What if the word failure stopped feeling like a verdict and started sounding like a clue? A chaotic testing schedule pushed us to improvise, and a simple Piggy and Elephant story turned into a full-on design challenge with a big mindset payoff. Fifth graders faced a familiar, human problem—Snake wants to play catch without arms—and discovered how quickly curiosity returns when the stakes are safe and the goal is learning, not perfection.

February can feel like a pressure cooker—testing talk, evaluation season, and the quiet drumbeat of “do more” echoing through the halls. We get real about that weight and share a grounded way to protect your energy, your values, and your classroom community without slipping into performative teaching.

Today we will talk all about the most practical and engaging application of having technology in the classroom being the ability to empower your students to take charge of their learning by using podcasting in the classroom. I hope you stick around.

Today’s show is with an incredible 2nd-grade teacher from Florida, Melanie Redden. Melanie is here to share her truth about building rapport with kids.

One Tired Teacher takes the trials and treasures of being a teacher or an educator and tells it like it is. Let’s wake up to this system and start talking!