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In Episode 13 of Playing Teacher, we pull back the curtain on one of the most absurd realities of working in education: calling out sick. From planning sub folders while mid-fever to writing emergency plans in a NyQuil haze, we explore the ridiculous, guilt-ridden, and occasionally hilarious world of teacher absences.

We talk about:

• The unspoken Olympics-level effort required just to stay home
• Why "mental health day" is code for “I’ve snapped but still care enough to write 6 pages of sub plans”
• The emotional toll of guilt vs. the physical toll of working sick
• The secret strategy game of “Should I call out tomorrow?”
• Top 10 funniest reasons students have given for their absences (spoiler: they’re amazing)

Whether you're a teacher, parent, or student, this episode will make you laugh, nod in agreement, and maybe… finally take that day off you’ve earned 17 times over.

🎧 Listen now, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and call out tomorrow. You deserve it.

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📘 Episode Description:

In this episode of the Playing Teacher Podcast, we debut a brand-new segment: 🎤 Teacher Headlines with Janine Brugge, where we explore what’s really going on in the world of education—both the serious and the absurd.

This week, we take a hard look at the NYC Department of Education’s failed initiative known as “Inquiry” or the “50-minute” plan—an attempt to create time for professional development and student support that went sideways due to a critical failure: not involving teachers in the process.

We unpack:

• Why top-down educational mandates often backfire
• What actually helps teachers help students
• The importance of autonomy, voice, and classroom-informed planning

💡 Key Message: If you want authentic student support and better PD, trust the teachers.

Plus, we lighten things up with some funny classroom moments and analogies from our week—because if you’re not laughing, you’re probably crying into a stack of ungraded papers.

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In this episode of the Playing Teacher Podcast, we delve into the vibrant world of education, sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights that resonate with educators, students, and lifelong learners alike.

🎯 Episode Highlights:

• Field Day Reflections: We reminisce about their own Field Day experiences, discussing the joys and challenges of organizing such events, and the lasting impact they have on students.
• Minecraft in Education: Explore how Brugge's team navigated a citywide Minecraft competition, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, creativity, and resilience in educational gaming environments.
• Understanding Upstanders: A heartfelt discussion on the roles of upstanders and bystanders in bullying scenarios, featuring personal stories and media examples that highlight the significance of standing up for others.
• Personal Narratives: Rob shares a poignant story from his childhood, reflecting on his battle with leukemia and the support he received from friends, drawing parallels to the importance of empathy and support in educational settings.

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