is possible to help your students succeed! In this episode, I…

Ep 102 Why you’re not using state standards the right way

With the amount of pressure and things on their to-do list, many new teachers struggle with planning effective lessons. And while they probably have knowledge of their state standards, they’re not using them fully to their advantage. In today’s episode, I not only break down how I would study the standards but also how I…

Ep 101 Planning a lesson that ensures student learning

So you’ve survived the first couple of months of school (or maybe you were just thrown in), and you’re figuring out what you need to teach. If you’re lucky, you’ve been handed a curriculum, but that doesn’t mean you know where to start. In this episode, I’m going to go through the lesson planning process…

Ep 100 How to help SPED students and teachers during distance learning

The pandemic and distance learning have been difficult for both teachers and students, but especially our special education students. In this episode, I talk to Brandie Rosen and we discuss how teachers can support our SPED students online as well as how to simplify the IEP process. How to reach Brandie: https://iepsuntangled.com/ https://brandierosenconsulting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/teachers_love_learning/ https://www.pinterest.com/brandierosenconsulting/…

Ep 99 I’m Back! Updates On Teaching and The Future Of This Podcast

It’s been months since my last episode, but I’m back. In today’s episode, I discuss where I’ve been, my thoughts and experiences on distance learning, and the future of the podcast. Got questions, feedback, or want to be on the show? You can email me at kim@teachersneedteachers.com Connect with me Subscribe to Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or Stitcher…

Ep 98 Actionable strategies for new special education teachers

Being a new teacher is difficult for everyone, but SPED teachers have a unique set of challenges that most of us gen ed teachers never realize. Part teacher, part curriculum writer, and part parent liaison (among other things), SPED teachers wear many hats. In this episode, Brandie Rosen and I discuss not only the challenges…

Ep 97 How gen ed teachers can support SPED students

We will all have special ed, or SPED students at some point in our classrooms, and we often feel lost in terms of how to support them. New teachers especially struggle since they struggle to know things like accommodations and IEPs. So I brought on special education expert, Brandie Rosen, and we discussed all things…

Ep 96 How to create a self-running classroom using a classroom economy

As a new teacher, can you imagine how awesome it would be if your classroom basically ran itself so that you could focus on small group and individual instruction? There are obviously a ton of ways to get a classroom to run smoothly and to keep students engaged, but what if you could do it…

Ep 95 How new teachers can invest in their future now and have big wins in retirement

In the last episode, we discuss how to pay off debt and save for an emergency fund, as well as the need for a budget, and today we discuss our financial future – which can be difficult for some to consider when they’ve got another 30 years of teaching to go! But it’s so important…

Ep 94 Common financial pitfalls that new teachers make

A lot of college graduates find themselves entering the professional world without a solid financial base. They have this newfound money that they’re working their butts off to earn, and they want to live it up and have fun. This is exactly what I did, and luckily, I managed to start saving for retirement. However,…

Ep 93 Ways to reignite your passion for teaching when you want to quit

Many new teachers get to the point where they’re just DONE with their teaching situation, or maybe just teaching in general. While most of you are still excited about teaching since you’ve just started, there are still some of you that are already overwhelmed and just over it all and are wondering what to do…

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Ep 92 Common first-year struggles we all have

For new teachers, it can seem like they’re the ONLY ones having a tough time with a certain aspect of their teaching, and they’re often too ashamed or embarrassed to talk about it. These frustrations can really weigh on them and make them feel like failures. In this episode, I discuss the common struggles I…

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Ep 91 The right and wrong way to deal with angry parent emails

There isn’t ONE TEACHER who hasn’t received an email, phone call, or message from a parent who is concerned or upset about something that a teacher did. For new teachers (and veterans, too), this can be really intimidating or worrisome because not handling it correctly can make the problem worse. How can you respond without…

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Ep 90 What to do when you’re seriously behind on grading

As much as I’d like to think that I have my systems down pat after 18 years, there are STILL times when I get behind on my grading. This can be really overwhelming because it just piles on and it seems like you’re never going to get out from under it. New teachers find this…

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Ep 89 5 crucial steps to fix your lessons when they’re not working

No matter how much time we spend planning a lesson, there WILL be lessons that don’t work quite how we had anticipated. This is especially true if you’re a new teacher because you’re still figuring out lesson delivery and pacing, student engagement, and classroom management. But how do we handle this when we’re supposed to…

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Ep 88 How to set up your lesson planning for student success

Once the holidays hit, it can be a time of panic for teachers. With a quick glance at their pacing guide, they realize that they’re more behind than they’d anticipated. They ask themselves: Do I have enough time to cover everything I was supposed to? Am I on track? If I didn’t get to everything,…

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Ep 87 How to tackle organization when you’re naturally disorganized

Imagine if teaching only involved the part where you’re interacting with students. Things would be much easier, right? But the reality is that there are so many facets of teaching that pull at us, and unless you’re hyper-organized, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by it all. I know that there are many of…

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Ep 86 How Open Middle Math lessons can get your students addicted to math

Math tends to be one of those subjects that kids either understand and love or are completely befuddled by and hate. New math teachers often find themselves struggling between teaching procedures versus concepts. Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of controversy in terms of which way leads to greater student success. In this interview, Robert Kaplinsky…

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Ep 85 How to set yourself up for success with station rotations

In the last episode, we covered why teachers should incorporate station rotations into their teaching, the logistics of planning for them, and how they can help with differentiation and classroom management. But if you’ve done them in the past and they were a disaster, chances are you didn’t set them up properly. Today I bring…

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Ep 84 Why station rotations can positively impact your teaching practice

A lot of teachers have different strategies for cooperative learning or to facilitate more engaging learning experiences. One that most know of and not enough try is station rotations. I’d seen these done with various teachers and even dipped my toe in a bit, but I wanted to know more about how to do them…

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Ep 83 How new teachers can survive in difficult schools

New teachers come out of their practicum excited and ready to dive head-first into teaching. But they often run into the problem of trying to decide which schools to teach at, being a positive force for students with difficult home lives, and a long list of other serious issues. How do they know if a…

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Ep 82 What teachers can do to foster LGBTQ inclusivity in the classroom

New teachers often come into teaching already supporting LGBTQ rights and have good intentions to demonstrate this support but can fall short on implementation. How can they start eradicating cisnormativity and heteronormativity that has been institutionalized for many students? How can they create a safe space that goes beyond rainbow flags and stickers? In part…

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Ep 81 How to support LGBTQ educators and students in our schools

Even though it’s 2019 and it seems like there would be more acceptance and inclusion of the LGBTQ people, there is still a lot of work to do. And while I personally support those in the community, I wanted to know more about how I can do a better job as a teacher. So on…

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Ep 80 Teachers drowning in student loan debt can save so much money by doing this

Student loan debt is no joke, and it creates so much anxiety for just about everyone, ESPECIALLY newer teachers. Programs like Teacher Loan Forgiveness promise to help with this burden, but it barely helps to bring down the tens of thousands of dollars in debt that teachers have. And misinformation about the best way to…

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Ep 79 The best and least expensive way to pay off your student loans

The large majority of new teachers have some form of student loan debt are probably trying to figure out how they’re going to pay it off with their new salary. What if I told you that some of you could pay as little as $100 a month AND have all of your debt taken care…

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Ep 78 What you need to understand about why teens to act the way they do in your classes

Educators that teach teenagers have a unique challenge: their students want the same type of love and praise as before, but now they also want more autonomy. This means that the typical model of teachers setting the rules and students complying becomes more complicated as teenagers begin to question and challenge their teachers. What can…

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Ep 77 How to plan so you’re teaching everything you’re supposed to

For many new teachers, lesson planning ALONE is a huge source of stress and anxiety. Not only is there a billion other things to do as a teacher, but there’s the tiny detail of knowing how and what to plan. Yes, you definitely learned about it and even did some practice lesson plans. But now…

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Ep 76 How to upgrade your group work strategy

Many teachers have students work in groups on assignments, but there are also quite a few that limit it. They don’t like the potential for chaos and bad behaviors, so for the most part, they avoid it. However, it’s impossible to keep students on-task and in silence for an entire class period. Those students may…

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Ep 75 Why building strong parent teacher relationships is non-negotiable

One of your strongest and most helpful allies as a teacher are parents. They can rescue you when you need help creating materials for your class, volunteer to help chaperone events, and run fundraisers for your classroom. They can also question your teaching practices, make excuses when their child misbehaves, and go over your head…

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Ep 74 Conquering classroom management right from the start

Having a solid classroom management plan is ESSENTIAL for a successful year. No amount of curriculum planning will be effective if you have multiple students disrupting the learning. So now that you have a plan, how do you implement it? What are the possible things that could go wrong, and why do they happen? In…

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Ep 73 How to craft an effective classroom management plan

Classroom management is BY FAR every new teacher’s biggest struggle. They may have had success when they were borrowing someone else’s class during student teaching, but when faced with their own, it can be daunting. Despite the tips and tricks taught in pre-service preparation programs, most new teachers still feel woefully unprepared for dealing with…

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Ep 72 The many advantages of being a second-career teacher

Many new and current teachers came to the profession as a second career. They take the plunge for many reasons and find themselves in a tough but completely fulfilling job. Some question whether or not it’s a good idea or if they have anything to offer in education, and others are worried about the age…

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Ep 71 Top back-to-school tips for new elementary teachers

It’s the back-to-school season as evidenced by all of the supplies laid out in Target! While this is a sad end to the summer, many new teachers are still interviewing for their first job or eagerly getting ready for their very first classroom. There’s so much unknown in terms of what supplies you’ll need, how…

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Ep 70 Actionable strategies for becoming a more engaging teacher

Every teacher understands the need for students to be engaged, but what if they constantly find themselves staring back at blank stares? How can a teacher deliver a lesson so that their students aren’t falling asleep or spacing out? In addition to proper planning, lesson delivery is key to getting kids motivated to learn and…

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Ep 69 5 strategies for creating an engaging lesson

All teachers know that student engagement is essential for successfully teaching a lesson. Why? Because students don’t necessarily want to learn and participate in school, and as a result, miss out on mastering important skills. When students are engaged, they switch on their natural curiosity and are self-motivated to learn, explore, and solve problems. But…

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Ep 68 Insider tips on how to get your DonorsChoose.org project funded

If you scroll through social media, you’ll see a lot of teachers posting the amazing things they’re doing in their classrooms. This includes lessons, bulletin boards, materials, organization…if a teacher does, you’ll see it there! But what if you have bigger dreams for your classroom, but neither you nor your school has the money? Do…

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Ep 67 The ONLY advice you need to write a killer teacher resume

New teachers around the world are gearing up to find their first new job OR find a better one. Part of that job hunt is the dreadful but necessary part of writing a resume. But what if you don’t have much experience to list on your resume? Should it be one page or more? What…

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Ep 66 What purposeful tech integration REALLY looks like

Many newer teachers feel unprepared for integrating technology into their teaching. Their credentialing program or student teaching experience may have exposed them to some basic tech, but figuring out WHEN and WHY to use it is a different story. How can we meaningfully use tech in a way that isn’t overwhelming to both us and…

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Ep 65 The importance of developing a healthy lifestyle when you’re a busy and overwhelmed teacher

Pretty much everybody has good intentions to implement healthy habits after January 1, but for teachers, the BEST time to do this is when school is out for the summer! We have more time to think about it, more time to plan, and more time to gently adopt a new lifestyle without the pressures of…

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Ep 64 How to fit in exercise when you’re a busy and overwhelmed teacher

Finding time to exercise when you’ve got a 9-5 job can be tough. The thing is, teachers don’t just work 9-5, they often take work home, which means that there’s even less time to exercise. How can we fit this in when we’re exhausted at the end of the day, don’t really like to exercise in…

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Ep 63 Intuitive eating for the busy and overwhelmed teacher

Teachers often develop poor eating habits from the limited time to eat and the constant barrage of work. Think about how you work while eating, have barely any time to really enjoy your food, eating while supervising, etc. How can we possibly enjoy our food? And for those of us trying to lose weight, how…

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Ep 62 How to repair relationships with students that misbehave

It’s hard to get past someone who annoys you – whether it’s a child or adult. And we tend to place blame on circumstances beyond our control, such as parent involvement or accountability, lack of consequences from the administration, the apathy of the student. But what did WE do to mitigate those circumstances? How have…

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Ep 61 Is teaching right for you?

How do you know if teaching is really for you? This question is on the minds of new teachers year round, but especially at the end of the year. Sometimes student teaching or that first year will be that crucial time when you start feeling like something isn’t right, or maybe it’s just a little…

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Ep 60 You don’t have to quit because you’re burnt out

You may already be feeling burnout at this early point in your career. Luckily, there is no shortage of articles, podcasts, books, or Youtube videos on the topic. And the reason is obvious – teaching is hard, requires long hours with little pay, so burnout is inevitable. With all of the content on teacher burnout…

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Ep 59 Foreign language teaching struggles are relatable to us all

Foreign language teachers have a wonderful and life-changing subject area, but it definitely comes with its challenges. Reluctant speakers, struggling readers, and a subject area that is relegated as “just an elective” can make it difficult to feel like one is making an impact. Elena Spathis offers strategies on how to overcome this and turn…

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Ep 58 It’s time to start planning for the end of the year

Many new teachers are just trying to make it to the end of the year in one piece so that they can finally welcome summer break. But before we can hit happy hour and celebrate, we need to plan it out. Here are the four areas you need to start taking action on now so…

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Ep 57 How to highlight your strengths while answering any interview question

During an interview, it’s important to find a way to showcase our strengths. But how can we do it without necessarily bragging, and how can we do it in the context of the questions? Similarly, if you’re asked about a negative experience in your teaching, how can you frame your answer to put you in…

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Ep 56 How to answer authentically while still impressing in job interviews

New teachers looking for that first teaching job are often worried about their lack of experience when doing their first round of interviews. How can they talk about their experiences when they’ve only finished student teaching? Should they be upfront or pad their experiences? Rick Mohrien explains how newer teachers can still be authentic while…

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Ep 55 What to say in an interview when you don’t know the answer to a question

So you’ve sent in your resume, and finally got a call for an interview. AWESOME! You put on your most professional-looking outfit, walk in tall, shake hands firmly, and finally sit down for those questions. But what if you don’t know the answer to a question? What should you say? Should you lie? What if…

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Ep 54 Your resume and education aren’t the most important factors when landing a teaching position

Teachers often spend quite a bit of time polishing and perfecting their resumes, but is that what really gets them a job? What if a teacher has limited experience – do they still have a shot when they’re up against more seasoned veterans? Resumes are only one small factor in the hiring process (but PLEASE…

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Ep 53 Don’t forget to do your research before an interview!

When teachers prepare to apply for jobs, they polish their resume, many create a portfolio of curriculum and experiences, and most scour the internet for interview questions (which you no longer have to do because of this series!). But do you research the schools for which you’re interviewing? Do you know the ethos and culture…

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Ep 52 What you should say about classroom management in an interview

While you’re in an interview, a principal is trying to get a sense or whether or not you’d be a good fit for their school. They’ll want to know if your personality and teaching style would complement the culture of the school. This involves your ability to handle conflict – with students, parents, and colleagues….

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Ep 51 Here’s how you can own your first home as a new teacher

When we’re starting out with our teaching careers, we’re overwhelmed with all of the details that go into being a teacher that we often neglect to take care of ourselves. I’m sure you’ve seen so many posts, websites, programs, and even CONFERENCES dedicated to teacher self-care. But part of taking care of yourself is making…

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Ep 50 Five steps for giving impactful feedback

Effective feedback is KEY to moving students forward, but how what does it actually mean to give good feedback? What does it look like? How can you tell if it’s working? Simply correcting students won’t lead to improved student outcomes, so here are five steps to up your feedback game. In Part 4 of this 4-part…

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Ep 49 Why you might be wasting that valuable feedback

Teachers receive a LOT of feedback, and as a new teacher, how you deal with it will determine how successful you’ll be. But what is it about receiving constructive feedback that makes us shut down or ignore it? How do we take something that, from the giver, was well-intentioned, and transform it into an attack?…

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Ep 48 Student feedback can completely change your teaching

You can almost consider students as your “customers” in that they’re the ones that have to sit through your lesson, participate in your activities, and prove whether or not they learned anything. While you don’t have to entertain them, I’ve mentioned several times that having engaging and relevant content is crucial and that every activity,…

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Ep 47 How to get truly helpful feedback to improve your teaching

As teachers, we constantly give feedback to our students. We usually do it verbally or written, and the intent is to help students improve and grow. However, when it comes to receiving feedback, it’s a different monster.  How did we progress to a state where we feel we’re too good for feedback? How can we…

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Ep 46 Why your students won’t do your assignment

Every teacher has had that one student that refuses to do their work. No matter what you do, you just can’t get them to do anything. This problem only gets worse when you decide to write them off. The thing is, these students typically have a very logical reason for not working, and it’s up to…

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Ep 45 How to get your students to participate in class

Facing a room of blank stares and unwilling participants is a teacher’s nightmare. For some teachers, it happens every year, while for others it might be just one year or one period of students. Either way, it can be really deflating as a teacher when you’re trying to do everything to connect with your students. Here’s how…

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Ep 44 10 reasons to stop hiding out in your classroom

It’s an understatement to say that there just isn’t enough time in the day for teachers to get everything done. There are emails to answer, assignments to grade, lessons to plan, and so much more. Naturally, many teachers use their breaks or lunchtime to get work done or check social media, but often to the…

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Ep 43 How to get support when you have social anxiety

New teachers are repeatedly told to seek out help from their colleagues, but what if it’s really uncomfortable for them? What if they suffer from social anxiety and have a hard time talking to anyone at their school? How can they get the support they need if they’d prefer to hide in their classroom? If…

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Ep 42 How can you tell if your students are actually learning?

We often find ourselves slaving over creating lessons, only to feel deflated when it seems like our students didn’t understand the lesson at all. What’s going on? Is it the lesson? Is it us? Is it the students? How can you tell? Here are three aspects of your teaching to evaluate when trying to figure…

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Ep 41 Using TpT, unannounced observations, & sub plans

Here are some questions I frequently see in teacher Facebook groups and on Twitter: I feel bad for using Teachers Pay Teachers. Is this a disservice to my students? How do others deal with unannounced observations? What are your go-to sub plans? Love this show?   Don’t forget to leave a voicemail! Let your voice…

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Ep 40 The first-year struggle is real, but you’re not alone!

When teachers are just starting out, they often feel like they can’t do anything right. Many well-laid plans go awry, they struggle with classroom management, and there’s always more to do than there are hours in the day. To make things worse, they feel so inadequate and are convinced that they’re the only ones with…

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Ep 39 Six aspects of teaching that always need improvement

New teachers often feel stressed out and depressed their first few years. Aside from struggling with so many aspects of the job and worrying about job security and pay, they often feel like they’re doing a horrible job. Teaching is definitely tough and it can be difficult to know how to improve, but the best…

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Ep 38 Make one small change for a huge impact

Second semester or the time after Winter Break is a great time to make adjustments in your teaching. You know your students and have some systems in place, so why not pick something small but significant to change and improve? These small changes add up over time and will lead to longer lasting results. So…

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Ep 37 Let’s get ready to STUDENT TEACH

You’ve finally made it to the point where you’re ready to student teach! You’re filled with excitement, anticipation, and ANXIETY about how to prepare. Yes, your teacher preparation program has prepared you for this moment, but you still can’t help but feel like you don’t know what to do the weeks leading up to it….

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Ep 36 Stop doing too much and take back your time

There’s never a shortage of teachers who feel overwhelmed and stressed by all of the demands of teaching. It honestly feels like there’s no time to get everything done AND have time for family, friends, and self-care. That’s about to change. Angela Watson shares her candid insight on how new teachers can finally learn how…

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Ep 35 We need to let go of all of the ‘shoulds’

It’s not unusual for a teacher to suffer from a case of the “shoulds” – a ubiquitous and harmful affliction that affects ALL teachers (ok…everyone). When images of Pinterest-perfect classrooms and abundant sharing on social media are paired with less-than-ideal student work or a miserable teaching environment, teachers start thinking about the things they should be doing….

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Ep 34 Why your students have the right to fail

This idea of students needing to fail, it seems counterintuitive, right? But what if it’s actually in the best interest of the student? Why should a teacher “allow” a student to fail a class? While teachers are charged with ensuring that all students learn and grow academically, there are times when it’s just not possible…

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Ep 33 You’re cheating yourself when you let your students get away with not doing any work

Every teacher is faced with one or several students each year who just refuse to do any work. No matter what they try, these students slouch in their seats and avoid all attempts to produce any evidence of learning. Many teachers give up on these students eventually and just let them fail. But what if they…

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Ep 32 How to tackle grading when you’re waaay behind

Do you have piles of assignments that need grading? Are you feeling overwhelmed by it? You’re not alone! All teachers find themselves buried in grading at some point, and it can seem like there’s no way out of it. While there’s probably no way around having to sit down and do the dirty work, here…

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Ep 31 How to personalize math and make it meaningful for students

Math teachers are tasked with teaching students concepts that they’ll use for life while also getting past students’ fixed mindset of, “I hate math, and I suck at it.” How can teachers keep students motivated and engaged in a Common Core world? Ray Steinmetz explains how personalizing learning, setting up strong systems for formative assessment,…

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Ep 30 Here’s what to do when your lessons just aren’t working

Regardless of how long you’ve been teaching, there will be many moments when your lessons just don’t seem to be working. This is especially frustrating when you’ve taken time to plan the “perfect” lesson or unit, and the students still can’t grasp the concept! When this happens, it can be a valuable learning experience if you…

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Ep 29 How to best handle an angry parent email

Every teacher will receive at least one (if not more) emailed from disgruntled parents. Regardless of who’s at fault, it can be a nerve-wracking experience and have lasting negative effects if not handled properly. How can we address the email in a diplomatic way without having to compromise our class policies and dignity? I provide…

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Ep 28 How to maximize the impact of your lesson planning

Many teachers come into the profession with one of two extremes – they have no idea what they’re supposed to teach and have to plan everything themselves, or they’re given a completely scripted and planned curriculum and have no autonomy. Both of these scenarios can be frustrating especially when these teachers are given little to…

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Ep 27 Differentiation doesn’t have to be difficult

All teachers know that they need to differentiate, but what does that look like in a classroom? During the planning stages? In real time? How can a teacher be expected to plan for students performing two grades below and those performing two grades above in the same class? Laura Kebart describes how this doesn’t have to be…

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Ep 26 Making sense of NGSS

The Next Generation Science Standards, or NGSS, have been rolled out the past few years with much confusion and anxiety. Veteran science teachers have been grappling with how to shift their way of teaching while new teachers are still attempting to fit all of the pieces together. Erin Sadler discusses the continuing struggles with implementation,…

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Ep 25 How preassessment data and Lexile scores will change the way you teach

In this final installment of my series on examining student data, we look at how preassessment data and Lexile scores can really illuminate gaps in learning for students in any subject area. Getting baseline data in the form a preassessment can help teachers know what skills students come prepared with, and what they may need…

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Ep 24 How you can best serve your students with IEPs

Students with disabilities that are mainstreamed have unique educational struggles that all teachers must address. New teachers often wonder what they’re required to do with students with IEPs, and how to balance that with the million other things they need to take care of. Latisha Chisholm, LICSW dispels myths and misconceptions about teaching students with…

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Ep 23 What to look for and notice when examining student demographics

On the first day of school, neither you nor your students know much about each other. However, looking at their demographic data prior to that initial meeting can help you get a clearer picture of their particular circumstances. From their socioeconomic status to their English language proficiency, you can use this data before the school year…

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Ep 22 Five types of data you must collect at the beginning of the school year

At the beginning of the school year, many teachers prioritize tasks such as setting up their classroom, going over the curriculum, working on their syllabus, and ironing out classroom procedures and policies. But do they spend the same amount of energy examining student data? Teachers can’t effectively differentiate and measure student growth without first collecting and…

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Ep 21 How preservice teachers can make the most of their education

Preservice teachers have a unique task of cramming as much information and experience on pedagogy, classroom management, educational technology, and much more. How can they leverage what they learn in their credentialing programs so that they have a higher chance of success? Dr. Sam Fecich dives into the core essentials and even has even created…

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Ep 20 Your mindset becomes your reality in the classroom

It’s no secret that teaching is a rewarding but difficult job. Many teachers go into the career only to become overwhelmed, disillusioned, disheartened, and lost. Could have this been prevented? Possibly, but only if they had examined their own mindset and determined if they were truly ready for the challenges of teaching. Love this show?  …

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Ep 19 Taking on Twitter as a teacher

Most new teachers have experience using social media, but are they taking advantage of the on-demand professional development and support? Mari Venturino dives into how Twitter can be the PD you’re looking for to grow and become confident as an educator. Love this show?   The giveaway is over, but you can still get your copy…

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Ep 18 How elementary teachers can get ready for back-to-school

It’s back-to-school…elementary style! Elementary school teachers know too well the stresses of preparing for multiple subjects, classroom decor, routines, and systems. Carolyn Gardner tells us what to focus on so that we can truly be prepared for that first day of school. She also has a FABULOUS freebie just for my listeners to help you…

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Ep 17 How I use my syllabus to communicate with parents

It’s back-to-school time! There’s always so much to prepare for your first teaching position, one thing that you definitely want to plan ahead is your syllabus. Use this document as a communication tool with your students’ parents so that you can all be on the same page. Here’s a link to my Syllabus. Click HERE…

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Ep 16 Common new teacher myths

New teachers have a seemingly endless amount of things to prepare for their first day, but often they worry about back-to-school the most. Tenisha Tate explains how to handle it while keeping control of your class, how to spot a student in need, and why your preconceived notions of teaching in an urban vs. suburban…

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Ep 15 The only advice you need on how to nail that next teaching interview

Now that I’ve interviewed seven administrators and answered their top job interview questions, it’s time to take all of that valuable information and put it to good use. Here are my key takeaways that you can use to nail your next teaching interview and land that job! Love this show?   Got questions, feedback, or…

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Ep 14 The importance of growing as an educator

Even though they will vary, most interview panels ask similar questions. Ross Cooper gives us one of the best ways to stand out in an interview and discusses the importance of always growing and learning as an educator. Love this show?   Tell us about yourself and what brings you here today. Why are you…

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Ep 13 Reassuring interview advice for new teachers

One of the biggest fears that many brand new teachers have is that they won’t be hired due to their lack of experience. Rick Mohrien tells us what’s REALLY important to most principals and what beginning teachers should focus on for the interview. Love this show?   Tell me your story, how did you end…

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Ep 12 Being honest in job interviews

When preparing for an interview, we’re often faced with the fear of the unknown. What if we don’t have an answer or know what the interviewer is talking about? Rob Fulk gives new teachers valuable and honest tips about how to handle these common interview situations. Love this show?   What do you know about…

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Ep 11 The advantages of using data for hiring

Hiring new teachers based on a resume and a gut feeling during an interview can sometimes result in someone who is a wrong fit for the school. Scott Schwartz describes the meticulous process his district uses to hire a great teacher every time, as well as the implications for teachers interested in working there. Love…

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Ep 10 Epic job interview tips

As a new teacher, your advisors in your credentialing program probably gave you some interviewing advice and practice questions. While these are helpful, it’s definitely even more valuable to hear from someone on a hiring committee and know exactly what types of answers they’re looking for. Asia Cunningham not only shares with us some of…

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Ep 9 How a teacher’s approach to classroom management can make or break an interview

A topic that many job-seeking teachers are asked about is classroom management. Every school has its own philosophy and mission in terms of behavior, but some take it a step further. James Moffett dives deep into how being a trauma-informed school is the best form of classroom management and how it influences his hiring decisions….

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Ep 8 Six revealing reasons why you didn’t get that teaching job

As a new teacher, you’ve probably been on many, many interviews without any luck. While it’s awful to be rejected, the best thing you can do is use it as a learning experience. Here are some reasons why you may not have been hired for that position. Love this show?   Many factors are out…

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Ep 7 Why close reading is the first tool new teachers should have under their belt

Teaching literacy is a responsibility for all teachers of all subjects, but what if you don’t know how to teach reading? Brooklyn Khan dives into a simple but powerful strategy that every new teacher should have readily available. Love this show?   What is close reading?   Why is it beneficial, especially for new teachers?…

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Ep 6 Classroom Management doesn’t have to suck

Thinking about and dealing with classroom management is often a beginning teachers’ nightmare. Taking the time to have a crystal clear picture of your rules and consequences will help to improve student behaviors with each coming year. Love this show? Click HERE to grab the workbook plus other free resources! What are your 5-7 rules?…

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Ep 5 Expecting your students to be mind-readers is a waste of time

Properly communicated classroom policies and procedures ensure that you can maximize the learning time in a safe and productive environment. When we start out teaching, it’s a time of experimentation to see what works. Here are four important points to consider when deciding on what and how to implement your policies and procedures. Love this…

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Ep 4 It’s time to grade your grading policies

As a newer teacher, you probably used the grading system from student teaching or a haphazard combination of what you “heard” you should do. By taking the time to closely examine your grading policies, you can ensure that your gradebook clearly communicates your students’ academic progress. Love this show? Click HERE to grab the workbook…

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Ep 3 Why you need to rethink your classroom set up to maximize learning

When was the last time you examined your classroom setup? Your classroom needs to be set up to maximize student learning while also reducing traffic and chaos. Here’s what to consider when considering a new setup. Love this show? Click HERE to grab the workbook plus other free resources! Classroom Layout Reflect on: Student desks/tables…

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Ep 2 Which grade is the easiest to teach, and other questions from the web

Today’s questions: – How to keep it together during unannounced observations. – Which grade is the easiest to teach – Whether or not you should go straight into teaching after getting your credential If you have questions that you’d like answered, email them to kim@teachersneedteachers.com. Love this show?   Got questions, feedback, or want to…

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Ep 1 Using end-of-the-year student feedback to guide your teaching

Do you collect student feedback? If not, you should! It’s a great way to know how students perceive your effectiveness, and whether or not you’re creating relationships and connecting with them. It’s also a quick and easy way for students to feel that they have a voice in their education. Here’s a link so you…

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Why me? Why this podcast? Why now?

Being a new teacher is tough as it is, especially if you don’t have a mentor and have to go at it alone. There are so many questions you want to ask but feel stupid doing so. There are situations in which you SHOULD ask questions, but you’re so confused and overwhelmed. Who am I…

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Introducing the Teachers Need Teachers podcast

What is the Teachers Need Teachers podcast about and who is it for? Why should you subscribe? What makes this different from other teaching podcasts? How will this change your teaching? Listen in and get all of the details in 106 second flat. Love this show?   Got questions, feedback, or want to be on…

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