The Teachers Lounge

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?

With the rising cost of living and the immense challenges of the teaching profession here at home, many teachers are exploring opportunities abroad; seeking a fresh start where their work is better respected and their stress levels are lower. One popular destination is South Korea, known for its appreciation of educators and unique cultural experiences. We’ll be speaking with a young teacher currently working in South Korea, who shares valuable insights into the pros and cons of teaching overseas.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought it’d be the perfect time to celebrate the passion and love we have for our work as educators. It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges and negativity surrounding the teaching profession, but today, we’re flipping the script. I’ll be sharing what I enjoy about being in the classroom and the overall profession.

While many educators are searching for ways out of the classroom, Ernie took the opposite path, transitioning from a successful legal career to teaching. In this episode, he’ll share practical strategies that worked for him, along with motivational insights to inspire fellow teachers to reignite their passion for education.

In this episode, we explore a crucial question many teachers are grappling with: When is it time to quit teaching? I'll be reading the insightful article "When Is It Time to Quit Teaching" by former guest Vicki Davis. Deciding whether to step away from something you love is never easy, but this episode will guide you in evaluating if you simply need a break to recharge or if it’s time to move on to a new chapter. Whether you're considering leaving the classroom or looking for clarity on your teaching journey, this episode is here to help. The full article can be found at http://www.coolcatteacher.com/when-is-it-time-to-quit-teaching/ Original NBC news clip https://youtu.be/c6i2U6dRhgs    

On this episode, acclaimed author Lewis Buzbee join us to discuss his insightful book, "Blackboard: A Personal History of the Classroom". He shares his reflections on classrooms of the past, evaluates the current state of schools, and imagines the possibilities for the future of education. For more from Lewis Buzbee, visit his website at https://www.lewisbuzbee.com/index.htm.  

Take a nostalgic journey back to 1947 with a classic educational training video. This fascinating glimpse into the past highlights how teaching practices and classroom dynamics have evolved over the years—and how some timeless advice still holds true today.

Happy New Year, teachers! Welcome to the podcast where educators come together to inspire, learn, and grow. I'm thrilled to kick off the year with a special guest, Vicki Davis—a passionate teacher and successful podcaster. In this episode, Vicki shares invaluable teaching strategies, motivational insights, and lessons from her remarkable journey as an educator. Whether you're looking for fresh ideas or a dose of inspiration, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to energize your teaching practice. Be sure to visit Vicki's site at (https://www.coolcatteacher.com) for even more resources!

This time of year, we often pause to reflect on the past and plan for the year ahead, but have you ever wondered—what advice would the older version of yourself give you today? Imagine your future self, nearing the end of life, offering insights to you in the present. Would your future self encourage you to stay with teaching? Would they encourage you to take a risk and try something else? In this episode, we'll consider the invaluable messages from those who have walked before us and how their perspective can guide our resolutions as we begin a new year.

Feeling guilty about leaving education? In this video, I dive into why it’s okay to transition out without guilt. While you may love the kids and cherish your co-workers, the truth is that they’ll adapt and move on just fine. Kids are resilient, and your co-workers will adjust to new dynamics. You need to prioritize your well-being because staying in an unhealthy situation doesn’t serve anyone, especially not you. Leaving doesn’t mean you don’t care—it means you’re choosing to take care of yourself. Tune in for reassurance, encouragement, and a reminder that it’s okay to put yourself first.

Teachers, may your holiday break be merry and bright!  It's Christmas time in the city, and that means we not only get to enjoy the holiday season but also some much needed time off.  Bryan shares some inspiring stories from teachers to remind you that we as educators are a big deal.

Child abuse is an incredibly difficult subject to confront, especially during a season traditionally filled with hope and joy. However, the painful truth is that sexual abuse of children is happening even now. As educators, we often receive training on this issue at the start of the school year—a time when our plates are already overflowing, and we haven’t yet had the chance to truly know our students. Now, as we approach the midpoint of the academic year and have developed relationships with our students, it may be a good time to revisit this critical topic with the help of expert guests from Darkness to Light(www.d2l.org). This organization is dedicated to empowering adults to protect children from sexual abuse and supporting those affected. In this episode, we tackle the myths surrounding child sexual abuse, discuss the vital role educators play in identifying and responding to concerns, and share practical strategies for addressing this sensitive issue. Join us as we shine a light on this difficult

December often brings unique challenges for elementary teachers, as excitement for the holidays can make classroom management more difficult. Will students in your class be naughty or nice this year? In this festive episode from A Modern Teacher (amodernteacher.com), discover a creative approach one teacher used to keep her students off Santa’s naughty list. With practical tips and holiday cheer, this resource is perfect for maintaining a joyful and focused classroom during the bustling holiday season. amodernteacher.com/classroom-management-during-the-holidays/ May this time with your students be merry and bright!

Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, yet it often comes with challenges that can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to slip into negativity, focusing on frustrations and struggles. But what if there’s a better way to approach our work and inspire our students? In this episode, we’re joined by Owen Griffith, a veteran teacher and author of the educational blog Spiritually Teaching. Owen shares his transformative journey of teaching gratitude in the classroom. By fostering an attitude of gratitude, he has not only positively impacted his students’ lives but has also found renewed strength and fulfillment in his teaching career. Join us as we explore practical strategies for incorporating gratitude into your teaching practices and discover how it can enhance classroom culture, improve student engagement, and reignite your passion for education.

Are you looking for an effective way to balance your lectures with meaningful student interaction? In this episode, I introduce and comment on the **Ten Plus Two Strategy** from the Let's Teach YouTube channel —a simple yet powerful teaching technique that promotes active engagement while maintaining the structure of your lesson. Perfect for creating a dynamic and interactive classroom, this strategy ensures students stay engaged and retain key concepts. *Let's Teach* YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/Y2udPWz_3vg]

Girls are excelling in schools today—fantastic news, right? But what about the boys who are falling behind? Across the country, millions of boys are struggling with reading and writing, being diagnosed with learning disabilities at unprecedented rates, and increasingly opting out of college altogether. In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Peg Tyre, bestselling author of The Trouble with Boys, who will shed light on the challenges boys face in today’s educational landscape. Teachers, school administrators, and parents alike will gain valuable insights into why boys from all backgrounds are underperforming—and, most importantly, how we can support them. Peg offers practical strategies to help educators and families ensure all children, including boys, have the tools they need to succeed academically and beyond. Peg Tyre's website https://www.pegtyre.com

Like Ben Ellis, one day we will all pass from this life. But before that day comes, we have the profound opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through our work as educators. The teaching profession offers countless moments where we can make a real difference—not only in the academic success of our students but in their lives as whole people. We never truly know the depth of the impact we can have on others, but it's there, often quietly waiting to unfold years after they've left our classrooms. What will our students remember about us years from now? It won’t be about test scores or how well we aligned with state standards. The real question is: How did we make them feel? Did we ignite a love of learning? Did we show them kindness, patience, and understanding? Our greatest impact will come from the relationships we build, the encouragement we offer, and the belief we instill in our students that they are capable of greatness. In the end, it’s these human connections that will define our legacy as teac

While teachers naturally expect their students to be attentive and engaged, how often do we prioritize being active listeners ourselves? Listening is a crucial skill for educators, yet many of us find it challenging to fully engage with our students' thoughts and feelings. Join Dr. James Hughey and Bryan as they explore the transformative impact of teachers who truly listen.  For Dr. Hughey's “Power For Positive Living” podcast & blog posts visit PFPL.US

  Parent-teacher conferences often feel like a routine obligation that neither parents nor teachers look forward to. These meetings can become repetitive, with teachers listing off a student's challenges or, in the case of high achievers, simply praising their performance. Unfortunately, this traditional format often fails to spark meaningful change or inspire student growth and it frequently sidelines the most important voice in the conversation—the students. What if, instead of the typical conferences, we reimagine these meetings as student-led goal-setting sessions? These meetings could shift the focus toward proactive, positive collaboration aimed at improving student achievement. By empowering students to take the lead, they can articulate their own goals and take ownership of their learning. This approach also fosters a growth mindset, turning what was once a one-sided conversation into a dynamic opportunity for reflection and future planning. As educators, we know that learning thrives when expec