Shows
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast41. How I Manage Panic Attacks and Anxiety as a TeacherOne of the greatest challenges of my teaching career and personal life has been learning to manage my panic attacks and anxiety. Teaching is an anxiety-inducing profession, and unchecked stress from the classroom can contribute to teacher burnout. In this season where teachers are continuously overworked and overwhelmed, taking care of your mental health is of the utmost importance. For this final episode of season four, I discuss my own journey with panic attacks and an anxiety disorder, along with how I have learned to manage as a classroom teacher for over 20 years.Get your copy of
2025-12-1421 min
Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management89 | Why Teacher Burnout Isn’t Your Fault (and What’s Actually Causing It) Interview with Erin SponaugleLet’s be honest—burnout is real, and it’s affecting amazing teachers like you every single day. In this episode, I sit down with Erin Sponaugle, a 23-year teaching veteran and author of the book Teachaholic to talk about why burnout happens… and why it’s not your fault.
We chat about what’s draining your energy in the classroom (spoiler: it’s not just the kids), what’s missing from most PD, and how to start building real boundaries that protect your creativity and well-being. This one’s full of heart, truth, and a whole lot of encourageme...
2025-12-0934 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast40. Help for When Colleagues Are Upset You Say No and Set Teacher BoundariesNot everyone is going to be thrilled when you start setting boundaries as a teacher, even if your goal is to avoid burnout. Colleagues may feel hurt or disappointed that you don't take on the extra tasks you have in the past, or that you are prioritizing other things over the classroom. This upset can make you feel as if you are in the wrong or as if you need to go back to how things were when you were doing it all. Listen to this episode for the seven things to keep in mind when coworkers aren't happy a...
2025-12-0725 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast39. Finding Joy and Teaching Creatively with a Scripted Curriculum - An Interview with Elizabeth PetersonScripted curricula and strict adherence to teaching standards can threaten to destroy your love for teaching. How can teachers combat the loss of teacher autonomy and freedom to be creative in their lesson planning when they're handed a scripted curriculum? Elizabeth Peterson of The Inspired Classroom shares in this interview how teachers can infuse their classrooms with joy, social-emotional learning, and creativity, even when they're expected to teach from a script. Listen to this inspiring conversation and learn more about Elizabeth's SEAL program to bring more creativity into classrooms and schools.
2025-11-3045 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast38. Childless Teacher: How to Avoid Burnout When You Have No Kids of Your OwnSometimes, when you're a childless teacher, you're more prone to burnout. When you don't have kids of your own to go home to at the end of the day, it can be easy to take on more classroom and school responsibilities to fill the void. If you have ever felt less than or not enough because you aren't a parent, you'll want to listen to this episode. It's very personal to me and has been part of my journey out of teacher burnout. Get your copy of Teachaholic: The 7-Day MindSET Shift to Conquer Burnout, Build L...
2025-11-1618 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast37. Students Keep Saying "6 7?" How to Deal with Disruptive and Repetitive Noises in the ClassroomAre you tired of hearing your students say "6 7," "sigma," or any other random phrases or noises that disrupt your classroom? This year, it seems the repetitive, disruptive noises from students are at an all-time high. Spurred by what's trending on social media, these seemingly harmless fads tend to distract our students from learning - and wear on our teacher patience. In this episode, we'll discuss why students keep saying and doing these trends (trust me - it's not the first or the last) and how we can combat their impact on student learning. Are the d...
2025-11-0920 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast36. Staying Well: How Teachers Can Avoid Getting Sick During Cold and Flu SeasonAre you sick all the time once the school year starts, and your students start passing around illnesses? Cold and flu season is here, and it's more important than ever for teachers and students to stay well. What do you do when you are surrounded by germs all day? Listen to this episode for some strategies for avoiding illnesses, even when your classroom feels like germ central. You and your students deserve to stay healthy - listen to find out the easy things you can do today to protect yourself and stay well.Teacher wellness isn't just...
2025-11-0222 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast35. Ways to Keep Student Behavior from Getting Out of Control During the HolidaysNothing will cause teacher burnout faster than a classroom full of kids whose visions of candy bars and Halloween costumes dance in their heads. It can be a recipe for crazy, out-of-control student behavior when the holidays hit your classroom, but that doesn't mean it has to descend into sugar-infested chaos. Whether it's pumpkin season or your classroom is ready to jingle all the way, I'll discuss how to keep calm and maintain control so you can keep teaching and NOT lose your sanity before student behavior gets worse faster than you can eat a...
2025-10-2627 min
Panhandle News Network - WEPM/WCSTPanhandle Live! 10-20-25Erin Sponaugle, former WV Teacher of the YearBuild Up Berkeley FinalistsDon & Katy Dove
2025-10-2141 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast34. How to Make Parent-Teacher Conferences SuccessfulIt's time for parent-teacher conferences - are you ready to communicate with your students' caregivers about what they need to be successful in the classroom? A parent-teacher conference is an opportunity for you to start a line of communication between home and school. Parents and caregivers need to hear from you to know how their child is progressing - but it's important that all parties feel safe (emotionally and physically) and respected. In this episode, we'll talk about how to make the best use of your time, keep the conference productive, and how t...
2025-10-1921 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast33. This is The #1 Thing That Will Destroy Your Love for Teaching!Don't love teaching anymore? The stress and demands of the classroom can lead any overworked teacher down the road to burnout. In this episode, we not only celebrate that Teachaholic: The 7-Day MindSET Shift to Conquer Burnout, Set Life-Changing Boundaries, and Reignite Your Love for Teaching is a #1 BEST SELLER (!!!), but we also dive into the #1 thing that will destroy your love for teaching and the desire to stay in the classroom. Once we name what that is, you'll be able to start thinking about how your mindset and boundaries contribute to how we feel about teaching - and ho...
2025-10-1216 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast32. Do You Need to Quit Teaching or Are You a Teachaholic?If you have ever thought to yourself, "Should I quit teaching?" you want to listen to this episode on dealing with the expectations, overwhelm, and disillusionment that lead teachers down the path to burnout. While leaving the teaching profession may seem like the only answer to not staying up late grading, dealing with a broken system, and wrangling the student behavior choices that abound as the school year gets underway, changing how you think and manage your time can have a greater impact on your health and happiness than writing that resignation letter. The greatest changes in education will...
2025-10-0519 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast31. Teaching When Your Life is in Crisis - What to DoIt's hard enough to prevent teacher burnout and overwhelm with the "normal" daily events of the classroom, but teaching when you're experiencing a medical or personal crisis - that's an entirely different experience. Teaching when your life is falling apart, like a soft-shell taco, is enough to make anyone feel hopeless and incompetent. In this episode, you'll get five quick reminders about giving yourself grace, prioritizing what matters, and making decisions when your life is in turmoil - and you've got a classroom full of kids that need your time and attention.Teaching when your personal life...
2025-09-2815 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast30. How to Tell If You're a Teacher Who Needs to Set BoundariesDo you feel like school and teaching just take over your life from August to May? Are you already feeling overwhelmed this school year, even though it's just getting started? It may be time for some boundaries. If you can check yes to any of these things mentioned in this episode, it may be time to stop and set some rules for yourself for where the school day ends and your personal life begins.If you feel like this episode was like someone peeking over your shoulder into your life, there's still hope. Coming October 8: Teachaholic: The 7...
2025-09-2116 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast29. Five Signs You're Headed for Teacher BurnoutTeacher burnout is for real. With the high expectations on teachers and the teacher shortage, the stress that teachers experience daily is the fast track to burnout. In this episode, we will cover the five signs that signal you are headed for burnout - but there is hope. We as teachers are capable of not only overcoming burnout, but living lives where we don't have to feel downtrodden and empty at the end of the day.Coming October 8: Teachaholic: The 7-Day MindSET Shift to Conquer Burnout, Build Life-Changing Boundaries, and Reignite Your Love for Teaching will be...
2025-09-1418 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast28. Real Talk for Exhausted Teachers During the HolidaysAre you a teacher that's so tired and drained from teaching and life in general that you can't get into the holiday spirit? Teaching during the holidays is its own kind of exhausting. The most wonderful time of the year can be especially stressful for teachers when you're also dealing with emotions and stress that many people deal with this time of year. As we end season three of the Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast, let's recognize that as teachers, we're also people try to navigate life while giving our time and energy to helping kids learn and become...
2023-12-2714 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast27. Managing Disruptive Classroom Behaviors During Holidays and Before BreaksIf the students in your classroom are getting too loud, too impulsive, and more than a little out of control, you don't want to miss this episode! Student behaviors that make it more difficult for you to teach can make you want to quit teaching - but you have what it takes to teach students the expectations for your classroom. Disruptive behaviors tend to ramp up around the holidays and right before school breaks - that doesn't mean you have to accept the chaos! In this show, I'll give you three solutions to issues you may be having with be...
2023-11-2420 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast26. How to Quit Being a People Pleasing TeacherAre you a people pleaser? Teachers are often put in a position where they feel they aren't "good" or a team player if they don't try to agree to everyone's request. The trouble is, people pleasing is a sure way to end up in teacher burnout mode. You won't be happy, and you won't have the resources to do your best in the classroom. In this episode, I'll go into why we people please as teachers, how to stop people pleasing, and what to do instead of being a people pleasing teacher. # 13 How to Say "No"#5...
2023-09-2417 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast25. How I Deal With Teacher Tired and ExhaustionIf you're an exhausted teacher, this episode is for you. Teachers often feel tired as they begin a new school year, and the fatigue often impacts their lives outside of the classroom and their health. While we can't change everything in the classroom environment that causes teacher tired, there are way to reduce decision fatigue and prioritize rest when you're exhausted. Listen to find out simple ways to prepare for a busy teaching season. Episodes mentioned in this show that can help you overcome teacher exhaustion:Ways To Say "No" as a TeacherHow I...
2023-09-0324 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast24. A Message for Overwhelmed Teachers Before the First Day of SchoolAre you a teacher feeling overwhelmed and stressed out as you head back to school? This is a short message that you can listen to as you head back to your classroom on your first day of school. Things have to change if we are going to attract and retain teachers. While we can't control outside forces, we can work on regulating ourselves and managing our time spent on classroom tasks. Teachers deserve to feel loved and supported, so they can do the important work of educating their students the best they can.
2023-08-2011 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast23. What Should I Do for Back to School Night?Back to School Night (or Meet the Teacher Night...or Open House) is the first BIG event of the new school year...but it can leave teachers stressed and overwhelmed as they set up their classrooms and prepare for the new school year. What should you focus on for back to school night, and what can you let go by the wayside for now? Find out in this podcast episode what the essentials are for meeting your students and their parents for the first time. Make a good impression...
2023-08-1233 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast22. Classroom Setup Ideas That Have Stood the Test of TimeAre you ready to set up your classroom for back to school. It can fill any teacher with overwhelm when trying to unpack your classroom and get reading for a new school year. In this podcast, you'll learn how to arrange and organize your classroom to minimize chaos and disruptions and maximize time spent learning. This real teacher talk episode will prepare you for a smooth start to a new school year. Get your copy of Teachaholic: The 7-Day MindSET Shift to Conquer Burnout, Build Life-Changing Boundaries, and Reignite Your Love for Teaching at www.e...
2023-08-0516 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast21. How I Manage Student Behaviors with Three Simple StatementsDo you want to manage student behaviors effectively and with fewer disruptions? Learn three simple but powerful statements to make a part of your behavior management plan in your elementary classroom this school year. Back to school is the time to begin establishing how students should self regulate and interact with their peers, These statements will help you redirect your students and model for them the behaviors you want to see from them when they are dealing with their feelings and handling disagreements with their classmates. Get your copy of Teachaholic: The 7-Day MindSET Shift to C...
2023-07-2914 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast20. Classroom Management Strategies for Back to School SuccessEffective classroom management is the basis for establishing the rules, routines, and expectations when you head back to school. What are the keys for teachers to create success for all classroom management strategies? In this podcast, you'll learn how to use presence, procedures, and practice to establish the foundation for the behaviors and actions you want to see from your students. You'll also learn about how you can use The Great 88: Rules, Routines, and Expectations to Go Over and Over in your classroom as head back to school. This show is geared towards upper elementary, but other grade level t...
2023-07-2316 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast19. Five Things Teachers DON'T Need for Back to SchoolAre you ready to set up your classroom for back to school? Many people and influencers will tell you all the things you need to get your classroom ready for the first day, but what about the things you DON'T need to be a successful teacher or a successful school year? In this episode, I'm sharing the five things you can take off your checklist for your classroom set up and back to school shopping. You'll learn what you can skip and what to focus on instead so you can use your energy to have an effective classroom and...
2023-07-1520 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast18. How To Use ChatGPT as a TeacherWe’re going to talk about ChatGPT, a form of artificial intelligence you have probably heard about over the past year - what it is, what it means for classrooms, and how you can harness its abilities to assist with the things you do as a teacher. You don't want to miss this episode - it could save you time in the upcoming school year and allow you to create countless resources for your students! Ready to get started with using ChatGPT as a teacher? Using new technology can feel intimidating at first, but I've got something th...
2023-07-0521 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast17. How Teachers Can Cut Down on Grading TimeGrading papers and projects, assessing students in general takes a lot of time and energy. It is the “side hustle” if you will of being a teacher - you teach the kids when they are in your presence, and then, often after they have gone for the day or for your planning, you are left the task of reviewing and providing feedback on their work. How can teachers cut down on time spent grading? Listen to this episode to learn 3 ways you can streamline the grading process and use your time most efficiently.For more resou...
2023-06-2211 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast16. These Five Changes Kept Me from Quitting TeachingThis school year may be an even more difficult one for you than the previous year. While it may feel as if the most emotional and physically safe thing to do for your well being is to quit, often that is not an immediate option. Over the past nearly two decades, I have had to shift and adjust my beliefs and practices to stay in the classroom. In this podcast episode, you'll learn five of the things I have had to do over the years to remain in the classroom and have time to take care of myself and...
2021-11-2413 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast15. Are You Tired of the Pandemic or Tired of Teaching?For the last episode of Season 1, we are going to talk about if the events of this year are enough to leave teaching. Is it time to quit teaching. - or do you need to go into recovery mode from teaching in a pandemic (or both)? Find out the questions you need to be asking yourself this summer in this episode. Join the Monday Message community and receive helping resources and encouragement over the Summer while the podcast in on hiatus!There's still time to download a copy of my ebook The Thrive Guide - Be...
2021-06-0913 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast14. Teachers and Mental Health: An Interview with Wilson HarveyHas this school year left you feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed by the constant changes and unreasonable demands? May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In this episode I interview Wilson Harvey, a high school social emotional learning specialist. You'll learn about the difference between mental health and mental illness, what you should do this summer for your emotional well-being, the impact of isolation, and reestablishing your self worth. If you or someone you know needs immediate help:National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255suicidepreventionlifeline.org Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services A...
2021-05-1655 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast13. Saying "No" is the Most Powerful Way to Set BoundariesOne of the most important things you can do to set boundaries is say "no" to the things that are causing you overwhelm and preventing you from taking care of yourself and your family after school. In this episode, you'll learn why it's important to stop being a yes machine, the big three factors that cause teacher guilt, and what to expect when you start setting boundaries by not accepting every task that comes your way. Click here to get ten ways to say "no" in your written and verbal responses. Make sure you are...
2021-05-0116 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast12. Three Tips for End of the School Year SuccessAfter a year of ups and downs, you and your students deserve to finish the school year on a high note - with as little chaos as possible. What tips can teachers follow to reduce stress a the end of the school year? You'll learn three tips in this episode that you can apply immediately that will make you feel less overwhelmed and happier at school in these last few months before summer break. This episode is a glimpse of the advice you can receive when you become a part of the Monday Message community. Re...
2021-04-2311 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast11. Grant Writing Tips for Teachers, Part 2Learn more about how teachers can write grants that get funded so you can provide the resources and learning environment you want for your students. Make sure you listen to episode ten to learn about tips one through six! You can read about tips 7-9 here and tips 10-12 here. Join the Monday Message community for weekly inspiration, resources, and teaching tips delivered to your inbox. Are you a new teacher? Download The Thrive Guide, a free ebook to help you navigate setting up a classroom and creating systems that will help you succeed.
2021-04-1412 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast10. Grant Writing Tips for Teachers, Part 1Are you a teacher looking ways to fund resources and projects for your classroom, without having it come out of your paycheck? Writing grants is a skill that will help you provide projects for impactful learning experiences - as well as meet the basic learning needs of your students. In this episode, you'll learn six grant writing tips for creating proposals that get funded and develop school business partnerships. Click here to make a Donor Choose account and here to see more grants on GetEdFunding. Want to read the blog posts that go along with these...
2021-04-0618 min
So You Want to Teach with Technology?Online Organization Tips with Erin SponaugleJoin me and Erin Sponaugle as we discuss the challenges of online organization as well as strategies and tools on how to keep yourself organized online. Whether you are looking to start building new organization habits from scratch or looking to tweak your existing organization strategies, Erin has suggestions and tech tips for you!
Website: https://2teachwithtech.wixsite.com/mysite
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2teachwithtech
Twitter: https://twitter.com/2teachwithtech
Instagram: www.instagram.com/2teachwithtech/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6yA3YUFoARFxfDvLFX-RTQ
Music:
2021-03-2932 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast9. Self Care Strategies to Revolutionize the Teaching ProfessionSelf care is more than taking the night off when you're on the brink of burn out. The idea of self care needs to be redefined for teachers if the profession is to thrive. In this episode, you will learn about the Inverted Pyramid of Self Care Redefined. Looking at how you care for yourself in a sea of overwhelming demands is the first step in improving and protecting your well-being and health. For more encouragement and teaching strategies delivered weekly to your inbox, get the Monday Message here. Download your free ebook on beginning a teaching...
2021-03-1413 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast8. Overcoming Online Fatigue: An Interview with Megan BrownTeaching online - either full-time or in a hybrid model - has left many teachers feeling drained, anxious, and isolated. Zoom fatigue, also known as online fatigue, is for real. What are some strategies for overcoming online fatigue so you can feel less overwhelmed and reduce your screen time? Megan Brown, teacher and host of the podcast "So You Want to Teach with Technology" shares how she has worked to find balance teaching remotely this school year. Follow Megan on Instagram and Facebook @2teachwithtech and read her blog at https://2teachwithtech.wixsite.com/mysite.
2021-02-1533 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast7. Strategies for Improving Parent Teacher CommunicationDoes communicating to parents about student expectations leave you stressed and overwhelmed? After listening to this episode, you'll understand how to improve your parent teacher communication through setting boundaries, protecting yourself emotionally, and using a framework for effective responses to classroom issues. Don't miss this important episode!Want a dose of encouragement and strategies before you head out the door to school each week? Make sure you sign up for the Monday Message!Get my free ebook on beginning a teaching career in the time of COVID, The Thrive Guide, today!For more e...
2021-01-2929 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast6. How to Create a Trauma Sensitive Classroom EnvironmentTeachers are indeed affected by the insanity of this year and last, but we’re wired at this stage of our lives to respond and recover from it. A child who’s physically and psychologically growing and processing the unrest in this world right now - that’s a different story. Their ability to make sense of the trauma - the impact of distressing, dangerous events - requires a greater level of concern and care. In this episode, you will learn five ways to to create a trauma sensitive classroom environment starting today - even if the only contact you have...
2021-01-1316 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast5. How to Set Goals and Boundaries for the New YearIn the previous episode, I discussed the disillusionment stage of teaching, where many of you are finding yourselves right now - completely taken aback by how this year is unfolding. And I shared a strategy - the 5S strategy - for surviving disillusionment. In this episode we’re going to jump into how to strategize so you can set goals or boundaries for the new year - even if the future is uncertain and you’re not sure what teaching will look like when you return for the second semester. You can download a workbook to help you plan your...
2020-12-1917 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast4. How to Survive the Disillusionment Phase of TeachingThe disillusionment phase of teaching is when reality sets in and the stress, fatigue, and expectations threaten to throw you off course. We cycle through it every year as teachers, especially in your first years of teaching. It usually hits right around the holiday season, when the newness of the school year is long gone, student attention is diverted to the excitement and festivities of the season, and nothing seems to be as you thought it would be back at the beginning of the school year. It’s a recipe for despair, especially with the added turmoil of a pa...
2020-11-3020 min
Everything Kid's BooksInterview with Children's Author Erin SponaugleIn this episode I conduct an interview with children's author Erin Sponaugle to discuss her book The Adventures of Berkeley the Bear and her future books.
2020-11-0217 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast3. Is Your Social Media Feed Making You S.I.C.K.? We’re talking about social media and how it impacts your life and practice as a teacher. There is a lot to gain from the ideas and connections we form online through social media. The technologies, apps, and programs that we have at our fingertips today are making this season of life much more doable than had it occurred 10, 15 years ago. Social media is not only our place to connect, but where we go for ideas, curiosity, and boredom. It’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of viewing glossy feeds, stylized photos, and catchy quotes. The longer you s...
2020-10-3020 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast2. 5 Ways Teachers Can Set BoundariesToday’s topic, boundaries, is extremely important considering the mounting stress teachers are under as the school year resumes in the midst of a global pandemic. Whether you’re teaching face-to-face, remotely, or in a hybrid model, the demands are unlike anything I have experienced. The expectations and uncertainty of what the future holds for this school year have not only caused disruptions to work-life balance, but to the physical and mental health of teachers. Aside from health concerns, the technology transition that most schools are undergoing is a source of overwhelm in itself.As I like to s...
2020-09-1916 min
Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast1. How to Manage Back-to-School DisappointmentThis school year is starting unlike anything you could have anticipated. If you're a new teacher, perhaps you didn't even get to have your graduation to mark the milestone of completing your degree, or are still saddened by not getting to properly wrap up the year with last year's class. Months of isolation may be in stark contrast to the daily routines, favorite activities, and interaction with your family and peers. And now you're about to be a teacher, right in the throes of a pandemic.When you step into the classroom on the first day of...
2020-08-1610 min