The Teachers Lounge

In this episode, Bryan explores the Edutopia article “How Novice and Expert Teachers Approach Classroom Management Differently” by Youki Terada. He also shares six practical takeaways from the article you can use to create a more focused, positive, and effectively managed classroom this school year.

Has education changed for the better?Today’s guest, Mr. Gary, brings 30 years of experience in education—including 10 years as a classroom teacher and 20 years as a curriculum writer and educational consultant. In this episode, we compare “old-school” and “new-school” experiences. We also examine how parenting has changed, why students are given more labels than ever before, and whether those labels truly prepare them for life beyond the classroom—where expectations, responsibilities, and results often matter more than labels.

The beginning of a new school year can be exciting—but with so much to accomplish, it can also feel overwhelming. It’s easy for educators to become discouraged and focus on the most difficult aspects of the profession. In this conversation, guest Owen Griffith shares how practicing gratitude can help teachers develop a healthier perspective on their work and their lives. Owen is a classroom teacher, public speaker, blogger, and published author. His book, *Gratitude: A Way of Teaching*, provides solution-focused strategies and research-based resources designed to help educators create a more positive classroom culture, strengthen student engagement, and support academic achievement.*Gratitude: A Way of Teaching* is currently available on Amazon.#Gratitude #Teachers #Education #Teaching #Classroom #Students

The final days of the school year can either be the most stressful… or some of the most meaningful. Too often, teachers shut things down early and fill the days with unstructured free time. While that may work for some classes, for many teachers it leads to more behavior problems, stress, and chaos. In this episode, Bryan shares practical ideas to help teachers finish the year strong while still keeping learning fun, engaging, and purposeful. Your students can absolutely enjoy the final weeks of school without turning the classroom into a free-for-all. Remember: students have all summer to relax and goof around. It shouldn't start in your classroom.

In Smart Kids, Bad Schools, award-winning author and educator Brian Crosby (brian-crosby.com)draws on his many years as a high school English teacher to offer a candid appraisal of why our schools are failing and what we must do to save them.       

Teaching is supposed to be about shaping lives—not surviving the workplace. We talk a lot about bullying in schools, and rightly so. But there’s a hard truth we rarely acknowledge: teachers are being bullied too—by students, parents, and even the very leadership meant to support them. In spaces that claim to be “safe zones,” many educators are walking on eggshells, burned out, and leaving. 

Congratulations to the teachers in the States! You have made it to Thanksgiving break. Kriscia Cabral took some time to write down what she is thankful for when she goes to work as a teacher. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, Bryan shares her top five reasons on why she is a thankful teacher. For the full article go to http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/top-teaching/2013/11/top-5-reasons-im-thankful-teacher

In this episode, Bryan is joined by returning guests Dr. James Hughey and Evelyn Sellers, who bring years of experience and valuable perspective on the teaching profession. Together, they respond to listener questions and tackle some of the most common challenges teachers face in the classroom and beyond.  

In this episode, Bryan sits down with National Teachers Hall of Fame educator Alan Haskvitz to explore what truly defines a successful teacher. Too often, we equate success with test scores or picture-perfect classrooms seen on Pinterest. But as Alan explains, the real value in education comes from deeper, less flashy qualities.

In this episode, Bryan shares how his dogs, Max and Nikki, brought joy, comfort, and connection to his students—proving that the right dog can make a lasting impact in a school community. From classroom visits to becoming beloved companions, their presence not only supported student well-being but also gave him precious time with them during their senior years. Janelle's Cox article lists those benefits at http://www.teachhub.com/teacher%E2%80%99s-guide-classroom-pets

With over 3.5 million educators in public school classrooms, teaching is the largest professional workforce in the U.S.—yet nearly half leave the profession within five years. Why is burnout so common, and what can be done about it? In this episode, Bryan sits down with a former classroom teacher who was on the verge of walking away from education but instead made a pivotal change that reignited her passion to stay in education. She became a librarian/media specialist. Together, they explore the realities of modern teaching, the evolving landscape of education, and how finding the right fit can make all the difference.

In a world where classroom demands are higher than ever, clutter—both physical and mental—can silently drain creativity and focus. This episode explores how embracing minimalism can lead to a more intentional, efficient, and inspiring learning environment. By removing what no longer serves you or your students, you make space for what truly matters. Our days are tough enough as it is. Why not use the end of the year to get rid of things that are serving no real value to you or your students?Mentioned on the program: Tiny Houses & the Quest to De-Clutter As most of us conclude a challenging school year, this will be the final show for this season.

In this inspiring episode, I'm joined by Erin Gruwell whose powerful teaching journey became the foundation for "The Freedom Writers Diary" and the major motion picture "Freedom Writers". Erin shares how she transformed a classroom of students once labeled "unteachable" by embracing diversity, challenging stereotypes, and fostering a culture of empathy and critical thinking. With her unwavering belief in her students, they not only wrote their own stories but also became published authors. Erin reflects on the impact of their bestselling book and the lasting legacy of the Freedom Writers. For more about the Freedom Writers foundation visit http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org

While complaints about failing schools and negativity within the profession are common—sometimes even from teachers themselves—we’re diving into what keeps educators going. What fuels your passion when you walk into the classroom each day? In this episode, we explore the heart of teaching, the moments that inspire us, and the reasons we stay committed.

Every teacher has faced that one unmotivated student—the one who just won’t engage, no matter what strategy you try. Parents have given up, and you're left wondering: is this my fault? Could a better teacher have reached them? In this episode, I challenge that mindset and address the excuses that often shapes today’s classrooms. Instead of getting frustrated, educators are encouraged to rise above the noise, do the best you can, reject the excuses, and get creative.

As teachers, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap—especially in the age of social media, where we see picture-perfect classrooms and educators who seem to have it all together. But constantly measuring ourselves against others isn’t always healthy, and yet, we do it anyway. In this episode, I share insights from Joshua Becker’s blog post "Stop Comparing Your Life. Start Living It," exploring why comparison holds us back and how we can shift our focus to living with purpose and contentment. Tune in for a refreshing perspective on embracing your unique teaching journey. Read the original blog post here: [http://www.becomingminimalist.com/stop-comparing-your-life-start-living-it]

For this episode, we're joined by Robert Wilder, author of Tales From The Teachers Lounge—a humorous and brutally honest collection of essays about what it really means to be a teacher today. After leaving a lucrative advertising career in New York, Robert took a teaching job at an alternative school in Santa Fe—and never looked back. Now, he shares his sharp-witted, laugh-out-loud insights as a teacher, parent, and former student, revealing the absurd, challenging, and rewarding realities of education.http://robertwilder.com/ 

It's my birthday month and that has put me in a reflective mood. I'm reminded that I'm getting older.  I have more years behind me than in front of me. This reflection has led me to look back over my long teaching career and offer some of what I have found to be effective for my classroom experience. 

For this episode, I dive into the tough decisions many teachers are facing—should you stay in education or explore new opportunities? With so many educators feeling uncertain or even fearful about making the perfect choice, we’re here to provide insight and support. Today, we’re joined by special guest Dr. James Hughey, who will share valuable guidance on navigating this crossroads and offer practical strategies for protecting your mental health as we close out the school year.  For blog posts, podcasts, and videos from Dr. Hughey visit pfpl.us.

For this episode, we’re diving into a video role-play that features a scenario we can all relate to—an angry student disrupting the learning environment. Classroom management is one of the biggest challenges educators face, and how we handle these moments can shape the entire atmosphere of our classrooms. As we watch this video together, let’s analyze the teacher’s response—was it effective? Could it have been handled differently?