Teach Your Class Off Radio

What do a viral meme, a dream classroom makeover, and AI-powered grading all have in common? They're all part of this week’s Sunday Night Teacher Talk. In Episode 324, CJ shares a wild story about discovering one of his former students is behind the “6.7” meme, reflects on revamping outdated lessons, and answers questions about teacher burnout, classroom management, using AI ethically, and how...

In this episode of Sunday Night Teacher Talk , CJ dives into how to reboot your classroom mid-year, the power of bringing in guest speakers (like Marvel’s Jeff Willis!), and what to do when you're starting to feel stuck or stale in the classroom. He also unpacks how to handle school toxicity, prep for paternity leave, respond to student hardship, and balance journals/vocab without assigning homewo...

Whether you're drowning in grading, battling classroom chaos, or questioning your impact after a tough student interaction, this episode brings real talk and real solutions. CJ reflects on the surprising challenges of returning to the classroom, shares how he's using AI to speed up grading without sacrificing feedback, and unpacks everything from behavior consequences that don’t stick to w...

Welcome to Episode 321 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk , where we dive deep into some of the most difficult—but important—questions facing teachers today. From managing explosive behaviors to balancing life as a parent of a neurodivergent child, this episode is packed with real talk, practical tools, and heartfelt encouragement. _____________________________________________________ 🎥 What is Sunday...

Welcome to Episode 320 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk —a jam-packed conversation covering everything from classroom chaos and phone bans to teacher job loss and unexpected student feedback. This week’s wins, worries, and real talk include: Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome + Brody joins to share about ghost story day 05:10 – Who are your education heroes? (Rules to Engagement Season 2 input) 08:15 – Helping...

Welcome to Episode 319 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk! This week’s live Q&A hit everything from high-stakes classroom conversations to low-budget cozy setups. If you’ve got freshmen acting like they’re still in elementary school—or if you’re wondering how to set work boundaries, teach hard topics, or deal with planner drama—this one’s for you. Chapters & Topics Covered: 00:00 – Welcome, chia...

Episode 318 brings another round of real questions from real educators around the world—including one all the way from Iran. This week we dig into: What to do when students are below grade level, but admin says “teach the curriculum anyway” Strategies for students who refuse to follow class procedures and transitions How to respond when parents enable poor behavior—even on day three Should you acc...

Welcome back to another week of real talk for real teachers. Whether you’re a new teacher, returning to the classroom, or just trying to survive week three, this episode is packed with practical advice, encouragement, and a few laughs. This week we covered: What has been the biggest surprise for you starting this school year in a new location? What do you do when parents are okay with their child...

This week we cover: 💭 What to do when it’s the beginning of the year and you already feel like quitting 🎉 How to run Fun Fridays that students actually look forward to 🗣️ Getting more students to participate —especially the ones who refuse 🧠 Helping slow note-takers without slowing down the whole class ⏰ How to deal with overloaded schedules 🧑‍🏫 Tips for mentoring a brand-new teacher 📚 My f...

Most teachers start the year with rules, syllabi, and icebreakers. I don’t do any of that. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what I do (and don’t ) do on Day 1—and why it works. From handshakes at the door to writing letters to their future selves, here's how I start the year strong, build connection, and remind students that they belong. This approach might be unorthodox, but it’s been pow...

This week we’re talking about: 🎉 Icebreakers for staff meetings that don’t suck 📱 What to do when your classroom aide is lazy and glued to their phone 🔁 How to bounce back after a year with students who made you question everything ⚖️ Finding work-life balance after years away from the classroom 📚 Managing multiple class preps without burning out 🤖 Using AI to create meaningful classroom cont...

Too often, teachers are trained to plan for the worst—disruptions, burnout, failure. But what if we flipped the script? In this episode, I’m sharing a few simple, intentional ways I’m planning for the best school year yet. You deserve a classroom filled with joy, possibility, and purpose. Let’s talk about how to make that happen. ____________________________________________________________________...

In Episode 314 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk , we’re diving into real questions from real educators—like how to find joy after a tough year, how to rebuild your teacher identity in a new school, and how to manage chatty classes during activities. We also talk about building meaningful PD, getting to know new students, work-life balance, and what I’m excited to try this year. If you're heading into...

In this throwback episode, I’m sharing 5 practical back-to-school tips to help you start the year strong. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro, these simple strategies will help you feel more prepared, more confident, and more connected from day one. _____________________________________________________________________ ✉️  TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF WEEKLY Stay updated and learn more! S...

In Episode 312 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk , we’re tackling a fresh batch of teacher questions—from first-year jitters to classroom joy boosters. This week’s questions include: 🎓 Advice for a brand-new full-time middle school teacher (teaching both Social Studies and ELA!) 📚 How to get students to take ownership of their learning 📝 Tips for helping kids write essays with more flare 🎉 Ideas to...

In Episode 312 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk , we’re tackling a fresh batch of teacher questions—from first-year jitters to classroom joy boosters. This week’s questions include: 🎓 Advice for a brand-new full-time middle school teacher (teaching both Social Studies and ELA!) 📚 How to get students to take ownership of their learning 📝 Tips for helping kids write essays with more flare 🎉 Ideas to...

Starting out as a new teacher can feel overwhelming—and knowing where to focus your energy is half the battle. In this episode, I’m breaking down four of the biggest mistakes I made early in my teaching career. Whether you're brand new or just trying to level up your classroom game, you'll walk away with practical tips, honest insights, and a little encouragement to help you teach your cla...

We’re back! After a short break, Sunday Night Teacher Talk returns with Episode 311, and we’re diving into all the things teachers are thinking about as a new school year approaches. This week’s live Q&A covers: How to lesson plan when you’re teaching brand-new material Ways to engage students who just don’t care What to do when a retiring teacher hands you their old curriculum Tips for teachi...

In this powerful, raw, and deeply honest episode of Sunday Night Teacher Talk , I sit down with one of my teacher heroes— Rafe Esquith , legendary educator and founder of The Hobart Shakespeareans . Rafe opens up about how he went from struggling in the classroom to building one of the most extraordinary programs in public education history. We talk about: The power of slow growth in teaching Why...

This week, we’re talking about navigating sudden job changes, making the most of the final weeks of school, and tips for teachers moving into new age groups or content areas. We’ll also touch on building confidence as a new language teacher, what it’s like to teach your own kids, and how to communicate with parents in ways that build trust. The Odyssey Home-End-Of-Year Classroom Experience: https:...

Some of you may have had the sort of year that has you asking yourself "is teaching still for you?" I have good news. 🗣️ Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link ________________________________________________________________ Sunday Night Teacher...

The Odyssey Home: End of Year Experience: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-odyssey-home-end-of-year-classroom-experience 🗣️ Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link _______________________________________________________________ Sunday Nigh...

🗣️ Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link ________________________________________________________________ Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Use this link to join us live: https://www.youtub...

🎉 NEW! End Your Year on a High Note with The Odyssey Home 🎉 We just dropped a brand new resource designed to help you wrap up the school year with purpose, joy, and a sense of belonging. The Odyssey Home is packed with editable templates, student reflection activities, classroom awards, and everything you need to create a meaningful class send-off. 👉 Grab your copy of The Odyssey Home here 🗣️ I...

Classroom Management can be one of the trickiest parts of teaching. Here are four mistakes I've made and how I've grown from them. 🗣️ Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link ________________________________________________________________ Sunday Nig...