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

June 27, 2023 Ep 149: Top 10 Tips for Teachers: Lessons Learned from Using an LMS for Over a Decade
If you're a teacher who's been struggling to make the most of your Learning Management System (LMS), or maybe you're trying to prepare your digital classroom for the upcoming school year, then you're in the right place!
In this episode, I'm sharing my top 10 tips for using an LMS effectively, based on over a decade of experience using an LMS in my high school classroom.
As a multiple prep teacher myself, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to stay on top of everything, but with the right strategies, systems, and tools, you can maximize your impact and keep your students engaged, no matter what subject you're teaching.
Trust me, these tips are a game-changer and will help you thrive as a teacher. So, tune in and let's get started!
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
June 22, 2023 Ep 148: What to Buy to Conquer the Chaos and Find Small Equipment Bliss
Are you ready to conquer the chaos in your stockroom and find small equipment bliss?
In this episode of the Secondary Teacher Podcast, we're tackling a question from a listener about organizing a stockroom they "inherited" from another teacher.
If you've ever found yourself in a similar situation, fret not! I'll be sharing my top tips for organizing your stockroom, including setting intentions, embracing clear bins and drawers, and using foolproof labeling techniques.
Join me as we transform your stockroom into a well-organized haven, making finding and storing small equipment a breeze. Tune in now and let's conquer the chaos together!
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
Set In Order Your Classroom Mini-Course: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/set-in-order-your-classroom-mini-course/
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, 2023 Ep 147: 3 Unexpected Challenges of Being a Teacher Mom and How to Overcome Them
Calling all teacher-moms!
Join me in this episode as we tackle the unexpected challenges of balancing your teaching career and motherhood.
From transitioning to summer break to juggling professional development and finding work-life balance, we'll explore practical strategies to overcome these hurdles.
Discover how to create a daily schedule that brings structure to your summer days, navigate PD days without childcare worries, and find harmony between planning and enjoying your time with your little ones.
Let's conquer the world of teacher-momhood together!
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 134: https://khristenmassic.com/summer-planning/
Episode 143: https://khristenmassic.com/making-the-most-of-online-learning/
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 15, 2023 Ep 146: Maximizing Efficiency: How to Unleash the Power of Batching in Your Weekly Routine
Ever wish you had a superpower that could multiply your efficiency and save you precious time?
Well, get ready to unleash the incredible power of batching in your weekly routine! In this episode of the Secondary Teacher Podcast, we dive deep into the art of batching and how it can revolutionize your teaching game.
Join us as we share practical tips, personal experiences, and expert insights on maximizing efficiency. Say goodbye to endless task-switching and hello to streamlined productivity. Don't miss out on this game-changing episode - tune in now and discover the secret to mastering your weekly routine with the power of batching!
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
Unlock 20 time-saving strategies designed to keep your students engaged and your sanity intact with the free Simple Teaching Strategies Toolkit. Each strategy comes with detailed instructions, objectives, and a materials list, all editable in a convenient Google Doc. https://khristenmassic.com/toolbox
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 13, 2023 Ep 145: Planning and Preparing to Teach a New Course: Simplifying the Process
Hey there, secondary teachers! Are you gearing up to teach a brand new course next year? Exciting, right? But we all know it can be overwhelming too. That's why you need to listen to our latest episode, "Planning and Preparing to Teach a New Course: Simplifying the Process."
As a multiple prep teacher, I've been in your shoes, juggling ever-changing industries, new technology, and the desire to stay full-time. In this episode, I'll share practical tips that will help you plan and prepare for that shiny new adventure without sacrificing your entire summer.
Discover how to tap into existing curriculum resources, create a comprehensive course map, and find a supportive teaching community to lean on. Plus, I'll reveal secrets to maintaining your sanity while teaching a new course. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one!
Join me as we navigate the exciting world of teaching new courses together. Tune in to the Secondary Teacher Podcast now!
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
Unlock 20 time-saving strategies designed to keep your students engaged and your sanity intact with the free Simple Teaching Strategies Toolkit. Each strategy comes with detailed instructions, objectives, and a materials list, all editable in a convenient Google Doc. https://khristenmassic.com/toolbox
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
June 08, 2023 Ep 144: Mentor's Picks: Current and Awesome Resources for Secondary Teaching
Ready to take your teaching game to the next level?
In this episode, I dive into the goldmine of "Never Work Harder than Your Students" by Dr. Robyn Jackson, a game-changing book that reveals timeless teaching principles and strategies.
Discover the power of "Learning by Doing" by Richard DeFour (et. al), where you'll unlock the secrets to effective professional learning communities and ensure every student's success.
Get ready to be inspired by the groundbreaking insights of Dr. Jody Carrington and Laurie McIntosh in "Teachers These Days," where they tackle the challenges of building connections and handling difficult behaviors in the classroom.
And for all you new teachers out there, I've got you covered too!
Explore "Get Better Faster" by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo, your ultimate guide to skyrocketing your growth and becoming a master educator in no time.
Don't miss out on these incredible resources that have the potential to transform your teaching journey.
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
Unlock 20 time-saving strategies designed to keep your students engaged and your sanity intact with the free Simple Teaching Strategies Toolkit. Each strategy comes with detailed instructions, objectives, and a materials list, all editable in a convenient Google Doc. https://khristenmassic.com/toolbox
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
June 06, 2023 Ep 143: Professional Development 2.0: Making the Most of Online Learning
Are you a secondary teacher juggling multiple subjects?
Looking for ways to enhance your professional growth while managing your busy schedule? Look no further!
In this episode, we dive into the world of online professional development tailored specifically for multiple prep teachers like you. Discover the benefits of flexible learning, personalized resources, and collaborative opportunities.
Join us as we share recommendations for reputable online courses, podcasts, and a teacher-created platform called PopPD.
Get ready to level up your teaching game and unlock new possibilities for your teaching journey.
Listen or Read about Episode 134 Here: https://khristenmassic.com/summer-planning/
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
Unlock 20 time-saving strategies designed to keep your students engaged and your sanity intact with the free Simple Teaching Strategies Toolkit. Each strategy comes with detailed instructions, objectives, and a materials list, all editable in a convenient Google Doc. https://khristenmassic.com/toolbox
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
June 01, 2023 Ep 142: From Mystery to Magnet: Attracting Students to an Unknown Course
"How do you recruit students for a class that they have no idea what it is (neither does the administration)?"
In this episode, we dive into a pressing question from Kylie, a health sciences teacher faced with the challenge of recruiting students for a new biomedical technology course.
Join us as we share effective strategies and actionable advice to increase student enrollment in CTE classes. Discover how to create community awareness, engage administrators and counselors, and leverage targeted invitations.
Tune in to unleash your recruiting potential and make a lasting impact on your CTE program.
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you.
Join the Unit Planning Lab Waitlist here: https://khristenmassic.kit.com/2d1289fa68
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
Unlock 20 time-saving strategies designed to keep your students engaged and your sanity intact with the free Simple Teaching Strategies Toolkit. Each strategy comes with detailed instructions, objectives, and a materials list, all editable in a convenient Google Doc. https://khristenmassic.com/toolbox
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
May 30, 2023 Ep 141: 4 Steps for Setting Intentions for Personal and Professional Growth as a Teacher
In this episode, we'll uncover the secrets of a successful summer and how setting intentions can transform your growth as an educator. Join us as we explore practical strategies to set effective goals, avoid overwhelm, and create a unified life that seamlessly blends your summer and school year experiences.
Discover the power of backward design and the "ideal day" strategy to envision your desired life at the end of the summer. Learn how to set SMARTER goals with real-life examples tailored for your teaching journey. We'll guide you through the essential steps of writing down your goals, reviewing them frequently, and breaking them into manageable steps.
Get ready to recharge, develop new habits, and carry forward your ideal career life into the next school year. Tune in and make the most of your summer break! Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with your fellow teacher friends. Let's all embrace personal and professional growth together.
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you.
Join the Unit Planning Lab Waitlist here: https://khristenmassic.kit.com/2d1289fa68
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
Unlock 20 time-saving strategies designed to keep your students engaged and your sanity intact with the free Simple Teaching Strategies Toolkit. Each strategy comes with detailed instructions, objectives, and a materials list, all editable in a convenient Google Doc. https://khristenmassic.com/toolbox
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
May 23, 2023 Ep 140: 5 Things To Do Before Summer Break that You'll Thank Yourself for Next School Year
Are you ready to kickstart an amazing school year (before summer begins)? I know, I know, it sounds too good to be true. But trust me, I've got some game-changing tips that will make your upcoming year a breeze. In this episode, we're diving deep into five essential tasks you must tackle before summer break. And here's the best part: they'll save you from the dreaded back-to-school chaos.
So, if you're ready to conquer the upcoming year like a pro, tune in to Episode 140. Get ready to say goodbye to the back-to-school stress and hello to a seamless, exhilarating school year. Trust me, you won't want to miss it. Join me on this exciting journey, and let's make the next school year your best one yet!
Get Plan Out Your Course Blueprint here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/plan-out-blueprint/
Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you.
Join the Unit Planning Lab Waitlist here: https://khristenmassic.kit.com/2d1289fa68
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
Unlock 20 time-saving strategies designed to keep your students engaged and your sanity intact with the free Simple Teaching Strategies Toolkit. Each strategy comes with detailed instructions, objectives, and a materials list, all editable in a convenient Google Doc. https://khristenmassic.com/toolbox
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)