Keeping students engaged isn’t about being the most entertaining person in the room—it’s about knowing how to layer your engagement strategies so they work with your classroom management, not against it.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the three key layers of engagement that help kids stay focused, reduce disruptions, and create a classroom environment where real learning happens. These layers are simple to implement but powerful when combined—and they’ll give you more control without burning yourself out.

Plus, I’ll share how these strategies connect to my new ebook, The Level Up! Classroom Management System, which gives you a step-by-step system to build routines, manage behaviors, and stay calm and consistent all year long.

Level Up! Classroom Management System, designed to help you lead with clarity, calm, and confidence

Tired of classroom management plans that just don’t work? In this episode, we uncover why most classroom management plans fail.

If you’ve been listening to this podcast for a while, you know I’m all about helping teachers feel more confident and less stressed in the classroom.

I took my best strategies, the ones I use every single day, and put them in my new ebook, Level Up! The Elementary Teacher's Guide to Effective Classroom Management. Click this link to get your copy — and yes, it’s ready for you today."

Level Up! Classroom Management System, designed to help you lead with clarity, calm, and confidence.

In this special episode, I’m excited to share an interview I did with the Black Educators Matter podcast! We had a real and honest conversation about my journey as an educator, the importance of representation, and what it takes to keep going in this profession.

Some of the topics we covered:

1. Why representation in education is critical for our students and communities
2. Lessons I've learned over the years as a Black educator
3. How I stay grounded and motivated through the challenges
4. Advice for new and veteran teachers navigating this work

I’m so grateful to Black Educators Matter for creating space to share these stories. I hope this conversation encourages you, whether you're in the classroom or supporting education in other ways.

Be sure to check out and support Black Educators Matter and the amazing work they are doing!

If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow educator!