The Time-Crunched Teacher

In today’s episode, we welcome our esteemed colleague and music educator, Mr. Jason Erece. Beyond his exceptional musical talents, "Mr. E" possesses a rare gift for classroom management and authentic student connection. Join us as he shares his journey into music education and pulls back the curtain on the thoughtful, nuanced procedures that make his classroom so intentional and successful.Here’s what we’re diving into today:How to actually become a music teacher (the educational roadmap)The step-by-step classroom routine Mr. E uses to keep things running smoothlyA deep dive into behavior tracking, rewards, and the philosophy behind consequencesPlus, a surprising personal story and life experience from Mr. E⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

In today's episode we discuss why you don't need to spend 3 (unpaid!) days setting up your classroom to be an effective teacher. We grant you the permission to spend just enough time making sure the space is safe, tidy, and welcoming for your students. We also talk about what we do instead of focusing on decor. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:1.) Back to School Routines and Procedures (VIDEO)2.) Back to School Routines and Procedures (TEMPLATE)3.) What I Do Before Setting Up My Classroom (VIDEO)4.) Mariel’s Budget-Friendly Classroom Setup (VIDEO)5.) Emergency Sub Plans (VIDEO)6.) Back to School Playlist (VIDEOS)⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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 the way to go"Errand Passes" (a.k.a. forced break passes)⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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 (YouTube Video)⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

We’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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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 boost ever. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

The 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 transferring districts or schools could affect your salaryHow to supplement your income legally ;)LINKS MENTIONED:Fresno’s Salary ChartSacramento’s Salary Chart⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

Sick 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 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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 involved - even at different skill levelsWhat to do when there are disagreementsGames Mentioned:Castle BallTic-Tac-Toe ChairsWaspital Old School Recess GamesWatch Your Back TagFind Something That Is….Clean Your RoomVolcanoes and Ice Cream ConesHead, Shoulders, Knees, Cone!LINKS MENTIONED:Castle Ball DirectionsTic-Tac-Toe Chairs (Video)Waspital (Video)Jump rope tricks (Video)Watch Your Back Tag DirectionsVolcanoes and Ice Cream Cones (Video)Head, Shoulders, Knees, Cone! (Video)Electric Whistle (Amazon)Today’s classroom story includes how Mariel’s selective hearing inadvertently shamed a kid and how Stephanie has been teaching long enough that she forgets what she’s taught. Video version of this podcast episode (YouTube) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

How 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. This episode’s topics include:Why math centers?Math block times and how to divide them upStudent groupingsMariel and Stephanie’s specific math centersCenter classroom managementLINKS MENTIONED:Susan Jones Teaching: YouTubeOnline Math Games for Technology Center: Khan Kids, Prodigy, XtraMathMath Focused Board Games: Adsumudi, Proof!, Prime ClimbVideo version of this podcast episode: YouTubeEmail us! [email protected]’s classroom story includes how Mariel’s class dominated in the classroom challenge and how Stephanie discovered that the apple can fall very far from the tree for one of her students. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

Today 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 Video on Family LetterLetter TemplateQuestions on my “Trusted Adult” form:Student First and Last NameHaving a trusted adult at school is very important. A trusted adult is someone who you feel safe with and is easy to talk to. They are also someone who you feel comfortable going to if you need help with something. Please check everyone that you feel is a trusted adult for you at school.List teacher and faculty names including their titles. Be sure it is a CHECKBOX so they can include more than one. Be sure to also include: “No one - I don’t have a trusted adult at school.” Weekly Check-In Form:Student First and Last NameUse emojis for pre-readers with captions that say things like: sad, not great, okay, good, fantastic, etc. I wouldn’t choose more than about 6 so there aren’t too many options.How was your week?What is one thing that went well?What is one thing you would like changed?Is there anything going on I need to know?Today’s classroom story includes some cute form responses from students and then I go on a tangent about walnuts. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

We 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 book Stephanie mentioned is How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague. Today’s classroom stories include Stephanie’s favorite DIY’d gifts and how Mariel’s intuition saved a student from a mortifying gift-giving experience. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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 are actually enjoyable for studentsAn incredible tangent that involves why November 1 is the perfect PD dayToday’s classroom stories include why kids in France also bite, and how everyone except Mariel knows about corn ice cream. Also, Mariel explains s’mores to Argentinians and Stephanie shares thoughts about the Halloween hangover.⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

One 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/JV_HrVtftDcToday’s classroom story is about the importance of teaching students how to email their teacher. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

You 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 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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 setting yourself up for success at conferences. This episode’s topics include:An overview of what to expect at Back to School NightExactly what Stephanie and Mariel include in their presentationsHow to get volunteers to sign up for important eventsFun and memorable ways to end the eveningLINKS MENTIONED:How to Make a Welcome Video for Students (Video): https://youtu.be/yD0pSlDiCXAFamily Letter to the Teacher (Video/Template): https://youtu.be/YphgYJKYhd4Recording a Teacher Read Aloud with QR Code (Video/Template): https://youtu.be/HPl-C55gKf0Today’s classroom story is how Mariel channels her inner club bouncer on Back to School Night. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

As 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 prepared during the teacher work weekHow each of us begins the first day of school with the studentsLINKS MENTIONED:Emergency sub plans (Video): https://youtu.be/gTwRtSaBAO8High frequency high five (Video): https://youtu.be/GzIs5xZdldcFirst night’s homework (Video):  https://youtu.be/YphgYJKYhd4Birthday envelope (Video): https://youtu.be/0VAZhTTJ36kPlayworks Game - Shipwreck (Link): https://www.playworks.org/game-library/shipwreck/Today’s classroom stories include why Mariel never makes bus passes and how Stephanie discovered a phallic phonics lesson. We’ll also hear from Leanna about the importance of honoring student identity on the first day. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

Today'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! Today's entire episode is a classroom story. ;) ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

If 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 Word Rule to Find Your Personal Style: https://youtu.be/eb-BmiVqp-I. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Alyssa’s channel. 💗  Today’s classroom story involves my invisible little black dress.⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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:Emergency Sub Plans (Video): https://youtu.be/gTwRtSaBAO8Today’s classroom stories include Mariel’s mister mister experience, Stephanie’s nickname for Richard, and Melissa’s swan thong song. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

Usually 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 list organized by aisle - pdfToday’s classroom story is about the time I broke into my house on Back to School Night. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

It'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 feature in an upcoming episode? Send us an email at [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

Google 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 3rd grade swear bear and some naughty words.⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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 to be okayToday's classroom story is why I don't do YouTube Shorts. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

Today’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 impact in a student’s life. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

As 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 spending my money onThings I’m no longer spending my time onThings I’m no longer giving my energy to LINKS MENTIONED:SEL/Soft Start to the Class (Video)Share and Connect Questions (Video)Productivity Playlist (Videos)Today’s classroom story is about why I have trust issues with plastic Easter eggs. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

Have 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 ever said to me. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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 might not want to talk about Deadwood any more. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

In 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 cursiveLINKS MENTIONED:Canva for EducatorsYouTube Video for Classroom Setup & OrganizationToday's classroom story is about the most time-wasting activity I've ever done and how an entire class laughed at me on the first day of school. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

Stop 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 for Google TasksToday's classroom story involves a group of kids who can't imagine why anyone would marry me. ⏰ 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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!

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 [email protected]. 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 listening experience. If you'd like to support our mission of providing value over profits, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Thank you for joining a community of educators who have helped each other become recognized for their talent, professionalism, and passion!