In this episode, Courtney and Erin delve into the complexities of boundaries in the educational environment, discussing the importance of establishing clear boundaries between teachers and students, as well as between teachers and parents. They share personal anecdotes and experiences that highlight the challenges and rewards of navigating these relationships, emphasizing the need for effective communication and understanding in fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for children.

00:00Introduction to Teacher Boundaries

02:23Understanding Boundaries with Students

04:58Navigating Parent-Teacher Conversations

07:18The Importance of Communication

09:37Establishing Classroom Boundaries

11:53The Impact of COVID on Child Development

14:26Teaching Boundaries to Young Children

16:54Balancing Professional and Personal Life

19:19The Role of Teachers as Advocates

21:41Humorous Boundary Crossings

24:22Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Summary

In our very first episode, co-hosts Courtney and Erin kick things off by asking the big question every teacher has probably asked themselves: “How did I end up elbow-deep in glitter?” From hiring stories to classroom chaos, the duo shares their backgrounds in early childhood education, how they met, and what pulled them into (and eventually out of) the world of teaching.

Expect laughs, real talk, and a little chaos—because if you’ve ever worked with kids, you know glitter is just the beginning.

What We Talk About in This Episode

• 🎉 The story of how Erin hired Courtney (thank you, Indeed job postings).
• 👶 Courtney’s journey through multiple early childhood centers—from infants to toddlers and beyond.
• 🥋 Erin’s 20-year path with kids, starting as a martial arts instructor and spanning kindergarten assistant, sports coach, art teacher, and more.
• 💥 The joys and challenges of working with “spirited” (a.k.a. violent) kids—and the composure it takes.
• 🌴 Erin’s big move to Florida (and the hilarious real reason behind it).
• 😅 The ups, downs, and drama of working in early childhood centers (yes, that one place will be a full future episode).
• 💬 Why both hosts eventually stepped out of education—and where they are now.

Memorable Moments

• “What I’m hearing is you saw a bunch of violent kids and thought, yes, I want to teach them.”
• “Let’s be real—I moved to Florida to run away from the opposite sex.”
• “I have no f***ing clue what to say… let’s rewind that.”

Closing

This is just the start! Courtney & Erin promise more stories, laughs, and maybe a few tears as they dive deeper into the wild world of teaching in future episodes.

Things Teachers Really Say – Two former teachers spill the hilarious, messy, and completely real things we’ve actually said out loud. The trailer’s rough (we’re learning!), but the laughs? Absolutely solid.