The Worst Teacher Advice We’ve Ever Gotten

[@terrolmcelroy9753]

Some of the best advice I’ve been given is: either come early or leave late! DONT do both!!!! Always be prepared, but don’t live here!

[@juliekmunden]

Yes! Our contract hrs. are 7:45-4. I get so much done in peace and quiet when I arrive by 7:15. I leave at 4 on the dot! Great episode!!

[@lindamoulton1560]

The only teaching advice I take is from my parents...because they're both veteran teachers. Like I swear my 74 year old father is much better with solving tech problems than I'll ever be, and my mom can come up with the best response to any difficult student that I swear even Admin would give her a standing ovation. 🤣 But the best advice I ever got was from my former team leader- basically "Find something, ANYTHING in the day that will bring you joy as soon as school is finished"- that's part of the reason that I adopted my dog. Who wouldn't want to come home after a rough day and just see a big goofy puppy smile?

[@ytrando12312]

What I got from this podcast is “read the room” 😂 this is some of the best advice I’ve heard as an Education student!

[@nmcrose]

I tell my middle school students this all the time when the ask questions at inappropriate times. 😂

[@MrMarohlsclassroom]

Haven’t said it in awhile, but just love seeing Gabe happy on the podcast. Bri does grill him a little on his silliness, but it’s actually fun. Jess is an awesome middle ground to the two of them! Love to see more of this trio❤

[@halbop3370]

Best advice keep extra clothes! I was puked on my first year and had to go home in my prep period just to change out of them. I brought a full set of clothes every day the rest of the school year. Also it is ok to take time off if you are sick.

[@juliemariariley3212]

Keep extra clothes for teachers and students! Trust me- they will come in handy 😊🌻

[@patriciajackson553]

Thank you!👋👋 Best advise, "try something different!" I don't know what happened this year, but every grade level had one teacher that had all of the behaviors and Sped identified students. 💁‍♀️🤦‍♀️ I had that this year and my mentor helped me realize I can change up what's not working. She called it my "tool box!" 😂 She was right! Every class is different, and things that previously worked do not always work! 👋 It is not a reflection of you. It is a reflection of a diverse classroom. My classroom was louder than last year, but eventually, I was able to build report with students, and they were quiet when needed. They respected me and appreciated my 2 minute break system. We also took deep breaths together after student meltdowns. Also! Working in your contracted hours is "a learned behavior!" Thank you!

[@authenticallyadhdwithcarme2203]

Worst advice ive ever gotten: "keep everything these teachers pass down to you" BEST advice: "Stay here until you don't love these kids anymore, you love this, you love these kids. youll know when its time to be done. Do whats best for you always."

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

A good friend and colleague told me, "Teaching and student/teacher relationships are organic. They develop with time and as the environment dictates." Such great advice. The last two years I was in the classroom we had new admin who put down the edict that the first week was to be devoted to "relationship building." The result was teachers doing a bunch of time-wasting, dumb activities that were duplicated from class to class. I'd been teaching so long I just did my own thing and let things 'grow.' The students would come in and say, "Thank God you aren't doing worksheet/partner stuff asking us 'what's your shoe size? What's your favorite color.' Relationship building just doesn't work that way. It's a two way thing that develops organically between teachers and classes...and each class period is different. One size doesn't fit all.

[@Hailey-Poulton]

2nd year teacher here! Thank you SO MUCH!!! I especially loved that you mentioned that only working within your contract hours is a learned skill. I'm often staying late than my contract hours, and I always feel guilty about it. But, how else is everything going to get done? I'm getting better at not staying as long as I used to, but it's still a work in progress. Thank you so much for saying that! Best advice: "Don't feel like you have to teach one certain way. Be the teacher that YOU want to be, not the teacher that the district, admin, team, etc. wants you to be." Worst advice: "Don't complain about your paycheck." Sure, there's a time and place, but I still need to eat and pay rent. I can be upset about it. And a ton of my classroom was paid for with my own money, so the small paycheck that I got still went to those kids.

[@theplatycorn]

This was my first year teaching. I am a 4th grade teacher. The best advice that I got was make yourself have a deadline. So how they explained it was. If you stay late after school you have forever to stay late. But if you come in early you always have a deadline before the kids arrive. Because I know folks that would just stay late forever. But for your mental health you got to create a situation were you can relax. If it is problem today, its going to be a problem tomorrow. So just leave it for tomorrow. There are always going to be days that you stay late sure. But I was told for sanity sake you should come in early rather than stay late if you have to. As a first year teacher I feel like this really helped me with my work life balance.

[@margoedwards3035]

I used to leave easter eggs in my lesson plans-our team hated the math curriculum that we were told to use 'with fidelity'. I got tasked with Math lesson plans for our grade. The principal did a walk thru with district during our math block and saw different things in each room so she went back to the lesson plans to see where we should have been and found where I had typed...not like any of you read this anyway but then do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around...Thankfully she got where I was coming from after seeing it. 😂

[@breannanicole1595]

I was a para for 2 years in a Sped Separate class and never really received good advice, the classroom teacher would tell me to do something then turn around and do the exact opposite with the same student. But my first year, I was battling that 3 teacher classroom by myself and almost had a stroke, the AP’s advice was “don’t let the kids stress you out” I was 21

[@melodybrake]

My boys are straight A kiddos . I’ve told them that all I ask is you try your best and if your best is a b or c then that’s great .

[@_SistaMai_-zr2lf]

You guys should bring the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour to Townsville, Australia. And bring Gabe with you😉

[@blister9366]

Not a teacher, dont have kids yet but just found this podcast and its so important!! Just subscribed 🎉

[@abbym3915]

The classroom management piece really hit home. My para evaluation this year seemed to really be focused on my downfalls with behavior management and such. I gotta say, that piece made me feel a little better. And it's all well and good to suggest building relationships and all that. But sometimes, it doesn't feel that simple.

[@GenuineJess]

This July I'll be starting as a first year teacher. I am so fortunate to have a wonderful principal and co-workers to help support me. I am open to good advice.

[@audreyyates2688]

“Choose the colleague you spend time with very carefully” is SO important. A bad egg could take you down or others associate them with you without getting to know you.

[@billiejhall4416]

It took me a LONG time to learn to work my contract hours! This past year I probably brought grading home less than 5 times!

[@epicmomentsphotography6181]

I had a math coach tell me not to worry about the state test....it's only one day one test. I told her that that was easy to say because she won't be judged by that test. She didn't have anything to say to that. I had a first year special's teacher, SPECIAL'S teacher, try to give me advice on how to manage my classroom. Like sit down kid. I don't even think he was old enough to drink, or he was just barely old enough to drink. He meant well, but seriously. Sit down kid.

[@lindsayskinner9293]

Benefit of the doubt here. Hopefully they were trying to come from a helpful place. Maybe their delivery lacked? Remember that a Special’s Teacher is still a Teacher who has every authority that a Regular Classroom Teacher has, with the exception that they serve EVERY student in the school, not just a fraction of the students. Just because you may feel like they aren’t teaching State tested material doesn’t mean that they don’t have value as an Educator.

[@maryburton3315]

I have taught for 12 years. I love your show and stories. You guys make me feel like I’m sitting talking with friends. I can relate to everything you’re talking about on the show. We realize things are the same for other teachers and it is not just us going through some of these issues. Thank you for helping us laugh. After all my students think I live at the school and are amazed when they see me at Target. Thanks you

[@elizabethclark8374]

Hello ya’ll, I was a public high school teacher for 35 years. I retired (at age 70) 2 years ago. As to doing lesson plans- I think the main reason that teachers have to do lesson plans is if the state (of any of the 50 states) does an investigation ( routine) the principals can show the state that their faculty has submitted lesson plans. They are for accountability purposes. Additionally, they are so that your administration can see what you have planned for your classes. Elizabeth in Texas

[@shiloandrews]

"Whatever you do, don't tell them how old you are, and don't try to be the chill young guy"

[@MiguelLopez-ss5kf]

Best advice came this year. Went through a lot of change which forced me to find a new position in a different district. You might always be invited; however, it is important to know when you aren’t welcomed.

[@michellefain664]

I remember that tornado. Jackson TN had so much damage that year. It was bad.

[@ChiefsGirlSince1989]

Cali girl here I'm terrified of tornadoes been through multiple ones when i lived in tornado Alley

[@jazgrl98]

Born in Kansas, moved to California in high school. Mulvane is about 15 minutes from the little town I grew up in and about 30 minutes from Wichita. Planning to go back for a family reunion, but it’s two weeks before you guys are performing and I’ll be home in California starting school. 😩 Lived through way too many tornado warnings as a kid and had a few actual tornadoes touch down close to my home - the next town over - my hometown school’s rival and less than 10 miles down the road - was almost completely demolished TWICE in the years since we moved out here. Miss a lot of things from home, but absolutely don’t miss that. When people ask if I’m scared of earthquakes, well yeah, but if I’m destined to die in a natural disaster, I really don’t want to see it coming at me LOLOL

[@SConArt87]

I’m a childcare teacher. The manager of the daycare I used to work at litterally yelled at me in front of my class AND coworker because I apologized to a child. Basically telling me not to apologize to children because “that’s not professional”

[@craigjenkins5434]

Unfortunately, with how we've built the system, that's not professional. However, you were totally in the right to apologize and model to that child and others that adults do make mistakes and they should apologize for them. They were in the wrong for reprimanding you for being a good person, and society will remain a hell hole if we don't all learn to be better.

[@amandaladd8771]

I completely agree that the kids behavior is not on teachers all the time. Sometimes it is for sure and classroom management helps. I also think telling teachers to “build relationships” Is straight up gaslighting. Having a relationship with students can be anything from a basic level of respect (going both ways) or more of a comfort level. I will say that I work in a title 1 school and we have some kids that are actual criminals and the best thing I’ve ever done is treat them with respect and dignity immediately and I have very few to almost no behavior issues.

[@thesims800]

OMG YES!!! I love these 3!!! Keep them for like the whole show please!!

[@mykhiddos2]

Love the little kids try and teach us what their learning shows teach them.

[@purplekiki26]

Bring back an elementary teacher to have an additional point of view for the podcast. I have taught middle school for 5 years and now I have taught elementary for 10 years. Young elementary educators need different advice. IYKYK😉

[@Shoptcher]

Teach the reachable, reach the reachable and move the rest out of the way.

[@andre0baskin]

Teaching is just a job, you are paid to provide a service like any other professional. Should you care about the well being and success of your students? Of course, but not to the point that is causes you stress outside of work. Never work without being compensated. If you do not value your time, your employer is more than happy to use that to their advantage and your detriment.

[@Centaursixtysix]

It’s funny that you guys upload on weekends

[@asaundieason7977]

I know this was four months ago but I am glad I watched it . I am currently in school to be a teacher and I have gotten any advice yet but this video is the best and I know I have some advice and I will take this and remember everything this is perfect for me .

[@RobynHurst]

Already agreeing with so many things and only a few minutes in... Yes, sometimes you need to vent and just have someone else say "yep that stinks" and then you're ready to hear a solution... The amount of time in education courses spent on making lessons plan and things is good the first couple of times... And then it's overkill. I have also substitute taught often in my life. And many times the lesson plans I receive are sticky notes and they're just fine. 😂

[@karenleggett3097]

Teaching was my heart and soul.

[@KFA8piece]

I had one teacher, one of my favorites growing up due to her teaching style, but damn was she a hardline on rounding up. We were on the 7 point grading scale back in the early 2000’s so a 93 was the lowest A and a 92 was a B. I had a 92.4 and offered to even do an extra credit assignment to get it bumped up to an A. She would not do it for anything. She would only round up if it was a .5 difference and I was sitting at a .6 difference. And I was one of the top 5 grades in the class of 25 (AP course, college level/credit). Note, colleges were on a 10 point grading scale in my area at the time too. It’s one of those things looking back nearly 20 years later and I still feel some kind of way cause it was one less test question wrong every quarter from an entire grade difference. It was my Junior year so it was a huge GPA dealbreaker going in to Senior year.

[@robr268]

Gabe and I wouldn't get along if I was his student. It just seems like he has that, "something to prove" attitude....F that 😂

[@BlueStarFire70]

“Authoritive” is not a word…. After parenting, it’s THE most important job in the world!!! Amen to the comment about admin supporting us!!!!

[@isaevans3528]

I'm so sad I just left Billings and Bozeman to go home to Columbus Ohio 😭😭😭

[@mrs.shockleysreadings643]

Holding off on advice giving is also true if you're new to a school.

[@StephanieRace17]

I have felt that. Whose job is it? Wait, oh I’m the teacher, it’s me. Same with making decisions, I realized that it is my space and my choice for doing things. I think college lacks teaching classroom management and keeping it realistic. Like you said, it is different for each class.

[@JeanetteKelley-ge7tq]

This was pretty good. I have watched clips that pop up on my social media and enjoyed most of them. I am a 24 year teacher vet. I agreed and disagreed with some of what was said, but I think I will tune in again, Keep it up!

[@rebeccaernette1749]

48:07 my gym teacher from my 12th grade year gave me a 92.5 because I pled my case cause I was in the musical and had to miss 3 days of gym. I also never didn't try, I always played the sport, I mightve been terrible but I tried. So she bumped my grade up for me

[@texasabbott]

Find whatever makes you healthy and happy then play. A lifetime of hike, bike, ski, swim, climb or play even as your hair turns gray is what matters.

[@rebeccaernette1749]

@texasabbott I do better now that I'm out of school, I like doing workouts by myself and not playing a sport, unless it's fully for fun with family or friends. I'm not really competitive, so I like basic workouts like push ups, situps or hikes. They are more fun for me and it feels more rewarding than playing a sport and winning. At least in my opinion

[@cinemaparadiso1991]

This was a really great episode !

[@TeacherKellyTag]

10:41 SO glad my school doesn’t make me submit lesson plans.

[@18238]

Can we see who is performing on certain nights of the comedy tour? I want to see you three on stage!

[@kaemadness]

Either my 2nd or 3rd & definitely 4th grade teacher really did not handle their emotions well... 👀 I hope they've had better moments since those years

[@queenofdramatech]

OMG. Thank you!!!!

[@animecookies8784]

Oh I've sobbed my first year of teaching which was last year. Even though some of the kids were tough, I loved my kiddos. I also get devastated when a student moves away. This year (2nd year) I had some students that acted entitled with comments like "that sounds boring" or just negative comments despite me planning for it and being full of enthusiasm. I did take it personally. I didn't let them know, but I did have a genuine conversation about filtering unwanted (unkind) comments because I take being kind to others as my most serious rule compared to raising hand. I gave my students scenarios by adding perspectives. I told them "do I ever say your story is boring" or "yawn* boring" whenever they're excited to tell me a story. They said no. I told them, would you want me to speak that way to them and they were like no. Having these serious conversations in a genuine way are crucial, and I saw my student's morality improved. I gave one of my students a special recognition award for always doing the right thing because her morality improved tremendously for a first grader. I was proud of her. On the topic on grades, I try to shift my mindset to a growth mindset in regards to my student. I think seeing the growth and giving that student feedback is far more important than grades.

[@dejaflores931]

Watching this while I’m getting the activity ready for tomorrow at home at 1145 pm 😂

[@gretelcoverdale7785]

Best advice: It takes about 5 years to really figure out who you are as a teacher and get comfortable with teaching. It helped me to not give up after having a rough first few years as a teacher. Worst: Definitely the not smiling thing. Sooo not me!!

[@adress13]

Not advice I would give, but it works for me cause I'm a morning person. I arrive an hour early because I need to time to get stuff done and gather myself before students arrive and leave at regularly scheduled contract hours. Bascially giving myself a 2nd planning pwriod because 1 planning period a day is not enough to do all the things that the job requires.

[@SherryLowery-d1m]

Hi everyone I love your podcast i hope you bring your comedy tour to North Carolina.

[@aspjk]

I love this podcast! Love from the Philippines! ❤

[@askdrshani]

Read the room is great!!! Love this podcast ❤

[@kaleahcollins4567]

As a parent of a graduating highschooler and elementary schooler going into junior high and a former student myself. Nah man those 2 points im fighting for ( even when i was a child i was called the lawyer because imma agrue you down respectfully and comb through the test throughly to find the mistakes you have to prove beyond reasonable doubt i was truly wrong and imma prove you wrong lol) yes i am that parent that has found mistakes in the test and made the teacher re grade everyone who may have gotten it wrong because of the teachers mistake on the test. Many times i got those points but some was a respected half point 😂

[@territurner9702]

When will you be coming to either Oregon or Washington?

[@leanbean6545]

Any tour dates for the east coast or mid-Atlantic region?

[@BlueViera]

Im not a teacher but I always wanted to be one. Here's the two pieces of advice i was given i hate the most. 1. Dont bother becoming a teacher, you're gay. I lived in the south so honestly not incorrect but it hurt my heart so much. Same year the teacher of the year in texas was fired for having a wife. 2. You're too old, dont bother.- i was 25. Id taught summer school for 6 years in the past and was considering getting my degree to make it a career and was completely shot down. Cruel honestly.

[@ginac-u4s]

Worst advice from a partner I had, " turn off that teacher brain, that kid in the mall acting bad is not yours". do you even know me? I can't , it's in my DNA.... I am disciplining 24 hours a day, in the Walmart, anywhere, to anyone!

[@jennifermoore3938]

Advice to a non-teacher, teach cause you're the pied Piper of children they love you. There are no teachers in my family. The advice even comes from folks who've never taught and haven't been to college or hold any type of degree. I love teachers I know I'm just not one of them.

[@koverbaugh91]

Prioritize your peace

[@JPGdesigngroup]

Did he just say unsolicitated?

[@carmenjames9840]

When tall coming to SA, WV

[@katythriftyunder35homeowne57]

Lol today we saw the old Gabe/Bri dynamic & I love it.

[@gusgus2062]

I love the change up but what happen to KC? I just got use to him on the podcast

[@barbiru2007]

I wish my daughter had you all for teachers. A lot are great, but you 3 are so sweet and practical. And you could take the lazy a@#$%e ones away. 😂

[@newyyykkll]

authoritative not authoritive

[@joykinser3444]

As a student teacher we were told by all of the professors not to eat in the "lounge" meaning with the other teachers. I get why. There tends to be a mob mentality when it comes to complaining and it can seem like a negative space when you aren't use to it, but I think that is awful advice. Sure if it really is a negative thing that brings you down, eat by yourself, but for most it is a safe space where you can express your concerns and frustrations and get support. Being a new teacher can feel very lonely. Admin and professors seem to push a toxic positivity that just makes you feel bad and isolated. It makes you afraid to mention that you are struggling and get help. We try to make our lunch a time to express concerns but also feel safe to brag and share things that are going well and just laugh and unwind. I think withdrawing may be what some people need especially if they are introverts needing to recharge, but for many, building that team bond is just as important.

[@JeanetteKelley-ge7tq]

Question: Do you still teach?

[@saralaughin9637]

Jess, you're my fav!! I wish they'd give you a chance to talk. Bri, you're awesome, but this boy needs to just stop and listen.

[@Heretopaint]

My math teacher did the splits in class and tore her pants.

[@RubyIsaBeast]

I like the topic, and y’all are funny but I had to stop halfway through to comment that Gabe keeps interrupting and speaking over Bri and Jess. Not letting them explain their opinions before he goes on the defense and continues speaking over them- especially during the “it’s just a job” advice. No hate- no shade but honestly Gabe sit back and let the women talk for a second without interruption!❤

[@aram7821]

See, I believe also it’s just a JOB… we need to stop making this our identity! During your time working, give it all you got 100%!but then leave and take care of yourself. I would say this for any job out there too.

[@animecookies8784]

Well sometimes it's ok to have a different opinion. He also didn't even interrupt as much as you said.

[@joycemann6860]

The worst advice: you take what they say too personal. 1. It is personal and 2. I did not ask for your opinion. Best advice: Be yourself

[@maureenberry5919]

AMEN! I’m 15 years in and kids quitting choir involvement for reasons that don’t make sense or to take college classes or graduate early will never NOT hurt my feelings. And I feel justified feeling that way. Now am I allowed to pitch a fit, no. But having frank conversations and trying to lead the kids into explaining themselves and owning their choices is the best way I have found to deal. I can’t change their minds, but getting them to recognize that their choices affect other people AND their respected adults is important to growing up. My heart still hurts and any choir teacher that doesn’t get hurt by that is some sort of robot!

[@heathersiems7901]

Worst advice: Your job is not to get your students ready for life, your job is to get them across the stage for graduation. If they want to succeed beyond high school, they will take the classes they need to do so. You don't have to try and encourage them to go beyond what they are now.

[@elphbwckd212]

I love that these 'teachers' making fun off and explaining how they abuse children is seen as entertainment. Disgusting.

[@Kenzienicole-nf8gk]

What are you talking about?

[@nathant5328]

First