Feeling like you're just delivering someone else's curriculum in someone else's system? In this episode, we explore how to reclaim your professional agency by creating a distinctive classroom culture - even within the constraints of standardization.

I'll share why building classroom microcosms isn't just good for students (though it is) - it's essential for teacher wellness and sustainability. We'll talk about the elements that create belonging, the "fandom" aspects that build real community, and how small acts of agency can transform both your teaching and your students' learning.

Plus, I'll tell you about that time I gave away an Easy Bake Oven to my sophomores and why random moments of joy might be the most radical thing you can do in a standardized system.