This Week in Class, learned about

• rest,
• relationships,
• and resets. 

After two weeks off for the holidays, I’m reflecting on what time away really teaches you—not just about teaching, but about life. I talk about family trips (including a few roller coasters at Busch Gardens), reconnecting with people who truly want you in their life, and how to “go where you’re celebrated, not just tolerated.”

I also share how I’m approaching goal setting for the new year—with accountability, small daily actions, and a focus on deepening the relationships I already have instead of chasing new ones.

On the tech side, I dive into what happens when a hard drive fails, why I’m obsessed with network-attached storage, and how teachers (and photographers) can back up their work without losing their minds.

There’s even a quick tip for teachers who want to stay connected with their students over break—and a reminder that sometimes rest really is the work.

If you’d like to support my classroom, check out my Amazon Wishlist or email [email protected].

Every bit of support helps me create a more engaging learning space for my students.

This Week in Class, I learned about:

• free time,
• teacher spending,
• and crock-pot cocoa. 

It was the final week before the holiday break—complete with pajama day, parties, and a few valuable lessons about structure, generosity, and connection. I share how my daughter joined me as an “elf” in the classroom, what it taught me about kids who crave schedules even during “fun” days, and how a little structure can make free time feel safer for some students.

I also reflect on how teachers spend money—often in unexpected ways—from themed outfits to party supplies, and even small treats that reward effort. Is 25 cents per student a good rule of thumb for classroom incentives? Let’s talk about it!

As a new teacher and first-year teacher, I’m learning that teaching is as much about managing emotions and expectations as it is about academics. I touch on how student behavior isn’t personal, how I plan to “reset” after break with a fresh Day One mindset, and how building a positive, connected team with my fellow teachers makes the work lighter. And yes—this week even included a lesson in adult penmanship (mine!), thoughts on workplace friendships, and the sweet discovery of crock-pot cocoa.

Listen in for classroom insights, teacher reflections, and a little real talk from your friendly neighborhood second-grade teacher.

If you’d like to support my classroom, check out my Amazon Wishlist or DM to adopt my class. Every bit of support helps me create a more engaging learning space for my students.
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This Week in Class, I learned a lot about:

• signals, routines, and relationships—both with my students and with my co-workers.
• using lights and music to manage classroom behavior
• realizing I’ve officially become the “old Black man at the job,” 

it’s been another week of growth as a second grade teacher. I share the fun and joy of experiencing an in-school field trip with my students, how keeping the lights low helps create a calm environment, and why using music like James Brown’s Make It Funky brings energy and connection into the classroom.

I also talk about modeling writing for my students, the importance of clarity, and how relationships drive learning.

On a personal note, I even got my first Christmas gift from a coworker—which made me realize how special it is to be part of a supportive teaching community after so many years of working on my own.

Being a new teacher and a first year teacher means figuring it out as I go, making mistakes, and learning what really works in the classroom. Every week I discover more about how to balance structure with flexibility, and how building strong relationships makes all the difference for my students.

If you’d like to support my classroom, my Amazon wishlist is linked below. You can also adopt my class to help fund experiences and resources beyond what’s on the list. Every bit of support makes a huge difference for me and my students. 

#teaching #newteacher #firstyearteacher #secondgrade #teacherlife #classroommanagement #elementaryteacher #education #teachersofyoutube #teachercommunity

This Week in Class, I learned that the first day of school doesn’t only happen once—it’s a mindset you can return to when the classroom needs a fresh start. From anchor charts and motion-based classroom rules to gamified behavior systems, this week was all about resetting routines and reinforcing expectations. I even found a breakthrough way to teach pictographs using a metaphor they could finally understand (spoiler: it involves Mickey ears and invisible passengers).

It’s becoming clear that when students feel seen and celebrated, they try harder—and when I put the “cookies on the bottom shelf,” even my struggling learners rise to the occasion.

I also unpacked how relationship-building impacts behavior, why good days can feel suspicious when you’re new, and what to do when you’re trying to balance your attention between the loudest voices and the quiet successes. Whether you're a first-year teacher or just needing a mid-year reset, there's something here for you.

Listen in for practical tips, teacher truths, and a challenge: What’s one routine you can reset this week to shift the energy in your classroom?

📚 Want to support my class? Check out my Amazon Wishlist or DM me to adopt our classroom.
🖍️ Teachers: Drop a comment with your best class rewards or wishlist must-haves—I’m all ears. 🎧 Subscribe to “This Week in Class” wherever you listen to podcasts.
🧡 Your friendly neighborhood second grade teacher.

This week in class, I reflected on the surprising moment I was asked if I’d even be back next year. (Spoiler: yes, I will.)

As a new teacher, it's wild how much of this first-year experience looks different from the inside—and how easy it is for others to assume you’re not going to make it. But even on the hard days, I’m still here, still showing up, and still rocking second grade.

I talk about the social side of teaching too—those staff events where you’re not sure how “off the clock” you can actually be. I’m figuring out what kind of professional life I want to build, one that feels full, not just functional. And hey, I even had a full-blown teacher nightmare while I was on break (beds in the classroom?!). Apparently, the job follows you into your dreams.

If you're a first year teacher or new to the classroom, I'm right there with you. I also share how I plan to reset classroom rules after the break (don't skip this!) and how you can support my class during Giving Tuesday if you’d like to make a difference for my students.

Let me know how you're building balance in your teaching life—especially if you're navigating your first year like I am. And if you've got classroom wishlist tips or Giving Tuesday ideas, hit me up!

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts
📌 Second grade teacher | First year teacher support
💡 Subscribe & share with another new teacher who's in the thick of it too!

This Week in Class, I learned one of the most freeing lessons of my first year teaching: I’m not responsible for my students’ behavior. I can set the tone, create structure, build a culture — but at the end of the day, their choices are theirs. And honestly? That mindset shift changed everything for me.

In this episode, I talk about finally catching my footing in faculty meetings (they hit a little different when you’re used to working for yourself), the unexpected classroom hack involving sticky tack, and how I’m experimenting with a new behavioral incentive called The Compliment Wall. I also opened up about the tough side of teaching — when a student leaves unexpectedly — and how I tried to give both my students and myself some closure. Plus:

🎶 Why James Brown’s “Make It Funky” might be my new classroom theme music
✍🏾 The old-school teacher skill I’m determined to master
📝 And the gentle reminder that sometimes, it really ain’t your fault

New episodes every week! Hit follow on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Join the conversation: What’s your classroom theme song? Would you let a parent just pop into your room? And how do you handle it when a student leaves? Message me or drop a comment on socials — I’d love to hear your stories.

This Week in Class, I learned the power of patience, presence, and protecting your peace. 

It was test week, and between the stress, surprise tantrums, and a few tiny wins, I realized how much my energy shapes the room before I even speak.

In this episode, I’m sharing classroom stories, life lessons, and a reminder that even in chaos, there’s always a win to be found if you look for it.

✨ Teacher tips, real talk, and a challenge for you: how do you protect your peace when everything feels out of control?

💛 Want to support my classroom? Check out the Amazon Wishlist or DM me to adopt a classroom. Let’s make learning amazing together!

This Week in Class, I learned how moving desks can change classroom energy, how rewarding good behavior keeps students motivated, and why my class store is a game-changer.

I also opened my classroom economy, tested new incentives, and realized the power of praising the whole class—not just individuals. But teaching isn't just about lessons and rewards.

A student told me they’re moving, and I may not get a chance to say goodbye. It hit me how transient this journey can be. These kids come into our lives, we pour into them, and sometimes, they’re gone before we know it. How do you handle goodbyes in the classroom—or in life? Drop your thoughts in the comments or DM me.

Let’s learn from each other.

Want to support my classroom? Check out the Amazon Wishlist or DM to adopt a classroom. Let's make learning amazing together!

This Week in Class, I learned about:

•  making anchor charts
• connecting with students over lunch
• and why I might be starting a printer paper movement. 

But beyond that, I found myself reflecting on something deeper—why male teachers, especially Black male teachers, are so rare in early elementary school. From navigating teacher dynamics to seeing how representation impacts my students, this week gave me a lot to think about. 

Tune in as I share my experiences, lessons, and small wins from the classroom. And I want to hear from you—did you ever have a male teacher in early elementary school? What about a Black male teacher? Let’s talk about it.

This Week in Class: Week 10 - Field Trip!!!

This week in class,

• I learned the difference between a teacher workday and a professional development day (PDD)

• figured out a better way to use the paper cutter

• and went on my first field trip as a new teacher with my students! 

The PDD training emphasized the importance of building relationships with students—because if they don’t connect with you, they won’t want to learn from you. I also had a small victory in office supplies when I discovered the secret to using the paper cutter properly!

The field trip was an adventure—imagine taking a group of second graders to a nature park where they have to be quiet. Spoiler: We didn’t see many animals! But they did get hands-on with a snake, a turtle, and a baby alligator. Plus, I got some great pictures to share with parents.

This week also had me rethinking my classroom economy—should I shift from treasure box prizes to experience-based rewards? And I was reminded that if I want more positive behavior, I need to reinforce it intentionally. What are your go-to positive reinforcements? Let me know in the comments!

For those who want to support my classroom, check out the Amazon Wishlist or DM to adopt a classroom. Let’s make learning amazing together!