Best Heidi and Emily, Elementary Teacher and Resource Designer Podcasts (2025)

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200. 200 Episodes Later: These 5 Teacher Approved Tips Still Win 18:37

1d ago18:37

18:37

We can't believe it's the 200th episode of Teacher Approved! We're celebrating this major milestone by revisiting five of our all-time favorite Teacher Approved tips. We combed through every single episode to choose the ones that have made the biggest impact on our own teaching experiences. These are tips we’d rely on from day one if we were back i…

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199. Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher Summers 26:15

5d ago26:15

26:15

Feeling torn between resting and being productive over summer break? In this episode, we’re diving into the power of teacher summer boundaries...the key to enjoying your time off without guilt! We explore three essential types of boundaries—time, technology, and task—that help you protect your peace, be intentional with your time, and avoid burnout…

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198. Can’t Miss Classic: Reset Your Teacher Brain with These End-Of-Year Prompts 19:53

9d ago19:53

19:53

Feeling totally worn out as the school year wraps up? You're not alone, and in this "Can't Miss Classic" episode, we’re diving into why this moment of transition is the perfect time for some simple, powerful reflection. We're sharing meaningful questions that’ll help you celebrate your wins, learn from your challenges, and give your future teacher …

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197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like Work 25:22

12d ago25:22

25:22

We don’t know who needs to hear this, but rest is not a reward you have to earn! In this episode, we’re talking all about teacher recovery in summer, why it’s essential, not indulgent, and how to make it happen in a way that feels good. We introduce the Four Rs of Recovery—Relax, Refresh, Refocus, and Recharge—as a practical framework to help you b…

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196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer Break 21:56

19d ago21:56

21:56

Summer break is calling, but are you ready to truly disconnect? In this episode, we share our 3-step May/June crossover plan. Think of it as the ultimate end of year teacher checklist for your mind and classroom. We guide you through simple steps to give your brain breathing room, create emotional closure, and set the stage for a stress-free summer…

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195. Ditch the Countdown: A Better Way to Create End of Year Closure 20:11

26d ago20:11

20:11

The end of the school year often flies by in a blur of countdowns, celebrations, and chaos—but without a little intention, you and your students might miss out on something really important: true end of year closure. In this episode, we’re sharing simple, purposeful ideas to help you slow down, reflect, and wrap up the year in a way that honors you…

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194. Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things Now 23:02

1M ago23:02

23:02

Ever wish you could head into summer already feeling ahead for next school year? We’re sharing five simple but powerful ways to tackle teacher back to school prep before the school year even ends, so you can enjoy your break without that looming to-do list hanging over your head! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show…

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193. Why Smart Teachers Start Planning for Next Year in May 21:50

1M ago21:50

21:50

May might feel like survival mode, but it’s actually the perfect time to start planning for the year ahead. In this episode, we share five reasons why teacher end-of-year planning is a game changer, from reflecting on what worked to testing out new systems with your current students. Planning now helps ease your mental load over the summer, so you …

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192. Say Goodbye to Recess Problems with These 4 Teacher Approved Fixes 23:35

2M ago23:35

23:35

Recess drama got you down? In this episode, we’re sharing four teacher-approved fixes to common playground problems, so you can stop dreading recess duty and start feeling confident about this part of the school day. From teaching games to empowering student problem-solving, these simple strategies will help bring structure and peace to your playgr…

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191. Get Moving! Simple Movement Hacks That Save Your Sanity AND Boost Learning 23:58

2M ago23:58

23:58

Do you have a class full of wiggle worms? It might be time to rethink how you're using movement in the classroom! We’re sharing five easy and effective ways to add movement to lessons without losing valuable instructional time. These simple strategies help channel student energy into purposeful learning, improve focus, and even reduce behavior issu…

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190. Do These 5 Easy Things in April to Make Back to School Easier! 20:28

2M ago20:28

20:28

April might seem early to prep for next school year, but it’s actually the perfect time to take on some manageable tasks that’ll make back-to-school season way less overwhelming. In this episode, we're sharing five smart and practical things to do in April for back-to-school. You’ll learn why April is ideal for this kind of prep, how to prioritize …

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189. 5 Fun Ideas to Keep Students Engaged After Testing Is Over 22:04

2M ago22:04

22:04

Looking for fun, low-prep end of year activities after testing that will keep your students engaged and excited? In this episode, we’re sharing our five favorite ideas that will bring energy and creativity back to the classroom. From creative passion projects to student-led lessons and classroom transformations, these high-impact activities will he…

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188. Ending the School Year Strong: 3 Steps to Help Teachers Thrive in Term 4 23:23

2M ago23:23

23:23

The end of the school year is in sight, but the final stretch can feel beyond overwhelming. In this episode, we’re sharing three essential steps to help you wrap up the year strong without burning out. You’ll learn how to reflect on what worked, assess your responsibilities, and create an action plan to stay organized and energized. Don’t just push…

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187. 3 Teacher Approved Episodes, Tips, and Favorites That You Will Love 27:40

3M ago27:40

27:40

Three years of Teacher Approved—can you believe it?! In this special anniversary episode, we’re looking back at our most popular episodes from each year, sharing top teaching strategies, and revisiting some of our all-time favorite teacher approved tips. Plus, we’ve got some fun extra credit recommendations! And since we’re celebrating, we’d love y…

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186. 5 Teacher Tasks You NEED to Do Before Spring Break 17:42

3M ago17:42

17:42

Spring break is almost here! But before you head out, there are a few must-do tasks that will make your return so much easier. In this episode, we’re covering five essential things for every teacher to do before spring break - from resetting your space to prepping for a smooth transition back. No more post-break overwhelm, just a stress-free, organ…

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185. 6 Easy Tips for Simplifying Test Prep Season 18:40

3M ago18:40

18:40

Test prep season doesn’t have to be stressful! In this episode, we’re sharing six easy end-of-year test prep tips to help you simplify the process, weave review into your daily routine, and keep students engaged without overwhelming your schedule. You’ll learn practical strategies to boost student confidence, make test prep more effective, and use …

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184. 6 Simple Spring Cleaning Tips for Freshening up Your Classroom [Fan Fave] 24:53

3M ago24:53

24:53

Is your classroom feeling cluttered and chaotic? In this replay episode, we’re sharing six simple and effective spring cleaning tips to help you freshen up your space. We’ll walk you through easy ways to declutter, organize supplies, and create a more functional, inviting learning environment. From tackling paper piles to refreshing classroom decor…

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183. 2 Smart Test Prep Strategies You Need to Use with Your Students 20:34

4M ago20:34

20:34

Are your students forgetting everything by test day? In this episode, we’re sharing smart test prep strategies that actually help students retain and apply what they’ve learned—without last-minute cramming. You’ll discover two research-backed methods that make information stick, why some common test prep practices might be doing more harm than good…

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182. Boost Your Test Prep with These 3 Retrieval Practice Activities 21:14

4M ago21:14

21:14

Ready or not, test season is coming, which means it’s time to start thinking about test prep! In this episode, we dive into retrieval practice for test review, a proven strategy that boosts memory and recall. Instead of passive review methods, retrieval practice helps students retain more and feel prepared for the test. We’ll discuss why this techn…

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181. How to Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks for a Stress-Free Spring Break 23:12

4M ago23:12

23:12

Spring break is almost here, and while you’re excited for the time off, the thought of catching up on work when you return can be stressful. What if you could prep for the first days back before break starts—without the overwhelm? In this episode, we’re sharing top strategies for teacher spring break prep, including how to break tasks into manageab…

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180. Make the Most of Morning Work in Your Classroom with These 5 Tips 23:19

4M ago23:19

23:19

Morning work is more than just busy work! It sets the tone for your day, reinforces important skills, and encourages independence. In this episode, we’re sharing our five best morning work tips to help you create a routine that works for both you and your students. If you're looking to start your day with ease and purpose, this episode is packed wi…

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179. How to Find Fast Finisher Success: No More 'I'm Done, Now What?' 26:16

5M ago26:16

26:16

Teachers pour their time and energy into the major aspects of teaching, but it’s often the smaller, overlooked parts of the job that create uncertainty. One such challenge is managing fast finishers—a topic that doesn’t always get the spotlight but plays a crucial role in the flow of your day. In today’s episode, we’re going to unpack this loaded t…

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178. 5 Classroom Management Tips for Taming a Chatty Class [Fan Fave] 26:04

5M ago26:04

26:04

By this point in the school year, your class is very familiar with each other. And while you love the community aspect, it can often bring unnecessary or excessive talking amongst your students. If this sounds like your class, we’re replaying a fan favorite episode sharing five teacher approved to help you tame your chatty class! For all the resour…

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177. Help Your Class Kick Bad Habits with These 5 Classroom Management Questions [Fan Fave] 24:30

5M ago24:30

24:30

Now that you’re back to school from winter break, you might be noticing that some of your classroom procedures aren’t running as smoothly as they were before break. While this might be caused by multiple reasons, it’s something you want to address right away. In this fan favorite episode, we’re sharing questions that help you identify your classroo…

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176. Our 4 Tried and True Tricks to Reset a Rough Day of School 43:03

5M ago43:03

43:03

Returning from winter break, teachers are well rested and ready to start the second half of the school year. But oftentimes, students come back feeling excited and forgetting all of your procedures and expectations. This can lead to a lot of rough days in the classroom! We were recently on another podcast, Educate & Rejuvenate, where we discussed f…

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175. 10 Easy Ways to Prevent Behavior Problems Before They Start [Fan Fave] 26:45

6M ago26:45

26:45

For our last episode of 2024, we wanted to share another fan-favorite episode. In this replay episode, you will gather some tools that will help prevent behavior problems before they even start in the new year! With school in session for a while now, you might be seeing some behavior issues starting to creep up that weren’t there before. Instead of…

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174. Boost Student Engagement with Active Participation [Fan Fave] 23:49

6M ago23:49

23:49

As we wrap up 2024, we’re bringing back our top two most popular episodes—fan favorites that truly resonated with our listeners. First up, we’re revisiting an episode packed with strategies to boost student engagement through active participation! When designing lessons and activities, our goal is always to make them engaging and encourage active p…

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173. Getting into the Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and Routines 34:26

6M ago34:26

34:26

If there’s one thing we’re passionate about, it’s procedures and routines! Earlier this year, we had the chance to chat about this topic on the Rainbow Skies for New Teachers podcast. We found the discussion so valuable—especially for this time of year—that we had to share it with you, too. In today’s episode, we’re diving into why it’s never too l…

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172. The 2nd First Day of School: How to Take Advantage of the Week After Winter Break 25:28

6M ago25:28

25:28

Along with January being the start of a new calendar year, it also allows teachers a new beginning to the school year. Both bring the opportunity for fresh starts and a new perspective on how to handle the upcoming year. But in order to achieve that, it’s best to plan ahead and treat the first day back from winter break like the second first day of…

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171. 5 Tried and True Tips for Teaching in December 23:59

6M ago23:59

23:59

Teaching during the month of December can be a magical time for both you and your students, but it can also be challenging! With so many interruptions to your regular routine like holiday assemblies and class parties, your energy can be drained quickly. So in order to fill your cup back up, we’re sharing some of our tried and true December teaching…

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170. How to Be a Fun Teacher Without Losing Control of Your Class 24:43

7M ago24:43

24:43

With the holiday season in full gear, we can imagine how bombarded you are with how to make everything in your classroom feel festive. And if that’s your jam, by all means, you go for it! But for most of us, we worry that too many holiday festivities will derail our classroom management or get us behind in the curriculum. So in today’s episode, we’…

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169. Our Best Teacher Tips for Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead for January 18:54

7M ago18:54

18:54

With winter break just around the corner, we want to do everything we can as teachers to be prepared and enjoy our break from school. In last week’s episode, we walked you through how to plan your end of December and start of January lessons in advance. However, finding the time to actually plan is the tricky part. So in today’s episode, we’re shar…

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168. How Teachers Can Get a Jumpstart on a Stress-Free Winter Break 27:13

7M ago27:13

27:13

When December hits, it seems like a long road until you’re on winter break. So when break finally arrives all you want to do is relax, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy doing things you love! Then as break nears the end, you get stressed and overwhelmed with all the work you still need to do when school resumes in January. In order to r…

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167. How Teachers Can Kiss the Sunday Scaries Goodbye with Kelsey from Educate & Rejuvenate 33:22

7M ago33:22

33:22

On Sunday afternoon and evening, do you ever feel anxious about the upcoming week? This recurring feeling that you’re experiencing is actually called the Sunday scaries. Since many people have this feeling, it’s important to learn what’s happening to your mind and body and strategies to move past it. To give us a better understanding of it all, gue…

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166. Making the Most of Classroom Jobs in Your Elementary Classroom 24:59

8M ago24:59

24:59

In order for a classroom to run smoothly, sometimes it takes more than just the teacher to make it happen. Getting students involved provides them with responsibility and ownership of the classroom and building its community. One of the best ways to achieve this is by incorporating classroom jobs. But like with everything, class jobs have their own…

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165. Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the Season 28:07

8M ago28:07

28:07

Did you know that just like there are four seasons in a year, there are seven seasons in a school year? And just like there are positives and negatives to each environmental season, the same applies to the seasons of school. But one thing that stays consistent is the need to engage your students. So in today’s episode, we’re sharing tips for keepin…

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Introducing The Holiday Headstart 31:21

8M ago31:21

31:21

We have an exciting treat for you today! We're introducing you to our new podcast, The Holiday Headstart. If you like the thought and care that we put into planning for back-to-school, you're going to love the way we plan for Christmas (and other holidays!). 🎄 Tune in to hear an episode of The Holiday Headstart where we deep dive into the importanc…

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164. Why You Need a Classroom Carpet and How to Manage Student Behavior 23:39

8M ago23:39

23:39

There are several spots inside a teacher’s classroom that are special and impactful for students. However, none build a classroom’s culture or relationships more than the classroom carpet! This designated gathering space is the heart of the classroom, which is why having specific procedures and routines for it is vital. So in today’s episode, we’re…

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163. The 6 Key Ways to Boost Student Engagement Every Day 25:29

8M ago25:29

25:29

Whenever teachers plan their lessons and activities, besides making sure the content is right, their next priority is student engagement. We’ve talked many times before on the podcast about the idea of balancing the structure and novelty in your classroom. However, we’ve never fully explained what it is and how to effectively use it. So, in today’s…

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162. Handling Parent Teacher Conference Headaches: Our Best Tips for Teachers 23:27

9M ago23:27

23:27

When it comes to the profession, a lot of teachers get nervous and struggle to communicate with parents, so when parent-teacher conferences come around, it makes a lot of teachers anxious. We felt the same way when we were in the classroom but have since learned a few tips and tricks along the way. In today’s episode, we’re troubleshooting some com…

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161. How to Get Students Actively Engaged: 5 Teacher Approved Techniques 25:36

9M ago25:36

25:36

Raise your hand if you’ve spent time planning a lesson, but it flopped when you taught it in front of your student. We’re raising our hands high! It can feel deflating when a lesson doesn’t keep the interest of your students. However, there are things you can do to increase student engagement when presenting a lesson. So, in today’s episode, we’re …

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160. 4 Dismissal Routine Tips for Teachers to Calm the End-of-Day Chaos 23:23

9M ago23:23

23:23

You’ve made it to the end of the day smooth sailing but hit the rough waters of chaos right before your students leave. You’re tired, exhausted, and unsure why there’s turmoil at this every day. If this sounds like you, there’s a disconnect in your daily routine. So, in today’s episode, we’re sharing how to troubleshoot this routine and giving four…

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159. How to Set up Successful Learning Centers at the Beginning of the Year 26:45

9M ago26:45

26:45

As you all know by now, we love having efficient and effective procedures and routines. We believe they’re the backbone of your classroom management and the key to having everything else in your classroom run smoothly. However, there’s one routine we’ve neglected to discuss, which is setting up your centers. The complexity of successfully run cente…

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158. Back-to-School Classroom Management: Are You Working Smarter or Harder? 25:07

9M ago25:07

25:07

One of the biggest struggles as a teacher, especially when you’re new to the profession, is managing your classroom. With so much going into classroom management, the main component being student behaviors, you want to find ways to keep students motivated and exhibit positive behaviors in your classroom. And one of those ways is through class rewar…

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157. Teach Consequences Like You Teach Procedures 25:25

10M ago25:25

25:25

Every Thursday this summer, we've been bringing you a weekly bonus episode highlighting new and favorite teacher-approved tips you can apply in your classroom as soon as today. And today is our last Thursday tips episode for the summer! This week's tips are: [00:49]: Tip #1 - Ways for teaching class consequences to your students. [06:22]: Tip #2 - …

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156. Starting the School Year with Surprise and Delight: 5 Easy Ideas 21:41

10M ago21:41

21:41

If you are anything like we were, one of our main goals at the beginning of the year was to build positive relationships with our students. We know the countless benefits having positive relationships can have on your students and classroom, so we always did the typical getting-to-know-you activities at the start of the year. However, we needed to …

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155. Mastering the Teacher Look for Nonverbal Classroom Management 21:42

10M ago21:42

21:42

Every Thursday, we're bringing you a weekly bonus episode highlighting new and favorite teacher-approved tips you can apply in your classroom as soon as today. This week's tips are: [00:52]: Tip #1 - How to master the art of the “teacher look.” [05:04]: Tip #2 - How to have effective classroom management using attention signals. To hear more about …

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154. 5 Steps for Classroom Procedure Success 20:10

10M ago20:10

20:10

If you’ve been listening to us long enough, you know how much we love procedures. We’ve covered the importance of establishing them, how to teach them, how to plan them, and how to fix them. However, we’ve never discussed putting all that information together with a few simple steps. So, in today’s episode, we’re sharing how to make classroom proce…

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153. How Teachers Can Thrive During the Back-to-School Season - Our Best Strategies 23:15

10M ago23:15

23:15

Every Thursday, we're bringing you a weekly bonus episode highlighting new and favorite teacher-approved tips you can apply in your classroom as soon as today. This week's tips are: [01:16]: Tip #1 - How thriving at back-to-school starts with a clean slate. [06:00]: Tip #2 - Give yourself the space to live in your season during back-to-school. To h…

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152. The 3 Things You Need to Plan for the Best First Week of School 24:44

10M ago24:44

24:44

We’ve talked a lot over the last few weeks about how to effectively plan your first week of school. We like to think of these first few days as a launchpad for a successful school year. With so much you need to think about, we’ve decided to help you create and organize a way to manage it all. In today’s episode, we’re sharing the three lists you ne…

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