Pedagogically Speaking

Ilana Huffer
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  • EDUCATION

Pedagogically Speaking is the podcast that helps teachers show up with confidence, clarity, and heart. I am an inclusive education teacher and mentor with 16 years in the classroom, my show delivers real talk, practical strategies, and empowering pep talks to help you thrive, not just survive, in the profession you love. From classroom management to teacher well-being, leadership, and inclusive practices… we cover the stuff they don’t teach you in teacher prep. If you’re a passionate educator who wants to grow, laugh, feel seen, and make a meaningful impact — you’re in the right place!

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Sitting Still Is Not Learning

    The conversation explores the impact of stillness on learning, the historical context of stillness in education, compliance culture in modern classrooms, the impact of movement on learning, the role of teachers and classroom environment, and the need to rethink engagement and learning environments. Takeaways Movement is cognition, not a distractionLearning environments may have been failing students, not the other way around. Chapters 00:00 The Myth of Stillness in Learning06:08 The History of Stillness in Education14:39 The Role of Teachers and Classroom Environment30:39 Rethinking Engagement and Learning Environments

    35 min

  2. 8 MAY

    The Dangerous Lie About Passion in Teaching

    The conversation delves into the uncomfortable truth about teacher burnout, the expectation of self-sacrifice in education, and the normalization of overwork. It explores the subtle ways in which teacher passion and dedication are being weaponized to manipulate teachers into overextending themselves, and the impact of unsustainable working conditions on teachers' well-being and effectiveness. Takeaways The normalization of overwork in the education system leads to unsustainable expectations and quietly shames teachers who protect their personal lives.Setting boundaries as advocacy is crucial in challenging the unsustainable working conditions and reframing the narrative around teacher self-sacrifice. Chapters 00:00 Advocacy and Sustainable Workload

    25 min

  3. 1 MAY

    Students Don’t Care Anymore… Now What? (Teacher Burnout, Student Engagement & End-of-Year Reality)

    Students don’t care anymore… or at least that’s what it feels like right now. If your students are disengaged, refusing work, or saying “I don’t care,” this episode breaks down what’s actually happening—and why it’s not about laziness or defiance. In this episode of Pedagogically Speaking, we unpack: Why student engagement drops at this time of yearThe truth behind “I don’t care” behaviorWhy pressure and consequences often make things worsePractical, realistic strategies that actually work in May and JuneHow to support students without burning yourself outThis is a real conversation for teachers who are tired, overwhelmed, and still showing up every day. If you’ve been questioning your impact lately—this episode is for you. student engagement, teacher burnout, end of year teaching strategies, disengaged students, classroom management, learning support, student motivation, why students don’t care, teacher reality, education podcast If this resonates, share it with a teacher who needs to hear this right now. And don’t forget to subscribe to Pedagogically Speaking for real conversations about teaching that actually reflect what’s happening in classrooms.

    22 min

  4. 23 APR

    Imposter Syndrome

    The conversation covers the journey of a teacher from the initial decision to become a teacher, transitioning from an EA to a teacher, dealing with overwhelm and imposter syndrome, belonging and self-doubt in teaching, effective teaching strategies, adapting to student diversity, teaching standards, classroom management, and advice for new teachers. The conversation covers a range of topics related to teaching, including building trust and setting boundaries, seeking help and communication, connecting with veteran teachers, survival strategies for new teachers, building relationships with challenging students, coping with stress and workload, maintaining sanity and collaboration, early teaching experience and classroom preparation, support and reassurance for new teachers, classroom organization and teaching materials, staff meetings and school culture, and beach experiences and summer plans. Takeaways Transitioning from an EA to a teacher can be challengingDealing with overwhelm and imposter syndrome is common in teaching Building trust and setting boundaries are crucial for new teachersEffective communication and collaboration with colleagues are essential for success in teaching Chapters 00:00 Choosing the Teaching Profession06:00 Dealing with Overwhelm and Imposter Syndrome12:09 Teaching Strategies and Lesson Effectiveness18:00 Teaching Standards and Classroom Management24:00 Building Trust and Setting Boundaries29:03 Survival Strategies for New Teachers35:17 Maintaining Sanity and Collaboration42:09 Beach Experiences and Summer Plans

    42 min

  5. 19 APR

    We’ve Trained Students to Fear Failure. Here’s How to Undo It

    The conversation explores the impact of fear of failure on students and the importance of normalizing struggle, slowing down the rescue instinct, and praising the process and effort. It emphasizes the need to change the narrative around failure and make it a part of the learning process. Takeaways Normalizing struggle and making it a part of the learning processSlowing down the rescue instinct and allowing students to sit in discomfortPraising the process and effort, not just the outcome

    15 min

  6. 9 APR

    Impacts of Violence in Classrooms Part 2 with guest Alex

    The conversation delves into the challenges faced by educators in schools, including the impact of violence, the emotional toll on educators, and the need to navigate paradoxes. It also explores the dynamics of teacher-student relationships, assessment and grading challenges, creating safe spaces for students, and reflecting on mistakes as a means of growth. The conversation covers the challenges of balancing work and health, navigating work responsibilities, managing time and energy, teaching challenges and support, teaching strategies and adaptations, challenges of the education system, and teacher well-being and support. The discussion emphasizes the need for support, understanding, and adaptation in the teaching profession, as well as the systemic challenges faced by educators. Takeaways Impact of violence on educatorsNavigating paradoxes Balancing work and health is a significant challenge for educatorsTeacher well-being and support are crucial for the success of the education system Chapters 00:00 Challenges in Schools01:03:31 Living Within Paradoxes01:18:39 Assessment and Grading Challenges01:28:42 Creating Safe Spaces for Students01:35:14 Teaching Challenges and Support01:47:23 Challenges of the Education System01:55:11 Teacher Well-being and Support

    56 min

  7. 2 APR

    The Realities of Teaching: Insights from Experienced Educators Part 1

    The conversation delves into the challenges and realities of teaching, including the struggles of new and veteran teachers, the impact of teaching contracts on work-life balance, the lack of support for French immersion teachers, and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in lesson planning. The discussion also highlights the impact of teaching and the need for boundaries and work-life balance. The conversation covers various aspects of teaching, including, extracurricular involvement, and the impact of music and arts education. It also delves into the invisible parts of teaching, preparation, administrative work, documentation, and challenges in accessing support for students with learning disabilities. Takeaways Teaching is a challenging and dynamic professionFlexibility and adaptability are essential in lesson planning and teachingSetting boundaries and maintaining work-life balance is crucial for teacher well-being Teaching methods should be tailored to individual preferences.The challenges of teaching extend beyond the classroom and involve administrative work, extracurricular involvement, and navigating support for students with learning disabilities. Chapters 00:00 The Reality of Teaching05:50 Teaching Contracts and Compensation12:02 Work-Life Balance and Boundaries18:01 Teaching During COVID-1928:46 Teaching Methods and Individual Preferences33:55 Teaching as a Calling and the Guilt Factor40:48 Challenges in Access to Music Education46:29 Preparation and Administrative Work55:30 Navigating Support for Students with Learning Disabilities

    55 min

  8. 27 MAR

    Don’t Ruin Your Spring Break on Sunday: The 5-Step Teacher Reset Before Monday

    In this episode, Ilana discusses the importance of a teacher reset before Monday and provides five steps to achieve it. The steps include planning for Monday, reducing overwhelm, setting energy boundaries, and anchoring a win for Monday. Ilana emphasizes the need for teachers to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being. Takeaways Teacher resetSetting boundaries Chapters 00:00 Teacher Reset Before Monday07:02 Planning for Monday17:56 Setting Energy Boundaries

    25 min
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About

Pedagogically Speaking is the podcast that helps teachers show up with confidence, clarity, and heart. I am an inclusive education teacher and mentor with 16 years in the classroom, my show delivers real talk, practical strategies, and empowering pep talks to help you thrive, not just survive, in the profession you love. From classroom management to teacher well-being, leadership, and inclusive practices… we cover the stuff they don’t teach you in teacher prep. If you’re a passionate educator who wants to grow, laugh, feel seen, and make a meaningful impact — you’re in the right place!

Information

  • Creator
    Ilana Huffer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Ilana Huffer
  • Show Website
    Pedagogically Speaking