Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Sustainable Teaching with Rae Hughart

Your school's designation just dropped—now what? This week, Rae delivers a full action plan to move from data point to success story, and introduces the new community tackling the exhaustion that comes with systemic pressure.

Rae tackles the urgency of school designations, revealing the truth: real growth lives in the consistency across your whole building (paras, specialists, behavior, and culture).

In this episode, get your immediate strategy session:

• The Designation Solution: How to identify the overlooked growth indicator that drives subgroup success and build a fully funded improvement plan (no new budget required).

• The New TDI Learning Hub: A sneak peek at the high-impact courses coming by the end of 2025, including Boundaries Without Backlash and Calm Classrooms, Not Chaos.

• The Mindset Shift: An invitation to Rae's new Substack community, the space for real talk that gives you tools over toxic positivity. Stop settling for wellness tips when you need a working template.

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1. Solve the Designation Challenge: Secure your spot for the FREE live session, "Your Designation Isn’t Your Destiny," this Thursday, November 13th!

   • Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecg1kirw8wPNubReWBaOaNJ_MQzO1EA57-cre1PNR8hVtfHA/viewform?usp=dialog

2. Join the Movement: Subscribe to the new space for real talk and immediate strategies.

   • https://raehughart.substack.com/

Your Next Steps (Links in Show Notes):

This is your invitation to the real conversation.

Rae Hughart is taking a pause from traditional PD to build a new space on Substack—a community for real talk about what's broken in education and actionable solutions for what actually works.

If you're tired of inspirational quotes when you need a template, or self-care advice when you need systemic change, this is for you.

In this special announcement, Rae shares:

• Why over 1,000 educators joined in the first three weeks for content without the "brand filter."

• The publishing schedule: Real talk, ready-to-use tools, and community wins every week (all free to subscribe).

• Details on the TDI Vault, the paid-tier resource library packed with downloadable templates, scripts, and frameworks.

• The 20 Email Scripts for Setting Boundaries—your copy/paste solution for late-night emails and admin requests.

• How to secure your spot as a Founding Member before the price increases.

This is a movement to give teachers the capacity, confidence, and care they actually deserve.

Join the conversation and find the tools you need: https://raehughart.substack.com/

Rae unpacks the movement behind the new TDI Support Bundles (including the Autism, English Learner, and Para Support Expansions) that are changing the game.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why customization matters: Learn how these bundles are co-created by specialists (OTs, bilingual experts, and veteran paras) to deliver immediate, real-world results.

• The secret to PD that moves fast: How a less-than-20-minute commitment can lead to tangible classroom change the very next day.

• Why "Teachers Deserve It" is a lifeline: The story behind the movement of educators fighting for clarity, balance, and time back in their day.

• How districts are flipping the funding script to pay for innovation without touching general budgets.

This isn't about "more PD," it's about better PD.

Want to join the movement? Head to teachersdeserveit.com to join the waitlist and get the tools you need to reset.

What if progress didn’t start with a new program—but with a real conversation?

In this episode, Rae shares what happened during a 7:45 a.m. meeting in West Chicago that reminded the Teachers Deserve It team why this movement exists. Once administrators stepped out, the paraprofessionals started talking—really talking—and what followed wasn’t frustration. It was strategy, ownership, and problem-solving that turned one hour into a system that’s already working.

You’ll hear how giving staff time, trust, and follow-up can transform an entire building, plus the ripple effect of TDI’s on-the-ground work with schools across the country.

Because when you ask educators what they need—and then act on it—you stop managing and start leading.

Learn more at teachersdeserveit.com or join the Teachers Deserve It Facebook community to connect with educators who’ve found their lifeline through real support, fast follow-up, and systems that stick.

It’s observation season, and schools everywhere are talking about growth, evaluation, and “next steps.” But here’s the real question: Are you measuring the right things—or just tracking motion?

In this week’s episode, Rae dives into how to stop throwing spaghetti at the wall with your PD plan and start seeing real, measurable progress. You’ll hear the key questions to ask before you renew another contract, what visible growth should actually look like in 30–60 days, and how to build accountability without burning your team out.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, this conversation is your playbook.

Explore free tools, PD audits, and Learning Hub resources at teachersdeserveit.com, or join the Teachers Deserve It Facebook community to connect with educators building systems that work.

Because PD shouldn’t just fill hours—it should prove impact.

#TeachersDeserveIt #PDThatWorks #EducationLeadership #TeacherGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

It’s observation season—clipboards out, data walls updated, and walkthroughs happening in every hallway. But when the focus is only on “core” classrooms, too many of our most creative educators get left out of the conversation.

In this episode, Rae digs into what it really means to feed every teacher on your team. From art and music to PE and FACS, exploratory educators shape school culture every single day—but rarely get the professional learning that reflects their reality.

You’ll hear stories from TDI’s work in partner schools, reflections from this week’s Substack article, and a behind-the-scenes look at TDI’s newest Learning Hub course by art educator Erin Light, Procedures & Daily Routines for Art Teachers: Systems That Save Time.

Because art should be messy.
Your management shouldn’t be.

Todays episode is featuring a recent conversation Rae Hughart had on The Positive Persistence Podcast with Ian Bowen!

The Positive Persistence Podcast was created to share stories of individuals who have overcome insurmountable odds by embodying the principle of Positive Persistence.
 

Drawing from his own journey of defying paralysis, Ian launched the podcast to inspire listeners to tap into their inner strength and unlock their potential. 


Each episode explores the strategies, techniques, and mindsets of guests who have turned adversity into triumph, offering actionable insights for overcoming life's biggest challenges.

BONUS EPISODE:

Doing nothing feels safe—but it’s the costliest decision a school can make.

In this episode of Teachers Deserve It: Real Talk, Rae Hughart breaks down the hidden toll of “waiting until next year” to invest in your teachers, paras, and leadership team. From skyrocketing turnover costs to burnout-driven culture shifts, Rae shares real stories from the field and reveals why delayed action can drain budgets, morale, and student outcomes.

But here’s the good news: fixing it doesn’t take months. You’ll hear how schools are building clear, role-specific PD plans and funding them in weeks, not years. Plus, Rae walks you through how to get your own custom PD roadmap in under 3 minutes—so you can finally stop surviving and start leading with confidence.

If your team is stretched thin and you’ve been telling yourself, “We’ll handle this next year,” this is your sign to act now.

✨ Take the quiz: teachersdeserveit.com

Doing nothing feels safe—but it’s the costliest decision a school can make.

In this episode of Teachers Deserve It: Real Talk, Rae Hughart breaks down the hidden toll of “waiting until next year” to invest in your teachers, paras, and leadership team. From skyrocketing turnover costs to burnout-driven culture shifts, Rae shares real stories from the field and reveals why delayed action can drain budgets, morale, and student outcomes.

But here’s the good news: fixing it doesn’t take months. You’ll hear how schools are building clear, role-specific PD plans and funding them in weeks, not years. Plus, Rae walks you through how to get your own custom PD roadmap in under 3 minutes—so you can finally stop surviving and start leading with confidence.

If your team is stretched thin and you’ve been telling yourself, “We’ll handle this next year,” this is your sign to act now.

✨ Take the quiz: teachersdeserveit.com

Only have 5 min? Watch this quick video or listen in.

Then, snag your FREE Playbook at: https://tdi.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/TDIGrants

Most schools are spending thousands on professional development that teachers forget in two weeks—while leaving untapped grant money sitting on the table. It doesn’t have to be this way.

In this episode of Teachers Deserve It: Real Talk, Rae Hughart shares a simple, six-step system to make PD funded, effective, and stress-free for school leaders. Learn how to:

• Identify overlooked grants that cover teacher growth

• Build a PD plan your staff actually thanks you for

• Stop apologizing for PD that wastes time and start delivering real value

You don’t need another binder or another late-night planning session—you need a plan that works and funding that supports it.

✨ Download the free playbook: teachersdeserveit.com✨ Take the quiz for a custom funding roadmap: ⁠teachersdeserveit.com

Your teachers deserve PD that makes a difference—and this is where it starts.

The first week of school is chaos... routines aren’t set, emails are piling up, and staff are already exhausted from “one more thing.” Teachers don’t hate PD… they hate wasted time.

In this episode of Teachers Deserve It: Real Talk, Rae Hughart breaks down the 3 things no teacher has time for in Week 1 and how to flip the script with practical tools that save time, reduce stress, and actually work.

You’ll hear how the Teachers Deserve a Great Start Bundle is helping schools launch with clarity:

• Ready-to-use systems for classroom management

• Parent communication tools that cut down chaos

• Para support resources that finally give clear expectations

Plus, Rae shares how the Teachers Deserve It Book Club is the perfect companion - giving staff the chance to start with systems and grow with reflection.

If you’re a teacher, para, or leader heading into back-to-school, this episode is your reminder: you don’t need another binder. You need tools you can use tomorrow morning.

Explore the Great Start Bundle: teachersdeserveit.comJoin the Book Club Course: raehughart.substack.com

Start your year with systems. Grow your year with reflection.

This week we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the simplest—but most powerful—things we do at Teachers Deserve It: designing plug-and-play tools that schools can use instantly to make professional development actually stick. In this episode, Rae shares the backstory of a tool created for one partner school that spread like wildfire when another district grabbed it, screenshot style, and ran with it. You’ll hear how small shifts in clarity can ripple out into smoother transitions, stronger para partnerships, and teachers who actually thank their administrators for PD. Plus, Rae breaks down why giving your staff ready-to-use systems is a sign of respect, not “hand-holding.” If you’ve ever wanted your PD days to spark real results without adding more to your plate, this episode is for you.

In this week’s Teachers Deserve It Podcast, Rae Hughart gets real about the final stretch before back-to-school—and why “waiting” to make a professional development plan isn’t just procrastination, it’s a choice to add stress to your year.

Rae walks through what principals are actually juggling right now—finalizing master schedules, planning institute days, welcoming new staff—and how TDI takes PD off their plates entirely. No late-night slide decks. No scrambling. Just a done-for-you plan that works.

If you’re a school leader, you’ll learn how to get your PD strategy finalized before your coffee gets cold. If you’re a teacher, you’ll see how to advocate for PD that’s worth your time.

Listen now, then subscribe to the Teachers Deserve It Substack for the full breakdown: raehughart.substack.com

Still staring at your PD plan like it might finish itself? This episode is your wake-up call and your shortcut. Rae Hughart kicks off the back-to-school leadership series with real talk about the chaos of August planning—and how to stop it in its tracks. She breaks down the #1 mistake school leaders make when designing professional development, introduces the TDI model that saves time (and sanity), and walks you through how to get a custom PD plan in under 60 seconds.

We’re not here to tweak your slide deck.
We’re here to replace it.

Whether you're craving clarity, need buy-in, or just want to feel confident that PD will actually help your teachers, this episode is your step one.

We’ve made it to Part 6 of our Teacher-Tested Hacks for Smarter Days launch series—and we’re closing strong with educator, author, and coach Kevin J. Butler.

Kevin’s strategy? Use student questions as the blueprint for building better units.

In this final episode, Rae dives into Kevin’s clip and the brilliance behind centering instruction on what students are actually wondering. She reflects on the moments curiosity transformed her classroom—and how agency isn't a buzzword, it’s a blueprint.

If you’ve ever felt boxed in by the pacing guide or stuck teaching content students couldn’t care less about, this one’s for you.

And remember: Kevin is just one of 30+ educators featured in this course. Short clips. Real strategies. Ready when you are.

🎉 The course is live: tdi.thinkific.com/products/courses/Hacks
💸 Use code Hughart2025 for 20% off
📬 Subscribe to the Substack for more: raehughart.substack.com

Part 5 of our Teacher-Tested Hacks for Smarter Days series gets to the heart of it all: your joy.

In this episode, happiness coach and education consultant Kim Strobel shares a mindset shift that can help educators reclaim their identity, energy, and passion. Her message isn’t about toxic positivity—it’s about science-backed strategies for taking back what burnout tried to steal.

Rae reflects on her own journey with mindset, classroom overwhelm, and the power of remembering who you are outside the lesson plan.

This isn’t just about productivity. It’s about remembering you’re a human first—and that joy is part of the job, not a reward for surviving it.

🛒 Grab the course and watch Kim’s clip (plus 30+ others): tdi.thinkific.com/products/courses/Hacks
💸 Use code Hughart2025 for 20% off
📬 Subscribe for more drops like this: raehughart.substack.com

It’s launch day—and Part 4 of our Teacher-Tested Hacks for Smarter Days series is bringing the 🎺 brass and the brilliance.

This episode features award-winning educator, speaker, and musician Mickey Smith Jr., who shares his go-to classroom strategy: the PPQ Method (Passion–Practice–Questions). It’s the kind of strategy that doesn’t just work—it sings.

Mickey shows how inviting students to connect their personal passions to academic practice sparks not only engagement, but identity. Rae dives into how this would’ve changed the game in her own classroom—and how Mickey’s method isn’t just motivational, it’s doable tomorrow.

If you're tired of fluff and ready for practical tools with soul, this one’s for you.

🎧 The full course is now live! 30+ educators. Under 8 minutes each. Classroom-tested. Time-saving. And actually useful.

🛒 Enroll now: tdi.thinkific.com/products/courses/Hacks
💸 Use code Hughart2025 for 20% off
📬 Subscribe to stay in the loop: raehughart.substack.com

Part 3 of our 6-part spotlight series is here—and if you’ve been waiting for the mindset boost that actually hits? This is it.

This episode features Timothy Alexander—better known as TA—an educator, coach, motivational speaker, and inclusion advocate whose story will absolutely stop you in your tracks. His clip, “You Can. You Will. You Must,” isn’t about strategy—it’s about belief. It's the voice in your head that says, “Keep going,” when everything around you says otherwise.

Rae reflects on TA’s emotional message and how his words matter—especially for educators leading others or desperately needing someone to believe in them, too.

🔑 This episode reminds us: You’re not here by accident. And you’re not out of fight.

🎧 Want more? 30+ educators share real tips like this in our new course Teacher-Tested Hacks for Smarter Days—available now in the TDI Learning Hub.

🛒 Enroll: tdi.thinkific.com/products/courses/Hacks
💸 Use code Hughart2025 to save 20%
📬 Subscribe on Substack: raehughart.substack.com

When everything feels loud, fast, and on fire—what if all you needed was one intentional minute?

In Part 2 of our 6-part launch series for Teacher-Tested Hacks for Smarter Days, Rae spotlights contributor Ipek Williamson, a certified mindfulness coach and emotional wellness advocate, whose strategy—The 60-Second Reset—gives educators a calm, powerful way to pause before reacting.

Rae shares her own “react vs. respond” classroom moment (you’ll feel seen), explains why this clip hit so hard, and shows how just one minute can ripple through your entire day.

✨ Preview the full course now: tdi.thinkific.com/products/courses/Hacks
🔑 Use code Hughart2025 to save 20%
📬 Subscribe for more classroom-ready gems: raehughart.substack.com

Need a moment? This episode is your moment.

Join us weekly for Office Hours in the TDI Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tdimovement

Let’s be honest: most professional development leaves teachers burned out, bored, or straight-up bewildered. In Part 1 of our 6-part series launching Teacher-Tested Hacks for Smarter Days, Rae Hughart gets real about the broken system—and the bold new course built to fix it.

You’ll hear the story behind this educator-powered project, why 30+ teachers, paras, coaches, and leaders contributed practical 5-minute hacks, and how this flipped PD model is changing the game. No theory. No fluff. Just strategies that save time, build confidence, and actually help.

🎓 Pre-order the course now: tdi.thinkific.com/products/courses/Hacks
🔑 Use code Hughart2025 to save 20%
📬 Subscribe to Rae’s weekly Substack: raehughart.substack.com

This episode is for every educator who’s ever walked out of PD and thought, “That’s an hour of my life I’m not getting back.” Let’s do better. And we are.

Too many schools are wasting contract hours on PD that doesn’t actually support teachers. This episode flips that on its head.

Rae walks through the truth behind most professional development frustration—not the contract, but the confusion around how to use the time. Inspired by her viral Substack post, “How to Make Your PD Plan Work with Your Union Contract,” this episode is packed with real solutions.

Inside, you’ll learn:

• What real PD should actually include (no fluff)

• How to align your school’s goals with the hours you already have

• Why the TDI model is designed to work with even the most complex union agreements

If you're a school leader, teacher, or union rep looking to build a system that respects time and builds real growth—this one’s for you.

Read the full post: raehughart.substack.com
Take the Instant PD Plan Quiz: teachersdeserveit.com

Feeling the July pressure to build the perfect PD plan, support paras, and magically align your whole staff before August hits?

This episode walks through the full Back-to-School Checklist Series—four tactical guides that help school leaders stop guessing and start building systems that work. No fluff. No filler. Just the tools you actually need.

Rae breaks down:

• 8 things that make or break your PD days

• What paras actually need before school starts

• 10 essentials to lock in before August

• A schoolwide systems checklist (plus a 60-second PD plan quiz!)

Whether you’re building your plan solo or ready to hand it off, this episode will help you start the year with clarity, confidence, and actual support.

Read all four parts on Substack: raehughart.substack.com
Take the PD Plan Quiz: https://teachersdeserveit.com/vsl-landing-page/

Budgets reset July 1 and suddenly every decision feels high-stakes. In this episode, Rae shares a true story from a principal’s office that perfectly captures the pressure school leaders are facing right now. But here’s the thing: planning PD shouldn’t feel like guessing.

We’ve built a tool to help - an instant quiz that gives you a custom PD plan in under 60 seconds. No fluff. No “fingers crossed.” Just real strategy that respects teacher time and aligns with school goals.

Whether you’re an admin or teacher leader, this episode will help you:

• Name the fears behind summer planning

• Shift from overwhelm to clarity

• Use the quiz to start a smarter PD plan now

Take the quiz here: https://form.jotform.com/251725407374054

And as always… we’re building this movement one educator at a time.

Paraprofessionals are the glue of our schools—but most are expected to lead without real training. In this episode, Rae walks through Part 2 of the Teachers Deserve Para Support series, featuring three brand-new micro-courses designed to give paras confidence that sticks. From note-taking strategies to transition phrases and boundary-setting homework help, this bundle is all about clarity, calm, and real-time impact. Perfect for teachers, paras, and administrators who want support that actually works.

Want access?
This bundle is available inside the All Access Membership or by requesting a school quote at teachersdeserveit.com.

In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart breaks down what real professional development looks like and why most schools are getting it wrong. From surviving slideshow sessions to finally building systems that work, this episode unpacks what teachers actually need: clarity, relevance, tools they can use Monday, and support that doesn’t end in August.
Plus: Rae shares a major milestone - TDI is now an official NYC DOE vendor and what it means for the future of para and teacher PD nationwide. If you’re ready to ditch professional disappointment and build PD that sticks, this one’s for you.

Tired of PD days that waste time and drain morale? In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart breaks down why traditional professional development often leads to disappointment—and what real growth actually requires. Learn what every PD system should include, why feedback can’t just be criticism, and how school leaders can shift from one-off sessions to yearlong impact. If you're ready to stop checking boxes and start building teacher-centered PD that actually works, this one’s for you.

In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart shares the bold vision behind Teachers Deserve It: reaching 1 million educators by the end of 2025 through PD that actually works. No more wasted time, cookie-cutter workshops, or compliance checklists—this is about saving teachers real time, supporting their real lives, and creating lasting student impact.
Plus: a spotlight on the Thinkering Collective’s Teacher Internship opportunity, Shaklee’s Morning Glow, and a powerful call to join the movement.
You’re not just invited—you’re essential.

In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart shares what it really takes for educators to rest—not just escape—during the summer months. Inspired by her 3-part Substack series, Rae unpacks what strategic rest looks like, how to protect your peace without disconnecting from your purpose, and how the TDI Summer Toolkit can help you prep smarter (not harder) for August.
Plus: this week’s sponsor shoutout to Shaklee’s Morning Glow, a partner spotlight on Thinkering Collective, and a reminder that rest isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what actually matters.

In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart unpacks the hesitation many educators feel when using AI tools—and reframes the conversation completely. What if AI didn’t replace your voice, but helped amplify it? What if using the right tools meant you could reclaim your time without compromising your authenticity?
Rae shares real examples from teachers in the field, 15 ways to use AI that actually feel human, and a mindset shift that makes strategic tech use feel empowering instead of impersonal.
Plus: new educator shoutouts, free resources, and a wellness boost from Shaklee you’ll want to hear about.

This week on TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart takes you behind the scenes of the latest Teachers Deserve It focus groups—where educators from across the country are sharing the raw, unfiltered truth about what they need most. From burnout to broken systems to moments of unexpected joy, these conversations are shaping the next phase of TDI’s work. Plus: new free tools in the TDI Learning Hub, a Substack you need to subscribe to, and shoutouts to teacher-led brands making waves. Because your voice isn’t just valid—it’s vital.

This excerpt from "Teachers Deserve It" emphasizes that while Teacher Appreciation Week is a positive occasion, the level of recognition and support teachers receive should be the norm, not an exception. The Pod acknowledges small gestures like free coffee and notes are nice, but argues they don't make up for the lack of ongoing appreciation. It advocates for teachers to fully embrace the current week of celebration while also recognizing that consistent respect, visibility, and support are truly deserved. The piece introduces the "Teachers Deserve It" community and Learning Hub as a resource to help create a future where appreciation is a constant, not a fleeting event.

As the school year winds down, it’s easy for students—and teachers—to check out. But the final weeks can actually be some of the most meaningful moments you create all year. In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart shares five powerful, low-stress activities that help students reflect, celebrate, and leave your classroom feeling seen and supported. Plus, get tips on using TDI’s new Parent Communication Tools to save time this spring and set yourself up for a smoother back-to-school season.
Stick around for our small business spotlights and a quick shoutout to the wellness tools keeping teachers strong through the final countdown!

Teachers Deserve It presents strategies for educators to enhance communication with parents, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate method for different situations. The text advocates for smart communication choices using various tools such as email for routine updates, video for personal connections, student-led updates for engagement, and phone calls for sensitive topics. By employing a combination of these methods, teachers can foster stronger relationships with families and create a more supportive educational environment. The podcast promotes a course titled Smart Communication Choices: What to Use, When, and How, part of the Teachers Deserve: Partnership Course Bundle, to help teachers master these skills. Ultimately, the goal is to equip educators with effective communication techniques to ensure a successful school year for students, parents, and themselves.

Tired of repeating yourself to parents all year long? In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart dives into the power of ready-to-go parent resources—from book lists to behavior FAQs to calendars that answer the questions before they’re asked. Learn how to proactively set boundaries, save time, and still provide incredible support to families. Whether you're new to teaching or deep in the trenches, these tools will help you simplify your workflow and strengthen home-school communication.

Informal interactions among educators, termed creative collisions, as a valuable source of professional growth. These unplanned conversations, occurring in everyday school settings, can lead to new ideas, shared strategies, and stronger connections between teachers. The author suggests that schools, already rich in these daily encounters, should intentionally cultivate a culture where such spontaneous exchanges are encouraged and valued for their potential to enhance teaching practices and build community without requiring formal initiatives. Practical strategies are offered for teachers, coaches, and administrators to maximize these casual moments for school-wide improvement and innovation.

Teachers Deserve It offers guidance for educators on improving parent-teacher conversations to benefit student success. The resource highlights the significance of effective communication and cites research supporting parental involvement's positive impact on students. It suggests practical strategies, emphasizing preparation, establishing a positive tone by focusing on student strengths, and concluding with clear action plans and follow-ups. The provided information aims to empower teachers to approach these interactions confidently, ultimately strengthening the home-school partnership. Additional resources, such as courses on email communication and parent conversations, are also mentioned for further support.

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New Bundle Out NOW!

Teachers Deserve It offers resources and tools aimed at improving the effectiveness and support for paraprofessionals working in schools. The website highlights the often demanding roles paraprofessionals fill, particularly during unstructured times like hallways and lunch. It provides actionable strategies, such as pre-correction techniques and visual aids, to help paraprofessionals manage student behavior and build positive relationships. The site promotes the idea that well-supported paraprofessionals benefit the entire school community and offers professional development opportunities through their Learning Hub. Ultimately, the platform advocates for recognizing paraprofessionals as crucial leaders who deserve adequate training and resources.

We’re back with Day 2 of our special podcast series featuring clips from the brand-new Paraprofessional Bundle launching this Wednesday inside the Teachers Deserve It Learning Hub!

Today’s episode features a clip from "Understanding Student Needs & Modifications," a course designed to help paraprofessionals confidently support all types of learners through meaningful differentiation, accommodations, and modifications.

Whether you're working 1:1 with a student or helping adapt instruction in a small group, this episode delivers actionable insight you can apply right away.

Don’t forget—this entire bundle (and every other course in the Hub) is available with our All Access Membership: only $25/month or $228/year.

Let’s dive into today’s episode and celebrate the power of purposeful support.

In today’s special episode, recorded on the go from the airport, Rae kicks off a full week of daily podcast drops featuring sneak peeks from our brand-new Paraprofessional Bundle—launching this Wednesday inside the Teachers Deserve It Learning Hub!

We’re starting with a powerful clip from the course "Paraprofessional Foundations: Understanding Your Role & Impact," paired with a free download packed with Effective Student Support Strategies you can use right away.

Whether you're a paraprofessional or a teacher looking to build a stronger classroom team, this episode sets the tone for a week of celebration, empowerment, and practical tools.

--> Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—and explore the full bundle (plus everything else in the Hub!) with our All Access Membership: just $25/month or $228/year.

Let’s jump in and celebrate the educators who make it all possible.

This blog post from "Teachers Deserve It" addresses the critical role of communication in de-escalating student crises by providing educators with practical strategies. It explains the neurological basis of a student's crisis response, emphasizing that logic and commands are often ineffective. The resource offers specific de-escalation phrases to use and language to avoid, highlighting the importance of validation and guidance. Key techniques such as using "I see" statements, offering positive choices, reducing verbal overload, and employing nonverbal cues are presented. Additionally, it includes a printable quick reference card with situation-specific examples to aid teachers in high-stress moments.

Teachers Deserve It offers educators proactive strategies for managing student behavior by focusing on prevention rather than reaction. The blog post outlines ten specific techniques aimed at heading off potential meltdowns through methods like clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and building relationships. It emphasizes the importance of understanding student triggers and using nonverbal cues to guide behavior effectively. The resource encourages teachers to shift their mindset towards a more preventative approach in the classroom.

Paraprofessionals need effective methods to support students, especially regarding behavior. This resource from Teachers Deserve It offers practical, research-backed strategies for paraprofessionals to immediately implement in the classroom. The guide focuses on building positive relationships, setting clear expectations, and using proactive management techniques. It also emphasizes positive reinforcement, de-escalation techniques, and self-regulation strategies for both students and paraprofessionals. These techniques aim to empower paraprofessionals to confidently manage student behavior, reduce power struggles, and create a more supportive learning environment.

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Visit TeachersDeserveIt.com for full details

TeachersDeserveIt.com advocates for a streamlined lesson planning process designed to save educators time. Their suggested method involves four key steps: defining learning goals, outlining the week's activities, integrating resources, and finalizing the plan. Each step includes checklists and sentence starters to aid teachers. The website claims this structured approach can enable teachers to plan a week's worth of lessons in just one hour, allowing them to teach with greater confidence. They offer additional resources on their website.

Check out the bonus episode from our Office Hours from Feb 26th, 2025. Join by becoming an All Access Member of our Learning Hub at TeachersDeserveIt.com

Teachers Deserve It (TDI) is dedicated to helping teachers integrate social media into their digital learning environments. The organization aims to make education more engaging and relevant through interactive learning, real-world examples, and increased student participation. TDI supports this transformation by providing curriculum innovation, promoting community engagement, and creating adaptive learning environments that keep up with digital trends. The organization also provides actionable strategies such as integrating social media into lessons, creating feedback loops, leveraging real-time trends, and encouraging collaboration among educators. The ultimate goal of TDI is to inspire students and drive positive change in education by bridging the gap between social media and the classroom.

Teachers Deserve It (TDI) addresses common shortcomings in teacher professional development (PD). TDI aims to fix ineffective PD by offering personalized, practical strategies applicable to real classrooms. They focus on translating research into usable techniques while prioritizing teacher well-being and work-life balance. Unlike traditional PD, TDI provides ongoing support, leadership development, flexibility, and resources for funding classroom needs. Ultimately, TDI seeks to empower teachers through relevant, actionable PD experiences tailored to their individual needs.