Last call aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express with Jess Smith Welcome aboard for one final, heartfelt journey on the Hot Mess Teacher Express podcast. I'm your host, Jess Smith, and in this emotional rollercoaster of an episode, I'm getting real about the power of letting go and the journey that led me to temporarily say farewell to this incredible podcast. I'll share my personal experiences with the tough realization that clinging to what no longer serves us can be a barrier to our true potenti...
Jan 19, 2024•15 min•Season 5Ep. 19
Educator by day comedian by night! Welcome back to this week's episode of Hot Mess, where the world of teaching meets the hilarity of everyday life! I'm Jess Smith, and joining me today is the wonderful Andrea Forcum. Buckle up, because we're about to take a deep dive into Andrea's journey from classroom to comedy, and the impact she's made along the way. Andrea kicks things off with a hilarious recount of attending the Bored Teacher Comedy Tour. A night of laughs, teacher jokes, and getting rec...
Jan 12, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 17
Sibling stories in education! Hop on board the Hot Mess Teacher Express, where every journey into the world of education is a wild ride! I'm your conductor Jess Smith, and today, I've got a very special guest joining me – my sister, Niki Fisher. Trust me, this episode is not just a family reunion; it's an eye-opening exploration of the education system from a unique perspective. Niki, a paraprofessional and an unexpected entrant into the world of teaching, brings a fresh, honest, and sometimes h...
Jan 05, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Unlocking the secrets to a fulfilling career in education! Welcome aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express, the podcast where passion for teaching meets a healthy dose of reality! I'm your host Jess Smith, and today we're exploring the sunnier side of the schoolyard. If you're a teacher who's head over heels in love with your job, or if you're just curious about what keeps educators ticking, this episode is for you. We're joined by a panel of special guests who aren't just surviving the teaching lif...
Dec 31, 2023•24 min•Season 4Ep. 15
The Student Engagement conundrum, Hop aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express, the podcast that celebrates every color of the classroom rainbow, from the perfectly organized to the beautifully chaotic! I'm your host Jess Smith, ready to embark on a thought-provoking journey through the wild world of education. This week, we're tackling a question that's been keeping educators up at night: Do students actually care about learning anymore? It's a complex issue, with technology at the forefront. In an ...
Dec 18, 2023•15 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Uncovering motivations Beyond The Lesson Plan! Welcome aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express, the weekly podcast where we celebrate educators and delve into the heart of our impact on students. I'm your host Jess Smith, here to guide you through a thought-provoking journey about the essence of our teaching lives. In this episode, we will be tackling a profound, yet often misunderstood question: "What is your why?" This query can feel like a double-edged sword for many educators, sometimes used unf...
Dec 11, 2023•24 min•Season 4Ep. 13
We’re diving into empowerment in education! Welcome back to the Hot Mess Teacher Express, the podcast where we embrace the chaos and find the joy in teaching. I’m Jess Smith, your host and fellow educator, navigating this wild ride we call teaching. Today, I'm joined by a special guest who's here to remind us why, amidst the overwhelming days, teaching is truly a rewarding journey. Lately, my heart has been feeling the weight of our profession – it's tough out there. But amidst the challenges, I...
Dec 04, 2023•42 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Detective Work After Detention with the Teachers Talk Crime Duo! Welcome to a spine-tingling yet giggle-inducing episode of Hot Mess. I'm Jess Smith, and today I'm joined by the masterminds behind the riveting Teachers Talk Crime Podcast, Ashleigh Brant and Brooke Ham. In this episode bone-chilling crime stories meet the hilarity of classroom life. That's right, we're merging the world of unsolved mysteries with teacher tales that are too funny to make up. Ashleigh and Brooke are here to share t...
Nov 27, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Spilling the tea on teachers and parents unfiltered… Welcome aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express! I'm your host, Jess Smith, and oh boy, do we have an episode for you! Ever wondered what your child's teacher is really thinking? Well, this week, we're breaking the silence with what teachers *wish* they could tell parents. Imagine a world where teacher-parent conferences are a no-holds-barred affair, and the truth flows as freely as coffee in the staff room. We're diving deep into the digital dile...
Nov 20, 2023•30 min•Season 4Ep. 10
It’s time for an intervention in the world of teaching! In this crucial discussion, we shine a light on our everyday heroes - the teachers. These dedicated individuals tirelessly dedicate themselves to shaping minds, often with limited resources and support. They're the backbone of our education system, yet they face immense challenges daily. Our children depend on a system that's currently under strain. It's time for change. We need smaller class sizes, adequate resources, fair compensation, an...
Nov 13, 2023•26 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Climb aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express, let me be your myth-busting maestro! 👀 Ever heard that half-days are a breeze or that certain weather guarantees a day of chaos? Lies. Sarcasm in the classroom: teaching tool or taboo? Spoiler alert: It's all about the delivery! 🖨️ Plus, we're taking on the legend of the copier curse - is there really a gremlin inside waiting for the worst possible moment to strike? I have a few thoughts (and maybe a couple of battle scars) to share on that front. And...
Nov 06, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 8
All aboard the "Hot Mess Teacher Express"! We Choo-choo-ing our way into another funny and informative episode where Jess Smith derails some of the WORST advice non-teachers have ever given. Ever been told to "just quit" if you're not feeling the teaching vibes? Or how about the classic, "Just be stricter!" to magically fix all student behavior issues? Jess dives deep into these pearls of non-wisdom. And hey, have you tried not spending money on your class? Or maybe just making teaching more 'fu...
Sep 11, 2023•18 min•Season 4Ep. 7
We are breaking the seal on the teacher's starter pack of surprises. First stop? The Germ Station. No one gave us the heads up on how we'd be playing tag with viruses during our first year. (Who knew teaching came with a free immune system upgrade?). Summer breaks? Think of it as a "blink-and-you-miss-it" montage rather than the sun-soaked vacation everyone imagines. And can we talk about the countless moments when students share their unfiltered thoughts? It’s like a mini stand-up comedy show, ...
Sep 03, 2023•19 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Hey Hot Messes! All aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express with your fave conductor, Jess Smith! Back in the classroom or prepping to leap in? Whether you're a seasoned educator, a fresh face, or somewhere thinking, "What's a classroom?" – you're in the right spot! Dive into the rollercoaster we all ride and embrace that hot mess life. But first, housekeeping! Want a wardrobe makeover without the laundry? Teacher Style Box is giving away 6 MONTHS of FREE fashionable clothes to 10 lucky teachers. En...
Aug 28, 2023•22 min•Season 4Ep. 5
All aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express! This week, Jess is leaning heavily into discovering the world of classroom activities. Ever wondered if there's more to student self-portraits than meets the eye? Or how about turning your class into a wax museum with students posing as famous characters? Forget Disneyland; Jess's literary theme park activity is the next big thing! And for all you sports fans, the "Who Would Win" books get a March Madness twist. She’s even got a game called “Count to 20” ...
Aug 21, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 4
All aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express! This week, we're diving deep into the treasure trove of the best teacher hacks ever. Trust us, whether you're a classroom newbie just trying to find your rhythm, or you're a seasoned vet looking for a fresh trick or two, we've got something for you. Classroom hacks! They can be anything from cute decorative tips to strategic classroom management secrets. We're talking all about the multi-functional magic of clothespins. Hint: They do more than just pin cl...
Aug 14, 2023•27 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Welcome aboard the Hot Mess Teacher Express, today we're spinning the wheel of teacher types, and will be learning how different educators teach. Your beloved host, Jess Smith, will help you navigate the educational jungle, one eccentric teacher at a time. We start with the grizzled veterans of the education world. Those seasoned pros who've weathered enough school years to have their prep routine down to a science. Their tales of survival and triumph will leave you in awe, and possibly feeling ...
Aug 07, 2023•21 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Get ready to climb back aboard the "Hot Mess Teacher Express!" piloted by our fearless conductor Jess Smith! In today's episode, we're tackling the often bumpy, always interesting ride that is Professional Development. Our first stop: incentives. We dive into the big question. Are there any real perks for teachers to sit through these never-ending sessions of jargon and slide shows? Is there a light at the end of this tunnel or should we brace ourselves for another incoming train? (Here's hoping...
Jul 31, 2023•30 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Fasten your seatbelts and hold on to your mouse ears, folks! In this special episode of the Hot Mess Teacher Express podcast, we're riding the rollercoaster of emotions as we bid farewell to our very own Vinny. Don't worry, there will be no teary goodbyes, just plenty of laughs and thought-provoking discussion! Kicking off our Hot Take, we delve into the epic battle of English Language Arts vs. Media and Film classes. As we navigate this daring duel, we ask: Can Shakespeare and Spielberg co-exis...
Jul 03, 2023•49 min•Season 3Ep. 19
This week it’s all about the long-debated topic: Is the school week too long? Spoiler alert - Vinny jumps in with a resounding "YES!" while also expressing concern about prepping students for the five-day work week grind. Jess counters with a passionate argument for work-life balance that has us all wishing we could clock out early. Taking a detour, we compare principals in the US and UK. Trust us, it gets as wild as ice cream sandwich day in the lunchroom. The pressures, the respect, the horrif...
Jun 19, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 18
The Hot Mess Teacher Express with Vinny and Jess is pulling into the station to cover one of the thorniest issues in teaching - letting students fail. Vinny gives us some real talk about how student failure often feels like a reflection on us as teachers. But we are here to tell you, it's not always about us. We ponder the question of whether failure is really a part of growth. After all, isn't it soul crushing to fail at something the first time? But, it's often a crucial step on the path to le...
Jun 12, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Buckle up for a wild journey through the world of "Teachers Potlucks", staff discounts, and school funding. Let's just say, things get real, real fast. We kick off the discussion with Vinny laying down the law on when it's okay for teachers to post their wishlists online. Spoiler alert: influencers, you're not off the hook! Then Jess chimes in with her views on platforms like Donors Choose and how they aren't universally accepted. Next, we dive into the dark depths of the school supply struggle....
Jun 05, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Get ready to laugh, learn and shake your head along with Jess and Vinny in this episode of the Hot Mess Teacher Express. We are exploring our Hot Takes on "Teachers Lounges" and whether they are a place of relaxation or the epicenter of school drama. Jess kicks off the discussion with her firm NO WAY stance. Vinny, however, explains his need for a solo lunch, locking himself away from the bustling world of pep talks and grading. Is the Teachers Lounge a sanctuary or a stress den? Listen in to fi...
May 29, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Join Vinny and Jess on the Hot Mess Teacher Express, as we explore the fascinating and often amusing world of "Teacher of the Year" awards. Despite the perceived prestige surrounding such accolades, our analysis reveals a slightly more complicated reality. The episode starts with our Hot Takes segment, where Jess candidly shares her mixed emotions about these awards. While she aspires to receive one, she questions if she's truly deserving. Meanwhile, Vinny delves into the nomination process in t...
May 22, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Vinny and Jess dive into the slippery slope of teachers cussing in the classroom and online! Kicking things off, we dive into a hot take on teacher cussing. Is it a rebellion against the status quo or just inappropriate? Vinny and Jess share their colorful experiences, from cussing in the classroom to remaining squeaky clean. In the US vs UK segment, we explore the stark differences in professionalism between the two countries. Hear about Jess's "too tight" trousers controversy and how it's not ...
May 15, 2023•36 min•Season 3Ep. 13
In this hilarious yet thought-provoking episode of the Hot Mess Teacher Express with Vinny and Jess, we dive into the rollercoaster world of teachers quitting their jobs – from the heartbreaking to comical circumstances we cover it all. Jess confesses she couldn't possibly quit mid-contract, while Vinny shares his daring escape from the classroom. Listen as they discuss the taboo of quitting halfway through the year and the overwhelming challenges that push teachers to their limits. Then, we com...
May 08, 2023•38 min•Season 3Ep. 12
In this episode of the Hot Mess Teacher Express podcast, Vinny and Jess tackle the never-ending battle between teachers and student's cell phones. To kick things off we dive into a Hot Take on the ever-changing phone policies in high schools, where every teacher seems to have their own set of rules. Are students sneaking a peek at their screens or actually following the policies? Next, in Hot or Not, Vinny and Jess revel in the joy of receiving the coveted "jeans all week or month" email, while ...
May 01, 2023•24 min•Season 3Ep. 11
YOU HAVE A BLINKER FOR A REASON! Welcome back to the Hot Mess Teacher Express podcast! Vinny and Jess tackle the always controversial topic of giving homework. Is it really necessary, or just another item on the never-ending to-do list for overworked teachers and students alike? Our dynamic duo dives into a Hot Take on the pros and cons of homework, sparking a debate so fiery, it might just singe your earbuds. Next, in Hot or Not, they discuss the phenomenon of uninterrupted prep times – a teach...
Apr 24, 2023•23 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Dear Taylor Swift: Welcome to our classroom! Get ready for another wild ride on The Hot Mess Teacher Express with Vinny and Jess! In this episode, we tackle everything from teacher attention spans to the surprising role of Taylor Swift in the classroom. We kick off our Hot Takes with a discussion on why a Taylor Swift song might just be the perfect teaching tool, and Jess shares her experiences using music in the classroom. If it brings joy, should you just go for it? Next, in our US vs. UK segm...
Apr 17, 2023•28 min•Season 3Ep. 9
These teachers did WHAT?! All aboard The Hot Mess Teacher Express with your favorite chaotic educators, Vinny and Jess! In this laugh-a-minute episode, we kick things off with some sizzling Hot Takes on Teacher of the Year awards. Vinny shares his experience of being nominated for rookie of the year, only to be outshined by a brown-nosing contender. Next, in the Hot or Not segment, Jess goes off on Jeans Day passes for teachers, and both Vinny and Jess can't help but express their undying love f...
Apr 10, 2023•33 min•Season 3Ep. 8
