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This Week in Class

This Week in Class

By: Michaé E. Allen
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About this listen

 **Welcome to "This Week In Class" ** I’m Michaé, a first-year 2nd grade teacher on a journey to discover what it really takes to thrive in the classroom. In this podcast, I’ll be documenting the highs, lows, and everything in between as I navigate my first year of teaching. Each week, I’ll share personal stories, lessons learned, classroom strategies, and a behind-the-scenes look at my experiences working with 2nd graders. From figuring out lesson planning and classroom management to handling those unexpected curveballs that come with teaching, you’ll hear all about what it's like being a brand new teacher.

But this podcast isn’t just about me—it’s about us as teachers! Each episode, I’ll leave you with a question or challenge that I’m working through, and I invite you to share your thoughts, advice, and experiences. Whether you're a new teacher yourself or a seasoned educator, I want to learn from you. Together, we can build a supportive and open community where we help each other grow, laugh at the little things, and celebrate our wins, no matter how small.

So if you’re a new teacher looking for some real talk, or an experienced educator reminiscing about your early teaching years, tune in each week to join the conversation. Let's share ideas, learn from each other, and make this teaching journey a little bit easier—and a lot more fun!

**Don't forget to follow and rate the show, and join the community of teachers who are learning and growing together!**

If you want to be part of my class, my Amazon wish list is hereCopyright Quintell Allen
Episodes
  • TWIC - Week 20-21 - Holiday

    TWIC - Week 20-21 - Holiday
    Nov 10 2025
    This Week in Class, learned about
    • rest,
    • relationships,
    • and resets.

    After two weeks off for the holidays, I’m reflecting on what time away really teaches you—not just about teaching, but about life. I talk about family trips (including a few roller coasters at Busch Gardens), reconnecting with people who truly want you in their life, and how to “go where you’re celebrated, not just tolerated.”

    I also share how I’m approaching goal setting for the new year—with accountability, small daily actions, and a focus on deepening the relationships I already have instead of chasing new ones.

    On the tech side, I dive into what happens when a hard drive fails, why I’m obsessed with network-attached storage, and how teachers (and photographers) can back up their work without losing their minds.

    There’s even a quick tip for teachers who want to stay connected with their students over break—and a reminder that sometimes rest really is the work.

    If you’d like to support my classroom, check out my Amazon Wishlist or email thisweekinclass@gmail.com.

    Every bit of support helps me create a more engaging learning space for my students.
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    20 mins
  • TWIC - Week 19 - Spending Money

    TWIC - Week 19 - Spending Money
    Nov 10 2025
    This Week in Class, I learned about:
    • free time,
    • teacher spending,
    • and crock-pot cocoa.

    It was the final week before the holiday break—complete with pajama day, parties, and a few valuable lessons about structure, generosity, and connection. I share how my daughter joined me as an “elf” in the classroom, what it taught me about kids who crave schedules even during “fun” days, and how a little structure can make free time feel safer for some students.

    I also reflect on how teachers spend money—often in unexpected ways—from themed outfits to party supplies, and even small treats that reward effort. Is 25 cents per student a good rule of thumb for classroom incentives? Let’s talk about it!

    As a new teacher and first-year teacher, I’m learning that teaching is as much about managing emotions and expectations as it is about academics. I touch on how student behavior isn’t personal, how I plan to “reset” after break with a fresh Day One mindset, and how building a positive, connected team with my fellow teachers makes the work lighter. And yes—this week even included a lesson in adult penmanship (mine!), thoughts on workplace friendships, and the sweet discovery of crock-pot cocoa.

    Listen in for classroom insights, teacher reflections, and a little real talk from your friendly neighborhood second-grade teacher.

    If you’d like to support my classroom, check out my Amazon Wishlist or DM to adopt my class. Every bit of support helps me create a more engaging learning space for my students.
    #teaching #newteacher #firstyearteacher #secondgrade #teacherlife #education #teachersofinstagram #elementaryteacher #classroommanagement #teacherpodcast
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    25 mins
  • TWIC - Week 18 - The Old Black Man at the Job

    TWIC - Week 18 - The Old Black Man at the Job
    Sep 25 2025
    This Week in Class, I learned a lot about:
    • signals, routines, and relationships—both with my students and with my co-workers.
    • using lights and music to manage classroom behavior
    • realizing I’ve officially become the “old Black man at the job,”


    it’s been another week of growth as a second grade teacher. I share the fun and joy of experiencing an in-school field trip with my students, how keeping the lights low helps create a calm environment, and why using music like James Brown’s Make It Funky brings energy and connection into the classroom.

    I also talk about modeling writing for my students, the importance of clarity, and how relationships drive learning.

    On a personal note, I even got my first Christmas gift from a coworker—which made me realize how special it is to be part of a supportive teaching community after so many years of working on my own.

    Being a new teacher and a first year teacher means figuring it out as I go, making mistakes, and learning what really works in the classroom. Every week I discover more about how to balance structure with flexibility, and how building strong relationships makes all the difference for my students.

    If you’d like to support my classroom, my Amazon wishlist is linked below. You can also adopt my class to help fund experiences and resources beyond what’s on the list. Every bit of support makes a huge difference for me and my students.

    #teaching #newteacher #firstyearteacher #secondgrade #teacherlife #classroommanagement #elementaryteacher #education #teachersofyoutube #teachercommunity
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
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