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

July 09, 2024 Ep 219: Simplify Your Planning the Easy Way with Minimum Viable Product
Are you feeling overwhelmed with trying to fit everything into your semester or term?
Well, in this episode, I share my personal journey of discovering the concept of minimum viable product (MVP) and how it revolutionized my approach to planning and preparing for the school year.
I'll take you through a road trip metaphor to explain how you can use MVP in your course planning, from identifying key standards to designing simple assessments and teaching strategies for timely feedback.
Get ready to streamline your planning process and set your students up for success in the upcoming school year.
Trust me, you won't want to miss it!
AI-Powered Curriculum Mapping for Busy Teachers https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/ai-curriculum-mapping/
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
10 min
July 04, 2024 Ep 218: Strategies for Grading Group Projects in Coding and Robotics Classes
In this episode, we're delving into the nitty-gritty of handling multiple preps, group work, and grading in CTE classes.
If you're a middle or high school teacher juggling coding and robotics classes, this one's for you.
I share strategies for managing limited robotics kits, preventing program overwrites, and grading group work without the headache.
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 02, 2024 Ep 217: 12 Essential Routines and Procedures for Secondary Teachers
Hey Secondary Teachers!
This week, we're all about classroom management.
Join me as we break down the 12 essential routines and procedures that will set you and your students up for success.
From entering the classroom to using new tools and equipment, we've got you covered.
Get ready to level up your classroom management game and supercharge your teaching skills!
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
Classroom Routines and Procedures Planner https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Procedures-and-Routines-Planner-Middle-School-and-High-School-8417054
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
June 27, 2024 Ep 216: Exploring Differences: Public High School and School District Tech Center Teaching
Hey there, secondary teachers!
In this episode, I'll be delving into the differences and similarities between teaching at a regular public high school and a tech center within a school district.
Join me as I share my firsthand experience of juggling multiple preps, coordinating with multiple high schools, and the unique challenges and advantages of working at a tech center.
Whether you're considering a position at a tech center or just curious about the differences, this episode will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you thrive as a multiple prep teacher.
So, grab your headphones and get ready to dive into the world of secondary teaching at a tech center.
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
10 min
June 25, 2024 Ep 215: Tackling Clutter: Tips for Teachers and Beyond
Hey there, overwhelmed multiple prep teachers!
Ever feel like clutter is taking over your classroom and home, making everything feel even more chaotic?
In this episode, I'll be sharing my favorite method to clear out the clutter and get organized. We'll dive into practical strategies inspired by a popular TV show and a best-selling book.
Learn how to tackle one space at a time, categorize your items into keep, donate, and trash piles, and create a system to maintain your newly organized space.
If you're ready to declutter and take control of your teaching environment, this episode is for you. Tune in and let's conquer the clutter together!
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
10 min
June 20, 2024 Ep 214: Must-Have Classroom Supplies for New Teachers with Multiple Preps
Are you a new teacher with a wide range of classes, or perhaps a seasoned one looking for fresh ideas?
In this episode, I tackle the question of what essential supplies you should have as a secondary teacher, especially if you're juggling multiple preps.
From big post-it notes for engaging activities to setting up your classroom for optimal student collaboration and organization, I share practical tips and must-haves based on my own experience as a high school engineering teacher.
Tune in to get valuable insights and strategies to set yourself up for success!
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
June 18, 2024 Ep 213: Getting Started: 4 Essential Steps for New or Multiple Prep Teachers
Hey there, secondary teachers!
Are you feeling the excitement of a new school year approaching, but also feeling a bit overwhelmed with multiple preps?
In this episode, I've got your back with practical tips to help you kickstart your planning. Whether you're creating curriculum maps, brainstorming classroom routines and procedures, or searching for teaching strategies, I've got you covered.
Plus, I'll share some insights on inventorying equipment and supplies, so you're not caught off guard when the school year starts.
So, grab your favorite drink, hit play, and let's get you prepped and ready to rock the upcoming year!
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
AI-Powered Curriculum Mapping for Busy Teachers Workshop https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/ai-curriculum-mapping/
Classroom Routines and Procedures Planner https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Procedures-and-Routines-Planner-Middle-School-and-High-School-8417054?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Ep%20213
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
June 13, 2024 Ep 212: Simplifying Classroom Organization: Clear and Lightweight Storage Ideas for Teachers
Hey secondary teachers!
This week, I'm diving into the world of lightweight storage solutions for classroom essentials.
From drawer containers to digitizing materials, I've got you covered with practical tips to keep your classroom organized and clutter-free.
Whether you're handling multiple preps or simply looking for smart organization ideas, this episode is a game-changer. Hit play now and make classroom management a breeze!
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
June 11, 2024 Ep 211: Strategic Professional Development: Getting the Most Out of Your Training
Hey there, secondary teachers!
In this episode, we're diving into how to maximize your professional development time during the summer break.
Whether you're wondering if you really need to do PD right now, or if you're seeking ways to make it more valuable and convenient, we've got you covered.
Learn how to set specific goals for your PD, regardless of the topic being covered, and discover alternative formats like online courses and audiobooks that fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.
Get ready to make the most out of your PD and still have a well-deserved break. Tune in for some practical tips and tricks to elevate your professional development game.
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
June 06, 2024 Ep 210: Understanding the Time Commitment for CTSOs: A Guide for Secondary Teachers
Hey there, secondary teachers!
In this week's episode, I tackle the burning question about the time commitment of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) and how they fit into our already packed schedules.
I share my firsthand experience advising students in TSA and SkillsUSA, and how to strike a balance between school activities, competitions, and personal time. If you've ever wondered about the ins and outs of being a CTSO advisor while juggling multiple preps and a personal life, this is the episode for you.
Tune in as I break down the time commitments, stipends, student training, and more.
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
10 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)