Taking time to recharge is vital for teachers. It clears our minds, nourishes our soul, and prepares us for the year ahead. Today, I gathered answers from teachers on what they do over the summer. I hope you are reminded to take a breath.

Today I am talking with Jackie Waldman about recharging over the summer. She asks us to think about recharging over the summer for teachers as a way to get back what we have lost or let go of through the year that has left us depleted.  What can we do to get just a little of that back. So powerful! I hope you’ll join us. 

Today we are talking all about getting your makerspace up and running in your learning space. We will discuss storage ideas, labels and signs, procedures to have in place, and student expectations all around a makerspace.

Today we talk all about the 5 fundamental steps you need to launch a makerspace in your learning environment. If you missed episode 30: Why Every Teacher Should Have a Makerspace, then check that out first.

There are five astonishing reasons every classroom needs a makerspace. Join me today to hear how classrooms can utilize engagement, critical thinking, discovery, and more with a makerspace.

Talking curriculum, professional development, and building a community of teachers is one of my favorite things to do. That probably explains why Deedee Wills from the Facebook group Primary Collaborative and I speak for over an hour! It's a long one, but I loved every moment of it.

There is a love hate relationship with the end of the school year for teachers. We often hate all the tedious tasks we are asked to do like pack up our entire classroom just to unpack 2 months later, create class lists, and say goodbye to our kids and co-workers. We also love the idea of starting fresh in August, organizing our things, and getting a much needed break from the daily grind.

Today’s show takes a look at a system that is holding children to standards that are causing them to believe that their worth resides only in being college and career ready. Is this the message we should be sending to the next generation? Preparing kids to think and learn and problem solve is crucial, but it doesn’t have to be in college.  I hope you will join me as I share a letter that I wrote to my daughter when she didn’t get into the colleges she chose due to the message we sent her based on a test score.

Hey! So today I am so excited to have my dear friend Andrea here to welcome new teachers into the tribe of teaching. Andrea has always been a gift to other teachers, most notably for me. She offers practical advice for teachers who are just starting out in this big world of education. We hope you will join us as we pay tribute to our graduating teachers!

Surviving the end of the year is a difficult task for many teachers! Just ask a teacher which time in the year is hardest, and you will probably hear- the beginning of the year and the end of year tired is like no other teacher tired. So this week on One Tired Teacher, we are talking all about ways to survive the end and actually thrive during this time.

Makerspace is a rapidly growing trend in schools across the country. Most makerspaces can exist in Media Centers or Libraries. However, teachers can utilize the power of makerspace in their classrooms, as well. So why not have a makerspace in your classroom?

Hi there! Welcome to One Tired Teacher Episode 18 Integrating Technology into the Primary Classroom. On today’s show, I sit down with Brandi, a second-grade teacher from a Title One school in Oklahoma City Public Schools. Brandi shares an inspiring story about how Apple has come into their school and transformed it into a one-to-one school K-6th grade and has included 3 years of professional development support and beyond. Now THAT is how you integrate technology. The tools and strategies she has learned through 3 years of PD with Apple, are going to blow you away. You won’t want to miss a minute of this. So press play, and let’s start talking about technology in the classroom.

Should students be allowed to bring their phones to school? That is the question I am asking teachers on this week's show.

Making learning fun in the classroom brings a higher level of engagement and happiness to your students. From dressing up as writing characters to incorporating games into your math curriculum, spicing up the learning environment can really add value to your classroom. On this week’s episode, guest Math Mojo, Alexis Sergi shares the importance of making learning fun.

Engaging students in learning can be challenging, but once we figure out how to do it, we can make a significant impact on how kids learn and think about education. Highly engaging activities can make learning meaningful and fun!

Inspiring children to fall in love with reading can be one of the most rewarding gifts you can receive as a teacher. Sometimes it can be quite tricky. Reluctant readers often struggle to find books they love due to fears they have about themselves as readers. This is why it is so crucial to introduce kids to fantastic books. Because there is a book for everyone! We just need to find the one to hook them.

The role of the school counselor has evolved from the days where scheduling and test coordinator were once the main job performances. Many states across the country are realizing the necessity of having school counselors focusing on social and emotional learning along with academics and college and career readiness. It couldn’t be a better time to start focusing on the mental health of our children as we see the numbers of anxiety and other mental challenges increase.

Anxiety in our schools seems to be a growing problem. Some evidence suggests that we may be overdiagnosing. Other reports say that we have just gotten better at identifying the issues. Whether you subscribe to either point, the number is high.

This week on One Tired Teacher, I sit down with Amanda a 2nd-year teacher who has begun her teaching journey in an alternative school 6th-8th grade. Amanda shares some of her challenges with students who are often feeling left behind or overlooked. The ESE population is substantial, and many students struggle with ADHD and or Anxiety. We as listeners, get a brief look at a challenging situation.

School-based yoga programs are sweeping the nation, and studies show that students of all ages are reaping significant benefits. Yoga can be a meaningful team builder for classrooms, as well as help children learn to self-regulate, concentrate, and become more mindful in their practice and in their daily lives.