That New Teacher Next Door Podcast

Helena Hains
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Remember that teacher down the hall who seems to have it all figured out? Her classroom runs itself. She knows what to say to families. She has systems for everything. And somehow, she makes teaching look a whole lot easier than it feels for you right now. Here's what you don't see: She was a new teacher once, too. Welcome to That New Teacher Next Door Podcast, where teachers take you back to the beginning and tell the real stories behind the teachers they are today. Hosted by author and educator Helena Hains, each episode feels like pulling up a chair at your favorite coffee shop with your teacher besties. So grab your favorite cup of chai and join us as we talk about the messy first years, classroom management struggles, parent communication, organization, planning, mistakes, breakthroughs, and all the things we wish we'd known sooner. Because great teachers don't start out having it all figured out. They learn. They grow. They try things that don't work. And over time, they figure out what works best for them. That teacher next door you look up to might not be as far away as you think. Because if they can do it… why not you? That New Teacher Next Door Work Less. Impact More.

  1. 4d ago

    #1: From Sticky Note Lesson Plans to a Student-Led Classroom with La Maestra Loca

    La Maestra Loca started her first year of teaching with lesson plans from her mentor teacher… written on a sticky note. 😅 Cue the first-year-teacher panic. Today, she’s known for creating joyful, student-centered classrooms and helping educators build strong classroom communities. So how did she get from there to here? In this episode, we’re talking about what her first year of teaching was really like and the lessons she’s learned since about classroom management, community, and giving students ownership of their classroom. We get into classroom jobs, brain breaks, movement, building relationships, and what it actually looks like to create a classroom where students aren't just following the teacher — they're an active part of making the classroom run. And if you're in your first few years of teaching wondering why you haven't figured it all out yet, I hope this conversation reminds you: The teachers you look up to started somewhere, too. They've just had more time to figure out what works. So grab your favorite cup of chai and pull up a chair, because around here, we’re just teacher friends swapping stories about where we started and everything we’ve learned since.  ☕️ HANG OUT WITH THAT NEW TEACHER NEXT DOOR  📖 That New Teacher Next Door Book: https://a.co/d/03wZv8WM 🎒 That New Teacher Next Door Journey: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/no8nTL22 ✨ FREE Student-Led Classroom Guide: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/classroom-management-guide CONNECT WITH LA MAESTRA LOCA 🌎 Website: www.lamaestraloca.com 📱 Socials: @lamaestraloca 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamaestraloca/?hl=en 🧠 10 Day Brain Break Challenge: https://subscribe.lamaestraloca.com/10dayBrainBreakChallenge 🎧 Teaching La Vida Loca Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1893917

  2. Jul 13

    #194: Setting Up Your Classroom Intentionally Prevents 90% of Teacher Problems

    Most classroom problems don't begin in October. They begin before students ever walk through the door. When I was a first-year teacher, I spent my entire summer decorating a travel-themed classroom. It looked beautiful—but by the last week of summer, I was scrambling to figure out what I was actually going to teach. The result? A chaotic first week, constant behavior issues, and the feeling that I was already behind. In this episode, we're talking about why classroom setup isn't really about decorating—it's about intentionally designing a classroom that supports learning, reduces disruptions, and makes teaching easier all year long. You'll learn how thinking about systems before aesthetics can dramatically reduce stress, improve classroom management, and help you enjoy setting up your classroom instead of feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, we'll cover: The biggest classroom setup mistake most teachers make What intentional classroom design actually means How your classroom layout affects student behavior Why systems should come before decorations The Poolside Teacher approach to creating a classroom that works for you A beautiful classroom is wonderful. A classroom that functions beautifully is life-changing. Download the FREE Ultimate Classroom Setup Guide Here: https://thepresentteacher.mykajabi.com/classroom-setup-guideGrab the Ultimate Classroom Setup Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ultimate-Classroom-Setup-Bundle-12060099Join the Poolside Teacher Experience for $14: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/ANPGSEczv

  3. Jul 6

    #193: Good Teachers Don’t Wait Until Their Classroom Is Completely Set Up to Enjoy Their Summer

    What if spending your entire summer in your classroom isn't what makes you a great teacher? For years, I believed that the best teachers sacrificed their summers to prepare for back to school. Then everything changed. During my first year in a new district, I didn't spend months setting up my classroom. Instead, I traveled to Cancun, visited a lake cabin in Idaho, and actually enjoyed my summer. I only spent two weeks preparing my classroom—and when school started, I realized something surprising: I wasn't behind. In this episode, we're challenging one of the biggest lies teachers have been told: that working all summer is a badge of honor. We'll redefine what actually makes a great teacher, explore why rest benefits both you and your students, and introduce a different approach to classroom setup—one that helps you work less while creating an incredible classroom. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why working all summer doesn't determine your worth as a teacher What truly makes someone a great educator How rest makes you more patient, creative, and effective Why your students benefit when you enjoy your summer The Poolside Teacher approach to classroom setup You deserve a summer that includes both preparation and relaxation. Download the FREE Ultimate Classroom Setup Guide Here: https://thepresentteacher.mykajabi.com/classroom-setup-guideGrab the Ultimate Classroom Setup Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ultimate-Classroom-Setup-Bundle-12060099Join the Poolside Teacher Experience for $14: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/ANPGSEczv

  4. Jul 1

    #192: You Are NOT The Same Teacher As Last Year

    Last year does not define the teacher you are becoming. Maybe you were non-renewed.Maybe you received a difficult observation.Maybe you were placed on an improvement plan.Maybe you left a district that wasn't the right fit. If you've been carrying the weight of last school year into this one, this episode is for you. In today's conversation, I'm sharing one of the hardest lessons I learned after experiencing seven classroom evacuations in a single day and believing it meant I was a terrible teacher. Looking back, I realize those moments didn't define me—they developed me. We'll talk about how to stop identifying with your past experiences, recognize the strengths they've created, and walk into this school year as the teacher you are today—not the teacher you were. Because you are not your last year. In this episode, we'll cover: Why last year's struggles don't define your identity as a teacher The mindset shift that changed how I viewed difficult classroom experiences How your hardest teaching moments became your greatest strengths A simple reflection exercise to help you release last school year How to step confidently into a fresh start this school year If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe and share it with another teacher who needs the reminder that they are not their past. Download the FREE Ultimate Classroom Setup Guide Here: https://thepresentteacher.mykajabi.com/classroom-setup-guideGrab the Ultimate Classroom Setup Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ultimate-Classroom-Setup-Bundle-12060099Join the Poolside Teacher Experience for $14: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/ANPGSEczv

  5. Jun 22

    #191: You Don’t Need More Time in Your Classroom This Summer: You Need a Plan

    With back to school fast approaching, it's easy to feel like you're behind.You look at your classroom.You look at your to-do list.You look at the calendar.And suddenly it feels like there isn't enough time to get everything done.But what if the problem isn't time?What if the problem is the lack of a plan? In today's episode, I'm sharing the story of my very first classroom and how I spent an entire summer focused on making it cute—only to find myself scrambling the week before school started. Then we'll fast forward several years later when I started in a brand-new district, spent a week on my honeymoon in Costa Rica, only worked in my classroom for about a week that summer, and somehow felt more prepared than ever. You'll learn:✨ The biggest mistake teachers make during back-to-school season✨ Why classroom setup feels so overwhelming✨ How to stop wasting time on the wrong things✨ What to focus on before you put a single thing on the wall✨ Why preparation starts with a plan—not more hoursIf you've ever felt overwhelmed, behind, or unsure where to start, this episode is for you. Download the FREE Ultimate Classroom Setup Guide Here: https://thepresentteacher.mykajabi.com/classroom-setup-guideGrab the Ultimate Classroom Setup Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ultimate-Classroom-Setup-Bundle-12060099Join the Poolside Teacher Experience for $14: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/ANPGSEczv

  6. Jun 14

    #190: How to Tell If a School Will Burn You Out Before You Accept the Job

    So many teachers leave the profession… Not because they weren’t good teachers. But because they were in the wrong environment. In this episode, we’re talking about how to tell if a school will burn you out—before you accept the job. We’re breaking down:   Why burnout is often an environment issue (not a personal one) The red flags most teachers overlook What green flags actually look like How to evaluate a school during the interview process The identity shift that helps you choose sustainability   This is the episode that helps you protect your future as a teacher. Download the Ultimate Teacher Interview Guide: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide   Ultimate Teacher Interview Bundle: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-bundle    Land Your Dream Job: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/land-your-dream-job ___________________________❤️Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thepresentteacher/🔥TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@thepresentteacher🚀Website | https://thepresentteacher.com/💜YouTube | https://youtube.com/@ThePresentTeacher?si=meqMmiDHJN-0Jmlr___________________________// RESOURCES💌 Join our email list for weekly motivation | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide 🌼 Join our Community off of Facebook | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/QUzcjYLT ___________________________//  ABOUTI’m Helena, a coach for new and first-year teachers sharing knowledge on how to have a thriving career and personal life.The Present Teacher Podcast is a resourcefor teacher interviews, classroom setup, classroom management, and time management. Follow along and learn how to thrive in the classroom and in life.Subscribe to The Present Teacher Podcast to get inspired by new weekly podcast episodes!

  7. Jun 7

    #189: Not Every School Deserves You (Let's Talk About It)

    Not every school deserves you. And once you understand that… Your entire job search changes. In this episode, we’re talking about:   Why teachers feel pressure to fit in everywhere How people-pleasing leads to burnout and misalignment The difference between rejection and redirection What aligned schools actually feel like The identity shift from “please pick me” → “I choose what aligns”   This is the episode that gives you permission to stop chasing. And start trusting that the right fit exists. Download the Ultimate Teacher Interview Guide: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide   Ultimate Teacher Interview Bundle: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-bundle    Land Your Dream Job: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/land-your-dream-job ___________________________❤️Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thepresentteacher/🔥TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@thepresentteacher🚀Website | https://thepresentteacher.com/💜YouTube | https://youtube.com/@ThePresentTeacher?si=meqMmiDHJN-0Jmlr___________________________// RESOURCES💌 Join our email list for weekly motivation | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide 🌼 Join our Community off of Facebook | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/QUzcjYLT ___________________________//  ABOUTI’m Helena, a coach for new and first-year teachers sharing knowledge on how to have a thriving career and personal life.The Present Teacher Podcast is a resourcefor teacher interviews, classroom setup, classroom management, and time management. Follow along and learn how to thrive in the classroom and in life.Subscribe to The Present Teacher Podcast to get inspired by new weekly podcast episodes!

  8. May 31

    #188: You're Not Underqualified, You're Underselling Yourself

    “I didn’t get hired because I’m not experienced enough.” If that thought has ever crossed your mind… This episode is for you. Because the truth is: You’re probably not underqualified. You’re underselling yourself. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why this belief is so common (especially for new teachers) The hidden ways teachers minimize their experience What your “it factor” actually is How to communicate your value with confidence The identity shift that changes everything This is where you stop questioning your worth… And start owning it.Download the Ultimate Teacher Interview Guide: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide   Ultimate Teacher Interview Bundle: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-bundle    Land Your Dream Job: https://www.thepresentteacher.com/land-your-dream-job ___________________________❤️Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thepresentteacher/🔥TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@thepresentteacher🚀Website | https://thepresentteacher.com/💜YouTube | https://youtube.com/@ThePresentTeacher?si=meqMmiDHJN-0Jmlr___________________________// RESOURCES💌 Join our email list for weekly motivation | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/teacher-interview-guide 🌼 Join our Community off of Facebook | https://www.thepresentteacher.com/offers/QUzcjYLT ___________________________//  ABOUTI’m Helena, a coach for new and first-year teachers sharing knowledge on how to have a thriving career and personal life.The Present Teacher Podcast is a resourcefor teacher interviews, classroom setup, classroom management, and time management. Follow along and learn how to thrive in the classroom and in life.Subscribe to The Present Teacher Podcast to get inspired by new weekly podcast episodes!

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Remember that teacher down the hall who seems to have it all figured out? Her classroom runs itself. She knows what to say to families. She has systems for everything. And somehow, she makes teaching look a whole lot easier than it feels for you right now. Here's what you don't see: She was a new teacher once, too. Welcome to That New Teacher Next Door Podcast, where teachers take you back to the beginning and tell the real stories behind the teachers they are today. Hosted by author and educator Helena Hains, each episode feels like pulling up a chair at your favorite coffee shop with your teacher besties. So grab your favorite cup of chai and join us as we talk about the messy first years, classroom management struggles, parent communication, organization, planning, mistakes, breakthroughs, and all the things we wish we'd known sooner. Because great teachers don't start out having it all figured out. They learn. They grow. They try things that don't work. And over time, they figure out what works best for them. That teacher next door you look up to might not be as far away as you think. Because if they can do it… why not you? That New Teacher Next Door Work Less. Impact More.

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