Teach Your Class Off Radio

By Real Rap With ReynoldsEducation

Teach Your Class Off Radio episodes

August 17Episode 355: Start the School Year Strong, Protect Your Energy & Build a Classroom Kids Want to Be In
It’s the night before CJ heads back to school for year 21—and there’s still stuff left to do. And that’s okay.
In Episode 355 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, we’re talking about what actually matters as a new school year begins: creating joy where you have control, staying grounded when you don’t feel appreciated, simplifying your systems, protecting your time, and building a classroom where students know you genuinely want them to win.
We also dig into some great teacher questions about mentoring new teachers, juggling teaching with graduate school, setting boundaries when students need more than you can give, grading without taking everything home, reading with struggling students, small-group instruction, and knowing when poor leadership is enough reason to leave a school.
In this episode:
Why you should “sweep in front of your own porch”
Creating joy even when your school culture doesn’t
What to do when you feel undervalued at school
Advocating for students when working conditions aren’t acceptable
Helping brand-new teachers survive multiple preps
Juggling teaching, graduate school, family, and your own goals
Why CJ doesn’t believe in work-life “balance”
Setting boundaries without becoming less caring
Supporting students without becoming their entire support system
Handling difficult personal seasons when returning to school
Reading aloud vs. independent reading vs. small groups
Grading and lesson planning without bringing everything home
Teaching the same students for another year
Making directions clearer—and embracing a little weirdness
Making small-group work actually work
The goal isn’t to have everything perfect before students arrive. It’s to show up intentionally, pay attention to what works, and keep building from there.
🛒 Teacher resources:
https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com
🌐 Learn more:
https://teachyourclassoff.com
📧 Questions?
[email protected]
1 hr 11 min
August 03Episode 353: Build Trust Before Rules, Reduce Back-to-School Anxiety & Create Systems That Last
Join my TYCO Back-to-School Live event on Satturday, August 8th. More info here: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/tyco-back-to-school-live-workshop-registration
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Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes excitement, nerves, and a thousand things competing for your attention.
In Episode 353 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ shares why trust should come before rules, how consistency helps students eventually buy in, and why the best classroom management starts long before discipline is ever needed. From building meaningful relationships with students to communicating with parents, handling bathroom requests, and managing your own anxiety before the school year begins, this episode is packed with practical advice for starting the year strong.
In this episode:
Why trust matters more than first-day rules
Helping students believe you're truly there for them
Building classroom systems that outlast motivation
Managing multiple projects without feeling overwhelmed
The value of over-communicating with parents
Bathroom procedures that respect students while maintaining order
Using AI as a tool—not a crutch
Preparing for Meet the Teacher Night
Handling back-to-school anxiety with confidence
Creating a classroom culture built on consistency
Whether you're preparing your classroom, meeting students for the first time, or simply looking for encouragement before school begins, this episode will help you walk into the year with purpose.
🛒 Resources mentioned:
https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com
🌐 Learn more:
https://teachyourclassoff.com
📧 Questions?
[email protected]
1 hr 6 min
July 20Episode 352: Build Teacher Confidence, Simplify Classroom Management & Create Better Systems
What makes a great teacher?
In Episode 352 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn dive into the qualities that matter most in the classroom—and why confidence might be the foundation that everything else is built on.
From creating systems instead of endless rules to helping students clean up, connect, and take ownership of the classroom, this episode is full of practical ideas you can implement immediately. CJ also shares advice for beginning the school year, building engaging scavenger hunts, creating authentic classroom culture, and why the details matter more than most teachers realize.
In this episode:
Why confidence is one of a teacher's greatest strengths
Classroom systems vs. classroom rules
First-day scavenger hunt ideas
Helping students clean up without constant reminders
Creating classroom procedures that actually stick
Supporting students without overcomplicating teaching
Advice for teachers working under inconsistent administration
How to connect with difficult students
Beginning-of-the-year reminders every teacher needs
Building engaging projects and meaningful classroom experiences
Whether you're heading into your first year or your thirtieth, this conversation is packed with ideas to help you feel more prepared and more confident.
🛒 Resources mentioned:
https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com
🌐 Learn more:
https://teachyourclassoff.com
📧 Questions?
[email protected]
56 min
July 13Episode 351: Bring More Joy to Your Classroom, Build Student Buy-In & Simplify Teaching
As the new school year gets closer, we're talking about how to create a classroom students actually want to be in.
In Episode 351, CJ and Jenn answer your biggest back-to-school questions—from establishing classroom jobs and routines to planning engaging units, building student buy-in, and avoiding burnout. CJ also shares why creating moments of joy matters more than creating perfect lessons, how he structures every week in his classroom, and why teaching doesn't have to be as complicated as we often make it.
In this episode:
Classroom jobs that create ownership
Building routines without becoming boring
Planning your first units of the year
Simplifying classroom management
Helping students buy into your classroom culture
Advice for brand-new teachers
Creating magical moments students never forget
Podcast projects, broadcasting, and authentic student work
Classroom decor, organization, and creative ideas
A preview of the upcoming Teach Your Class Off Back-to-School Live Event
Whether you're a first-year teacher or entering year thirty, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you start the year with confidence.
🛒 Resources mentioned:
https://shop.teachyourclassoff.com
🌐 Learn more:
https://teachyourclassoff.com
📧 Questions?
[email protected]
1 hr 13 min
July 06 Episode 350: Summer Reset, Classroom Culture, Back-to-School Planning
Welcome to Season 10 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk!
After 10 years of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn are back to kick off a brand-new season. In this episode, they talk about making the most of summer, preparing for a new school year, building classroom culture before students even walk through the door, and answering your questions about classroom management, first-day activities, parent communication, science resources, and more.
Whether you're already planning for August or simply enjoying a slower summer pace, this episode is full of practical ideas to help you become the teacher you are called to be.
00:00 – Welcome to Season 10!
03:45 – Summer updates & classroom projects
07:28 – Helping students in unexpected situations
14:35 – Favorite science teaching resources
20:42 – Family-friendly things to do in Philadelphia
28:15 – Favorite chapters from Teach Your Class Off
35:10 – How long does it take to unwind after school ends?
40:48 – Storage ideas for classrooms on a budget
47:36 – Creating a memorable Meet the Teacher night
56:25 – First-year teacher advice & first-day activities
1:06:18 – Parent communication systems that actually work
1:16:12 – Planning units instead of daily lessons
1:24:20 – Preparing students for college success
1:31:55 – Tech hacks for grading faster
1:36:10 – Final thoughts & Season 10 preview
✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching Tips & Resources
https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter
🛒 Teach Your Class Off Store
https://shopteachyourclassoff.com
📘 Classroom Management Blueprint
https://shopteachyourclassoff.com
🎯 Classroom Buy-In Blueprint
https://shopteachyourclassoff.com
📖 Teach Your Class Off (Book)
https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/
🎤 Bring CJ to Your School
https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/
👥 Teach Your Class Off Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/
1 hr 7 min
June 01 Episode 349: Senior Trip Reflections, Student Motivation, Finishing the Year Strong
n the Season 9 finale of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ reflects on a life-changing senior mission trip to St. Croix, the power of student stories, losing his wedding ring in the Caribbean, and what educators can do to finish the school year strong. The conversation covers end-of-year projects, student apathy, teacher burnout, classroom management, AI in education, career transitions, and preparing for next year.
Season 9 comes to a close, but Sunday Night Teacher Talk returns with Season 10 on July 5th!
✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching Tips & Resources
https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter
📘 Teacher Resources
Daily Classroom Management Blueprint: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-classroom-management-blueprint?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Teacher-Student Relationship Blueprint: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-teacher-student-relationship-blueprint
Lesson Planning Workshop
https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/lesson-planning-workshop
📕 Teach Your Class Off (Book)
https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/
🎤 Bring CJ to Your School
https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/
👥 Join the Teach Your Class Off Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/
🎙️ Sunday Night Teacher Talk returns July 5th with Season 10.
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Chapters
00:00 Season 9 Finale & Senior Trip Reflections
03:15 St. Croix, Service Projects & Losing the Wedding Ring
09:42 Why Stories Change Everything
15:08 Finishing the School Year Strong
21:35 End-of-Year Projects That Matter
28:14 Building Better Classroom Management Next Year
36:52 Teacher Jealousy, Criticism & Standing Out
46:10 Helping Students Who Have Given Up
57:40 Credit Recovery & Summer School Advice
1:05:20 Classroom Culture, Gossip & Student Relationships
1:14:48 New Teacher Advice & Career Questions
1:24:30 Summer Plans, Resources & Season 10 Preview
1 hr 14 min
May 18Episode 348: Senior Trip Chaos, End-of-Year Exhaustion, Teacher Fundraising
In Episode 348 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ reflects on the emotional chaos of the end of the school year, preparing for senior trip, graduation weekend, and fundraising with students using World’s Finest Chocolate. The episode dives into teacher burnout, conference season, community support, classroom culture, mentoring, and practical advice for educators navigating transitions, interviews, classroom management, and difficult parent situations.

Topics include:
End-of-year teacher exhaustion
Senior trip prep & graduation weekend
Teacher mentoring & finding the right mentor
Classroom management strategies
Choosing between teaching positions
Working with difficult parents
Supporting disengaged students
Creative classroom projects & literature ideas
Why consistency matters in teaching
✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching Tips
https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter
📘 Teacher Resources & Workshops
https://shopteachyourclassoff.com
📕 Teach Your Class Off Book
https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/
🎤 Bring CJ to Your School
https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

📱 Connect With CJ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachyourclassoffofficial
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/

Chapters
00:00 – End-of-Year Exhaustion & Senior Trip Prep
05:12 – Graduation Weekend & Chocolate Fundraiser Stories
12:40 – Choosing Between ELA & Social Studies
24:18 – Teacher Mentorship & Avoiding Gossip Culture
35:47 – Helping Disengaged Students Find Purpose
49:15 – Difficult Parent Conversations & Communication Tips
1:02:31 – Favorite Novels & Classroom Projects
1:14:22 – Supporting Future Teachers
1:22:40 – End-of-Year Reflection & Encouragement
1 hr 8 min
May 04 Episode 347: Final Exam Projects, End-of-Year Energy, Student Motivation
The end of the school year is here and with it comes chaos, big projects, and students who are either all-in or completely checked out.
In this episode of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ shares how he’s structuring final exam projects, keeping energy high during the last stretch, and having real conversations with students who are struggling to stay motivated.
If you’re trying to finish the year strong without burning out, this one’s for you.

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Opening + End-of-Year Reality Check
02:10 Final Exam Project Ideas & Structure
06:30 “Firing on All Cylinders” This Time of Year
08:45 Question: Staying Positive at the End of the Year
15:10 Building for the Students Who Care
18:40 Late Work & Parent Requests
24:20 Proactive Parent Communication Systems
28:30 End-of-Year Testing: Does It Actually Matter?
33:40 Student Engagement Wins (Sign-on-a-Stick Story)
36:10 Journals: Paper vs Digital + Grading Systems
41:30 Using AI to Simplify End-of-Year Planning
45:10 Biggest Lessons After Years of Teaching
49:30 Time Management Systems That Actually Work
54:20 Motivating Students Who Have Checked Out
59:40 Closing Thoughts + Resources
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✉️ 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/
59 min
April 27 Episode 346: Students Not Turning Work In, Fixing End-of-Year Burnout, Re-Engaging Your Classroom
CJ kicks off Episode 346 with a real-life chaotic Sunday and a reminder that growth-minded teachers show up—even when it’s messy. From students not turning in work to end-of-year burnout, CJ breaks down practical strategies to re-engage your classroom, chunk projects, and refocus on what actually works. He also dives into motivation, the power of joy, and how to avoid focusing on the wrong students. Plus: ideas for summer reading, classroom projects, and why “doing less but better” might be the key to finishing the year strong.
Chapters
0:00 Chaotic Sunday + real-life teacher life
2:00 Growth mindset: why showing up matters
4:15 New classroom addition: class fish + engagement ideas
6:10 Why students aren’t turning work in (and what to do)
10:45 Chunking projects for better completion rates
14:30 Fast grading + making grades visible to students
17:20 Summer book club idea for students
20:10 Reflection: best lessons from this year
24:00 Brain rot project + engagement strategies
28:15 Spirit weeks + building student buy-in
31:00 Resetting after long days + avoiding burnout
35:20 Inspiration vs. exhaustion (how to refill your energy)
39:10 Science fair + school-wide event ideas
43:00 Screen time in schools: what’s actually working
48:30 Why teachers are leaving (and how to stay grounded)
56:10 Refocusing on the right students
1:01:00 End-of-year motivation + finding joy again
1:06:30 Planning ahead for next school year
1:11:00 Closing thoughts + upcoming resources
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✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching Tips
Get exclusive strategies + classroom ideas every week:
https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter
🔥 Featured Resource (This Week)
Check out this week’s tool mentioned in the episode:
Classroom Clean-Out Challenge: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/classroom-clean-out-challenge

The Odyssey Home: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-odyssey-home-end-of-year-classroom-experience

📚 Top 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/
🎤 Bring CJ to Your School
Speaking + Professional Development:
https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/
📱 Connect & Community
– Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial
– Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/

52 min
April 20 Episode 345: Scripted Curriculum, Teacher Boundaries, and Finishing the Year Strong
With only a few weeks left in the school year, CJ dives into one of the trickiest seasons in teaching—when you’re balancing burnout, expectations, and unfinished goals. This episode tackles scripted curriculum frustrations, holding coworkers accountable, managing difficult student behaviors, and navigating high-stress situations like classroom incidents and toxic environments. CJ also shares practical strategies for end-of-year engagement, classroom consistency, and protecting your mental and emotional well-being as a teacher.
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⏱️ Chapters (Spotify Timestamps)
0:00 Welcome + 4 weeks left mindset
2:15 Experimenting at the end of the year
4:30 Play, creativity, and learning (playground documentary insight)
7:20 Scripted curriculum: follow it or go rogue?
15:30 Holding your ground as a professional educator
18:45 Getting coworkers to complete emergency plans
24:30 Teacher overwhelm vs. “squeaky wheel” accountability
27:15 Serious moment: teacher assaulted by student
35:40 Mental health, therapy, and taking time off
40:10 Classroom management: grouping difficult students
46:00 Parent communication and behavior tracking strategies
50:30 Workman’s comp + documentation tip (recording meetings)
53:30 Quick question: best teacher shoes
57:00 Closing thoughts + end-of-year reflections
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🎥 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/
38 min