Teach Your Class Off Radio

CJ is back solo after a long week of school and prom chaperoning—and an unexpected class pet dilemma. In this episode, he dives into real talk about having favorite students (and why that’s okay), navigating toxic coworkers and admin, handling testing season burnout, and staying rooted in your mission when school culture gets messy. He also shares powerful strategies for classroom accountability, SEL engagement, and maintaining your joy as an educator—even when everything around you feels off. _____________________________________________________

Mentioned in episode:

• Our NEW Website: www.teachyourclassoff.com
• Reach the One Workshop (Classroom management for your toughest kids): https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/reach-the-one-the-classroom-strategy-for-your-most-difficult-students
• End of school year mini-lessons: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/silent-storytelling-remix_____________________________________________________

Chapters / Timestamps

0:00 Welcome + 5 weeks left of school
1:15 Prom recap + unexpected betta fish class pet
3:30 New website launch update
4:20 Favorite students: is it okay?
10:45 Testing season survival strategies + brain breaks
16:20 Making downtime meaningful (games, creativity, “brain rot” project)
20:30 Mallory’s question: stepping away from teaching for a year
27:00 Toxic coworkers undermining your authority
35:20 Student accountability story (the haircut situation)
41:30 Holding boundaries vs being liked
44:50 Toxic admin and protecting your mindset
52:00 First-year teaching mistakes and lessons learned
56:30 Courage to speak up to leadership
1:02:00 What CJ would build in his dream classroom
1:06:30 Closing thoughts + resources_____________________________________________________

🎥 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/joinOur mission: to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. Sundays can feel overwhelming—let’s prepare together.✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching TipsStay 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 BookTeach Your Class Off: The Real Rap Guide to Teachinghttps://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/🗣️ Speaking EngagementsWant 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, CJ shares a heartbreaking story from his classroom week after losing one of the family cats just before school started, and talks honestly about what it looks like to teach when life feels heavy. He answers questions about becoming a teacher resource, rebuilding trust with disconnected classes, making SEL lessons more meaningful, preparing students for major exams, using AI ethically, gardening, spring behavior shifts, getting into teaching later in life, and the difference between clear expectations and a harsh “no excuses” mindset.

Chapters

0:00 Episode 343 and a tough week emotionally
1:10 New website update and newsletter mention
2:05 Losing the family cat and teaching through grief
5:20 It is okay to show up without pretending everything is fine
6:37 Ernesto’s question: how to become a teacher resource
9:32 Ruth’s question: rebuilding trust with a class trained not to care
17:30 Heather’s conference update and speaking invite note
18:18 Ruth’s question: making SEL lessons actually engaging
22:10 Geography Teacher’s question: reviewing for a national geography test
27:08 Mandy’s question: is it okay to use AI for evaluation responses?
34:18 Mallory’s question: beginner gardening tips and where to start
41:20 Logos Project’s question: why students dip before break
46:20 Switching into teaching from engineering
50:03 Advice for an 18-year-old future teacher
54:12 Mentoring reminder and coaching wins
55:42 Sweden question: the “no excuses” approach to education
1:03:40 Technology in teaching: tool or crutch?
1:06:00 Final encouragement and closing

_____________________________________________________

🎥 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 gets real about coming back from a spring break that was anything but restful. He talks about feeling worn down, spiritual resistance, tech disasters, sickness at home, and what it looks like to keep showing up when you do not feel refreshed. He also shares a fascinating insight from Malcolm Gladwell on ideal class size, then answers questions about reviewing for state tests, choosing novels that actually work, helping students who have checked out, building relationships with new admin, and what to do when grief hits right before Monday’s lessons.

Chapters

0:00 Spring break was not a break
2:18 Hacked accounts, broken gear, sickness, and a hard week at home
4:52 Malcolm Gladwell, dyslexia, and the surprising truth about class size
9:08 Why 18–22 students may be the sweet spot
11:18 Taylor’s question: reviewing old world history without losing US history time
17:22 David’s question: novels and stories that work in English 1
21:32 Dark Red Wood’s question: one student changing the whole class dynamic
29:42 Talking Into the Mic Show’s question: loud classes and no admin support
37:40 Notes From My Overdraft’s question: how to tell if a district is financially stable
45:31 Becky’s question: what to do when a family member dies and Monday is coming
54:53 Closing encouragement and final thoughts

✉️ 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 talks about that awkward week right before spring break, how to keep class fun without losing structure, and why student behavior often spikes before a break. He also answers questions on exhaustion, long commutes, entitled students, test prep classes, building trust with new admin, reaching discouraged students, and how to start getting your school ready to bring in a speaker.

Chapters

0:00 Spring break is close… now what do you do with this week?
3:05 Keeping class light, structured, and meaningful before break
6:45 Short projects that work before spring break
10:02 Ruth’s question: extreme commute, exhaustion, and what rest really looks like
17:08 Logan’s question: handling a parent who thinks you have a grudge
26:02 David’s question: what to do with students after testing hours are complete
34:22 Linda’s question: building a positive relationship with a new principal or AP
42:18 David’s question: helping a student who has mentally checked out of school
54:15 Spring break encouragement and mentoring reminder
56:10 Build Your Class Off: sanding and finishing student-built benches
59:25 Advice for a freshman studying math education
1:03:25 How to bring CJ to your school to speak
1:07:05 Final encouragement: don’t wait for school culture to change by itself

_____________________________________________________

🎥 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 opens with a powerful reminder: everything you want is on the other side of being honest with yourself.

As March begins and the stretch to the end of the year feels long, CJ and Jen tackle real teacher struggles — student apathy, inconsistent behavior, tech vs. traditional instruction, AI misuse, co-teaching tension, and how to push through burnout before spring break.

Plus: practical strategies for classroom management, gamifying engagement, and helping students advocate for better instruction.

__________________________________________________________________________________

0:00 – If You’re Barely Holding On, This Is For You
3:40 – Full Weeks, Spring Break Pressure & Landing the Plane
8:25 – Exit Tickets & End-of-Class Chaos
16:50 – Analog Clocks & Managing the Last Five Minutes
21:10 – March Reading Month Ideas (Beyond Book Reports)
29:30 – How to Sell Big Ideas to Administration
37:20 – What I Want to Accomplish Before the End of the Year
42:15 – The Brain Rot Writing Project Explained
50:05 – Teaching Hatchet & Making Reading Come Alive
57:45 – Supporting New Teachers & Advocating Upward
1:05:30 – Tech vs. Traditional & AI in Essays
1:15:40 – When Students Push Back on Instruction
1:24:00 – Ideation: How to Brainstorm Creative Lessons
1:31:00 – Classroom Management Audit & Radical Honesty

__________________________________________________________________________________

👉 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 reflects on speaking in Kansas and why hands-on programs like woodshop, robotics, and CTE matter more than ever. He answers big questions about moving on from a school after tough evaluations, advocating for teacher support, handling co-teaching tension, student apathy, AI in writing, and encouraging students to advocate for better instruction. Plus: practical advice on organization, sub plans, and building real classroom momentum in the final stretch of the year.

_________________________________________________________________

0:00 – Speaking in Kansas & Why Hands-On Programs Matter

5:30 – Outgrowing a School & Moving On After Tough Reviews

14:10 – Supporting Teachers Who Feel Unsupported

21:40 – Grading Sub Work & Managing Absences

26:50 – Staying Organized During the School Year

33:15 – Fighting Student Apathy in February

42:20 – Co-Teaching with an Uncommunicative Partner

50:30 – Tech vs. Traditional Teaching & AI Concerns

1:01:45 – Students Advocating for Better Instruction

1:07:30 – CTE Classes, Overload & Lesson Planning Strategy

1:17:40 – Brainstorming Creative Classroom Ideas

1:25:20 – Workshop Skills: Building Benches & Teaching Process

1:31:30 – Newsletter, Resources & Speaking Info

_________________________________________________________________

👉 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 highlights from speaking in Kansas, why hands-on programs like woodshop and robotics matter, and how to fight the “February funk” hitting teachers and students alike. He answers questions about grading sub work, staying organized, handling co-teaching tension, navigating student apathy, and building joy into heavy seasons of the school year. Plus: practical strategies for inclusion classrooms and supporting struggling learners.

_______________________________________________________________

0:00 – 71° in New Mexico & February Funk

3:15 – Speaking in Kansas: Why Hands-On Programs Matter

8:40 – Grading Sub Work (Yes or No?)

13:55 – Staying Organized During the School Year

19:20 – Handling Student Apathy This Time of Year

28:05 – Co-Teaching with an Uncommunicative Partner

36:40 – Teaching Mixed-Level & IEP Classrooms

46:15 – Resetting Expectations After Break

50:30 – If I Were a Superintendent…

55:10 – Weekend Lesson Planning Without Burnout

1:00:25 – Encouragement for the Heavy Middle of the Year

1:03:40 – Newsletter, Friday Reflection & Speaking Info

______________________________________________________________

🎥 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 and his wife Jen dive into the tough realities of leaving the classroom, balancing motherhood and identity, and why some teachers need to take a mental health day—guilt-free. They also cover strategies for teaching mixed-level classes (especially in therapeutic or IEP settings), how to bounce back after long breaks, why leadership visibility matters, and how to find joy during the midyear slump. Bonus: CJ reveals a new classroom resource and what he’s reading lately.

✉️ 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/

In Episode 335 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ reflects on how tracking small wins and classroom buy-in can re-energize your teaching midyear. He and his co-host Jen dive into questions about: resetting expectations after big projects, writing honest but compassionate feedback for student teachers, managing disruptive classes, and overcoming anxiety when stepping into the classroom after a long break.

Plus:

• Sprinkling magic as a substitute

• Making snow days count

• Whether student behavior contracts actually work

• Classroom management when you're outnumbered

• And how to leave a room (and a school) better than you found it.

💬 Know a teacher who needs a little extra support this week? Share the podcast with them!

✉️ 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 reflects on KnowledgeCon in Los Angeles and the power of surrounding yourself with people who sharpen your vision and re-ignite your passion. He shares updates from the classroom, including why he transformed his room into a jungle, how he resets after winter break, and how to make even midterm testing feel supportive, joyful, and human.

Also in this episode: writing activities that work during tech transitions, how unstructured play is deeply underrated, why he changes up even successful lessons when they start to feel stale, and how a SPED teacher can manage 192+ students with rhythm and strategy.

✉️ 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/