If Teachers Ruled the World

What happens when the research driving school technology bans doesn't actually apply to classroom technology? Adam Sparks, founder of Short Answer and former classroom teacher, joins Leah Cleary for a conversation about the edtech debate, the anti-technology movement in schools, and what's actually happening on the ground -- grants declined, district renewals paused, teachers whose plans for next year just hit a wall. They get into the books fueling the backlash, why weaponizing screen time is misleading, what Short Answer does that paper can't, and how Adam keeps building intentional educational technology when the political winds are working against him. The season finale of the If Teachers Ruled the World summer series on technology in the classroom.Check out the show notes here: leahcleary.com/the-edtech-debate-with-adam-sparks

Nine teacher voices on technology in the classroom (and not one said get rid of it). Leah Cleary hands the mic to nine educators across subjects and grade levels. A special education teacher, an ESOL teacher, a media specialist, science teachers, history teachers, and more. She asks what they actually think about the current anti-tech movement in schools. What emerges is striking: every concern is about cell phones, implementation, or purposeless use, not classroom technology itself. This is the teacher perspective that's missing from the policy conversation right now.Be sure to check out the show notes here: leahcleary.com/teacher-voices-on-technology

A student once accused Leah of writing with AI. The evidence was her em dash. One tiny but incredibly versatile piece of punctuation. In this episode, she makes the case for why AI detection in the classroom's a losing game, why the adversarial stance it creates with students isn't sustainable, and what reimagining instruction around process over product actually looks like in practice. From writing in class with devices away, to rubrics that weight thinking over polish, to a deliberate sequence for where AI enters the writing process and where it doesn't -- this one's practical and built for teachers heading into a new school year who want real strategies instead of a detection arms race. Plus: a limited-time discount code for three teacher professional development courses, including the newly launched Reimagining Instruction in the Age of AI.Check out the show notes here: leahcleary.com/how-to-reimagine-ai-in-the-classroom/

In this episode of If Teachers Ruled the World, Leah Cleary talks about her own complicated relationship with rest and screen time. From a walk that turned into an unexpected lesson on creativity to a confession about the laptop that follows her everywhere, she explores what teacher wellness requires when summer self-care usually just means a different to-do list. With research linking teacher social media use to burnout, a different take on digital detox, and a few practical strategies for protecting a genuine summer break, this episode is part wellness check and part permission slip for any teacher who's ever felt guilty for doing nothing.Check out the show notes at leahcleary.com/rest-and-screens-for-teachers.

In this episode of If Teachers Ruled the World, Leah Cleary cuts through the noise on classroom technology decisions with a five-question framework built for real teachers in real classrooms. From note-taking to a Theory of Knowledge project that became a film collaboration, Leah shares the stories and thinking behind intentional technology use so educators can stop defaulting to devices and start making edtech strategies that actually serve student learning.Check out the show notes here: leahcleary.com/five-questions-for-intentional-technology-use

Schools are banning AI. But 86% of students are already using it (with or without teacher guidance). In this Teacher Reality Check, Leah makes the case that ignoring artificial intelligence in schools doesn't protect students. It just means they figure it out on their own, the same way they figured out social media. She examines the research on AI literacy and teacher training, tackles the deskilling argument head-on, breaks down the equity stakes of AI bans in under-resourced schools, and offers a clear framework for what ethical AI use actually looks like in the classroom. If you've been waiting for someone to say the nuanced thing about AI in education -- this is that episode.Check out the show notes here: leahcleary.com/ai-in-education

The anti-technology movement in schools is moving fast -- 26 states have passed laws limiting or banning classroom devices, and 22 of those happened in 2025 alone. But is the backlash actually solving the right problem?In this Teacher Reality Check, Leah Cleary traces the full history of technology in education -- from the one-to-one device boom of the early 2010s, to what the pandemic did to classroom technology habits, to the legislative avalanche happening right now. Along the way, she unpacks what the research on educational technology actually says, explains why the phone ban conversation and the classroom technology conversation are not the same thing, and makes the case that when it comes to technology integration in the classroom, the problem was never the Chromebooks. It was always how we were using them.Plus: the one question every teacher should ask before assigning any tech-based task -- and a look ahead at the If Teachers Ruled the World summer series on edtech policy and practical classroom strategies.If you've been watching the anti-tech pendulum swing and wondering whether anyone is going to say the quiet part out loud -- this episode is for you.Be sure to check out the show notes here: leahcleary.com/technology-in-education

What's the best teacher summer advice? I asked nine of my colleagues on the last day of school. And what they said will stick with you all summer. From permission to fully unplug, to a two-part summer strategy for veterans, to one line of pure wisdom from our English department chair, this episode is teachers talking to teachers about rest, recharge, and letting go. Because teacher burnout recovery doesn't start with a plan. It starts with permission. If Teachers Ruled the World, Episode 45. Find the show notes here: leahcleary.com/teacher-summer-advice

Are you actively choosing your teaching career, or just never choosing to leave? In this episode, Leah Cleary talks about her own teaching career change after 25 years in the classroom. What led her to resign, why she is trading AP history and department chair for seventh grade ELA, and what teacher work life balance actually looks like when you finally choose your whole life over your resume. If you're navigating teacher burnout and career transitions, or just carrying a weight you can't quite name, this episode's your permission slip. Listen in.

You've made it to the final two weeks. But if you teach AP, IB, or any high-stakes course, your students are already done with the real work. So what do you actually do with them now? In this episode, Leah Cleary introduces the concept of the "liminal zone" -- that in-between space where the course is finished but school isn't -- and considers what meaningful end-of-year activities actually need to accomplish. She shares the options she's weighing for her own classroom, the hidden cost of one popular post-AP project that most teachers don't think about, and why her favorite end-of-year tradition got taken away this year. Plus, a free resource in the show notes that reframes what it means to exist between worlds. Check that out at leahcleary.com. If you're searching for end-of-year projects for high school that aren't just busywork, this one's for you.

Ever had a student ask "when will we ever use this?" and known immediately it wasn't really about curiosity? In this episode, high school teacher and 25-year classroom veteran Leah Cleary shares a real story about handling student pushback in real time, without losing instructional momentum or getting pulled into a debate you didn't plan for. If you're looking for honest, practical classroom management strategies for handling off-task students and navigating end-of-year behavior, this episode's for you. Because sometimes the best response isn't a lengthy explanation. It's knowing when to move on.

It's the end of the year, and your students need to review. But re-reading notes isn't going to cut it. In this short episode, Leah shares a simple, low-prep sorting strategy that helps students stop memorizing random facts and start seeing the patterns that actually show up on exams. Whether you're prepping for AP exams, end-of-course tests, or your own final, this one's worth ten minutes of your time.

If you're a social studies teacher trying to figure out what you're allowed to say in the classroom, this episode is for you. Leah Cleary breaks down Georgia House Bill 1084, the Protect Students First Act, a divisive concepts law that prohibits teachers from teaching or advocating nine specific concepts related to race. But here's the contradiction: the same legislators who passed this education censorship law also approved the Georgia state standards that require teaching about slavery, Jim Crow, and the civil rights movement.In this episode, Leah traces the coordinated national campaign behind these laws, shares stunning RAND Corporation research on teacher self-censorship, and offers practical strategies for teaching controversial topics in school while protecting yourself professionally (including primary-source analysis, Socratic seminars, and airtight standards documentation).If fear of complaints is making you second-guess your teaching, you're not alone. And this episode will remind you that you can still do this job well.

Teacher workload management is one of the biggest challenges educators face — and most productivity advice completely misses the mark on what teaching actually looks like. In this episode, Leah Cleary breaks down the real-world triage framework she's used for 25 years to manage teacher burnout and overwhelm without sacrificing what matters most in the classroom. If you're looking for honest, practical teacher time management strategies that actually work in the chaos of daily teaching life, this one's for you. You'll learn how to prioritize as a teacher when everything feels urgent, which tasks deserve your full energy and which ones don't, and why sustainable teacher productivity tips start with knowing your hierarchy — not doing more.

In this episode of If Teachers Ruled the World, Leah Cleary sits down with literacy expert Patty McGee to rethink how grammar is taught in today’s classrooms. If grammar instruction has ever felt disconnected, ineffective, or like a waste of time, this conversation offers a practical and refreshing shift.Together, they explore how to teach grammar effectively by moving beyond rules and worksheets and instead using grammar as a tool for thinking, writing, and clear communication. This episode is especially valuable for middle and high school teachers looking for grammar instruction strategies that actually support student writing across subjects, not just in English class.Listeners will walk away with a new perspective on grammar instruction, along with ideas they can apply immediately in their classrooms.Patty McGee is the author of Not Your Granny’s Grammar, a book that challenges traditional approaches to grammar and offers practical strategies for real classrooms.Get the book: Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or at Corwin.com (use code SAVE20 for 20% off and free shipping).

You've tried the self-care advice. You've set the boundaries. You've done everything right. And you're still exhausted. Here's what nobody is telling you: that's not a you problem. That's a system problem.In this episode of If Teachers Ruled the World, Leah Cleary talks about teacher burnout, why the wellness conversation we keep having with educators is fundamentally broken, and what it actually looks like to survive a long career in teaching without losing yourself. She introduces the concept of living in the chasm (that impossible gap between what the system demands and what any human being can actually deliver) and shares what 25 years in the classroom have taught her about the teachers who make it and the ones who don't.Spoiler: the ones who make it aren't better or stronger. They've just learned a skill you can practice too.Resources mentioned in this episode:"Teachers Aren't Burnt Out. They Are Being Set Up to Fail" by Alexandra Robbins: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-teachers-arent-burnt-out-they-are-being-set-up-to-fail/2023/05"Why This Author Wants to Ditch the Term 'Teacher Burnout'" via Education Week: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/why-this-author-wants-to-ditch-the-term-teacher-burnout/2023/05When Being an Adequate Teacher Feels Like Failure (But Isn't): https://leahcleary.com/when-being-an-adequate-teacher-feels-like-failure/ Teachers, We Need to Scrap Perfection and Go for Good: https://leahcleary.com/teachers-we-need-to-scrap-perfection-and-go-for-good/

You've built the relationships. You've established the procedures. And yet every single day, the same student walks in with headphones blasting, sits wherever they want, and acts like your classroom expectations are optional. And when you say something? They comply. Pleasantly. And then do it again tomorrow.Pleasant defiance is still defiance. And in this episode, we are talking about exactly what to do when you are stuck in that Groundhog Day loop with a student you actually like.We cover the full escalation ladder - from the candid conversation to the parent phone call to the office referral - and why following through is not a betrayal of your relationship with that student. It is the most caring thing you can do for them and for every other kid in your classroom.🎧 This is Episode 36 of If Teachers Ruled the World with Leah Cleary.📝 Grab a free behavior contract to use with your most challenging students here: https://leahcleary.com/dealing-with-difficult-students-what-to-do-when-nothing-works/

It's AP season, and I'm hitting pause on new episodes for two weeks to record ahead, build content, and finally finish a writing program I started ten years ago. But before I go, I'm leaving you with something worth sitting with: sustainable teachers are better teachers, and giving yourself permission to step back is not a weakness. It's a strategy. If you're heading into spring running on fumes, this short episode is your permission slip.Follow along with what I'm building over on Substack: https://substack.com/@leahclearyRead my latest post about the writing program I'm finally finishing after a decade: https://open.substack.com/pub/leahcleary/p/im-finally-finishing-something-i?r=232lm2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webWant to cut your essay grading time dramatically? Grab my free Custom GPT for Grading: https://leahcleary.com/gpt-for-grading-landing-page/

It's time for your mid-year Teacher Reality Check. Back in the summer and fall, I broke down three major education policy trends: cell phone bans, teacher evaluations, and the executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. Since then? A lot has happened. Cell phone bans jumped from 26 to 35 states. States like Illinois and Virginia are pulling back from tying teacher evaluations to test scores. And the Department of Education has lost half its staff, with programs being transferred to other federal agencies while congress fights to protect funding. In this episode, I revisit clips from those original episodes and give you the real-time update on what's changed, what hasn't, and what it all means for your classroom. No spin, no panic, just the information you need from someone who's living it right alongside you.

Traditional vocabulary instruction strategies don't work. And research proves it. When students define words and use them in sentences, they're doing "pedagogically useless" busy work that won't help them retain academic vocabulary. But there's a better way to teach vocabulary effectively.In this episode, I'm sharing research-backed vocabulary instruction strategies using John Hattie's three-stage framework from Visible Learning: surface level, deep learning, and transfer. You'll learn exactly how to move students beyond copying definitions to actually understanding how words fit into the world.Teaching vocabulary effectively includes:- Surface-level strategies: SEE-IT cards, Quiz-Quiz-Trade, Quizlet previews, and appositive sentences from The Writing Revolution- Deep learning techniques: Student-created graphic organizers, close reading with primary sources, subordinating conjunction sentences- Transfer activities: Socratic seminars applying historical concepts to modern contextsFeatured example: I use mercantilism as a through-line to show you exactly what surface-deep-transfer looks like in practice, from basic definition to analyzing modern trade policy.The reality check: Sometimes surface-level mastery in three weeks is all we can do. And that's okay. This episode gives you permission to meet students where they are while working smarter, not harder.Resources mentioned:Visible Learning by John HattieVisible Learning for Social Studies by Hattie, Stern, Fisher & FreyThe Writing Revolution by Hochman & WexlerFree Socratic seminar template (sign up for my Free Resource Library)Templates from Complete Unit Planning Course (check it out here)Stop the busy work. Start with vocabulary instruction strategies that actually stick.

Struggling with Sunday teacher anxiety? In this episode, Leah gets vulnerable about waking up Sunday morning with that familiar dread, even after doing everything the wellness experts recommend. She shares what happened when she chose to read a book all day Sunday instead of grading, the guilt that followed, and why "adequate" teaching isn't the same as phoning it in. If you're managing multiple preps, feeling spread impossibly thin, and tired of feeling like adequate equals failure, this episode is for you. Leah talks about teacher burnout prevention that goes beyond boundaries, why teacher perfectionism keeps us trapped, and what students actually need from their teachers (hint: not perfection). You'll walk away feeling less alone and with permission to give yourself the same compassion you'd give another teacher in your position. Because sometimes the problem isn't that we need better self-care. Sometimes the job just asks too much.Resources mentioned: Custom GPT for Grading (cuts grading time in half): https://leahcleary.com/gpt-for-grading-landing-page/

Not every student is college-bound—and that's okay. In this episode of "If Teachers Ruled the World," veteran high school teacher Leah Cleary shares a powerful story about a brilliant AP student whose senior picture wasn't displayed because she chose military service over college. Discover why celebrating alternative paths after high school matters and explore viable career options including trade schools, military service, gap years, skilled trades careers, and direct workforce entry. Learn about earning potential in HVAC, welding, electrical work, and other non-college careers. If you're a teacher, parent, or student questioning whether college is the only path to success, this episode offers a fresh perspective on career pathways and student recognition. Leah advocates for celebrating ALL students—including special education students, those entering apprenticeships, and students choosing entrepreneurship or family businesses. Perfect for educators looking to support non-college bound students and families exploring alternatives to four-year universities.Topics covered: alternative paths after high school, trade school benefits, military career opportunities, gap year advantages, skilled trades earning potential, celebrating diverse student success, career options without college degree, high school to workforce transition, student recognition practices🎓 Subscribe to "If Teachers Ruled the World" for honest conversations about education, teaching, and what schools would look like if educators made the decisions.

AI policy in schools has teachers navigating federal chaos with zero training. In this episode, veteran AP teacher Leah Cleary breaks down the Biden vs Trump AI education executive orders, reveals why only 2 states require district AI policies, and translates what state guidance actually means for classroom teachers. She shares how she uses AI tools like her custom GPT for grading (https://leahcleary.com/gpt-for-grading-landing-page/) while addressing the reality that 70% of teachers have received no AI professional development. Learn what's coming in 2026, which states have mandatory requirements, and how to make professional decisions about AI when policy offers zero practical answers. Essential listening for teachers trying to navigate artificial intelligence in education without clear guidelines.

In this episode of If Teachers Ruled the World, host Leah Cleary tackles every teacher's nightmare: waking up sick and having to create substitute teacher plans at 5 AM. She shares a practical system for how to prepare for a substitute teacher that works for both random sick days and extended emergencies. Leah breaks down two approaches—quick last minute sub plans using templates, and a complete emergency sub plans system you set up once at the beginning of the year. Whether you need sub plans for teachers during flu season or for unexpected life events, this episode offers substitute lesson plans template strategies that prioritize your wellbeing while keeping students learning. Stop sacrificing your health to avoid sub prep, and start using a system that actually works.

What happens when life gets hard outside of school, but you still have to show up for 150+ students with zero time to breathe? In this episode, I'm getting real about the unique demands of teaching - the performative nature of our job, the myth of the "free period," and what it costs to be "on" all day with no breaks when you're also dealing with personal struggles.If you've ever felt exhausted from flipping the switch between your real life and your teacher life, this one's for you. We're talking about teacher burnout, the reality of teacher work-life balance (or lack thereof), why teaching is so exhausting, and why our 20-minute lunch and "planning period" aren't what people think they are.No perfect solutions here - just honest conversation about teacher mental health, the cost of compartmentalizing, and permission to acknowledge that this job hits different when life gets hard.

We're heading back to school on a Friday after New Year's Day - and if you're feeling the pressure to have everything perfectly planned for spring semester, this episode is for you.Host Leah Cleary shares her honest mid-year reflection: what sustainable teaching strategies she's keeping (student annotation, AI grading assistants), what she's adjusting after learning some hard lessons (spoiler: get help from your media specialist), and what she's adding to protect her energy (intentional mornings instead of racing out the door).This isn't about "new year, new you" nonsense. It's about simple, sustainable changes that make your job more manageable and make you more effective for your students.Perfect for teachers looking for practical spring semester planning tips without the toxic productivity pressure.Resources mentioned:Standard annotation guide: leahcleary.com/standard-annotation-in-5-phases/Free AI grading assistant: leahcleary.com/gpt-for-grading-landing-page/AI tools for teachers: leahcleary.com/ai-tools-for-teachers/

Winter break is here, but many teachers feel pressured to be productive instead of resting. In this episode of If Teachers Ruled the World, host Leah Cleary shares her honest experience of winter break and gives teachers permission to actually rest.Learn why teacher self-care during break is essential, not selfish. Discover how to manage the pressure to "catch up" on everything you've put on hold. Understand why your teaching brain never fully disconnects (and why that's okay). This episode addresses teacher burnout recovery and work-life balance with practical, compassionate advice for exhausted educators.Perfect for teachers struggling with winter break guilt, educator mental health, and the constant pressure of lesson planning and grading. Check out the show notes at leahcleary.com.

Sometimes you don't have a choice about lecturing before winter break. The content requires direct instruction, and there's no time for elaborate activities. So how do you keep students awake when everyone's brain is already checked out?In this episode, educator Leah Cleary shares two student engagement during lectures strategies she's using exam week: the think pair share strategy with dry erase boards and synopsis expansion, plus the buzzer trick she learned at the Georgia Ed Tech Conference. These aren't revolutionary teaching before winter break techniques—they're practical December classroom management tools for when you have to lecture and nobody wants to be there.Leah walks through exactly how to use active listening strategies like CrowdBuzzer to gamify attention with freshman, explains why dry erase boards make thinking visible during think-pair-share, and shares formative assessment techniques that work in 5-10 minute chunks. Plus, she connects to quick exam review strategies for getting through this week.This is survival mode teaching. Pick one strategy, try it Monday, and get to winter break.Read the blog post: https://leahcleary.com/10-total-participation-techniques/Get free review resources: https://leahcleary.com/free-resource-library-landing-page/

In this episode of If Teachers Ruled the World, host Leah Cleary tackles every teacher's nightmare: waking up sick and having to create substitute teacher plans at 5 AM. She shares a practical system for how to prepare for a substitute teacher that works for both random sick days and extended emergencies. Leah breaks down two approaches—quick last minute sub plans using templates, and a complete emergency sub plans system you set up once at the beginning of the year. Whether you need sub plans for teachers during flu season or for unexpected life events, this episode offers substitute lesson plans template strategies that prioritize your wellbeing while keeping students learning. Stop sacrificing your health to avoid sub prep, and start using a system that actually works.

Survival mode teaching isn't about being perfect—it's about making it to winter break with learning intact. In this episode, educator Leah Cleary shares the gallery walk teaching strategy she's using to keep her 60 AP World History students engaged during the most exhausting week of December.Leah walks through her Revolutions Gallery Walk, explaining how it serves double duty as both AP World History review activities and primary source analysis activities for upcoming DBQ work. She gets honest about why movement-based learning works when teaching before winter break feels impossible, shares her accountability strategies for hallway management, and offers practical December teaching strategies for teachers who are running on empty.This episode is for any teacher who needs one manageable strategy to survive this week. No Pinterest perfection required—just real, practical student engagement strategies from a veteran educator who's in the trenches with you.Download the free Revolutions Gallery Walk: https://leahcleary.com/free-resource-library-landing-page/Read the full blog post with 10 engagement techniques: https://leahcleary.com/10-total-participation-techniques/

Why do your students have a right to education but not healthcare? It started with a WWII wage freeze in 1942 that accidentally created employer-based healthcare—while education became a public right way back in 1785. In this Teacher Reality Check, we explore the historical divergence between these two systems: how the 1915 health insurance proposal failed when doctors feared losing income and autonomy (the same things that happened to teachers), why labor unions opposed universal healthcare, and what these "accidents of history" mean for the students in your classroom today. Featuring research on the Land Ordinance of 1785, the Stabilization Act of 1942, AMA opposition to healthcare reform, and the practical implications for educational equity. No advocacy—just implementation questions about how these systems actually work for teachers and students.Topics: education policy, healthcare history, WWII wage controls, teacher pay and autonomy, public education entitlement, employer-based healthcare, educational equity, 1915 health insurance proposal, AMA opposition, teacher professional status

Veteran teacher Leah Cleary shares 5 practical EdTech conference takeaways that save time and support students. Learn about AI tutors that give every student one-on-one help (Magic School AI, School AI, Brisk), Canva's upgraded forms for real-time feedback, and a game-changing clipboard shortcut. Includes Benjamin Bloom's research on why AI tutoring matters for growing class sizes. Free tools, step-by-step tips, classroom-tested strategies for busy teachers.Resources: Magic School AI, School AI, Brisk Teaching, Canva for Education, Eric Curts's blog#EdTech #TeacherTools #AIforEducators #ClassroomTechnology #TeacherProductivity #CanvaForTeachers #StudentEngagement

Feeling inadequate when another teacher reaches your student in a way you couldn't? Veteran educator Leah Cleary gets real about teacher collaboration, burnout, and why trying to be everything to every student is hurting us. Learn practical collaborative teaching strategies, how to reframe asking for help as strategic teaching, and why the isolated classroom model needs to end. Perfect for teachers struggling with burnout or wondering how to build stronger support systems with colleagues.Topics: teacher collaboration | reducing teacher burnout | collaborative teaching strategies | teacher wellness | professional learning communities | classroom support

Middle school teacher Kevin Romero shares why universal health care matters for student learning. From his classroom perspective, he explores how health care access impacts middle schoolers' ability to thrive academically. We discuss the history of employer-based insurance, why education became a right but health care didn't, and what teachers see when students can't access medical care. A honest conversation about health equity in schools and systemic barriers to learning.

Why do I have 30 students in my AP classes when Georgia law says I should have 21? In this Teacher Reality Check, I break down why class size legislation looks perfect on paper but falls apart in real schools. From Georgia's Strategic Waiver system (130 out of 132 districts ignore the caps) to NYC's struggle with 70,000+ overcrowded classrooms, this episode explores why money alone can't fix teacher shortages, scheduling realities, and retention crises. The uncomfortable truth: we're legislating the easy thing to count while ignoring who gets quality teachers and resources. If we're serious about smaller classes, we need to talk about teacher working conditions, not just mandates with impossible timelines.Episode Topics: class size legislation, teacher shortage, education policy, school funding inequality, teacher workload, AP class sizesPerfect for: Teachers dealing with oversized classes, education policy advocates, administrators navigating impossible mandates, anyone who wants to understand why education reform fails in practice

Drowning in essays? Discover practical AI teaching assistant tools that give you back your nights and weekends. In this episode, veteran teacher Leah Cleary shares how she grades 76+ AP student essays with timely, specific feedback using AI - without sacrificing quality. Learn about Custom GPTs for automated grading, free ChatGPT alternatives, and student-facing AI coaches like Magic School AI. Whether you have $0 or $20/month to invest, you'll get actionable strategies to reduce grading time while improving student feedback. Plus: why AI feedback makes students actually READ your comments and how to overcome perfectionism when using AI tools. Includes free Custom GPT maker download and example prompts. Perfect for overwhelmed teachers ready to work smarter, not harder.

Ever look out at your classroom and wonder if anything you're doing actually matters?In this episode, I get real about why teaching hurts so much when we can't feel our impact, and what the research says about mission-driven teachers, burnout, and the emotional toll of caring deeply.We’ll explore:Why teachers are intrinsically motivated—and how that’s both our strength and our struggleThe science behind why bad lessons and critical parent emails feel so personalWhat happens to mission-driven educators over the course of a long careerHow to protect your heart without giving up the work that mattersIf you’ve ever internalized a disengaged student, a failed lesson, or a harsh email as proof you’re not good enough—this episode is for you.Because here’s the truth: you’re making an impact, even when you can’t feel it.

Should high school start later? In this episode of If Teachers Ruled the World, Leah interviews U.S. History, Economics, and Government teacher Joey Cleary, who teaches like he’s on stage, complete with set design, AI-generated daily images, and storytelling that brings history to life.Joey shares real classroom data showing why later school start times matter: In his first-block class, 9 out of 14 students cheated on an assignment. In third block? Zero out of 19. Same teacher, same assignment—the only difference? Time of day.They also dive into:Joey’s journey from actor to teacherHow he makes history class engaging (with a little help from unicorns 🦄)The classroom controversy over teaching flag burningHis dream school calendar (Thanksgiving through New Year's off, anyone?)Two teachers, two totally different styles, and one shared truth: Adolescent brains and early start times don’t mix.🎧 Full episode and Joey’s infamous unicorn image: leahcleary.com/podcast

Delayed paychecks? Pink slips? The ESSER funding cliff may be to blame. In this Teacher Reality Check, Leah breaks down what happened when $190 billion in federal COVID relief for schools started drying up. And how sudden policy reversals in 2025 left states, districts, and teachers scrambling.Hear how reimbursement freezes triggered budget crises, why Maryland and Illinois were hit hardest, and what experts predict for layoffs, salaries, and staffing through 2026.Real numbers, real teachers, real impact. This episode connects the dots between education policy and what’s happening in your school right now.Full show notes and resources at leahcleary.com/podcast

Two months into the school year and your desk already looks like a disaster zone? You’re not alone. In this honest and slightly chaotic episode, Leah shares her real-time journey of digging out from under a mountain of paper.With many teachers shifting back to analog assignments due to AI concerns, digital organization systems are falling short. Even veteran educators are struggling to keep up. Leah is learning new systems from a much younger colleague and isn’t too proud to admit it.🎙️ What’s inside:The moment Leah realized her desk had become an archaeological digA simple drawer system that actually works (borrowed wisdom!)Managing handouts across multiple preps and absencesThe “parking lot” method for papers that don’t have a homeHow to sync paper assignments with digital gradebooksBudget-friendly storage finds from yard sale adventuresThis episode isn’t about having a picture-perfect classroom. It’s about finding sustainable systems that work when you're juggling piles of paper and sprinting between classes.Perfect for teachers who feel like everyone else has it together while you're still figuring it out. Spoiler: you're not the only one.

Feeling like you're constantly under fire as a teacher? In this episode, Leah gets real about the scrutiny educators face, from social media trolls to classroom self-censorship. We’re talking about the real influence in kids’ lives (hint: it's not their teachers), why educators become easy scapegoats, and how to stay grounded when it feels like you can’t win.🎙 Topics:Why teachers are blamed during societal chaosClassroom influence vs. public perceptionTeaching critical thinking, not agendasFinding solidarity when you're under attackFor every teacher who feels misunderstood...you’re not alone, and this episode is for you.

Former flight attendant turned paraprofessional Tracy Dixon shares what most won’t say out loud: Not every student is meant to do everything . And that’s okay.From the cafeteria to the classroom, Tracy’s seen how student success looks different for everyone. She and Leah talk about failure, expectations, and why forcing kids into the same mold helps no one.Perfect for teachers, parents, and anyone rethinking what success in school should mean.

What does the Department of Education actually do. And can an executive order really eliminate it?In this Teacher Reality Check, Leah breaks down what the Trump administration’s executive order means for your classroom. Learn the truth about Title I and IDEA funding, DEI changes, and how much federal policy really affects your day-to-day as a teacher.Perfect for educators who want clear, practical info, minus the panic.

About a month into the school year, routines can feel smooth and students may seem responsible, but that’s often when problems begin. In this episode of If Teachers Ruled the World, Leah Cleary shares common classroom management mistakes teachers make early in the year, why loosening structure too soon backfires, and practical strategies for maintaining classroom routines, preventing burnout, and strengthening relationships with students.

It’s the night before grades are due, and a flood of late work hits your inbox. You’re exhausted, but policy says you have to take it. Sound familiar?In this episode, Leah shares how to protect your time without sacrificing professionalism. Or your sanity. You’ll hear real stories about saying no to administrators, turning down student requests (even good ones), and drawing the line so you can focus on what matters most: your classroom.What you’ll learn:Simple scripts for saying no politely but firmlyThe difference between boundaries and professional courtesyWhy protecting classroom time makes you a better team playerHow to handle last-minute work without losing sleepIf you’re already running on empty just weeks into the school year, this conversation is for you. Because if nobody else respects your time, you have to.

English teacher Laura French joins Leah to share a powerful story about a student passed through the system without mastering basic skills. And the impossible position it put her in as his high school teacher. Together, they unpack the pressures of graduation rates, CCRPI scores, and the emotional toll of policies that clash with classroom reality, while imagining what accountability could look like if teachers designed the system themselves.

This month, Leah pulls back the curtain on teacher evaluations. And what she uncovers might surprise you. Whether you’re labeled “effective” may have less to do with your teaching and more to do with your state’s politics.In this episode:How Michigan’s evaluation rules just changed—and why Alabama’s haven’t.The research showing teachers control only 1–14% of test scores.How union strength shapes evaluation policies.Why treating teaching like rocket science gets it all wrong.Key takeaway: If working with humans is harder than rocket science, maybe teacher evaluations shouldn’t be reduced to a formula.Leah breaks down the latest policy shifts, the “geographic lottery” of evaluations, and the dangerous lesson we send students when we make test scores entirely a teacher’s responsibility.Perfect for educators who want to cut through the noise and understand what’s really behind the evaluation game.

We’ve all been there—you design what feels like a brilliant classroom procedure, get excited about how innovative it is, and then… it completely falls apart with real students.In this month’s tips episode of If Teachers Ruled the World, Leah shares her biggest procedure fails, including an overly complicated digital task card system she was so proud of she started selling it (spoiler: nobody could follow it), and a semester-long annotation project she stubbornly kept going despite knowing it wasn’t working.🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:How to tell the difference between teenage snark and genuine feedbackThe best questions to ask students for real answersWhen to pivot mid-lesson vs. waiting until the next dayWhy relationships are the foundation for honest feedbackHow to admit your “brilliant” idea flopped—without losing credibilityLeah’s two big takeaways: don’t beat yourself up for trying something new, and don’t spend an entire semester forcing something that’s clearly not working.If you’ve ever overcomplicated a system or defended a procedure that made everyone miserable, this episode is for you. Sometimes the simplest solutions really are the best ones.

What does it really mean to be “on” for eight hours straight with no break? In this episode of If Teachers Ruled the World, Leah pulls back the curtain on the emotional and invisible labor that makes teaching one of the most misunderstood and demanding professions.From being a mini-administrator without support staff to carrying student trauma home, she breaks down what most people don’t see:Why “free periods” aren’t free at allThe emotional cost of caring deeply for every studentThe performance of teaching without applauseThe mental health toll of being responsible for young lives every dayLeah shares her own story—honest, raw, and grounded in 25 years of classroom experience—while still holding onto the purpose and love that keep her showing up. This episode is for every teacher who’s ever felt unseen, and for anyone who truly wants to understand what’s happening behind the classroom door.🎧 Key Topics:The emotional exhaustion of being "always on"Why planning periods aren’t downtimeCarrying students' emotional burdensPerforming with no recognitionFinding purpose in an unsustainable systemPerfect for: Teachers feeling overwhelmed, family and friends of educators, and anyone who wants to understand the real demands of teaching.

What if one simple policy change could transform education overnight? In this solo episode, veteran teacher Leah Cleary crowns herself Education Secretary of her dream administration and takes on one of the most exhausting realities in education: early school start times.Picture it — 7:45 AM, first period. Your students look like extras from a zombie movie, surviving on energy drinks and pure willpower. Sound familiar?In “The 10 AM Revolution,” Leah shares all too real classroom moments (like her infamous alien pyramid test), eye-opening student contrasts between morning and afternoon, and the science behind it all — including why teenage circadian rhythms make 7:30 AM learning nearly impossible.This isn’t just venting. Leah tackles the real-world pushback — sports, schedules, logistics — and reframes the conversation: What if we stopped teaching kids that exhaustion equals dedication?🎧 In this episode:The science of teenage sleep cycles and circadian rhythmsThe lived reality of teaching half-awake teensCommon objections (and why they’re worth rethinking)Practical solutions for shifting school start timesHow you can be a guest on future episodesThis episode kicks off Leah’s monthly series, If Teachers Ruled the World — bold ideas, real talk, and a little imagination about what schools could be if teachers were in charge.Whether you're a teacher nodding along, a parent puzzled by your teen’s sleep habits, or an admin ready to rethink the system — this episode might just spark a revolution.Join the movement. Your circadian rhythm will thank you.