March Madness is here, but instead of filling out basketball brackets, we’re filling out our Teacher Productivity Bracket! 🎉 We’re pitting time-saving, organizing, and efficiency-boosting strategies against each other to see which one comes out on top! Which teacher strategy will win it all? Let’s dive in! 📌 In This Episode, We Discuss: 🏀 How different organization and productivity strategies stack up against each other 🏀 Which strategies advance to the next round and why 🏀 The Final Four s...
Mar 20, 2025•47 min
As teachers, our time is divided among lesson planning, grading, meetings, emails, prepping materials, and more. But not every task is equally valuable! We’re breaking down common teaching tasks and deciding if they deserve our time or if they’re just distractions. So in today’s episode, we’re putting teacher tasks under the microscope to ask one BIG question: 🧐 Is it worth it or not worth it? 🧐 As teachers, our time is divided among lesson planning, grading, meetings, emails, prepping materia...
Mar 06, 2025•54 min
The start of the school year feels like a fresh notebook—full of possibilities but sometimes a little overwhelming. Now that we’re mid-year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we’ve grown, what’s working, and what we’re leaving behind. From time management tweaks to major productivity wins, we’re sharing the lessons we’ve learned since that first bell rang in August. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on a hamster wheel, struggling to stay organized, or wondering how to work smarter (n...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Teaching comes with its challenges (hello, never-ending testing schedules and ever-changing interventions!), but amidst the chaos, there are so many reasons to LOVE this profession. With February being the month of love, we’re celebrating the joy, the connections, and the little moments that make teaching so special. In this episode, we’re sharing our personal Mount Rushmore of Teaching Loves—the top four things that keep us motivated and remind us why we do what we do! ✨ What You'll Hear in Thi...
Feb 06, 2025•50 min
We have often spoken about the importance of having a checklist for completing tasks that are recurring. We've shared our morning routine, evening routines, and lesson planning routines but we've never really gone in depth with the routines that happen throughout the year that can help make you feel successful. In this episode, we are going to chat to you about reset checklists for the week, month, and quarter. What you can add to them and how it can help make you even more prepared for the days...
Jan 16, 2025•43 min
HAPPY NEW YEAR! It's a new year and that means we are doing what we love best: reflecting and setting new goals that we just might achieve. Get ready to plan out what this year has in store as we share our reflections, goals from 2024, and how we plan on starting the new year. SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE! We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the po...
Jan 02, 2025•31 min
Bridget and Michelle are wrapping up this holiday season with a 2 in 1 episode. Both ladies will open gifts for their Christmas exchange and answer questions to reflect on the 2024 school year. SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE! We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the podcast! SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, I wa...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Join Bridget and Michelle as they get into the holiday spirit this month by sharing their favorites from 2024. From their favorite podcast to their favorite nighttime snack, you'll find a more personal side. SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE! We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the podcast! SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Are you subscribed to our podcast? If yo...
Dec 05, 2024•57 min
It's time to CELEBRATE! There are 250 episodes of this podcast and to change things up, Bridget and Michelle will be playing a game of TOP Bingo. In this episode, they will play the game Bingo while answering questions about productivity blunders, and best moments as a teacher. SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE! We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the p...
Nov 21, 2024•43 min
Your planning period is an important part of ensuring you get everything done at school, but how often do you ACTUALLY get that time to yourself and to plan? In this episode, Bridget and Michelle discuss planning time and share their experiences of planning periods over their teaching career and how they had to change the way they "Got Things Done" when their planning time was nonexistent. SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE! We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or...
Nov 07, 2024•28 min
The beginning of the year is well underway and for so many it feels like you are still trying to keep your head above water. You are planning day-to-day, taking home work to get done at night, and getting to school early and staying late. Sound familiar? But at some point, you'd like to get to the point where you are planned ahead and feeling more in control of your daily schedule.The question is... how do you make that happen? In this video we are talking all about what is needed to make that t...
Oct 17, 2024•39 min
It is that time of the year to check in on our goals before wrapping up the the year with the final quarter. First, can you believe that we are in the final few months before entering into a brand new year! It blew my mind as well. In this episode we are taking you through our own goals and discussing how things change based on our season in life. Listen in as we share our reflection and upcoming goals for 2024. SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE! We want to know what is sucking up all of your time...
Oct 03, 2024•41 min
Join Bridget and Michelle as they catch-up and share their experiences, stressors, and lessons leading up to the beginning of the school year. SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE! We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the podcast! SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want ...
Sep 19, 2024•31 min
Bridget and Michelle have some BIG changes coming to the podcast. Join our hosts as they both share the changes and why they came to this decision. This episode serves as a reminder that finding balance is an ever-changing target as we enter new seasons in life. SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE! We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the podcast! SUBSCRIB...
Sep 05, 2024•22 min
In this special episode, Bridget and Michelle dive into their favorite reads of the year across different genres. Whether you’re looking for a gripping fiction, a transformative non-fiction, or an insightful educational read, they’ve got something for everyone. Join them as they share the books that have captivated their minds and hearts in 2024. Favorite Fiction Books: Michelle's Pick: "Ready or Not" by Cara Bastone, a contemporary romance that captures the upheavals and surprises of life. Brid...
Aug 29, 2024•32 min
After many years of challenges, changes, and a profession that struggles to keep people, this year is the year for impact. It is the time to fall back in love with the profession. Are you ready to transform your teaching experience this year? Join Bridget and Michelle as they guide you through crucial mindset shifts to start the school year refreshed and empowered. Discover how to embrace change, let go of perfection, and focus on positive solutions in your teaching journey. Key Mindset Shifts E...
Aug 22, 2024•30 min
Join Bridget and Michelle for another laid-back, conversational episode of "Recess Digress." In this session, they dive into the realities of returning to the classroom in new roles, the personal reflections on getting older, and some light-hearted summer favorites to keep the mood buoyant. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Recess Digress: If you’re new to these special episodes, Bridget and Michelle explore a mix of topics in a relaxed, chat-style format. It's all about sharing experiences an...
Aug 15, 2024•53 min
Walking into a new classroom only to find it filled with the previous teacher’s leftovers can be overwhelming. In this episode, Bridget and Michelle guide you through a systematic approach to reclaim and organize your new space, turning what could be a daunting task into a manageable project. Perfect for first-year teachers or those moving to a new classroom, this episode provides practical steps to take control of your teaching environment. Episode Highlights: See the space and evaluate:: Begin...
Aug 08, 2024•29 min
Join Bridget and Michelle for a relaxed session of the Couch Chronicles as they guide you through five simple steps to get ready for the new school year without leaving your sofa. This episode offers a blend of digital efficiency and creative planning, making back-to-school prep a breeze. Whether updating your introductory letter, organizing digital name tags, or planning your first week of lessons, these tips are designed to maximize your productivity while minimizing stress. Episode Highlights...
Aug 01, 2024•29 min
Setting up for the new school year doesn’t have to be a daunting, day-long process. In this episode, Bridget and Michelle guide you through a quick and efficient way to prepare for the upcoming school year using a digital planner. Learn how to streamline your planning process, saving time and energy as you head into a new academic year. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Digital Planning: Bridget and Michelle discuss the evolution of teacher planners from paper to digital, highlighting the flex...
Jul 25, 2024•24 min
Ever find yourself inspired after reading a book but struggling to apply what you've learned? In this episode, Michelle and Bridget dive into effective strategies for utilizing the knowledge gained from books to enhance your teaching practices and personal development. Join them as they explore methods to ensure that the wisdom doesn’t just stay on the page—it comes to life in your classroom and life. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Implementation: The hosts address the challenge of applying...
Jul 18, 2024•28 min
Join Bridget and Michelle as they delve into BJ Fogg's "Tiny Habits" to explore the profound impact of small behavioral changes. This episode provides a comprehensive review and practical applications of Fogg's method for teachers looking to enhance their personal and professional lives through tiny, sustainable habits. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Tiny Habits: Bridget and Michelle introduce the concept of tiny habits and discuss their own experiences and challenges with maintaining consi...
Jul 11, 2024•42 min
As we reach the midpoint of 2024, Michelle and Bridget take a moment to review their goals for the year, discussing successes, challenges, and new directions for the upcoming months. Join them for a transparent look at personal and professional growth and get inspired to reflect on your own goals. Episode Highlights: Reflections on the Year: The hosts discuss how quickly the year has passed and share their feelings about the rapid passage of time, emphasizing the importance of staying mindful an...
Jul 04, 2024•38 min
Summer can be a time of relaxation and rejuvenation for teachers, but it also brings temptations to splurge. Bridget and Michelle offer practical budgeting strategies to help teachers manage their finances effectively during the off-season, ensuring a stress-free return to school. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Budgeting: Bridget and Michelle discuss their personal experiences with impulse shopping and the challenges of resisting sales, especially during summer. Assessing Needs vs. Wants: L...
Jun 27, 2024•25 min
This episode of Teaching to the TOP brings you along on Michelle Emerson’s journey of professional change and personal insights. Tune in for her exciting announcement about returning to the classroom, a trip to NYC, and how she manages her busy life with passion and purpose. Episode Highlights: Big Announcement: Michelle reveals she's going back to the classroom and shares the emotional and practical aspects of this decision. NYC Adventure: Insights from Michelle's trip to NYC for a secretive te...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Join the Building the Literacy Block Bootcamp for $7 and get prepared with resources, guidance and more for the beginning of the school year! You can join now and receive updates when the group opens on July 6th. >>>CLICK HERE TO JOIN<<< Dive into summer with Bridget as she switches from teacher mode to summer mode! This week, Bridget shares a real-time glimpse of her life, balancing the joyous freedom of summer with the necessary wrap-ups of the academic year. Tune in for pers...
Jun 13, 2024•57 min
Summer Time = Traveling (hopefully to a location with a sandy beach and pool). It’s that time of the year where teachers have more free time and many are traveling to see family and just…. relax. We are doing the same because we have lots of trips planned. And just because we are a teaching podcast, doesn’t mean we cannot talk about our TOP tips for enjoying our personal lives. In this episode we wanted to share some of our TOP favorite tips, hacks, and favorites for packing during the summer mo...
Jun 06, 2024•40 min
SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER! 🎸🎉 School is out and we’ve got some BIG plans happening this summer. In this episode we are sharing what we are getting up to, how we plan to structure our time over the summer, and what we plan to do differently. Come hang out with us as we spill all the tea. Don’t forget to check out the NEW 2024-2025 Digital Planners that are in our store! You can visit our store www.teachingonthedouble.com/store to grab your planner now and try out these new strategies. SUBMIT YOUR...
May 30, 2024•24 min
Are you in decision fatigue with planning activities that will keep your students engaged? Well, this episode arrived in perfect time because we are sharing our FAVORITE end of the year activities to do with students so that you can keep your hair and sanity. Michelle and Bridget each give you 3 activities that they have used in the past. These activities come in a variety of prep and energy levels so that you can find the perfect fit to fill that space on your planner. If you use any of these a...
May 23, 2024•34 min
A new alliteration means a new Teaching to the TOP series! Welcome to the Couch Chronicles where we give you actionable steps you can make to be productive right from the comfort of your own couch. In the first of this series we want to tackle the overwhelm of the end of the school year. This is one of the busiest times of the year. You’ve got state testing, assessments, portfolios, conferences, field tips… the list goes on and on. But wouldn’t it be nice (cue the song from 50 first dates) to ge...
May 16, 2024•29 min
