We’re back with a sizzling summer bonus episode you won’t want to miss! ☀️
In this special drop, we’re diving into the highlights of the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Conference — a powerful event packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable strategies for educators at every level.
🌟We’ll break down:
PLUS... we’re ending on a fun note with a BONUS classroom-ready writing activity you can use with students of all ages — whether it’s the start of the school year or a mid-year engagement boost! 📝🎉
Whether you missed the conference or want to relive the magic, this episode brings the energy, the insights, and a little summer spark to keep your teacher heart full. 💛
🎧Tune in now, and let’s get inspired together!
#StartSmartPodcast #TeacherSummerBonus #MTSS2025 #ClassroomManagementInstitute #WritingActivityFun #BackToSchoolPrep #AnthonyTrucks #WriteBrain
We’re closing out the season with something special—guest teachers take the mic in this powerful Part 2 of our season finale!
Join us as inspiring educators share their journeys, drop their best-ever teaching advice, and open up with unforgettable classroom stories that’ll make you laugh, nod, and maybe even tear up a little.
In this episode, we dive into:
👋 How these teachers introduce themselves and build instant connections
💡 The top advice they wish they’d heard sooner
📖 Unfiltered stories from the front lines—both heartwarming and hilarious
Whether you’re brand new to teaching or a classroom veteran, this episode is a celebration of the voices that make education magical.
Pull up a chair—you’re in great company. 🎉
In our epic season finale kickoff, we're counting down the Top 5 Best Pieces of Teaching Advice from the entire season—real wisdom from real educators! 💡
Whether you're prepping your first classroom or you're a seasoned pro looking to refresh your approach, this episode is packed with high-impact insights on:
🛠️ Classroom Setup
🔁 Must-Have Procedures
📚 Lesson Planning that Actually Works
💬 Behavior Management Strategies that Stick
❤️ Relationship-Building with Students
PLUS: You’ll hear hilarious and heartfelt stories submitted by teachers just like you—because let’s face it, sometimes laughter is the best classroom management.
Get ready to laugh, learn, and leave inspired. This isn’t just an episode—it’s a survival guide wrapped in good vibes. 🚀
In this episode, we dive into the essential strategies every aspiring teacher needs to know before stepping into the interview room. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced educator looking for a new opportunity, these insider tips and real-life advice will help you stand out from the competition.
We'll cover:
Key questions you’re likely to face—and how to answer them with confidence
Tips for showcasing your unique strengths, whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience
The do's and don'ts of teacher interview etiquette
How to showcase your passion, classroom management style, and teaching philosophy
Plus, the small details that can make a big impact!
Tune in and get one step closer to landing your dream teaching job. Don’t forget to bring a notebook—this episode is packed with practical gems!
In this episode, we’re breaking down a key topic in education and inclusive teaching: the difference between accommodations and modifications. Whether you're a new teacher, a seasoned educator, or a parent trying to better understand your child's support plan, this conversation will help clear things up.
We'll cover:
What accommodations and modifications really mean
How each supports student learning in different ways
Real-life examples of how to implement them in your classroom
Practical tools and strategies you can start using today
Tune in for a clear, practical discussion designed to help you feel more confident and prepared when supporting diverse learners.
State testing season can be overwhelming, especially for new teachers navigating the ins and outs of proctoring. In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to confidently administer the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and ensure a smooth testing experience for students.
We’ll cover:
By the end of this episode, you'll feel prepared, organized, and ready to tackle state testing with confidence. Whether it’s your first time or you just need a refresher, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you succeed.
Tune in now and make testing season a breeze! Don’t forget to subscribe and share with your fellow educators!
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most important (and sometimes nerve-wracking) parts of teaching—parent-teacher conferences! Whether it’s your first time or you’re looking to improve, we’ve got you covered with practical strategies to help you feel confident and prepared.
Join us as we discuss:
How to set a positive tone from the start
Effective ways to communicate student progress (even when it’s tough)
Strategies for handling difficult conversations with parents
Tips for staying organized and making the most of your time
By the end of this episode, you'll have actionable steps to ensure your conferences are productive, professional, and stress-free. Tune in now and take the guesswork out of parent-teacher meetings!
Don’t forget to subscribe and share with your fellow educators!
In part two of our deep dive into teacher burnout, we move beyond quick fixes and focus on long-term solutions for sustainable teaching. Burnout isn’t just about stress—it’s about systemic challenges, lack of support, and emotional exhaustion. So how can educators create a career that’s both fulfilling and manageable?
In this episode, we discuss ways to cultivate resilience, advocate for better work-life balance, and build a sustainable teaching mindset. We’ll explore the importance of mentorship, and self-care routines that actually work.
Whether you're a new teacher feeling the weight of the profession or a veteran looking for renewed inspiration, this episode is filled with insights to help you reclaim your passion and energy for teaching. Tune in as we continue the conversation on how to not just survive—but thrive—in education!
In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest challenges facing educators today—teacher burnout. With long hours, high expectations, and emotional demands, it's no surprise that many new teachers find themselves overwhelmed early in their careers. But burnout doesn’t have to be inevitable.
Join us as we explore the root causes of teacher burnout and share practical strategies to help new teachers maintain their passion and well-being. From setting boundaries and time management tips to mindfulness practices and support networks, we’ll provide actionable advice to help educators stay energized and fulfilled in the classroom.
Whether you’re a first-year teacher or an experienced educator looking to support your colleagues, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive—not just survive—in the world of teaching. Tune in and let’s fight burnout together!
In this episode, we dive into the power of bell-to-bell instruction and how teachers can make the most of every moment in the classroom. From the first bell to the last, structuring your lessons with purpose keeps students engaged and maximizes learning.
We'll break down the essential components of an effective lesson, including:
Bell Ringers – Kickstarting engagement from the moment students walk in.
Direct Instruction – Delivering clear, concise content for maximum understanding.
Guided Practice – Supporting students as they apply new concepts.
Independent & Group Work – Encouraging collaboration and deeper thinking.
Closure – Wrapping up with meaningful reflection and reinforcement.
Exit Tickets – Assessing understanding and planning for next steps.
Tune in for practical strategies, real-classroom examples, and tips to keep your instruction tight, effective, and student-centered from start to finish!
📚✨ Teaching is more than just a job—it’s a balancing act of relationships, expectations, and professionalism. In this episode, we dive into the essential boundaries every educator should set to foster a healthy and productive environment.
🎙️ Join us as we explore:
✔Teacher-Student Boundaries – Maintaining respect, trust, and professionalism while supporting students.
✔Teacher-Teacher Boundaries – Navigating friendships, collaboration, and workplace dynamics.
✔Teacher-Contract Boundaries – Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and when to say “no.”
✔Teacher-Parent Boundaries – Building strong partnerships while keeping communication professional.
Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, this episode is packed with insights to help you create clear, healthy boundaries in and out of the classroom. Tune in now! 🎧✏️
#TeacherLife #EducationMatters #HealthyBoundaries
Are you ready for the unexpected? In this episode, we dive into the essentials of creating a 3-day emergency kit and share smart strategies for planning absences—whether they’re scheduled or last-minute. Learn how to make your absence purposeful by leaving engaging activities, choice boards, reading materials, and thought-provoking questions for your students. Plus, discover why leaving a little extra can make all the difference. Tune in for practical tips that will keep your classroom running smoothly, no matter what!
Building Classroom Culture (Part 4)
Looking to spark connection, collaboration, and creativity in your classroom? This episode is packed with dynamic icebreaker games designed to cultivate a positive classroom culture while seamlessly integrating curriculum goals. Whether you're aiming to kick off the school year, energize a group, or bring a lesson to life, these fun and versatile activities are just what you need!
We’ll dive into engaging favorites like Two Truths and a Lie, Human Bingo, and Would You Rather, as well as curriculum-focused gems like All About Me Posters, Soundtrack to My Life, and Desert Island Survival Scenarios. You'll discover practical ways to break the ice, build relationships, and teach with intention—all while keeping students excited and engaged.
Hit play to find fresh ideas that’ll transform your classroom into a hub of positivity, learning, and laughter. Don’t forget to subscribe and share with fellow educators who love innovative teaching strategies!
Building Classroom Culture (Part 3)
In this week’s episode, we dive deeper into building a thriving classroom culture by unlocking the power of three game-changing strategies:
Setting high expectations that inspire students to reach their full potential Creating a classroom incentive system that motivates and engages Mastering behavior management techniques that keep everything running smoothly in your classroom.
Tune in for practical tips and fresh insights that will elevate your classroom environment and transform the way students interact with each other and their learning!
Building Classroom Culture (Part 2)
In this episode, we explore effective strategies to enhance classroom management and create a positive, inclusive environment for your students. You'll learn how to: Create a sense of belonging by designing a space where all students feel valued Assign classroom jobs to promote responsibility and engagement Decorate your classroom with purpose to make it inviting and functional Let students “move in” by personalizing their learning space Store student work in an organized, accessible way Set up a comfort corner with communal items like deodorant and lotion to promote well-being Foster a student-led classroom, empowering students to take on leadership roles Encourage peer teaching, where students can teach and learn from one another Handle classroom disagreements with strategies that promote respect and resolution
Tune in for actionable insights and ideas that will help you create a well-managed, student-centered classroom!
Building Classroom Culture (Part 1)
In this episode, we dive into the art of relationship building in educational environments. Whether you're a student, teacher, or parent, understanding how to create meaningful connections is key to fostering success.
We’ll explore:
How to create a dynamic and effective learning environment where everyone thrives. The Golden Rule: Treat others how you want to be treated… but is there a better way? The difference between fairness and equity, and why equity is the real game-changer in supporting individual needs.
Tune in for tips and strategies to enhance relationships and transform how you interact with those around you
https://www.classroommanagementinstitute.com/podcast/episode-4
In this episode we discuss:
Classroom Procedures (Part 1)
Physical classroom set up
Teacher area
Desk Placements
Student reference material placement
