Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

Heidi and Emily, Elementary School Teacher and Resource Designer
  • 4.9 (142)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to be the kind of teacher you really want to be? We know that feeling and we’re here to help! Each week on The Teacher Approved podcast, we discuss how to be the teacher you dream of being by elevating what matters and simplifying the rest. Join co-hosts Emily and Heidi of Second Story Window as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies you can count on to make your teaching more efficient and effective than ever before.  Topics include classroom management, routines for the elementary school classroom, planning, student-teacher relationships, teacher organization hacks, student engagement, classroom management, and more. Whether you’re a new teacher seeking guidance or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, the Teacher Approved podcast is your guide to fostering a thriving elementary classroom! For more teacher approved tips and resources, head to www.secondstorywindow.net and follow along on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.

  1. 4D AGO

    244. The Teacher-Approved Way to Leave School Earlier and Get Back Your Evenings

    We’ve all had those days when dismissal comes and goes, but somehow we’re still at school hours later. In this episode, we break down why teaching work never really “ends” on its own, and how creating a clear system helps you leave work at school. We walk through how to close out the day with intention, reset your brain for focused work, decide what truly needs to get done, and set a hard stop you’ll actually keep, all so you can head home knowing tomorrow is handled and today is done. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/leave-school-on-time-teacher-tips Resources: A Gentle RainCandle wick trimmerJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)Episode 242. 6 Small Tweaks that Can Save Your February Teacher EnergyEpisode 94. A Great Day Before School Even Starts: Your Perfect Teacher Morning Routine at SchoolEpisode 169. Our Best Teacher Tips for Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead for January Mentioned in this episode: Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed,...

    27 min

  2. FEB 2

    243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)

    In this episode, we break down why teacher planning time so often gets wasted and what actually helps protect it. We share a simple two-pillar framework focused on guarding your prep from interruptions and directing it with intention, so you know exactly what to work on when you sit down. From setting boundaries to choosing tasks that make the rest of your week smoother, this conversation is all about making planning time more productive and sustainable. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-planning-time-strategies/ Resources: Join the Teacher Approved Club!February Teacher Survival KitConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 169. Our Best Teacher Tips for Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead for JanuaryEpisode 91. Start Your Day Strong: Top Tips for Maximizing Your Morning WorkEpisode 181. How to Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks for a Stress-Free Spring Break Mentioned in this episode: Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial Get dressed without the stress! Visit https://fashionfixmn.com/secondstorywindow for a special offer featuring a personalized body shape analysis, style quiz, and free closet clean out workbook just for teachers.

    26 min

  3. JAN 26

    242. 6 Small Tweaks That Can Save Your February Teacher Energy

    January is tough, but February can be a surprisingly powerful reset if you know how to use it. In this episode, we share why this month often feels draining, how hidden energy leaks show up across your day, and how a simple February energy audit can help you make small, strategic shifts that protect your time and capacity. Our goal is to help you stop drifting through February and start using it to refill your tank before the rest of the year ramps up. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/february-teacher-energy-tips/ Resources: February Teacher Survival KitJoin the Teacher Approved Club!BlueAir humidifierHinge toppersConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple with Clear Beginnings and EndingsEpisode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not HarderEpisode 161, How to Get Students Actively Engaged: 5 Teacher Approved Techniques...

    33 min

  4. JAN 12

    241. What Smart Teachers Do Before a PD Event (So It Actually Sticks)

    Inspiration is fun, but momentum is what really matters! In this episode, we share how to use Teacher Winter Talks to spark change you can carry back into your classroom. We walk through what to do before, during, and after the summit so great ideas don’t end up in the "forgotten idea graveyard". If you want to reconnect with what’s working, focus on strategies that fit your classroom, and turn inspiration into action, this episode is your game plan. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-pd-tips/ Resources: Grab your FREE ticket to Teacher Winter Talks.Good StoreSun Basin Wooden Wick Candle Monochrome Coloring BookJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 71, The Easy Way Teachers Can Learn This Summer: 10 PD Books We LoveEpisode 236, Your Tired Teacher Guide to January Prep From Your CouchEpisode 240, 7 Quick...

    27 min

  5. JAN 5

    240. 7 Quick Teacher Approved Tips for a Better January

    January hits differently, and we want this episode to feel like a deep exhale as you head back into the classroom. We’re sharing a sneak peek of Teacher Winter Talks with seven incredible educators and quick, practical ideas to help you reset after winter break. You’ll hear simple shifts to reconnect with students, strengthen thinking across subjects, and make January feel more manageable. This is just a taste of what’s waiting inside Teacher Winter Talks, so sign up and grab your free ticket today! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/january-teacher-tips/ 🔗 Resources: Teacher Winter TalksRetractable Gel PensK18 Dry ShampooPodcast: One Tired TeacherJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. 🎧 Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 147, Teacher Approved Tips: How to Plan Ahead for Future Problems!Episode 169, Our Best Teacher Tips For Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead for Januaryspan class="ql-ui"...

    36 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    239. Can't Miss Classic: January Classroom Jumpstart

    This can’t-miss classic is the cozy January reset teachers love coming back to. We walk you through four simple, low-stress ways to refresh your routines, tighten up procedures, make mornings work better, plan ahead for test prep, and still leave room for the fun that makes teaching joyful. It’s gentle, practical, and perfect for easing back into the classroom feeling confident and grounded. And while you’re giving yourself that January jumpstart, be sure to sign up for Teacher Winter Talks - our free summit designed to help you make the second half of the school year your strongest yet! Resources: Teacher Winter Talks SummitSpiral Review: Morning WorkOh Happy Dani Reflection WorkbookLabel makerJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 3, Strengthening the BrainEpisode 6, Morning Meeting: An Essential RoutineEpisode 18, Procedures for Success!Episode 20, Mastering Morning RoutinesEpisode 27, Your One Word Theme for The YearEpisode 28, How to Launch Morning MeetingEpisode 32, 5 Classroom Management Questions to Help Banish Bad Class HabitsEpisode 35, 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for Teachers Mentioned in this episode: Get dressed without the stress! Visit https://fashionfixmn.com/secondstorywindow for

    25 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    238. Can't Miss Classic: 8 Reflection Questions to Help Teachers Start the New Year Strong

    We’re bringing back a can’t-miss Teacher Approved classic episode to help you ease back into school with intention and clarity. In this replay of our January Reset Reflection, we guide you through eight thoughtful questions designed to help you reflect on what’s working, identify what needs a refresh, and keep that fresh-start energy alive long after winter break ends! This episode is meant to be listened to slowly and casually (hot cocoa encouraged!) so the ideas can simmer until you’re ready to step back into your classroom feeling grounded, focused, and energized for the second half of the year. Resources: Classroom Procedures and Routines Editable SlidesParent Teacher Conference CourseEditable Classroom Seating ChartSpiral Review Morning WorkSpiral Review Homework – 2nd GradeRechargeable ScrewdriverGlass PotJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 3, Strengthening the BrainEpisode 18, Procedures for Success!Episode 45, January Classroom Jump StartEpisode 76, Teacher Approved Tips: Make Time for Spiral Review and Use SOPs to Save Time in the Classroom Mentioned in this episode: Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial Get dressed without the stress! Visit...

    29 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    237. Do These 3 Things Before Winter Break to Make January Easier

    Looking for a smoother January? In this episode, we share our three favorite strategies for a classroom reset before winter break so you can return feeling calm, prepared, and confident. We walk you through simple ways to spark excitement for the new year, set up future you for success, and plan a gentle, soft start that makes the transition back feel easier for you and your students. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-reset-before-winter-break/ Resources: December Teacher Survival KitAdventures with Friends@Engineerdoeseducation on InstagramJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 27, Your One Word Theme for the YearEpisode 40, 2 Easy Things All Teachers Should Do Before Winter BreakEpisode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks AboutEpisode 217, 3 Things to Do Before Students Arrive and After They Leave on the First DayEpisode 233, The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November) Mentioned in this episode: Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial Get dressed without the stress! Visit https://fashionfixmn.com/secondstorywindow for a special offer featuring a personalized body shape analysis, style quiz, and free closet clean out workbook just for teachers.

    22 min
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About

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to be the kind of teacher you really want to be? We know that feeling and we’re here to help! Each week on The Teacher Approved podcast, we discuss how to be the teacher you dream of being by elevating what matters and simplifying the rest. Join co-hosts Emily and Heidi of Second Story Window as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies you can count on to make your teaching more efficient and effective than ever before.  Topics include classroom management, routines for the elementary school classroom, planning, student-teacher relationships, teacher organization hacks, student engagement, classroom management, and more. Whether you’re a new teacher seeking guidance or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, the Teacher Approved podcast is your guide to fostering a thriving elementary classroom! For more teacher approved tips and resources, head to www.secondstorywindow.net and follow along on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.

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