Show overview
Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 259 episodes, alongside 2 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 100 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 21 min and 25 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Education show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 days ago, with 18 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Heidi and Emily, Elementary School Teacher and Resource Designer.
From the publisher
Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to be the kind of teacher you really want to be? We know that feeling and we’re here to help! Each week on The Teacher Approved podcast, we discuss how to be the teacher you dream of being by elevating what matters and simplifying the rest. Join co-hosts Emily and Heidi of Second Story Window as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies you can count on to make your teaching more efficient and effective than ever before. Topics include classroom management, routines for the elementary school classroom, planning, student-teacher relationships, teacher organization hacks, student engagement, classroom management, and more. Whether you’re a new teacher seeking guidance or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, the Teacher Approved podcast is your guide to fostering a thriving elementary classroom! For more teacher approved tips and resources, head to www.secondstorywindow.net and follow along on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
Latest Episodes
View all 259 episodes257. 5 Smart Switch-Ups for May Classroom Management
256. Can’t Miss Classic: How to Save Hours at Back-to-School Time by Prepping in May
255. 4 Smart Ways to Make End-of-School-Year Group Work Actually Work
254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)
253. Can’t Miss Classic: Stop Fighting the Wiggles and Do This Instead
252. Can’t Miss Classic: April Planning That Makes August Easier
251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for You
In this episode, we share five low-cost, high-yield preventative classroom management strategies that help stop problems before they start. From greeting students at the door to using visual prompts and intentional tone, these simple shifts change the atmosphere in your classroom without complicated systems. When you focus on prevention instead of constant correction, you create a calmer, more engaged classroom, even during the tired final months of the school year.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/preventative-classroom-management-strategies/Resources:Why It's Important to Welcome Your Students to ClassHow Tone of Voice Shapes Your Classroom CultureAllermi allergy sprayCeraVe Intensive Moisturizing CreamPre-order our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 124. Spring Fever: 3 Tips to Help Your Spring Classroom ManagementEpisode 247. 4 Spring Classroom Management Headaches and How To Fix ThemEpisode 177. Help Your Class Kick Bad Habits with These 5 Classroom Management QuestionsEpisode 178. 5 Classroom Management Tips for Taming a Chatty ClassMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
250. 250 Episodes Later: Our Biggest Teacher Takeaways
In this special milestone episode, we’re celebrating 250 episodes and four years of the Teacher Approved podcast. We look back at how the show started, the lessons we’ve learned along the way, and some of our favorite episodes and hidden gems. We also talk about the surprising ways the podcast has evolved, what gives us hope for the future of education, and what we hope the next 250 episodes will bring as we continue helping teachers elevate what matters and simplify the rest!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-podcast-for-elementary-teachersResources:Luminette 3 Light Therapy GlassesMagnesium L-ThreonatePuzzle TablePre-order our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 200. 200 Episodes Later: These 5 Teacher Approved Tips Still WinEpisode 165. Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the SeasonEpisode 158. Back-to-School Classroom Management: Are You Working Smarter or Harder?Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and EndingsEpisode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not HarderMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
249. 5 Easy Teacher Tasks for March That Pay off Big at Back to School
March is chaotic, but it’s also full of clarity. In this episode, we share five small things you can do right now to make teaching easier and set up a smoother fall, from creating a simple next-year parking lot to saving student work as future models. We also talk about using March as a low-stakes time to test-drive that routine you keep putting off, as well as share about our Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. You can calm spring chatter now, create more mental and physical space, and know that you’ll be ready for next year with systems you’ve already practiced.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/march-classroom-tasks/Resources:Proper Mountain Woman ClubJoin The Teacher Approved Club (free 10-day trial!)Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 60. 6 Simple Spring Cleaning Tips for Freshening Up Your ClassroomEpisode 61. 6 Things Teachers Can Do Now for a Better Back to SchoolEpisode 190. Do These 5 Easy Things in April to Make Back to School Easier!Episode 194. Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things NowMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
248. How Smart Teachers Prep for an Easy First Day Back from Spring Break
Spring break is magical until Sunday night, when you realize you have no plan for Monday. In this episode, we share our “soft landing” strategy for the first day back, built around three simple phases: reunion, bridge, and re-anchor. You’ll learn how to reconnect before academics, use low-stakes review to ease back in, and restore routines in a way that feels calm, flexible, and community-centered.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-day-back-after-spring-break/Resources:Flying Wish PaperDie with zeroJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 181. How To Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks For A Stress-Free Spring BreakEpisode 186. 5 Teacher Tasks You Need to Do Before Spring BreakEpisode 4. Bouncing Back After A BreakEpisode 237. Do These 3 Things Before Winter Break To Make January EasierMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
247. 4 Spring Classroom Management Headaches and How To Fix Them
March brings higher energy and lower stamina, and suddenly your classroom feels louder, messier, and harder to manage. In this episode, we explain why spring classroom management isn’t about cracking down harder, but about rebuilding structure. We walk through four common spring trouble spots: transitions, messiness, chattiness, and behavior outside the classroom. We also share practical ways to reset expectations so the environment does more of the work for you. The goal is simple: create structure now so your day requires less of you tomorrow.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/spring-classroom-management-headaches/Resources:Pre-order Structure and SparkStain StrikerClay MooJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastsLeave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and EndingsEpisode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not HarderEpisode 119. Chatty Class Management: 5 Ways to Handle a Talkative ClassMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
246. Why Your Test Review Isn’t Working (And What to Do Instead)
Test prep doesn’t have to mean packets or pressure. In this episode, we redefine test prep as helping students remember what they’ve already learned through simple, low-stakes retrieval practice and reflection. We share why traditional review often falls short, how strategies like brain dumps and quick recall prompts strengthen learning, and how starting small right now leads to calmer, more effective test prep later.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/test-prep-strategies-for-elementary-teachers/Resources:Powerful Teaching bookBulb subscriptionGrow lightJoin The Teacher Approved Club (power questions included!)Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 185. 6 Easy Tips for Simplifying Your Test Prep SeasonEpisode 183. 2 Smart Test Prep Strategies You Need to Use with Your StudentsEpisode 182. Boost Your Test Prep with These 3 Retrieval Practice ActivitiesEpisode 121. How to Plan Your Test Prep Around What Content Matters MostMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
245. How to Build a Teacher Wardrobe That Fits Your Life
In this episode, we’re joined by Lindsey from Fashion Fix to rethink the teacher wardrobe from the ground up. We talk about why traditional fashion advice falls flat for educators, how overspending and underbuying leads to closet frustration, and why understanding your body shape and personal style matters more than chasing trends. Lindsey shares a confidence-centered, practical approach to building a wardrobe that works for real teacher life.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/how-to-build-a-teacher-wardrobe/Resources:Fashion FixTarte mascaraSticker by numberJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 187. 3 Teacher Approved Episodes, Tips, and Favorites That You Will LoveEpisode 55. Thriving As A Teacher: One Helpful StrategyEpisode 93. Teacher Morning Routine: 10 Tips For Creating Your Perfect PlanMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
244. The Teacher-Approved Way to Leave School Earlier and Get Back Your Evenings
We’ve all had those days when dismissal comes and goes, but somehow we’re still at school hours later. In this episode, we break down why teaching work never really “ends” on its own, and how creating a clear system helps you leave work at school. We walk through how to close out the day with intention, reset your brain for focused work, decide what truly needs to get done, and set a hard stop you’ll actually keep, all so you can head home knowing tomorrow is handled and today is done.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/leave-school-on-time-teacher-tipsResources:A Gentle RainCandle wick trimmerJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)Episode 242. 6 Small Tweaks that Can Save Your February Teacher EnergyEpisode 94. A Great Day Before School Even Starts: Your Perfect Teacher Morning Routine at SchoolEpisode 169. Our Best Teacher Tips for Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead for JanuaryMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)
In this episode, we break down why teacher planning time so often gets wasted and what actually helps protect it. We share a simple two-pillar framework focused on guarding your prep from interruptions and directing it with intention, so you know exactly what to work on when you sit down. From setting boundaries to choosing tasks that make the rest of your week smoother, this conversation is all about making planning time more productive and sustainable.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-planning-time-strategies/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!February Teacher Survival KitConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 169. Our Best Teacher Tips for Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead for JanuaryEpisode 91. Start Your Day Strong: Top Tips for Maximizing Your Morning WorkEpisode 181. How to Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks for a Stress-Free Spring BreakMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
242. 6 Small Tweaks That Can Save Your February Teacher Energy
January is tough, but February can be a surprisingly powerful reset if you know how to use it. In this episode, we share why this month often feels draining, how hidden energy leaks show up across your day, and how a simple February energy audit can help you make small, strategic shifts that protect your time and capacity. Our goal is to help you stop drifting through February and start using it to refill your tank before the rest of the year ramps up.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/february-teacher-energy-tips/Resources:February Teacher Survival KitJoin the Teacher Approved Club!BlueAir humidifierHinge toppersConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple with Clear Beginnings and EndingsEpisode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not HarderEpisode 161, How to Get Students Actively Engaged: 5 Teacher Approved Techniques Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
241. What Smart Teachers Do Before a PD Event (So It Actually Sticks)
Inspiration is fun, but momentum is what really matters! In this episode, we share how to use Teacher Winter Talks to spark change you can carry back into your classroom. We walk through what to do before, during, and after the summit so great ideas don’t end up in the "forgotten idea graveyard". If you want to reconnect with what’s working, focus on strategies that fit your classroom, and turn inspiration into action, this episode is your game plan.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-pd-tips/Resources:Grab your FREE ticket to Teacher Winter Talks.Good StoreSun Basin Wooden Wick Candle Monochrome Coloring BookJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 71, The Easy Way Teachers Can Learn This Summer: 10 PD Books We LoveEpisode 236, Your Tired Teacher Guide to January Prep From Your CouchEpisode 240, 7 Quick Teacher Approved Tips For a Better JanuaryMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
240. 7 Quick Teacher Approved Tips for a Better January
January hits differently, and we want this episode to feel like a deep exhale as you head back into the classroom. We’re sharing a sneak peek of Teacher Winter Talks with seven incredible educators and quick, practical ideas to help you reset after winter break. You’ll hear simple shifts to reconnect with students, strengthen thinking across subjects, and make January feel more manageable. This is just a taste of what’s waiting inside Teacher Winter Talks, so sign up and grab your free ticket today!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/january-teacher-tips/🔗 Resources:Teacher Winter TalksRetractable Gel PensK18 Dry ShampooPodcast: One Tired TeacherJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.🎧 Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 147, Teacher Approved Tips: How to Plan Ahead for Future Problems!Episode 169, Our Best Teacher Tips For Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead for JanuaryEpisode 187, 3 Teacher Approved Episodes, Tips, and Favorites That You Will LoveEpisode 200, 200 Episodes Later: These 5 Teacher Approved Tips Still WinMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
239. Can't Miss Classic: January Classroom Jumpstart
This can’t-miss classic is the cozy January reset teachers love coming back to. We walk you through four simple, low-stress ways to refresh your routines, tighten up procedures, make mornings work better, plan ahead for test prep, and still leave room for the fun that makes teaching joyful. It’s gentle, practical, and perfect for easing back into the classroom feeling confident and grounded. And while you’re giving yourself that January jumpstart, be sure to sign up for Teacher Winter Talks - our free summit designed to help you make the second half of the school year your strongest yet!Resources:Teacher Winter Talks SummitSpiral Review: Morning WorkOh Happy Dani Reflection WorkbookLabel makerJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 3, Strengthening the BrainEpisode 6, Morning Meeting: An Essential RoutineEpisode 18, Procedures for Success!Episode 20, Mastering Morning RoutinesEpisode 27, Your One Word Theme for The YearEpisode 28, How to Launch Morning MeetingEpisode 32, 5 Classroom Management Questions to Help Banish Bad Class HabitsEpisode 35, 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for TeachersMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
238. Can't Miss Classic: 8 Reflection Questions to Help Teachers Start the New Year Strong
We’re bringing back a can’t-miss Teacher Approved classic episode to help you ease back into school with intention and clarity. In this replay of our January Reset Reflection, we guide you through eight thoughtful questions designed to help you reflect on what’s working, identify what needs a refresh, and keep that fresh-start energy alive long after winter break ends! This episode is meant to be listened to slowly and casually (hot cocoa encouraged!) so the ideas can simmer until you’re ready to step back into your classroom feeling grounded, focused, and energized for the second half of the year.Resources:Classroom Procedures and Routines Editable SlidesParent Teacher Conference CourseEditable Classroom Seating ChartSpiral Review Morning WorkSpiral Review Homework – 2nd GradeRechargeable ScrewdriverGlass PotJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 3, Strengthening the BrainEpisode 18, Procedures for Success!Episode 45, January Classroom Jump StartEpisode 76, Teacher Approved Tips: Make Time for Spiral Review and Use SOPs to Save Time in the Classroom