Courtney

Things Teachers Really Say

Business EN ↓ 22 episodes

Ever caught yourself yelling, “Please don’t eat the glue!” and wondered how your life got here? Welcome to Things Teachers Really Say , a hilarious, heartfelt, and unfiltered look at the wonderfully chaotic world of early childhood education. Hosted by Courtney and Erin, both former Pre-K teachers, this podcast dives into the real stories, real struggles, and real absurdity of working with tiny humans. Each episode serves up: Wild quotes you swear you’ve said too Hilarious classroom stories (that definitely weren’t in the training manual) Honest convos about burnout, boundaries, and why glitte...

Author

Courtney

Category

Business

Podcast website

rss.com

Latest episode

Mar 3, 2026

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Episodes

Nap Time Chaos 03.03.2026

Summary This lively panel discussion reveals the chaotic, humorous, and often overlooked realities of teachers' experiences during nap time in early childhood education. From the chaos of managing children to the misconceptions about teacher breaks, the panel offers an authentic look at what really happens behind the scenes.

Surviving Burnout: Coping Mechanisms in Education 10.02.2026

Summary In this conversation, hosts Courtney and Erin discuss their personal experiences with burnout in the education sector, sharing coping mechanisms, recognizing signs of burnout, and the importance of mental health days. They emphasize the need for support systems, setting boundaries, and learning from past experiences to foster a healthier work-life balance. The discussion highlights the cha...

Navigating the Wild World of Parent Requests 03.02.2026

Summary In this conversation, the hosts discuss the often bizarre and humorous requests made by parents to teachers, highlighting the challenges and dynamics of parent-teacher relationships. They share personal anecdotes that illustrate the complexities of managing expectations, boundaries, and communication in educational settings. The conversation also touches on the impact of first-time parenti...

Finding Laughter in the Chaos of Education 27.01.2026

Summary In this conversation, the hosts explore the humorous side of challenging situations in education and parenting. They share funny anecdotes about children, the chaos of outbreaks, and the coping mechanisms they use to navigate serious moments with laughter. The discussion highlights the importance of humor in dealing with the ups and downs of working with kids and the unique stories that ar...

What Would Bring Teachers Back? 20.01.2026

Summary In this episode, hosts Courtney and Erin discuss the challenges and considerations surrounding the teaching profession, particularly what it would take for educators to return to the classroom. They explore systemic issues in education, the need for respect and support for teachers, and the importance of addressing individual student needs. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for a r...

The Joys and Challenges of December Teaching 16.12.2025

Summary In this conversation, the hosts discuss the unique challenges and joys of teaching during the chaotic month of December. They share personal anecdotes about holiday classroom activities, the magic of believing in Santa, and the emotional moments that arise during the holiday season. The conversation emphasizes the importance of allowing both children and adults to embrace the holiday spiri...

Let Kids Be Kids 09.12.2025

Summary This conversation explores the importance of allowing children to experience their childhood fully, emphasizing the need for play, emotional regulation, and the impact of societal expectations on child development. The hosts discuss personal anecdotes and broader themes related to parenting, education, and the influence of social media on perceptions of childhood milestones.

Drop Off and Pick Up 26.11.2025

Summary The conversation explores the challenges of bedtime routines and the dynamics of family interactions, particularly focusing on trust and honesty in childcare situations.

Imagination 18.11.2025

Summary The conversation explores the emotional expressions of children, particularly focusing on a humorous anecdote about a child's 'werewolf phase.' It delves into the challenges of parenting, the importance of understanding emotional behavior, and the use of humor to navigate these situations.

Parental Reactions in Child Development 04.11.2025

Summary The conversation explores a childhood incident involving a conflict between two children, highlighting themes of self-defense, parental reactions, and the complexities of managing childhood interactions.

Feeling Like a Bad Teacher 28.10.2025

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the challenges teachers face, including feelings of inadequacy, personal struggles, and the impact of emotional regulation on their teaching. They share personal anecdotes about moments of doubt and the importance of support systems in education. The conversation highlights the significance of celebrating small wins and reframing failures as opportunities...

The Weight of Goodbyes in Education 21.10.2025

Summary In this episode, hosts Courtney and Erin explore the emotional complexities of goodbyes in the teaching profession. They share personal stories of sudden departures, the impact of change on educators and students, and the importance of maintaining connections after leaving. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional closure and modeling healthy emotions for children, highlighting t...

The Power of Music in Education 14.10.2025

Summary In this conversation, the hosts discuss the vital role of music in education, emphasizing its benefits for emotional regulation, memory reinforcement, and creating a fun learning environment. They share personal experiences and strategies for incorporating music into classroom routines, highlighting the importance of allowing children to express their emotions and engage with music in a me...

Beyond the Classroom: Teacher Responsibilities 07.10.2025

Summary In this conversation, Courtney and Erin discuss the multifaceted challenges teachers face, including unexpected responsibilities, the importance of administrative support, and the need for genuine appreciation from both parents and the school system. They share personal anecdotes that highlight the often-overlooked aspects of teaching, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll it takes o...

Safe Spaces 30.09.2025

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical importance of safe spaces in educational settings, emphasizing that both students and teachers need environments where they feel secure and supported. They share personal experiences and anecdotes that highlight the impact of safe spaces on children's behavior and emotional well-being. The conversation also touches on the role of play in lear...

The Emotional Toll of Teaching 23.09.2025

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the reasons many educators leave the classroom, sharing personal stories and experiences. They explore the impact of leaving teaching on their lives, the challenges faced by children during the COVID pandemic, and the importance of imaginative play in child development. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care and the recognition of a teacher's...

From Chaos to Connection: A Teacher's Journey 16.09.2025

Summary In this episode, hosts Courtney and Erin reflect on their tumultuous experiences at a chaotic school that brought them together as friends. They discuss the various dramas, management issues, and classroom dynamics that shaped their time there, including favoritism, segregation, and the challenges of advocating for children. The conversation highlights the importance of friendships formed...

Toxicity in ECE 09.09.2025

In this conversation, Erin and Courtney delve into the pervasive issue of toxic administration within educational settings. They share personal experiences and anecdotes that highlight the red flags of toxic leadership, the illusion of a supportive school family, and the impact of such environments on staff morale and mental health. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing toxicity,...

Big feelings, little bodies....(and ours too) 02.09.2025

This conversation explores the complexities of emotional regulation in children and the impact of adult emotions on their development. The speakers discuss their experiences in early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of teaching children to recognize and express their emotions. They also address the challenges of maintaining emotional balance as educators while navigating personal fe...

What Teaching Taught Us About Boundaries 26.08.2025

In this episode, Courtney and Erin delve into the complexities of boundaries in the educational environment, discussing the importance of establishing clear boundaries between teachers and students, as well as between teachers and parents. They share personal anecdotes and experiences that highlight the challenges and rewards of navigating these relationships, emphasizing the need for effective co...

Teacher Origin Stories: How Did You End Up Elbow Deep In Glitter? 19.08.2025

Episode Summary In our very first episode, co-hosts Courtney and Erin kick things off by asking the big question every teacher has probably asked themselves: “How did I end up elbow-deep in glitter?” From hiring stories to classroom chaos, the duo shares their backgrounds in early childhood education, how they met, and what pulled them into (and eventually out of) the world of teaching. Expect lau...

Trailer 12.08.2025

Things Teachers Really Say – Two former teachers spill the hilarious, messy, and completely real things we’ve actually said out loud. The trailer’s rough (we’re learning!), but the laughs? Absolutely solid.

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