Pivot Inspire Elevate

Welcome to Season 5! In this episode, Tiffany and Jennifer tackle one of the hottest topics in education today: meaningful tech integration.

Matt from the Ditch that Textbook blog inspired our conversation around his blog post addressing the topic of how educators decide when to use technology in their classrooms.

With the country debating screen time limits and device bans, how do you actually decide when it’s time to put the devices away?

We challenge the traditional idea of "balancing" tech and outline critical shifts teachers need to make to ensure great teaching remains the true goal.

Here is the link to the blog post: https://ditchthattextbook.com/when-to-put-the-devices-away/ .

We have taken his thoughts and added our spin.

Ever tried fixing burnout with a bubble bath, a scented candle, and the sheer power of denial? Yeah… how’s that working out?

In this episode, we gently (okay, aggressively) side-eye the idea that teacher burnout is just about being “too busy” or “not doing enough self-care.” Turns out, the real problem might be… everything. We’re talking about what happens when your passion gets voluntold into overtime, your empathy is treated like an unlimited resource, and your professional skills are used to plug holes in a system held together by vibes and staff emails.

If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I just need to wake up at 4am, drink more water, and be a better person,”—absolutely not. Sit down. You’re fine. The system? Questionable.

Tune in as we ditch the toxic positivity, unpack the actual reasons burnout hits so hard in 2026, and share practical, no-nonsense strategies to protect your nervous system (because it deserves rights) and maybe—just maybe—feel like a human again.

No fluff. No guilt. Minimal deep breathing exercises. Just honesty, validation, and a tiny bit of chaotic hope.

Ever watched a student give up on a challenging task and wondered how to push them without losing their trust?

In this episode of Pivot, Inspire, Elevate, we’re diving into Warm Demander Pedagogy, the framework for teachers who want to be a supportive safety net while simultaneously pushing students into the deep end of “productive struggle”, because as it turns out, pity is a terrible substitute for a lesson plan

The Case for Warm Demanders in Today’s Schools

In this episode of PIE, we move past traditional discipline to explore how actively managing engagement can transform your culture. Discover how monitoring your intentional planning is the secret to sparking divergent thought. Tune in to stop just managing a room and start teaching every student in it.

Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success

Structure matters: 21 teaching strategies to promote student engagement and cultivate classroom equity

Welcome to the Class Dismissed episode, the only place where we tell you that your dream of being the "cool teacher" from a 90s movie might actually be a pedagogical nightmare.

Here is what we are debunking in this episode:

The "Innovation" Intervention:

The "Fun" Trap

The "Cringe" Factor:

The "I Have No Life" Myth:

, Kagan Strategies

Truth for Teacher Podcast: 4 myths about great teaching debunked

The "most wonderful time of the year" often feels like the most overwhelming, for both teachers and students alike. The excitement (and stress) is high, attention spans are short, and the pressure to keep up is real. How can we survive the pre-break chaos without losing our minds or our students' focus? In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for managing holiday stress in the classroom while keeping engagement alive.

Are your students passively "sitting and getting," waiting to be entertained? Are you tired of silence, minimal effort, or students who check out when the "show" is over? Many teachers struggle to get everyone participating, often confusing engagement with entertainment.  It's time to change the narrative. Join us as we share concrete, actionable strategies that engage every student, leading to a deeper understanding and improved academic outcomes.

Kagan Structures

In this episode, we’re diving into the many ways educators can keep learning long after the school day ends. From podcasts that spark new ideas to professional development sessions that build skills, webinars that connect experts across the globe, book studies that inspire reflection, and colleagues who challenge us to grow — there’s no shortage of ways to expand your professional knowledge.

Join us as we explore how to make the most of these learning opportunities, where to find high-quality resources, and how to turn everyday interactions into meaningful professional growth. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, this episode will help you create your own path to continuous learning and connection.

• Math is Figureoutable

• Make Math Moments

• Math Therapy - The Math Guru

• Cult of Pedagogy

• Stellar Teacher

A new school year brings a new cycle of challenges, but you are not alone in facing them. Inspired by the work of Ellen Moir, we are exploring the first crucial phase: Anticipation, every teacher goes through. Whether you are first year teacher or a seasoned veteran understanding this annual cycle is the key to navigating the year with grace.

Phases of a First Year Teacher by Ellen Moir

Tech Tools Mentioned:

• classroomscreen.com
• teacherstack.com

In this episode, Tiffany and Jennifer share a couple of methods to deepen student understanding. They share an Eduprotocol called Cyber Sandwich. To learn more about Eduprotocols, go to this link: https://www.eduprotocols.com/.

Be sure to check out our other resources at bit.ly/TheTechLounge.