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The Time-Crunched Teacher
Episodes
35 episodes
34. De-Escalating Student Meltdowns (Without Losing Your Cool)
When a student is highly dysregulated or having a full-blown meltdown, maintaining control of your classroom while keeping everyone safe can feel overwhelming. In this episode we break down practical, field tested de-escalation strategies speci...
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33. Making Music Make Sense (With Music Teacher, Mr. E)
In today’s episode, we welcome our esteemed colleague and music educator, Mr. Jason Erece. Beyond his exceptional musical talents, "Mr. E" possesses a rare gift for classroom management and authentic student connection. Join us as he shares his...
32. You Don't Need a Pinterest Perfect Classroom!
In today's episode we discuss why you don't need to spend 3 (unpaid!) days setting up your classroom to be an effective teacher. We grant you the permission to spend just enough time making sure the space is safe, tidy, and welcoming for your s...
31. You Shall Not Pass! (All About Hall Passes)
Hall passes are just one of those things you need to have as a classroom teacher. But did you know that there are the right (and wrong) types of passes? We know, because we've used all the wrong ones (and, sadly, found them discarded on the bat...
30. Our 2025 Classroom Resolutions!
It’s time for our 2025 Classroom Resolutions Show! Not really. Because Mariel spends most of the time complaining about why she doesn’t like resolutions. But we still pass on some helpful tips despite being curmudgeons about it. Th...
29. Grading the Week: State Testing, Fire Drills, and Hiding From Elopers
We’ve decided to start a new segment called “Grading the Week,” where we share the passes and fails of our day-to-day experiences as classroom teachers. Join 5th grade teacher, Mariel Desrosier, and 3rd grade teacher, Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, ...
28. Do You Have a Buddy Class?
Why don’t you have a buddy class yet?! Okay, that’s a little dramatic. But seriously, it’s the greatest thing ever. Listen along as Mariel and Stephanie figured out how to rig the system so they could hang out MORE at work. Oh, and help the chi...
27. Teacher Salaries and Contracts
The good news about public school salary charts is that they are often made public. The bad news is that that doesn’t mean you know how to read them. We are here to help! Listen along as 5th grade teacher, Mariel Desrosier, and 3rd grade teache...
26. Mariel and Stephanie's Summer 2024 Plans!
Normally we like to share topics that help teachers. Today we share all the ridiculous things we’re doing this summer. Hopefully our niche hobbies help you lean into the summer break and “turn off” from school tasks. If this is your first episo...
25. Why I don't post regularly...
I know, my episode posting schedule is chaotic. Here's why.
24. What I do instead of classroom jobs
Sick of all the time it takes to create classroom jobs and teach the kids? Me too. Welcome to the wonderful world of the Star Student. Seriously, it’s the easiest way to get things done in the classroom.This episode’s topics include:...
23. P.E. Games (For when you don't want to teach P.E.)
Teaching PE can be super fun….or incredibly soul-sucking. A lot of that depends on whether or not the kids actually enjoy playing the games you come up with. Listen along as 3rd grade teacher, Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, and 5th grade teacher, Ma...
22. Making Math Centers Manageable
How in the world do teachers run math centers? How do you have time to prepare them? How do you control everyone else when you're working with just one group? Well, the time-crunched teachers are here to help! Join 3rd grade teacher, Stephanie ...
21. The Student Check-In System That Actually Works
Today I’m sharing the weekly check-in system that allows me to know what’s going on with each of my students in an incredibly efficient way. It requires minimal work on the teacher’s part so that you can spend your time supporting your students...
20. How to Use a School Vacation Break as a Classroom Reset
We all need a break, and sometimes coming back from a school vacation is the perfect time to plan a reset for your classroom. Join 3rd grade teacher, Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, and 5th grade teacher, Mariel Desrosier, as we discuss how to come b...
19. Survival Stuff (Teacher Survival Kits and Back Up Lesson Activities)
Sometimes it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference in a teacher’s world. Join 3rd grade teacher Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez and 5th grade teacher Mariel Desrosier as we share everything we include in our “survival kits.” This no...
18. Email Templates for Teachers
One of my productivity rules is, “If you have to write it twice, create a template.” And email writing is no exception. In today’s episode I go over exactly how to create an email template and the types of templates I use as an elementary schoo...
17. Class Rewards That Don't Cost Money
You know what's better than giving kids rewards? Giving kids free rewards. Join 3rd grade teacher Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, and 5th grade teacher Mariel Desrosier as we share our favorite cheap and free class rewards. This...
16. Back to School Night Basics: Your Guide to an Awesome Event!
Many teachers have told us that Back to School Night is one of the most stressful nights of the year. Something about presenting to adults, opposed to a room full of children, can shake even the best of us. But do not fear - Mariel and Stephani...
15. What you REALLY need to have ready for the first day of school...and what you don't
As teachers, we love the first day of school, but there is soooo much to do. Join 3rd grade teacher Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, and 5th grade teachers Leanna Garcia and Mariel Desrosier as we share exactly how we prepare our classrooms and materi...
14. Battle of the Brackets: Worst School Supplies
Today's episode is a very special recording of the podcast. In celebration of our summer break, I came up with a ridiculous game called "Battle of the Brackets." We pick a topic (like worst school supplies) and create a set of playoff brackets ...
13. How to Build a Thrifted Capsule Wardrobe for Teachers
If you’ve ever wanted to look into your closet and LOVE the items you see, then this is the episode for you! Today I go into the step by step process I used to create my awesome capsule wardrobe from scratch, all on a teacher’s budget.
12. First Year Teacher Mistakes (With Special Guests Stephanie and Melissa)
Everyone remembers their first year teaching mistakes - and the Lunch Bunch is no exception. Join 3rd grade teacher Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, Technology Coach Melissa Shaw, and 2nd grade teacher Mariel Desrosier as we regale our tales as first ...
11. Lunch Bunch (With Special Guests Cailin and The Stephanies)
Lunch Bunch in the house! Today’s guests include art teacher Cailin Nygren, librarian Stephanie Simms, and 3rd grade teacher Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez. Join our spirited Would You Rather? Game - teacher edition. Get ready for some real ...
10. Productivity Systems for Around the House
Usually I talk about teaching. Today I’m sharing my favorite time-saving tricks for around the house. Because who wants to spend the day cleaning up after a bunch of kids only to have to come home and clean up after your own? ;)This epis...