Things Teachers Really Say

SummaryThis lively panel discussion reveals the chaotic, humorous, and often overlooked realities of teachers' experiences during nap time in early childhood education. From the chaos of managing children to the misconceptions about teacher breaks, the panel offers an authentic look at what really happens behind the scenes.

SummaryIn this conversation, hosts Courtney and Erin discuss their personal experiences with burnout in the education sector, sharing coping mechanisms, recognizing signs of burnout, and the importance of mental health days. They emphasize the need for support systems, setting boundaries, and learning from past experiences to foster a healthier work-life balance. The discussion highlights the challenges teachers face and the necessity of prioritizing mental health in a demanding profession.

SummaryIn this conversation, the hosts discuss the often bizarre and humorous requests made by parents to teachers, highlighting the challenges and dynamics of parent-teacher relationships. They share personal anecdotes that illustrate the complexities of managing expectations, boundaries, and communication in educational settings. The conversation also touches on the impact of first-time parenting and the responsibilities teachers face in child development.

SummaryIn this conversation, the hosts explore the humorous side of challenging situations in education and parenting. They share funny anecdotes about children, the chaos of outbreaks, and the coping mechanisms they use to navigate serious moments with laughter. The discussion highlights the importance of humor in dealing with the ups and downs of working with kids and the unique stories that arise from these experiences.

SummaryIn this episode, hosts Courtney and Erin discuss the challenges and considerations surrounding the teaching profession, particularly what it would take for educators to return to the classroom. They explore systemic issues in education, the need for respect and support for teachers, and the importance of addressing individual student needs. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for a reformed education system that prioritizes student learning over numbers and metrics, while also advocating for parental involvement in children's education.

SummaryIn this conversation, the hosts discuss the unique challenges and joys of teaching during the chaotic month of December. They share personal anecdotes about holiday classroom activities, the magic of believing in Santa, and the emotional moments that arise during the holiday season. The conversation emphasizes the importance of allowing both children and adults to embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy the festivities, while also acknowledging the challenges that come with it.

SummaryThis conversation explores the importance of allowing children to experience their childhood fully, emphasizing the need for play, emotional regulation, and the impact of societal expectations on child development. The hosts discuss personal anecdotes and broader themes related to parenting, education, and the influence of social media on perceptions of childhood milestones.

SummaryThe conversation explores the challenges of bedtime routines and the dynamics of family interactions, particularly focusing on trust and honesty in childcare situations.

SummaryThe conversation explores the emotional expressions of children, particularly focusing on a humorous anecdote about a child's 'werewolf phase.' It delves into the challenges of parenting, the importance of understanding emotional behavior, and the use of humor to navigate these situations.

SummaryThe conversation explores a childhood incident involving a conflict between two children, highlighting themes of self-defense, parental reactions, and the complexities of managing childhood interactions.

SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss the challenges teachers face, including feelings of inadequacy, personal struggles, and the impact of emotional regulation on their teaching. They share personal anecdotes about moments of doubt and the importance of support systems in education. The conversation highlights the significance of celebrating small wins and reframing failures as opportunities for growth. The hosts also touch on the cultural differences in education and the necessity of setting boundaries while navigating administrative expectations. Ultimately, they emphasize that being human is enough in the teaching profession.

SummaryIn this episode, hosts Courtney and Erin explore the emotional complexities of goodbyes in the teaching profession. They share personal stories of sudden departures, the impact of change on educators and students, and the importance of maintaining connections after leaving. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional closure and modeling healthy emotions for children, highlighting the significance of being present for each other during transitions. Ultimately, they reflect on the bittersweet nature of goodbyes and the new beginnings that follow.

SummaryIn this conversation, the hosts discuss the vital role of music in education, emphasizing its benefits for emotional regulation, memory reinforcement, and creating a fun learning environment. They share personal experiences and strategies for incorporating music into classroom routines, highlighting the importance of allowing children to express their emotions and engage with music in a meaningful way. The conversation also touches on the challenges of selecting appropriate music and the need for emotional awareness in teaching.

SummaryIn this conversation, Courtney and Erin discuss the multifaceted challenges teachers face, including unexpected responsibilities, the importance of administrative support, and the need for genuine appreciation from both parents and the school system. They share personal anecdotes that highlight the often-overlooked aspects of teaching, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll it takes on educators. The discussion also touches on the significance of community involvement and the impact of parental appreciation on teachers' morale.

SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss the critical importance of safe spaces in educational settings, emphasizing that both students and teachers need environments where they feel secure and supported. They share personal experiences and anecdotes that highlight the impact of safe spaces on children's behavior and emotional well-being. The conversation also touches on the role of play in learning, the necessity of administrative support for teachers, and practical strategies for creating safe spaces in classrooms.

SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss the reasons many educators leave the classroom, sharing personal stories and experiences. They explore the impact of leaving teaching on their lives, the challenges faced by children during the COVID pandemic, and the importance of imaginative play in child development. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care and the recognition of a teacher's worth beyond their profession.

SummaryIn this episode, hosts Courtney and Erin reflect on their tumultuous experiences at a chaotic school that brought them together as friends. They discuss the various dramas, management issues, and classroom dynamics that shaped their time there, including favoritism, segregation, and the challenges of advocating for children. The conversation highlights the importance of friendships formed through adversity and the personal growth that comes from navigating difficult situations. Ultimately, they share their breaking points and decisions to leave, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment in education.

In this conversation, Erin and Courtney delve into the pervasive issue of toxic administration within educational settings. They share personal experiences and anecdotes that highlight the red flags of toxic leadership, the illusion of a supportive school family, and the impact of such environments on staff morale and mental health. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing toxicity, establishing healthy boundaries, and prioritizing self-care in the face of challenging workplace dynamics.

This conversation explores the complexities of emotional regulation in children and the impact of adult emotions on their development. The speakers discuss their experiences in early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of teaching children to recognize and express their emotions. They also address the challenges of maintaining emotional balance as educators while navigating personal feelings, the pitfalls of toxic positivity, and the humorous moments that arise from childhood meltdowns. The discussion concludes with key takeaways on the significance of emotional awareness for both children and adults.

In this episode, Courtney and Erin delve into the complexities of boundaries in the educational environment, discussing the importance of establishing clear boundaries between teachers and students, as well as between teachers and parents. They share personal anecdotes and experiences that highlight the challenges and rewards of navigating these relationships, emphasizing the need for effective communication and understanding in fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for children.00:00Introduction to Teacher Boundaries02:23Understanding Boundaries with Students04:58Navigating Parent-Teacher Conversations07:18The Importance of Communication09:37Establishing Classroom Boundaries11:53The Impact of COVID on Child Development14:26Teaching Boundaries to Young Children16:54Balancing Professional and Personal Life19:19The Role of Teachers as Advocates21:41Humorous Boundary Crossings24:22Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode SummaryIn our very first episode, co-hosts Courtney and Erin kick things off by asking the big question every teacher has probably asked themselves: “How did I end up elbow-deep in glitter?” From hiring stories to classroom chaos, the duo shares their backgrounds in early childhood education, how they met, and what pulled them into (and eventually out of) the world of teaching.Expect laughs, real talk, and a little chaos—because if you’ve ever worked with kids, you know glitter is just the beginning.What We Talk About in This Episode🎉 The story of how Erin hired Courtney (thank you, Indeed job postings).👶 Courtney’s journey through multiple early childhood centers—from infants to toddlers and beyond.🥋 Erin’s 20-year path with kids, starting as a martial arts instructor and spanning kindergarten assistant, sports coach, art teacher, and more.💥 The joys and challenges of working with “spirited” (a.k.a. violent) kids—and the composure it takes.🌴 Erin’s big move to Florida (and the hilarious real reason behind it).😅 The ups, downs, and drama of working in early childhood centers (yes, that one place will be a full future episode).💬 Why both hosts eventually stepped out of education—and where they are now.Memorable Moments“What I’m hearing is you saw a bunch of violent kids and thought, yes, I want to teach them.”“Let’s be real—I moved to Florida to run away from the opposite sex.”“I have no f***ing clue what to say… let’s rewind that.”ClosingThis is just the start! Courtney & Erin promise more stories, laughs, and maybe a few tears as they dive deeper into the wild world of teaching in future episodes.

Things Teachers Really Say – Two former teachers spill the hilarious, messy, and completely real things we’ve actually said out loud. The trailer’s rough (we’re learning!), but the laughs? Absolutely solid.