Teachers Off Duty

Latest Episodes:

S4 Ep25: The True Cost of Classroom Supplies Feb 11, 2024

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Navigating classroom needs and teacher budgets! In this episode of Teachers Off Duty we will explore the personal spending teachers endure for their classrooms. Our hosts KC Mack, Bri Richardson, and Mike Rivera, share some firsthand experiences and the impacts of these expenses! We begin by recognizing the dedication of teachers who invest their own money into classroom supplies, discussing the effects on both their students and their personal finances. Next, we tackle the mystery of disappearing pencils, sharing our own stories of frustration and humor related to classroom supplies vanishing. Mike Rivera shares his disdain for glue sticks, and we discuss our mixed feelings towards electric pencil sharpeners. Finally, KC reveals his favorite classroom equipment, the sticky notes, showcasing the simple hacks and joys found in teaching amidst the financial struggles. So join us as we navigate the financial realities of teaching with honesty and insight!!

S4 Ep24: The Real Issues In Education Feb 04, 2024

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We're confronting classroom realities in education! Welcome back to the Teachers Off Duty Podcast. In today's episode, hosts KC Mack, Bri Richardson, and Mike Rivera, will tackle pressing issues in the education system, sharing experiences and offering insights into what needs to change for the betterment of our schools. We will first delve into the topic of banned books in Florida libraries, questioning the implications of censorship on education. The conversation turns to the necessity of prioritizing students' needs over personal interests within the classroom. We then celebrate a positive shift as Mississippi schools take a significant step by increasing teacher salaries and focusing on hiring more educators, a crucial move for the improvement of educational quality. Next, we discuss how the increasing politicization of education is detracting from its true purpose. It's important to focus on the core issues impacting education and to remember that our primary role as educators is to provide the best possible learning experience for our students. Finally, we address the pervasive issue of over-testing in schools. We advocate for a balanced approach that reduces the stress of constant testing and instead focuses on equipping students with essential life skills. So join us in this insightful episode as we navigate through the complexities of the education system, aiming to foster positive changes for our teachers and students !

S4 Ep23: Lesson Plans Gone Wrong! Jan 28, 2024

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When teaching goes off script… Welcome back to another episode of Teachers Off Duty, we're joined by the funny KC Mack, the always entertaining Bri Richardson and Mike Rivera. I hope you're ready because today we're diving into the hilarious, and sometimes bizarre world of lesson plans gone wrong. Bri kicks things off with a tale of football athletes fighting right in the middle of a school assembly! We dive into the chaos of breaking up a brawl and the unexpected roles we find ourselves in as educators. Mike takes us down memory lane with a throwback to when archery was part of the curriculum. We debate the pros and cons of such unconventional school activities, sharing our own wild experiences. Mike's got a story about a teacher who had an embarrassing experience searching up kittens falling from the ceiling mid-lesson. We talk about the wild unpredictability of teaching and how to navigate these unexpected classroom intrusions. And then there's the time a student decided to taste his shoe... Yes, it's as strange as it sounds. We share our own tales of student antics that left us scratching our heads. Mike hits us with another story about a police dog's surprise visit to his classroom, sniffing for drugs. Picture the scene: confused students, a bewildered teacher, and a dog on a mission. So, join us on Teachers Off Duty for an episode filled with surprises in the unpredictable world of teaching.

S4 Ep22: Outrageous and Hilarious School Custodian Stories Jan 21, 2024

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We're showing the heroic side of our school custodians! Welcome back to another episode of Teachers Off Duty, where we delve into the world of our beloved custodians! I'm KC Mack, joined by my co-hosts Bri Richardson and Mike Rivera. Today, we're sharing some of the most outrageous and downright funny custodian stories in the classroom. We're tipping our hats to the unsung heroes who aren't just janitors but our confidants, the ones who've heard it all – from student antics to the mysteries of the overflowing toilets. Brace yourselves as Bri recounts the epic tales of our custodial saviors braving the frontlines of student vomit. It's messy, it's gross, but hey, someone's got to do it! But it's not just us teachers with wild stories. Bri takes us down memory lane with a tale of her own school day shenanigans, involving some intentional floor art. And speaking of artistic endeavors, we own up to our teenage bathroom graffiti escapades. The action heats up with a custodian turning into an Indiana Jones figure, with a story about a pet snake's tragic encounter in the school corridors. And finally, we end on a heartwarming note with a tale of a custodian who brings the magic of the Polar Express to life for the students every year. So, join us on this hilarious, custodian-celebrating journey on the Teachers Off Duty Podcast and Remember to hit that like button, subscribe, and share with all your fellow educators for a good laugh.

S4 Ep21: Secret Skills of the Classroom Jan 14, 2024

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Skills you never knew teachers had in the classroom! Welcome back to another episode of Teachers Off Duty. Where KC Mack is joined by the dynamic duo Jay Yoder and Bri Richardson. Today, we're diving into the little-known, often hilarious skills that teachers possess – the ones that go far beyond lesson planning and grading. Jay's up with a story about a chance encounter with a former student who credited him for career inspiration. He'll also spill the beans on our uncanny ability to read a room like a psychic and juggle tasks like a circus performer. Bri's not far behind with her insights. Ever wondered how teachers manage to keep smiling through the chaos? Or why we'd make top-notch wedding planners? Bri's got the lowdown on our poker faces and party planning prowess. And just when you thought it couldn't get any funnier, we'll reveal why teachers could give professional interrogators a run for their money. Meanwhile, Jay will share why being open to reanalyzing teaching material and style is crucial – it's not just about sticking to the script. So, whether you're in the teaching trenches or just curious about the covert skills of your child's educator, this episode of Teachers Off Duty is your ticket to the funniest insights into teacher life. Tune in now and discover the unique talents that make teachers a breed apart.

S4 Ep20: Teacher Hacks Unlocked! Jan 07, 2024

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We've got clever hacks for everyday challenges Welcome to the latest episode of Teachers Off Duty, where we turn classroom chaos into clever conveniences! On this episode we've got our hilarious host KC Mack, joined by the hack maestros themselves, Bri Richardson and Jay Yoder. Buckle up, because we're about to dish out some of the funniest and most ingenious teacher hacks you've ever heard! First up, Jay's taking us into the Shark Tank – not with business moguls, but in a school project that's as exciting as it is educational. Then, he's revealing his slightly sneaky, yet totally effective dress code hack. How cold is too cold? You'll find out! Over to Bri, who's dropping knowledge bombs with a hack to escape those distracting teacher gossip sessions and a pencil-providing strategy that's as sharp as her wit. And as for KC, he's got a couple of aces in the hole. Struggling to reach unresponsive parents? I've got just the trick. Plus, he'll introduce you to the QSC (Question Shock Collar) method. It's not what it sounds like... or is it? Tune in to find out! Last but not least, Bri circles back with a student-empowering hack called "Ask 3 Before Me." It's all about promoting initiative and turning classmates into knowledge allies. So, teachers, education enthusiasts, or anyone who loves a good life hack, this episode of Teachers Off Duty is your ticket to easing classroom struggles with a side of laughter. Join us as we explore the best teacher hacks for making your teaching life not just easier, but also a whole lot more fun!

S4 Ep19: Teaching After Winter Break! Dec 31, 2023

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Teachers return to reality! Welcome to another episode of Teachers Off Duty, where we peel back the curtain on the real world of teaching. I'm KC Mack, here with the delightful Bri Richardson and the ever-insightful Jay Yoder, ready to spill the beans on what teaching is REALLY like after winter break. Join us as we navigate the maze of returning to school life, from the laughable little hiccups to the unexpected roles we find ourselves in, like suddenly becoming a long-term sub. We'll also get candid with Jay about his leap into teaching Latin 3 for the first time. We also chat about the magic of switching up classroom decorations – because let's face it, even bulletin boards deserve a new year's makeover. And for those of you hustling hard, we've got a segment for you. We'll share our stories about moonlighting as Uber drivers to make ends meet – because sometimes, teaching takes you on more roads than one. So, hop on board this episode of Teachers Off Duty as we explore the highs and lows of diving back into teaching after winter break. From imposter syndrome struggles to classroom decoration dilemmas, and maybe pick up a few survival tips along the way. Tune in to hear KC Mack, Bri Richardson, and Jay Yoder as they peel back the layers of post-winter break teaching. It's an episode filled with honesty, humor, and a little bit of teacher heart. Don't miss out on this enlightening and entertaining ride!

S4 Ep18: Holiday Break Reality Revealed Dec 24, 2023

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We're talking all things teachers really do on break! Ho ho ho, and welcome back to Teachers Off Duty, your festive retreat from the classroom chalkboard! We've got our cheer filled host KC Mack, joined by the jolliest elves in the education workshop, Jay Yoder and Bri Richardson. In this holiday special, we're diving headfirst into the snowy mystery of what students *think* we do over the break versus the cozy reality. In this episode, we're unwrapping the gift of truth about teacher life during the holidays. We'll share stories from our own teaching adventures, revealing those moments where we had to own up to our mistakes in front of our students. We'll take you behind the scenes of holiday lesson planning. It's a balancing act between preparing for the new year and indulging in a well-deserved rest. Picture us, juggling lesson plans with one hand and a cup of hot cocoa in the other. But it's not all about grading papers by the fireplace. We'll confess how our inboxes become winter hibernation dens – unopened and untouched, as we emphasize the need to truly disconnect and recharge our educator batteries. So tune in as we laugh, lament, and share our secrets to keeping the holiday cheer alive amidst the teaching hustle. Grab your favorite holiday snack, put your feet up, and join us on Teachers Off Duty Podcast!

S4 Ep17: The Hustle Before The Holidays Dec 17, 2023

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We're unwrapping the holiday hysteria! Welcome to another episode of Teachers Off Duty! Today, we've got our hilarious host KC Mack, and with him are the ever-entertaining Jay Yoder and Bri. Buckle up, because we're about to unwrap the honest and darkly humorous reality of teaching during the holiday season. We've got stories about our desperate attempts to keep the peace by playing movies, the interruptions from never-ending assemblies and school plays, and the heartfelt, and sometimes quirky, second-hand gifts from students. Join us as we paint a picture of the arts and crafts pandemonium, where glitter becomes a part of your DNA, and the Elf on the Shelf is more like a spy on a mission. Plus, we'll celebrate those rare, magical moments when grateful parents show their appreciation with thoughtful gifts, understanding the true hustle of holiday teaching. But that's not all. We'll also share the inside scoop on admin's pun-filled gifts that make you groan and smile at the same time, the mystery baked goods that appear in the staff lounge, and, of course, the infamous staff holiday parties. And let's not forget the universal teacher countdown to that sweet, sweet winter break! So grab your favorite holiday snack, get cozy, and tune in to Teachers Off Duty and join us, as we share our tales of holiday hilarity mixed with a dash of heartfelt moments!

S4 Ep16: Weird Things That Only Teachers Say Dec 10, 2023

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Teacher Talk You Won't Find Anywhere Else! Welcome back to another episode of Teachers Off Duty, the podcast where the classroom meets comedy! I'm KC Mack, joined by the always fantastic Bri and Liz. This week, we're diving into the wild, weird, and wonderfully wacky world of things only teachers say. Trust us, you won't find these phrases in any other job! As soon as that school bell rings, the adventure begins. But let's face it, our students sometimes seem like they're on a different planet. We've got a treasure trove of classic teacher sayings, from the perplexed "Why is this wet?" to the authoritative "The bell doesn't dismiss you, I do!" We teachers sure have a way with words. And let's not forget the infamous "teacher look" - that one glare that can silence a room faster than turning off the lights. We're breaking down how we master our teacher's voice while keeping the class in check (and our sanity intact). Ever had to explain why eating crayons doesn't lead to colorful outcomes? Yep, we've been there too. So whether you're a teacher, know a teacher, or just love a good laugh, tune in to Teachers Off Duty and join us as we explore the unique, hilarious, and sometimes downright bizarre world of teacher talk.

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