This week, CJ shares a heartbreaking story from his classroom week after losing one of the family cats just before school started, and talks honestly about what it looks like to teach when life feels heavy. He answers questions about becoming a teacher resource, rebuilding trust with disconnected classes, making SEL lessons more meaningful, preparing students for major exams, using AI ethically, gardening, spring behavior shifts, getting into teaching later in life, and the difference between clear expectations and a harsh “no excuses” mindset.

Chapters

0:00 Episode 343 and a tough week emotionally
1:10 New website update and newsletter mention
2:05 Losing the family cat and teaching through grief
5:20 It is okay to show up without pretending everything is fine
6:37 Ernesto’s question: how to become a teacher resource
9:32 Ruth’s question: rebuilding trust with a class trained not to care
17:30 Heather’s conference update and speaking invite note
18:18 Ruth’s question: making SEL lessons actually engaging
22:10 Geography Teacher’s question: reviewing for a national geography test
27:08 Mandy’s question: is it okay to use AI for evaluation responses?
34:18 Mallory’s question: beginner gardening tips and where to start
41:20 Logos Project’s question: why students dip before break
46:20 Switching into teaching from engineering
50:03 Advice for an 18-year-old future teacher
54:12 Mentoring reminder and coaching wins
55:42 Sweden question: the “no excuses” approach to education
1:03:40 Technology in teaching: tool or crutch?
1:06:00 Final encouragement and closing

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