Episode 343: Teaching While Grieving, Rebuilding Trust, and Why Strict Isn’t Always Better

This week, CJ shares a heartbreaking story from his classroom week after losing one of the family cats just before school started, and talks honestly about what it looks like to teach when life feels heavy. He answers questions about becoming a teacher resource, rebuilding trust with disconnected classes, making SEL lessons more meaningful, preparing students for major exams, using AI ethically, gardening, spring behavior shifts, getting into teaching later in life, and the difference between clear expectations and a harsh “no excuses” mindset.Chapters0:00 Episode 343 and a tough week emotionally1:10 New website update and newsletter mention2:05 Losing the family cat and teaching through grief5:20 It is okay to show up without pretending everything is fine6:37 Ernesto’s question: how to become a teacher resource9:32 Ruth’s question: rebuilding trust with a class trained not to care17:30 Heather’s conference update and speaking invite note18:18 Ruth’s question: making SEL lessons actually engaging22:10 Geography Teacher’s question: reviewing for a national geography test27:08 Mandy’s question: is it okay to use AI for evaluation responses?34:18 Mallory’s question: beginner gardening tips and where to start41:20 Logos Project’s question: why students dip before break46:20 Switching into teaching from engineering50:03 Advice for an 18-year-old future teacher54:12 Mentoring reminder and coaching wins55:42 Sweden question: the “no excuses” approach to education1:03:40 Technology in teaching: tool or crutch?1:06:00 Final encouragement and closing_____________________________________________________🎥 What is Sunday Night Teacher Talk?Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern, we go live for a teacher Q&A. Think of it as your weekly prep session with a community of educators who want to start the week strong. Whether you’ve got questions about classroom management, lesson planning, or just need encouragement, this is your space.👉 Join us live here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA/joinOur mission: to help all educators become the teachers they are called to be. Sundays can feel overwhelming—let’s prepare together.✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching TipsStay updated & get exclusive strategies in my newsletter 👉https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter📘 Best-Selling Resources for Teachers– Daily Classroom Management Blueprint– Teacher-Student Relationship Blueprint– Lesson Planning Workshop📕 My BookTeach Your Class Off: The Real Rap Guide to Teachinghttps://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X/🗣️ Speaking EngagementsWant me to speak at your school or organization?https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BZPBCplYTcvO8-MHm-GcCXjRcMPcGhrI?usp=drive_link🎙️ Podcast → Teach Your Class Off Radio– iTunes– Spotify📱 Connect With Me– Instagram: @teachyourclassoffofficial– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachyourclassoff– Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NpRYTfWn/– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-reynolds/– Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds📩 Business Inquiries: https://teachyourclassoff.com/contact/