Sunday Night Teacher Talk

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 projector02:20 – Using immersive setups to make classroom magic06:40 – What CJ eats & drinks during a typical school day11:55 – Helping students overcome perfectionism in art class20:10 – Talking with students about violence and hard news stories26:30 – Decorating your classroom on a budget (Barnes & Noble Dark Academia vibes)32:50 – Tips for not working past contract hours38:15 – How to respond to toxic masculinity and sexist student comments47:00 – When will lesson planning finally get easier?52:10 – Choosing curriculum and avoiding resource overload57:20 – Should teachers be fired for social media comments?1:05:40 – Strategies for planner systems and keeping parents in the loop1:12:40 – How to run a successful parent-teacher conference1:18:00 – Tips for handling immature freshmen1:25:00 – 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:What to do when students are below grade level, but admin says “teach the curriculum anyway”Strategies for students who refuse to follow class procedures and transitionsHow to respond when parents enable poor behavior—even on day threeShould you accept late work in high school? (Let's talk about it.)Practical ways teachers can boost energy and prioritize healthManaging obnoxious (but not intentionally rude) studentsHow to run teacher detentions that are actually usefulHow to teach in multiple classrooms you can't decorate or make your ownIdeas for teaching multigrade classes with multiple curriculaHow to decide what to wear for a full week of teachingNavigating extended medical leave as a teacherWhat to do when students are mad about assigned seatsFeeling overwhelmed by the messiness of teachingBuilding connections as an ESL teacher when you don't speak the same language_____________________________________________________

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?✏️ Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show for educators that happens every Sunday at 4:00 PM EST. We gather to prep, plan, and encourage one another as we head into the new week. You can join the live chat here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching TipsStay updated & get exclusive strategies in my newsletter

This week we cover:

Most teachers start the year with rules, syllabi, and icebreakers. I don't do any of that. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I do (and don't) do on Day 1—and why it works. From handshakes at the door to writing letters to their future selves, here's how I start the year strong, build connection, and remind students that they belong.This approach might be unorthodox, but it's been powerful for over a decade—and it might just be what you need this year too.

This week we're talking about:

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 WEEKLYStay updated and learn more! Sign up for my weekly class updates and email newsletter here.https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter_____________________________________________________________________*NEW* Classroom Management Blueprint: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-classroom-management-blueprint_____________________________________________________________________⭐️ Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join_____________________________________________________________________

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 Blueprinthttps://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-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 WEEKLYStay updated and learn more! Sign up for my weekly class updates and email newsletter here.https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter_____________________________________________________________________*NEW* Classroom Management Blueprint: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-classroom-management-blueprint_____________________________________________________________________⭐️ Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join_____________________________________________________________________

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:

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:

Starting out as a new teacher can feel overwhelming—and knowing where to focus your energy is half the battle. In this episode, I'm breaking down four of the biggest mistakes I made early in my teaching career. Whether you're brand new or just trying to level up your classroom game, you'll walk away with practical tips, honest insights, and a little encouragement to help you teach your class off.What You'll Learn:– Why being "nice" isn't the same as being effective– How classroom management mistakes sneak up on you– The trap of overplanning (and what to do instead)– Why copying someone else's materials won't save youThis episode is for teachers who want to grow with intention, build confidence, and create a classroom that actually works—for you and your students.

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 materialWays to engage students who just don't careWhat to do when a retiring teacher hands you their old curriculumTips for teaching a text you've never readEncouragement for first-year teachers finding their own voiceStudy strategies for studentsHow to embed writing across your school's curriculumThe power of teaching with your individual giftsAnd yes… what my kids should call me now that I'm teaching them!

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 teachingWhy student buy-in takes time—and patienceHow to build classroom culture that changes livesWhy some of the best teaching comes from anger at injusticeThe importance of empathy, joy, and real-world purpose in educationAnd why “there are no shortcuts” is more than a classroom rule—it's a way of lifeYou'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.The Odyssey Home-End-Of-Year Classroom Experience: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-odyssey-home-end-of-year-classroom-experience

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

Classroom Management can be one of the trickiest parts of teaching. Here are four mistakes I've made and how I've grown from them.

There was a post in our Facebook group, Teach Your Class Off Teacher Talk, recently that asked "What do you do with classroom rule breakers?" How I work with students that constantly go against the grain has changed a lot over my career. Here are a few things to keep in mind if this is an issue in your class._____________________________________________________________________⭐️ Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________⭐️ Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join_____________________________________________________________________

You've created the perfect learning experience for your class but that ONE kid won't stop talking. How do you as the teacher refocus that child before you lose your whole class?In this video, I will walk you through a few simple steps that will help you get that student and your class back on track. **Video mentioned: "Helping Defiant Students"    • Helping Defiant Students | High Schoo...  _______________________________________________________________⭐️ Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join_______________________________________________________________

Join us for FREE at the taping of Rules to Engagement! Click the link for ticket! https://www.knowlej.io/rules-to-engagement_______________________________________________________________

Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Use this link to join us live: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week. ________________________________________________________________ ★☆★ OWN REYNOLDS' BOOK TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF ★☆★ 

I have made 100s of videos over the years about how to be a great teacher. Today I want to share 40 quick (tongue and cheek) tips on how to be a terrible teacher. ⭐️ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join _______________________________________________________________

Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week. ________________________________________________________________

Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week. ________________________________________________________________

Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week. ________________________________________________________________

What do you do when your students are just not doing the work you assign?

Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week. ________________________________________________________________

Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week. ________________________________________________________________ ★☆★ OWN REYNOLDS' BOOK TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF ★☆★ 

Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week. ________________________________________________________________ ★☆★ OWN REYNOLDS' BOOK TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF ★☆★