Shows
The Time-Crunched Teacher31. You Shall Not Pass! (All About Hall Passes)Hall passes are just one of those things you need to have as a classroom teacher. But did you know that there are the right (and wrong) types of passes? We know, because we've used all the wrong ones (and, sadly, found them discarded on the bathroom floor - gross). Join 5th grade teacher, Mariel Desrosier, and 3rd grade teacher, Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, as they share all the best and worst types of hall passes to get you through the school year. This episode’s topics include:Mariel's favorite bathroom passesWhy eveyone loves a good landyardHow lamination is...2025-01-2126 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher30. Our 2025 Classroom Resolutions!It’s time for our 2025 Classroom Resolutions Show! Not really. Because Mariel spends most of the time complaining about why she doesn’t like resolutions. But we still pass on some helpful tips despite being curmudgeons about it. This episode’s topics include:Stephanie’s resolutions about grading systems, organizing materials, and meeting students where they areMariel’s resolutions about test taking strategies and why she’s doubling down on readingLINKS MENTIONED:Using a School Vacation as a Classroom Resent (Podcast Episode)The 43 Files System (YouTube Video)My Portable Grading Station (YouT...2025-01-0749 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher29. Grading the Week: State Testing, Fire Drills, and Hiding From ElopersWe’ve decided to start a new segment called “Grading the Week,” where we share the passes and fails of our day-to-day experiences as classroom teachers. Join 5th grade teacher, Mariel Desrosier, and 3rd grade teacher, Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, as we recount the joys of state testing, fire drills in the rain and what an eloper really is. ⏰ Want even more time-saving tips? Then check out Mariel’s YouTube Channel: The Time-Crunched Teacher.🍎 Do you have a classroom story you’d like us to feature in an upcoming episode? Send us an email at podcast@TheTimeCrunchedTeacher.com. We also lov...2024-12-2539 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher28. Do You Have a Buddy Class?Why don’t you have a buddy class yet?! Okay, that’s a little dramatic. But seriously, it’s the greatest thing ever. Listen along as Mariel and Stephanie figured out how to rig the system so they could hang out MORE at work. Oh, and help the children build community at the same time. This episode’s topics include:What is a buddy class?Setting up your buddy classesFun buddy class activitiesClassroom management strategies during buddy class timeBenefits of the buddy class systemToday’s classroom story includes how having the “cool buddy” can be the best ego...2024-12-1441 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher27. Teacher Salaries and ContractsThe good news about public school salary charts is that they are often made public. The bad news is that that doesn’t mean you know how to read them. We are here to help! Listen along as 5th grade teacher, Mariel Desrosier, and 3rd grade teacher, Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, explain the ins and outs of public school teacher salaries and contracts.This episode’s topics include:How to read a salary chart and what to ask when you’re getting hiredHow benefits factor into your salary How to move up the salary chart (make more money!)How tra...2024-09-291h 15The Time-Crunched Teacher26. Mariel and Stephanie's Summer 2024 Plans!Normally we like to share topics that help teachers. Today we share all the ridiculous things we’re doing this summer. Hopefully our niche hobbies help you lean into the summer break and “turn off” from school tasks. If this is your first episode with us, I’m so sorry. ;)This episode’s topics include:Poultry storiesStephanie cheats and does summer PDMariel boozes it up as a wine snobHow to learn new info through stories Stephanie shares how the Dear America series probably shouldn’t be a kid bookWhy gatekeeping a hobby is not cool⏰...2024-07-291h 11The Time-Crunched Teacher25. Why I don't post regularly...I know, my episode posting schedule is chaotic. Here's why. ⏰ Want even more time-saving tips? Then check out Mariel’s YouTube Channel: The Time-Crunched Teacher.🍎 Do you have a classroom story you’d like us to feature in an upcoming episode? Send us an email at podcast@TheTimeCrunchedTeacher.com. We also love hearing from you, so please send us your feedback or requests for future show topics. We read every email and comment, so thank you for taking the time to reach out to us. Note: We take pride in offering you an ad-free li...2024-06-2608 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher24. What I do instead of classroom jobsSick of all the time it takes to create classroom jobs and teach the kids? Me too. Welcome to the wonderful world of the Star Student. Seriously, it’s the easiest way to get things done in the classroom.This episode’s topics include:Why I don’t do classroom jobs anymoreWhy the Star Student is the real MVPLINKS MENTIONED:*Editable* Star Student TemplateClassroom video that shows how I set up the Star Student board⏰ Want even more time-saving tips? Then check out Mariel’s YouTube...2024-06-2613 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher23. P.E. Games (For when you don't want to teach P.E.)Teaching PE can be super fun….or incredibly soul-sucking. A lot of that depends on whether or not the kids actually enjoy playing the games you come up with. Listen along as 3rd grade teacher, Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, and 5th grade teacher, Mariel Desrosier, talk about the games that students actually like. We’ll share tried and true crowd pleasers, along with what games we pull out of the bag when we’re not feeling particularly motivated to teach PE. This episode’s topics include:The specific games that we know kids loveHow to make sure everyone is involv...2024-01-1652 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher22. Making Math Centers ManageableHow in the world do teachers run math centers? How do you have time to prepare them? How do you control everyone else when you're working with just one group? Well, the time-crunched teachers are here to help! Join 3rd grade teacher, Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, and 5th grade teacher, Mariel Desrosier, as we walk you through everything you need to know about running and managing elementary math centers. Not only do we explain our exact process, but we also share how to do it on the cheap by using free and inexpensive resources to get started right away. T...2024-01-0258 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher21. The Student Check-In System That Actually WorksToday I’m sharing the weekly check-in system that allows me to know what’s going on with each of my students in an incredibly efficient way. It requires minimal work on the teacher’s part so that you can spend your time supporting your students instead of chasing down information.This episode’s topics include:How to solicit background info on your students so that you can have a sense of where they’re coming fromMy automated check-in system I use to get a pulse on how they’re doing each weekLINKS MENTIONED:YouTube Vi...2023-12-1942 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher20. How to Use a School Vacation Break as a Classroom ResetWe all need a break, and sometimes coming back from a school vacation is the perfect time to plan a reset for your classroom. Join 3rd grade teacher, Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, and 5th grade teacher, Mariel Desrosier, as we discuss how to come back from a break ready to start something new! (While also keeping things the same...don't worry, we explain what we mean by that.) This episode’s topics include:Activities to do before a break/vacationWhat not to do when you come back How to use a school break as a classroom resetThe...2023-12-0539 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher19. Survival Stuff (Teacher Survival Kits and Back Up Lesson Activities)Sometimes it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference in a teacher’s world. Join 3rd grade teacher Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez and 5th grade teacher Mariel Desrosier as we share everything we include in our “survival kits.” This not only includes physical objects like the “good Kleenex” and shelf stable food, but it also includes those last minute games and activities that make perfect time fillers for when class doesn’t go quite as planned. This episode’s topics include:Supplies we include in our survival kit or back up bagNo cost time filler activities that a...2023-09-121h 31The Time-Crunched Teacher18. Email Templates for TeachersOne of my productivity rules is, “If you have to write it twice, create a template.” And email writing is no exception. In today’s episode I go over exactly how to create an email template and the types of templates I use as an elementary school teacher. This episode’s topics include:Step-by-step instructions for enabling templates in GmailTemplate examples and how I use themLINKS MENTIONED:Email processing podcast (Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4-email-productivity-for-everyone-who-hates-email/id1662178054?i=1000591736381Email processing video (YouTube): https://youtu.be...2023-08-2918 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher17. Class Rewards That Don't Cost MoneyYou know what's better than giving kids rewards? Giving kids free rewards. Join 3rd grade teacher Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, and 5th grade teacher Mariel Desrosier as we share our favorite cheap and free class rewards. This episode’s topics include:Free choice activitiesSilly group rewardsBuilding community through rewardsStudent acknowledgement (especially in cursive)Whole class rewardsBeing the special messengerWays to show student achievement We also get sidetracked about the best ways to clean up after children. Today’s classroom story is about a drive by bageling. ⏰ Want even more time-saving tips? Then...2023-08-1539 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher16. Back to School Night Basics: Your Guide to an Awesome Event!Many teachers have told us that Back to School Night is one of the most stressful nights of the year. Something about presenting to adults, opposed to a room full of children, can shake even the best of us. But do not fear - Mariel and Stephanie are here to help you plan your best Back to School Night yet! Not only will our tips help guide you through the exact items to include in your presentation, but we’ll also share our sneaky hints to help you get ahead on other tasks like building rapport with families and se...2023-08-0148 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher15. What you REALLY need to have ready for the first day of school...and what you don'tAs teachers, we love the first day of school, but there is soooo much to do. Join 3rd grade teacher Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, and 5th grade teachers Leanna Garcia and Mariel Desrosier as we share exactly how we prepare our classrooms and materials for the first day of school. We’ll not only explain our exact process for setting up the classroom, but we’ll also be sharing our prior mistakes and what we no longer waste our time doing. This episode’s topics include:How to get your classroom space physically readyWhich materials need to be prepare...2023-07-181h 29The Time-Crunched Teacher14. Battle of the Brackets: Worst School SuppliesToday's episode is a very special recording of the podcast. In celebration of our summer break, I came up with a ridiculous game called "Battle of the Brackets." We pick a topic (like worst school supplies) and create a set of playoff brackets where we argue each item head to head until we've declared a winner for: The Worst School Supply Ever.Western Conference:1. Safety scissors vs. mechanical pencils2. Bottle glue vs. mini pencil sharpenersEastern Conference:1. Cheap crayons vs. school paper towels2. Pens with caps vs. glitter WINNER! 2023-07-0339 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher13. How to Build a Thrifted Capsule Wardrobe for TeachersIf you’ve ever wanted to look into your closet and LOVE the items you see, then this is the episode for you! Today I go into the step by step process I used to create my awesome capsule wardrobe from scratch, all on a teacher’s budget. This episode’s topics include:What is a capsule wardrobe?Why thrifted?How to define your personal stylePurging items you don’t needHow to thrift shop like a proTaking care of clothing itemsWhat luxury items I splurge onLINKS MENTIONED:Alyssa’s Video on The 3 Wo...2023-06-2259 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher12. First Year Teacher Mistakes (With Special Guests Stephanie and Melissa)Everyone remembers their first year teaching mistakes - and the Lunch Bunch is no exception. Join 3rd grade teacher Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez, Technology Coach Melissa Shaw, and 2nd grade teacher Mariel Desrosier as we regale our tales as first year teachers. But more importantly, we share exactly what we would have done differently if we had the chance to do it again. This episode’s topics include:Deciding what’s most importantHow to ask for helpReaching out to parentsLeaving at the end of the contract dayHow to give yourself a little graceLINKS MENTIONED:Emerg...2023-06-081h 19The Time-Crunched Teacher11. Lunch Bunch (With Special Guests Cailin and The Stephanies)Lunch Bunch in the house! Today’s guests include art teacher Cailin Nygren, librarian Stephanie Simms, and 3rd grade teacher Stephanie Hedgpeth-Lopez. Join our spirited Would You Rather? Game - teacher edition. Get ready for some real world teaching advice, including why we would choose head lice over birthday cupcakes. Today’s classroom stories include Stephanie’s slip slip, Mariel’s 2nd grade nail salon, and Cailin’s lesson about the power of super glue and butt cheeks. Mrs. Simms keeps us wholesome with an adorable student misnomer. ⏰ Want even more time-saving tips? Then check out...2023-05-251h 21The Time-Crunched Teacher10. Productivity Systems for Around the HouseUsually I talk about teaching. Today I’m sharing my favorite time-saving tricks for around the house. Because who wants to spend the day cleaning up after a bunch of kids only to have to come home and clean up after your own? ;)This episode’s topics include:How I learned to love doing laundry without involving alcoholWhy deciding what’s for dinner is the hardest part about being an adultHow not to look like an episode of HoardersTimers aren’t just for athletes LINKS MENTIONED:Example of my grocery l...2023-05-1155 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher9. Last Week of School Activities That Aren't a Nightmare to PlanIt's the end of the year, your brain is toast, the kids' brains are toast, you don't need something complicated or expensive to do. Don't worry, I've got you. This episode’s topics include:Activities disguised as teachingRidiculous gamesMaking memoriesLINKS MENTIONED:fold n' fly paper planes Canva templatesToday’s classroom story is about how every teacher needs the "Connect 4 Kid." ⏰ Want even more time-saving tips? Then check out Mariel’s YouTube Channel: The Time-Crunched Teacher.🍎 Do you have a classroom story you’d like us to featu...2023-04-2824 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher8. Hidden Chrome Features That Will Make Your Life EasierGoogle Chrome has some amazing features that can save you time and up your productivity. In today’s episode I share some of my favorite features that will make your life easier. This episode’s topics include:Bookmark folders that allow you to open all your bookmarks at onceCreating icon-only bookmarks to fit more on your bookmarks barSending links to highlighted text on a websiteHow to quickly open a closed browser tabLINKS MENTIONED:Bookmark Folders (Video)Icon-Only Bookmarks Bar (Video)Today’s classroom story is about a little...2023-03-2816 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher7. From Deep in Debt to an 850 Credit Score (All on a Teacher's Salary)When I first started teaching, I was deep in credit card debt and my credit score had tanked. Then, I married my husband and we merged our debt along with our households. So how did a young, broke married couple dig their way out and end up debt free with an 850 credit score? Listen along as I share the journey of how we learned how to be fiscally savvy - all on a teacher’s budget.This episode’s topics include:Taking an honest look at your moneyBudgeting basicsSecrets to lowering your credit card debtIt’s going...2023-02-0934 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher6. "Make Me Feel Important." - Your StudentsToday’s episode includes all the little ways you can make your students feel seen and heard. Because every student is wearing a little invisible sign that says, “Make me feel important.” This episode’s topics include:Little surprises (that are cheap or don’t cost any money)One-on-one time for each studentWhat to do when it gets hard De-escalation techniques for upset childrenLINKS MENTIONED:Student Birthday Card Activity (Video)Whole Class Reward (Video) Today’s classroom story involves how a small choice made a big impa...2023-01-2628 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher5. Things I'm No Longer Doing in 2023 + BONUS: My Favorite Classroom Story of the YearAs a time-crunched teacher, there are a lot of choices you need to make in order to prioritize what’s important to you. And what was important for me this year was to only work contract hours. But in order to make that happen, I needed to make some changes. Today I discuss the things I’m no longer doing in 2023 and what I’m doing instead. Incidentally, it was raining when I recorded this episode so you get a bonus ASMR soundtrack too. ;)This episode’s topics include:Things I’m no longer...2023-01-1218 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher4. Email Productivity for Everyone Who Hates EmailHave you ever wanted to be able to get through all your emails without sacrificing your prep period? Then listen along as I walk you through the exact steps I use to process all of my emails in under 10 minutes and end the day with the elusive INBOX ZERO. This episode’s topics include:How to process your email as efficiently as possibleThe only email folders you’re ever going to needHow to calendar your time so that everything gets doneToday’s classroom story is about the nicest rudest thing a parent has eve...2022-12-3012 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher3. Tips for Student Teachers (Our Favorite Type of Student!)Entering a teacher credentialing program can be incredibly exciting, but it can also be very overwhelming. Listen along as I walk you through the do’s and don'ts of navigating your credentialing program. This episode’s topics include:Types of teaching credentials and certificationsJobs you can work while you’re still in schoolAdvice for what to do during your programTips for getting hired right out of schoolLINKS MENTIONED:Teaching Portfolio Advice (Video)New Teacher Playlist (Videos)Edjoin for job searchesToday’s classroom story involves a kinder teacher and why I mig...2022-12-2931 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher2. Time-Saving Classroom Setup and Organization HacksIn this episode I go through all of my favorite quick tips and cheap hacks to setting up your classroom at the beginning of the school year. These systems allow me to get my ENTIRE classroom ready for the year in under 2 hours. That's right, I hide out the rest of the time and eat snacks. ;)This episode's topics include:Technology that doesn't involved hiding TPT invoices from your spouseOrganization systems (aka keeping crap out of sight)Decor or how to make your classroom look great without having to make everything shiplap and messy cursive2022-12-2827 minThe Time-Crunched Teacher1. The Only To-Do List You'll Ever NeedStop cluttering your desk with sticky notes! Today's episode is a step-by-step tutorial of how I use Google Tasks Lists to create the ultimate To-Do List. This is one of my absolute favorite teacher productivity tips! Perfect for busy teachers looking to increate their time management and get things DONE. In this episode I explain:How to set up a Google Tasks ListHow to prioritize your to-do list itemsScheduling tips to get everything doneLINKS MENTIONED:Google Tasks for desktopGoogle Tasks for Apple iOSGoogle Tasks for AndroidYouTube Video Tutorial f...2022-12-2706 minThe Time-Crunched TeacherWho is The Time-Crunched Teacher?Welcome to The Time-Crunched Teacher Podcast! We know what it feels like to try and fit everything into your contract hours. Which is exactly why we created this podcast - to save you time.⏰ Want even more time-saving tips? Then check out Mariel’s YouTube Channel: The Time-Crunched Teacher.🍎 Do you have a classroom story you’d like us to feature in an upcoming episode? Send us an email at podcast@TheTimeCrunchedTeacher.com. We also love hearing from you, so please send us your feedback or requests for future show topics. We read every ema...2022-12-2601 min