Teach Your Class Off Radio

Real Rap With Reynolds
  • 4.8 (42)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Teach Your Class Off Radio isn’t just a podcast—it’s a high-energy, idea-packed experience to help you become the teacher you’re called to be. From classroom hacks and creative tips to deep-dive discussions, we bring you the best ways to make learning unforgettable. Our live Q&A show, Sunday Night Teacher Talk, happens every Sunday at 4 PM ET, helping teachers gear up for the week. But the magic doesn’t stop there—expect fresh episodes, surprise drops, and nonstop inspiration to help you teach your class off every day.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 356: Rebound From a Tough Start, Build Student Buy-In & Find Your Motivation Again

    What do you do when the school year has barely started—and you're already struggling to find your motivation? In Episode 356 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn talk about navigating the reality of the beginning of the school year: tough first days, challenging students, lack of motivation, overwhelming workloads, and figuring out how to keep showing up without running yourself into the ground. CJ also breaks down practical strategies for small-group instruction, differentiation, grade inflation, working with difficult parents, making repetitive content exciting again, and helping students who are several grade levels behind. In this episode: Rebounding after a difficult first few days of schoolFinding motivation when you're not excited to go backGiving yourself grace during a difficult personal seasonSmall-group strategies that build communication skillsUsing Think-Pair-Add to get every student talkingDifferentiating for students who are multiple grade levels behindMaking phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency more engagingAdvice for first-time substitutes and brand-new trade teachersTransitioning to a new school without waiting to be yourselfHandling students and parents who push back against consequencesWhy CJ pushes back against grade inflationMaking the same content feel new againBringing experts and real-world experiences into your classroomKnowing when NOT to take on another teacher's workloadClassroom libraries vs. a centralized school libraryTaking care of yourself so you can keep showing up for studentsA rough beginning doesn't determine the rest of your year. Keep showing up, get curious about what's underneath student behavior, invest in yourself, and remember: most of the problems you're facing right now won't still be problems once you've had time to build relationships and establish your classroom culture. 🛒 Teacher resources:https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com 🌐 Learn more:https://teachyourclassoff.com 📧 Questions?hello@teachyourclassoff.com Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back & Surviving the Busy Season05:30 What Great Professional Development Should Actually Do13:30 Small Groups That Build Communication Skills22:00 Finding Motivation When You're Not Feeling It31:30 Not Excited to Go Back to School? You're Not Alone39:00 Giving Yourself Grace During a Tough Season48:00 Advice for a First-Time Substitute Teacher55:30 Grade Inflation & Why CJ Pushes Back Against It1:05:30 Podcasts That Help Teachers Grow1:11:30 Differentiating for Students Several Grade Levels Behind1:19:00 Making Reading & Vocabulary More Engaging1:27:00 Advice for Trade Professionals Becoming Teachers1:35:00 Transitioning to a New School1:40:00 Handling Students & Parents Who Fight Consequences1:50:00 How to Make the Same Content Exciting Again2:00:00 Don't Take On a Broken System's Problems2:05:00 Classroom Libraries vs. School Libraries2:10:00 Rebounding From a Tough Start to the School Year2:18:00 Final Encouragement: Invest in Yourself

  2. Aug 17

    Episode 355: Start the School Year Strong, Protect Your Energy & Build a Classroom Kids Want to Be In

    It’s the night before CJ heads back to school for year 21—and there’s still stuff left to do. And that’s okay. In Episode 355 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, we’re talking about what actually matters as a new school year begins: creating joy where you have control, staying grounded when you don’t feel appreciated, simplifying your systems, protecting your time, and building a classroom where students know you genuinely want them to win. We also dig into some great teacher questions about mentoring new teachers, juggling teaching with graduate school, setting boundaries when students need more than you can give, grading without taking everything home, reading with struggling students, small-group instruction, and knowing when poor leadership is enough reason to leave a school. In this episode: Why you should “sweep in front of your own porch”Creating joy even when your school culture doesn’tWhat to do when you feel undervalued at schoolAdvocating for students when working conditions aren’t acceptableHelping brand-new teachers survive multiple prepsJuggling teaching, graduate school, family, and your own goalsWhy CJ doesn’t believe in work-life “balance”Setting boundaries without becoming less caringSupporting students without becoming their entire support systemHandling difficult personal seasons when returning to schoolReading aloud vs. independent reading vs. small groupsGrading and lesson planning without bringing everything homeTeaching the same students for another yearMaking directions clearer—and embracing a little weirdnessMaking small-group work actually workThe goal isn’t to have everything perfect before students arrive. It’s to show up intentionally, pay attention to what works, and keep building from there. 🛒 Teacher resources:https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com 🌐 Learn more:https://teachyourclassoff.com 📧 Questions?hello@teachyourclassoff.com

  3. Aug 3

    Episode 353: Build Trust Before Rules, Reduce Back-to-School Anxiety & Create Systems That Last

    Join my TYCO Back-to-School Live event on Satturday, August 8th. More info here: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/tyco-back-to-school-live-workshop-registration ______________________________________________________ Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes excitement, nerves, and a thousand things competing for your attention. In Episode 353 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ shares why trust should come before rules, how consistency helps students eventually buy in, and why the best classroom management starts long before discipline is ever needed. From building meaningful relationships with students to communicating with parents, handling bathroom requests, and managing your own anxiety before the school year begins, this episode is packed with practical advice for starting the year strong. In this episode: Why trust matters more than first-day rulesHelping students believe you're truly there for themBuilding classroom systems that outlast motivationManaging multiple projects without feeling overwhelmedThe value of over-communicating with parentsBathroom procedures that respect students while maintaining orderUsing AI as a tool—not a crutchPreparing for Meet the Teacher NightHandling back-to-school anxiety with confidenceCreating a classroom culture built on consistencyWhether you're preparing your classroom, meeting students for the first time, or simply looking for encouragement before school begins, this episode will help you walk into the year with purpose. 🛒 Resources mentioned:https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com 🌐 Learn more:https://teachyourclassoff.com 📧 Questions?hello@teachyourclassoff.com

  4. Jul 20

    Episode 352: Build Teacher Confidence, Simplify Classroom Management & Create Better Systems

    What makes a great teacher? In Episode 352 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn dive into the qualities that matter most in the classroom—and why confidence might be the foundation that everything else is built on. From creating systems instead of endless rules to helping students clean up, connect, and take ownership of the classroom, this episode is full of practical ideas you can implement immediately. CJ also shares advice for beginning the school year, building engaging scavenger hunts, creating authentic classroom culture, and why the details matter more than most teachers realize. In this episode: Why confidence is one of a teacher's greatest strengthsClassroom systems vs. classroom rulesFirst-day scavenger hunt ideasHelping students clean up without constant remindersCreating classroom procedures that actually stickSupporting students without overcomplicating teachingAdvice for teachers working under inconsistent administrationHow to connect with difficult studentsBeginning-of-the-year reminders every teacher needsBuilding engaging projects and meaningful classroom experiencesWhether you're heading into your first year or your thirtieth, this conversation is packed with ideas to help you feel more prepared and more confident. 🛒 Resources mentioned:https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com 🌐 Learn more:https://teachyourclassoff.com 📧 Questions?hello@teachyourclassoff.com

  5. Jul 13

    Episode 351: Bring More Joy to Your Classroom, Build Student Buy-In & Simplify Teaching

    As the new school year gets closer, we're talking about how to create a classroom students actually want to be in. In Episode 351, CJ and Jenn answer your biggest back-to-school questions—from establishing classroom jobs and routines to planning engaging units, building student buy-in, and avoiding burnout. CJ also shares why creating moments of joy matters more than creating perfect lessons, how he structures every week in his classroom, and why teaching doesn't have to be as complicated as we often make it. In this episode: Classroom jobs that create ownershipBuilding routines without becoming boringPlanning your first units of the yearSimplifying classroom managementHelping students buy into your classroom cultureAdvice for brand-new teachersCreating magical moments students never forgetPodcast projects, broadcasting, and authentic student workClassroom decor, organization, and creative ideasA preview of the upcoming Teach Your Class Off Back-to-School Live EventWhether you're a first-year teacher or entering year thirty, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you start the year with confidence. 🛒 Resources mentioned:https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com 🌐 Learn more:https://teachyourclassoff.com 📧 Questions?hello@teachyourclassoff.com

  6. Jul 6

    Episode 350: Summer Reset, Classroom Culture, Back-to-School Planning

    Welcome to Season 10 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk! After 10 years of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn are back to kick off a brand-new season. In this episode, they talk about making the most of summer, preparing for a new school year, building classroom culture before students even walk through the door, and answering your questions about classroom management, first-day activities, parent communication, science resources, and more. Whether you're already planning for August or simply enjoying a slower summer pace, this episode is full of practical ideas to help you become the teacher you are called to be. 00:00 – Welcome to Season 10!03:45 – Summer updates & classroom projects07:28 – Helping students in unexpected situations14:35 – Favorite science teaching resources20:42 – Family-friendly things to do in Philadelphia28:15 – Favorite chapters from Teach Your Class Off35:10 – How long does it take to unwind after school ends?40:48 – Storage ideas for classrooms on a budget47:36 – Creating a memorable Meet the Teacher night56:25 – First-year teacher advice & first-day activities1:06:18 – Parent communication systems that actually work1:16:12 – Planning units instead of daily lessons1:24:20 – Preparing students for college success1:31:55 – Tech hacks for grading faster1:36:10 – Final thoughts & Season 10 preview ✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching Tips & Resourceshttps://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter 🛒 Teach Your Class Off Storehttps://shopteachyourclassoff.com 📘 Classroom Management Blueprinthttps://shopteachyourclassoff.com 🎯 Classroom Buy-In Blueprinthttps://shopteachyourclassoff.com 📖 Teach Your Class Off (Book)https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/ 🎤 Bring CJ to Your Schoolhttps://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/ 👥 Teach Your Class Off Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/

  7. Jun 1

    Episode 349: Senior Trip Reflections, Student Motivation, Finishing the Year Strong

    n the Season 9 finale of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ reflects on a life-changing senior mission trip to St. Croix, the power of student stories, losing his wedding ring in the Caribbean, and what educators can do to finish the school year strong. The conversation covers end-of-year projects, student apathy, teacher burnout, classroom management, AI in education, career transitions, and preparing for next year. Season 9 comes to a close, but Sunday Night Teacher Talk returns with Season 10 on July 5th! ✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching Tips & Resourceshttps://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter 📘 Teacher ResourcesDaily Classroom Management Blueprint: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-classroom-management-blueprint?utm_source=chatgpt.comTeacher-Student Relationship Blueprint: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-teacher-student-relationship-blueprintLesson Planning Workshophttps://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/lesson-planning-workshop 📕 Teach Your Class Off (Book)https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/ 🎤 Bring CJ to Your Schoolhttps://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/ 👥 Join the Teach Your Class Off Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/ 🎙️ Sunday Night Teacher Talk returns July 5th with Season 10. _______________________________________________________ Chapters 00:00 Season 9 Finale & Senior Trip Reflections03:15 St. Croix, Service Projects & Losing the Wedding Ring09:42 Why Stories Change Everything15:08 Finishing the School Year Strong21:35 End-of-Year Projects That Matter28:14 Building Better Classroom Management Next Year36:52 Teacher Jealousy, Criticism & Standing Out46:10 Helping Students Who Have Given Up57:40 Credit Recovery & Summer School Advice1:05:20 Classroom Culture, Gossip & Student Relationships1:14:48 New Teacher Advice & Career Questions1:24:30 Summer Plans, Resources & Season 10 Preview

  8. May 18

    Episode 348: Senior Trip Chaos, End-of-Year Exhaustion, Teacher Fundraising

    In Episode 348 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ reflects on the emotional chaos of the end of the school year, preparing for senior trip, graduation weekend, and fundraising with students using World’s Finest Chocolate. The episode dives into teacher burnout, conference season, community support, classroom culture, mentoring, and practical advice for educators navigating transitions, interviews, classroom management, and difficult parent situations. Topics include: End-of-year teacher exhaustionSenior trip prep & graduation weekendTeacher mentoring & finding the right mentorClassroom management strategiesChoosing between teaching positionsWorking with difficult parentsSupporting disengaged studentsCreative classroom projects & literature ideasWhy consistency matters in teaching✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching Tipshttps://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter 📘 Teacher Resources & Workshopshttps://shopteachyourclassoff.com 📕 Teach Your Class Off Bookhttps://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/ 🎤 Bring CJ to Your Schoolhttps://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/ 📱 Connect With CJInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachyourclassoffofficialFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/ Chapters 00:00 – End-of-Year Exhaustion & Senior Trip Prep05:12 – Graduation Weekend & Chocolate Fundraiser Stories12:40 – Choosing Between ELA & Social Studies24:18 – Teacher Mentorship & Avoiding Gossip Culture35:47 – Helping Disengaged Students Find Purpose49:15 – Difficult Parent Conversations & Communication Tips1:02:31 – Favorite Novels & Classroom Projects1:14:22 – Supporting Future Teachers1:22:40 – End-of-Year Reflection & Encouragement

See All (386)

4.8
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

Teach Your Class Off Radio isn’t just a podcast—it’s a high-energy, idea-packed experience to help you become the teacher you’re called to be. From classroom hacks and creative tips to deep-dive discussions, we bring you the best ways to make learning unforgettable. Our live Q&A show, Sunday Night Teacher Talk, happens every Sunday at 4 PM ET, helping teachers gear up for the week. But the magic doesn’t stop there—expect fresh episodes, surprise drops, and nonstop inspiration to help you teach your class off every day.

Information

  • Creator
    Real Rap With Reynolds
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    386
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Real Rap With Reynolds
  • Show Website
    Teach Your Class Off Radio

You Might Also Like