Beyond The Lesson Plan

Rachel Wendt

Beyond the Lesson Plan is a podcast for educators who know that great teaching is about more than delivering content. Hosted by Rachel Wendt, this podcast explores the real challenges teachers face and the practical solutions that help them thrive. From student behavior and classroom management to special education, confidence, and preventing burnout, each episode provides honest conversations, actionable strategies, and encouragement for the work that happens beyond the lesson plan. Real Teachers. Real Challenges. Real Solutions.

Episodes

  1. Aug 4

    The Teacher Who Thinks They're Failing

    Episode 6: When You Feel Like You're Failing Every teacher has experienced that day—the one that makes you question everything. The lesson didn't go as planned. Classroom management felt impossible. A difficult conversation or parent email lingered long after the dismissal bell. And before you know it, you've convinced yourself you're failing. In this episode, we're talking about the lies we tell ourselves after hard days, why growth often feels uncomfortable, and how to keep showing up even when doubt gets loud. If you've ever driven home wondering if you're enough, this conversation is for you. Remember: one hard day doesn't define your career, one lesson doesn't define your ability, and one season of doubt doesn't define your impact. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why every teacher experiences "that day" The lies comparison and self-doubt can make us believe Why growth rarely feels comfortable Practical ways to keep going after difficult days How to recognize the impact you're making—even when you can't see it If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to share it with another educator who may need this reminder today. Because great teaching happens beyond the lesson plan.

  2. Jul 28

    The Confidence Gap Every Teacher Experiences

    Episode 5: The Confidence Gap Every Teacher Experiences Have you ever walked out of your classroom wondering if you're doing enough? You're not alone. In this episode of Beyond the Lesson Plan, we're having an honest conversation about the confidence gap every teacher experiences. From comparing ourselves to the classroom down the hall to learning through mistakes and celebrating small victories, we'll explore how confidence isn't something great teachers are born with—it's something they build over time. I'll share personal stories from my own journey through agriculture education, special education, and elementary math, including how changing my approach to classroom management transformed not only my students, but my confidence as an educator. If you've ever questioned yourself, this episode is your reminder that your students don't need a perfect teacher—they need one who keeps showing up. Because great teaching has never been about perfection. It's about what happens beyond the lesson plan.

  3. Jul 14

    Because Classroom Management Isn't About Control

    When we hear the words classroom management, we often think about rules, consequences, and keeping students under control. But what if we've been thinking about it all wrong? In this episode of Beyond the Lesson Plan, we're redefining what classroom management really means. We'll talk about why predictability creates safety, how relationships and accountability work together, and the small, intentional choices that build a classroom where students can truly thrive. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a veteran educator, this episode will encourage you to lead with consistency, create meaningful connections, and remember that great classroom management isn't about control—it's about leadership. Because great teaching happens beyond the lesson plan.

  4. Jul 6

    The Students We Struggle To Understand

    Every teacher has had a student they struggled to understand. The student who shuts down.The student who argues.The student who seems to push every button. But what if the behavior we see is only part of the story? In this episode of Beyond the Lesson Plan, Rachel talks about looking beyond the surface of student behavior and choosing curiosity before assumptions. We'll discuss how trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and emotional regulation can impact what we see in the classroom—and why understanding behavior does not mean excusing behavior. Because grace and accountability can exist in the same classroom. Real Teachers. Real Challenges. Real Solutions.

  5. Jun 29

    Behavior Is Communication: What Students Are Really Trying To Tell Us

    What if the behavior that's driving you crazy is actually your student's way of asking for help? In this episode of Beyond the Lesson Plan, Rachel Wendt explores one of the most important mindset shifts educators can make: seeing behavior as communication rather than simply something to correct. We'll discuss:• Why behavior is communication—not manipulation• Why this isn't just a special education conversation• What students may actually be trying to tell us through their behavior• Practical ways to respond that build trust instead of power struggles• How this shift can transform your classroom and your confidence as a teacher Whether you're a first-year teacher or a veteran educator, this episode will challenge you to look beyond the behavior and discover what's really being communicated. 🎧 Real Teachers. Real Challenges. Real Solutions.

  6. Jun 22

    Because the Lesson Plan Is the Easy Part

    Episode 1: Because the Lesson Plan Is the Easy Part When most people think about teaching, they picture lesson plans, curriculum, and instruction. But any educator knows the truth: the lesson plan is often the easiest part of the job. In this first episode of Beyond the Lesson Plan, host Rachel Wendt shares her journey from agriculture education to special education and behavior support, and now back into the general education classroom. Along the way, she discovered that the most challenging parts of teaching are rarely found in a curriculum guide. We'll explore the foundation of this podcast and the three pillars that will guide future episodes: • Understanding Behavior• Cultivating Confidence• Sustaining Educators Whether you're a new teacher looking for support, a veteran educator seeking fresh perspective, or somewhere in between, this podcast is designed to provide practical strategies, encouragement, and real conversations about the work that happens beyond the lesson plan. Thank you for joining me for Episode 1. Remember: Great teaching happens beyond the lesson plan.

  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Beyond the Lesson Plan is a podcast for educators who know that great teaching is about more than delivering content. Hosted by Rachel Wendt, this podcast explores the real challenges teachers face and the practical solutions that help them thrive. From student behavior and classroom management to special education, confidence, and preventing burnout, each episode provides honest conversations, actionable strategies, and encouragement for the work that happens beyond the lesson plan. Real Teachers. Real Challenges. Real Solutions.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Wendt
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rachel Wendt
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Lesson Plan