One Tired Teacher: Teaching Without Burnout – Details, episodes & analysis

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What if STEM wasn’t about bins of stuff, but about the humans in the room? We dig into a human-centered approach that treats STEM as a daily practice of connection—where students learn to collaborate, think critically, and care for one another while they solve real problems. Instead of chasing pricey kits, we start with stories and simple materials, then layer in the engineering design process to make reflection, testing, and revision feel natural and fun.

We share why employers keep naming collaboration, creativity, and community as the missing skills, and how an off-screen STEM block gives kids a safe place to practice those habits. You’ll hear how rising academic pressure—especially in the early grades—can crowd out play, and why slowing down to build belonging actually accelerates learning. Our Five Cs framework (collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, community, and curiosity) becomes the backbone for planning, coaching teamwork, and celebrating inclusive classroom culture.

Looking for concrete ideas? We walk through picture-book pairings that light the spark—think The Amazing Bone, The Day the Crayons Quit, Rosie Revere, Engineer, Stone Soup, and The Curious Garden—then map them to challenges students can own. Use bell-ringer routines to spread the engineering cycle across the week, introduce simple constraints to focus thinking, and offer choice boards to boost voice and engagement. We also share a free, device-free digital citizenship lesson to help students practice presence, empathy, and attention before they go online.

If you want a classroom where kids arrive eager to build, listen, and try again, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe for more human-centered teaching ideas, share this with a colleague who needs a spark, and leave a review to tell us which C your students are growing most right now.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Free Device Free Digital Citizenship Lesson

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🌿 Teachers, you can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System for teachers in the classroom, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day off from school.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!

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When the world shouts at teachers to do more, faster, and perfectly, we choose a different anchor: the small humans in front of us. A seven-year-old’s quiet kindness reframed an entire classroom and reminded us why presence matters more than perfection. From there, we unpack a practical roadmap for building connection that holds steady when mandates and programs feel overwhelming.

We dig into the daily rituals that keep empathy alive—especially read alouds that invite big feelings and brave conversations. Rather than chasing checklists, we talk about selecting stories that help kids practice patience, kindness, perseverance, and perspective-taking. You’ll hear how stepping away from rigid scripts to follow a powerful moment can transform comprehension, classroom culture, and trust. Along the way, we share concrete prompts and strategies that make discussion feel safe, purposeful, and deeply human.

Because learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door, we also bring that same care online. We outline a K–3 digital citizenship approach that teaches safety, privacy, and responsibility in ways kids can actually use. Think media balance, kind communication, early awareness of meanness and footprints, and third-grade lessons on empathy, authenticity, and evaluating information—skills every child needs in an AI-shaped world. We balance screens with hands-on STEM story stations to keep collaboration and creativity at the center, and we offer a free device-free lesson to help you start tomorrow.

If you’re ready to trade noise for connection and let one meaningful moment be enough, this conversation is your reset. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a boost, and leave a review to help other teachers find this space. What’s one small moment that reminded you why you teach?

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Free Device Free Digital Citizenship Lesson

Support the show

🌿 Teachers, you can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System for teachers in the classroom, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day off from school.
 Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
 Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

 👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Send us Fan Mail

The first days back after break don’t need to feel like a sprint through fog. We map out a gentle re-entry that keeps your class connected, your planning sane, and your energy intact. Instead of diving headfirst into new content, we focus on three anchors that make the day feel calm and productive: a purposeful morning meeting, a cozy read-aloud that sets tone and focus, and a respectful reset of routines and procedures.

We start by rebuilding community with short shares and simple goal setting that invite students back into voice without draining attention. A few playful “would you rather” prompts create laughter and momentum, while a shared text becomes the day’s steady heartbeat. We talk through choosing a story that highlights perseverance, empathy, or problem solving, then show how to draw out quick comprehension without turning it into a heavy lesson. When students return sleepy and dysregulated, narrative focus and light structure are your best friends.

From there, we walk through a practical routine review: modeling what lining up looks like, clarifying how to ask for help, smoothing transitions, and patching the small systems that frayed in December. We explain why review before new content is not a delay but a performance boost, and how avoiding overplanning protects both you and your students. By the end, you’ll have a simple three-step plan you can run tomorrow: morning meeting, meaningful read-aloud, and routine reset, with optional spiral review if time allows.

If this gentle start resonates, share it with a colleague who needs permission to slow the pace, then subscribe and leave a quick review so more teachers can find the show. Your work matters—and a calm January begins with a single steady day.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Would You Rather

January Sub Plans

Support the show

🌿 Teachers, you can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System for teachers in the classroom, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day off from school.
 Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
 Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

 👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Send us Fan Mail

Today two tired teachers sit down and discuss the five helpful things you must try this school year. We hope you stick around!

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Link to 176 and 178

Yoga in the Classroom (Inside Cool Down Corner Kit)

HeadSpace

Go Noodle

Reading Comprehension for Science

Thematic Units

Subscribe and Review: 

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. 

Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! 

Support the show

🌿 Teachers, you can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System for teachers in the classroom, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day off from school.
 Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
 Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

 👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Send us Fan Mail

Today two tired teachers sit down and talk about the dreaded clip chart. Don't worry we BOTH have used them. AND we have very different ideas of what works and doesn't. So you are going to want to stick around. 

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Why I Broke Up With My Clip Chart

Back to School Packs

Whole Brain Teaching Resources

Brian Mendler Behavior Expert

Subscribe and Review: 

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. 

Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! 

Support the show

🌿 Teachers, you can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System for teachers in the classroom, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day off from school.
 Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
 Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

 👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Send us Fan Mail

Today two tired teachers sit down and discuss the powerful do less and get more theory! We hope you will join us.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

176 How do Terrific Teachers Set Boundaries Over the Summer?

Subscribe and Review: 

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. 

Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! 

Support the show

🌿 Teachers, you can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System for teachers in the classroom, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day off from school.
 Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
 Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

 👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Send us Fan Mail

Today two tired teachers sit down and discuss setting up a classroom while on a budget. I mean let's get real. Setting up a Pinterest-worthy classroom is EXPENSIVE and takes A LOT of time. So come get some tips on making it a whole lot easier!

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Emergency Sub Plans for 2nd Grade

Subscribe and Review: 

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. 

Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! 

Support the show

🌿 Teachers, you can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System for teachers in the classroom, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day off from school.
 Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
 Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

 👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Send us Fan Mail

Today two tired teachers sit down and discuss the necessity of setting boundaries this summer. Teachers work so hard. Every time you say yes, you are saying no to something else. 

Who are you saying no to?

Come sit down with Leigh and I to hear ideas for setting boundaries. We get it! We are people pleasures, too!

Links Mentioned in the Show:

One Simple Way to Avoid Teacher Burnout

Join Trina's Free Summer Workshop on Makerspace and Reading

Subscribe and Review: 

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. 

Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! 

Support the show

🌿 Teachers, you can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System for teachers in the classroom, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day off from school.
 Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
 Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

 👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Send us Fan Mail

Today two tired teachers sit down and discuss the magic of reading, Makerspace, and innovation! I hope you will join us.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Free ELA Book List By Standard for Makerspace

Join Trina's Free Summer Workshop on Makerspace and Reading

Mastering Makerspace: Easy-to-follow game plan that takes you from zero to AMAZING!

Makerspace Moments in Literature Year-Long Bundle

Subscribe and Review: 

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. 

Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! 

Support the show

🌿 Teachers, you can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System for teachers in the classroom, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day off from school.
 Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
 Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

 👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Send us Fan Mail

Today I welcome a special co-host making this Two Tired Teachers! 

Leigh Langton The Applicious Teacher will be joining me on the podcast for the entire summer! I hope you will join us.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Leigh Langton The Applicious Teacher 

The Applicious Teacher on TpT

Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning

Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning on TpT

Support the show

🌿 Teachers, you can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System for teachers in the classroom, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day off from school.
 Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
 Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

 👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!