This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ gets fired up about what it really takes to grow as a teacher—and how to mentor others without losing yourself in the process. He shares honest stories about co-teaching wins and disasters, classroom aides who ghost on the job, and what to do when your enthusiasm doesn’t match your students’ vibe (Tigger vs. Eeyore energy).

We also talk about grading with ChatGPT, strategies for teaching reproductive health with maturity, and the hard truth of what to do when the school you once loved no longer feels like home. Whether you're mentoring someone new, thinking about leaving the classroom, or trying to find your spark again—this one’s for you.

0:00 – Show intro + fired up for part two of the school year
5:40 – Mentoring a first-year teacher: 3 core principles
12:45 – What to do when your classroom aide isn’t helping
18:10 – Tigger vs. Eeyore: Matching student energy
22:30 – Using ChatGPT for grading and instructional planning
28:10 – Teaching reproductive health & handling awkward moments
36:00 – Giving meaningful student feedback and adapting lessons
40:25 – Co-teaching success stories (and failures)
46:15 – Getting assigned 80 more students: What now?
52:30 – Rebuilding culture when students don’t want to be in class
58:00 – Should I leave teaching? Finding new soil to grow in
1:02:10 – Should I take a school counselor position?
1:06:45 – Saying goodbye to students and building a return culture
1:10:30 – Standards-based grading: Is it serving your students?
1:13:20 – Teaching students across multiple levels (and scaffolding tips)
1:17:15 – Reimagining admin observations and evaluations
1:24:40 – Parent-teacher conference strategy: What really matters
1:30:30 – Final thoughts + invite CJ to speak at your school

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, we’re unpacking what it really looks like to build a classroom and school culture from the ground up—especially when you’re new to the building. CJ shares updates on how shared experiences like lunch invites, Spirit Week, and hallway antics are shaping connection at his new school.

Other big topics this week include how to use ChatGPT to streamline grading while still giving meaningful feedback, what to do when group work falls apart, how to scaffold large writing tasks for struggling students, and why you don’t need to post the Ten Commandments to live your values in the classroom.

As always, we’re getting real about the teacher life, student behavior, faith, and showing up with joy—one week at a time.

📥 Want more support? Check out mentoring, upcoming workshops, and free resources at https://www.teachyourclassoff.com
Join the community of 6,800+ educators: Facebook Group

Chapters

0:00 – Show Intro & Reflections on Community
4:10 – Spirit Week, Lunch Culture & Connection
7:00 – How Fun Builds Classroom Momentum
10:00 – How to Maintain Classroom Management on Costume Days
15:15 – Novels vs. Projects: Rethinking What Matters Most
19:30 – Book Ideas for Reluctant Readers + ChatGPT Book Match Strategy
24:00 – Using AI for Grading, Rubrics & Workload Reduction
30:00 – AI Detection, Google Docs History & Sneaky Professor Hacks
34:00 – 3 Things I’ve Learned Since Returning to the Classroom
38:30 – When Personal Loss Meets the Classroom (Message to Mrs. J)
44:30 – Changing School Culture One Moment at a Time
52:00 – Should Teachers Get a Master’s Degree?
56:30 – National Board Certification & Pioneering vs. Settling
1:00:00 – Handling the New Law to Display the Ten Commandments
1:06:00 – Restoring Peace in a Toxic Classroom
1:10:00 – Should I Hire a Mentor or Coach?
1:12:00 – Group Work: Accountability, Grading, and Growth
1:17:00 – Scaffolding Big Writing Assignments for Struggling Students
1:22:00 – Final Words on Faith, Presence & Calling

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ dives into the real stuff teachers are navigating—burnout in the early months, resetting energy and habits, and how to bring “sprinkle magic” to your classroom without losing your mind. We also get real about romantic relationships in middle and high school, how to spot great leadership when job hunting, and how to keep your class culture joyful and grounded—even when you're exhausted.

_____________________________________________________

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

👉 Join us live here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

Our mission: to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. Sundays can feel overwhelming—let’s prepare together.

✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching Tips
Stay updated & get exclusive strategies in my newsletter 👉
https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

📘 Best-Selling Resources for Teachers
– Daily Classroom Management Blueprint
– Teacher-Student Relationship Blueprint
– Lesson Planning Workshop

📕 My Book
Teach Your Class Off: The Real Rap Guide to Teaching
https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/

🗣️ Speaking Engagements
Want me to speak at your school or organization?
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

🎙️ Podcast → Teach Your Class Off Radio
– iTunes
– Spotify

📱 Connect With Me
– Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff
– Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/
– Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5493, Clovis, NM 88101
📩 Business Inquiries: https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

What do a viral meme, a dream classroom makeover, and AI-powered grading all have in common? They're all part of this week’s Sunday Night Teacher Talk. In Episode 324, CJ shares a wild story about discovering one of his former students is behind the “6.7” meme, reflects on revamping outdated lessons, and answers questions about teacher burnout, classroom management, using AI ethically, and how to handle cheating and overly chatty students. Whether you’re new to teaching or deep in the game, this one’s full of insights, laughter, and real talk.

_____________________________________________________

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

👉 Join us live here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

Our mission: to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. Sundays can feel overwhelming—let’s prepare together.

✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching Tips
Stay updated & get exclusive strategies in my newsletter 👉
https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

📘 Best-Selling Resources for Teachers
– Daily Classroom Management Blueprint
– Teacher-Student Relationship Blueprint
– Lesson Planning Workshop

📕 My Book
Teach Your Class Off: The Real Rap Guide to Teaching
https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/

🗣️ Speaking Engagements
Want me to speak at your school or organization?
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

🎙️ Podcast → Teach Your Class Off Radio
– iTunes
– Spotify

📱 Connect With Me
– Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff
– Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/
– Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5493, Clovis, NM 88101
📩 Business Inquiries: https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

In this episode of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ dives into how to reboot your classroom mid-year, the power of bringing in guest speakers (like Marvel’s Jeff Willis!), and what to do when you're starting to feel stuck or stale in the classroom.

He also unpacks how to handle school toxicity, prep for paternity leave, respond to student hardship, and balance journals/vocab without assigning homework. Whether you're navigating burnout, dreaming of launching a creative elective, or simply trying to stay ahead of your grading, this episode has real talk and encouragement for every educator.

_____________________________________________________

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

👉 Join us live here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

Our mission: to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. Sundays can feel overwhelming—let’s prepare together.

✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching Tips
Stay updated & get exclusive strategies in my newsletter 👉
https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

📘 Best-Selling Resources for Teachers
– Daily Classroom Management Blueprint
– Teacher-Student Relationship Blueprint
– Lesson Planning Workshop

📕 My Book
Teach Your Class Off: The Real Rap Guide to Teaching
https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/

🗣️ Speaking Engagements
Want me to speak at your school or organization?
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

🎙️ Podcast → Teach Your Class Off Radio
– iTunes
– Spotify

📱 Connect With Me
– Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff
– Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/
– Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5493, Clovis, NM 88101
📩 Business Inquiries: https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

Whether you're drowning in grading, battling classroom chaos, or questioning your impact after a tough student interaction, this episode brings real talk and real solutions.

CJ reflects on the surprising challenges of returning to the classroom, shares how he's using AI to speed up grading without sacrificing feedback, and unpacks everything from behavior consequences that don’t stick to what happens when a student confesses they cheated… after graduation.

Grab your coffee, your planner, and your teacher heart — this one’s packed with practical tips, soul-level encouragement, and some Halloween candy nostalgia too.

📥 Download the Classroom Management Blueprint: https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com/products/classroom-management-blueprint
📫 Sign up for the free weekly newsletter: https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter
👥 Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/

Chapters

00:00 – Eagles game vs. teacher talk
03:00 – CJ’s surprise re-entry struggle: keeping up with grading
06:45 – AI grading breakthrough: how CJ uses ChatGPT
10:15 – New school, same strategies: why what works, works
13:00 – From ghost stories to grading hacks
17:00 – Should you switch from high school to elementary?
21:30 – Student says your class was too hard (and cheated): how to respond
26:45 – Why you can’t base your worth on student opinions
30:00 – When logical consequences don’t work
32:30 – Power struggles and classroom disrespect
37:00 – Helping kids learn hard lessons... with grace
40:10 – Not doing the fun activity? Here's how to tell the class
42:20 – How CJ tackles nonstop talking and builds student accountability
47:00 – Balancing fatherhood, marriage, and teaching
50:30 – Tips for grading faster and managing curriculum overload
54:20 – How to use music intentionally in class
56:45 – Halloween candy hierarchy + buying back your kids' stash
59:00 – Using your commute to learn something new
1:02:10 – Using Instagram DMs to bring guest speakers to your class
1:06:40 – Computer science teacher tips + student engagement ideas
1:09:15 – Grading with AI, again — but smarter
1:12:30 – Final thoughts on cheating, character, and what really matters
1:15:50 – Does your old Philly teaching style still work now?
1:18:00 – How CJ structures his weekend to get it all done
1:21:00 – If you’re feeling behind — how to rig the game to win

Welcome to Episode 321 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, where we dive deep into some of the most difficult—but important—questions facing teachers today. From managing explosive behaviors to balancing life as a parent of a neurodivergent child, this episode is packed with real talk, practical tools, and heartfelt encouragement.

_____________________________________________________

🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

👉 Join us live here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

Our mission: to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. Sundays can feel overwhelming—let’s prepare together.

✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching Tips
Stay updated & get exclusive strategies in my newsletter 👉
https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

📘 Best-Selling Resources for Teachers
– Daily Classroom Management Blueprint
– Teacher-Student Relationship Blueprint
– Lesson Planning Workshop

📕 My Book
Teach Your Class Off: The Real Rap Guide to Teaching
https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/

🗣️ Speaking Engagements
Want me to speak at your school or organization?
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

🎙️ Podcast → Teach Your Class Off Radio
– iTunes
– Spotify

📱 Connect With Me
– Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff
– Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/
– Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5493, Clovis, NM 88101
📩 Business Inquiries: https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome + Silent heroes of Sunday Night Teacher Talk
06:40 – Why ChatGPT+ is worth every penny for teachers
15:00 – How to de-escalate explosive student behavior + handle aftermath
26:30 – Creating an engaging “learn how to study” lesson
35:00 – Teaching essay writing to middle schoolers (and what flops)
43:10 – Who inspires CJ as an educator: Rafe Esquith, Albert Cullum, Kevin Butler & more
50:50 – Why you should just sweep your own porch (a pep talk for teachers)
1:00:00 – Balancing parenting, special needs, and teaching: real talk for Logan
1:12:00 – Helping ESL students transition to English-only classes
1:18:30 – Dealing with phone distractions in virtual and hybrid classrooms
1:26:10 – Handling cheating and students who expect help during tests
1:34:00 – What it’s like teaching your own kids + classroom rhythms
1:40:50 – Teacher accommodations for neurodivergence
1:42:40 – When you’ve tried every classroom management strategy and still feel anxious
1:51:00 – How to love yourself harder when the class is harder
1:55:00 – Wrap-up + shop updates + how to bring CJ to your school

Welcome to Episode 320 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk—a jam-packed conversation covering everything from classroom chaos and phone bans to teacher job loss and unexpected student feedback.

This week’s wins, worries, and real talk include:

Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome + Brody joins to share about ghost story day
05:10 – Who are your education heroes? (Rules to Engagement Season 2 input)
08:15 – Helping students when parents aren’t supportive
15:30 – Managing student disrespect and enforcing procedures with integrity
22:10 – What to do when you strongly disagree with a student’s case manager
30:20 – How to handle your mugshot going public
33:40 – Balancing skit projects and sprinkling in classroom magic
38:00 – Should phones be banned or taught as tools?
47:50 – Handling immature behavior and the “6-7” meme
54:10 – Is it okay to split quizzes/tests for struggling students?
1:03:00 – Navigating subbing a required class with limited time
1:08:00 – When you get fired due to under-enrollment: what now?
1:17:20 – Tips for first-time parent-teacher conferences
1:23:10 – What sets CJ’s PD sessions apart from other trainings
1:28:50 – What classroom jobs CJ uses (and how he delegates)
1:32:40 – Dealing with staff-student conflict as a teacher
1:39:00 – Maintaining professionalism in IEP disagreements
1:47:00 – CJ’s current daily schedule + how he balances school, business, and family

If you need support with classroom management, building student relationships, or surviving the messiness of teaching, you're in the right place.

🛠️ Get classroom resources & blueprints:
👉 https://shopteachyourclassoff.com

🗓️ Want to join the live chat next Sunday at 4 PM EST?
👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

Welcome to Episode 319 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk!
This week’s live Q&A hit everything from high-stakes classroom conversations to low-budget cozy setups. If you’ve got freshmen acting like they’re still in elementary school—or if you’re wondering how to set work boundaries, teach hard topics, or deal with planner drama—this one’s for you.

Chapters & Topics Covered:
00:00 – Welcome, chia seeds, and the astronaut story projector
02:20 – Using immersive setups to make classroom magic
06:40 – What CJ eats & drinks during a typical school day
11:55 – Helping students overcome perfectionism in art class
20:10 – Talking with students about violence and hard news stories
26:30 – Decorating your classroom on a budget (Barnes & Noble Dark Academia vibes)
32:50 – Tips for not working past contract hours
38:15 – How to respond to toxic masculinity and sexist student comments
47:00 – When will lesson planning finally get easier?
52:10 – Choosing curriculum and avoiding resource overload
57:20 – Should teachers be fired for social media comments?
1:05:40 – Strategies for planner systems and keeping parents in the loop
1:12:40 – How to run a successful parent-teacher conference
1:18:00 – Tips for handling immature freshmen
1:25:00 – What makes CJ’s PD sessions different (and effective)

💬 Got a question for next week? Join us live or email in!
🛠️ Resources mentioned: https://shopteachyourclassoff.com
🙌 Want to support or join the community?
👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

Episode 318 brings another round of real questions from real educators around the world—including one all the way from Iran.

This week we dig into:

• What to do when students are below grade level, but admin says “teach the curriculum anyway”

• Strategies for students who refuse to follow class procedures and transitions

• How to respond when parents enable poor behavior—even on day three

• Should you accept late work in high school? (Let’s talk about it.)

• Practical ways teachers can boost energy and prioritize health

• Managing obnoxious (but not intentionally rude) students

• How to run teacher detentions that are actually useful

• How to teach in multiple classrooms you can’t decorate or make your own

• Ideas for teaching multigrade classes with multiple curricula

• How to decide what to wear for a full week of teaching

• Navigating extended medical leave as a teacher

• What to do when students are mad about assigned seats

• Feeling overwhelmed by the messiness of teaching

• Building connections as an ESL teacher when you don’t speak the same language

  _____________________________________________________

  🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?
  Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.

  👉 Join us live here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

  Our mission: to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. Sundays can feel overwhelming—let’s prepare together.

  
  

  ✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching Tips
  Stay updated & get exclusive strategies in my newsletter 👉
  https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

  📘 Best-Selling Resources for Teachers
  – Daily Classroom Management Blueprint
  – Teacher-Student Relationship Blueprint
  – Lesson Planning Workshop

  📕 My Book
  Teach Your Class Off: The Real Rap Guide to Teaching
  https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/

  🗣️ Speaking Engagements
  Want me to speak at your school or organization?
  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

  
  

  🎙️ Podcast → Teach Your Class Off Radio
  – iTunes
  – Spotify

  📱 Connect With Me
  – Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial
  – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff
  – Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/
  – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/
  – Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

  
  

  📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5493, Clovis, NM 88101
  📩 Business Inquiries: https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/