n this episode of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ unpacks what it means to lead with kindness—even when students act entitled. He shares how to respond when your classroom data gets called out, how to restore confidence through honest conversation, and why teaching with joy is a radical act in hard times.

We also dive into media-based storytelling projects for December, parenting with purpose in a tech-heavy world, and what a faith-based teacher workshop might look like. Whether you’re heading into break or hanging on by a thread, this one will remind you: you’re not alone, and you were made for this mission.

✉️ 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

📩 Business Inquiries: https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

Back from Thanksgiving break with three weeks 'til Christmas—and it’s already chaos. In this episode, CJ talks about navigating shifting schedules due to sports tournaments, whether to cancel the long-awaited brain rot project, and how to reset classroom expectations in December. He also dives into what to do when students trash-talk you for holding them accountable, how to come back after a rough sickness, and where to find encouragement when your admin won’t give it. Plus: funny holiday game ideas on the cheap, showing grace to students with medical challenges, and a look at joyful teaching as a healing practice.

🎥 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

📩 Business Inquiries: https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ shares hallway snowstorms, Christmas confetti, and real talk about what happens when a student’s only friend cuts ties. We dive into how to rebuild class culture after an extended absence, why some teachers are ditching scripted curriculum (or fighting to), and what to say when other staff roll their eyes at esports teams.

Also in this episode: strategies for ADHD-friendly lesson planning, navigating parent pressure to get rid of Chromebooks, joyful ideas for the holidays, and how to line up students without chaos. Plus—why being a teacher from another country doesn't mean starting from scratch.

✉️ 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

📩 Business Inquiries: https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

0:00 – Welcome back + hallway snow party
5:05 – Favorite colors, chromophobia, and classroom aesthetics
10:40 – At-home science experiments for future teachers
15:30 – Catching up after 3 weeks out of the classroom
20:15 – Book rec: Let Them by Mel Robbins + what CJ is reading now
24:10 – Consequences for missed work when teacher is out
30:00 – High school esports + what to say to teacher haters
36:30 – What to do when your math curriculum is scripted + failing
42:50 – Holiday classroom joy ideas (hot cocoa, Buddy the Elf decor, etc.)
47:10 – Helping students through friend breakups
51:40 – Bell-to-bell instruction vs. reality (packing up laptops)
55:25 – Encouraging reluctant students to participate
58:10 – Helping students transition to a new culture as an international teacher
1:02:00 – Classroom management tips for lining up without chaos
1:05:45 – Chromebook controversy: parents want them gone
1:08:40 – Tips for ADHD teachers with too many ideas and not enough structure
1:15:00 – Encouraging student sportsmanship at recess
1:19:00 – Novel ways to end class without tech chaos
1:22:00 – Final thoughts + book CJ is loving right now

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