207. No Class List? No Problem—Here’s What to Prep While You Wait
Think you can’t start classroom prep without a class list? Think again! In this episode, we’re sharing low-effort, couch-friendly tasks you can tackle right now to ease into back-to-school mode—no stress, no student names required. We break down four categories of “painless prep” to help you build momentum, set up smart systems, and feel more confident heading into the new year. And if you’re ready to go deeper, our BTS Success course will walk you through setting up a classroom that basically runs itself—all without sacrificing your summer.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-prep-without-a-class-list/Resources:Back to School Procedures and Routines Planning Guide and ChecklistDecember Teacher Survival Kit BTS Success Course @Thesourdoughmama on InstagramAir fryer paper linersJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 199, Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher SummersEpisode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the CouchEpisode 203, 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back-to-School SeasonEpisode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and ReadyMentioned in this episode:The July Secret: How Smart Teachers Use Summer to Start Strong, Not Stressed. Join us for a free training where we'll show you how to use July strategically so you can feel prepared for back-to-school without the guilt or overwhelm. Sign up at https://secondstorywindow.net/july
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206. Can’t Miss Classic: The One Thing Your Summer Teacher To-Do List Is Missing
Ready to break free from the pressure of the never-ending summer to-do list? This can't-miss classic episode is one of our most requested for a reason. Whether you're soaking up the sun or sneaking in some planning time, we're talking about how to strike the perfect balance between productivity and rest. You'll walk away with practical tips for summer planning that honors your boundaries and sets you up for a smoother back-to-school transition. Let’s make sure your future teacher self feels prepared—not frazzled.Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/prioritize-your-teacher-tasks/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!Back to School Audio Course waitlistEnd-of-Year Road MapConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 130, The 2 Things Teachers Need to Refuel This SummerEpisode 128, Back to School Boost: Do These 3 Things Now to Prep for Next School YearEpisode 67, How to Actually Get Stuff Done for School This SummerEpisode 14, Best Summer EverEpisode 13, Design Your SummerMentioned in this episode:The July Secret: How Smart Teachers Use Summer to Start Strong, Not Stressed. Join us for a free training where we'll show you how to use July strategically so you can feel prepared for back-to-school without the guilt or overwhelm. Sign up at https://secondstorywindow.net/july
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205. Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and Ready
Feeling that familiar tug of guilt during summer break? In this episode, we’re sharing a simple, six-step system for back to school teacher prep that helps you feel calm, confident, and well-rested, without letting work take over your summer. Learn how to use just one hour a week to tackle high-impact tasks, stay focused on what matters most, and actually enjoy your break!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-prep/Resources:BTS Success CourseEditable Classroom Seating Chart Maker ToolTell, Try, Tally, Talk SlidesBack to School Readiness ChecklistsZero Days by Ruth WarePodcast: Happier with Gretchen RubinJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 55, Thriving as a Teacher: One Helpful StrategyEpisode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community At Back to SchoolEpisode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the CouchEpisode 203, 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back to School SeasonMentioned in this episode:The July Secret: How Smart Teachers Use Summer to Start Strong, Not Stressed. Join us for a free training where we'll show you how to use July strategically so you can feel prepared for back-to-school without the guilt or overwhelm. Sign up at https://secondstorywindow.net/july
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204. Can’t Miss Classic: A Back-To-School Gift for Your Future Self
In this can’t-miss classic episode, we’re sharing one simple mindset shift that can make a huge difference in how your school year begins: give your future self a gift. We're talking about practical, meaningful ways to ease the back-to-school chaos before it even starts. If you’re craving a calmer, more intentional start to the year, grab a popsicle and a notebook—this is one episode you don’t want to miss!Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-tips-for-summer/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 67, How to Actually Get Stuff Done for School This SummerEpisode 65, Make an Easy Plan For Your Perfect Teacher Summer: Recovery and ReadinessEpisode 64, Your Summer To Do List – How Teachers Can Choose the Best Tasks for Big ImpactMentioned in this episode:The July Secret: How Smart Teachers Use Summer to Start Strong, Not Stressed. Join us for a free training where we'll show you how to use July strategically so you can feel prepared for back-to-school without the guilt or overwhelm. Sign up at https://secondstorywindow.net/july
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203. 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back-To-School Season
Feeling that back to school teacher stress creeping in? You’re not alone, and in this episode, we’re calling out six common traps that add unnecessary pressure at the start of the school year. From Pinterest-perfect classrooms to over-the-top prep, we’re giving you permission to say no to the overwhelm and yes to what really matters. Let’s simplify, reset, and start the year with intention.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-stress/Resources:First Day of School Lesson Plan and Planning GuideColton Gentry's Third Act, by Jeff ZentnerJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 81, 20 Teacher Approved Back to School Tips From ListenersEpisode 143, The Easiest Back to School TipEpisode 194, Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things NowEpisode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the CouchMentioned in this episode:The July Secret: How Smart Teachers Use Summer to Start Strong, Not Stressed. Join us for a free training where we'll show you how to use July strategically so you can feel prepared for back-to-school without the guilt or overwhelm. Sign up at https://secondstorywindow.net/july
About Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
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.
Listen to Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies, The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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