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Sub plans aren’t anyone’s favorite part of teaching, but having a system that works every single time can take a huge weight off your shoulders. In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson shares how switching to a simple Google Doc completely changed the way he handles sick days. No fancy software, no overthinking, just one reliable document he can update from anywhere.

He walks through the structure of his digital template, why it’s so helpful to keep everything in one place, and how using a shareable link can save you from scrambling when you’re already not feeling your best. You’ll also hear a few practical tips for choosing activities that any sub can handle and setting yourself up so you’re ready for the unexpected without spending hours prepping.

If you’ve ever found yourself stressed about taking a day off (or avoiding it altogether), this episode gives you an easy, doable way to make sub plans one less thing to worry about.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 3:35 Getting started with digital sub plans
• 5:51 Template walkthrough
• 7:50 Tips for making it work
• 9:35 Takeaways

Links and Resources:

• The Elementary Music Summit®
• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join Elementary Music EDGE™

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us a text

Ever hesitate to take a sick day because it’ll mess up your lesson rotation? You’re not alone, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this episode, Bryson shares a simple but powerful strategy to keep your curriculum on track no matter what life throws your way: the lesson numbering system. You’ll learn how to shift from date-based planning to sequence-based lessons, giving you more flexibility, consistency, and peace of mind.

Bryson walks through how to organize lessons by number, track class progress, and make room for differentiation, so every student stays on their own path, and you can finally rest without guilt.

It’s time to let go of the pressure to “keep up” and embrace a planning method that supports you and your students.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:46 The Problem with Date-Based Lesson Plans
• 3:05 How the Lesson Numbering System Works
• 7:45 Benefits of Numbering Your Lessons
• 9:59 How to Start Using the System
• 11:18 Takeaways

Links and Resources:

• The Elementary Music Summit®
• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join Elementary Music EDGE™

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us a text

Let’s be real, teachers are pros at pushing through when they shouldn’t. Between planning sub lessons, worrying about routines, and feeling guilty for being gone, it’s easy to convince ourselves that resting isn’t worth the hassle.

In this episode, Bryson shares a heartfelt reminder that taking a sick day is not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of self-care that ultimately helps you show up as your best self for your students. He opens up about his own experience balancing teaching with foster parenting, and offers practical strategies for making time off less stressful, from setting up a “sub tub” to creating digital plans that make stepping away easier.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking a day to rest, this one’s for you. Because your classroom will survive, and you deserve to take care of yourself, too.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:57 Bryson’s experience
• 4:54 Tips for stress-free sick days
• 8:13 School policies & requirements
• 10:42 Takeaways

Links and Resources:

• The Elementary Music Summit®
• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join Elementary Music EDGE™

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!