Budgets reset July 1 and suddenly every decision feels high-stakes. In this episode, Rae shares a true story from a principal’s office that perfectly captures the pressure school leaders are facing right now. But here’s the thing: planning PD shouldn’t feel like guessing.

We’ve built a tool to help - an instant quiz that gives you a custom PD plan in under 60 seconds. No fluff. No “fingers crossed.” Just real strategy that respects teacher time and aligns with school goals.

Whether you’re an admin or teacher leader, this episode will help you:

• Name the fears behind summer planning

• Shift from overwhelm to clarity

• Use the quiz to start a smarter PD plan now

Take the quiz here: https://form.jotform.com/251725407374054

And as always… we’re building this movement one educator at a time.

Paraprofessionals are the glue of our schools—but most are expected to lead without real training. In this episode, Rae walks through Part 2 of the Teachers Deserve Para Support series, featuring three brand-new micro-courses designed to give paras confidence that sticks. From note-taking strategies to transition phrases and boundary-setting homework help, this bundle is all about clarity, calm, and real-time impact. Perfect for teachers, paras, and administrators who want support that actually works.

Want access?
This bundle is available inside the All Access Membership or by requesting a school quote at teachersdeserveit.com.

In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart breaks down what real professional development looks like and why most schools are getting it wrong. From surviving slideshow sessions to finally building systems that work, this episode unpacks what teachers actually need: clarity, relevance, tools they can use Monday, and support that doesn’t end in August.
Plus: Rae shares a major milestone - TDI is now an official NYC DOE vendor and what it means for the future of para and teacher PD nationwide. If you’re ready to ditch professional disappointment and build PD that sticks, this one’s for you.

Tired of PD days that waste time and drain morale? In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart breaks down why traditional professional development often leads to disappointment—and what real growth actually requires. Learn what every PD system should include, why feedback can’t just be criticism, and how school leaders can shift from one-off sessions to yearlong impact. If you're ready to stop checking boxes and start building teacher-centered PD that actually works, this one’s for you.

In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart shares the bold vision behind Teachers Deserve It: reaching 1 million educators by the end of 2025 through PD that actually works. No more wasted time, cookie-cutter workshops, or compliance checklists—this is about saving teachers real time, supporting their real lives, and creating lasting student impact.
Plus: a spotlight on the Thinkering Collective’s Teacher Internship opportunity, Shaklee’s Morning Glow, and a powerful call to join the movement.
You’re not just invited—you’re essential.

In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart shares what it really takes for educators to rest—not just escape—during the summer months. Inspired by her 3-part Substack series, Rae unpacks what strategic rest looks like, how to protect your peace without disconnecting from your purpose, and how the TDI Summer Toolkit can help you prep smarter (not harder) for August.
Plus: this week’s sponsor shoutout to Shaklee’s Morning Glow, a partner spotlight on Thinkering Collective, and a reminder that rest isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what actually matters.

In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart unpacks the hesitation many educators feel when using AI tools—and reframes the conversation completely. What if AI didn’t replace your voice, but helped amplify it? What if using the right tools meant you could reclaim your time without compromising your authenticity?
Rae shares real examples from teachers in the field, 15 ways to use AI that actually feel human, and a mindset shift that makes strategic tech use feel empowering instead of impersonal.
Plus: new educator shoutouts, free resources, and a wellness boost from Shaklee you’ll want to hear about.

This week on TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart takes you behind the scenes of the latest Teachers Deserve It focus groups—where educators from across the country are sharing the raw, unfiltered truth about what they need most. From burnout to broken systems to moments of unexpected joy, these conversations are shaping the next phase of TDI’s work. Plus: new free tools in the TDI Learning Hub, a Substack you need to subscribe to, and shoutouts to teacher-led brands making waves. Because your voice isn’t just valid—it’s vital.

This excerpt from "Teachers Deserve It" emphasizes that while Teacher Appreciation Week is a positive occasion, the level of recognition and support teachers receive should be the norm, not an exception. The Pod acknowledges small gestures like free coffee and notes are nice, but argues they don't make up for the lack of ongoing appreciation. It advocates for teachers to fully embrace the current week of celebration while also recognizing that consistent respect, visibility, and support are truly deserved. The piece introduces the "Teachers Deserve It" community and Learning Hub as a resource to help create a future where appreciation is a constant, not a fleeting event.

As the school year winds down, it’s easy for students—and teachers—to check out. But the final weeks can actually be some of the most meaningful moments you create all year. In this episode of TDI: Real Talk, Rae Hughart shares five powerful, low-stress activities that help students reflect, celebrate, and leave your classroom feeling seen and supported. Plus, get tips on using TDI’s new Parent Communication Tools to save time this spring and set yourself up for a smoother back-to-school season.
Stick around for our small business spotlights and a quick shoutout to the wellness tools keeping teachers strong through the final countdown!