Year One

Join me, Janet Erwin, Vice President of Marketing at Carnegie Learning, for a special bonus episode of the Year One podcast titled "Live From The National Institutes: Jenna’s Journey in Year One." In this episode, I sit down with Jenna, a passionate third-grade teacher from Indiana, to reflect on her transformative first year in the classroom. Recorded live at the National Institute (TNI) in Miami...

In this heartfelt episode of Year One, join me as Jenna reflects on her final days as a first-year teacher. Having accepted a new position as a fifth-grade math teacher, Jenna faces the bittersweet task of saying goodbye to her third-grade students and her fellow first-year teacher friend, also named Jenna. As she wraps up her year, Jenna shares the emotional journey of growth, challenges, and tri...

In this episode of Year One, titled "To Stay or Not to Stay – That is the Question," we dive into Jenna's pivotal decision-making moment as her first year of teaching draws to a close. With nearly a year of teaching experience, Jenna faces a life-changing opportunity when a school she admired offers her a position. Torn between her current supportive environment and the prospect of new beginnings,...

In this episode of Year One, titled "Spring Fever," we dive into the chaotic yet rewarding final months of Jenna's first year teaching. With state testing behind her, Jenna navigates the unique challenges of keeping students engaged as summer break approaches. I explore how Jenna manages the restless energy in her classroom, employing strategies like reinforcing routines and introducing creative a...

In this episode of Year One, titled "The Realities of State Testing," I explore the intense pressures faced by Jena, a first-year teacher, as she navigates the state testing process. Spring brings the challenge of standardized tests, and Jena experiences firsthand the stress it places on both students and educators. While these tests are designed to measure educational standards, they often oversh...

In this episode of Year One, titled "The Dreaded Teacher Observation," we dive into Jenna's nerve-wracking experience with her first debrief after a surprise classroom observation. As a first-year teacher, Jenna grapples with the anxiety of being evaluated and the reality of balancing classroom management with personal growth. I explore the observation process with insights from Nasheira, a vetera...

In this episode of Year One, titled "Budgeting on a Teacher’s Salary," we dive into the financial realities of a first-year teacher. Join me, Kanika Chaddha Gupta, as we catch up with Jenna, who is navigating the challenges of living on a teacher's paycheck. Despite the common belief that teaching is a family-friendly career, Jenna finds herself grappling with the tight budget constraints that com...

In this episode of Year One, titled "Teaching the Whole Student," we delve into the crucial role of understanding students beyond the classroom. Join me as we explore Jenna's journey in building relationships with her students, learning about their backgrounds, and how this knowledge transforms her teaching approach. With insights from veteran teachers Maggie and Phonisha, we discuss the challenge...

In this episode of Year One, titled "The Substitute Dilemma," we dive into the unexpected challenges teachers face when they need a day off. Jenna, our first-year teacher, experiences her first sick day, revealing the complexities of preparing for a substitute while battling illness. From feverish early morning sub plans to the guilt of leaving her students and burdening her colleagues, Jenna navi...

In this episode of Year One, titled "Accommodating Individual Needs and IEPs," we delve into the complexities of supporting students with special accommodations. Join me as we follow Jenna, a first-year teacher, navigating the challenges of balancing individualized education programs (IEPs) for her students while maintaining the needs of the entire class. With insights from veteran teacher Maggie,...

In this episode of Year One, titled "Prep, Plan, PTO - The Time Management Dilemma," we delve into the intricate balancing act faced by first-year teacher Jenna. As she navigates her new role, Jenna grapples with the overwhelming demands of lesson planning, grading, and maintaining a work-life balance. Despite working over 50 hours a week, she only gets paid for 40, highlighting the challenges man...

In this episode of Year One, titled "Jenna's First Parent-Teacher Conference," we dive into Jenna's journey as she navigates her inaugural parent-teacher meetings. Previously, Jenna learned the importance of positive communication with parents, and now she's putting that into practice. As the day approaches, Jenna feels a mix of anxiety and anticipation, unsure of what to expect from these brief y...

In this episode of Year One, titled "The Parent Connection," we dive into the crucial role parents play in a child's education. As Jenna navigates her first year of teaching, she learns the importance of building strong relationships with parents to address behavioral issues and celebrate student successes. From making her first nerve-wracking phone call to parents to the rewarding experience of s...

In this episode of Year One, titled On Your Best Behavior, we dive into the challenges Jenna faces as she navigates her first year as a third-grade teacher. With routines starting to solidify, Jenna encounters students eager to test boundaries, from hiding under umbrellas to outright defiance. As a host, I explore how Jenna manages these behavioral challenges while balancing discipline with unders...

In this episode of Year One, titled "I’d Like to Speak With the Classroom Manager," we dive into Jenna's early weeks as a third-grade teacher. As she navigates the chaos of establishing classroom routines, Jenna quickly learns that preparation extends beyond lesson plans. With insights from Maggie, a seasoned teacher, we explore the critical role of procedures and expectations in creating a struct...

In this episode of Year One, titled "Class Is in Session," we dive into Jenna's first day as a teacher. As the new school year begins, Jenna faces the challenges of managing a large class of third graders amidst a national teacher shortage. From meeting her students and their parents at open house to navigating the chaos of the first day, Jenna experiences a whirlwind of emotions. Despite her meti...

In this episode of Year One, titled Jenna’s First Open House, we dive into Jenna's experience as a first-year third-grade teacher meeting her students and their families for the first time. As the host, I explore Jenna's challenges and triumphs during this pivotal event. With 26 eager faces and a diverse array of family dynamics, Jenna navigates the whirlwind of introductions, supply drop-offs, an...

In this episode of Year One, titled "Meet Miss MacNulty," I, Kanika Chada-Gupta, explore the inspiring journey of Jenna, a first-year teacher stepping into her third-grade classroom. Despite the national teacher shortage and financial challenges, Jenna's passion for teaching shines through. From childhood dreams of being a teacher to navigating the realities of outfitting her classroom, Jenna's de...

Step into the world of teaching with Year One, a podcast from Carnegie Learning. In our debut episode, This is Year One, we follow Jenna, a passionate new teacher navigating her first year in a third-grade classroom amidst a national teacher shortage. From managing large class sizes and preparing students for standardized tests to juggling personal time and finances, Jenna faces it all. Join me as...