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...

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...

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...

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...

The Student Engagement ConundruAll 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

We are breaking the seal on the teacher's starter pack of surprises and are filling new first-year teachers in on all the things no one tells you.

Let's rekindle that flame of JOY and LOVE for teaching. Not in a "toxic positivity" kinda way, but genuine, heartwarming ways. We've got tricks up our sleeves to sprinkle a dash of joy in your classroom.

This week, Jess is leaning heavily into discovering the world of classroom activities.

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.

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're tackling the often bumpy, always interesting ride that is Professional Development.

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.

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!"

We are covering 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.

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.

Whether you're a fan of the Teachers Lounge or prefer a quiet corner, join us as we uncover the highs, lows, and hilarious happenings of the teaching world.

We are exploring 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.