Teach Your Class Off Radio

Real Rap With Reynolds
  • 4.8 (42)
  • Education
  • 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. 1h ago

    Episode 365: Reach Students Who Want to Quit, Make Learning Relevant & Overcome Teacher Burnout

    What do you do when a student has already given up on high school? And what happens when you're the teacher who's starting to feel like giving up? In Episode 365 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ is flying solo while Jenn is home sick, and we're tackling some big questions about student motivation, classroom management, teacher burnout, and finding purpose in the work we do every day. We start with a ninth grader who's already failing most of his classes and wants to drop out, get his GED, and become a mechanic. CJ breaks down why the answer isn't simply convincing him to stay in school. It's helping him develop a clearer vision for his future and showing him how the work he's doing today connects to the life he wants tomorrow. We also talk about turning classroom limitations into creative opportunities, resetting challenging classes, making curriculum relevant to students' actual interests, and finding ways to give meaningful writing feedback without spending every evening grading. Plus, CJ shares a personal classroom management moment that reminded him why taking care of yourself matters, offers encouragement to a teacher starting over after a difficult experience, and answers a question that so many educators are afraid to ask: What do you do when you feel like quitting, but you aren't a quitter? In this episode: Helping students who want to drop out of high school Exploring GEDs, trade schools, and alternative career pathways Helping students create a clear vision for their future Connecting classroom learning to real-world careers and goals Turning a traveling teacher cart into something students love Using music, humor, and creativity to transform ordinary school experiences Why limitations can actually make us more creative Resetting classroom management at the beginning of a new quarter Handling unsafe student behavior in hands-on classrooms Why teacher well-being directly affects classroom management Holding students accountable without losing your cool Making curriculum relevant to students who don't see the point Helping students understand why they're learning something Navigating curriculum expectations while protecting teacher autonomy Giving writing feedback without taking home piles of papers Using Google Docs and peer feedback to improve student writing Encouragement for teachers starting at a new school after a difficult experience Finding purpose in a new teaching position What to do when you feel like quitting teaching Recognizing when you need rest, a reset, or a bigger change One of the biggest takeaways this week is that students need a reason to believe in what they're working toward, and teachers need to remember why they're doing this work in the first place. Sometimes the answer isn't another classroom management strategy, a better lesson plan, or working harder. Sometimes it's finding a clearer purpose, making a small adjustment, or giving yourself enough room to show up as the teacher you want to be. 🛒 Teacher Resources:https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com 🌐 Teach Your Class Off:https://teachyourclassoff.com 📚 Classroom Management, Student Buy-In & Relationship Blueprints:Available in the Teach Your Class Off store. 🎓 One-on-One Mentoring & Speaking:Learn more at https://teachyourclassoff.com 📧 Questions or inquiries:hello@teachyourclassoff.com

  2. 5d ago

    Episode 364: Re-Engage Disconnected Students, Make Learning Stick & Support Kids Through Trauma

    Are students becoming harder to engage, or do we need to rethink how we're teaching them? In Episode 364 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn are back after a week of illness, exhaustion, and nonstop school activities. We're talking about what happens when teachers lose momentum, how to get students excited about learning again, and why protecting your own energy matters just as much as creating engaging lessons. We also dig into the growing challenge of student disengagement, the role of technology in the classroom, and practical ways to make information stick without relying on endless worksheets, lectures, or digital assignments. Plus, CJ shares how he uses vocabulary games, pop culture, and creative memory tricks to help students succeed—and a new idea involving a giant Star Wars puzzle to help students build real friendships and social skills. We close with an important conversation about supporting students after a community tragedy, balancing compassion with classroom expectations, and why caring for students through trauma requires more than a one-time school assembly or memorial. In this episode: Getting your teaching momentum back after being sick Managing exhaustion when school responsibilities never seem to stop Using pop culture to engage students who don't want to participate Making hands-on engineering lessons more engaging through competition Why simple classroom competitions can create student buy-in Gamifying vocabulary to improve retention and quiz scores Using humor, visual memory tricks, and unusual connections to make learning stick What teachers wish they could change about their school year Recognizing when you're saying yes to too many responsibilities Why students seem more disengaged than ever Teaching in shorter chunks to maintain student attention Finding the right balance between technology and traditional instruction Why technology should be a tool, not a replacement for teaching Helping students develop critical thinking and social skills Using puzzles, games, and shared activities to build student relationships Creating opportunities for socially awkward students to connect Supporting students who have experienced trauma or a community tragedy Balancing compassion, accountability, and classroom expectations Why students need consistent support long after a tragedy Recognizing secondary trauma and protecting your own well-being One of the biggest takeaways this week is that engagement isn't about entertaining students every second of the day. It's about creating meaningful reasons for them to participate, connect, and believe that what they're learning matters. And when students are hurting, our job isn't to have all the answers. It's to keep showing up, create a classroom where they feel supported, and work with the rest of the school community to make sure no one has to carry everything alone. 🛒 Teacher Resources:https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com 🌐 Teach Your Class Off:https://teachyourclassoff.com 📚 Classroom Management, Student Buy-In & Relationship Blueprints:Available in the Teach Your Class Off store. 🎓 One-on-One Mentoring & Speaking:Learn more at https://teachyourclassoff.com 📧 Questions or inquiries:hello@teachyourclassoff.com

  3. Oct 18

    Episode 363: Reach Students Who Refuse Help, Set Teacher Boundaries & Build a Classroom That Cares

    What do you do when a student clearly needs extra help—but refuses to accept it? In Episode 363 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn tackle one of the most frustrating parts of teaching: knowing a student needs support but not being able to convince them to take it. We talk about how to offer help without embarrassing students, why relationships matter, and how to recognize when you've done your part and students need to take responsibility for theirs. We also dive into classroom culture, supporting students with learning differences, navigating demanding parents, and what to do when administration keeps piling more responsibilities onto your already overflowing plate. Plus, CJ shares how he uses small moments of joy to make students comfortable in the classroom, why student journals reveal so much more than grades ever could, and some creative ideas for making ordinary school days memorable. In this episode: Helping students who need extra support but refuse to accept it Offering academic help without embarrassing middle school students Why teachers can't do all the work for their students What CJ has learned about his students after the first quarter Using student journals to build empathy and stronger relationships How to circulate around the classroom without making students anxious Using stickers, humor, and small surprises to build classroom culture Why sitting beside students can be more effective than standing over them What to do when parents refuse after-school tutoring or makeup sessions Balancing student accountability with accommodations and modifications Communicating with parents who question whether their child is receiving support Navigating requests for one-on-one instruction when you're teaching multiple students Creative ways to celebrate Mole Day and other school events Using novelty, surprises, and student ideas to make learning memorable How to tell administration you can't take on another responsibility Protecting your contract hours without appearing unwilling to help Building a student-led broadcasting program from the ground up Why you can love what you're doing and still be completely exhausted One of the biggest reminders this week is that caring about students doesn't mean doing everything for them. Sometimes it means creating the opportunity, providing the support, and then allowing students to take responsibility for showing up. And as teachers, we have to remember that our time, energy, and attention are limited. We can love this work, give students incredible experiences, and still recognize when it's time to set boundaries. 🛒 Teacher resources:https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com 🌐 Teach Your Class Off:https://teachyourclassoff.com 📚 Classroom Management, Student Buy-In & Relationship Blueprints:Available in the Teach Your Class Off store. 🎓 One-on-One Mentoring & Speaking:Learn more at https://teachyourclassoff.com 📧 Questions or inquiries:hello@teachyourclassoff.com

  4. Oct 11

    Episode 362: Take Back Control of Your Classroom, Reach Difficult Students & Avoid Teacher Burnout

    Is teaching really harder than it used to be, or have we stopped adapting to the challenges in front of us? In Episode 362 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ is flying solo while Jenn and the family are away, and we're diving into some big questions about classroom management, student relationships, teacher burnout, and taking ownership of the things we can actually control. We talk about what to do when you're forced out of your classroom, why CJ doesn't believe teaching is harder than it was 10 years ago, and how to reach students who seem completely checked out. We also tackle conflicting advice for new teachers, improving student writing, and dealing with students whose behavior goes beyond what one teacher can reasonably handle. Plus, CJ shares a new productivity idea that's changing how he looks at his daily accomplishments, some favorite fall classroom traditions, and why building a great life outside of teaching might be one of the most important things you can do for your students. In this episode: Making a temporary or shared classroom feel like your own Is teaching really harder now than it was 10 years ago? Taking ownership instead of blaming circumstances Handling disruptive students when you're already overwhelmed Why classroom management requires a team effort Figuring out whose advice to follow as a new teacher Learning from teachers who are actually getting results Helping students become better writers without just assigning more writing Using student interests to make writing meaningful Supporting students with extreme behavior challenges and threats Building a team around students who need additional support Why relationships and consistency go hand in hand New ways to get students quiet and regain their attention Fun fall classroom traditions and creative seasonal activities Returning to teaching after taking time away Building a life that teaching fits into instead of making teaching your entire life How the time of day affects student behavior Recognizing burnout before it starts affecting your students Tracking what you've accomplished instead of only what's left to do One of the biggest takeaways this week is simple: If you can own it, you can do something about it. You might not control your classroom assignment, your administration, your students' behavior, or the challenges that show up tomorrow. But you can control how you respond, how you grow, and the kind of classroom experience you create. Keep showing up, keep getting better, and remember that being a great teacher shouldn't come at the expense of having a great life. 🛒 Teacher resources:https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com 🌐 Teach Your Class Off:https://teachyourclassoff.com 📚 Classroom Management, Student Buy-In & Relationship Blueprints:Available in the Teach Your Class Off store. 🎓 One-on-One Mentoring & Speaking:Learn more at https://teachyourclassoff.com 📧 Questions or inquiries:hello@teachyourclassoff.com Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Flying Solo This Week03:00 A New Way to Think About Productivity06:30 Making a Temporary Classroom Feel Like Your Own12:00 Is Teaching Harder Now Than 10 Years Ago?18:00 Taking Ownership of Your Teaching Experience23:00 Handling Disruptive Students in Large Classes29:00 Why Classroom Management Takes a Team34:00 Navigating Conflicting Advice as a New Teacher39:00 Helping Students Become Better Writers44:00 Supporting Students With Extreme Behavior Challenges54:00 Relationships, Consistency & Building Student Support Teams1:02:00 New Ways to Get Students Quiet1:07:00 Favorite Fall Classroom Traditions1:12:00 Returning to Teaching After Time Away1:17:00 Building a Life That Teaching Fits Into1:23:00 How Time of Day Affects Student Behavior1:28:00 Recognizing Burnout & Protecting Your Energy1:32:00 Final Encouragement & Teacher Resources

  5. Oct 5

    Episode 361: Reset Classroom Management, Set Better Boundaries & Help Students Take Responsibility

    What do you do when classroom management starts slipping—or when you're walking into a classroom where the expectations were never really established in the first place? In Episode 361 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn talk about resetting a classroom, holding students accountable without becoming the "mean teacher," and why being nice sometimes means being willing to say no. We also get into stations and group work with students who don't want to work, recovering after a difficult week, pitching new courses to administration, surviving your first year around burned-out veteran teachers, dealing with coworkers who constantly interrupt your prep time, and what to do when school leadership simply won't listen. Plus, CJ breaks down the systems he uses to track student behavior, contact parents, establish assigned seating, and create a classroom where students understand not only what the expectations are—but why they exist. In this episode: Setting up stations when students refuse to workCreating group roles and individual accountabilityUsing peer feedback to improve group workResetting after a difficult week of teachingWhy sleep and actually enjoying your weekend matterPitching a new course or elective to administrationGetting students to advocate for programs they wantHow new teachers can survive negativity from veteran teachersHow veteran teachers can support and encourage new educatorsInviting other teachers into the awesome things happening in your classroomResetting classroom management after weeks with a substituteWhy being "too nice" isn't actually kind to studentsHolding students accountable because you care about their futureSetting boundaries with coworkers who interrupt your prep timeWhat to do when too many school leaders want things done their wayDealing with administrators who are resistant to feedbackTracking behavior when you teach hundreds of studentsCreating simple systems so you don't have to rely on your memoryGetting students to follow an assigned seating chartExplaining the "why" behind classroom expectationsClassroom management isn't about controlling kids. It's about creating a classroom where students can learn, where expectations make sense, and where your consistency communicates that you genuinely want students to win. 🛒 Teacher resources:Teach Your Class Off Store 🌐 Teach Your Class Off:Teach Your Class Off 📚 Classroom Culture Bundle:https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/classroom-culture-blueprint-bundle 📧 Questions, mentoring, or speaking inquiries:hello@teachyourclassoff.com Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Another Busy Week05:00 Stations When Students Refuse to Work12:30 Group Roles, Accountability & Peer Grading19:00 How to Reset After a Difficult Week27:30 Sleep, Rest & Actually Enjoying Your Weekend34:00 Pitching a New Course to Administration41:00 Getting Students to Advocate for What They Want46:30 New Teachers vs. Burned-Out Veteran Teachers55:00 How Veteran Teachers Can Support New Educators1:01:00 Resetting Classroom Management After a Long-Term Sub1:10:00 Why Being “Too Nice” Isn't Actually Kind1:18:00 Holding Students Accountable Because You Care1:24:00 Setting Boundaries With Coworkers Who Interrupt Your Prep1:30:30 When Too Many School Leaders Want Things Their Way1:38:00 Tracking Student Behavior Without Relying on Your Memory1:45:00 Dealing With Leaders Who Won't Accept Feedback1:53:00 When Leadership Problems Start Affecting the Whole School2:00:00 Getting Students to Follow Assigned Seating2:08:00 Explain the “Why” Behind Your Expectations2:14:00 Final Encouragement & Resources Pasted text

  6. Sep 27

    Episode 360: Handle Disrespect, Make Learning Stick & Help Students Meet Higher Expectations

    What do you do when students are trying hard—but still aren't getting the work done? In Episode 360 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn talk about the complicated space between holding students accountable and recognizing when they genuinely need more time, support, or a different approach. From perfectionism and executive functioning to honors classes and mixed-level classrooms, we're talking about how to maintain high expectations without pretending every student gets there the same way. We also dig into classroom furniture, disrespectful students, friend groups that won't stop talking, dating students who are a little too distracted by each other, grief, grading, studying, and practical ways to make learning actually stick. In this episode: When students keep missing deadlines even though they're genuinely tryingThe real difference between on-level and honors classesWhy behavior shouldn't determine whether a student belongs in honorsUsing couches, beanbags, and flexible seating without creating chaosSetting expectations before students misuse classroom privilegesHandling friend groups that won't stop talkingResponding to disrespect without getting pulled into a power struggleTeaching students how to advocate for what they want appropriatelyManaging couples who are distracting each other in classMixed-level classes vs. separating students by abilityTeaching while grieving the loss of someone you loveGiving yourself permission to have a year that isn't perfectFinding the right rhythm for gradingWhy “students don't study” isn't the whole problemTeaching students how they learn bestUsing games, pop culture, movement, and weird connections to make information stickEasy ways to gamify learning across different subjectsA big theme this week is that high expectations and empathy can exist at the same time. We can hold deadlines, address disrespect, expect students to work, and still be curious about what's underneath the struggle. 🛒 Teacher resources:Teach Your Class Off Store 🌐 Teach Your Class Off:Teach Your Class Off 📚 Classroom Management, Student Buy-In & Relationship Blueprints:Available in the Teach Your Class Off store. 📧 Questions, mentoring, or speaking inquiries:hello@teachyourclassoff.com 00:00 Welcome From the Newsroom05:00 When Students Keep Missing Deadlines but Are Actually Trying10:30 On-Level vs. Honors Classes: What's the Real Difference?18:30 Flexible Seating: Couches, Beanbags & Setting Boundaries27:00 Friend Groups That Won't Stop Talking33:30 Handling Student Disrespect Without a Power Struggle41:00 Teaching Students to Advocate for What They Want46:00 When Couples Become a Classroom Distraction51:30 Mixed-Level Classes vs. Grouping Students by Ability58:00 Teaching While Grieving the Loss of Someone You Love1:08:30 Giving Yourself Permission to Have a Hard Year1:15:00 When Is the Best Time to Grade?1:20:00 Why “Students Don't Study” Isn't the Whole Problem1:27:00 Helping Students Figure Out How They Learn1:32:30 Gamifying Learning So Information Actually Sticks1:39:00 Using Weird Connections to Make Learning Memorable1:44:00 Final Encouragement: One Day at a Time

  7. Sep 21

    Episode 359: Make Boring Lessons Engaging, Handle Tough Behavior & Keep Your Creativity Alive

    What happens when you're excited about creating something incredible for students—but the people around you just don't seem to get it? In Episode 359 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn talk about protecting your creativity as an educator, even when your ideas aren't celebrated by the adults around you. Sometimes the work isn't about getting recognition. It's about creating moments for kids that make school feel different. We also get into grading policies, scripted curriculum, PBIS, supporting brand-new teachers in tough schools, and what it looks like to build a broadcasting program completely from the ground up. In this episode: What to do when colleagues don't appreciate your creative ideasCreating a culture where teachers celebrate one anotherWhy CJ disagrees with "no zero" grading policiesAccountability, retakes, and giving students opportunities to recoverMaking scripted curriculum engaging without changing the required contentUsing atmosphere, novelty, and student interests to transform ordinary lessons"Sneak teaching" and making learning so fun students barely notice they're learningBuilding Eagle News Network from the ground upGiving students real ownership of a broadcasting programThoughts on PBIS and schoolwide behavior systemsWhy relationships and teacher confidence still matter inside any behavior systemHelping a brand-new teacher survive an overwhelming first week in an urban schoolWhy consistency matters when students are waiting to see if you'll give upUsing rubrics to show students how to win instead of how they'll failReturning from maternity leave and treating your return like a new first dayProtecting enough energy for your own family after giving so much at schoolThe goal isn't to become the teacher with the flashiest classroom or craziest lessons. It's to keep finding ways to make learning matter, create experiences students want to be part of, and become the teacher your students need—even when the adults around you don't understand what you're doing. 🛒 Teacher resources:Teach Your Class Off Store 🌐 Teach Your Class Off:Teach Your Class Off 📚 Classroom Management, Student Buy-In & Relationship Blueprints:Available in the Teach Your Class Off store. 📧 Questions, mentoring, or speaking inquiries:hello@teachyourclassoff.com Chapters 00:00 Welcome From the Eagle News Network Studio04:00 When Other Teachers Don't Get Your Creative Ideas11:30 Don't Let Other People Dull Your Flame16:00 Why CJ Disagrees With No-Zero Grading Policies25:30 Accountability, Retakes & Helping Students Recover30:00 Making Scripted Curriculum Actually Engaging39:00 Atmosphere, Novelty & Adding the “Sprinkles”44:00 Sneak Teaching: Learning Without It Feeling Like Learning49:00 Building Eagle News Network From the Ground Up58:30 Giving Students Ownership of the Broadcasting Program1:04:00 Do PBIS Systems Actually Work in High School?1:14:30 Why Behavior Systems Can't Replace Relationships1:22:00 Supporting a Brand-New Teacher in an Urban High School1:32:00 Why Consistency Matters With Students Who Don't Trust You Yet1:39:30 Using Rubrics to Show Students How to Win1:45:00 Returning to Teaching After Maternity Leave1:52:00 Giving Your Students—and Your Own Kids—the Best of You1:58:00 Final Encouragement: Keep Showing Up & Doing the Work

  8. Sep 15

    Episode 358: Handle Disruptive Classes, Close Learning Gaps & Protect Your Energy as a Teacher

    What do you do when you're doing all the “right” classroom management things—and your students are still disruptive? In Episode 358 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn are coming to you from the new Eagle News Network newsroom while they work on transforming the space. CJ is also feeling the reality of teaching four different preps, running a business, traveling, and trying to protect enough energy to keep doing all of it well. This week's questions lead to conversations about some of the hardest parts of teaching: classes that refuse to settle down, students who are years behind academically, protecting instructional time, helping homeschool students transition into traditional school, and figuring out how to take care of yourself when teaching is exhausting you. In this episode: What to do when a disruptive class isn't responding to your systemsHolding the line when students test your consistencyWhen it's appropriate to remove a student from classAddressing behavior without sacrificing everyone else's educationHelping students who are 2–4 grade levels behindWhy relevance leads to beliefBuilding the know, like, and trust factor with struggling studentsSetting boundaries when staff interrupt your classroomHow to develop leadership skills if you're considering administrationWhy great leaders need to be visible and accessibleSupporting homeschool students with learning gapsProtecting a student's confidence while helping them catch upWhat CJ has changed after the first few weeks of schoolProtecting prep time and setting boundaries with studentsRest vs. rejuvenation—and why teachers need bothAdvice for experienced professionals transitioning into teachingWhy getting better at teaching takes timeMaking small improvements that eventually create major changeYou don't have to solve every problem this week. Find the next thing you can improve, hold the line on what matters, protect the energy you need to do the work, and keep stacking small wins. 🛒 Teacher resources:Teach Your Class Off Store 🌐 Teach Your Class Off:Teach Your Class Off 📚 Classroom Management, Student Buy-In & Relationship Blueprints: www.shopteachyourclassoff.com 📧 Questions, mentoring, or speaking inquiries:hello@teachyourclassoff.com Chapters 00:00 Welcome From the New ENN Newsroom04:30 When You're Just Plain Exhausted as a Teacher08:30 What to Do With an Extremely Disruptive Class17:30 Holding Students Accountable Without Giving Up22:30 Helping Students Who Are 2–4 Grade Levels Behind29:30 Relevance, Relationships & Getting Struggling Students to Believe35:30 When Staff Keep Interrupting Your Classroom41:30 Developing Leadership Skills for Future Administrators50:00 Should Teachers Protect Student Confidentiality?54:00 Helping a Homeschool Student With Learning Gaps1:02:00 Protecting Confidence While Helping Students Catch Up1:09:00 What CJ Has Changed Since the School Year Started1:16:00 Protecting Your Prep Time & Setting Boundaries1:22:00 Rest vs. Rejuvenation for Exhausted Teachers1:28:30 Transitioning From Another Career Into Teaching1:35:00 Small Tweaks, Confidence & Getting Better at Teaching1:42:00 Final Encouragement & ENN Newsroom Preview

See All (395)

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
    395
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Real Rap With Reynolds
  • Show Website
    Teach Your Class Off Radio

You Might Also Like