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Published by Trina Deboree
One Tired Teacher is a podcast that helps teachers trust themselves again. Through honest conversations about reading, STEM, classroom life, and the realities of teaching, each episode reminds educators that their judgment, relationships, and humanity matter more than ever. Because great teaching doesn't come from doing more—it comes from trusting what you already know and allowing yourself to be supported along the way.
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Online safety for elementary students is about more than passwords and devices. Digital citizenship starts with safety, kindness, and character. Technology changes every year. Character doesn't. When we teach digital citizenship and online safety , it's easy to focus on the rules: don't share passwords, don't click suspicious links, and don't talk to strangers online. Those lessons matter. But our elementary students also need to know how to treat people, recognize when something may not be true, think before they respond, consider another person's perspective, and understand that their choices leave a digital footprint . In this episode of One Tired Teacher , we're looking at online safety for elementary students through a different lens. What if digital citizenship isn't simply about raising children who know how to use technology safely? What if it's about raising children who know how to be good neighbors—online and off? We'll talk about why digital citizenship for elementary students belongs in every classroom, not just the computer lab, and how internet safety can include conversations about empathy, responsibility, discernment, and kindness. You'll also hear a simple four-part framework for teaching digital citizenship: Pause — before you post, respond, react, or believe. Perspective — how might someone else experience these words? Responsibility — our choices leave footprints online and offline. Kindness — every screen still has a human being on the other side. Because children don't just need another list of internet rules. They need opportunities to think, talk, wonder, and practice what it means to be a kind human in a digital world. Technology doesn't change our character. It magnifies it. And maybe the question isn't only whether our children know how to use technology. Maybe we should also be asking: Are they becoming the kind of people others feel safe learning beside—online and off? Links Mentioned in the Show: Digital Citizenship and Online Safety K-3 Bundle Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Teaching science in primary school starts with curiosity, exploration, and questions—not simply giving children all the background knowledge first. What if one of the best ways to teach science is to stop giving students all the answers before they've had a chance to ask the questions? In this episode of One Tired Teacher , we're talking about teaching science in primary school and why curiosity may need to come before content. When teaching science in Grade 1, Grade 2, and the elementary grades, limited instructional time often means science gets squeezed into the reading block. We read informational texts, teach vocabulary, build background knowledge—and sometimes never make it to the exploration. But children are natural scientists. They notice. They wonder. They ask questions. They test ideas, gather evidence, change their thinking, and try again. Instead of always beginning a science lesson with "Today we're learning..." , what might happen if we started with: What do you notice? What do you think? What do you wonder? We'll talk about how hands-on exploration can change the way children experience science, why informational texts can start an investigation rather than finish one, and how curiosity helps build deeper learning and human connection. Whether you're teaching science in primary school , teaching science Grade 1 , or looking for meaningful ways of teaching science in elementary grades , this episode is a reminder that you don't have to have every answer. Sometimes you simply need to give children something worth wondering about. Links Mentioned in the Show: STEM First Grade Curriculum Unit Complete STEM Curriculum Units for Second Grade Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Community-building activities for elementary students don't have to be complicated. Learn how simple conversations build connection and belonging. Classroom community building isn't about finding the cutest icebreaker or adding one more elaborate back-to-school activity to your plans. It's about helping children answer one very important question: Do I belong here? In Episode 311 of One Tired Teacher , we're talking about community-building activities for elementary students that actually help children connect. You'll learn why simple conversations, shared laughter, different opinions, and even Would You Rather kids' questions can help turn a classroom full of individual children into a community. An activity doesn't build classroom community just because we call it a community-building activity. The connection is the part that matters. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why belonging comes before many of the academic risks we ask children to take What actually makes classroom community-building activities effective Why low-pressure conversations are especially powerful for quieter students Four things to look for when choosing community building activities for elementary students How Would You Rather questions for kids can create a safe doorway into conversation Why connection and trust aren't separate from learning—they help make learning possible Would You Rather Classroom Community Resource One of my favorite ways to create low-pressure opportunities for connection is through Would You Rather questions for kids . They give elementary students a reason to listen, laugh, share opinions, explain their thinking, and discover things about their classmates—without asking them to reveal something deeply personal before they're ready. I've created a Would You Rather bundle that teachers can use for classroom community, morning meetings, brain breaks, discussion, and eventually opinion writing. “There's a place for me here.” Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Teacher Planning Tips That Protect Your Peace are about more than organizing lesson plans—they're about protecting what matters most before your calendar fills up. If you're looking for practical teacher planning tips that reduce overwhelm while creating a more meaningful school year, this episode is for you. Every school year begins with good intentions. We want to try new ideas, improve our lessons, and give our students the best possible experience. But somewhere along the way, our calendars fill up, our priorities get pushed aside, and the things we love teaching often become "if there's time." In this episode of One Tired Teacher , we're talking about planning with intention, integrating subjects, protecting your time, and using The Trust Yourself Framework to make thoughtful decisions all year long. In this episode: • Why teacher planning starts with protecting what matters • How integrating science and reading transformed my classroom • Why STEM doesn't have to be "one more thing" • The Trust Yourself Framework: Learn, Observe, Reflect, Adapt, Repeat • How teacher flexibility creates more meaningful learning • Why protecting your evenings is part of being a great teacher A meaningful school year isn't built by doing more. It's built by protecting what matters. If this episode encouraged you, subscribe and join me each week as we bring more humanity back to teaching. Resources Mentioned 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum & Science Units Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Teachers Not Following the Rules | Professional Judgment in Teaching explores why professional judgment matters more than perfect compliance. If you've ever wondered whether you should follow every curriculum script exactly as written or trust your instincts, this episode is for you. Teachers are natural rule followers. But children don't all learn the same way, and great teaching requires thoughtful flexibility. In this episode of One Tired Teacher , I share the classroom experience that changed the way I thought about curriculum, teacher judgment, and adapting instruction to meet students' needs. You'll also hear The Trust Yourself Framework , a simple process that helps teachers make thoughtful decisions without losing confidence in their professional expertise. In this episode: • Why children deserve thoughtful teachers—not perfect rule followers • The classroom story that changed my approach to teaching writing • Why professional judgment matters more than blind fidelity • The Trust Yourself Framework: Learn, Observe, Reflect, Adapt, Repeat • Why teacher flexibility is a strength, not a weakness • How thoughtful iteration leads to better teaching and deeper student learning Curriculum can support great teaching. But the curriculum doesn't teach kids. Teachers do. If this episode encourages you, subscribe and join me each week as we bring more humanity back to teaching. The Trust Yourself Framework Learn. Observe. Reflect. Adapt. Repeat. Because great teaching isn't about perfection. It's about thoughtful iteration. Links Mentioned in the Show: 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Teacher Identity and School Culture | Don't Lose Yourself This Year explores how school culture shapes teachers—and why protecting your identity matters just as much as supporting your students. If you've ever struggled to balance school expectations with your own values, this episode will remind you that you can be a team player without losing yourself. Every school has a culture. Great school cultures inspire collaboration, growth, and connection. But even healthy cultures can quietly ask teachers to sacrifice parts of themselves if they're not careful. In this episode of One Tired Teacher , we're talking about teacher identity, school culture, boundaries, work-life balance, and why protecting your joy, curiosity, and relationships ultimately makes you a better teacher. In this episode: • Why teacher identity matters more than ever • How school culture can quietly shape who we become • The importance of protecting your life outside the classroom • Why boundaries aren't selfish—they protect your teaching • How to support your school without losing yourself • The connection between teacher identity, flexibility, and long-term joy You don't have to choose between being a supportive teammate and being true to yourself. Both are possible. If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe and join me each week as we bring more humanity back to teaching. Links Mentioned in the Show: Episode 306: Teachers, Trust Yourself Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Teacher judgment still matters, even in an age of AI, curriculum programs, and accountability. If you've wondered whether AI can replace teachers, this episode is for you. Teachers today are surrounded by advice from curriculum companies, social media, administrators, and artificial intelligence. But none of those tools know your students the way you do. In this episode of One Tired Teacher , we're talking about teacher expertise, trusting your instincts, adapting curriculum thoughtfully, and why professional judgment remains one of the most valuable tools in education. In this episode: • Why teacher judgment doesn't disappear because of AI or curriculum • The pros and cons of AI in education for today's classrooms • Why great teachers adapt resources instead of following them blindly • How teacher expertise develops over years of experience • Why flexibility is a sign of professional strength—not failure • How to trust your instincts while still learning from new ideas Good teachers don't ignore resources. They know when to adapt them. If this episode encourages you, subscribe for weekly conversations that help teachers trust themselves, protect what matters, and remember why they became educators in the first place. Free Resource Back-to-School Would You Rather Questions Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Back to School Inspirational Video for Teachers | Trust Yourself This Year is for every teacher who feels overwhelmed before the school year even begins. If you're searching for a back to school inspirational video for teachers or a reminder to trust yourself as a teacher , this episode is your permission to tune out the noise and reconnect with the thoughtful educator you've already become. Before students arrive, teachers hear advice from administrators, social media, AI, curriculum programs, Pinterest, and everyone else. But what if the most important voice you've forgotten to listen to is your own? In this episode of One Tired Teacher , we're talking about teacher confidence, trusting your instincts, protecting what matters most, and beginning the school year with intention instead of overwhelm. In this episode: • Why it's easy to lose yourself during back-to-school season • How to reconnect with your "why" without toxic positivity • Three questions every teacher should ask before school starts • Why trusting yourself as a teacher matters more than following everyone else's advice • How to begin the year with confidence, purpose, and peace If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe and join me each week as we bring more humanity back to teaching. Links Mentioned in the Show: Our Class is a Family Prediction and STEM Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Teachers Planning Next Year Without Losing Yourself: Protect What Matters Epiosde 305 Teachers planning next year without losing themselves start with one question: What is worth protecting? In this episode, we talk about planning with intention, not exhaustion. Instead of adding one more system, one more routine, or one more thing to your already-full plate, this conversation invites you to pause before the school year begins and decide what matters enough to protect. A meaningful year is built through intention, not perfection. In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about how to prepare for a new school year without recreating the exhaustion you're still trying to recover from. Instead of asking, "What should I add?" we're exploring a different question: "What is worth protecting?" We talk about teacher judgment, why there is no perfect system, and how to use tools like AI, curriculum programs, and teacher-created resources without outsourcing your professional expertise. I also share why STEM became one of the things I intentionally protected in my own classroom—not because it was trendy, but because it created the kinds of moments I wanted more of: curiosity, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, discussion, and joy. If you're beginning to think about August, curriculum maps, lesson plans, and fresh starts, this episode is a reminder that you don't need to reinvent yourself to have a meaningful year. In this episode, we'll discuss: ✨ Why adding more isn't always the answer ✨ The difference between planning and overplanning ✨ How to protect what matters before your schedule fills up ✨ Using AI, curriculum, and resources wisely without giving away your judgment ✨ Making time for STEM, read-alouds, science, and other priorities before they get pushed aside ✨ Why a meaningful year is built through intention, not perfection As you begin planning for next year, remember: Keep what worked. Release what didn't. Protect what matters. Trust yourself enough to know the difference. If this episode resonates with you, share it with a teacher friend and follow along for more conversations about bringing joy, humanity, and balance back into teaching. Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
What Data Can't Measure: The Most Important Things Teachers Know Can't Be Measured Episode 304 What data can't measure often matters most in teaching. In this episode, we're talking about the moments, relationships, insights, and student growth that never show up on a spreadsheet but shape learning every day. The most important things teachers know can't be measured by test scores, data dashboards, AI reports, or reading levels. In this episode, we're talking about teacher judgment, student growth, and the human side of learning that numbers often miss. I actually like data. I like information. I like looking for patterns. I like understanding what's working and what isn't. Test scores, assessments, observations, and even artificial intelligence can all provide valuable information. The problem isn't data. The problem is when we start believing data tells the whole story. Because it doesn't. A test score can tell me whether a child answered correctly. It cannot tell me that this is the first time that child felt confident enough to even try. A reading level can tell me where a student is performing. It cannot tell me that they finally found a book they love. An AI report can identify patterns. It cannot tell me that a child walked into school carrying something heavy and needed a little extra kindness that day. In this episode, we'll discuss: ✨ Why good teaching is more than test scores and data ✨ What teachers notice that dashboards can't measure ✨ The role of teacher judgment in an age of AI ✨ Why belonging, curiosity, courage, and safety matter ✨ The difference between knowing what data says and knowing what data doesn't say ✨ Why relationships remain at the heart of learning Most importantly, we'll talk about something many teachers already know: Children are not data points. They're people. And some of the most important work we do may never show up in a report, a spreadsheet, or an observation. That doesn't make it less valuable. It might actually make it more. If you've ever felt frustrated by testing pressures, data collection, or the idea that numbers tell the whole story, this episode is for you. Links Mentioned in the Show: One Tired Teacher Episode 302: AI Can't Replace Teacher Heart Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Skills AI Can't Teach may be the most important skills our students need for the future. In this episode, we're exploring creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, community, and curiosity—and why human skills matter more than ever. Technology is changing fast, but the most meaningful parts of teaching have never been about information alone. They're about people. In this episode, we'll explore the 5 Cs: ✨ Creativity ✨ Collaboration ✨ Critical Thinking ✨ Community ✨ Curiosity We'll discuss why AI can generate answers but can't replace human judgment, empathy, relationships, a sense of belonging, or the curiosity that drives real learning. You'll also hear how STEM challenges, storybooks, and meaningful classroom conversations help students practice the very skills technology cannot teach. If you've been wondering what role teachers play in an increasingly AI-driven world, this episode is a hopeful reminder: The future doesn't need fewer humans. It needs more humanity. Links Mentioned in the Show: STEM Bell Ringers AI Vocabulary K-5 Free Device Free Activity Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
AI Can't Replace Teacher Heart—and that may be more important now than ever. In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about artificial intelligence in education, teacher judgment, and why human connection still sits at the center of meaningful learning. This is not an anti-AI episode. In fact, I use AI. I've used tools like Magic School to brainstorm ideas, generate vocabulary lists, and support lesson development. I even created an AI vocabulary resource for elementary students using AI as part of the process. But here's what I discovered: AI generated ideas. Teacher judgment made them meaningful. We'll explore why teaching has never been about information alone and why the most important decisions in a classroom still require something technology cannot provide: ✨ Professional judgment ✨ Developmental understanding ✨ Human connection ✨ Empathy ✨ Relationships ✨ Knowledge of the students sitting in front of us I share the story of creating age-appropriate AI vocabulary lessons for elementary students and explain why the definitions, examples, activities, and learning experiences needed far more than a computer-generated response. We'll also talk about: ⭐ AI as a thinking partner, not a decision-maker ⭐ Why teacher-created lessons still matter ⭐ The growing importance of critical thinking in an AI-driven world ⭐ The role of empathy, intuition, and relationships in learning ⭐ Why children need trusted adults now more than ever As information becomes easier to access, teacher expertise becomes more valuable—not less. Because great teaching has never been about producing information. It's about helping human beings grow. If you've been wondering what AI means for teachers, teacher creators, and the future of education, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: Technology can support teaching. But it cannot replace your judgment. It cannot replace your relationships. And it cannot replace your heart. Resources Mentioned: • AI Vocabulary Resource for Elementary Students Until next time, remember this: Trust the thoughtful, experienced, caring professional who has spent years learning how children grow. Your judgment matters. It always has. Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Summer break isn’t always ruined by big problems. Sometimes it’s the quiet habits that keep you tense, distracted, and oddly anxious even when you finally have time off. We’re talking about four sneaky mistakes that can mess up your summer mojo and how to avoid them with simple, realistic shifts that actually help teachers recharge. We start with a practical back-to-school mindset: why having a light plan before you leave for summer can make the next school year feel calmer. Then we get honest about the “all vacation, all the time” approach. Yes, you deserve rest, but ignoring every school task can turn into that looming, late-summer dread. We share a balanced way to protect your time off while still preventing the stress pileup. We also dig into reading as self-care, not homework. Fiction, feel-good books, audiobooks, and podcasts can refill your tank and bring back curiosity. Finally, we talk structure: when the school schedule disappears, it’s easy to feel formless and reactive. A small, deliberate routine and a few clear goals can give you freedom without the anxiety. If you want a calmer, more restorative summer as a teacher, press play, then subscribe, share with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more educators can find the show. Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Summer break can look long on the calendar and still feel like you’re carrying school on your back. We’re talking honestly about why so many teachers start June exhausted and then spend the rest of the break “prepping” instead of recovering and feeling joy. If you’ve ever treated staying late as proof you care, or opened your laptop on a holiday because anxiety wouldn’t let you rest, this conversation will feel uncomfortably familiar in the best way. We unpack what boundaries really mean for educators: not vague self care, but specific decisions about what will not cross the line anymore. That includes work boundaries you can practise in summer and keep all year, like setting a true no work window, using a simple brain dump notebook so ideas don’t hijack your downtime, and building systems that protect your evenings. We also get practical about grading and feedback, sharing smarter ways to check learning at school so “no grading at home” becomes possible, not just aspirational. Then we hit the big ones that drive teacher burnout and work-life balance issues: staying hours past contract time, saying yes to every committee and club, and the always-on pressure of school email. We make the case for deleting school email from your personal phone, not only for your peace of mind, but also to reduce stress, distraction, and unnecessary risk. We end by naming one boundary you can adopt immediately and take into the next school year. If this helps, subscribe for more teacher boundaries and burnout recovery strategies, share the episode with a coworker who needs permission to log off, and leave a review so more tired teachers can find us. What boundary are you committing to this week? June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills. Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Summer break can start and somehow you still feel like you’re on duty. If your body is home but your brain is still in the classroom, I made this one for you. I keep it simple on purpose, no new system, no productivity plan, just a pause to breathe and reconnect with yourself outside of teaching. I tell the truth about what it looked like when I let the job become my whole life, starting with a brutal first year in 1997 and years of living in fight or flight. I talk about getting sick, trying to prove myself, and how that constant grind bled into my marriage and my sense of identity. Teacher burnout is not abstract for me; it shows up as anxiety and depression, autoimmune disease, and the kind of exhaustion that makes you wonder if you can even make it to retirement. If you’ve ever felt like school “takes and takes” until there’s nothing left, you’ll recognise yourself here. Then we turn the corner toward teacher boundaries and teacher self-care that actually matter. Whether you’re in your first five years or you’re a veteran educator, I remind you that you’re a human being with multiple roles and needs, and you deserve to invest in all of them. I also share a gentle nudge for what rest can look like right now, plus a quick update on plans for episode 300 and how I’d love to bring more teacher voices into that celebration. If this helped you exhale, subscribe to One Tired Teacher, share it with a teacher friend who needs permission to rest, and leave a review so more educators can find it. What is one boundary you want to hold this summer? Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
What would you tell the version of yourself who is trying so hard to do everything perfectly? I’m revisiting a Teacher Truth conversation I recorded years ago and adding what I’d tell myself now, with a clearer view of boundaries, identity, and what it really takes to stay well in this profession. We talk about why teaching cannot be your whole personality and why staying late should never be a badge of honor. I share the painful reality many educators meet sooner or later: being shamed for work life balance, being “voluntold” into more responsibilities, and feeling like your time is never truly your own. If you’ve ever gone home carrying the weight of the day and wondered why it feels impossible to switch off, you’ll feel seen here. We also get honest about the systems that can twist good intentions. Standardized testing and test score pressure can damage student confidence and leave teachers with moral distress, especially when kids feel ashamed or defeated. On top of that, we name the practical challenges that drive teacher burnout: low teacher pay, lack of professional respect, paying out of pocket for classroom supplies, and the way teaching can make you feel trapped when you try to transition to a different career. This is a heavy one, but it’s meant to help you protect your heart and remember you’re not alone. If it resonates, subscribe, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a review so more educators can find this kind of honest support. Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
Burnout is brutal enough, but the most disorienting version is the kind that lands even when we set boundaries, do the inner work, and try to teach in a grounded way. We talk about why that happens, why burnout is not an accusation, and how misalignment and masking can quietly drain teachers who genuinely care. I’m joined by Miriam Groom, founder and CEO of Mindful Career, a behavioural career therapist and organisational psychologist who has helped thousands of people navigate burnout, career transitions, and work that actually fits. We dig into what career alignment can look like for students and for educators who feel trapped in the profession. Miriam explains why many common career assessments fall flat for younger kids, and why observation is often a better starting point: noticing strengths in real time, naming what’s unique about a student, and reframing “negative” traits into clues about motivation and values. We also name the bigger system problem: schools and teachers are expected to do everything, while guidance support is thin and testing pressures crowd out the human side of learning. Then we get practical with Holland Codes (RIASEC), a research-backed framework that connects interests and “brain types” to career families. You’ll hear simple descriptions of Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional patterns, plus how mixed profiles can explain why someone thrives in one environment and burns out in another. We also share a concrete tool you can use today: O*NET Online, including how to explore job matches, training pathways, salaries, and “similar jobs” that reveal real transferable skills for teachers considering their next move. If this conversation helps you feel seen, share it with a teacher friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review so more educators can find support when they need it most. Links Mentioned in the Show: Mindful Career June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills. Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
What do you do when the part of teaching that scares you isn’t the kids, it’s the adults with power? I’m replaying a conversation that stayed with me for a reason: it names the kind of educator pain we’re often pressured to keep quiet about. My guest (sharing anonymously as “Nancy”) describes what it feels like to be targeted, talked down to, and evaluated through systems that ignore the reality of student needs, classroom complexity, and basic human limits. We dig into the pressure cooker of standardized testing and teacher evaluations, including how “accountability” gets reduced to one test on one day. We talk about how that mindset can warp how we see students, push teachers into constant self-doubt, and fuel toxic school culture. Nancy shares what happens when administrators refuse to offer support, when improvement plans become surveillance, and when non-union districts leave educators feeling unprotected. I also share my own experience of being written up after advocating for my health and safety at work. There’s hope here, too. Nancy explains how moving into a technology role helped her breathe again, and how makerspace and STEM learning brought back joy, creativity, and real engagement for students who struggle in rigid, test-driven classrooms. We also get practical about coping strategies: documentation, boundaries, grants, and finding ways to keep doing what’s right for kids even when leadership tries to “reel you in.” If you’ve felt that knot in your stomach before work, I want you to hear this clearly: you’re not alone, and your worth is not defined by someone else’s agenda. Subscribe for more honest teacher stories, share this with a colleague who needs it, and leave a review with the one line you wish an administrator understood. Links Mentioned in the Show: Last Week of School Activities 1st & 2nd Grade | End of Year Theme Days June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills. Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
May is when solid routines start to wobble, not because you suddenly forgot how to teach, but because the school calendar turns into a nonstop interruption machine. If your class feels unpredictable right now, I’m here with a calming reminder: you don’t need more end-of-year activities. You need a structure that holds the days together. I walk through how end of the year theme weeks bring novelty without chaos by keeping your schedule predictable while giving students something exciting to rally around. Think camp week, beach week, western hoedown, superheroes, sports, or even a glow week with black lights and glow-in-the-dark materials. The goal is simple: keep student engagement high, reduce planning stress, and help you get work done at work so the final stretch doesn’t steal your evenings. We also dig into a practical classroom management approach for theme days: start with everyone included, tie participation to clear expectations, and if a student loses an activity, build in a way to earn it back. That small shift protects you and the child, because when kids think there’s no path back, behavior often falls off a cliff. Predictability plus a chance to recover is a powerful combination in May. If you’re looking for end of year classroom ideas that actually support learning, reduce decision fatigue, and make the last week feel fun and focused, this one’s for you. Subscribe for more real-life teaching support, share this with a teacher friend who’s running on fumes, and leave a review with the theme your class would love most. Links Mentioned in the Show: Theme Week End of the Year Bundle Camp End of the Year Week-Long Unit FREE Editable Camp Awards Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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!
May can make even your strongest readers feel done, and that end of school year slide is exactly when reading starts to feel like a chore. I’m sharing a simple reset that keeps classroom reading calm, light, and genuinely enjoyable, so we can finish the year with connection instead of constant pushing. The goal is not to squeeze out one more checklist, it’s to make reading feel like something kids want to return to. We talk about why read alouds are the fastest way to reignite reading motivation and rebuild stamina when everyone is tired. I also share camp themed ideas that make reading feel special without a ton of prep, including cozy “tent” reading at desks, reading under desks, and even a faux campfire setup for storytelling. You’ll hear specific camp friendly book picks like Bailey’s Camp Out, A Camping Spree With Mr McGee, Not So Scary Stories For Kids Around The Campfire, and more to spark that love of reading again. If you’re looking for end of year reading activities that still support real literacy skills, we dig into options that tie fun to comprehension and sequencing: decodable reading, compare and contrast, readers theater in an easy to follow format, reading bingo, book recommendations, and student made reading commercials. I also point you to editable camp awards you can grab free, plus a camp themed reading unit that works for whole group, small group, centers, and even summer school. Subscribe so you don’t miss next week, and if this helped you, share it with a teacher friend and leave a quick review so more tired teachers can find calm reading routines. Links Mentioned in the Show: Camping Worksheets: Reading Comprehension | Camp Read A Lot Camp End of the Year Week-Long Unit FREE Editable Camp Awards Support the show Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans 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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