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 01, 2023 Ep 159: Maximizing Efficiency: Quick Wins to Boost Results for Secondary Teachers
Hey there, secondary teachers!
Feeling overwhelmed with all your multiple preps? I've got you covered.
In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, we dive into quick wins and time-saving strategies that will get you better results in no time.
Join me, Khristen, as I explore the key difference between motivation and momentum, and how templates and reusable resources can help build that crucial momentum to breeze through tasks.
We'll discuss how to create your own templates, or even purchase top-notch ones from Teachers Pay Teachers. I'll also share my top 5 selling resources that you can start using right away.
Get ready to save time, boost efficiency, and tackle your teaching like a pro.
Let's make those quick wins count!
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
July 27, 2023 Ep 158: Rethinking Motivation: How to Inspire Students to Excel
Hey there, fellow secondary teachers with multiple preps!
In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, we're diving into the topic of helping students ace those pesky skills tests.
You know, the ones that don't seem to hold much weight for students?
We've got tips and strategies to motivate them to take these tests seriously and actually succeed. From creating a brag wall to celebrating achievements, we've got you covered.
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
July 25, 2023 Ep 157: 3 Truths About Creating Systems for Multi-Prep Secondary Teachers
In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I'm going to share with you three truths about creating systems that will help you stay organized and sane throughout the school year.
From simple strategies that take only minutes to maintain to collaborating with colleagues for shared systems, we'll cover it all.
So, grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and get ready for some game-changing tips that will revolutionize how you approach your multiple preps. Trust me, you won't want to miss this!
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
July 20, 2023 Ep 156: Career Exploration Made Easy: Expert Tips for Teaching a High School Careers Class
Is one of your preps a career exploration class?
In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, join me, as I spill the beans on my love-hate relationship with teaching a careers class and provide some amazing strategies to help you ace it too.
From age-appropriate curriculum to state standards, we've got you covered!
So grab your headphones and get ready to level up your teaching game with this episode specially designed for middle and high school teachers with multiple preps.
Don't forget to share it with your teaching pals who are teaching careers classes too! Let's conquer those preps together!
Workforce Solutions Curriculum: https://www.wrksolutions.com/for-individuals/career-exploration/when-i-grow-up/high-school-grades-9-12
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 18, 2023 Ep 155: 4 Mistakes that Multiple Prep Teachers Make When Preparing for a New School Year
Are you ready to kick off the new school year with confidence?
Well, you're in luck because, in this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, we're diving into four common mistakes that we tend to make when preparing for a new school year.
Trust me, I've been there, and I've made these blunders too. But fear not! I'm here to share some practical tips and strategies to help you avoid these missteps and make the most out of your school day.
So grab your favorite beverage, put on your comfy teacher shoes, and get ready to conquer the new school year like a pro.
Don't forget to share this episode on your Instagram stories to spread the knowledge to other busy teachers like us. Let's do this!
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 13, 2023 Ep 154: 5 Things You Need to Know When Switching to Standards-Based Grading
Hey there, fellow secondary teachers! Khristen here, your go-to host for all things related to surviving and thriving in the awesome chaos of teaching multiple subjects.
In this episode, I dive into the sticky situation of grading in a traditional way vs. exploring alternative methods.
Join me as I share my own experiences with implementing standards-based grading and how it can revolutionize the way we assess our students' progress.
Discover practical tips on creating rubrics, helping students track their own growth, and even navigating the sometimes-tricky conversation with parents.
Plus, I'll be answering Taylor's question on motivating students in a standards-based grading system.
Don't miss out on this juicy discussion that will transform the way you approach grading in your classroom. Stay tuned, friends!
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 1 on Essential Standards: https://khristenmassic.com/episode1/
Episode 54 on Rubrics: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/96056969-1045-4666-8c37-562cfc58aff2
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
18 min
July 11, 2023 Ep 153: Balancing Teaching and Family: Day in the Life Of Our Teacher Family
Hey there, secondary teachers! Need some tips on how to balance work and family life?
Well, you're in luck because on today's episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I'm sharing our family's schedule and how we use simple routines to allow us time to focus on important relationships outside of school and work.
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
Kids Health Information on Children's Sleep: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep.html#:~:text=infants%20(0%E2%80%933%20months)%3A,10%E2%80%9313%20hours%2C%20including%20naps
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 06, 2023 Ep 152: Helping Students Organize Themselves in the Secondary Classroom
Hey there, teachers!
In this week's episode, we're diving into a topic near and dear to our hearts: helping our students get organized.
As middle and high school teachers with multiple preps, we know how challenging it can be to keep everything running smoothly. That's why we're here to share some game-changing tips on getting your students organized in the secondary classroom.
From going digital to using composition notebooks, creating a system with folders, and even having an agenda on the board, we've got you covered.
So grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's dive into the world of student organization 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
10 min
July 04, 2023 151: Student Empowerment: One Easy Strategy to Conquer Classroom Management
Hey there, fellow secondary multiple prep teachers!
Are you ready to conquer classroom management and empower your students?
Well, look no further because in this week's episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I've got a game-changing strategy just for you.
We're diving into the power of giving your students choices in the classroom. Research-backed and proven effective, this one easy strategy will not only boost your students' motivation and engagement but also minimize behavior issues.
I'll walk you through practical examples of the choices you can offer and share some dos and don'ts to ensure success.
Trust me, you don't want to miss this episode! So, grab your earbuds and get ready to transform your classroom. Let's do this!
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:
Patall, E. A., Cooper, H., & Robinson, J. C. (2008). The effects of choice on intrinsic motivation and related outcomes: A meta-analysis of research findings. Psychological Bulletin, 134(2), 270–300. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.134.2.270
https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2000_RyanDeci_SDT.pdf
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
June 29, 2023 Ep 150: 5 Must-Have Classroom Organization Essentials for Secondary Teacher Success
Hey there, secondary teachers! Are you ready to conquer the chaos and transform your classroom into an organized oasis?
Well, you're in luck, because on this week's episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I'll be sharing the 5 must-have classroom organization essentials for your success.
From establishing routines and procedures to maximizing space with vertical storage, I've got you covered.
We'll dive into the world of clear storage bins, catch-all baskets, student supply caddies, and even a cell phone charging station to keep those distracted minds focused.
So whether you're a veteran teacher getting ready for another busy year or a newbie trying to tame the clutter, grab your earbuds and join me as we revolutionize organizational strategies for multiple-prep teachers. Let's get that classroom in tip-top shape!
Get Your Classroom Procedures and Routines Planner Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Procedures-and-Routines-Planner-Middle-School-and-High-School-8417054
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

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)