Secondary Teacher Podcast

Feeling buried under grading, lesson planning, and endless to-dos as a secondary teacher with multiple preps this October? You’re definitely not alone—I’ve been there too, and research backs up just how overwhelming this time of year can be. In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing the top three strategies that helped me survive the chaos: learning to prioritize what matters most (anchor tasks vs. bonus tasks), batching lessons and grading (instead of scatter-braining your day), and giving yourself permission to “rinse and repeat” tried-and-true routines. If you’re searching for tips on reducing teacher overwhelm, streamlining multi-prep workflows, or ways to actually leave school without a ton of work to take home, this episode is for you. Let’s breathe easier and get through October together! Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach

Are you overwhelmed juggling multiple preps, endless differentiation, and the needs of every student in your secondary classroom? In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing my go-to strategy for planning smarter, not harder—by designing lessons for your top students and supporting everyone else with simple, effective systems. If you’re searching for ways to differentiate without burning out, streamline lesson planning, or better support students with IEPs, 504s, behavioral plans, and multilingual needs, this episode is your game-changer. Tune in to learn how to stop splitting yourself into five versions, and start building transformational lessons that truly reach every learner! Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach

Ever feel like juggling multiple preps in secondary teaching just means more chaos and less control? Trust me, I’ve been there! In this episode, I’m sharing the exact routines that have saved my sanity (and helped dozens of teachers I’ve coached) when everything goes sideways—no Pinterest-perfect solutions, just real strategies like sustainable planning period rituals, bell ringers YOUR brain actually benefits from, and a simple midweek feedback system that actually helps. If you’re tired of overwhelming to-do lists and searching for routines that genuinely work for busy secondary teachers, especially those with multiple subjects, this is the practical starting point you need to thrive all year long. Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach

If you’re juggling multiple preps and wondering how to handle your school’s new cell phone ban (especially now that it’s actually becoming law in some states), this episode is for you. I’m sharing real talk about what this shift actually means for your daily routines, classroom management, and that already-overflowing to-do list. As someone who’s been a teacher, assistant principal, and now a parent, I break down practical, low-tech swaps for those go-to phone activities—think exit tickets, bell ringers, and more—so you can keep your classroom running smoothly without the endless phone battles. Tune in for actionable strategies, time-saving tips, and a little encouragement to help you stay focused and thrive, even when the rules keep changing! Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach

Hey there, fellow secondary teacher juggling three (or more!) preps with barely enough time to catch your breath—this episode is for you. I know what it’s like to stare down one planning period and wonder how to create warmups, handle those “dead” minutes, and keep every class on track without losing your mind. In this episode, I’m sharing my go-to “Would You Rather” strategy—not just as a fun icebreaker, but as a versatile, zero-prep tool for brain breaks, transitions, and last-minute lesson fillers across all your preps. Plus, I’ll talk about building systems and routines that actually buy you back time (without making you feel like you’re cutting corners). If you’ve searched for “multiple prep time-saving,” “secondary teacher planning,” or “simple classroom management,” hit play now—you’re just one solid system away from regaining your sanity! Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach

Ever feel overwhelmed juggling multiple preps and wishing you didn’t have to start lesson planning from scratch for every single subject? In this episode, I’m sharing my secret sanity-saver as a multi-prep secondary teacher: how one simple classroom routine—the gallery walk—became my go-to strategy to save time and cut down on decision fatigue across very different classes. Whether you teach engineering, health science, or anything in between, you’ll learn how to stretch one flexible strategy to fit different subjects, reclaim your planning time, and still keep students engaged. Tune in for practical, real-life examples and my best tips on building predictable routines that actually work for secondary teachers with multiple preps! Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach

Ever sit down during your planning period—maybe with three or more different classes to prep for—and end up stuck, overwhelmed, or just tidying your always-cluttered desk? I’ve been there! In this episode, I get real about what it’s like trying to survive as a secondary teacher juggling multiple preps, surrounded by decision fatigue, constant interruptions, and that never-ending grading pile. But here’s the game-changer: I’ll share the reset ritual and time-saving systems that finally helped me reclaim my planning period and find some peace—without sacrificing what matters most. If you’re a middle or high school teacher searching for practical strategies to manage multi-prep chaos, boost efficiency, and actually leave school at a reasonable hour, don’t miss this episode (and be sure to grab your free planning period reset toolkit in the show notes)! Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach

Feeling like your planning periods are slipping through your fingers already? In this episode, I’m sharing my tried-and-true system for structuring your first 10 planning periods so you can actually get ahead—not just scramble from one class to the next. If you’re a secondary teacher juggling multiple preps and trying to avoid those email rabbit holes, hallway wanderings, or last-minute lesson plan panics, this is for you. I’ll walk you through real strategies, from setting boundaries (hello, Do Not Disturb sign!) to building habits that will make your prep time more productive and less stressful all year long. Let’s kick off the school year with routines that protect your priorities and keep overwhelm at bay. Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach

Ever feel like the first 10 days of school are a wild juggling act—especially when you’re teaching multiple preps? Trust me, I’ve been there! In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing my top strategies for creating smoother starts and lowering overwhelm, from using “accordion activities” you can flex across any subject, to teaching routines just in time instead of all at once. If you’re a middle or high school teacher looking for practical ways to save time, build relationships, and set up routines that actually stick (without burning out before Labor Day), this episode is your roadmap to making those chaotic first days feel calm and doable. Let’s kick off the year together with less stress and more confidence! Too many preps and not enough time? Let’s make your planning period actually work for you. Get the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/reset Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach

Feeling overwhelmed by planning periods and juggling multiple preps? I’ve been there! In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I share the simple “Introduce, Practice, Produce” framework that pulled me out of survival mode—even when teaching five different classes at once. If you’re a middle or high school teacher constantly searching for time-saving tips, lesson planning strategies, or ways to simplify your day-to-day, tune in to discover how streamlining your approach can reduce overwhelm and help you reclaim your planning time. No more endless nights or reinventing the wheel—let’s make planning feel manageable again! Tired of juggling lesson plans, grading, and multiple preps? There’s a better way—and it’s inside the Multiple Prep Teacher Academy. Whether you’re teaching 3 subjects or 9, MPTA helps you build simple, repeatable systems so you can plan faster, teach with confidence, and actually log off before dinner. What you’ll get: Get all the details (and current bonuses) at: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/multiple-prep-teacher-academy-ps/ Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khristenmassic/

Kick off your school year with confidence! In this throwback episode, I’m sharing my tried-and-true strategies for secondary teachers juggling multiple preps on how to build a strong classroom culture from day one—without feeling like you have to be a performer. Whether you’re a high school or middle school teacher, you’ll get practical tips on setting up your classroom space, greeting students, teaching essential routines, and making everyone feel welcome and safe. Plus, I’ll reveal engaging, low-pressure activities to help you get to know your students while giving them a glimpse of what your class is all about (yes, even if you hate reading syllabi on day one). If classroom management, first day of school ideas, or establishing routines are on your mind, you won’t want to miss this episode! Tired of juggling lesson plans, grading, and multiple preps? There’s a better way—and it’s inside the Multiple Prep Teacher Academy. Whether you’re teaching 3 subjects or 9, MPTA helps you build simple, repeatable systems so you can plan faster, teach with confidence, and actually log off before dinner. What you’ll get: Get all the details (and current bonuses) at: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/multiple-prep-teacher-academy-ps/ Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khristenmassic/

Ever feel like you're planning a subject you’ve never taught before and wondering if you’ll survive juggling all those preps as a secondary teacher? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I share real talk and practical strategies for mastering new curriculum, reusing lesson structures, and letting go of perfection when teaching multiple subjects—even if you didn’t major in them. Whether you’re piecing together resources or feeling overwhelmed about how to start, I’ll show you step-by-step how to work backwards from what students need to do, adapt frameworks you already use, and become a confident facilitator (not an encyclopedia). Tune in for actionable tips and a boost of encouragement—I promise, you’ve got this! Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khristenmassic/

Ever feel like juggling multiple preps as a secondary teacher means endless nights and weekends lost to grading and planning? I’ve been there—teaching at two campuses, building a new program from scratch, and trying not to drown under all the expectations. In this episode, I’m getting real about the tiny shifts that finally helped me plan for five preps without burning out. I’ll share how I stopped trying to prove myself, started planning around my actual energy, let go of guilt over unfinished tasks, and built sustainable routines that saved my sanity. If you’re searching for practical time management, burnout prevention, or lesson planning strategies for multiple preps, hit play—you deserve a teaching life you don’t have to recover from! Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khristenmassic/

If you’re a secondary teacher juggling multiple preps and you’re already thinking about how to make your classroom run smoother next year, this episode is for you. I’m sharing super practical strategies for classroom management, lesson structure, and maximizing student engagement—especially in those challenging 90-minute blocks. Whether you're looking to revamp your routines or just tweak your current systems, you'll find easy, repeatable formats and time-saving tips that work for any secondary class (think CTE, project-based, and more). Tune in to get my go-to lesson plan templates, chunking strategies, and real-world advice you can use right away to keep your students on task—without losing your sanity! Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khristenmassic/

Ever feel like your classroom setup changes more than your lesson plans? Trust me, you’re not alone! As a fellow secondary teacher with multiple preps, I know the struggle of moving between classrooms (or even schools!) and trying to keep everything organized—without losing your sanity. In this episode, I’m sharing my go-to strategies for staying organized, building reliable routines, and creating classroom zones that work wherever you land. Whether you’re juggling boxes, teaching out of a milk crate, or tired of reinventing your systems every August, I’ve got real talk and actionable tips to help you thrive as a traveling teacher. Tune in for advice on labeling, supply stations, and routines that bring stability, no matter how often your teaching space changes. Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khristenmassic/

Feeling buried under piles of ungraded papers and juggling too many lesson plans? I’ve been there! In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing the real turning point that helped me escape multi-prep burnout for good. If you’re a secondary teacher managing multiple preps and desperate for strategies to organize your lesson planning, streamline classroom routines, and actually reduce your overwhelm, this is for you. I’ll spill the four powerful beliefs that changed everything for me—from simplifying planning across preps to creating systems that actually work (and yes, you get your life back too). Hit play to find out how you can finally teach with confidence, ditch survival mode, and create sustainable systems that support both your teaching and your sanity! Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khristenmassic/

Ever feel like your to-do list never ends, no matter how hard you work? In this episode, I’m diving into the three biggest productivity mistakes I see secondary teachers—especially those juggling multiple preps—make all the time. I’ll share honest stories from my own classroom, break down how to finally get ahead with your curriculum planning, make your planning period actually work for you, and discover which tasks you really don’t have to do yourself (trust me, your students can help!). If you’re ready to reclaim your evenings, stay on top of all your classes, and still have time for a life outside school, hit play and let’s get some sanity back in your school day! Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khristenmassic/

Ever wondered how to set up your classroom when you’re teaching multiple subjects and feeling totally overwhelmed by all the moving parts? In this episode, I share real-life strategies for secondary teachers with multiple preps on how to organize your space, streamline student supply zones, set up effective routines, and ditch the Pinterest-perfect pressure for something that actually works. I’ll walk you through how to manage zones for each subject, make your classroom adaptable for different activities, and involve your students in resetting the space—saving you time and sanity. If you’re searching for practical classroom organization tips, setup routines, or ways to reduce prep stress as a middle or high school teacher, you’ll want to hit play now! Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khristenmassic/

Ever feel like your planning period just vanishes, and you’re left wondering where all your time went without anything to show for it? In this episode, I’m sharing real-life strategies to help secondary teachers with multiple preps reduce that overwhelming “where do I even start?” feeling. I’ll walk you through my practical Planning Period Reset—a five-minute system designed to ditch the distractions, make every minute count, and actually finish the tasks that truly impact your students (not just someone else’s to-do list!). If you’re ready to create calm during planning time and finally stop spinning your wheels, this episode is for you. Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khristenmassic/

Ever feel totally overwhelmed trying to juggle multiple preps and endless to-dos? In this throwback episode, I’m sharing my favorite simple trick for reducing overwhelm—using practical strategies straight from the world of manufacturing (seriously!). I’ll walk you through how to find your class’s “minimum viable product” (MVP) so you can focus on what matters most, plus my easy-to-follow 4S organizational method to streamline your planning, grading, and routines. If you’re a secondary teacher looking for mindset shifts, time-saving tips, and ways to actually thrive (not just survive) this school year, you’re in the right place. Hit play for actionable advice to help you calm the chaos and take back your evenings! Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Grab the free Make AI Your Teaching Assistant PD and see how AI can actually help. https://khristenmassic.com/ta Take the overwhelm out of multi-prep teaching—your free support system, the Simplify Your Preps Collective, is waiting: https://khristenmassic.com/collective Shop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-Coach Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khristenmassic/