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Ever tried a so-called fun end-of-class activity and ended up feeling more exhausted than you started? In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, host Khristen Massic takes aim at why filler activities backfire in a secondary classroom, and she does not hold back. If you've ever walked out of your classroom after ten minutes of “fun” with more side chatter, off-task students, and your energy zapped, you're not alone.Our primary keyword phrase today is “why filler activities backfire in a secondary classroom”—and Khristen's here to name what so many don't say out loud. The problem isn't that you're missing some critical engagement gene; it's that typical filler games like Trash Ball or toss-the-ball-for-points are only engaging for the one kid holding the spotlight. Everyone else? Zoned out, waiting, or finding their own fun. In a classroom of teens, when most are just watching, dead air creeps in—and that's when behavior issues show up uninvited.Here's the trap: teachers want to send students out on a high note, keep things light with games or review challenges. But activities where just a couple of students are active while everyone else is on the sidelines create what Khristen calls “audience time.” That audience time is drift time. The longer students sit as spectators, the more likely you'll have random noise, check-outs, or even outright chaos. It's not about being a bad teacher—teens are human, and humans fill dead space, usually not how we want.What's the better way? Khristen makes it clear: if it's not all play, don't use it for your last ten minutes. All play routines mean everyone participates, all at the same time, with structure and clear boundaries. That's how you eliminate problematic idle pockets and maintain a smooth classroom routine. This isn't about making activities flashier; it's about making them more distributed and structured, so nobody's left waiting for “their turn” while the energy drops and classroom management ramps up.Take Trash Ball, for example—a go-to review game for some. Host Khristen Massic shares how it leaves most of the secondary classroom disconnected while one student aims for a prize, and the rest just hope they get picked next. You end up spending more time redirecting behavior than actually teaching or reviewing. And let's be real—no amount of positive intentions can outmaneuver an activity design that creates built-in dead spots.Khristen gives listeners a simple test: before you try any end-of-class activity, ask, “How many students are actively participating at the same time?” If the answer isn't “everyone,” scrap it for a more structured routine. She's all about activities where all students make a choice—writing, moving, voting, reflecting, partner-sharing—anything that involves the entire room at once, with a timer and a clear start and stop. That's how you move from hoping for engagement to actually getting it.Middle and high school teachers juggling multiple preps, this episode is tailor-made for your reality. If you're tired of walking into your next period already drained, start matching the right kind of activity to those last hectic minutes. Filler activities backfire in a secondary classroom because they create drift and drain your energy—not because you're not engaging enough. Khristen's take? It's time to rebel against “but it's a game—they should love it” thinking and get honest about what really steers classroom routines.For teachers seeking work-life balance and less stress, Khristen's “all play” approach means you're not burning energy on crowd control. You're crafting predictable, repeatable routines that let you end class steady, not spent. Her advice? Before you hit play on any filler, check if it involves the whole class. If not, save it for another time, and choose something structured that keeps everyone engaged.The Secondary Teacher Podcast is all about real teacher tips—no fluff, just hard-earned wisdom. Host Khristen Massic closes with encouragement: it's not your fault when “fun” activities fizzle. You're not failing; you're learning to pick routines that work for the real kids in front of you.Stand tall, skip the dead air, and end your class strong. Class dismissed—on your terms.Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you.Unlock 20 time-saving strategies designed to keep your students engaged and your sanity intact with the free Simple Teaching Strategies Toolkit. Each strategy comes with detailed instructions, objectives, and a materials list, all editable in a convenient Google Doc. https://khristenmassic.com/toolboxGet the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/resetShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
When you teach middle or high school, especially as a multi-prep teacher, you know that moment. The split second you sense your class tipping away from you—the energy shifts, side conversations spark, the structure thins, and suddenly you're facing what host Khristen Massic calls in this episode, “the moment you can feel the class slipping.” If you've taught longer than a week, you know that feeling in your bones.Too many teachers wait until chaos takes over, thinking they can just push through or that a full-blown emergency classroom management plan is the answer. But here's the hard truth: if you jump in when the room is already off the rails, you spend way more energy wrestling it back into shape. Host Khristen Massic learned that lesson in her computer lab, watching students go from focused to scattered in the blink of an eye—the shift always started small, long before the true mess hit.The old way? Pretending you can control every drift all the time, talking louder to chase after attention, hoping it'll just fizzle out. That path's a one-way ticket to burnout. There's a better way—spot your “slip signals” early: voices rising, students wandering, off-task “can I…?” requests popping up, or that sinking feeling when boredom sets in for students who finish their work early. The secret isn't tough love or dramatic intervention. It's all about having a simple, repeatable classroom routine in your back pocket.Host Khristen Massic lays out a strategy for these moments—a 90-second reset. Not a complicated, cutesy, time-wasting game, but a concrete, structured routine that resets the room before chaos even gets a chance. For secondary classrooms, even with teens who are downright allergic to forced fun, a “Would You Rather?” with clear, quick directions and a moment for students to move or signal choices shifts collective energy without sacrificing instruction time.Tight timers set the mood—students know there are boundaries, and you don't sacrifice control. Whether they move to one side of the room or simply signal their answers seated, every student gets a moment to participate, turn and talk, and hear quick shares before you glide them right back to the core task. It's not about the silly question. It's about restoring the focus so you can keep your lesson and your sanity intact.Listen, this is for the exhausted teacher who's sick of dreading the last 15 minutes of class—who hates losing valuable prep time because you spent it cleaning up after a runaway period. If you wish classroom routines felt more like tools and less like Band-Aids, you'll want these teacher tips that prioritize both your peace of mind and your students' engagement.The best part? You don't need to invent a new classroom management plan. Sometimes, what saves your energy (and your patience) is responding fast, with a repeatable move, instead of scrambling for answers while the noise level rises. Spot the signals, hit a quick reset, and build a rhythm that protects your whole day—not just the current block. There's no shame in class energy shifting; it's not a failure, it's a signal. If you answer with a routine, you get your control (and your prep period) back.So next time you feel the room starting to slip, skip the guilt trip. Run a 90-second reset, watch the atmosphere shift, and get everyone back on track—yourself included. That's real classroom management. That's work-life balance for teachers who want to actually thrive, not just survive.Take care of yourself and shut down the myth that chaos is just part of the job. Stop losing your voice and your peace—try a reset, and watch how well you handle that “slip moment” next time. Keep rebelling against burnout, one smart classroom routine at a time.Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you.Unlock 20 time-saving strategies designed to keep your students engaged and your sanity intact with the free Simple Teaching Strategies Toolkit. Each strategy comes with detailed instructions, objectives, and a materials list, all editable in a convenient Google Doc. https://khristenmassic.com/toolboxGet the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/resetShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Karin Hartunian Koukeyan—a speech-language pathologist with 28 years of experience and founder of SpeechFit—about a topic that might surprise you: public speaking. Karin shares her winding SLP journey from bilingual child interpreter to telepractice pioneer to private practice owner, and dives into why SLPs are uniquely equipped to help clients (and colleagues!) overcome public speaking anxiety. From IEP meetings to parent nights to real estate presentations, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, an eye-opening look at communication coaching as a service offering, and a reminder that it's never too late to color outside the lines in your career.Bullet Points to Discuss: How Karin's multilingual upbringing led her to SLP and eventually public speaking coaching Why SLPs are uniquely qualified to address public speaking anxiety Practical strategies for managing nerves and communicating more effectively How public speaking coaching translates to working with middle and high schoolers Building a communication coaching side hustle or private practice offeringHere's what we learned: Public speaking anxiety affects up to 90% of people—and SLPs are uniquely equipped to help. The pause is your most powerful tool. Say something, let it land, and resist the urge to fill the silence. Frameworks and scripting train the brain to communicate more confidently—whether it's an IEP meeting or a big presentation. Breath work, visualization, and role-playing are go-to strategies for taming nerves before and during a talk. Adding dialogue to a story instantly makes it more engaging—try it with your middle and high schoolers too. Communication coaching is a real and viable private practice offering for clients who need support but don't qualify for traditional services.Learn more about Karin Hartunian Koukeyan: Website: https://www.speechfitslp.com/ Website: https://karin-hartunian-koukeyan.mykajabi.com/sign-up-for-speechfit-slp-courses-8884c4d7-381e-49b9-8f2c-0d41b49592dc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechfitslp/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-hartunian-koukeyan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-hartunian-koukeyan/Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/speechfit-slp Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:
Ever walk out of a classroom thinking, “Why does the end of class turn into chaos even when the lesson was good?” You're not the only secondary teacher who knows that sinking feeling: the lesson was airtight, the kids were working, and suddenly, with twenty minutes left, everything derailed. In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, host Khristen Massic throws some truth at a question every middle or high school teacher has asked. If you've juggled more than one prep or spent too many periods fighting for control at the end, keep reading.The common mistake? Blaming yourself when your students blow through an activity in half the time you planned. That feeling of failure? It's not your fault. The reality is estimating time—especially in a secondary classroom where kids finish at different paces—is a high-wire act. The real issue is not the lesson, it's what happens next. Host Khristen Massic tells the story of her first year teaching a careers class. She spent hours crafting what she thought would span three days. Her students finished it in under one period, leaving her scrambling, improvising, and—let's be honest—surviving. Sound familiar?Here's the better way: prepare for what happens after the lesson. The keyword here is routine, and not just any routine. Khristen introduces the idea that “done means next”—when the main activity ends, students must have a clear next step. This simple structure is a game-changer for those moments when chaos is just waiting for an opening. Instead of banking on a perfect plan, decide ahead of time what the go-to transitions are, so you're not stretched thin, playing cruise director, or patching holes on the fly. Consistency beats creativity when the clock betrays you.Khristen lays out three routines that cover almost every secondary classroom scenario when early finishers threaten your sanity: quality check, reflection, and extension. These aren't more worksheets or busywork—they're predictable routines you can train your students to expect whenever their main work is done. You're done? Good. Now check your answers, write one thing you learned, or attempt the challenge question. No more dead air. No more drifting. Just structure that lets you and your students finish strong.Don't fall into the trap of the “filler activity.” Too many teachers reach for a quick game or activity that's fun for one student but leaves the rest of the room zoning out or getting rowdy. Khristen is clear: activities that make most kids spectators backfire. The class needs structure, not another opportunity to check out. This is one of the most teacher-approved tips you'll get this year: if your “next activity” doesn't engage the whole room, it's asking for trouble.Who's this episode for? Secondary teachers wrestling with multiple preps, newer teachers still developing their classroom routines, and every educator who ever felt the spiral from engaged class to unsettled chaos. If you want fewer firefights at the end of class and more calm, focused transitions, this one's for you. Khristen gets real about the energy drain of improvising and points teachers straight to routines that actually work.It's not about being endlessly creative or perfectly predicting how long an assignment will last. It's about setting up routines that work whether you teach high school engineering or a broad, requirement-driven careers class. Host Khristen Massic's method takes the pressure off, so you can focus on what matters: building relationships, guiding learning, and keeping the room together. That's how you find your work-life balance in a system designed to keep you hustling.Next step? Choose one “done means next” routine you'll start this week. Post it, practice it, and back yourself up the next time kids beat the clock. You'll spend less time firefighting and more time enjoying the end of your class, instead of watching it unravel. The best part? Your students will know what to do, you'll look (and feel) in control, and the last moments of class won't undo all your good work.If you've ever stared at the clock and felt the chaos coming, you're in good company. Tune in, steal a routine, and take back those last unpredictable minutes. Because being unflappable beats being unprepared—every single time.Own your finish and let the chaos find another classroom.Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you.Unlock 20 time-saving strategies designed to keep your students engaged and your sanity intact with the free Simple Teaching Strategies Toolkit. Each strategy comes with detailed instructions, objectives, and a materials list, all editable in a convenient Google Doc. https://khristenmassic.com/toolboxGet the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/resetShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Welcome to the Music with Miss Jen podcast, an engaging early childhood music class full of playful songs, imaginative lyrics, and music that will make your child want to clap, dance, and sing along! While designed especially for the younger listener, this music class is one the whole family can enjoy, with simple instrumentation and a focus on high-quality music selections.In this episode, we are singing lots of songs with rhyming words, including:"Let's Sing Hello Together" - words © 2000 Music with Miss Jen, traditional music“Number Chant” - words © 2024 Music with Miss Jen “Shake and Rhyme” - words and music © 2026 Music with Miss Jen “Down By the Bay” - traditional, additional verses written by Music with Miss Jen"Traffic Sounds" - words © 2004 Music with Miss Jen“The Bear Song” - traditional“Goodbye, My Friends” - - words and music © 2025 Music with Miss JenYou can find more songs in my digital products available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store or on Etsy.Where to find more Music with Miss Jen:Website: https://www.musicwithmissjen.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@musicwithmissjenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicmissjen/About Miss Jen -Miss Jen has been making music with young children for over 25 years. While she has taught all ages, early childhood has been her area of expertise for her entire teaching career. She has taught in both public and independent schools in a number of urban, suburban, and rural settings in 3 states. For the past 20 years, she has taught music outreach programs in preschools and day care centers, as well as conservatory-based music programs for infants up through fourth grade. She still actively teaches in multiple preschools and daycare centers, working with nearly 300 students and 45 teachers each year.
Ep. 35 - Snow Day! - Music with Miss Jen - An Early Childhood Music Class PodcastWelcome to the Music with Miss Jen podcast, an engaging early childhood music class full of playful songs, imaginative lyrics, and music that will make your child want to clap, dance, and sing along! While designed especially for the younger listener, this music class is one the whole family can enjoy, with simple instrumentation and a focus on high-quality music selections.In this episode, we are singing winter songs for our snow days this week, including:"Let's Sing Hello Together" - words © 2000 Music with Miss Jen, traditional music“Snow on the Rooftops” - music © Kathy Reid-Naiman from Sing the Cold Winter Away“Move to the Beat” - © Stephanie Leavell (www.musicforkiddos.com)“If All the Snowflakes” - traditional, additional words © 2025 Music with Miss Jen"Winter Weather” - words © 2024 Music with Miss Jen, accompaniment music licensed from Pixabay“Bluesy Shaker Song” - words and music © 2025 Music with Miss Jen“Windshield Wiper” - traditional first verse, additional words © 2025 Music with Miss Jen“Chubby Little Snowman” - traditional words, music © 2025 Music with Miss JenFind my Chubby Little Snowman video here: https://youtu.be/cVxV7A1gJ5s“S is for Snowman” - words © 2024 Music with Miss Jen, accompaniment music licensed from PixabayFind my S is for Snowman video here: https://youtu.be/xAlDxSh5N28“Goodbye, My Friends” - - words and music © 2025 Music with Miss JenVisit my website for printable song pages to go along with some of today's songs: https://www.musicwithmissjen.com/podcast/ep-35You can find more songs in my digital products available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store or on Etsy.Where to find more Music with Miss Jen:Website: https://www.musicwithmissjen.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@musicwithmissjenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicmissjen/About Miss Jen -Miss Jen has been making music with young children for over 25 years. While she has taught all ages, early childhood has been her area of expertise for her entire teaching career. She has taught in both public and independent schools in a number of urban, suburban, and rural settings in 3 states. For the past 20 years, she has taught music outreach programs in preschools and day care centers, as well as conservatory-based music programs for infants up through fourth grade. She still actively teaches in multiple preschools and daycare centers, working with nearly 300 students and 45 teachers each year.
Teacher work-life balance isn't just some poster quote — it's the daily fight to leave school on time without your brain dragging the day home with you. Host Khristen Massic tackles the truth: escaping the endless open loops of grading, planning, and unfinished to-dos is the real challenge for secondary classroom teachers. You don't magically “choose” balance; most days, you're walking out with chaos still echoing in your head.It's time to shatter the myth that good teaching means always catching up. Khristen calls out the classic mistake — trying to finish everything, only to carry home a mental crate of unclosed loops. For years, even pre-kids, she literally lugged a crate of work between school and home, convinced this was normal for teachers with multiple preps, unpredictable days, and lab setups.The better way? Pick one “closing loop” before you leave. Don't ask what all needs doing; ask which task will make tomorrow feel lighter. Whether it's drafting the first five minutes of directions or prepping materials so first period isn't a disaster, closing just one loop gives your brain real relief.Khristen lays out actionable teacher tips — a 10-minute end-of-day routine for teachers, plus a 2-minute close-down for explosion days. Brain dump the open loops, anchor your next task, do one friction-removing action, reset your space, and write your “parking line:” Tomorrow during prep, I will… That sentence is your permission slip to leave without dragging the mental weight home.She's got a hard-earned reframe for teachers who default to “I'll just do it at home.” Not everything needs finishing for you to be a great teacher. Some tasks howl loudly, but aren't essential. The job expands because your day is overstuffed — not because you're failing.If you're weary of carrying teacher overwhelm into family time, this episode is for you. Secondary classroom routines like Khristen's close-down strategy honor your sanity — so home can actually feel like home. Try the routine for three days, and notice not just your productivity, but the shift in your nervous system.Stop chasing perfect. Close one loop, claim your peace, and let your brain rest — because good teachers don't finish everything; they finish what matters.Go ahead — leave school on time. Start a quiet revolution.Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Need a fast mid-year teaching reset? Try my 10-Minute Teacher Reset Tool — a free AI-powered assistant that helps you simplify one system in 10 minutes or less: https://khristenmassic.com/10minute Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
What would you do if your TPT store vanished overnight? We walk through a clear, practical rebuild plan that trades guesswork for data and momentum. Starting with a fresh brand and a simple email funnel, we show how to plant the seeds for reliable traffic and repeat buyers by placing an opt-in inside every paid product and sending value-packed messages that earn trust.From there, we map out the Create Three strategy: choose a niche you know cold, research rankable keywords on TPT, and build three distinct product templates. Launch two to three tightly focused resources from each template, then let the market speak. Early signals like views, favorites, and first purchases will identify your winner long before everything sells out. Once a line proves itself, double down fast, expand across adjacent standards, and bundle to raise average order value without adding friction.Pricing and timing become your advantage. Pair one premium line in the $8–$10 range with faster-to-build $1–$2 and $3–$4 items that spark impulse buys and reviews for a new brand. Layer in seasonal versions from your existing templates to capture lower-competition searches around holidays, testing windows, and back-to-school. The combination builds surface area in search, speeds discovery, and creates natural upgrade paths for buyers who want more.We also get real about mindset and visibility. Consistency beats bursts of inspiration, and most creators aren't invited to the table—they pull up a chair. Reach out to hosts of summits, hashtag sales, and collabs with clear asks and follow-up timelines. Keep your titles precise, previews honest, and descriptions aligned with the exact phrases teachers use. Want more screen-share walkthroughs and step-by-step demos? Subscribe to our YouTube channel and join us there. If this playbook helped, share it with a friend and leave a quick review—what product line are you testing next?Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0JvOOKTSIWAWatch My Video on How to Start Your Email List from Scratch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPgMyw8lGN0&t=4sCheck Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/ My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
Ever felt the panic when the bell rings and there's still an ocean of class time ahead? Bell-to-bell engagement without burning out isn't just a catchy phrase — it's the lifeline for secondary teachers juggling multiple preps. This episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast tackles a problem every teacher eventually faces: you planned what you thought was an airtight lesson… and your students finish early. Now you're staring down the clock, wondering what to do when students finish early (especially when phones aren't allowed).Here's the hard truth: no one trains you for the chaos that hits when pacing goes sideways. Host Khristen Massic names that sinking feeling and shares a real first-year moment — pouring hours into a careers unit, only to watch students wrap it up with half the period still sitting there. Cue the classroom spiral.Most teachers think the solution is “plan tighter.” But the real fix isn't perfect pacing — it's early finisher routines you can repeat every time. Not a hundred activities. Not a brand-new mini-lesson. Five simple, reliable options you can teach once and reuse forever.In this episode, you'll hear strategies like the quality check loop, structured peer checks, and micro-extension challenges — finish-early routines that work in a secondary classroom without extra prep or extra explaining. Bell-to-bell engagement becomes easier when students already know the next step.This is for the multi-prep teacher who's tired of feeling like they “failed” when a lesson ends early. If you want stronger classroom routines, calmer transitions, and less decision fatigue — this episode will help you build a system that protects your energy and supports real work-life balance.If you're ready to stop scrambling and start teaching with a plan for the “leftover minutes,” press play.Go teach bold, not burned out.Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Need a fast mid-year teaching reset? Try my 10-Minute Teacher Reset Tool — a free AI-powered assistant that helps you simplify one system in 10 minutes or less: https://khristenmassic.com/10minute Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Think a small TPT catalog can't make a dent? We walk through the real numbers from a tiny, neglected second store—23 paid products, zero bundles, minimal email, almost no social—and how it still earned $538 last year and $63 in January. The secret isn't hustle for hustle's sake; it's an intentional system that turns limited time into repeatable outcomes.We break down the “create three” approach that accelerates validation: design three product templates, publish a few in each, then double down on the line that gets traction. Morning work rose to the top because it's fast to produce, easy to explain, and simple to expand with themes and grade levels. By reusing layouts and clip art across listings, creation time drops, brand clarity grows, and previews stay consistent—making it easier for buyers to add multiple related items to their carts.Seasonality and light SEO do quiet heavy lifting. A quick monthly sweep to refresh titles, descriptions, and tags for upcoming holidays kept products visible without a big marketing push. We also unpack the realistic math of scaling: double the listings, roughly double the revenue; add bundles to lift average order value; and nurture a small email list with helpful, on-theme content. Most importantly, we show why intention outperforms volume—fewer, better products in a coherent line often beat scattered catalogs built on guesswork.Whether you're new to TPT or rethinking a mature store, you'll leave with a clear playbook: validate fast, standardize templates, expand winning lines, optimize before peak seasons, and treat your shop like a business if you want business-level results. If this breakdown helped, follow the show, share it with a TPT friend, and leave a quick review so more teacher-sellers can find it. What product line will you test first?Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uFR2HuPBS0MCheck Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/ My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115Support the show
Have you ever loved an author so much but then realized you've barely scratched the surface of their backlist? In episode 306, we're talking about the “Book from a Favorite Author's Backlist” category from the Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge and why exploring earlier works can be such a rewarding reading experience.Before diving into our backlist picks, we kick things off with a bookish check-in. For our main discussion, Ashley shares about The Obsession by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), reflecting on how dramatically tone can shift across an author's body of work. Jen shares her backlist pick, The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), and we talk about nuanced characters, moral complexity, and the joy of reading an author's interconnected world over time. We wrap up with a Lit Chat question all about book recommendations. Whether you're tackling this category for the reading challenge or just looking for a nudge to revisit a favorite author, we hope this conversation inspires your next pick.Bookish Check-inAshley - Laura Dave's The Night We Lost Him (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm)Jen - Trent Dalton's Boy Swallows Universe (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm)Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.Want to support Unabridged?The number 1 way to support us is by purchasing Bookshop.org books from our Unabridged shop. Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram or Facebook. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers...
Stop burning yourself out trying to reinvent the wheel for every class.As a secondary teacher juggling multiple preps, I used to think that engagement required fresh, new lesson plans every single time—until I figured out the magic of copy, paste, prep.In this episode, I'll show you how to repurpose your best protocols, activities, and lesson structures across all your different subjects, saving you massive planning energy and letting students do more of the thinking.I'll break down practical strategies for creating reusable systems, keeping each class engaging (without endless novelty), and finally leaving school without dragging a crate of work home. If you're searching for sustainable planning, lesson ideas for multiple preps, or just ways to avoid teacher burnout, this one's for you.Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Need a fast mid-year teaching reset? Try my 10-Minute Teacher Reset Tool — a free AI-powered assistant that helps you simplify one system in 10 minutes or less: https://khristenmassic.com/10minute Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
The ground is moving under TPT sellers, and 2026 will reward those who adapt with speed and intention. We dig into a clear playbook: use AI to produce cohesive volume without sacrificing quality, turn quick wins into cash flow, and reinvest profits into durable assets like email lists, signature bundles, and curriculum that AI can't easily clone. The aim isn't to flood the marketplace—it's to build product lines that cover multiple levels, formats, and standards, while aligning previews, tags, and SEO to how teachers actually search.We also pull back the curtain on data. Guesswork is out, targeted creation is in. Tools like Seller Spy and Your Data Playbook help you spot real demand, validate keywords, and avoid time sinks. As creation gets easier, the edge shifts to picking the right problems: standards that are under-served, seasonal spikes worth batching, and long-tail search terms your store can own. We share how to use “sell now, build moats” thinking—launch timely resources to generate revenue, then channel that money into evergreen lines and audience growth that compound over time.Classrooms are changing too. Teachers need resources that teach students to use AI responsibly: brainstorming ethically, checking accuracy, and refining drafts with rubrics. That opens powerful niches—from dyslexia-friendly reading sets and behavior supports to multilingual scaffolds and executive function tools—where generic AI falls short. Expect niche stores to beat generic catalogs as buyers prioritize fit and pedagogy over breadth. We also break down the new hiring model: fewer generalist VAs, more specialists and project managers, with AI handling repetitive tasks while humans focus on quality, accessibility, and strategy.We close with a wishlist for better TPT analytics, including improved search insights and preview metrics that help sellers optimize faster. If you're ready to future-proof your store—blend AI with craft, let data steer your roadmap, and build offers that last—this conversation is your field guide. If it resonates, follow the show, share it with a TPT friend, and leave a quick review to help more sellers find us. What's your bold prediction for 2026?Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qlER9Upq_o8Check Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/ My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
In this episode, we sit down with two school counselors from Mississippi whose work took an idea from our Teachers Pay Teachers to a national stage. After purchasing our Coping Skills Café, they adapted it to meet the needs of their students. What happened next was something none of us could have predicted. Their work went nationally viral after being picked up by the Associated Press and featured across multiple news outlets.What we love most about this story isn't just the attention, it's the collaboration behind it. These counselors took an idea, made it even better, and implemented it in a way that authentically served their school community. Even more meaningful was the grace and professionalism they showed by crediting the original resource while sharing their work publicly.This conversation is all about creativity, collaboration, and what's possible when school counselors share ideas instead of guarding them. It's a reminder that our best work often happens when we build on one another's strengths — and that there's room for all of us to succeed.If you've ever adapted a resource, wondered what happens after you click “purchase,” or needed encouragement that collaboration truly matters, this episode is for you.Coping Skills Cafe
Your planning period shouldn't vanish in a swirl of chaos and repeat questions—I've been there, and I know just how draining that cycle feels for secondary teachers juggling multiple preps.In this episode, I'm sharing the classroom routines that genuinely protect your focus, your planning time, and your sanity, without adding ten more things to your plate.Whether you're drowning in student interruptions, classroom cleanup stress, or just desperate for systems that actually work, I'll walk you through simple, repeatable routines (like the lifesaving red-yellow-green help signals and easy materials return hacks) that reduce your overwhelm and give you those precious calm minutes back.If you're ready to reclaim your prep and leave the classroom lighter, this is your episode!Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Need a fast mid-year teaching reset? Try my 10-Minute Teacher Reset Tool — a free AI-powered assistant that helps you simplify one system in 10 minutes or less: https://khristenmassic.com/10minute Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Imagine turning AI into your most reliable team member—one that drafts standards-aligned problems, writes crystal-clear directions, spots bottlenecks, and even helps convert Google Sheets activities to Excel for schools with strict tech rules. That's where we go today as we unpack five practical strategies TPT sellers can use to work faster, improve quality, and scale without burning out.We start with the foundation: precise prompting and curated chats that “remember” your expectations. You'll hear how we prime AI with state standards, difficulty bands, and real examples to generate unique math problems, short stories, and function tables that actually fit the classroom. Then we show how dedicated chats for specific tasks—elementary computation, upper-grade functions, ELAR passages, and social analytics—cut rework and create consistent outputs. You'll also learn the simple trick for producing two sets of directions: short, student-friendly steps and detailed teacher guidance that reduces support questions and builds trust with buyers.From there, we dig into efficiency. We map common SOPs for covers, previews, and listings, and ask AI to flag time-wasters, suggest automation, and design batch workflows. We outline how to build self-checking digital activities in Google Sheets or Excel and translate formulas between platforms so your resources work across different district ecosystems. We also add a powerful bonus: using AI to analyze TPT product insights and social metrics, propose weekly priorities, and justify recommendations so you can refine decisions with confidence. Along the way, we share real wins—learning Facebook ads with AI coaching, shipping more resources by pairing AI generation with human QA, and saving serious money by outsourcing only what humans must do.Ready to turn curiosity into capability? Press play, steal the steps, and try one experiment this week. If these strategies help, subscribe, leave a quick review, and share this episode with a fellow TPT seller who's ready to work smarter.Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZTuS8GcGFuACheck Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/ My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
Let me be real with you—I know what it's like to spend your planning period tweaking, polishing, and chasing classroom perfection that never actually lightens your workload. In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I break down the sneaky ways perfectionism eats up your prep time, especially when you're juggling multiple preps, grading, and classroom management. I'll share my go-to strategies like time caps, stop rules, and the “minimum viable product” mindset to help you swap perfect for finished, so you can actually leave school lighter (and maybe stop hauling that grading crate back and forth!). If you're a middle or high school teacher drowning in lesson planning, desperate for time-saving tips and ways to reduce overwhelm, this one's for you—listen in and start protecting your precious planning time today.Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Need a fast mid-year teaching reset? Try my 10-Minute Teacher Reset Tool — a free AI-powered assistant that helps you simplify one system in 10 minutes or less: https://khristenmassic.com/10minute Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Hallie and Tricia Detig chat about high school speech therapy.In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Tricia Detig — creator of Thoughtful Talk and a high school SLP working with resource and life skills students. Tricia shares her journey from middle school to high school, getting real about the differences. She talks about building rapport with older students, ditching lectures for hands-on activities, and making therapy meaningful through real-world experiences like running a coffee cart and back-to-back drawing challenges. Plus, she dives into push-in services, student buy-in, and why working with secondary students is a "hidden gem." If you're in the high school world or thinking about it, this one's packed with practical tips and real talk.Bullet Points to Discuss: The vibe shift from middle to high school (and cracking that "too cool" shell) Building rapport and getting buy-in with older students Push-in vs. pull-out—how it's decided Why hands-on beats lectures (coffee carts > worksheets) Bringing job readiness into everyday therapy Getting students involved in their own IEP meetings Why secondary is a "hidden gem" worth exploringHere's what we learned: High schoolers aren't hard—they just need you to meet them where they are. Hands-on beats worksheets every time (especially for carryover). Functional skills like coffee carts teach more than homework help ever will. Progress looks different with older students—focus on life skills, not just data.Students in their IEP meetings changes everything (even if they just listen). Secondary isn't scary—it's a hidden gem once you adjust. Ask questions and lean on your team—secondary SLPs stay forever for a reason.Learn more about Tricia Detig: Website: https://www.thoughtfultalk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtful.talk/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thoughtfultalk.llc Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/thoughtful-talk-llc-formerly-detig-dialect Speech Therapy Goal Bank for Middle School [grades 6-8]Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:
Blank pages waste time; smart templates build businesses. We walk through three practical builds in Canva and show how to turn simple starting points into original, high-value resources teachers actually want to buy on TPT—without copying or cutting corners. You'll see how small design tweaks, licensed fonts, and clean layouts boost clarity, and how scaling one idea into a multipage set instantly lifts perceived value and price.First, we rework a color-by-number into a focused operations with integers pack. The approach is simple: refine borders, swap in your brand fonts, and structure problems so color sections reinforce computation. Then we show how to multiply that effort—three pages each for adding, multiplying, and dividing, plus optional word problems—so you have a cohesive nine-page resource that justifies a $3 price point and positions you for bundles.Next, we rethink task cards as a concept-building sort. Students match fractions, decimals, and percents to visual pie charts, turning recall into flexible translation across representations. We share layout tips, a scaffolded example card, and self-checking options that cut grading time. For primary teachers, the same framework adapts to phonics—sorting clip art by initial sounds or grouping by target answers for early math.Finally, we convert cute but digital-only letter sorts into print-ready pages with clear directions, dashed cut lines, and intuitive visuals like a shelf and trash can for keep-or-toss sorting. From there, it's easy to expand into uppercase vs. lowercase sorts, mixed-word identify-and-circle pages, and cumulative reviews. Throughout, we emphasize ethical use of Canva (you'll need Canva Pro for selling Pro elements), originality, and shop trust—because sustainable growth on TPT comes from real classroom value and consistent quality.Subscribe for more step-by-step creative workflows, share this with a teacher-seller friend, and leave a review telling us which resource you want built live next.Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B1ByuTNh42ACheck Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/ My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
Some days, my planning period feels more like wishful thinking than real time to get anything done—especially when you teach lab-based classes or juggle multiple preps. In this episode, I break down my go-to 15-, 30-, and 60-minute prep routines designed for those inevitable chaotic days when setup, tech problems, or urgent tasks steal your prep time. If you're a secondary teacher looking for real-world strategies to cut overwhelm, finish something meaningful, and finally stop lugging that grading crate home every night, you'll want these practical routines you can actually stick to, even when everything goes sideways. Let's tame prep time together—mess and all!Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Need a fast mid-year teaching reset? Try my 10-Minute Teacher Reset Tool — a free AI-powered assistant that helps you simplify one system in 10 minutes or less: https://khristenmassic.com/10minute Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Hallie chats with Malka Arnstein about making AAC more accessible for communication partners.In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Malka Arnstein — SLP, private practice owner, and AAC specialist on a mission to make AAC less intimidating and way more accessible. Malka gets real about the judgment that can creep into AAC work, why reframing it as just another communication tool changes everything, and how modeling for adults (not just kids) is where the magic happens. She talks about working with dysregulated students, pushing into classrooms instead of pulling out, and why showing up with fun and connection beats perfect data every time. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by AAC or like you're just winging it, this episode is packed with practical tips and plenty of "just do it and you'll be great" vibes.Bullet Points to Discuss: Why AAC is just a communication tool — and reframing it that way makes all the difference How to make AAC accessible for SLPs, teachers, paras, and parents (not just users) The power of modeling for adults, not just kids — show, don't tell What it looks like to work with dysregulated students and build trust from a distance Why pushing into classrooms instead of pulling out changes everything How to ditch the data obsession for a minute and focus on fun and connection What "modeling without expectations" actually means in practiceHere's what we learned: AAC isn't scary—it's just a tool, and reframing it that way changes everything. Accessibility isn't just for users; teachers, paras, and parents need it to be usable too. Model for the adults, not just the kids—show them how it's done in real time. Push into classrooms instead of pulling out—let the team see AAC in action. With dysregulated students, start from a distance and let trust build slowly. Ditch the data sheets for a minute—fun and connection come first. If it's not joyful, take a step back and adjust your approach.Learn more about Malka Arnstein: Website: http://www.speakingaac.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakingaac/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/973643611365308Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Speaking-AAC/61568405591784/Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/speakingaac-llcAAC Information CardLearn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:
Feeling pressure to launch a groundbreaking TPT resource right out of the gate? Let's flip that script. We walk through a practical path that favors simplicity, clarity, and momentum so you can master the listing process, reduce stress, and build a store that grows with you.We start with a counterintuitive truth: your first product's job isn't to make money; it's to teach you the workflow. From file prep to keyworded titles, from scannable covers to persuasive previews, we break down each step and show why familiar formats like task cards, color by number, and card sorts are the smartest training ground. You'll learn how to analyze top sellers, borrow proven visual cues, and create reusable templates in Canva or PowerPoint that cut production time and sharpen your brand.We also unpack the hidden cost of launching something wildly original too soon. If a teacher can't understand your product in three seconds of search-grid scanning, they won't click. That's not a creativity problem—it's a communication problem. We explain how to avoid it, when to take creative risks, and how to phase your growth: start simple, lock your systems, then add unique twists with clear benefit statements. Along the way, we lean into a sustainable mindset—less pressure, more practice—and share why we're shifting tutorials to YouTube where you can see step-by-step screens and follow along at your own pace.If you want a playbook that turns overwhelm into action and helps you ship your next product with confidence, this is your map. Subscribe, share this episode with a fellow teacher-author, and leave a review with the one simple product you'll publish next—what's your pick?Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mo44fdtFZIICheck Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/ My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
Are you the kind of reader who loves a little structure, or do reading challenges make you want to run the other way? In Episode 304 (our first episode of 2026!), we're ringing in the new year with a conversation about reading challenges, reflecting on what worked for us in 2025, what didn't, and how we're thinking about setting reading intentions for 2026. Then we dive into the 2026 Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge, walking through all 12 categories and sharing a few ways we hope the challenge will feel flexible, fun, and community-centered as you read along with us this year. We're excited to kick off another reading challenge for the new year and can't wait to have you join us. For more about the 2026 reading challenge, check out this info on our website. If you're joining our challenge (or tackling another one), come tell us what you're reading on Instagram @unabridgedpod!Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.Want to support Unabridged?The number 1 way to support us is by purchasing Bookshop.org books from our Unabridged shop. Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram or Facebook. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Ever sit down during your planning period, determined to tackle your lesson plans, only to end up organizing folders or chatting in the office instead? Been there! In this episode, I share how I broke my old prep-wasting habits and discovered a simple, practical system for picking one anchor task—so that planning time stops slipping away under a pile of grading and endless decisions. If you're a secondary teacher juggling multiple preps, on a block schedule, or just drowning in overwhelm, let me show you how to reduce decision fatigue and finally walk out of prep with something real and DONE. Hit play to get actionable strategies for making your planning period actually work for you (and yes, you can lose the crate of work you keep hauling home!).Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Need a fast mid-year teaching reset? Try my 10-Minute Teacher Reset Tool — a free AI-powered assistant that helps you simplify one system in 10 minutes or less: https://khristenmassic.com/10minute Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Ever feel like your planning period just vanishes—even though you're hustling the whole time? You're not alone! In this episode, I'm breaking down why your prep time actually feels overloaded, not empty, especially when you're juggling multiple preps, major assessments, and endless grading cycles as a secondary teacher. I'll share the biggest mistake I made for years (hello, unit collisions!) and how a simple shift in your calendar can rescue your sanity, lighten your workload, and help you actually finish something before the bell. If you're searching for real strategies around lesson planning, organization, easing overwhelm, and surviving multiple preps as a middle or high school teacher, this episode is packed with tips that work—because you deserve prep time that helps you breathe, not burn out.Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Need a fast mid-year teaching reset? Try my 10-Minute Teacher Reset Tool — a free AI-powered assistant that helps you simplify one system in 10 minutes or less: https://khristenmassic.com/10minute Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Ready to stop rebuilding from scratch and start shipping seasonal resources at speed? We open the playbook to turn a single “magic numbers” puzzle into a full set of New Year math activities across multiple grade levels. You'll hear exactly how we modify a cross-out template, expand the number grid, and map digits to letters to reveal a message like “Happy New Year.” Then we show how to populate the content fast by pulling problems from previous resources and using AI to draft themed word problems that you can fine-tune for clarity and rigor.Once the content is set, we move into a publishing pipeline built for batching. We export slides as PNGs, assemble clean student and answer PDFs, and drop in terms of use across every open file in one pass. For $2 listings, we keep covers and previews aligned with a template that demonstrates the puzzle mechanic without exposing the full resource. A quick promo window at a lower price point helps jumpstart traffic and search visibility before returning to the standard price. You'll see how this approach produced meaningful December revenue from low-cost items and, more importantly, surfaced clear data on which grades and topics actually convert.The bigger win is strategic: small seasonal products create fast feedback loops. By launching multiple versions—multiplication, equivalent fractions, solving equations—we learn which segments of our audience respond, then focus on middle grades and multi-level skills that sell. Templates carry forward year after year by swapping the reveal text from “Happy New Year” to “2026,” “2027,” and beyond, letting us scale output without sacrificing quality. If you want a practical, repeatable system to publish more, earn data faster, and keep your store active while you build high-ticket anchors, this walkthrough is for you. If it helps, share it with a fellow TPT seller, subscribe for more step-by-step builds, and leave a review with the next seasonal theme you want us to tackle.Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8_WAW0pWmucWatch How I Made 30 TPT Products in 10 Hours: https://youtu.be/Bkm0WQ-rg7s?si=W-f9TotQtsdQRdRL Check Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/ My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
Ever feel like juggling multiple preps as a secondary teacher leaves you spinning your wheels—but never getting ahead? In this episode, I get real about how trying to do everything just leads to overwhelm, burnout, and never-ending to-do lists. Instead, I'll show you how choosing just one clear focus can make your planning, grading, and energy feel so much lighter. If you're looking for practical strategies, systems, and time-saving tips to finally reduce teacher overwhelm and stop racing against the clock, this episode is for you! Let's talk about simplifying your planning period, protecting your time, and finding that one thing that truly moves your students forward. Whether you teach middle school or high school and wrangle multiple preps, I promise—one focus is all you need to start thriving.Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Need a fast mid-year teaching reset? Try my 10-Minute Teacher Reset Tool — a free AI-powered assistant that helps you simplify one system in 10 minutes or less: https://khristenmassic.com/10minute Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Ready to replace guesswork with a game plan? We dive into TPT's latest seller updates and unpack how to use them to drive real revenue: unique buyers, carts, and a fresh set of calculated metrics that turn raw numbers into clear steps. I share how I read earnings per cart, earnings per view, and units per cart to spot where money leaks and how to plug them with bundles, add-ons, and smarter pricing.We explore the Product Insights tab to separate traffic issues from conversion issues. You'll hear concrete examples of listings that lost traffic but gained conversion and why that matters for ranking, previews, covers, and titles. I show how to sort winners and decliners, use wishlist trends, and filter by product categories to find the fastest opportunities. No fluff—just the exact clues that point to the next five updates worth your time.Then we get tactical with the new discount tools. Abandoned cart emails recover forgotten purchases with a simple 10% nudge, while follower discounts reward your audience and encourage the follow. I walk through an easy weekly activation cadence and share the lift I've seen without heavy promotion. We tie it all together with the three growth levers—traffic, conversion, and retention—and how to pick your focus for 2026 based on your own data, not a trend or a guess.If you're a TPT seller who wants higher earnings per view, stronger conversion, and more repeat buyers, this walkthrough is your roadmap. Listen, take notes, and then choose one lever to pull this month. If it helps, share the episode with a friend, subscribe for more data-driven strategies, and leave a review so we can keep creating the resources you need.Sign Up for the TPT Profit Plan Workshop: https://rebrandedteacher.kartra.com/page/hun253Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WI435L77YEwWatch My YouTube Video About Starting an Email List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPgMyw8lGN0 Check Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/ My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
Have you read Jean Meltzer yet, and are you in the mood for a holiday romance with real heart? In this special encore episode, we're bringing back our December 2021 Book Club episode (Ep. 207), featuring Jean Meltzer's The Matzah Ball (Libro.fm | Bookshop.org), her delightful debut. We loved revisiting this one: it's funny and festive, but it also has surprising depth as Meltzer thoughtfully explores chronic illness and the power (and weight) of keeping parts of yourself hidden. We also talk about the rich portrayal of Jewish traditions, the book's strong family dynamics, and the second-chance chemistry between Rachel and Jacob. If you're new to Meltzer, this is a perfect place to start, especially since she's also written another holiday romance we adore, The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm). We hope you enjoy this cozy throwback, and we'd love to hear what holiday reads you're loving this season! Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page. Want to support Unabridged? The number 1 way to support us is by purchasing Bookshop.org books from our Unabridged shop. Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram or Facebook. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. Today we are doing a throwback to one of my favorite episodes, all about how to design a small group curriculum that actually works. In this episode, we are getting into the meat and potatoes of small group curriculum. My goal is to make the process simple, realistic, and easy to implement so you can confidently design groups that support your students and meet your counseling goals. When it comes to small group curriculum, you are likely doing one of two things. You may be using activities or curriculum that you have already purchased, such as hard copy books provided by your school or resources from Teachers Pay Teachers. Or you may be creating your own curriculum from scratch because one has not been provided for you. No matter which route you choose, there are six steps you can follow to design a small group curriculum that works. Identify your topic Start by identifying your small group topic using referral data or student needs. For example, you may notice a need for a self control group. Outline your weeks with ASCA aligned objectives Determine the length of your group, typically six to eight weeks. Choose one clear objective for each week. Align each objective with an ASCA mindset and behavior that matches your goal. Once this is complete, type out your weekly outline so you have a clear plan to follow. Select your icebreakers Icebreakers are especially important during the first session to help students feel comfortable and connected. Choose simple activities that build rapport and introduce the group structure. Select your activities Activities are the core of each session. Look closely at your weekly objective and choose an activity that directly supports that skill or concept. This ensures your sessions stay focused and intentional. Select a reflection piece Reflection is a powerful part of student learning. Journals work especially well for small groups. Even five minutes of reflection can help students process what they learned and apply it outside of the session. Create your self assessment Data collection is essential for tailoring your sessions and tracking student progress. Create a self assessment that is based on your weekly objectives so you can measure growth throughout the group. This framework helps you stay organized, intentional, and data driven while creating small groups that truly support your students. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Group Bundle Group Cheat Sheet ASCA Mindset and behaviors Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!
Feeling that January pressure to overhaul everything in your classroom, especially with multiple preps on your plate? In this episode, I'm sharing why you don't need a total reset to kickstart the new semester—no new systems, no endless planning, and absolutely no guilt. Let's talk about how a gentle, practical January reset can actually help you breathe easier, reduce overwhelm, and keep what's already working for you as a secondary teacher. Whether you're juggling semester turnovers, new classes, or trying to survive as a multi-prep teacher, I'll walk you through how to pick your one clear next step for the new term. You'll hear practical questions, mindset shifts, and easy strategies to help you start the semester with clarity, not exhaustion—so you can teach well and protect your own well-being.Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Need a fast mid-year teaching reset? Try my 10-Minute Teacher Reset Tool — a free AI-powered assistant that helps you simplify one system in 10 minutes or less: https://khristenmassic.com/10minute Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
The Culture of Celebration Series As the winter season unfolds, many classrooms begin to feel a little cattywampus. Schedules shift, energy runs high, budgets feel tight, and the pressure to “make it magical” can quickly become overwhelming.In this episode of The Culture Centered Classroom, Jocelynn introduces The Joy Budget a reframe that reminds educators that the most meaningful celebrations do not require money, elaborate plans, or Pinterest worthy perfection. Instead, they are built on connection, care, cultural competence, and co creation.This episode builds directly on the first three episodes of the series, offering practical, zero cost strategies for honoring diverse traditions, sustaining joy, and strengthening classroom community during the winter months.In This Episode You Will ExploreWhy celebration does not need a financial budgetJocelynn reframes celebration as a practice rooted in relationship rather than resources, emphasizing that connection is the true currency of joy.How cultural competence guides winter celebrationsThis episode revisits the idea that culture is not decoration and that honoring diverse observances requires intention, humility, and care rather than surface level activities.The power of co creation during the holiday seasonBy inviting students into planning and decision making, educators reduce their own workload while honoring student agency and belonging.Zero cost celebration ideas aligned with the AnchorED for Achievement frameworkYou will hear practical examples includingCo creation audits The Global Light ShareAffirmation artifactsCelebration dance breaksCommunity norms reflection circlesEach idea is grounded in agency, empowerment, community, hope, and reflection.Why joy is a strategic practice not a seasonal eventJocelynn connects these practices to long term culture building, showing how intentional celebration strengthens equity, belonging, and emotional safety.Reflection Questions for EducatorsWhat does celebration currently cost me in time, energy, or stressHow can I shift from planning for students to co creating with themWhich traditions or celebrations feel meaningful in my classroom and which feel performativeHow does cultural competence influence the way I approach winter celebrationsWhat joyful practices should carry beyond this season and into everyday classroom lifeResources MentionedBack to School Series Freebie Lesson 1 from The First 10 Days Building Classroom Belonging customteachingsolutions.com/btsfreeFocus Word Reflection Kit Available in the Virtual Learning Library and on Teachers Pay Teachers
Ever feel like December in the secondary classroom is pure chaos—prep periods disappearing, students bouncing between sleepy and wild, and your to-do list never getting any shorter? You're not alone! In this episode, I'll walk you through the exact quick resets I use during class time (not your precious winter break) to keep my multiple-prep classroom running smoothly. You'll get actionable, time-saving strategies for classroom organization, routines, and reflection—so you start January with clarity and calm, not overwhelm. Let's ditch the guilt, protect your break, and set up easy wins for your future teacher self—because you deserve it!Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Need a fast mid-year teaching reset? Try my 10-Minute Teacher Reset Tool — a free AI-powered assistant that helps you simplify one system in 10 minutes or less: https://khristenmassic.com/10minute Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Ep. 34 - Holiday Songs Part 1 - Music with Miss Jen - An Early Childhood Music Class PodcastWelcome to the Music with Miss Jen podcast, an engaging early childhood music class full of playful songs, imaginative lyrics, and music that will make your child want to clap, dance, and sing along! While designed especially for the younger listener, this music class is one the whole family can enjoy, with simple instrumentation and a focus on high-quality music selections.In this episode, we are singing holiday songs for December, including:"Let's Sing Hello Together" - words © 2000 Music with Miss Jen, traditional music“Up on the Housetop” - traditional music, words adapted © 2024 Music with Miss Jen“Christmas Coming Just Around the Bend” - © The Morning Report; Licensed from Epidemic Sound“Jingle Bells Swing” - traditional, instrumental recording licensed from © 2024 Matthew Mike Music“Rockin' Sleigh Ride” - words and music by Chimney Givers, licensed from Epidemic Sound"I Have a Little Dreidel” - traditional words and music“3 Little Presents” - - words © 2024 Music with Miss Jen“Goodbye, My Friends” - words and music © 2024 Music with Miss JenYou can find more songs in my digital products available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store or on Etsy.Where to find more Music with Miss Jen:Website: https://www.musicwithmissjen.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@musicwithmissjenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicmissjen/About Miss Jen -Miss Jen has been making music with young children for over 25 years. While she has taught all ages, early childhood has been her area of expertise for her entire teaching career. She has taught in both public and independent schools in a number of urban, suburban, and rural settings in 3 states. For the past 20 years, she has taught music outreach programs in preschools and day care centers, as well as conservatory-based music programs for infants up through fourth grade. She still actively teaches in multiple preschools and daycare centers, working with nearly 300 students and 45 teachers each year.
Stop setting random goals that look good on paper and build a plan that actually grows your TPT store. We dig into the quiet reason January resolutions fail for sellers: a lopsided focus on traffic while ignoring conversion and customer retention. Views matter, but without a store that converts and a system that brings buyers back, more clicks just multiply frustration. We break the cycle with a simple, repeatable framework you can use to shape your 2026 profit plan.First, we unpack traffic the right way—seasonal keyword research, standards language teachers actually search, and resource ideas that match real classroom timing. Then we turn to conversion, where the biggest wins often hide: mobile-friendly covers, a thumbnail story that sells outcomes, previews that answer objections in seconds, and pricing that reflects value in your niche. Finally, we show how retention multiplies every effort: thoughtful post-purchase emails, bundle pathways, product ecosystems that build trust, and updates that keep customers engaged across the school year.You'll hear how to read your data to pick a starting point, map tasks to each revenue driver, and avoid the trap of busywork disguised as growth. If you've ever asked why more views aren't leading to more sales, this conversation gives you a practical path forward and a way to plan an entire year with clarity and confidence. Ready to trade guesswork for a blueprint? Join our TPT Profit Plan workshop to build your personalized roadmap for 2026, then come back next week to keep the momentum going.If this helped you, follow the show, share with a TPT friend, and leave a quick review—what revenue driver are you focusing on first?Sign Up for the TPT Profit Plan Workshop: https://rebrandedteacher.kartra.com/page/hun253Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L-wcnfZiuGw Check Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/ My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
Do you love a good holiday story that brings different traditions, and unexpected friendships, together in one cozy, snowed-in town? We're diving into our December Book Club pick, Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm). Before we get into the book club chat, we start with a bookish check-in: Jen shares about Nadia Davids's Cape Fever (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), and Ashley talks about A. R. Abbott's Founded on Blood and Magic (Bookshop.org). From there, we get into all things Three Holidays and a Wedding. We talk about the way Maryam and Anna's unlikely friendship becomes the heart of the story, the charm of the Snow Falls setting, and the beauty of seeing Ramadan, Hanukkah, and Christmas all woven into the same timeline. We also share book pairings, including Ali Brady's Merry Little Bookshop (Bookshop.org) and Fredrik Backman's Anxious People (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), and wrap up with our bookish heart ratings and a couple of Unabridged Favorites. This is our final new episode of 2025, and we'll be back soon with a re-release of a past book club discussion before we head into a new year of reading together. Also be sure to check out our 2026 Reading Challenge as we turn toward the new year! Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page. Want to support Unabridged? The number 1 way to support us is by purchasing Bookshop.org books from our Unabridged shop. Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram or Facebook. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
December can make even the most organized secondary teacher feel like surviving multiple preps is a caffeine-fueled juggling act, so in this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I'm sharing my best shortcuts for grading smarter, capturing what works, and setting up one easy January anchor task—so your winter break is truly a break. If you're searching for practical tips to protect your energy, manage projects and feedback, or just want proven systems to reduce overwhelm before the semester ends, this episode is for you. Hit play and walk into break (and January!) feeling lighter, more in control, and ready to actually enjoy the time off you deserve.Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Ready to break the $100 ceiling and build toward consistent $500 months on TPT? We walk through seven practical strategies that compound: building an email list that actually drives clicks, dialing in TPT SEO so buyers can find you, and transforming previews into guided tours that sell. Along the way, we show how to read your data, identify conversion gaps, and replicate wins across a product line so each successful resource becomes a template for growth.We start with traffic you control - simple email systems, focused lead magnets, and timely messages that connect your content to classroom needs. Then we push for discoverability on the platform itself, using clean titles, clear descriptions, and accurate tags that match real teacher search behavior. With more eyes on your listings, we turn to conversion: what a high-performing preview looks like, why 300+ views is a smart threshold for analysis, and how one optimized template can lift a whole catalog.Retention ties it all together. We map out how to extend a bestseller into a cohesive line, bundle for real savings, and add subtle upsells in both previews and product descriptions that nudge buyers toward multi-item carts. Finally, we talk about accelerating your learning curve through coaching, courses, and a focused planning workshop, so you stop guessing and start executing a clear 2026 plan with measurable goals.If you're ready to grow with intention - more visibility, stronger conversions, and repeat buyers - hit play. Subscribe, share this with a fellow TPT seller, and leave a review telling us which strategy you'll implement first.Download the free guide here! https://rebrandedteacher.kartra.com/page/your-first-100 Sign Up for the TPT Profit Plan Workshop: https://rebrandedteacher.kartra.com/page/hun253Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WOq3VUpvKMgWatch My YouTube Video About Starting an Email List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPgMyw8lGN0 Check Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/ My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
By December, we're all running on fumes—trust me, I've been there! In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I'm sharing my three favorite low-prep classroom games that keep middle and high school students genuinely engaged (without the extra work, guilt, or endless slide decks). If you juggle multiple preps and are looking for classroom management ideas, student engagement strategies, or simple routines to beat the holiday chaos, these games are your shortcut to less stress and more connection.I'll show you exactly how “Would You Rather,” Taboo, and adapted board games can boost learning and cut down on your prep time—so you can finally breathe easy in December and set yourself up for an easier January. Hit play and let's thrive together!Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
What if the real reason your TPT store isn't scaling has nothing to do with effort or even product quality? We dig into the hidden growth lever most sellers miss: building a simple, coherent sales machine that turns one resource into many repeat purchases. Instead of chasing the algorithm or piling up a cold email list, we map a clear path from strategic product lines to value‑first marketing and trust that compounds.We start by reframing growth around a product line that serves a specific teacher need across many topics. That focus lets you market timeless benefits—student engagement, easier prep, smoother routines—while always having the exact resource a buyer needs this week. From there, we walk through a practical funnel: choose one line, craft a free opt‑in that delivers a quick classroom win, and build an email sequence that alternates pure teaching with concise offers. The goal isn't a quick spike; it's a rhythm that earns attention, proves credibility, and makes the purchase feel like the next logical step.You'll hear how to replace random uploads with intentional gaps to fill, how to expand a line based on teacher requests, and how to re‑introduce the same products seasonally without sounding repetitive. We also break down the shift from short‑term sales thinking to long‑term loyalty—what to say after the first purchase, how to keep buyers coming back, and when to introduce adjacent lines that leverage existing trust. If you've been hovering under the $2K mark, this framework gives you a focused way to grow without burnout or guesswork.Ready to plan your year around what actually drives sales? Join the TPT Profit Plan workshop and walk away with a step‑by‑step growth plan, live examples, and clear priorities. Subscribe, share with a seller friend, and leave a review to tell us what product line you'll focus on first.Sign Up for the TPT Profit Plan Workshop: https://rebrandedteacher.kartra.com/page/hun253Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ew1FVc3zLK4 Check Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/ My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
Have you read Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), or maybe watched one of the adaptations, and wondered how it holds up today? In Episode 301, Jen and Ashley dive into this beloved classic as our November Book Club pick. We start with a Bookish Check-in before diving into our discussion. We talk about what surprised us when revisiting The Secret Garden, from Mary's truly contrary beginning to the way nature, friendship, and “a bit of earth” transform both Mary and Colin over time. We also spend time on the harder pieces that haven't aged well despite the hopeful story at the center of the novel. For pairings, Ashley recommends Sharon M. Draper's Out of My Mind (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), and Jen brings Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) into the conversation. We wrap up with our Unabridged Favorites for this month. We'd love to know your thoughts on The Secret Garden and any pairings you'd suggest, so come chat with us on social media @unabridgedpod and let us know what you think. Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page. Want to support Unabridged? The number 1 way to support us is by purchasing Bookshop.org books from our Unabridged shop. Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram or Facebook. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
As we enter the winter holiday season — a time filled with classroom parties, family gatherings, cultural traditions, and moments of both joy and complexity — this new series, The Culture of Celebration, invites educators to pause and ask a powerful question:What are we really celebrating?In this first episode, Jocelynn unpacks the deeper meaning behind celebration, explores the connection between culture and recognition, and models how cultural competence helps us design celebrations that are equitable, authentic, and inclusive for every student.Whether you love the holidays, find this season heavy, or fall somewhere in between, this episode offers grounding, compassion, and practical insight for educators navigating November and December with intention.In this episode we explore:Why this episode matters during Thanksgiving week and the National Day of MourningHow the holidays can bring both joy and tension for students and familiesThe difference between celebration as performance and celebration as meaningHow celebrations tell a story about what a community valuesA clear, accessible definitionWhy cultural competence is a mindset shift, not a checklistHow our own cultural lens shapes classroom celebrationsHow her approach to holiday travel and traditions transformedMoving from “this is how we've always done it” to “what do we actually need right now?”The role that grief, motherhood, and healing played in redefining celebrationHow to use the AnchorED principles (Agency, Norms, Community, Hope, Opportunity, Reflection, Empowerment, Data-Informed Practice) to evaluate classroom and school celebrations:Opportunity: Who gets seen?Agency: Who gets to choose how they are celebrated?Norms: What values guide recognition?Community: Whose stories are centered?Hope + Empowerment: Are we uplifting what is possible?Reflection: What messages are we sending?Themes inspired by Oriah Mountain Dreamer's “The Invitation”Why authentic celebration centers truth, humanity, and belongingHow to move beyond calendar-based celebrations to culture-based celebrationsReflection Questions:Use these alone, with a colleague, or in a team meeting:What do our current classroom or school celebrations communicate about what we value?Whose traditions, identities, or stories are highlighted? Whose are overlooked?How might we invite more student agency into celebration?What would celebration look like if it honored each student's story, comfort, and cultural lens?Where can we shift from performance to authenticity?Related Resources:If this episode inspires you to rethink celebration in your classroom, check out Jocelynn's Focus Word Reflection Kit — a set of worksheets and slides designed to help you and your students enter the new year with intention, authenticity, and joy.Available in the Virtual Learning Library and Teachers Pay Teachers store.Connect:Instagram: @customteachingsolutionsLinkedIn: Jocelynn HubbardWebsite: customteachingsolutions.com
Are you a secondary teacher juggling multiple preps and wondering if anyone else truly understands what your job demands? In this episode, I dive into the invisible challenges we face—like endless mental switching, constant classroom resets, and the never-ending grading grind with different rubrics and expectations for every class. If you teach electives, feel pressure to keep enrollment up, or struggle with scheduling decisions that just don't make sense, you're definitely not alone. I share real strategies for reducing overwhelm, building sustainable systems, and, most of all, letting go of guilt. Join me to feel seen, get practical tips, and start advocating for the support you deserve as a multi-prep teacher.Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Send us a textIn this episode, Patti from Madly Learning helps you take the overwhelm out of differentiation. You'll learn how to design one strong core lesson that meets diverse student needs — without doubling your workload. Patti shares real classroom examples, practical tips, and mindset shifts that make differentiation both manageable and meaningful.Tuck these in your teacher pocket:Differentiation is not about 30 separate lessons — it's one lesson with multiple access points.Focus on flexibility, not perfection.Use assessment (formal and informal) to guide your adjustments.Scaffold for support and extend for enrichment — all anchored in the same big idea.Start small with one new strategy and build confidence over time! Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the complexities of teaching with efficiency and impact. Share your experiences and strategies in the comments to join the conversation with fellow educators.To find our highly effective, time-saving resources Check out the Ignited Teaching Membership that gives you access to hundreds of downloadable lessons on demand! https://madlylearning.com/sp/ignitedteaching/ Checkout our Madly Learning Store at www.madlylearning.com/storeCheckout our Teachers Pay Teachers store Join our FREE Facebook community for teachers here: https://bit.ly/IYT-FB
Ready to stop feeling invisible on Teachers Pay Teachers and start making sales with confidence? We break down a simple, repeatable strategy that helps you pick the right product, target the right buyers, and build real momentum—starting with a timely seasonal approach that delivers quick wins. Rather than guessing, we use search data to validate demand, identify first-page openings, and choose keywords that align with how teachers actually shop during high-interest holidays.We walk through live examples like “subtraction third grade Halloween” and “Halloween division activity fourth grade” to show how review counts reveal demand and how zero-review results signal space for a new listing. From there, we map a streamlined workflow: batch creation, fast cover development, and preview assets that clearly show value. You'll learn how smart cover design—square format, bold Halloween palette, and unmistakable theme cues—can lift click-through rates, and why tight grade levels and tagged standards increase trust and conversions. We also break down how to write a keyword-rich title and snippet that boosts search visibility without sounding robotic.The final piece is momentum. We share practical ways to spark that crucial first purchase by posting to your existing audience, even personal social feeds, and using early sales as a credibility signal to the marketplace. After the holiday, we review data—views, conversion rate, ranking—and turn proven seasonal winners into evergreen resources with minimal rework. Expect real tactics you can apply to any niche: validate demand, optimize listings, share strategically, and scale what works. Subscribe, leave a review if this helped, and grab the free guide to your first $100 on TPT so you can take action today.Dowload the free guide here!: https://rebrandedteacher.kartra.com/page/your-first-100 Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TUlKqVdYors Check Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonMy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
Ever wonder why the warm-up is the first thing that falls off your lesson plan when you're juggling three, four, or even nine preps? Trust me, it's not because you're lazy or disorganized—it's decision fatigue, and there's legit psychology behind it! In this episode, I break down why warm-ups get dropped (even though they're gold for classroom management and formative assessment), what actually happens in your brain when you teach multiple preps, and my two-step fix that'll help you create sustainable routines without adding to your overwhelm. If you're a secondary teacher searching for practical ways to simplify warm-ups, reduce stress, and make your classroom run smoother every period, this episode is tailor-made for you!Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Grab the Warm-Up Wizard--A free Ai Teaching Assistant that will create all your class warm-ups for the week in less than 5 minutes: https://khristenmassic.com/wizardShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Price isn't just a number on Teachers Pay Teachers—it's a signal that guides clicks, conversions, and the algorithm's attention. We dig into how buyers scan search results, what “fair value” looks like in context, and why a $0.50 tweak can lift both earnings and rank without sacrificing trust.I walk through a live case study of a one-page, eight-problem function notation activity with a unique emoji puzzle angle. We compare it against search results in the same keywords, map where most offers cluster on price, and unpack how underpricing can raise quality doubts while overpricing can stall sales and bury your listing. You'll hear how moving from $1.50 to $2 fits the market range, increases revenue per sale, and sends stronger signals to TPT's search engine—while still respecting the product's true value.From there, we break down a simple framework you can apply right away: research pricing before you create, build to the value that matches the winning price cluster, and run small, thoughtful tests after launch. If you see consistent $3 to $4 winners on your keywords, add depth—more problems, warm-ups, paired worksheets, or a mini set of activities—to justify that tier. If your product is intentionally small, aim for the highest defensible price that still attracts clicks beside similar listings. The goal is to balance perceived value, buyer budget, and algorithm incentives so your catalog earns more and ranks faster over time.Ready to price with purpose instead of guessing? Hit play, then subscribe, share this with a TPT friend, and leave a quick review telling us your most effective pricing tweak. Your feedback helps us bring more practical, step-by-step guidance to every episode.Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YUqeSCIN5K4Check Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonMy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
Have you been with us since the early days, or are you just finding your way to our bookish corner? In Episode 300, we celebrate a huge milestone with a very special guest… our beloved former co-host, Sara! We kick things off with a Bookish Check-In, then look back at standout reads and moments from eight years and 300 episodes of Unabridged. We revisit unforgettable conversations and reads, including Dopesick by Beth Macy (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) paired with Jarrett J. Krosoczka's graphic memoir Hey, Kiddo (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm); a joyful return to Anne of Green Gables (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm); and the lasting impact of Tommy Orange's There There (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) (plus a nod to Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy Bookshop.org | Libro.fm). We share favorite memories like our spirited “Is Love Actually a holiday movie?” debate, book-festival fangirl moments, and the pre-lockdown Podfest trip that re-shaped our podcasting lives. We close with a Lit Chat prompt about the childhood series that made us readers. Whether you've listened to one episode or all 300, thank you for being here. Come celebrate with us, and tell us your favorite Unabridged memory or the series that hooked you on reading! You can always join the bookish conversation on Instagram. Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page. Want to support Unabridged? The number 1 way to support us is by purchasing Bookshop.org books from our Unabridged shop. Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram or Facebook. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Ready to make your first $100 on Teachers Pay Teachers without a big audience or ads? We walk you through the exact three-step plan that launched sales in a saturated pre-K niche: build one purposeful product you truly believe in, duplicate that winning structure across new themes, and time smart seasonal resources to test demand fast. Along the way, you'll hear how a month-long, low-prep dinosaur unit outperformed cut-and-paste competitors by solving real classroom and homeschool pain points—print-and-go, repeatable activities, and clear skill coverage.We dig into the mechanics of building a product line that compounds: keep the layout and skills consistent, swap themes to meet student interests, and make it easy for buyers to grab month two and three in the same visit. Then we use seasonal spikes as a laboratory. Holiday resources bring quick traffic in less competitive windows, helping you diagnose whether your problem is visibility or conversion. If views are low, focus on SEO and cover clarity. If views are healthy but sales lag, fix previews, thumbnails, and descriptions to improve the add-to-cart moment.You'll also learn a dead-simple TPT search test to validate demand before you commit: find niches where top listings have strong reviews but page one still includes zero-review products. That gap means you can rank early with a new listing. We pair this with a strategic freebie—a high-quality sample that feeds discovery and encourages follows on the download page. For output planning, we recommend an early catalog split of five evergreen and five seasonal resources, then shifting back to evergreen once your data points to what works.Want help putting this into action? Grab the free step-by-step guide linked in the show notes, complete with check boxes to keep you moving. If this strategy helps, subscribe for weekly tips, share the episode with a TPT friend, and leave a quick review so more creators can find it.Dowload the free guide here!: https://rebrandedteacher.kartra.com/page/your-first-100 Check Out My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonMy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show
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