Best Heidi and Emily, Elementary Teacher and Resource Designer Podcasts (2025)

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226. The October Reset Every Teacher Needs 23:11

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1d ago23:11

23:11

Do you feel like you’re stuck in back-to-school survival mode while the rest of the year flies by? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re talking about an October Reset for teachers - our favorite way to shift from the September sprint to a sustainable teaching routine. We’ll share five essential strategies to help you recover from the post-Septe…

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225. 5 Easy Ways to Reignite Student Engagement During the September Slump 23:06

13d ago23:06

23:06

The back-to-school honeymoon is over, and if your once angelic class is now fidgety and distracted, don’t panic. You haven’t lost your classroom magic! In this episode, we break down the September slump, why it’s normal, and how to use it as an opportunity to boost engagement without burning yourself out. You’ll learn five simple, low-prep ways to …

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224. How to Help Students Build Learning Stamina After Summer Break 25:33

20d ago25:33

25:33

Ever planned the perfect lesson only to watch students’ focus vanish? In this episode, we dive into building learning stamina, including why it matters, how to teach it, and 5 key strategies to help students stick with challenging tasks. We share a classroom story showing the power of starting small, celebrating progress, and using tools like timer…

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223. The Core 4 Routines Every Classroom Needs to Run Like Clockwork 23:46

27d ago23:46

23:46

Wouldn't it be nice if your classroom could run like clockwork, with students knowing exactly what to do without constant reminders? In this episode, we’re showing you how to connect your procedures into seamless routines that stick, so everything from morning arrival to end-of-day chaos feels easier. You’ll learn our three-step process (anchor, ex…

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222. Can’t Miss Classic: How to Calm Classroom Chaos with One Simple Cue 8:30

29d ago8:30

8:30

This week’s can’t-miss classic is all about one of our favorite simple tools every teacher needs: a nonverbal behavior signal. Disruptions are going to happen, but instead of stopping your whole lesson to give a lecture (or raising your blood pressure), you can use a calm little 1-2-3 finger cue to redirect behavior in a low-key, non-shaming way. W…

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221. 5 Ways to Have High Expectations and Still Have Strong Connections with Your Students 25:56

1M ago25:56

25:56

Are you constantly swinging between being the “fun teacher” and the “strict teacher”, all before lunchtime? In this episode, we’re tackling one of the trickiest balancing acts in teaching: how to hold high expectations for your students while also making them feel genuinely seen and cared for. We’re diving into the concept of being a “warm demander…

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220. Can’t Miss Classic: 5 Fun Ways to Start the Year with Surprise and Delight 16:28

1M ago16:28

16:28

If you want to kick off the school year with a classroom full of joy, connection, and just a little magic, this can’t-miss classic is for you! We’re revisiting one of our most-loved episodes, all about the simple but powerful “surprise and delight” strategy for building strong student relationships from day one. In it, we share five teacher-tested …

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219. How to Build a Classroom Community That Lasts All Year 22:05

1M ago22:05

22:05

By October, some classrooms feel like a true team while others still feel like a group of strangers. In this episode, we’re sharing our five-phase approach to classroom community building (Spark, Surface, Shape, Strengthen, and Sustain) so yours becomes the first kind. These are realistic, doable strategies you can use even during your busiest week…

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218. Can't Miss Classic: Plug and Play Your First Day of School Plans 15:33

1M ago15:33

15:33

The first day of school doesn’t have to leave you frazzled and running on fumes! In this can’t-miss classic, we’re sharing our simple plug-and-play framework to help you plan a calm, confident start to the year. We’ll walk you through setting ATTABOY goals (affirming, training, teaching, and assessing), then plugging activities into your schedule a…

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217. 3 Things to Do Before Students Arrive and After They Leave on the First Day 23:17

2M ago23:17

23:17

We want you to think of your back-to-school experience as a sandwich (stick with us here!). That first day with students is the flavorful filling, but the real secret to a successful start is what happens before and after. In this episode, we’re sharing our Back to School Sandwich framework filled with first day of school teacher tips to help you p…

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216. Can’t Miss Classic: The 3 Truths Every Teacher Needs for Day One 20:13

2M ago20:13

20:13

The first day of school can feel like a whirlwind, so in this can't-miss classic episode, we’re walking you through our three first-day “truths” to help you feel grounded and prepared. We’re sharing how to script out your entire day (yes, script, not just plan!) so you know what’s happening minute by minute, you’re over-prepared without panicking, …

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215. Here's EXACTLY What to Do in the First 20 Minutes on the First Day of School 22:01

2M ago22:01

22:01

Just like a football coach scripts the first few plays of a game, you can script the first 20 minutes of your classroom, and in this episode, we’re walking you through exactly how to do that. We’re sharing our top first day of school teacher tips, including five essential goals to guide your opening moments: how to greet students, which procedure t…

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214. Can’t Miss Classic: The 3 Lists Every Teacher Needs Before Day One 18:47

2M ago18:47

18:47

If your brain is spinning with classroom setup and first week plans, this can’t-miss classic is the perfect episode to bring some calm to the chaos. In it, we walk you through our simple 3-list approach to planning an intentional and impactful first week of school. From scheduling fixed and hinge events, to using the ATTABOY framework to align your…

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213. 6 Simple Goals to Make Open House or Back-To-School Night a Success 23:59

2M ago23:59

23:59

Back-to-school season is here, and that means it’s time to tackle one of the most nerve-wracking events of the year: open house! In this episode, we’re sharing a strategic, stress-free approach to help you skip the Pinterest overwhelm and focus on what really matters. You’ll learn six essential goals for a successful open house, how to use simple s…

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212. Can't Miss Classic: The ATTA BOY Way to Plan a Better First Week of School 17:40

2M ago17:40

17:40

We’re bringing back a listener favorite that’s just as relevant now as when we first aired it! In this classic episode, we’re diving into the why behind your first week of school plans with a simple yet powerful framework called ATTABOY—affirming, training, teaching, and assessing. Instead of getting caught up in flashy Pinterest activities, we’ll …

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211. The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of School 18:37

2M ago18:37

18:37

Your first 3 days of school activities do so much more than check boxes. They set the tone for the entire year! In this episode, we’re talking about how to use those first few days to answer the three big questions every student is asking: Am I safe? Am I seen? Am I needed? We’ll walk you through how to build your classroom culture from day one, sh…

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210. Can’t Miss Classic: 4 Ways Teachers Can Lighten Their Mental Load This School Year 17:45

2M ago17:45

17:45

We're bringing you a summer replay that's all about decision fatigue - that overwhelming feeling when your brain is running on empty from making 1,500 decisions before lunch. In this episode, we break down why teachers are uniquely susceptible to mental exhaustion and share four practical strategies to lighten your decision-making load. Whether you…

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209. The Most Important Back-To-School Prep No One Talks About 24:16

3M ago24:16

24:16

The most important back-to-school prep no one talks about isn't about classroom decorations - it's about preparing YOU. In this episode, we reveal the three critical areas that transform your school year: supporting your life, prepping your teaching self, and creating a recovery plan. We'll show you how to go beyond traditional preparation and crea…

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208. Can’t Miss Classic: 10 Things to Do When You Get Your Class List 10:11

3M ago10:11

10:11

This summer, we're sharing our can't-miss classic episodes, and this week's gem is all about that pivotal moment every teacher experiences: receiving your class list. We dive into the mix of excitement, anxiety, and anticipation that comes with seeing those names for the first time. We've crafted 10 practical tips to help you transform that overwhe…

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207. No Class List? No Problem—Here’s What to Prep While You Wait 18:37

3M ago18:37

18:37

Think you can’t start classroom prep without a class list? Think again! In this episode, we’re sharing low-effort, couch-friendly tasks you can tackle right now to ease into back-to-school mode—no stress, no student names required. We break down four categories of “painless prep” to help you build momentum, set up smart systems, and feel more confi…

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206. Can’t Miss Classic: The One Thing Your Summer Teacher To-Do List Is Missing 20:00

3M ago20:00

20:00

Ready to break free from the pressure of the never-ending summer to-do list? This can't-miss classic episode is one of our most requested for a reason. Whether you're soaking up the sun or sneaking in some planning time, we're talking about how to strike the perfect balance between productivity and rest. You'll walk away with practical tips for sum…

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205. Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and Ready 22:23

3M ago22:23

22:23

Feeling that familiar tug of guilt during summer break? In this episode, we’re sharing a simple, six-step system for back to school teacher prep that helps you feel calm, confident, and well-rested, without letting work take over your summer. Learn how to use just one hour a week to tackle high-impact tasks, stay focused on what matters most, and a…

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204. Can’t Miss Classic: A Back-To-School Gift for Your Future Self 12:29

3M ago12:29

12:29

In this can’t-miss classic episode, we’re sharing one simple mindset shift that can make a huge difference in how your school year begins: give your future self a gift. We're talking about practical, meaningful ways to ease the back-to-school chaos before it even starts. If you’re craving a calmer, more intentional start to the year, grab a popsicl…

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203. 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back-To-School Season 24:35

3M ago24:35

24:35

Feeling that back to school teacher stress creeping in? You’re not alone, and in this episode, we’re calling out six common traps that add unnecessary pressure at the start of the school year. From Pinterest-perfect classrooms to over-the-top prep, we’re giving you permission to say no to the overwhelm and yes to what really matters. Let’s simplify…

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202. Can’t Miss Classic: The 10 Stages of Teacher Summer—Where Are You? 17:20

4M ago17:20

17:20

This can't-miss classic episode of Teacher Approved is all about the 10 stages of teacher summer break—yes, there are stages! From that first glorious day of freedom to the creeping thoughts of back-to-school prep, we’re breaking down the emotional rollercoaster teachers experience over the summer. Tune in to hear how you can recognize, survive, an…

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201. 20 Easy Back-To-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do from the Couch 21:16

4M ago21:16

21:16

Feeling the pressure to get ahead on your back-to-school teacher prep tasks, but also craving a restful summer? In this episode, we’re sharing 20 simple “TV tasks” you can do from the comfort of your couch to ease into school mode without the stress. From organizing digital files to prepping small gifts and backup schedules, these light-lift tasks …

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200. 200 Episodes Later: These 5 Teacher Approved Tips Still Win 16:54

4M ago16:54

16:54

We can't believe it's the 200th episode of Teacher Approved! We're celebrating this major milestone by revisiting five of our all-time favorite Teacher Approved tips. We combed through every single episode to choose the ones that have made the biggest impact on our own teaching experiences. These are tips we’d rely on from day one if we were back i…

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199. Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher Summers 24:32

4M ago24:32

24:32

Feeling torn between resting and being productive over summer break? In this episode, we’re diving into the power of teacher summer boundaries...the key to enjoying your time off without guilt! We explore three essential types of boundaries—time, technology, and task—that help you protect your peace, be intentional with your time, and avoid burnout…

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198. Can’t Miss Classic: Reset Your Teacher Brain with These End-Of-Year Prompts 18:10

4M ago18:10

18:10

Feeling totally worn out as the school year wraps up? You're not alone, and in this "Can't Miss Classic" episode, we’re diving into why this moment of transition is the perfect time for some simple, powerful reflection. We're sharing meaningful questions that’ll help you celebrate your wins, learn from your challenges, and give your future teacher …

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197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like Work 23:53

4M ago23:53

23:53

We don’t know who needs to hear this, but rest is not a reward you have to earn! In this episode, we’re talking all about teacher recovery in summer, why it’s essential, not indulgent, and how to make it happen in a way that feels good. We introduce the Four Rs of Recovery—Relax, Refresh, Refocus, and Recharge—as a practical framework to help you b…

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196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer Break 20:13

4M ago20:13

20:13

Summer break is calling, but are you ready to truly disconnect? In this episode, we share our 3-step May/June crossover plan. Think of it as the ultimate end of year teacher checklist for your mind and classroom. We guide you through simple steps to give your brain breathing room, create emotional closure, and set the stage for a stress-free summer…

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195. Ditch the Countdown: A Better Way to Create End of Year Closure 18:28

5M ago18:28

18:28

The end of the school year often flies by in a blur of countdowns, celebrations, and chaos—but without a little intention, you and your students might miss out on something really important: true end of year closure. In this episode, we’re sharing simple, purposeful ideas to help you slow down, reflect, and wrap up the year in a way that honors you…

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194. Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things Now 21:19

5M ago21:19

21:19

Ever wish you could head into summer already feeling ahead for next school year? We’re sharing five simple but powerful ways to tackle teacher back to school prep before the school year even ends, so you can enjoy your break without that looming to-do list hanging over your head! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show…

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193. Why Smart Teachers Start Planning for Next Year in May 20:07

5M ago20:07

20:07

May might feel like survival mode, but it’s actually the perfect time to start planning for the year ahead. In this episode, we share five reasons why teacher end-of-year planning is a game changer, from reflecting on what worked to testing out new systems with your current students. Planning now helps ease your mental load over the summer, so you …

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192. Say Goodbye to Recess Problems with These 4 Teacher Approved Fixes 21:52

5M ago21:52

21:52

Recess drama got you down? In this episode, we’re sharing four teacher-approved fixes to common playground problems, so you can stop dreading recess duty and start feeling confident about this part of the school day. From teaching games to empowering student problem-solving, these simple strategies will help bring structure and peace to your playgr…

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191. Get Moving! Simple Movement Hacks That Save Your Sanity AND Boost Learning 22:15

6M ago22:15

22:15

Do you have a class full of wiggle worms? It might be time to rethink how you're using movement in the classroom! We’re sharing five easy and effective ways to add movement to lessons without losing valuable instructional time. These simple strategies help channel student energy into purposeful learning, improve focus, and even reduce behavior issu…

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190. Do These 5 Easy Things in April to Make Back to School Easier! 18:44

6M ago18:44

18:44

April might seem early to prep for next school year, but it’s actually the perfect time to take on some manageable tasks that’ll make back-to-school season way less overwhelming. In this episode, we're sharing five smart and practical things to do in April for back-to-school. You’ll learn why April is ideal for this kind of prep, how to prioritize …

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189. 5 Fun Ideas to Keep Students Engaged After Testing Is Over 20:21

6M ago20:21

20:21

Looking for fun, low-prep end of year activities after testing that will keep your students engaged and excited? In this episode, we’re sharing our five favorite ideas that will bring energy and creativity back to the classroom. From creative passion projects to student-led lessons and classroom transformations, these high-impact activities will he…

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188. Ending the School Year Strong: 3 Steps to Help Teachers Thrive in Term 4 21:40

6M ago21:40

21:40

The end of the school year is in sight, but the final stretch can feel beyond overwhelming. In this episode, we’re sharing three essential steps to help you wrap up the year strong without burning out. You’ll learn how to reflect on what worked, assess your responsibilities, and create an action plan to stay organized and energized. Don’t just push…

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187. 3 Teacher Approved Episodes, Tips, and Favorites That You Will Love 25:57

6M ago25:57

25:57

Three years of Teacher Approved—can you believe it?! In this special anniversary episode, we’re looking back at our most popular episodes from each year, sharing top teaching strategies, and revisiting some of our all-time favorite teacher approved tips. Plus, we’ve got some fun extra credit recommendations! And since we’re celebrating, we’d love y…

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186. 5 Teacher Tasks You NEED to Do Before Spring Break 15:59

7M ago15:59

15:59

Spring break is almost here! But before you head out, there are a few must-do tasks that will make your return so much easier. In this episode, we’re covering five essential things for every teacher to do before spring break - from resetting your space to prepping for a smooth transition back. No more post-break overwhelm, just a stress-free, organ…

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185. 6 Easy Tips for Simplifying Test Prep Season 17:24

7M ago17:24

17:24

Test prep season doesn’t have to be stressful! In this episode, we’re sharing six easy end-of-year test prep tips to help you simplify the process, weave review into your daily routine, and keep students engaged without overwhelming your schedule. You’ll learn practical strategies to boost student confidence, make test prep more effective, and use …

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184. 6 Simple Spring Cleaning Tips for Freshening up Your Classroom [Fan Fave] 22:43

7M ago22:43

22:43

Is your classroom feeling cluttered and chaotic? In this replay episode, we’re sharing six simple and effective spring cleaning tips to help you freshen up your space. We’ll walk you through easy ways to declutter, organize supplies, and create a more functional, inviting learning environment. From tackling paper piles to refreshing classroom decor…

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183. 2 Smart Test Prep Strategies You Need to Use with Your Students 18:51

7M ago18:51

18:51

Are your students forgetting everything by test day? In this episode, we’re sharing smart test prep strategies that actually help students retain and apply what they’ve learned—without last-minute cramming. You’ll discover two research-backed methods that make information stick, why some common test prep practices might be doing more harm than good…

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182. Boost Your Test Prep with These 3 Retrieval Practice Activities 19:30

8M ago19:30

19:30

Ready or not, test season is coming, which means it’s time to start thinking about test prep! In this episode, we dive into retrieval practice for test review, a proven strategy that boosts memory and recall. Instead of passive review methods, retrieval practice helps students retain more and feel prepared for the test. We’ll discuss why this techn…

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181. How to Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks for a Stress-Free Spring Break 21:29

8M ago21:29

21:29

Spring break is almost here, and while you’re excited for the time off, the thought of catching up on work when you return can be stressful. What if you could prep for the first days back before break starts—without the overwhelm? In this episode, we’re sharing top strategies for teacher spring break prep, including how to break tasks into manageab…

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180. Make the Most of Morning Work in Your Classroom with These 5 Tips 21:36

8M ago21:36

21:36

Morning work is more than just busy work! It sets the tone for your day, reinforces important skills, and encourages independence. In this episode, we’re sharing our five best morning work tips to help you create a routine that works for both you and your students. If you're looking to start your day with ease and purpose, this episode is packed wi…

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179. How to Find Fast Finisher Success: No More 'I'm Done, Now What?' 24:59

8M ago24:59

24:59

Teachers pour their time and energy into the major aspects of teaching, but it’s often the smaller, overlooked parts of the job that create uncertainty. One such challenge is managing fast finishers—a topic that doesn’t always get the spotlight but plays a crucial role in the flow of your day. In today’s episode, we’re going to unpack this loaded t…

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178. 5 Classroom Management Tips for Taming a Chatty Class [Fan Fave] 24:21

9M ago24:21

24:21

By this point in the school year, your class is very familiar with each other. And while you love the community aspect, it can often bring unnecessary or excessive talking amongst your students. If this sounds like your class, we’re replaying a fan favorite episode sharing five teacher approved to help you tame your chatty class! For all the resour…

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177. Help Your Class Kick Bad Habits with These 5 Classroom Management Questions [Fan Fave] 22:47

9M ago22:47

22:47

Now that you’re back to school from winter break, you might be noticing that some of your classroom procedures aren’t running as smoothly as they were before break. While this might be caused by multiple reasons, it’s something you want to address right away. In this fan favorite episode, we’re sharing questions that help you identify your classroo…

Heidi And Emily, Elementary Teacher And Resource Designer Podcasts