Teachers Off Duty

Latest Episodes:

AI in the Classroom: Teaching Smarter, not Harder Aug 24, 2025

Show notes

Teachers spill the tea on ChatGPT in the classroom—hilarious stories, game-changing hacks, and why AI might just save your sanity! Mark your Calendars! Catch the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour coming to a city near you THIS FALL! Tickets going fast: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT We're coming to Australia, New Zealand and Canada! We'll be heading your way this fall, and tickets are already selling fast! Grab yours NOW: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT Book your hosts for a speaking event at your school: https://teacherspeakers.com/ Check out our MERCH! https://shop.boredteachers.com Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beacons.ai/teachersoffdutypod Send us a voice message: https://bit.ly/3UPAT5a Listen to the podcast anywhere you stream your favorite shows: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hHNybdOJb7BOwe0eNE7z6?si=840ced6459274f98 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-off-duty/id1602160612 ________________________________ Teachers get your perks!! This episode is brought to you by: Quizizz | Go to https://wayground.com/?lng=en and create a FREE account today! Acorns Early | Register today at https://www.acorns.com/TOD and get your first month FREE _________________________________

AI in the classroom? Love it or hate it, it's here to stay—and we've got thoughts. In this week's episode of Teachers Off Duty Podcast, KC Mack, Bri, and Anna are cutting up as always while diving into the wild world of ChatGPT, Magic School AI, and all the ways artificial intelligence is shaking up teaching.

From hilarious stories on the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour (including a teacher sliding KC a note mid-show!) to real talk about how AI can save time, grade essays, differentiate lessons, and even write IEPs, this conversation is equal parts funny and eye-opening. We're asking the big questions: Should students be allowed to use AI? Are we becoming hypocrites as teachers? And how do we keep the "rigor" alive when ChatGPT wants to make every test multiple choice A?

Plus, the crew shares their favorite AI tools for lesson planning, classroom hacks, and even how teachers are using AI to spice up professional development. By the end, you'll be laughing, taking notes, and maybe rethinking how you use AI in your own teaching.

Listen now & don't forget to subscribe!

Follow your hosts:

Anna Kowal @ReadAwayWithMissK

KC Mack @kcmackfunny

Briana Richardson @HonestTeacherVibes

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Teachers Off Duty - A Bored Teachers©️ Podcast

Cameras in Classrooms: What Teachers Really Think Aug 17, 2025

Show notes

Should every classroom have cameras? We debate the pros, cons, and hilarious realities teachers would face if Big Brother moved into school. PLUS remember to pin your calencers becuase the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour coming to a city near you THIS FALL! Tickets going fast: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT We're coming to Australia, New Zealand and Canada! We'll be heading your way this fall, and tickets are already selling fast! Grab yours NOW: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT Book your hosts for a speaking event at your school: https://teacherspeakers.com/ Check out our MERCH! https://shop.boredteachers.com Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beacons.ai/teachersoffdutypod Send us a voice message: https://bit.ly/3UPAT5a Listen to the podcast anywhere you stream your favorite shows: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hHNybdOJb7BOwe0eNE7z6?si=840ced6459274f98 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-off-duty/id1602160612 ________________________________ Teachers get your perks!! This episode is brought to you by: Betterhelp | Go to https://betterhelp.com/TOD to get 10% off today Naked Wines | Go to https://www.nakedwines.com/tod and get six bottles of wine for $39.99 using CODE: TOD Wayground | Go to https://wayground.com to create your FREE account! _________________________________

Best friends, buckle up — this week on Teachers Off Duty we're diving into one of the most controversial topics in education right now: cameras in the classroom. Bri, Jess, and Anna are spilling all the tea on the pros, cons, awkward moments, and downright hilarious possibilities of being filmed at work.

From hallway fights caught on tape to the ultimate teacher "highlight reel," we're asking the big questions: Would cameras actually improve student safety and classroom management? Or would they make teaching feel like reality TV?

Plus, we swap stories about the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour, childhood crushes on Steve from Blue's Clues, awkward teacher moments, and why some subs might want a camera watching their back.

Whether you're for it, against it, or just here for the laughs, this episode will have you rethinking what "classroom observation" could really mean.

Listen now & don't forget to subscribe!

Follow your hosts:

Jess Smith @TeacherTalesOfMissSmith

Briana Richardson @HonestTeacherVibes

Anna Kowal @ReadAwayWithMissK

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Teachers Off Duty - A Bored Teachers©️ Podcast

Best & Worst PDs We've Ever Had Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

The real reason teachers hate PD—and what actually works instead (with zero time-wasting fluff)! GET READY! Catch the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour coming to a city near you THIS FALL! Tickets going fast: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT We're coming to Australia, New Zealand and Canada! We'll be heading your way this fall, and tickets are already selling fast! Grab yours NOW: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT Book your hosts for a speaking event at your school: https://teacherspeakers.com/ Check out our MERCH! https://shop.boredteachers.com Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beacons.ai/teachersoffdutypod Send us a voice message: https://bit.ly/3UPAT5a Listen to the podcast anywhere you stream your favorite shows: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hHNybdOJb7BOwe0eNE7z6?si=840ced6459274f98 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-off-duty/id1602160612 ________________________________ Teachers get your perks!! This episode is brought to you by: Wayground | Go to wayground.com to create your FREE account! _________________________________

For the first time ever, Bri, Jess, and Anna are together in the studio—and you already know it's going to be unhinged in the best way. From fashion fails and meet-and-greet poses to the real tea on professional development, we're sharing our funniest stories and most honest takes on what PD should look like for teachers.

We're talking about:

Low-rise jeans trauma
Meet & greet photo hacks
Why PDs should be led by veteran teachers
The power of teacher TikTok + TeacherGram
Crusty lips and jean jacket woes
Our favorite (and worst) PD experiences
Tangible takeaways we actually want
Why school culture matters more than note cards

Plus, we reveal what districts are getting right, why professional development shouldn't feel like punishment, and why laminating in the middle of a PD is… a bold choice.

Listen now & don't forget to subscribe!

Follow your hosts:

Jess Smith @TeacherTalesOfMissSmith

Briana Richardson @HonestTeacherVibes

Anna Kowal @ReadAwayWithMissK

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Teachers Off Duty - A Bored Teachers©️ Podcast

Who's the REAL Main Character at School? Cast Your Vote! Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

We said what every teacher's thinking—some roles are main characters, others are just extras. Mark your Calenders! Catch the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour coming to a city near you THIS FALL! Tickets going fast: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT We're coming to Australia, New Zealand and Canada! We'll be heading your way this fall, and tickets are already selling fast! Grab yours NOW: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT Book your hosts for a speaking event at your school: https://teacherspeakers.com/ Check out our MERCH! https://shop.boredteachers.com Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beacons.ai/teachersoffdutypod Send us a voice message: https://bit.ly/3UPAT5a Listen to the podcast anywhere you stream your favorite shows: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hHNybdOJb7BOwe0eNE7z6?si=840ced6459274f98 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-off-duty/id1602160612 _________________________________ Teachers get your perks!! This episode is brought to you by: Mint Mobile | Go to https://mintmobile.com/tod to redeem your offer RayCon | Go to buyraycon.com/TOD to get 20% their best selling ear buds! Wayground | Go to wayground.com to create your FREE account! _________________________________

Who really runs your school? The answer will shock you! In this explosive episode, Jess Smith, KC Mack, and Cory Michaelis dive into the most controversial debate in education: Who is the true main character of every school?

Watch as they battle it out over principals, paraprofessionals, custodians, cafeteria crews, teachers, office managers, specials staff, and even students themselves! Things get heated when they reveal which role actually has the most influence, share personal stories that will make you laugh and cry, and give shoutouts to the unsung heroes you never knew existed.

Whether you're a teacher ready to defend your turf, support staff tired of being overlooked, or just someone who loves drama in the group chat, this episode will have you glued to your screen!

Drop a comment! Who do YOU think is the main character of your school? Let the battle BEGIN!

Listen now & don't forget to subscribe!

Follow your hosts:

Jess Smith @TeacherTalesOfMissSmith

Cory Michaelis @corymichaeliscomedy

KC Mack @kcmackfunny

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Teachers Off Duty - A Bored Teachers©️ Podcast

No One Respects Teachers Anymore Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

Respect for teachers is disappearing — and we're done staying quiet about it. Plus! Catch the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour coming to a city near you THIS FALL! Tickets going fast: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT We're coming to Australia, New Zealand and Canada! We'll be heading your way this fall, and tickets are already selling fast! Grab yours NOW: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT Book your hosts for a speaking event at your school: https://teacherspeakers.com/ Check out our MERCH! https://shop.boredteachers.com Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beacons.ai/teachersoffdutypod Send us a voice message: https://bit.ly/3UPAT5a Listen to the podcast anywhere you stream your favorite shows: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hHNybdOJb7BOwe0eNE7z6?si=840ced6459274f98 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-off-duty/id1602160612 _________________________________ Teachers get your perks!! This episode is brought to you by: Betterhelp | Go to https://betterhelp.com/TOD to get 10% off today Brooklyn Bedding | Go to https://brooklynbedding.com to get 30% off today using CODE: TOD Quizizz | Go to https://wayground.com/?lng=en and create a FREE account today! Stitch Fix | Go to https://www.stitchfix.com/teachersoff... and get shopping done right _________________________________

This week on Teachers Off Duty, Bri, Jess, and Cory tackle a topic we all feel but rarely unpack: why is there such a decline in respect for teachers today? From hilarious dad jokes to honest takes on classroom culture, student behavior, parent-teacher dynamics, and even admin relationships, this episode is a real, unfiltered look at what respect should really mean in education.

The crew shares personal stories and perspectives on how respect is earned, lost, and sometimes never given in today's school environment — all while reminding us that teachers are the backbone of every profession.

We're also diving into:

Whether teachers automatically deserve respect
How classroom culture affects student behavior
Why administrators and teachers struggle to see eye-to-eye
The impact of social media and generational shifts
How we can start restoring respect — one classroom at a time

Listen now & don't forget to subscribe!

Follow your hosts:

Briana Richardson @HonestTeacherVibes

Jess Smith @TeacherTalesOfMissSmith

Cory Michaelis @corymichaeliscomedy

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Teachers Off Duty - A Bored Teachers©️ Podcast

How to Survive Your First Year of Teaching Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

First-year teaching? Buckle up - it's about to get real (and really funny). Mark your calendars! Catch the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour coming to a city near you THIS FALL! Tickets are going fast: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT We're coming to Australia, New Zealand and Canada! We'll be heading your way this fall, and tickets are already selling fast! Grab yours NOW: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT Book your hosts for a speaking event at your school: https://teacherspeakers.com/ Check out our MERCH! https://shop.boredteachers.com Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beacons.ai/teachersoffdutypod Send us a voice message: https://bit.ly/3UPAT5a Listen to the podcast anywhere you stream your favorite shows: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hHNybdOJb7BOwe0eNE7z6?si=840ced6459274f98 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-off-duty/id1602160612 _________________________________ Teachers get your perks!! This episode is brought to you by: Quizizz | Go to https://wayground.com/?lng=en and create a FREE account today! Acorns Early | Register today at https://www.acorns.com/TOD and get your first month FREE _________________________________

Welcome back to the Teachers Off Duty Podcast! This week, Jess and Bri are joined by hilarious stand-up comedian and former teacher Cory Michaelis for a no-filter conversation packed with teacher advice, classroom chaos, and comedy tour stories you won't believe.

Whether you're heading into your first year teaching or still recovering from your last one, this episode is your survival guide. We're breaking down everything from managing teacher guilt and setting boundaries to avoiding middle schoolers who smell like "hot dog water" (you'll get it when you watch). Plus, we dive into the real conversations teachers are having - from chaotic sub stories to open house hacks, and yes... how to survive with no coffee.

Oh, and if you've never laughed until you cried at the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour… prepare yourself. We're coming to Canada, California, and even Australia (kangaroo jokes included) this fall! Tickets are selling fast!

Listen now & don't forget to subscribe!

Follow your hosts:

Briana Richardson @HonestTeacherVibes

Jess Smith @TeacherTalesOfMissSmith

Cory Michaelis @corymichaeliscomedy

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Teachers Off Duty - A Bored Teachers©️ Podcast

Breaking Up Student Fights: The Job Nobody Talks About Jul 13, 2025

Show notes

Teacher confessions: The shocking, hilarious, and heartbreaking reality of school fights.

Mark your calendars! Catch the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour coming to a city near you THIS FALL! Tickets going fast: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT

We're coming to Australia, New Zealand and Canada! We'll be heading your way this fall, and tickets are already selling fast! Grab yours NOW: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT

Book your hosts for a speaking event at your school: https://teacherspeakers.com/

Check out our MERCH! https://shop.boredteachers.com

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beacons.ai/teachersoffdutypod

Send us a voice message: https://bit.ly/3UPAT5a

Listen to the podcast anywhere you stream your favorite shows:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hHNybdOJb7BOwe0eNE7z6?si=840ced6459274f98 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-off-duty/id1602160612

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Teachers get your perks!! This episode is brought to you by:

Stitch Fix | Go to https://www.stitchfix.com/teachersoffduty and get shopping done right

Quizizz | Go to https://wayground.com/?lng=en and create a FREE account today!

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In this episode of Teachers Off Duty, the crew gets real about one of the wildest parts of working in education—student fights. From chaotic cafeteria scuffles to hallway showdowns fueled by Snapchat drama, the teachers share their most jaw-dropping stories about breaking up fights, navigating middle school mayhem, and how digital drama is making things even messier. They discuss the difference between boy fights and girl fights, the dangers of being a bystander, and how peer pressure and group chats often escalate things before the first punch is thrown.

They also talk about the emotional toll it takes on teachers who are expected to break up brawls while avoiding lawsuits, staying safe, and protecting the students involved. Plus, the group shares some heartfelt moments about kids who look out for each other and what it means to build trust and maturity in students. As always, it's equal parts hilarious, honest, and a little chaotic—just like real life in the classroom.

Listen now & don't forget to subscribe!

Follow your hosts:

Briana Richardson @HonestTeacherVibes

Anna Kowal @ReadAwayWithMissK

Jay Yoder @JayYoderComedy

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Teachers Off Duty - A Bored Teachers©️ Podcast

Funniest Teaching Hacks You Didn't Know Were Legal Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

Desperate times in the classroom call for genius teacher hacks—and we've got 'em all. And remember! Catch the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour coming to a city near you THIS FALL! Tickets going fast: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT We're coming to Australia, New Zealand and Canada! We'll be heading your way this fall, and tickets are already selling fast! Grab yours NOW: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT Book your hosts for a speaking event at your school: https://teacherspeakers.com/ Check out our MERCH! https://shop.boredteachers.com Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beacons.ai/teachersoffdutypod Send us a voice message: https://bit.ly/3UPAT5a Listen to the podcast anywhere you stream your favorite shows: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hHNybdOJb7BOwe0eNE7z6?si=840ced6459274f98 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-off-duty/id1602160612 _________________________________ Teachers get your perks!! This episode is brought to you by: Betterhelp | Go to https://betterhelp.com/TOD to get 10% off today Mint Mobile | Go to https://mintmobile.com/tod to redeem your offer Raycon | Go to https://buyracon.com/tod to get 15% off using CODE: TOD _________________________________ In this laugh-out-loud episode of Teachers Off Duty, Bri, Anna, and Jay reunite for a chaotic and hilariously honest conversation about classroom management, teaching burnout, and surviving the school year with a little creativity (and a lot of humor). From Jay's "girl dad" life to Anna's desk-climbing Dead Poets Society moment, the trio shares the genius hacks and hilarious fails that keep their classrooms (and sanity) intact. Whether it's using UNO cards to track participation or rage-screaming with students as a brain break, this episode is packed with real-life strategies that actually work—plus a few that didn't.

They dive into how AI tools like ChatGPT are changing the game for both teachers and students, and how they're learning to work smarter not harder by embracing technology without losing the heart of teaching. You'll hear them swap stories about student manipulation, mystery shopper behavior systems, the power of handwritten work in a tech-heavy world, and what happens when a student can't read their own handwriting. It's the real teacher talk you didn't know you needed.

Listen now & don't forget to subscribe!

Follow your hosts:

Briana Richardson @HonestTeacherVibes

Anna Kowal @ReadAwayWithMissK

Jay Yoder @JayYoderComedy

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Teachers Off Duty - A Bored Teachers©️ Podcast

What Teachers REALLY DO on Summer Break! Jun 29, 2025

Show notes

You thought teachers were off duty this summer? Think again.

Don't Forget! Catch the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour coming to a city near you THIS FALL! Tickets going fast: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT

We're coming to Australia, New Zealand and Canada! We'll be heading your way this fall, and tickets are already selling fast! Grab yours NOW: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT

Book your hosts for a speaking event at your school: https://teacherspeakers.com/

Check out our MERCH! https://shop.boredteachers.com

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beacons.ai/teachersoffdutypod

Send us a voice message: https://bit.ly/3UPAT5a

Listen to the podcast anywhere you stream your favorite shows:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hHNybdOJb7BOwe0eNE7z6?si=840ced6459274f98

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-off-duty/id1602160612

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Teachers get your perks!! This episode is brought to you by:

Warby Parker | Go to https://www.warbyparker.com/tod and get FREE shipping and a 30 day return

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Think teachers spend their summers sipping iced tea by the pool? Think again! In this hilarious and honest episode, Anna, Bri, and Jay from "Teachers Off Duty" reveal the surprising reality of their "time off."

From Jay's hilarious struggle to find the perfect cheer bow for his daughter, sparking a conversation about the mental load teachers carry, to the surprising array of side hustles they take on - like VIPKid, running summer camps, or even driving for Uber - you'll discover the non-stop reality of their summers. They also delve into the often-unpaid professional development, the challenges of managing student trips abroad (including Jay's wild European adventure with 42 high schoolers), and the difficulty of truly "turning off" from teacher mode. Yet, amidst the chaos, they share the joy found in family moments, whether visiting children's museums or exploring new cultures overseas. This episode is a perfect blend of comedy, honesty, and inspiration for anyone who wants to understand the real dedication behind the teaching profession.

Listen now & don't forget to subscribe!

Follow your hosts:

Briana Richardson @HonestTeacherVibes

Anna Kowal @RreadAwayWithMissK

Jay Yoder @JayYoderComedy

Follow us on all platforms @TeachersOffDutyPodcast

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Kids Get Away With Everything Now—Teachers Are Over It Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

What happens when kids face zero consequences? Spoiler alert: teachers are over it.

Don't Forget! Catch the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour coming to a city near you THIS FALL! Tickets going fast: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT

We're coming to Australia, New Zealand and Canada! We'll be heading your way this fall, and tickets are already selling fast! Grab yours NOW: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT

Book your hosts for a speaking event at your school: https://teacherspeakers.com/

Check out our MERCH! https://shop.boredteachers.com

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beacons.ai/teachersoffdutypod

Send us a voice message: https://bit.ly/3UPAT5a

Listen to the podcast anywhere you stream your favorite shows:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hHNybdOJb7BOwe0eNE7z6?si=840ced6459274f98

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-off-duty/id1602160612

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Teachers get your perks!! This episode is brought to you by:

Brooklyn Bedding | Go to https://brooklynbedding.com to get 30% off today using CODE: TOD

Warby Parker | Go to https://www.warbyparker.com/tod and get FREE shipping and a 30 day return

Stitch Fix | Go to https://www.stitchfix.com/teachersoffduty and get shopping done right

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This week, Bri, Anna, and Jay dive into the growing discipline crisis in schools and how it's driving educators to the edge.

The episode kicks off with some nostalgic laughs about screen names and the origin of Bri's iconic handle, "Honest Teacher Vibes." From there, the conversation flows into personal quirks, classroom learning styles, and even a Vegemite sidebar that somehow perfectly sets the tone for this unpredictable, bestie-powered show.

But the heart of the episode zeroes in on a serious and frustrating issue - student behavior with no consequences. The hosts share stories from their own classrooms, express concern over inconsistent discipline policies, and vent about how a lack of support can push teachers out of the profession. They touch on PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), cell phone policies like Yondr pouches, and the disconnect between administrators, parents, and teachers when it comes to accountability.

Throughout, the trio stress the importance of mutual respect—among teachers, administrators, and parents—as the true key to school culture. They highlight how data-driven discipline policies, consistent leadership, and empathetic communication can help schools thrive.

Of course, it wouldn't be a TOD episode without detours into chaos, creativity, and comedy—whether it's silent lunch punishments, or the infamous "shut up talking to me" student comeback that had everyone howling.

Listen now & don't forget to subscribe!

Follow your hosts:Briana Richardson @HonestTeacherVibes

Anna Kowal @ReadAwayWithMissK

Jay Yoder @jayyodercomedy

Follow us on all platforms @TeachersOffDutyPodcast

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