Teachers on the Loose

We’re wrapping up Season 2 of Teachers on the Loose the only way we know how—laughing, reminiscing, and wondering how we made it through the year! From our favorite moments to lessons learned (the hard way, of course), we’re closing things out with summer goals and big ideas for what’s next.

On this episode of Teachers on the Loose, we laugh our way through all the things college definitely forgot to mention—like how lesson plans go from Pinterest-perfect to “survive the day,” and how no one prepared us for parent-teacher conferences or the actual hours teaching takes. It’s a lighthearted look at the reality behind the degree, full of relatable moments, surprises, and plenty of teache...

In this episode of Teachers on the Loose, we dive into the unique world of “teacher kids”—the ones who get a behind-the-scenes pass to school life, from early mornings to late afternoons and everything in between. We share laughs, real talk, and even hear from our own kids about what they loved (and didn’t love) about growing up in a teacher’s classroom.

Have you ever tried to decode a first grader’s "invented spelling" and felt like you were solving a national security cipher? This week, we’re talking all about the magic (and the madness) of teaching writing! From the funniest personal narratives to the battle against writer's block, we’re covering it all. Grab your headphones and join the conversation!

On this episode of Teachers on the Loose, we dive into the wild world of science and social studies—sharing our favorite topics, why these subjects matter, and how we actually squeeze them into an already packed day. Expect lots of laughs, real classroom stories, and a reminder that learning about the world (past and present) can be just as fun as it is important!

On this special 50th episode of Teachers on the Loose, we take a trip down memory lane—reminiscing about our favorite episodes, playing some hilarious Teachers on the Loose trivia, and reliving the laughs that made the journey unforgettable. From our proudest podcast moments to the agony of editing out the funniest (but slightly inappropriate) parts, it’s a celebration of the chaos, comedy, and ca...

On this episode of Teachers on the Loose, we dive into the nerve-wracking world of teacher interviews—what to wear, how to prepare, and what not to say when your brain suddenly forgets every teaching strategy you’ve ever known. From practical tips for first-year teachers and career changers to a few laugh-out-loud interview disasters, we prove that sometimes the best preparation is a sense of humo...

On this episode of Teachers on the Loose, four teachers sit around laughing their way through math memories — the proud “I finally get it!” moments and the humbling hurdles that still make us twitch at the sight of timed tests. We swap hilarious math stories, including the unexpected romance that started in math class. We reflect on how growing up with math shaped us into the teachers we are today...

On this episode of Teachers on the Loose, we dive into the Winter Olympics and discover that teaching has a lot in common with elite competition — moments of glory, chasing gold (stickers count), and the occasional spectacular wipeout before first period. Join us as we laugh our way through the triumphs, defeats, and endurance it takes to survive both the slopes and the school year.

In this episode, we’re sharing the heart behind teaching children to read—our favorite books from childhood, the joy of reading to our own kids, and our favorite parts of teaching reading, from phonics and phonemic awareness to comprehension and reciprocal teaching. We explore how each step helps students grow into confident, thoughtful readers. Teaching reading is more than a skill—it’s connectio...

On today’s episode of Teachers on the Loose, we dive into data and show that it’s more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. We talk mindset, meaningful conversations, and how to actually have fun while using data to support students

Your evaluator walks in… and suddenly your heart drops, your brain forgets how to teach, and you’re silently begging your students to remember everything you’ve ever taught them. In this episode, we’re talking all about teacher observations and evaluations — the nerves, the overthinking, and the hope that you remember your own lesson plan. ​​Join us for laughs, honest conversation, and reassurance...

Winter break — where the coffee stays hot, the schedule is optional, and bathroom breaks whenever you want. In this episode, we’re talking all about how we unplugged, relaxed, and recharged before heading back to teacher life. From slow mornings to cozy moments, we loved our break with family and friends. No bells. No emails. No lesson plans. Just resting and recharging.

On today’s episode of Teachers on the Loose, four teachers ride the emotional rollercoaster of unexpected weather days off. From cheering when the notification hits to replanning missed lessons. We cover the joy, the chaos, and the surprise. Grab your coffee (or stay in your snow-day pajamas) and laugh along as teachers find humor in every cancelled day. ❄️☕

Phase 6 is where learning really comes to life. In this episode, we’re talking about how students extend and apply their learning—making connections, trying skills in new ways, and showing what they truly understand. Because learning doesn’t end with the lesson… it grows from there.

In this episode of Teachers on the Loose, four teachers tackle the fifth phase of McREL’s Phases of Learning—practicing and rehearsing—aka the part where learning finally sticks (and not just until the test). We break down why this phase matters and share practical, classroom-ready ways to get students retrieving content on purpose, all while swapping laughs and real-life teacher moments along the...

In Phase 4, students step into the heart of learning, their chance to really practice new skills, try strategies, and grow stronger with each piece of feedback. We’re talking guided practice, meaningful participation, and giving students the space to try out their learning while we offer feedback that sticks. Join us for a conversation full of insight, encouragement, and classroom joy!

In this episode of Teachers on the Loose, the four of us dive into the third phase of McRel’s 6 Phases of Learning: Direct Instruction. We break down what this phase really looks like in the classroom, how to keep students engaged while you’re front and center, and the small shifts that make big differences. And of course, it wouldn’t be Teachers on the Loose without a few hilarious tales of direc...

In this episode of Teachers on the Loose, we dive into McRel’s second phase of learning—helping students commit to learning through clear intentions, success criteria, and simple goal setting. Along the way, we sprinkle in our usual humor and lighthearted classroom stories. Tune in to hear how we turn commitment into clarity… and clarity into a whole lot of laughs.

The Teachers on the Loose crew is kicking off McRel’s 6 phases of learning with Phase One—getting kids actually interested in what we’re teaching (no small feat!). We’re swapping stories, tricks, and a few laughs about how we reel them in before the real learning begins.

Sometimes even Teachers on the Loose need to slow down. In this solo episode, Allison takes the mic to share a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast, reflect on the importance of rest, and remind us all that taking a break is how we find our spark again.

Sometimes you just need to hit the reset button—and what better way than with a dose of gratitude, a few laughs, and maybe a DoorDash delivery or two? In this episode, the Teachers on the Loose crew shares the little things that keep us grounded: the students who make us smile, the coworkers who can’t resist a good prank, and the small joys that remind us why we love what we do (even on the wild d...

Between student cupcakes, surprise staff treats in the lounge, and coordinating make-up celebrations for summer babies, it often feels like it's always birthday season in school! In this episode of Teachers on the Loose, the crew is diving into the glorious, sugar-fueled chaos of classroom celebrations. We're talking through the sheer logistical challenge of coordinating treats, the pressure to ma...

Parent-teacher conferences, homecoming week, endless grading piles, and those unpredictable kid moments they can drain your energy faster than a Friday afternoon staff meeting. But in true Teachers on the Loose fashion, we’re finding the funny in the frenzy! Join us as we swap stories about the chaos that comes with teaching and the life lessons tucked inside the laughter. Because sometimes, the b...

Technology: can’t teach with it, can’t teach without it! In this episode, we share our favorite “tech triumphs” and “total meltdowns”—from the Smartboard that refused to be smart to the lesson that turned magic thanks to one well-timed click. Tune in for laughter, lessons learned, and maybe a few tech tips that actually work.