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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
  • This Week in Class - Week 17 - Hitting the Reset Button

    This Week in Class - Week 17 - Hitting the Reset Button
    Aug 5 2025
    This Week in Class, I learned that the first day of school doesn’t only happen once—it’s a mindset you can return to when the classroom needs a fresh start. From anchor charts and motion-based classroom rules to gamified behavior systems, this week was all about resetting routines and reinforcing expectations. I even found a breakthrough way to teach pictographs using a metaphor they could finally understand (spoiler: it involves Mickey ears and invisible passengers).

    It’s becoming clear that when students feel seen and celebrated, they try harder—and when I put the “cookies on the bottom shelf,” even my struggling learners rise to the occasion.

    I also unpacked how relationship-building impacts behavior, why good days can feel suspicious when you’re new, and what to do when you’re trying to balance your attention between the loudest voices and the quiet successes. Whether you're a first-year teacher or just needing a mid-year reset, there's something here for you.

    Listen in for practical tips, teacher truths, and a challenge: What’s one routine you can reset this week to shift the energy in your classroom?

    📚 Want to support my class? Check out my Amazon Wishlist or DM me to adopt our classroom.
    🖍️ Teachers: Drop a comment with your best class rewards or wishlist must-haves—I’m all ears. 🎧 Subscribe to “This Week in Class” wherever you listen to podcasts.
    🧡 Your friendly neighborhood second grade teacher.
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    25 mins
  • This Week in Class - Week 15 & 16 - Teaching in My Sleep!

    This Week in Class - Week 15 & 16 - Teaching in My Sleep!
    Aug 5 2025
    This week in class, I reflected on the surprising moment I was asked if I’d even be back next year. (Spoiler: yes, I will.)

    As a new teacher, it's wild how much of this first-year experience looks different from the inside—and how easy it is for others to assume you’re not going to make it. But even on the hard days, I’m still here, still showing up, and still rocking second grade.

    I talk about the social side of teaching too—those staff events where you’re not sure how “off the clock” you can actually be. I’m figuring out what kind of professional life I want to build, one that feels full, not just functional. And hey, I even had a full-blown teacher nightmare while I was on break (beds in the classroom?!). Apparently, the job follows you into your dreams.

    If you're a first year teacher or new to the classroom, I'm right there with you. I also share how I plan to reset classroom rules after the break (don't skip this!) and how you can support my class during Giving Tuesday if you’d like to make a difference for my students.

    Let me know how you're building balance in your teaching life—especially if you're navigating your first year like I am. And if you've got classroom wishlist tips or Giving Tuesday ideas, hit me up!

    🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts
    📌 Second grade teacher | First year teacher support
    💡 Subscribe & share with another new teacher who's in the thick of it too!
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • This Week in Class - Week 14 - It Ain't My Fault!

    This Week in Class - Week 14 - It Ain't My Fault!
    May 12 2025
    This Week in Class, I learned one of the most freeing lessons of my first year teaching: I’m not responsible for my students’ behavior. I can set the tone, create structure, build a culture — but at the end of the day, their choices are theirs. And honestly? That mindset shift changed everything for me.

    In this episode, I talk about finally catching my footing in faculty meetings (they hit a little different when you’re used to working for yourself), the unexpected classroom hack involving sticky tack, and how I’m experimenting with a new behavioral incentive called The Compliment Wall. I also opened up about the tough side of teaching — when a student leaves unexpectedly — and how I tried to give both my students and myself some closure. Plus:

    🎶 Why James Brown’s “Make It Funky” might be my new classroom theme music
    ✍🏾 The old-school teacher skill I’m determined to master
    📝 And the gentle reminder that sometimes, it really ain’t your fault

    New episodes every week! Hit follow on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Join the conversation: What’s your classroom theme song? Would you let a parent just pop into your room? And how do you handle it when a student leaves? Message me or drop a comment on socials — I’d love to hear your stories.
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
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