This week we cover:
💭 What to do when it’s the beginning of the year and you already feel like quitting
🎉 How to run Fun Fridays that students actually look forward to
🗣️ Getting more students to participate—especially the ones who refuse
🧠 Helping slow note-takers without slowing down the whole class
⏰ How to deal with overloaded schedules
🧑‍🏫 Tips for mentoring a brand-new teacher
📚 My first day of school routines
💪 Staying motivated when the job gets tough
😞 How to handle the sting of students dropping your class—and telling others to do the same

It’s honest, practical, and full of encouragement for teachers at every level. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. Let’s teach our class off, together.

Daily Classroom Management Blueprint

https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-classroom-management-blueprint

🗣️ Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

________________________________________________________________

Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Use this link to join us live: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week.

________________________________________________________________

✉️  TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF WEEKLY

Stay updated and learn more! Sign up for my weekly class updates and email newsletter here.

https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

★☆★ OWN REYNOLDS’ BOOK TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF ★☆★ 

📕 https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/ 👈

🖥️ WEBSITE:

 https://www.teachyourclassoff.com/

★☆★ SUBSCRIBE TO TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF PODCAST NOW ★☆★

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-class-off-radio/id147772547

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6UQ0iRIflQpxj3MaoPimQu?si=2YPs5my8T3OiyG2V-hPpsQ

★☆★ CONNECT WITH REYNOLDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ★☆★

Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AyU16dHQw/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/

Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

★☆★ OUR MAILING ADDRESS ★☆★ 

📫 P.O. Box 5493

Clovis, NM 88101

★☆★ ALL BUSINESS INQUIRES & QUESTIONS, VISIT★☆★

https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

Most teachers start the year with rules, syllabi, and icebreakers. I don’t do any of that. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what I do (and don’t) do on Day 1—and why it works. From handshakes at the door to writing letters to their future selves, here's how I start the year strong, build connection, and remind students that they belong.

This approach might be unorthodox, but it’s been powerful for over a decade—and it might just be what you need this year too.

This week we’re talking about:
🎉 Icebreakers for staff meetings that don’t suck
📱 What to do when your classroom aide is lazy and glued to their phone
🔁 How to bounce back after a year with students who made you question everything
⚖️ Finding work-life balance after years away from the classroom
📚 Managing multiple class preps without burning out
🤖 Using AI to create meaningful classroom content
🎓 Advice for student teachers entering their final placement

🗓️ What I hope to accomplish in the first six weeks of school

Whether you're a new teacher, a returning veteran, or somewhere in between—this episode is for you. Let's teach our class off, together.

Daily Classroom Management Blueprint

https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-classroom-management-blueprint

🗣️ Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

________________________________________________________________

Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Use this link to join us live: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week.

________________________________________________________________

✉️  TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF WEEKLY

Stay updated and learn more! Sign up for my weekly class updates and email newsletter here.

https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

★☆★ OWN REYNOLDS’ BOOK TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF ★☆★ 

📕 https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/ 👈

🖥️ WEBSITE:

 https://www.teachyourclassoff.com/

★☆★ SUBSCRIBE TO TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF PODCAST NOW ★☆★

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-class-off-radio/id147772547

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6UQ0iRIflQpxj3MaoPimQu?si=2YPs5my8T3OiyG2V-hPpsQ

★☆★ CONNECT WITH REYNOLDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ★☆★

Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AyU16dHQw/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/

Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

★☆★ OUR MAILING ADDRESS ★☆★ 

📫 P.O. Box 5493

Clovis, NM 88101

★☆★ ALL BUSINESS INQUIRES & QUESTIONS, VISIT★☆★

https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

Too often, teachers are trained to plan for the worst—disruptions, burnout, failure. But what if we flipped the script? In this episode, I’m sharing a few simple, intentional ways I’m planning for the best school year yet. You deserve a classroom filled with joy, possibility, and purpose. Let’s talk about how to make that happen.

_____________________________________________________________________

✉️  TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF WEEKLY

Stay updated and learn more! Sign up for my weekly class updates and email newsletter here.

https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

_____________________________________________________________________

*NEW* Classroom Management Blueprint: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-classroom-management-blueprint

_____________________________________________________________________

⭐️ Join this channel to get access to perks:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

_____________________________________________________________________

🗣️ Speaking Engagements

Want me to speak at your school or organization?

 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

________________________________________________________________

📚 Workshops for Teachers

😡 Classroom Management Help

Struggling with classroom management? Transform your classroom today!

Classroom Management Workshop Series

https://reynolds.samcart.com/products/classroom-management-workshop-series---general-admission

🗓️ Lesson Planning Made Easy

Simplify your planning process and reclaim your time!

Lesson Planning Workshop

https://reynolds.samcart.com/products/lesson-planning-workshopzqon9

________________________________________________________________

📕 My Book

Teach Your Class Off: The Real Rap Guide to Teaching

 https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/ 👈

________________________________________________________________

🖥️ WEBSITE:

 https://www.realrapwithreynolds.com/

________________________________________________________________

🎙️ Teach Your Class Off Radio Podcast

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-class-off-radio/id147772547

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6UQ0iRIflQpxj3MaoPimQu?si=2YPs5my8T3OiyG2V-hPpsQ

________________________________________________________________

📱 Connect with Me

Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial 

Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teachyouclassoff

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Bpqdx5xNV/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/

Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

Amazon Wishlist: https://a.co/aOdVEtC

________________________________________________________________

📫 Mailing Address

P.O. Box 5493
Clovis, NM 88101

________________________________________________________________

📩 Business Inquiries

For all business inquiries and questions, visit:

https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

In Episode 314 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, we’re diving into real questions from real educators—like how to find joy after a tough year, how to rebuild your teacher identity in a new school, and how to manage chatty classes during activities. We also talk about building meaningful PD, getting to know new students, work-life balance, and what I’m excited to try this year.

If you're heading into the school year feeling hopeful and heavy, this one's for you.

___________________________________________________________

Daily Classroom Management Blueprint

https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-classroom-management-blueprint

🗣️ Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

________________________________________________________________

Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Use this link to join us live: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week.

________________________________________________________________

✉️  TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF WEEKLY

Stay updated and learn more! Sign up for my weekly class updates and email newsletter here.

https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

★☆★ OWN REYNOLDS’ BOOK TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF ★☆★ 

📕 https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/ 👈

🖥️ WEBSITE:

 https://www.teachyourclassoff.com/

★☆★ SUBSCRIBE TO TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF PODCAST NOW ★☆★

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-class-off-radio/id147772547

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6UQ0iRIflQpxj3MaoPimQu?si=2YPs5my8T3OiyG2V-hPpsQ

★☆★ CONNECT WITH REYNOLDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ★☆★

Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AyU16dHQw/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/

Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

★☆★ OUR MAILING ADDRESS ★☆★ 

📫 P.O. Box 5493

Clovis, NM 88101

★☆★ ALL BUSINESS INQUIRES & QUESTIONS, VISIT★☆★

https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

In this throwback episode, I’m sharing 5 practical back-to-school tips to help you start the year strong. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro, these simple strategies will help you feel more prepared, more confident, and more connected from day one.

_____________________________________________________________________

✉️  TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF WEEKLY

Stay updated and learn more! Sign up for my weekly class updates and email newsletter here.

https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

_____________________________________________________________________

*NEW* Classroom Management Blueprint: https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-classroom-management-blueprint

_____________________________________________________________________

⭐️ Join this channel to get access to perks:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

_____________________________________________________________________

🗣️ Speaking Engagements

Want me to speak at your school or organization?

 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

________________________________________________________________

📚 Workshops for Teachers

😡 Classroom Management Help

Struggling with classroom management? Transform your classroom today!

Classroom Management Workshop Series

https://reynolds.samcart.com/products/classroom-management-workshop-series---general-admission

🗓️ Lesson Planning Made Easy

Simplify your planning process and reclaim your time!

Lesson Planning Workshop

https://reynolds.samcart.com/products/lesson-planning-workshopzqon9

________________________________________________________________

📕 My Book

Teach Your Class Off: The Real Rap Guide to Teaching

 https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/ 👈

________________________________________________________________

🖥️ WEBSITE:

 https://www.realrapwithreynolds.com/

________________________________________________________________

🎙️ Teach Your Class Off Radio Podcast

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-class-off-radio/id147772547

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6UQ0iRIflQpxj3MaoPimQu?si=2YPs5my8T3OiyG2V-hPpsQ

________________________________________________________________

📱 Connect with Me

Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial 

Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teachyouclassoff

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Bpqdx5xNV/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/

Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

Amazon Wishlist: https://a.co/aOdVEtC

________________________________________________________________

📫 Mailing Address

P.O. Box 5493
Clovis, NM 88101

________________________________________________________________

📩 Business Inquiries

For all business inquiries and questions, visit:

https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

In Episode 312 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, we’re tackling a fresh batch of teacher questions—from first-year jitters to classroom joy boosters.

This week’s questions include:
🎓 Advice for a brand-new full-time middle school teacher (teaching both Social Studies and ELA!)
📚 How to get students to take ownership of their learning
📝 Tips for helping kids write essays with more flare
🎉 Ideas to spice up a dry curriculum and bring more joy into the classroom
🤰 Teaching while pregnant—what to expect and how to prepare
🏫 Moving from middle to high school—how to navigate the shift
📖 Unconventional book recommendations for teachers
🪑 Updates on my new classroom setup and joyful finds

Whether you're a brand-new teacher or a veteran looking for fresh energy, this episode has something for you. Let’s keep sharpening one another—because we’re better together.

Daily Classroom Management Blueprint

https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-classroom-management-blueprint

🗣️ Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

________________________________________________________________

Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Use this link to join us live: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week.

________________________________________________________________

✉️  TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF WEEKLY

Stay updated and learn more! Sign up for my weekly class updates and email newsletter here.

https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

★☆★ OWN REYNOLDS’ BOOK TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF ★☆★ 

📕 https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/ 👈

🖥️ WEBSITE:

 https://www.teachyourclassoff.com/

★☆★ SUBSCRIBE TO TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF PODCAST NOW ★☆★

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-class-off-radio/id147772547

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6UQ0iRIflQpxj3MaoPimQu?si=2YPs5my8T3OiyG2V-hPpsQ

★☆★ CONNECT WITH REYNOLDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ★☆★

Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AyU16dHQw/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/

Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

★☆★ OUR MAILING ADDRESS ★☆★ 

📫 P.O. Box 5493

Clovis, NM 88101

★☆★ ALL BUSINESS INQUIRES & QUESTIONS, VISIT★☆★

https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/

In Episode 312 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, we’re tackling a fresh batch of teacher questions—from first-year jitters to classroom joy boosters.

This week’s questions include:
🎓 Advice for a brand-new full-time middle school teacher (teaching both Social Studies and ELA!)
📚 How to get students to take ownership of their learning
📝 Tips for helping kids write essays with more flare
🎉 Ideas to spice up a dry curriculum and bring more joy into the classroom
🤰 Teaching while pregnant—what to expect and how to prepare
🏫 Moving from middle to high school—how to navigate the shift
📖 Unconventional book recommendations for teachers
🪑 Updates on my new classroom setup and joyful finds

Whether you're a brand-new teacher or a veteran looking for fresh energy, this episode has something for you. Let’s keep sharpening one another—because we’re better together.

Daily Classroom Management Blueprint

https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-classroom-management-blueprint

🗣️ Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

________________________________________________________________

Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Use this link to join us live: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week.

________________________________________________________________

✉️  TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF WEEKLY

Stay updated and learn more! Sign up for my weekly class updates and email newsletter here.

https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

★☆★ OWN REYNOLDS’ BOOK TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF ★☆★ 

📕 https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/ 👈

🖥️ WEBSITE:

 https://www.teachyourclassoff.com/

★☆★ SUBSCRIBE TO TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF PODCAST NOW ★☆★

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-class-off-radio/id147772547

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6UQ0iRIflQpxj3MaoPimQu?si=2YPs5my8T3OiyG2V-hPpsQ

★☆★ CONNECT WITH REYNOLDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ★☆★

Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AyU16dHQw/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/

Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

★☆★ OUR MAILING ADDRESS ★☆★ 

📫 P.O. Box 5493

Clovis, NM 88101

Starting out as a new teacher can feel overwhelming—and knowing where to focus your energy is half the battle. In this episode, I’m breaking down four of the biggest mistakes I made early in my teaching career. Whether you're brand new or just trying to level up your classroom game, you'll walk away with practical tips, honest insights, and a little encouragement to help you teach your class off.

What You’ll Learn:
– Why being "nice" isn't the same as being effective
– How classroom management mistakes sneak up on you
– The trap of overplanning (and what to do instead)
– Why copying someone else's materials won't save you

This episode is for teachers who want to grow with intention, build confidence, and create a classroom that actually works—for you and your students.

We’re back! After a short break, Sunday Night Teacher Talk returns with Episode 311, and we’re diving into all the things teachers are thinking about as a new school year approaches.

This week’s live Q&A covers:

• How to lesson plan when you’re teaching brand-new material

• Ways to engage students who just don’t care

• What to do when a retiring teacher hands you their old curriculum

• Tips for teaching a text you’ve never read

• Encouragement for first-year teachers finding their own voice

• Study strategies for students

• How to embed writing across your school’s curriculum

• The power of teaching with your individual gifts

• And yes… what my kids should call me now that I’m teaching them! 😄

Plus, I share my favorite part of the summer so far.
We’re sharpening one another because, as Proverbs says, iron sharpens iron.

Let’s teach our class off—together.

__________________________________________________________

Daily Classroom Management Blueprint

https://www.shopteachyourclassoff.com/products/the-classroom-management-blueprint

🗣️ Interested in having me speak at your school or organization? Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link

________________________________________________________________

Sunday Night Teacher Talk is a live Q&A show that happens every Sunday at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Use this link to join us live: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/join

Our purpose is to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. We recognize that Sundays can be the most stressful day of the week in the education world, so we gather as a community to prepare together for the upcoming week.

________________________________________________________________

✉️  TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF WEEKLY

Stay updated and learn more! Sign up for my weekly class updates and email newsletter here.

https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

★☆★ OWN REYNOLDS’ BOOK TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF ★☆★ 

📕 https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/ 👈

🖥️ WEBSITE:

 https://www.teachyourclassoff.com/

★☆★ SUBSCRIBE TO TEACH YOUR CLASS OFF PODCAST NOW ★☆★

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-class-off-radio/id147772547

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6UQ0iRIflQpxj3MaoPimQu?si=2YPs5my8T3OiyG2V-hPpsQ

★☆★ CONNECT WITH REYNOLDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ★☆★

Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AyU16dHQw/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/

Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds

★☆★ OUR MAILING ADDRESS ★☆★ 

📫 P.O. Box 5493

Clovis, NM 88101

★☆★ ALL BUSINESS INQUIRES & QUESTIONS, VISIT★☆★

https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/