Listen "Episode 326: Building Culture from Scratch, Group Work That Works, and Faith in the Classroom"
Episode Synopsis
This week on Sunday Night Teacher Talk, we’re unpacking what it really looks like to build a classroom and school culture from the ground up—especially when you’re new to the building. CJ shares updates on how shared experiences like lunch invites, Spirit Week, and hallway antics are shaping connection at his new school.Other big topics this week include how to use ChatGPT to streamline grading while still giving meaningful feedback, what to do when group work falls apart, how to scaffold large writing tasks for struggling students, and why you don’t need to post the Ten Commandments to live your values in the classroom.As always, we’re getting real about the teacher life, student behavior, faith, and showing up with joy—one week at a time.📥 Want more support? Check out mentoring, upcoming workshops, and free resources at https://www.teachyourclassoff.comJoin the community of 6,800+ educators: Facebook GroupChapters0:00 – Show Intro & Reflections on Community4:10 – Spirit Week, Lunch Culture & Connection7:00 – How Fun Builds Classroom Momentum10:00 – How to Maintain Classroom Management on Costume Days15:15 – Novels vs. Projects: Rethinking What Matters Most19:30 – Book Ideas for Reluctant Readers + ChatGPT Book Match Strategy24:00 – Using AI for Grading, Rubrics & Workload Reduction30:00 – AI Detection, Google Docs History & Sneaky Professor Hacks34:00 – 3 Things I’ve Learned Since Returning to the Classroom38:30 – When Personal Loss Meets the Classroom (Message to Mrs. J)44:30 – Changing School Culture One Moment at a Time52:00 – Should Teachers Get a Master’s Degree?56:30 – National Board Certification & Pioneering vs. Settling1:00:00 – Handling the New Law to Display the Ten Commandments1:06:00 – Restoring Peace in a Toxic Classroom1:10:00 – Should I Hire a Mentor or Coach?1:12:00 – Group Work: Accountability, Grading, and Growth1:17:00 – Scaffolding Big Writing Assignments for Struggling Students1:22:00 – Final Words on Faith, Presence & Calling
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