PODCAST · education
Pedagogically Speaking
by Ilana Huffer
Pedagogically Speaking is the education podcast that helps teachers show up with confidence, clarity, and heart. I am an inclusive education teacher and mentor with 16 years in the classroom, this teacher podcast has real talk, practical strategies, and empowering pep talks to help you thrive, not just survive, in the profession you love. From classroom management to teacher well-being, leadership, and inclusive practices… we cover the stuff they don’t teach you in teacher prep. If you’re a passionate educator who wants to grow, laugh, feel seen, and make a meaningful impact then you’re in the right place!
Episodes
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How Much Are You Willing to Lose to Be a Good Teacher?
How much are you willing to lose to be a good teacher? Teachers don't just spend money on their classrooms. We spend our time, our emotional energy, our evenings, our weekends—and sometimes we keep giving because we feel like we owe our students more. In this episode of Pedagogically Speaking,...
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Not Every Student Behaviour Needs a Consequence
The conversation explores the idea that teachers often feel compelled to respond to every minor misbehavior in the classroom, but sometimes the best approach is to let small issues go unaddressed. By focusing on what truly deserves attention, teachers can maintain a more effective learning...
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7 Classroom Management Strategies That Work
I discuss effective classroom management strategies, emphasizing the importance of teaching students expected behaviors rather than merely enforcing rules. I outline various routines that can enhance student participation and create a positive learning environment. Takeaways Focus on teaching...
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5 Executive Functioning Tips That Will Save Your Voice and Your Patience
The conversation explores practical strategies for helping students build executive functioning skills in the classroom. It emphasizes the importance of making planning visible, using spotlight strategies, being intentional, using a working clock, and creating situational awareness through making...
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Your first few weeks weren't a failure. Let's reset for a smooth year.
The mindset shifts needed for a successful start to the school year, focusing on adaptability, teaching routines, understanding student behavior, and adjusting to student needs. Takeaways Adaptability is key to successful teaching. Teaching routines and establishing classroom systems are…
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5 Classroom Management Strategies that Actually Work
I talk about the essential classroom management strategies, which aim to enhance the teaching experience and student engagement by establishing clear expectations, predictability, and positive relationships while minimizing disruptions and incidents. Takeaways Classroom management strategies...
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The Mindset Shift You Need To Start The School Year
Teachers often feel pressure to prepare for the perfect first day, but the focus should be on creating conditions for a successful year and avoiding burnout. This requires a mindset shift and a change in preparation focus.
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The Best Way to Set Up Your Classroom in 2026
Starting a new classroom, or starting at a new school, can feel overwhelming. What do you actually need? How should you arrange the room? Should the walls be decorated? How do you create a space where students feel welcome and ready to learn? Before you spend hundreds of dollars on classroom...
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5 Trauma-Informed Practices Every Teacher Can Start Using Tomorrow
I talk about 5 ways you can build a trauma informed classroom using the book Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom by Kristin Souers with Pete Hall. I talk and link 5 trauma informed practices with the book so you don't need to have read it to watch or...
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Are Your Students Actually Learning? 4 Ways to Know
Engagement is not the same as learning. Learning is invisible and requires evidence. Evidence of learning includes deeper thinking, exit tickets, listening, and revisiting learning. Teaching is about creating conditions for students to make meaning. Takeaways Engagement is not a reliable…
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Teaching Isn't a Checklist
I read a TES article by Sam Gibbs titled "How we dumbed down teaching - and what we must do to fix it" and I really appreciated the article. In this episode I talk about what it means to be a professional in education, what some people want it to mean, and the struggle we can feel when we know…
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Every Teacher Dreads This Conversation (And We Need to Talk About It)
In this episode I talk about the emotional burden of parent communication for teachers, the perspective of parents, effective communication strategies, and managing expectations and recovery after difficult conversations. Takeaways Parent communication is emotionally heavy for teachers, requiring...
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10 Teaching Lessons We Learned Watching the World Cup
The World Cup offers valuable lessons for teachers, emphasizing the importance of mistakes, invisible learning, immediate feedback, teamwork, classroom culture, and continuous improvement. It highlights the significance of celebrating progress, creating a psychologically safe environment, and...
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The Impact You'll Never See: Can One Teacher Still Change a Life?
In this episode I discuss the invisible impact of teaching, the growing complexity of the teaching profession, and the lasting impact of teaching on students' lives. I emphasize the importance of recognizing the invisible outcomes of teaching and the profound influence teachers have on students...
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Stop Managing Behaviour. Start Building a Community.
What if the key to improving student behaviour isn't better behaviour management? In this video, I explore why shifting your focus from managing behaviour to building a strong classroom community can transform your classroom. Instead of relying on rewards, consequences, and constant correction,...
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The Teacher Summer Slump Is Real (And It's Not What You Think)
The teacher summer slump is not burnout, it's not laziness. It's the psychological disruption that happens when the routine, identity, and purpose of teaching suddenly disappear for two months. In this video essay, I break down what the research actually says about why teachers struggle during...
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Here's What This Year Taught Me About Teaching
This year taught me about the critical role of leadership in education, the need for support, recognition, and inclusion for teachers and diverse learners, and the impact of leadership on teacher retention and the challenges faced by educators. Takeaways Leadership plays a significant role in...
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The Rise of Quiet Quitting in Schools- Why Passionate Teachers Stop Caring
Why are so many teachers emotionally checking out of education? In this episode of Pedagogically Speaking, we unpack the rise of “quiet quitting” in teaching — and why it may actually be a response to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and unsustainable expectations in schools. We discuss: teacher...
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Why the World Cup Creates More Engagement Than Most Classrooms
The conversation explores the engagement and learning opportunities presented by global events like the World Cup. It emphasizes the academic richness of sports, the importance of cross-curricular integration, and the potential for leveraging the World Cup in education to enhance student…
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The Students We Call “Lazy” Are Actually Overwhelmed
The conversation delves into the misunderstood struggle of overwhelmed students, the damaging impact of the label 'lazy,' and the need for a supportive environment. It explores the complexity of human cognition, the impact of chronic stress, and the challenges of executive functioning....
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Sitting Still Is Not Learning
The conversation explores the impact of stillness on learning, the historical context of stillness in education, compliance culture in modern classrooms, the impact of movement on learning, the role of teachers and classroom environment, and the need to rethink engagement and learning…
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The Dangerous Lie About Passion in Teaching
The conversation delves into the uncomfortable truth about teacher burnout, the expectation of self-sacrifice in education, and the normalization of overwork. It explores the subtle ways in which teacher passion and dedication are being weaponized to manipulate teachers into overextending...
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Students Don’t Care Anymore… Now What? (Teacher Burnout, Student Engagement & End-of-Year Reality)
Students don’t care anymore… or at least that’s what it feels like right now. If your students are disengaged, refusing work, or saying “I don’t care,” this episode breaks down what’s actually happening—and why it’s not about laziness or defiance. In this episode of Pedagogically Speaking, we...
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Imposter Syndrome
The conversation covers the journey of a teacher from the initial decision to become a teacher, transitioning from an EA to a teacher, dealing with overwhelm and imposter syndrome, belonging and self-doubt in teaching, effective teaching strategies, adapting to student diversity, teaching...
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We’ve Trained Students to Fear Failure. Here’s How to Undo It
The conversation explores the impact of fear of failure on students and the importance of normalizing struggle, slowing down the rescue instinct, and praising the process and effort. It emphasizes the need to change the narrative around failure and make it a part of the learning process.…
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Impacts of Violence in Classrooms Part 2 with guest Alex
The conversation delves into the challenges faced by educators in schools, including the impact of violence, the emotional toll on educators, and the need to navigate paradoxes. It also explores the dynamics of teacher-student relationships, assessment and grading challenges, creating safe spaces...
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The Realities of Teaching: Insights from Experienced Educators Part 1
The conversation delves into the challenges and realities of teaching, including the struggles of new and veteran teachers, the impact of teaching contracts on work-life balance, the lack of support for French immersion teachers, and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in lesson...
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Don’t Ruin Your Spring Break on Sunday: The 5-Step Teacher Reset Before Monday
In this episode, Ilana discusses the importance of a teacher reset before Monday and provides five steps to achieve it. The steps include planning for Monday, reducing overwhelm, setting energy boundaries, and anchoring a win for Monday. Ilana emphasizes the need for teachers to set boundaries…
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Spring Break Recharge: Mental Health Strategies for Teachers
Episode 14 of Pedagogically Speaking focuses on the mental health of teachers, addressing burnout, stress management, work-life balance, and the importance of rest and recovery. It emphasizes the need for community, mindfulness, and reconnecting with non-teaching identities. Takeaways Recognizing...
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How to survive teaching without losing yourself.
Episode 13: I talk about being close to the end of term 2, and report cards leading to burnout in teaching, and we explore the signs, causes, and impact of burnout on educators. I emphasize the need for boundary-setting, self-care, and system redesign to address burnout effectively. Takeaways...
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The 5 structures that turn chaos into calm
In Episode 12 of Pedagogically Speaking I talk about the importance of structure and clarity in the classroom, dealing with chaos, and managing dysregulation. The episode emphasizes the need for structure, clarity, and co-regulation to create a calm and effective learning environment. Chapters...
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They’re Not Ignoring You. They’re Drowning.
Are your students staring at blank pages? Avoiding work? Saying “I don’t get it” before they even try? They’re not ignoring you. They’re overwhelmed. In this episode of Pedagogically Speaking, we’re unpacking executive functioning in the classroom — what it actually looks like, why we mislabel it...
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Belonging is Felt: Rethinking Inclusion in Schools
Keywords inclusion, education, mental health, community, barriers, safe environment, collaboration, teaching strategies, student support, holistic approach Summary In this conversation, Ilana discusses the multifaceted nature of inclusion in education, emphasizing the importance of creating a…
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Teacher Burnout & Belonging: Practical Classroom Strategies with Morgane Michael
In Episode 9 of Pedagogically Speaking, host Ilana Huffer sits down with internationally recognized educator and author Morgane Michael for a powerful conversation about teacher burnout, belonging in education, and the simple, but deeply impactful, strategies that help students and teachers, feel...
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Teachers Were Never Meant to Do This Alone: Community, Solidarity, and Support
The conversation covers the themes of community building among educators, early teaching experiences, transition to a teaching career, teaching in Saskatchewan, relocation and adjustment, and union activism and social justice. It explores the challenges, adventures, and experiences of educators,...
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Reimagining Assessment: Transforming Assessment into a Learning Tool
EPISODE 7: In this episode of Pedagogically Speaking I explore the transformation of assessment into a learning tool, the limitations of traditional assessments, ethical considerations in large-scale assessments, the dominance of behaviorist thinking in schools, the contrast between behaviorism…
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Community will bring us Together
Ange Coutts shares her journey into teaching, overcoming adversity, and advocating for LGBTQ+ representation and inclusivity in education. She discusses the challenges she faced as a substitute teacher, the impact of LGBTQ+ representation in education, and the empowerment of female athletes…
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Nobody has the Monopoly on Good Ideas
The conversation covers Vasuhi's, career transitions, challenges, and growth, the impact of nutrition on health, and the implications of problem-solving and foresight. Vasuhi's experiences highlight the importance of mental health, the value of career transitions, and the significance of…
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Navigating Teacher Exhaustion During Winter Break
In episode 4 of Pedagogically Speaking, host Ilana Huffer discusses the challenges educators face during winter break, emphasizing the importance of rest and self-care. She reflects on the exhaustion many teachers feel, particularly after a long term, and addresses the feelings of self-doubt that...
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Are Teachers Ready for Winter Break?
Episode 3 of Pedagogically Speaking, Ilana Huffer discusses the challenges educators face as they approach the winter break. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining routines, understanding mental exhaustion, and practicing self-care. Ilana shares strategies for compassionate teaching and...
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Beyond the Notes: Cindy Romphf on Music, Mentorship & Making Safe Spaces
In this conversation, Cindy Romphf, a dedicated music educator, shares her journey in music education, the importance of advocacy for music programs, and the impact of music on students' lives. She discusses her experiences navigating racial identity in a predominantly white community and...
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From Surviving to Thriving: Confidence in the Classroom
In the inaugural episode of "Pedagogically Speaking," host Ilana Huffer delves into the often unspoken challenges of teacher confidence. Through personal stories and practical insights, Ilana explores how confidence is built not through perfection, but through consistency, community, and…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Pedagogically Speaking is the education podcast that helps teachers show up with confidence, clarity, and heart. I am an inclusive education teacher and mentor with 16 years in the classroom, this teacher podcast has real talk, practical strategies, and empowering pep talks to help you thrive, not just survive, in the profession you love. From classroom management to teacher well-being, leadership, and inclusive practices… we cover the stuff they don’t teach you in teacher prep. If you’re a passionate educator who wants to grow, laugh, feel seen, and make a meaningful impact then you’re in the right place!
HOSTED BY
Ilana Huffer
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Pedagogically Speaking have?
Pedagogically Speaking currently has 42 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Pedagogically Speaking about?
Pedagogically Speaking is the education podcast that helps teachers show up with confidence, clarity, and heart. I am an inclusive education teacher and mentor with 16 years in the classroom, this teacher podcast has real talk, practical strategies, and empowering pep talks to help you thrive, not...
How often does Pedagogically Speaking release new episodes?
Pedagogically Speaking has 42 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Pedagogically Speaking?
You can listen to Pedagogically Speaking on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Pedagogically Speaking?
Pedagogically Speaking is created and hosted by Ilana Huffer.
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