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

September 05, 2023 Ep 169: Creating Engaging Content for Social Media: Tips and Tricks for Promoting Your CTE Courses
Hey there, secondary teachers!
Are you tired of juggling multiple preps and struggling to promote your CTE courses?
Well, I've got you covered. In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I'm diving into the world of social media and sharing some awesome tips and tricks for creating engaging content to promote your programs.
From knowing your audience to telling compelling stories, using eye-catching visuals, and encouraging interaction, I've got the inside scoop for you.
Plus, I'll spill the beans on how to keep things bite-sized, be consistent, and even create automations to lighten your workload.
So join me and let's get those enrollment numbers up and your classes filled to the brim.
Get ready to conquer social media and take your CTE courses to the next level. Let's go!
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Hop into the Unit Planning Lab here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/augustlab/?ref=podcast
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
August 31, 2023 Ep 168: Career Exploration: Using MASH and Interest Surveys to Engage Students
Hey there, secondary teachers! Looking for fun and engaging lessons on careers?
Well, in this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, we've got you covered.
Join me as I share some exciting strategies to hook your students and get them excited about exploring different careers.
From playing the classic 90s game M.A.S.H. to using interest surveys and aptitude tests, I'll show you how to empower your students to take control of their future paths.
Plus, we'll dive into project-based learning and how it can encourage hands-on experience in their chosen careers.
Don't miss out on this episode packed with tips and tricks to make career exploration enjoyable for both you and your students.
Tune in now to thrive as a multiple prep teacher!
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Hop into the Unit Planning Lab here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/augustlab/?ref=podcast
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
Get Your M.A.S.H. Templates here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/MASH-Career-Exploration-Activity-Middle-School-and-High-School-8364607
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
August 29, 2023 Ep 167: The 8 Things You Need to Automate as a Multi-Prep Teacher
Hey there, fellow secondary teachers juggling multiple preps! Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and pressed for time?
I've got just the episode for you on The Secondary Teacher Podcast.
Join me, Khristen, as I share the 8 Things You Need to Automate as a Multi-Prep Teacher.
Learn how to save precious minutes each day by streamlining tasks like assignment collection, communication with parents and students, lesson planning, and grading and feedback.
Trust me, once you start implementing these strategies, you'll be amazed at the time and energy you'll save.
So, grab your headphones and get ready to thrive as a multi-prep teacher on The Secondary Teacher Podcast!
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Hop into the Unit Planning Lab here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/augustlab/?ref=podcast
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 24, 2023 Ep 166: How to Effectively Chunk Lessons in a Block Schedule
In today's episode, I'll answer a question from Sarah, a teacher about starting to teach 8th grade in the block schedule for the first time.
We'll dive into strategies for chunking your content and keeping those high-energy 8th graders engaged.
Trust me, I know how unique and energetic 8th graders can be.
So if you're looking for tips to reduce overwhelm, thrive as a multiple prep teacher, and teach on the block schedule, you don't want to miss this episode.
Tune in and let's tackle this challenge together!
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Reserve your spot in the Unit Planning Lab here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/unit/?ref=podcast
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 22, 2023 Ep 165: The Missing Puzzle Piece: Why Secondary Multiple Prep Teachers Need Specialized Support
Hey there, secondary multiple prep teachers!
Feeling overwhelmed trying to manage all those different courses? Well, you're not alone!
In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, join me, Khristen, as I dive into the missing puzzle piece: why secondary multiple prep teachers need specialized support.
Discover the challenges faced by teachers juggling various subjects, learn strategies to reduce overwhelm, and find out why having someone who's been there can make all the difference.
Don't miss out on this episode packed with insights and tips to help you thrive as a multiple prep teacher.
Tune in now!
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Reserve your spot in the Unit Planning Lab here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/unit/?ref=podcast
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 17, 2023 Ep 164: Finding Balance as a Secondary Teacher: Tips and Strategies for Overcoming the Challenges of Multiple Preps
In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I'm diving deep into finding balance as a multiple prep teacher.
From setting boundaries to simplifying your school day, I'll be sharing tips and strategies that will help you not only survive, but thrive in your role.
So, if you're ready to reclaim control of your schedule and prioritize your well-being, this episode is a must-listen.
Let's tackle those multiple preps together and make this school year your best one yet!
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Reserve your spot in the Unit Planning Lab here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/unit/?ref=podcast
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
- Episode 145: Planning and Preparing for a New Course
- Episode 1: Using Marie Kondo to Determine Essential Standards
- Episode 155: Four Mistakes Multiple Prep Teachers Make When Starting a New School Year
- Episode 157: The Truths About Creating Systems
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
August 15, 2023 Ep 163: Unlock Your Time: The Ultimate Solution for Overwhelmed Secondary Multiple Prep Teachers
Hey there, overwhelmed secondary multiple prep teachers!
Are you tired of drowning in a sea of lesson plans and feeling like there's never enough time in the day?
Well, you're in luck because in this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I've got the ultimate solution to unlock your time and reclaim your sanity.
In this episode, I share my personal journey and game-changing strategies that will help you find that elusive sense of balance while still being the effective and passionate educator you strive to be.
So, get ready to banish overwhelm, prioritize relationships, and leave those after-school hours behind with our practical tips and expert advice. Let's dive in and unlock your time for good!
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Reserve your spot in the Unit Planning Lab here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/unit/?ref=podcast
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
14 min
August 10, 2023 Ep 162: 3 Ways to Teach a Multi-Class Period Effectively
Are you teaching more than one class in a single class period?
I totally get it.
In this episode, I share my own struggles as a new teacher and offer strategies to help you survive and thrive when teaching multiple subjects in one class period.
Join me as I discuss integrating different subjects, using AI tools, creating rotation schedules, and focusing on depth rather than breadth.
Let's tackle this challenge together and prioritize what really matters. So grab your favorite snack, put on your teacher hat, and let's dive in!
Let's make this school year a success.
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Reserve your spot in the Unit Planning Lab here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/unit/?ref=podcast
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, 2023 Ep 161: How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed with this Simple Trick: Applying Manufacturing Methods to the Classroom
Hey there, secondary teachers with a million preps!
I've got a simple trick that will help you tackle the chaos and find your sanity again.
Join me in this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast as I reveal how to apply manufacturing methods to your classroom and stop feeling overwhelmed. We'll explore the concept of Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and how it can revolutionize your approach to assessment.
Plus, I'll share tips on using the lean 4S system to streamline your classroom management.
So, hit play, and let's simplify and take control of your teaching life together!
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Reserve your spot in the Unit Planning Lab here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/unit/?ref=podcast
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 03, 2023 Ep 160: Creating Student Interest in CTSOs: Tips for New Advisers
Hey there, fellow secondary teachers!
On this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I'm sharing some awesome tips on how to make Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) a hit at your school.
Whether you're a first-time CTSO adviser or looking to revamp your current club, join me as I spill the secrets to getting students excited and involved.
I'll be answering a question from Toni, who wants to know how to promote and generate interest in her newly formed CTSO.
From setting boundaries and finding the perfect meeting time to creating a sense of belonging and organizing engaging activities, we'll cover it all.
So, grab your headphones and get ready to take your CTSO to the next level!
Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Reserve your spot in the Unit Planning Lab here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/unit/?ref=podcast
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

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)