Explore every episode of the podcast Nerducators

Joy is contagious in this one. Chandler and Russell swap the moments that keep teachers going from admin who have your back to the everyday magic of the classroom. We celebrate student wins (EL breakthroughs, creative math, and kids who finally beat the teacher at Speed), shout out the WNBA’s Valkyries, and share legendary tales such as: the “ship” incident, the haunted orange wall, and the Great Sticker Heist. Come laugh, nod along, and refill your tank.

Highlights:

• Cool in School: supportive admin that change the daily vibe
• Teacher Tip: do art with your kids + stay fresh via induction/mentoring
• Good in Life: WNBA joy, Giants geekery, and firsts on field trips
• Stories: rallies that build culture, EL growth, playful pranks, and kids who change how we teach

If this episode brought you a smile, share your own “joy in teaching” story and tag us!

Follow, rate, and subscribe so you don’t miss Episode 12 on AI. Stay nerdy—deuces, meow.

When the job swings from rally-day highs to “why am I doing everything?” lows, teacher mental health matters most. We unpack secondary trauma, SEL overload, and the pressure to be everything to everyone—then pivot to doable fixes: permission to set limits, simple play breaks kids actually remember, and low-lift tools (hello, sheet-protector “whiteboards”) that cut stress without cutting learning. Leave with a lighter plan to protect your time, say “not my fight,” and keep the joy in the job because teachers are humans first.

In this episode, Chandler and Russell dive into the wild world of assessments—where grades don’t always measure learning, zeros pack way too much power, and bias sneaks in faster than a kid guessing C on every multiple-choice question. From standards-based grading to standardized testing, floaty potatoes, and why letter grades are the worst alphabet soup, we unpack what assessments are really doing (and not doing) for our students. Along the way, we share classroom stories, teacher tips, and a few laughs about the absurd ways tests get used. At the end of the day, we’re asking the big question: what’s the point of all this testing anyway? Spoiler: it’s definitely not for the kids.

What makes professional development inspiring, and what makes it fall flat? Chandler and Russell break down their PD wish list and share how to make sessions actually useful for teachers. They also talk about why the best learning often happens at conferences, which ones are worth the trip, and how to bring those ideas back to your school. Also, you’ll get tall tales of imaginary plant parts, epic hydraulic shelf stretcher missions, the mystical power of the “virtual queue,” ukulele jams that deserve their own halftime show, and the fine art of bolding your own fine print because taking care of you is just as important as taking care of others.

Chandler and Russell are one foot in their classrooms and one foot still in summer break. In this episode, they talk all things back-to-school—from classroom setup to personal goals. Classroom prep is all about taking care of “Future You,” but let’s be real—Past You wasn’t always helpful. They unpack what’s working, what’s not, and what they hope to pull off this year—without burning out by October. If you’ve ever mixed up Canvas and Canva, you’re not alone. This one’s for the tech-loving, anxiety-ridden, back-to-school brained educators doing their best. Featuring: AI tools, classroom chaos, and a reluctant tribute to Google Classroom.

In this chaotic and cathartic summer check-in, Chandler and Brian catch up on all the things: new dogs, new houses, minor power tool injuries, and major feelings about the year that nearly broke us.

Come for the cross-eyed rescue pup and cat soundboard—stay for the real talk on group work, burnout, and why restorative justice matters more than ever.

It's part therapy, part comedy, and all summer vibes (with a few F-bombs and a stapled dress thrown in for good measure).

At its core, this episode is about choosing connection over conflict, laughter in the middle of burnout, and why we’re still fighting to stay in a profession we love even when the cracks in the system feel too wide to fix because the kids still make it worth it.

Chandler and Russell are back—and this time, they’re tackling the monster under the gradebook: traditional grading systems. Join them as they dive into their most spirited (and slightly chaotic) episode yet, featuring meowing soundboards, flying rubber chickens, and the deep truth behind grading for equity.

Chandler celebrates not teaching summer school for once, Russell fixes a toilet and feels more adult than ever, and the duo gets real about what grades actually mean (spoiler: it's not what you think). They break down hot topics like:

• Why zeroes wreck everything
• What feedback beats every time
• Why participation points need to go
• The case for rethinking retakes and late work
• Student self assessment and grading
• And yes… why 50-question tests are just cruel

Whether you’re grading with standards, heart, or humor, this episode will challenge your thinking and maybe—just maybe—make you toss that red pen. Bring your allergy meds, because it’s May, you’re a teacher, and you’re tired. Let's do this.

In this episode of Nerducators, Chandler and Russell dive deep into why teachers are leaving the profession in record numbers—and what real, practical changes could help turn the tide. From shocking statistics on burnout to funny moments about moving trucks and "chicken jockeys," they balance heavy truths with humor, hope, and real talk about rebuilding education from the ground up. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or just someone who cares about schools, this one will leave you thinking (and laughing).

Stay Nerdy!

Chandler and Russell go long—like, longer-than-usual long—to answer real questions from students and listeners in a special Q&A episode! From hidden talents to “do you secretly hate other teachers?”, no question is off limits.

They swap stories from the classroom, including Russell’s showdown with the ghost living in his classroom wall and Chandler's kindergarten scavenger hunt for leprechaun gold gone wrong. The ongoing (and completely necessary) battle over cursive rages on. But amidst the laughs, they get real—talking about their love for students, the cracks in the system, and how being a great teacher starts with doing the inner work.

It’s honest, entertaining, and heartfelt. Don’t miss it.