Danielle Hicks, English Classroom Architect

Anti-Burnout For English Teachers, a podcast for inspired teaching

Education EN ↓ 93 episodes

85% of teachers say their job is "unsustainable." 55% plan to leave education sooner than planned. For experienced English teachers, these stats are our daily realityEach week on the podcast, we explore the pedagogy, strategies and mindsets to turn these stats around, looking at our own classrooms. We'll mine ideas to help you build strong, motivated readers and break down strategies and tools that make this work sustainable. Reignite your passion. Rebuild a teaching life that sustains you. Inspire the next generation without sacrificing yourself.

Author

Danielle Hicks, English Classroom Architect

Category

Education

Latest episode

Jan 26, 2026

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Episodes

17. The Power of Place: Finding the Balance Between Boundaries and Flexibility in a Classroom Design 21.09.2023

In this episode I discuss strategies for effectively utilizing space in the classroom. I discuss design of classroom spaces like the classroom library and the need for incorporating spaces into daily routines to encourage use. I talk about flexibility in minor furniture adjustments or delivery of lessons in different formats for engagement.

16. Creating Space for Effective Teaching: Lessons from Marie Kondo and The Home Edit 14.09.2023

Are you feeling overwhelmed or like this year is falling a little flat? In today's episode, I share my personal experience of feeling burnt out in the classroom, despite my students' success. Reflecting on my journey, I realized the importance of rediscovering joy in teaching and creating space for effective instruction. Drawing inspiration from popular organizers Marie Kondo and The Home...

15. Elevating Socratic Seminars with Team-Based Approaches: Unleashing Collaboration and Competition 07.09.2023

In this episode, I share strategies for hosting engaging and dynamic Socratic Seminars. By making discussions team-based and both collaborative and competitive, students are encouraged to actively participate and take responsibility for the success of the seminar. I discusses three strategies, including using BINGO boards to track conversation objectives and having wing people provide support and...

14. Teaching Beyond the Text: Using Film to Deepen Understanding 31.08.2023

If you're thinking ahead, you may be at a point where you want to continue to build momentum, but also want to be sure that you're giving your students variety to keep them engaged. I'm this episode I discuss how I use film units to spiral conversation themes throughout the year and how films can help bridge reference and help students draw deeper connections to literary texts. Resourc...

13. Rethinking the Language of Education: Moving from Battle to Nurturing and Support 24.08.2023

In this episode I discuss the challenges in education and ways to address burnout. Some key points discussed included losing experienced teachers, trying many new strategies without evaluating their effectiveness, and focusing too much on struggles rather than successes. But, it's not all bleak. I make some suggestions - slow down changes, better support new teachers, focus energy on a few pri...

12. How I'm Starting the New School Year: My First Two Weeks 17.08.2023

Today I'm sharing my plan for the beginning of the school year. My opening mini-unit will be focused on conveying the importance of each student bringing their individuality and voice. Resources mentioned in this episode: FREE UNIT - ChatGPT in the Classroom : Full Unit Plan for Embracing the Future with Creativity, Individuality, and Empathy in the Age of AI T-shirts! Human Potential Beyond S...

11. Creating a Classroom Culture that Promotes Independence and Empowered, Engaged Learners 10.08.2023

In this episode, I discuss practical strategies for creating a supportive and independent learning environment. Join me to discuss the benefits of interdependence, personalized instruction, and providing students with frameworks for success where students feel confident, creative, and empowered to take ownership of their learning.

10. Tech Toolbox: 6 Tech Tools to Make Your Life Easier 03.08.2023

Teaching can be demanding, but with the right tools at your fingertips, you can streamline your tasks, save time, and reduce burnout. We'll explore six amazing tech tools that can revolutionize your teaching experience, from Google add-ons like Pro Keys to tools for differentiation, assignment scaffolding, and even getting to know your students better. Plus, we'll discuss the importance of reducin...

9: Embracing the Process: Personal Professional Development 27.07.2023

In this episode, we dive into the importance of personal and professional development. Setting SMARTR goals can be demoralizing - instead I suggest focusing on personal process goals that help teachers become better practitioners in their craft. From establishing morning routines to journaling and reflecting at the end of the day, we explore practical strategies to enhance personal growth and avoi...

8. The Importance of Creating Systems and Templates for Planning and Differentiation 20.07.2023

We have so many decisions to make and information to keep track of as teachers. I'm this episode I discuss two systems I have had success with that help organize information and reduce cognitive load....leading to a happier and healthier teacher self. Planner Freebie: www.englishclassroarchitect.com/planner Differentiation Freebie: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/436704/9100849634292713...

7. How to Reduce Time Spent Grading Essays 12.07.2023

In this episode I discuss some strategies for how we can implement systems to reduce time spent grading. Check out the show notes at www.englishclassroomarchitect.com/podcast/episode7

6. 3 Strategies to Use to Stop Working Outside of Contract Hours 06.07.2023

Is it possible to only work during contract hours as a high school English teacher? I think it is. In this episode I give you three strategies to shift your mindset around the year with the goal of getting down to working just contract hours. Let's explore in today's episode. Mentioned in the episode: Free planner...this is really more than a planner. It's a hyperlinked system to organ...

5. The REAL Reason We Need to Talk About ChatGPT 29.06.2023

In this episode I share my personal journey with ChatGPT. I address concerns surrounded AI-generated content and share strategies for assessing and grading student work in the Age of AI. I explore the potential impact of AI on different industries and offer insights into the increasing importance of student authenticity and creative expression. Tune in for a conversation on how teachers can naviga...

4. I Ditched Teaching Context -- Here's Why 21.06.2023

We know that a student's background knowledge is a major contributor to reading comprehension. But could we be doing it all wrong? In this episode, I discuss how I've changed my approach to context building when starting a new unit. For show notes, visit www.englishclassroomarchitect.com/episode4 For a FREE curricular planner and to join my email list for my resources and strategies go to...

3. How To Teach Literary Analysis to High School Students Without Stress 15.06.2023

In this episode I'll share some of the advice I received as a new teacher that stuck with me, and what I have changed in my teaching practice since being a new teacher. I'll also share strategies for streamlining teaching literary analysis. Go to www.englishclassroomarchitect.com/podcast/episode3 for the show notes.

2. This Is What I'd Do If I Had the Year to Do Over 14.06.2023

Reflection is an important part of teaching. As the school year draws to a close, let's look back at the year to determine what adjustments we have control of in order to make next year more enjoyable. Check out the show notes at www.englishclassroomarchitect.com/podcast/episode2

1. The Ugly Truth About Teacher Burnout 14.06.2023

Teacher burnout is becoming an increasingly important problem for us to address. Even veteran teachers who once considered making teaching a lifetime career are leaving the profession for good. As classroom teachers, what can we do to mitigate the stress of teaching? We'll discuss in this episode. Check out the show notes at www.englishclassroomarchitect.com/podcast/episode1 .

Official Trailer 06.06.2023

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