Hot Mess Teacher Express Podcast

All aboard the "Hot Mess Teacher Express"! We Choo-choo-ing our way into another funny and informative episode where Jess Smith derails some of the WORST advice non-teachers have ever given. 

Ever been told to "just quit" if you're not feeling the teaching vibes? Or how about the classic, "Just be stricter!" to magically fix all student behavior issues? Jess dives deep into these pearls of non-wisdom. 

And hey, have you tried not spending money on your class? Or maybe just making teaching more 'fun'? Oh, and while you're at it, why not get a side hustle to cover the bills? Because, apparently, that's easier than just paying teachers more! 🤣 

Hop in as we journey through the wacky world of non-teacher advice and discuss the, uh, "unique" solutions the public thinks we educators should adopt. Spoiler: We might need a few laughs to get through this one!

Choo! Choo!

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We are breaking the seal on the teacher's starter pack of surprises. First stop? The Germ Station. No one gave us the heads up on how we'd be playing tag with viruses during our first year. (Who knew teaching came with a free immune system upgrade?). Summer breaks? Think of it as a "blink-and-you-miss-it" montage rather than the sun-soaked vacation everyone imagines.

And can we talk about the countless moments when students share their unfiltered thoughts? It’s like a mini stand-up comedy show, but you’re trying not to laugh (or sometimes, cry). The days? Marathon-long. The nights? A fleeting dream. And let's not even get started on the amount of actual teaching we do versus… everything else.

Ah, the notorious copy machine – the moody piece of machinery destined to jam only when you're in a rush. Trust me, it's more sinister than any school ghost story. And those hats we wear? Let's just say, that between being a teacher, counselor, event planner, mediator, and undercover superhero, we might as well start a hat shop!

But, as we chug along to the final station, let’s not forget the paradox of teaching: it's an energy-draining, all-consuming whirlwind that somehow fills our hearts to the brim. No one really tells you that, do they?

Choo! Choo!

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Hey Hot Messes! All aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express with your fave conductor, Jess Smith! Back in the classroom or prepping to leap in? Whether you're a seasoned educator, a fresh face, or somewhere thinking, "What's a classroom?" – you're in the right spot! Dive into the rollercoaster we all ride and embrace that hot mess life.

But first, housekeeping! Want a wardrobe makeover without the laundry? Teacher Style Box is giving away 6 MONTHS of FREE fashionable clothes to 10 lucky teachers. Enter promo code Jess30 to snag a free month! 

Let's rekindle that flame of JOY and LOVE for teaching. Not in a "toxic positivity" kinda way, but genuine, heartwarming ways. We've got tricks up our sleeves to sprinkle a dash of joy in your classroom. While the world might make teaching seem like signing a deal with a crafty sea witch, remember: it's okay to cherish those moments of triumph, no matter how small.

Spoiler Alert: My hubby's comeback story might tug at your heartstrings. And a nugget of wisdom to part with: "You’re allowed to be a work in progress and a masterpiece at the same damn time."

Jump in, and let's make this a journey to remember! 

Choo! Choo!

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All aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express! This week, Jess is leaning heavily into discovering the world of classroom activities. Ever wondered if there's more to student self-portraits than meets the eye? Or how about turning your class into a wax museum with students posing as famous characters? Forget Disneyland; Jess's literary theme park activity is the next big thing! And for all you sports fans, the "Who Would Win" books get a March Madness twist. She’s even got a game called “Count to 20” that’s...well, let’s just say that one might be a work in progress.

From tape geometry to crocheted classroom quilts for charity, Jess shares the weird, the touching, and the downright genius ways teachers like us—and some creative fans—are engaging students. And if you're ready for a tearjerker, wait until you hear about high schoolers crafting children's books that tug at the heartstrings. Plus, who knew classroom podcasting was a thing? We a HUGE fans of that!

To wrap things up, Jess gets real about the magic behind these activities. They’re not just tasks; they're treasured memories in the making. So grab your planner and favorite pen, because your new school year is about to get a lot more entertaining! 

Choo! Choo!

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All aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express! This week, we're diving deep into the treasure trove of the best teacher hacks ever. Trust us, whether you're a classroom newbie just trying to find your rhythm, or you're a seasoned vet looking for a fresh trick or two, we've got something for you.

Classroom hacks! They can be anything from cute decorative tips to strategic classroom management secrets. We're talking all about the multi-functional magic of clothespins. Hint: They do more than just pin clothes. We also cover a neat little trick with Scholastic News. And have you ever thought about winning over the difficult student by befriending their pals? It's sneaky, but it works. What about making cleaning up into a mysterious game of 'find the chosen item'? Oh, and if you're thinking about scribbling names on desks – there's a hack for that too.

And that’s just scratching the surface! We’ve got a dozen more nuggets of wisdom where that came from.

If these hacks tickle your fancy or if you've got a few up your sleeve, we're all ears! Till our next chaotic adventure on the Hot Mess Teacher Express, stay messy and keep those teaching engines running. 

Choo! Choo!

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Welcome aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express, today we're spinning the wheel of teacher types, and will be learning how different educators teach. Your beloved host, Jess Smith, will help you navigate the educational jungle, one eccentric teacher at a time.

We start with the grizzled veterans of the education world. Those seasoned pros who've weathered enough school years to have their prep routine down to a science. Their tales of survival and triumph will leave you in awe, and possibly feeling a little terrified.

Then there's the first-year teachers, who are as easy to spot on their first day as a flamingo in a flock of pigeons. Adorable, aren't they? You won't believe the stories we've collected about these 'rookies' on their inaugural educational voyage.

Next up, meet the 'worst-case scenario' teachers. You know the ones - they've thought of every possible catastrophe, from alien invasions to zombie apocalypses, that could hit their classroom. Bless their over-prepared hearts!

Can't forget about the teachers who are still in denial that the school year is about to start. Spot them on the beach, clinging to their surfboards while they should be setting up their classrooms. We all know a few, don't we?

And last, but certainly not least, meet the 'good enough' teacher. They've mastered the balancing act, the art of doing just enough to get by, and honestly, they're thriving!

So grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger, we won't tell), and join us for a laugh-out-loud deep-dive into the wonderfully diverse world of educators. Trust us, you're in for a treat!

Choo! Choo!

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Get ready to climb back aboard the "Hot Mess Teacher Express!" piloted by our fearless conductor Jess Smith! In today's episode, we're tackling the often bumpy, always interesting ride that is Professional Development.

Our first stop: incentives. We dive into the big question. Are there any real perks for teachers to sit through these never-ending sessions of jargon and slide shows? Is there a light at the end of this tunnel or should we brace ourselves for another incoming train? (Here's hoping for the former!)

We've compiled a potpourri of stories, anecdotes, and experiences from our comrades in arms – those teachers who've dared to dabble in the enigmatic world of professional development. 

Naturally, we couldn't hold back our own perspective. Let's just say that when professional development starts to feel like a patronizing seminar, we wonder if they're confusing 'develop' with 'deride.'

Sure, the current state of professional development could use some... well, development. But guess what? Jess has a plan. A thought. A spark of optimism that she can't wait to share it with you.

Get ready for an episode that promises more twists and turns than the most puzzling professional development flowchart. Believe us, you don't want to miss this one!

Choo! Choo!

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Fasten your seatbelts and hold on to your mouse ears, folks! In this special episode of the Hot Mess Teacher Express podcast, we're riding the rollercoaster of emotions as we bid farewell to our very own Vinny. Don't worry, there will be no teary goodbyes, just plenty of laughs and thought-provoking discussion!

Kicking off our Hot Take, we delve into the epic battle of English Language Arts vs. Media and Film classes. As we navigate this daring duel, we ask: Can Shakespeare and Spielberg co-exist in the classroom?

Next up in our Hot or Not segment, we dive into the delightful (and sometimes disastrous) world of Class stores and rewards. Are they the magic carpet ride of excitement they're made out to be? But hang on tight, because things get a little bumpy when we discuss what happens when your teacher bestie inherits your old students. Spoiler: it's not always a fairy tale ending.

Switching gears, our US vs. UK segment ventures into the kingdom of Themed Classrooms. These whimsical worlds are all the rage in the States, but are they a hit across the pond? Tune in to find out!

Our Grind the Gears segment takes a trip down the rabbit hole as Vinny vents his frustration over those who frown upon Disney adults, while Jess airs her grievances about people whose personalities are fully consumed by the House of Mouse.

To close the curtain on this episode, our Underdogs in Education shout-out goes to the unsung heroes of the school stage: Theater teachers, parents, and students. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show!

Don't miss this final episode with Vinny as we explore the magic (and mayhem) of bringing Disney into the classroom. It's a journey of laughs, learning, and lots of Disney references. Will it be a happily ever after? Join us to find out!

Choo! Choo!

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This week it’s all about the long-debated topic: Is the school week too long? Spoiler alert - Vinny jumps in with a resounding "YES!" while also expressing concern about prepping students for the five-day work week grind. Jess counters with a passionate argument for work-life balance that has us all wishing we could clock out early.

Taking a detour, we compare principals in the US and UK. Trust us, it gets as wild as ice cream sandwich day in the lunchroom. The pressures, the respect, the horrifying trips to the British head master’s office - being a principal seems more intense than we ever thought.

Speaking of intensity, ever thought of strategically scheduling doctors’ appointments to sneak in a full day off? Sounds like Vinny may have this down to an art form. We even discuss becoming the old folks at the community pool – truly a retirement dream.

Delving deeper into the realms of teaching contracts, we shed light on the infamous “other duties as assigned” clause. Turns out it really grinds Vinny’s gears when people turn introductions into soliloquies in meetings, and Jess provides a golden 30-second nugget that will have you in splits.

Lastly, our underdogs in education this episode are Administrative Assistants. We all know they are the most powerful and important people in school. They keep everything running while we teachers grapple with the intricacies of the school week. 

Join us as we navigate through the maze that is our teaching lives, sprinkled with laughter, rants, and a lot of empathy. 

Choo! Choo!

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The Hot Mess Teacher Express with Vinny and Jess is pulling into the station to cover one of the thorniest issues in teaching - letting students fail. Vinny gives us some real talk about how student failure often feels like a reflection on us as teachers. But we are here to tell you, it's not always about us.

We ponder the question of whether failure is really a part of growth. After all, isn't it soul crushing to fail at something the first time? But, it's often a crucial step on the path to learning and success. 

We also dive into the hotly debated topic of discipline, comparing our experiences in the US vs. the UK. From maintaining classroom order to managing serious infractions, we share our thoughts on when to give a stern look, when to have a chat, and when the law needs to step in.

In our beloved "Hot or Not" segment, we discuss those brave souls who call out other students for their behavior. We can't help but chuckle at students who handle classroom disruptions in their own unique way. Oh, and let's not forget about those classroom farters. Yes, we're talking about you! 

In "Grinds Our Gears", Vinny lets it rip on incessant spam callers, and Jess can’t handle that awkward jog you do when someone holds the door open for you. Is it a sprint? Is it a walk? Who knows!

And finally, in "Underdogs in Education", we give a big shout-out to the true unsung heroes of school systems across the country - Case Managers.

So settle in and join us on this wild ride through the world of teaching. Remember, when it comes to students failing, we're all in this together!

Choo! Choo!

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Watch the full episodes on YouTube!

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Support the show and get some MERCH!

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/hotmessteacherexpress

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.