All Star Planning Podcast for Teachers Kelsey Reavy

What you teach likely doesn't actually matter.  I mean, sure, some of what we teach matters, but most of it can be found within a few minutes and a Google search. 
Our job isn't to teach content anymore.  It's to use our content to get the kids to build skills.  Skills like: analyzing data, reading subtext, literacy, problem solving, spatial thinking and so much more!
There's really no point in lying to the kids, and you'll get a lot more respect if you're straight up and honest with them. 
Check out my "Why Are We Learning This?" posters to download for yourself or use as inspiration to create your own. 

There are so many reasons you should be taking the notes that your students do. 
It is 100% worth the amount of time it takes you, I pinky promise. 
It will make your lesson plans easier, both this year and next year.  Listen to this episode and learn how!
For more on saving time on your lesson plans, check out episode 49 or the All Star Planning Masterclass!

Parents are an asset! Make sure you are using them!  There are so many ways to stay in contact with parents, and a bunch of reasons to do so! 
In this episode I will also share my tips for what to say and do while and after talking with parents and families. 
Learn more about Parent Teacher Conferences in episode 38! 
Grab the positive postcards!
Check out the All Star Planning Masterclass!

Getting these few things in place has definitely helped me to get out the door each day right around the bell.  For years I've been getting out within 30 minutes of the bell, usually sooner.  And I don't work at all at home.  
Everything that gets done needs to get done on the clock - and that's my goal for you too.  
Implementing these few things really helped me to get ahead of my plans and STAY ahead of my plans each week. 
And even though I've been at this for five years, each year I get something new added to my plate (and I'm sure it's the same for you!)
Listen to episode 44 for more information on my favorite project management system, To Do Ist. 
Check out the All Star Planning Masterclass. 

Getting to know your students makes all the difference in your classroom and in your planning.  Here's how I recommend you get to know your students. 
Let the kids get to know you.  Get to know you questions. Grab your copy of my 180 questions of the day.  Take an interest in what the kids do.  Attend school events. Get to know the families and the community.  Reasons getting to know the students is beneficial to you: 
It's not miserable.  Parent contact is easier.  Kids care about you and will let you be a human being.  Kids root for you.  Kids appreciate what you do for them because they know it comes from the heart.  Kids work hard (listen for more details - this is important) Your classroom is a happy & safe place.  You become a person that kids trust and can go to for help.  Listen to more on my unlimited test retake policy. 

Every year for my first five years of teaching have had some kind of a curveball that made me feel like a first year teacher all over again.  So to help you with that (very steep) learning curve, I've collected the things I wish I had known into a list of first year teacher tips for you!
Get the Pinterest and Instagram classroom off to do list.  You need a solid syllabus. (Episode 57) You teach humans.  Be firm but fair.  You need a lesson planning method. (Episode 50)  Call parents before you need to.  Set boundaries, say no, leave on time.  Never ever yell at kids.  Delegate to the kids. (Episode 27) Take notes alongside kids. (Lesson Reflection Episode 16) Teaching should be fun. If it's not, there's something wrong.  Listen to the Classroom Set Up Episode!  
Get my free syllabus template!
Check out the All Star Planning Masterclass.