The Secondary Teacher | Elective Teacher Resources, Secondary Teacher Strategies, and Teacher Planning

By Khristen Massic | Elective Teacher Resources, Secondary Teacher Strategies, Teacher PlanningEducation How To Courses

The Secondary Teacher | Elective Teacher Resources, Secondary Teacher Strategies, and Teacher Planning episodes

August 13, 2024 Ep 229: Back to School Overwhelm: How to Prioritize Your Teacher Tasks
Hey there, secondary teachers! Feeling overwhelmed with the back-to-school buzz?
Join me on this episode as I share my process for prioritizing tasks and getting organized, especially for those first few weeks back.
From brain dumping all your to-dos to breaking them down into manageable chunks, and even delegating tasks to your students and TA's, I've got you covered.
Plus, I'll share a nifty online tool to help you break down those larger tasks into bite-sized pieces. So, grab your coffee and get ready to tackle the school year like a pro. Let's make this back-to-school transition smoother and set ourselves up for a successful year ahead.
Goblin Tools Magic To Do: https://goblin.tools/
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Planning for the next school year? If your day is organized by class period, your planning calendar should be too. Grab my Editable Class Period Calendar here: https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpod
Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset
Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Mentioned in this episode:
Simplify Your Preps Collective
Join us in the free community of multi-prep teachers, the Simplify Your Preps Collective www.khristenmassic.com/collective
11 min
August 08, 2024 Ep 228: Syllabus Introductions: Tips for a New School Year
Hey secondary teachers!
This episode is all about ways to introduce your syllabus, perfect for juggling multiple preps.
Whether you're new to a school or just want to spice things up, I've got practical tips to engage your students from the start.
Tune in for time-saving approaches to make the syllabus introduction a breeze and kickstart your school year with a bang!
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Planning for the next school year? If your day is organized by class period, your planning calendar should be too. Grab my Editable Class Period Calendar here: https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpod
Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset
Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Mentioned in this episode:
Simplify Your Preps Collective
Join us in the free community of multi-prep teachers, the Simplify Your Preps Collective www.khristenmassic.com/collective
8 min
August 06, 2024 Ep 227: First Days of School: Building Classroom Culture and Establishing Routines for Secondary Teachers
Hey there, secondary teachers!
Ready to conquer those first days of school? In this episode, I've got tips on setting up your classroom, engaging icebreakers, and giving your students a sneak peek into what's ahead.
Let's kick off the new academic year with confidence and excitement.
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Planning for the next school year? If your day is organized by class period, your planning calendar should be too. Grab my Editable Class Period Calendar here: https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpod
Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset
Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Mentioned in this episode:
Simplify Your Preps Collective
Join us in the free community of multi-prep teachers, the Simplify Your Preps Collective www.khristenmassic.com/collective
16 min
August 01, 2024 Ep 226: Navigating the Shift: Elementary to High School Teaching Tips for CTE Educators
In this episode, I dive into the transition from teaching elementary to high school CTE Education.
From tips on building relationships with older students to navigating the challenges of shared routines and cell phone policies, I've got you covered.
Plus, I share how to bring your expertise from elementary teaching to your new secondary classroom and why it's okay not to know everything.
So, if you're making the switch or just looking for some insight into teaching at the high school level, give this episode a listen and get ready to thrive in your new role!
Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers; Ep 306
https://truthforteachers.com/truth-for-teachers-podcast/how-to-get-true-student-buy-in-for-your-no-cellphone-policy/
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Planning for the next school year? If your day is organized by class period, your planning calendar should be too. Grab my Editable Class Period Calendar here: https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpod
Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset
Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Mentioned in this episode:
Simplify Your Preps Collective
Join us in the free community of multi-prep teachers, the Simplify Your Preps Collective www.khristenmassic.com/collective
12 min
July 30, 2024 Ep 225: How I Used AI to Save Time in Education: Practical Strategies
Hey there, secondary teachers juggling multiple preps!
In this episode, I dive into how I've been using AI like ChatGPT to save time in my daily teaching grind.
From creating curriculum maps from scratch to simplifying instructions for students, unpacking standards, and even getting help with data and reports, I cover it all.
So, if you're looking to streamline your planning, communication, and data analysis, tune in to learn how AI can be your time-saving sidekick.
Ai-Planning Workshops:
Ai-Powered Teaching: Slash Your Planning Time in Half https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/ai-powered-teaching/
Ai-Powered Curriculum Mapping for Busy Teachers https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/ai-curriculum-mapping/
Repurpose Magic https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/repurpose-magic/
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Planning for the next school year? If your day is organized by class period, your planning calendar should be too. Grab my Editable Class Period Calendar here: https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpod
Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset
Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Mentioned in this episode:
Simplify Your Preps Collective
Join us in the free community of multi-prep teachers, the Simplify Your Preps Collective www.khristenmassic.com/collective
13 min
July 25, 2024 Ep 224: Organizing Multiple Preps: Digital and Physical Strategies for Secondary Teachers
Hey, secondary teachers with multiple preps!
Join me for practical tips on staying organized while teaching different classes.
From digital organization to color-coding and numbering systems, we'll cover it all.
Streamline your prep work with these strategies and make this year your most organized yet!
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Planning for the next school year? If your day is organized by class period, your planning calendar should be too. Grab my Editable Class Period Calendar here: https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpod
Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset
Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Mentioned in this episode:
Simplify Your Preps Collective
Join us in the free community of multi-prep teachers, the Simplify Your Preps Collective www.khristenmassic.com/collective
8 min
July 23, 2024 Ep 223: Overcoming Overwhelm: Essential Strategies for Teaching Multiple Preps
Hey secondary teachers, feeling the pressure of teaching multiple preps?
In this episode, we'll tackle overwhelm by shifting our mindset and exploring the 4 S system—setting in order, scheduling, systemizing, and sustaining.
Learn how to gain clarity, streamline schedules, create effective classroom systems, and maintain your well-being.
Let's empower ourselves to thrive and take control of our teaching careers.
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Planning for the next school year? If your day is organized by class period, your planning calendar should be too. Grab my Editable Class Period Calendar here: https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpod
Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset
Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Mentioned in this episode:
Simplify Your Preps Collective
Join us in the free community of multi-prep teachers, the Simplify Your Preps Collective www.khristenmassic.com/collective
12 min
July 18, 2024 Ep 222: Classroom Management and Lesson Structure: Maximizing Student Engagement
In this week's episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I'm diving into the best way to structure lessons for high school personal finance in 90-minute blocks.
Whether you're a CTE teacher or just looking for some solid teaching strategies, I'll be sharing valuable insights that I've gathered over my 10 years of teaching, as well as my experience as an administrator.
I'll break down lesson plan templates and different class period structures, so you can reduce overwhelm and thrive in your classroom.
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Planning for the next school year? If your day is organized by class period, your planning calendar should be too. Grab my Editable Class Period Calendar here: https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpod
Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset
Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Mentioned in this episode:
Simplify Your Preps Collective
Join us in the free community of multi-prep teachers, the Simplify Your Preps Collective www.khristenmassic.com/collective
9 min
July 16, 2024 Ep 221: Back to School Productivity Tips for Secondary Teachers
Hey there, fellow multiple prep teachers! Are you feeling the pressure building as the school year approaches?
I get it, and I've got your back! In this episode, we're diving into ways to maximize your productivity and beat that overwhelming feeling.
I'll be sharing practical tips on curriculum mapping, optimizing your planning periods, delegating tasks, and most importantly, taking care of yourself. Trust me, I've been there, and these strategies have been game-changers for me.
So, grab your earbuds and get ready to kickstart the school year on the right foot with some actionable advice.
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Planning for the next school year? If your day is organized by class period, your planning calendar should be too. Grab my Editable Class Period Calendar here: https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpod
Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset
Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Mentioned in this episode:
Simplify Your Preps Collective
Join us in the free community of multi-prep teachers, the Simplify Your Preps Collective www.khristenmassic.com/collective
11 min
July 11, 2024 Ep 220: Using EOC Data to Drive Instruction: Strategies for Secondary Teachers
Hey, secondary teachers!
Today on The Secondary Teacher Podcast, we're tackling the topic of using EOC data to drive instruction.
If you're juggling multiple preps, you'll find practical strategies for analyzing results, identifying areas for improvement, and adjusting your curriculum to best support your students.

Let's make data-driven instruction work for you!
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Planning for the next school year? If your day is organized by class period, your planning calendar should be too. Grab my Editable Class Period Calendar here: https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpod
Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset
Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach
Mentioned in this episode:
Simplify Your Preps Collective
Join us in the free community of multi-prep teachers, the Simplify Your Preps Collective www.khristenmassic.com/collective
9 min

About The Secondary Teacher | Elective Teacher Resources, Secondary Teacher Strategies, and Teacher Planning

From the publisher's feed

**Are you looking for secondary teacher strategies, elective teacher resources, and teacher planning systems that actually work when you're juggling multiple preps?**

Are you drowning in lesson planning and still taking work home every night?

Wondering if managing your workload is even possible when every class needs something different?

Let's be honest… your planning period disappears fast.

If that sounds like you, you're in the right place.

This podcast is for overwhelmed secondary teachers—especially elective teachers, CTE teachers, and any multiple prep teacher—who are tired of feeling behind and need practical secondary teacher strategies built for the reality of teaching multiple courses.

You'll learn how to simplify teacher planning, build classroom routines that reduce your workload, and find elective teacher resources that help you keep students engaged without creating everything from scratch.

Because you don't need a better planner.

You need systems that fit the reality of your secondary classroom.

Hi, I'm Khristen Massic.

I'm a former high school teacher in career technical education who spent 10 years teaching courses like engineering, drafting, robotics, digital media, and more—and at one point, I taught **nine preps in a single school year**.

I've also worked as a middle school assistant principal and now support teachers at the district level, so I've seen the teacher workload from multiple angles.

And here's what I learned the hard way:

It's not that you're bad at teacher planning.

It's that most planning systems were never built for teachers juggling this many different classes.

I used to overplan, rebuild everything from scratch, and try to make every lesson perfect—until it became completely unsustainable.

What changed?

I stopped chasing perfect plans and started building simple, repeatable systems.

Now I help secondary teachers simplify teacher planning, reuse what already works, and actually finish something during their prep period.

Inside this podcast, you'll find:

* Secondary teacher strategies for managing multiple preps without constant overwhelm

* Teacher planning systems that help you decide what to work on first and actually finish it

* Elective teacher resources that save time without sacrificing meaningful learning

* Classroom routines that reduce decision fatigue and keep your day running without constant effort

* Low-prep classroom games and engaging lessons that support student engagement without hours of prep

* Secondary teacher tips for protecting your planning period and getting more work done during the school day

* Systems for repurposing lessons across career technical education, electives, and other courses

* Practical strategies for CTE teachers, elective teachers, and any multiple prep teacher constantly switching between courses

* Teacher productivity strategies that help you reduce your Teacher workload and protect your time

* Practical ways to use AI to support teacher planning without turning it into one more thing you have to learn

You don't need to do it all.

You need systems that work.

If you're ready to spend less time reinventing lessons, feel more in control of your planning, protect your evenings, and still show up for your students…

**Hit play.**

### Next Steps

Grab your free resources to start simplifying your teacher planning right away:

🎯 **2026–2027 Secondary Teacher Editable Unit/Lesson Planning Calendar**

https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpod

🎯 **Planning Period Reset Toolkit**

https://khristenmassic.com/reset

Find more ready-to-use elective teacher resources in my Teachers Pay Teachers store:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/khristen-massic-cte-teacher-coach

Learn more at:

[www.khristenmassic.com](http://www.khristenmassic.com)