Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [TST26] The 3 BTS Investments That Save You Hours Every Month with Heidi Van Natter & Emily Stephenson | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:14:32 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] Launching the Mentor Sentence Routine in Your First Two Weeks with Jessica Ivey-Smith | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:16:49 | |
✨ Featured Speaker! ✨ 🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Ready to teach grammar that actually sticks in students' writing? Jivey shares the mentor sentence routine, a simple five-day rhythm that ties grammar straight to real writing and takes just ten minutes a day. She'll show you exactly how to launch it in the first two weeks of school so it becomes a habit before the year runs away from you, and you can even grab a complete, done-for-you lesson to start with, free. You'll walk away knowing why isolated worksheets don't stick, how studying one strong sentence builds real writers, and the one question to ask students every day that turns labeling into true understanding. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] How to Target Instruction in Math Small Groups Without Winging It with Greg Coleman | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:15:39 | |
✨ Featured Speaker! ✨ 🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Figuring out what to do inside your teacher-led small group can feel overwhelming. In this session, Greg shares a simple, repeatable framework for deciding exactly what each teacher-led small group needs, even before you have all your diagnostic data. Links:
Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] AI Can Do It. Should It? Three Questions to Ask Before Using AI for Back-to-School Prep with Jen Manly | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:21:26 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Wondering whether you should hand your back-to-school prep over to AI, or keep it for yourself? Jen Manly helps you decide with a simple framework of three questions you can run any task through, so you know exactly what to outsource without guilt, what to own, and how to streamline the work with or without AI. Drawing on her experience teaching AI and its ethics since 2018, Jen cuts through the "fifty ways AI can do your prep" noise to focus on the better question: not can it, but should it? You'll walk away knowing how to save real time, protect your voice and your students' trust, and the one thing you should never put into an AI tool. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] The Visual Schedule Setup That Prevents Problems Before They Start with Jenn Adams | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:19:43 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Behaviors don't start in September — they start in August. Jenn Adams shows you how to build a visual schedule system that gives your students the predictability and safety they need from Day 1, so small challenges never become big problems. Walk away with a simple, doable setup you can use right away — no fancy materials required. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] The Math Routines That Bring Calm and Engagement to Your Classroom with Debrice Hill | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:12:34 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Struggling to help students confidently tackle math concepts? Debrice Hill shares practical scaffolding strategies that make math accessible, engaging, and achievable for all learners. Participants will walk away with ready-to-use lessons, visual supports, differentiation techniques, and hands-on ideas that build student confidence while strengthening mathematical understanding. Key Takeaways: • Effective math scaffolding strategies • Visual supports that increase understanding • Differentiation tools for diverse learners • Hands-on activities that boost engagement • Ways to build student confidence and independence in math Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] The Word Problem Shift: Helping Students Stop Guessing and Start Making Sense with Jennifer Findley | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:16:50 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Keyword strategies seem helpful until students hit the word problems where the keywords stop telling the truth. In this audio session, Jennifer explains why “circle the keyword” breaks down in upper elementary and what to teach instead. You’ll learn how to help students focus on what is happening in the problem, connect that situation to an operation, and build routines that make word problem thinking stronger all year long. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] Setting Up a Sound Wall in Your First Week of School with Naomi O'Brien | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:16:21 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: In this practical and engaging session, Naomi O'Brien shares how to set up a sound wall that students will actually use. Participants will learn how to align their sound wall to their phonics scope and sequence, organize it for easy student access, introduce sounds strategically throughout the year, and build daily routines that support both reading and writing. Major Takeaways: • Plan your sound wall around instruction, not decoration. • Organize sounds and spelling patterns for easy student use. • Introduce sounds gradually rather than posting everything at once. • Use the sound wall daily to support decoding and encoding. • Create a sound wall that becomes a meaningful instructional tool all year long. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] The First Collaborative Learning Routine to Teach Before Group Work Falls Apart with Michele Giannattasio | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:15:39 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Collaborative learning doesn't have to feel chaotic. In this session, Michele Giannattasio shares the simple routine she teaches before introducing group work to help students become thoughtful listeners, confident communicators, and effective collaborators. Through practical classroom examples and easy-to-implement strategies, teachers will learn how to build collaborative routines that create more meaningful discussions, smoother transitions, and more successful group work all year long. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] 5 Simple Math Routines to Teach Before Small Group Math Begins with Marcy Bernethy | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:26:00 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Have you ever tried to teach small group math only to be interrupted constantly? In this session, Marcy Bernethy shares five simple math routines teachers should teach before launching small group math. She explains why students need explicit instruction and repeated practice with expectations like moving between stations, using materials correctly, managing voice levels, asking for help, and knowing what to do when they finish. With practical examples and relatable classroom stories, Marcy helps teachers see how strong routines create the independence students need so small groups and math stations can run more smoothly. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] The 3 Decisions that Make Every Classroom Easier to Organize All Year with Jamiela Stewart | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:17:47 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Think classroom organization is all about tubs, labels, and storage? Think again. In this practical session, Jamiela Stewart shares the three key decisions that make every classroom easier to organize, maintain, and manage all year long. Teachers will learn how to reduce unnecessary clutter, create logical homes for resources, and build systems that continue working even when life gets busy. If you're tired of constantly reorganizing the same spaces and wondering where things went, this session will give you a simpler, more sustainable approach to classroom organization. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] Don't Plan Your First Quarter. Map It So Every Week Has a Purpose. (with Jennifer Oatts) | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:15:20 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Dreading the thought of planning your whole first quarter before you've even met your students? Jennifer Oatts has a better way. Instead of planning your quarter, you map it, using just three questions that fit on a single page. From your destination to the proof that students got there, she'll show you how to see the shape of your whole quarter at a glance, so every week that follows almost plans itself. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] The Back-to-School Setup That Saves You on Your Hardest Day with Heidi Van Natter & Emily Stephenson | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:14:44 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] 3 First-Week Steps to Build a Classroom Where Every Student Belongs and Speaks Up with Dr. Shelby Kretz | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:14:04 | |
✨ Featured Speaker! ✨ 🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Want to make sure every student feels like they belong in your classroom from the very first day? Dr. Shelby Kretz, founder of Little Justice Leaders, shares a simple three-step plan for the first week of school that sets the tone for belonging and real participation all year. You'll leave with a practical, simple plan to build a classroom where every child feels seen, valued, and ready to speak up. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] Protect Your Energy: 3 Back-to-School Boundaries Every Teacher Needs with Jacey Schank | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:14:07 | |
✨ Featured Speaker! ✨ 🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Teaching is demanding, but burnout doesn’t have to be inevitable. In this session, Jacey Schank shares the three boundaries that helped her recover from teacher burnout and create a healthier, more sustainable approach to teaching. Through personal stories, practical strategies, and actionable tools, educators will learn how to protect their time, energy, and well-being before the school year chaos begins! 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] How to Stop Dreading September Before It Even Starts with Kelsey Sorenson | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:13:48 | |
✨ Featured Speaker! ✨ 🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: You know that pit in your stomach when you're trying to enjoy summer and suddenly spot the back-to-school section at Target? If thoughts of lesson plans, meetings, and endless to-do lists are already creeping in, you're not alone. In this session, you'll discover why your teacher brain starts stressing about September long before summer is over and learn simple shifts that can help you enjoy your break now and return to school feeling grounded, energized, and ready instead of already behind. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] A Gentle Start to Building Classroom Community for Students Who Aren't Ready to Mingle with Tanya G. Marshall | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:18:09 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: What if your most hesitant students could get a gentle start — and actually feel like they belong before they ever have to say a word to anyone? Tanya G. Marshall, The Butterfly Teacher, shares a simple four-step progression that walks even your shyest students toward real classroom connection. 🦋 Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] 3 Calm Cues to Teach in the First Week (So You Stop Repeating Yourself All Year) with Andriana Zarovska | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:19:45 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: In this practical session, Andriana Zarovska of The Active Educator shares three simple "calm cues" that teachers can explicitly teach during the first week of school to reduce repetitive reminders, strengthen classroom routines, and create a more responsive learning environment. Rather than relying on constant verbal redirection, teachers will learn how to establish predictable attention signals, smooth transitions, and independent help-seeking routines that students can successfully follow all year long. Attendees will walk away with a simple framework for teaching classroom expectations proactively through modeling and practice, helping them spend less time managing behavior and more time building meaningful connections with students. This session is especially valuable for K–2 teachers who want to create a calm, structured classroom while maintaining a warm, joyful, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] Parents Aren’t Just Partners - They’re Power Players with Queen Mosby | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:10:57 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Parents aren’t just partners—they’re power players. Queen Mosby shares how to welcome families into your classroom culture with purpose and creativity. From personalized welcomes to parent DJs, you’ll learn how to build trust, celebrate stories, and create real collaboration that lasts all year. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] Setting Up a Shame-Free Behavior System from Day One with Allie Szczecinski | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:15:11 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Allie Szczecinski, SEL instructional coach and founder of Miss Behavior, shows teachers how to build a behavior system from day one that holds kids accountable without relying on shame or public comparison. The session is grounded in two core ideas: behavior is communication, and regulation has to come before reasoning. From there, Allie draws a clear line between accountability and shame, and what that distinction actually looks like in a classroom. The major takeaway is a simple ordering principle teachers can use immediately. Allie covers what this looks like in practice, including private tracking systems, planning regulation tools in advance, and separating the behavior conversation from the moment itself. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] The Read Alouds That Shape Classroom Culture From Day One with Courtney Frazier | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:19:37 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Not sure about read alouds that convert readers in your classroom? Courtney Frazier breaks doing three simple steps to engage readers in your classroom through picture books. She will deep dive into the purpose of not sounding like a robot, what picture books her 5th graders vibe with, and how to teach with picture books. She will open the magic with you! Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] Building the Classroom Culture of Your Dreams with Evalaurene Jean-Charles | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:17:31 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: You don’t need to leave the profession you love to find joy and balance in your teaching. The Answer is In Your Classroom: Building the Classroom Culture of Your Dreams will show you how to reconnect with your purpose, create a thriving, joyful learning community, and meet your students’ needs without burning out. In this session, you’ll gain actionable strategies to manage your classroom with ease, balance rigor and fun, and start seeing the impact you dreamed of when you became an educator. Join us to discover the tools, support, and mindset shifts that will take your teaching—and your energy—to the next level. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] Building a Culture for Academic Risk Taking with Dr. Shane Saeed | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:13:18 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: True learning is messy, but the human brain refuses to take academic risks if it feels threatened. When students fear judgment or failure, the amygdala triggers a "fight, flight, or freeze" response, effectively shutting down the prefrontal cortex where critical thinking and learning live. In this session, educators will explore the intersection of cognitive science and classroom culture. You will walk away with low-prep, high-yield, actionable strategies to cultivate psychological safety through three critical layers: building one-on-one student rapport, destigmatizing mistakes, and fostering a supportive peer community. Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] Building the Teaching Life You Actually Want (Starting With Back-to-School) with Heidi Van Natter & Emily Stephenson | 19 juil. 2026 | 00:13:25 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Links: Come join all the fun in the Teacher Summer Talks Camp Lodge. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] How To Shop For Clothes That Add Value To Your Closet with Lindsey Froemming from Fashion Fix MN | 19 juil. 2026 | 00:04:19 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Hear the A-U-R method (Add, Update, Replace), a simple framework for shopping with intention so every piece earns its place in your closet. Links: 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| [TST26] Travel on an Educator's Salary: Points for Beginners with Amber Paul from Amber on Points | 19 juil. 2026 | 00:18:28 | |
🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks! We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 48 hours only! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you don’t miss all the other summit happenings. And don’t forget you can upgrade to the Max Pass to get ongoing access to all sessions in a private podcast feed, a PD certificate for 10 hours, plus other resources and bonuses, worth over $700 in total. Grab your Max Pass here. About the Session: Learn how to travel on an educator's salary using credit card points, from busting the myths to turning everyday spending into free hotel nights and family trips. 🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily and sponsored by Teacher Approved Club and Second Story Window. | |||
| Teacher Summer Talks is Almost Here! | 17 juil. 2026 | 00:02:53 | |
We're taking a short break from our usual episodes because this podcast feed is becoming the home of Teacher Summer Talks, our free audio summit for elementary teachers. From July 20-23, we'll be sharing daily audio sessions from experienced teachers with practical, classroom-tested strategies to help you build back-to-school systems that actually last beyond the first few weeks. Along with the sessions, we're inviting you to join our First Day Plan Challenge, earn fun camping-themed merit badges, connect with other teachers in our Camp Lodge Facebook community, and enter to win prizes! Be sure to grab your free ticket so you can access all of the summit activities and make the most of this exciting week with us! Resources:
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| 273. Can't Miss Classic: The Reason Most Teacher PD Ideas Never Make It to Your Classroom | 16 juil. 2026 | 00:25:54 | |
Have you ever left a conference or PD full of inspiration... only to realize you never actually used any of those great ideas? In this replay episode, we’re sharing a simple framework to help you get the most out of Teacher Summer Talks, from choosing the sessions that fit your biggest needs to capturing ideas, taking meaningful notes, and actually putting what you learn into action. If you’re joining us for Teacher Summer Talks, this episode will help you make the most of every session and walk away with strategies you’ll actually use in your classroom. Grab your free ticket and join us! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-pd-tips/ Resources:
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| 272. Your Free Backstage Pass to Teacher Summer Talks | 13 juil. 2026 | 00:30:17 | |
In this special episode, we share a sneak peek at our upcoming Teacher Summer Talks Summit with quick, practical tips from eight expert educators! From writing instruction and math routines to classroom management and teacher well-being, you'll walk away with fresh ideas to help you prepare for the new school year. We also share one of our favorite productivity strategies for making back-to-school prep more effective by managing your energy instead of your time. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/free-teacher-summit/ Resources:
Connect With the Speakers on Instagram:
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| 271. Can't Miss Classic: The 6 Lists That Tell You If You're Really Ready for August | 09 juil. 2026 | 00:22:17 | |
Back-to-school prep doesn't have to feel like an endless, overwhelming to-do list! In this replay episode, we're sharing the six areas we believe every teacher needs to have ready before the first day of school so you can head back feeling calm and confident instead of overwhelmed. We walk through practical tips for preparing your classroom, supplies, procedures, welcome plans, lessons, and even yourself, so you can focus on what matters most and start the school year with less stress and more confidence. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/are-you-ready-for-the-school-year/ Resources:
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| 270. The Smart Way to Tackle Your Back to School To-Do List | 06 juil. 2026 | 00:26:42 | |
If your back-to-school overwhelm is ramping up, this episode will help calm the stress and tackle those to-do lists. We share a simple framework for prioritizing your endless tasks based on four essential student needs: safety, belonging, competence, and growth. We share why routines and procedures matter so much, how to help students feel welcomed and capable, and why focusing on the right tasks first creates a smoother start to the year. If you’re feeling pulled in a hundred directions, this episode will help you focus on the right priorities to build a classroom that is safe, connected, and ready for meaningful learning! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-checklist/ Resources:
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| 269. Can't Miss Classic: The Power Hour Trick That Beats Back-to-School Panic | 02 juil. 2026 | 00:24:20 | |
Summer can cause teachers to either put off school prep and then panic when August arrives, or miss out on a restful summer break because they’re too focused on work. In this episode, we’re revisiting a simple, sustainable approach to back-to-school preparation that helps you feel ready without sacrificing your summer. We walk you through our six-step "Teacher Power Hour" system, showing you how to identify meaningful priorities, focus on high-impact tasks, protect your prep time, and avoid the burnout that comes from panic planning. We offer practical strategies for choosing the right back-to-school tasks, protecting valuable rest, and creating routines that make preparation feel calm, intentional, and manageable. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-prep/ Resources:
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Mentioned in this episode: Set up back-to-school the right way, so the year doesn't come undone by October. Get your free ticket: https://secondstorywindow.net/summertalks | |||
| 268. Why You Should Add More Whimsy to Your Teacher Summer | 29 juin 2026 | 00:23:42 | |
Recovery is about more than just rest, so in this episode we’re making the case for adding a little whimsy to your summer. We share how playfulness can help teachers reconnect with themselves, the science behind why positive emotions matter, and simple ways to create a summer that feels more memorable, meaningful, and fun. Give yourself permission to enjoy things simply because they bring you joy! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-summer-ideas/ Resources:
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| 267. Can't Miss Classic: 20 Teacher TV Tasks for Your Couch Productivity Era | 25 juin 2026 | 00:22:57 | |
Are you enjoying your summer lounge time but feel that itch to get ahead for back-to-school? We’re revisiting 20 simple “TV tasks” that teachers can tackle from the comfort of the couch while still protecting their summer rest and recovery. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries around summer work, creating both a summer no list and a summer yes list, and finding ways to make back-to-school prep feel less overwhelming. While it’s important to remember that rest is productive on its own, these simple tasks will help you enjoy your downtime while making the start of the school just a bit easier! Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-prep-tasks/ Resources:
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| 266. 7 Low-Effort Ways to Get Ahead, Whenever You Feel Like It | 22 juin 2026 | 00:26:39 | |
In this episode, we revisit one of our favorite summer philosophies: recovery and readiness. To focus on the ‘readiness’ side of things, we share seven simple tasks that take 10 minutes or less but can help you feel more prepared for the new school year without turning your summer into a work project. From choosing your first-day outfit and first read-aloud to updating your emergency kit and collecting community-building activities, these small actions can prevent last-minute stress and help you ease into back-to-school season with greater confidence and peace of mind. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-prep-for-teachers/ Resources:
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| 265. Can't Miss Classic: Your Permission Slip to Skip These 6 BTS Pressures | 18 juin 2026 | 00:25:48 | |
In this episode, we revisit the six back-to-school pressures we’re saying no to this summer: elaborate classroom themes, laminating everything, chasing every social media trend, overspending on classroom decor, making our rooms look picture-perfect, and comparing ourselves to other teachers online. We share practical reminders for staying grounded during back-to-school season by focusing on meaningful instruction, simple systems, and our own well-being instead of panic-driven prep. We’re here to remind you that your small wins are worth celebrating, and a calm, rested teacher will matter more to your students than a Pinterest-worthy classroom. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-stress/ Resources:
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| 264. From Romance to Research: Our Summer Reading Picks for Teachers | 15 juin 2026 | 00:28:40 | |
In this special summer reading episode, we’re sharing some of our favorite recent reads that will inspire you to kick back with a good book on your break. From magical realism to historical romance, we discuss the books that have surprised and delighted us this year, and we share recommendations for professional development and classroom inspiration. Plus, we give an exciting update on our upcoming book, Structure and Spark, and why we’re passionate about helping teachers navigate the different seasons of the school year. If you're looking for great book recommendations to add to your summer reading stack, this episode is full of ideas! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/summer-reading-list-for-teachers/ Books Mentioned:
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| 263. Can't Miss Classic: Stop Letting Guilt and Panic Steal Your Teacher Summer | 11 juin 2026 | 00:26:17 | |
In this replay episode, we’re exploring why boundaries are the secret ingredient to a joyful, restorative summer and a smoother transition back to school. We walk through practical ways to set healthy boundaries around time, technology, and task load so summer doesn’t turn into “a quieter form of burnout.” Along the way, we talk about balancing recovery with back-to-school readiness, avoiding comparison traps on social media, creating realistic summer goals, and learning to say no without guilt. Whether you need permission to rest or a plan to head into August feeling more prepared, this episode will help you create a summer that feels both refreshing and intentional. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-summer-boundaries/ Resources:
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| 262. Crashing Isn't Resting: The Summer Teacher Mistake to Skip This Year | 08 juin 2026 | 00:27:36 | |
In this episode, we explore why crashing on the couch isn’t the same as true recovery and share our four-part framework for summer restoration: relax, refresh, refocus, and recharge. We talk about how to know when you might need each type of recovery, the common traps teachers fall into during summer break, and how to create a more intentional approach to rest so you can head into the next school year feeling like yourself again. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/active-rest-for-teachers/ Resources:
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| 261. Can't Miss Classic: Why Teacher Summer Feels So Weird (And What to Do About It) | 04 juin 2026 | 00:24:59 | |
In this episode, we revisit the 10 emotional stages of summer break for teachers, from the pure joy of the first day of freedom and relaxation, to productivity bursts, procrastination, panic, and finally the excitement of a brand-new school year. We also share relatable teacher stories, practical ways to recover from burnout without drifting through summer, and strategies for avoiding back-to-school overwhelm. Make the most of this summer break by recognizing what stage you’re in and how to plan your days moving forward! Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-summer-break-stages Resources:
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| 260. A 7-Day Teacher Decompression Plan for First Week of Summer | 01 juin 2026 | 00:21:04 | |
The start of summer feels like it should instantly refresh teachers, but too often we find ourselves wondering how to spend our time. In this episode, we share teacher summer break tips for easing into summer without falling into guilty rest or the productivity trap. We walk through a simple seven-day decompression plan designed to help teachers transition out of school mode, reconnect with fun and creativity, and enjoy the small things that make summer feel restorative. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-summer-break-tips/ Resources:
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| 259. The Decide Once Strategy That Will Save Your Teacher Brain Next Year | 25 mai 2026 | 00:28:07 | |
The end of the school year is the perfect time to notice the recurring problems in your work day, and to plan new systems to make next year easier. We’re sharing the “decide once” strategy that helps reduce the decision fatigue teachers face every day by creating simple systems for predictable classroom problems. From behavior management and unfinished work to grading and email boundaries, we talk about practical ways to stop making the same exhausting decisions over and over so next school year feels less chaotic and more manageable. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/decision-fatigue-teachers-2/ Resources:
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| 258. Can't Miss Classic: 10 End-of-Year Celebration Ideas Your Students Will Love | 18 mai 2026 | 00:22:08 | |
As the school year winds down, it’s important to find meaningful ways to celebrate the year with intention. Drawing on ideas from our Teacher Approved community, we explore countdowns, theme days, and creative class celebrations that bring both fun and purpose to those final weeks. These strategies will help keep students engaged, create lasting memories, and honor the classroom community you’ve built, so you can wrap up the year in a way that feels thoughtful, memorable, and manageable. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/last-week-of-school-activities-elementary/ Resources:
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| 257. 5 Smart Switch-Ups for May Classroom Management | 11 mai 2026 | 00:21:43 | |
May can be a tough stretch for teachers, with high emotions, routine pushback, and packed calendars. In this episode, we share why the mid-May slump feels so challenging and how trying to tighten control can backfire. Instead, we walk through five simple ways to rebalance structure and spark so you can keep students engaged, reduce chaos, and finish the school year feeling more steady and in control. These small shifts can bring fresh energy to your classroom without adding extra stress. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/may-classroom-management/ Resources:
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| 256. Can’t Miss Classic: How to Save Hours at Back-to-School Time by Prepping in May | 04 mai 2026 | 00:21:43 | |
May might feel like the worst time to think about next year, but we’re sharing simple, low-effort ways to get ahead while everything is still fresh. In this episode, we walk through five smart back to school prep strategies you can tackle right now using what you’re already doing. These simple ideas will help you save time, stay organized, and ease that August stress before it even starts. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-prep-in-may/ Resources:
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| 255. 4 Smart Ways to Make End-of-School-Year Group Work Actually Work | 27 avr. 2026 | 00:26:31 | |
Late April energy is real, so we’re sharing how to use group work to channel that energy into structured, meaningful collaboration. We break down a simple framework for assigning groups, prepping students with clear expectations, designing tasks that truly require teamwork, and wrapping up in a way that improves future activities. Group work can be the key to keeping students engaged, and might even create extra time for you to get things done before the school year ends. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/group-work-in-the-classroom/ Resources:
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| 254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It) | 20 avr. 2026 | 00:28:05 | |
Transitions don’t have to feel chaotic. In this episode, we share simple classroom transition strategies to reduce chatter by intentionally designing what happens before, during, and after each shift in activity. From clear directions and action cues to managing movement and preventing bottlenecks, we walk through practical ways to keep things running smoothly. These small, thoughtful changes can have a big impact on keeping students engaged and your classroom calm. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-transition-strategies/ Resources:
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| 253. Can’t Miss Classic: Stop Fighting the Wiggles and Do This Instead | 13 avr. 2026 | 00:23:17 | |
In this replay, we’re circling back to some simple, effective classroom movement strategies that boost focus, improve behavior, and make learning stick, all without adding extra time to your day. Instead of treating movement as an add-on, we show you how to weave it into your existing lessons so students stay engaged and energized. These small shifts help channel student energy and create a classroom where both you and your students feel more focused, productive, and successful. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-movement-strategies/ Resources:
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| 252. Can’t Miss Classic: April Planning That Makes August Easier | 06 avr. 2026 | 00:19:17 | |
We’re taking advantage of April to get a head start on back-to-school prep with five simple, low-stress tasks you can do right now. From creating helpful lists and reflecting on classroom procedures to capturing real-life examples and testing new ideas, these small steps help you stay organized and intentional. Tune in for practical strategies to do now that your future teacher self will thank you for later! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/april-teacher-back-to-school-preparation/ Resources:
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| 251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for You | 30 mars 2026 | 00:26:55 | |
In this episode, we share five low-cost, high-yield preventative classroom management strategies that help stop problems before they start. From greeting students at the door to using visual prompts and intentional tone, these simple shifts change the atmosphere in your classroom without complicated systems. When you focus on prevention instead of constant correction, you create a calmer, more engaged classroom, even during the tired final months of the school year. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/preventative-classroom-management-strategies/ Resources:
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