Teacher podcasts are great for hearing nuanced conversations on theories and best practices in the education world. One trending topic in the podcast world that has teachers talking is how to build and manage a classroom culture.
Whether you’re experiencing behavioral issues in your class or you would simply like to create a stronger learning identity, these podcasts will inspire and motivate all aspects of your classroom. The best part is that many of these podcasters have been creating content for a while, which means you can find the perfect episodes that relate to your current classroom environment — and the challenges that come with it.
TeacherToolkit
If you are looking to settle into 150 episodes on classroom management and teaching theory, turn to TeacherToolkit. This podcast covers big-picture topics like how learning happens and then gets into more niche areas like the importance of reading out loud.
This podcast is run by Ross Morrison McGill, who has been teaching since 1992 and started blogging in 2000. If you want to take a break from the podcast, you can look at McGill’s blog, which is also packed with classroom management tips.
McGill is a U.K.-based blogger and podcaster so some of the episodes might not be directly relevant to your needs. However, following trends abroad (like extending the school day in Wales) can often provide insight into how these changes might affect your own students.
The Creative Classroom
John Spencer’s podcast is perfect to listen to when you feel like you’re in a rut. Some teachers are exhausted by the idea of creating new lesson plans while others want to change their classroom management strategies but don’t know how. The Creative Classroom has 30-minute episodes (with some specials that are more than an hour) that discuss ways to embrace creativity in your classroom.
Recently, Spencer has focused on the use of AI in the classroom, but he also talks about project fatigue and how you can embrace design thinking — even while facing burnout.
The Cult of Pedagogy
Hosted by Jennifer Gonzalez, The Cult of Pedagogy has more than nine million downloads and counting. You can dive into one of the full episodes, which usually range from 40 minutes to an hour, or you can enjoy the EduTips created by Gonzalez. EduTips are micro-episodes that are usually less than five minutes and cover one specific bit of information. This is ideal for teachers who want small hits of information about classroom management.
Gonzalez’s website is also very easy to navigate. You can click through a variety of tags or sort through categories that range from learning theory and technology to working together and instruction. While some episodes go into the higher-thinking aspects of education, Gonzalez always provides actionable insights.
10-Minute Teacher Podcast
This is another excellent podcast if you are looking for something quick to listen to. Vicki Davis, also known as “the cool cat teacher,” shares quick tips on a variety of topics. For example, one episode covers graphic design for teachers (what tools you need to know, which ones are appropriate for students to use) while another is about creating a culture of joy in your classroom and in your life as a teacher.
After listening to the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast episodes, check out Davis’s blog for other valuable content.
Beginning Teacher Talk
Dr. Lori Friesen hosts Beginning Teacher Talk, which covers “all of the things you wish you learned in college about teaching elementary school.” Friesen says that just because you’re a new teacher doesn’t mean you have to act like one. She offers practical information to new teachers so they don’t have to learn every lesson the hard way.
In June 2023, Friesen started a four-part classroom management mini-series that covers best practices to develop your classroom and tips to troubleshoot problems. This is a weekly podcast where each episode is around 30 minutes long, with some longer recordings.
Too Dope Teachers and a Mic
Kevin Adams and Gerardo Muñoz were the only Black and brown teachers at their respective schools. They say they were basically destined to be best friends. The pair created Too Dope Teachers and a Mic, a podcast where they interview educators from across the country. They have been podcasting since 2019, so there’s a lot to listen to.
This is a podcast for BIPOC educators who sometimes feel like they work in a lonely world. However, Adams and Muñoz also have white listeners who relate to the teaching pain points and want to make their school a more welcoming place for educators and students of all backgrounds.
The Burned-In Teacher Podcast
Amber Harper hosts The Burned-In Teacher Podcast which is designed to help burned out teachers rekindle their passion for the classroom. There are more than 190 episodes and 100,000 downloads of this weekly podcast.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. This can happen to any educator in any school. The podcast helps you sit with those feelings and then recover from the stress that you experience. During the summer, the podcast suggests books and tips for recuperating before the new school year. It also creates personal opportunities for reflection on your current state as a teacher and where you want to go.
Teachers Need Teachers
This podcast can appeal to new teachers and seasoned educators alike. It’s based on the idea that everyone has questions and needs support from time to time. Kim Lepre is the host of Teachers Need Teachers and she usually publishes on a weekly basis. Most episodes are between 10 to 20 minutes long, so you can listen to them during your daily commute.
A few popular episodes include “How to Craft an Effective Classroom Management Plan” (#73), “5 Strategies for Creating an Engaging Lesson” (#69), and “Conquering Classroom Management Right from the Start” (#74).
Two Mr. Ps in a Pod(cast)
Classroom management discussions don’t have to be serious. They can be funny or cathartic, and a way to unwind after a long day. By listening to Two Mr. Ps in a Pod(cast), you can hear funny stories about life in school and realize that some teachers have been in far worse situations than you. Brothers Lee Parkinson and Adam Parkinson put words to your frustrations and show that daily annoyances in school are universal.
If you have a good story, you are welcome to submit it to the podcast and share your experiences. You can also check out their books, “This is Your Own Time You’re Wasting” and “Put a Wet Paper Towel On It.”
Ed’s (Not) Dead Podcast
This podcast is hosted by Robert Dodd, Peter Crable and Casey Siddons, three public school educators with more than 50 years of experience between them. The focus of Ed’s (Not) Dead Podcast is to cover hot topics in education and provide multiple perspectives on these issues.
The three educators rarely agree so you can see the different thoughts and arguments for all sides. For example, should smartphones be banned in schools? Why is there a teacher shortage? How can middle school teachers better prepare students for high school?
Each episode of the podcast is about an hour. The trio occasionally takes breaks between seasons so you can catch up on old episodes before new ones come out.
Post updated 8/22/2023. Originally published 5/15/2018.
Images used under license from Shutterstock.com.
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