Teacher Approved

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to be the kind of teacher you really want to be? We know that feeling and we’re here to help! Each week on The Teacher Approved podcast, we discuss how to be the teacher you dream of being by elevating what matters and simplifying the rest.Join co-hosts Emily and Heidi of Second Story Window as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies you can count on to make your teaching more efficient and effective than ever before. Topics include classroom management, routines for the elementary school classroom, planning, student-teacher relationships, teacher organization hacks, student engagement, classroom management, and more. Whether you’re a new teacher seeking guidance or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, the Teacher Approved podcast is your guide to fostering a thriving elementary classroom!For more teacher approved tips and resources, head to www.secondstorywindow.net and follow along on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.

Recent Episodes

Episodes loading...

Recent Reviews

Nikfroh

Love!

Concise and They always keep it real. Thank you for providing the free resources, too! So helpful. I love their “extra credit”recommendations so fun!
Nickolleettee

Great show!

Which teachers don’t need tips and strategies? Even after being in the classroom for nearly two decades, I find myself learning some new tricks. Keep up the great work!
124kk124

Science of Reading

Outstanding Information! These teacher approved tips are educational and useful for teachers and students. I love every podcast that I have listened to.
Kscarlet

Short & Easy

This is easy to listen to and short with quick easy to implement tips for teaching!!
Caitlin Park

Homeschool help!

I’m a homeschool mama of 4 and about to have my 5th baby. This podcast and their morning work has been such a blessing to our day. My kids love it and often do 2 pages per day instead of just 1. Someday when my kids are grown I would love to enter a career of education. My almost 7year old is going to start 3rd grade this year with a 3rd/4th reading level and I know second story window has helped with this achievement!
Looking in2

Great resource!

The Teacher Approved Podcast is a must! Whether you are a new teacher or a “veteran,” there is something for everyone. Being a teacher is easier if you are part of a community of support and you can count on hosts Emily and Heidi to offer just what you needed.
JBlackpack

Practical and Fun

I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to these podcasts!! They provide practical and real life support for classroom teachers in a fun way. I always walk away with a new idea or two to better teaching practices. Thank you! (Jenny B)
FirstieTchr

Practical and FUN

I enjoy this podcast for several reasons. First I always learn something practical that I can use in my classroom right away. And second it is just so fun! The morning messages make me laugh and the extra credit has given me some great ideas! I listed in the car, and it feels like I’ve had a conversation with good friends.
Ninette555

Great Way to Start the Week

Thanks for all the wonderful ideas! I love listening and recommend to all my teacher friends!
DeanaVB

Great Ideas!

I love this podcast! It’s not too long, and the simple tips are quick and easy to implement right away in my classroom. Thank you! (Deana H.)
TeacherS123

Lots of good advice

Feels like being in a collaboration meeting with lots of good ideas and some chuckles.
Uunnhhaappyy

What every teacher needs!

I have loved this podcast from the beginning. Bite-sized PD that is immediately applicable to my classroom is just what I need as a busy elementary teacher. Whether they are validating an effective practice I already have, or introducing a brand new way to do something even better (Tell, Try, Tally, Talk), I eagerly look forward to each and every episode! Thank you Emily & Heidi, you are inspirational and relatable, and I love every minute!! 😍
Robin CW Green

So Many Great Topics

I have bought products from Heidi and Emily for several years (and love them). Now I can appreciate their knowledge and talent in a whole new way. I love listening to how they interact with each other and it is very apparent that they carefully plan their shows. Thank you for sharing your expertise. Robin Green
happyteacher25

Perfect PD!

I love this podcast! It’s the perfect amount of information in each episode, often with ideas you can use right away. Emily and Heidi are authentic and upbeat. I love the format, too. Great for your commute to your classroom!
UnicornRainbows08

For Real Teachers from Real Teachers

I happened to find this show on accident on social media and I’m so glad I decided to listen! Bite size episodes but so good and filled with useful advice from real teachers. Heidi and Emily have first hand experience from the classroom and I love they don’t sugar coat it for those in the classroom or those considering entering the classroom. Shameless Plug: their website shop has great resources that I use daily/weekly in my classroom.
Kteacher7

Love this podcast!!

I am a second grade teacher, who found this podcast by accident last May. I could not get enough of the previous episode, and I listened to all of them. I love the Second-Story Window’s materials and the podcast is just as good. When we went back to school in August, I shared this podcast with all of the other second grade teachers in our district. It is awesome!
Almarsl25

You got to listen to this podcast!

Thank you ladies for all the great ideas! I enjoy listening to your podcast and I love how you list all the resources in the show notes.
Dezroute

Must listen to!

Full of practical and helpful advice. I’m a second year teacher and love that this is making me feel more experienced and prepared to teach. And they are so much fun! Feel like we could hang out and be instant best friends.
JennCacc

Teachers, you NEED this!

Emily & Heidi have such great and practical tips for teachers that you can implement right away. Their collective experience shows in all the resources they create. I enjoy beginning my week by listening to this podcast on my way to work each Monday.
KEL112710

Awesome resource!

I have been teaching for 20 years, and I absolutely love this podcast. It’s a mix of great reminders and new ideas, and I find it to be a wonderful way to start the work week every Monday!
jce82

Breath of Fresh Air!!

Heidi and Emily are down to earth and offer such practical advice! I feel as educators we can often get so bogged down and are our own biggest critic. After listening to their podcast I felt like I am doing a great job and that I have someone cheering me on!! Each episode made me smile and think about those special moments in my classroom. I love the easy practical advice that anyone could implement and the encouragement to give “extra credit” to those things in life that bring us joy. Can’t wait for the next episode!
Mendy416

So much heart

After teaching for 16 years I love hearing these two ladies talk about teaching from a realistic but genuinely happy place. They make my walk cheerful and remind me why I love my job.
cwgrljeweler

Love it!

I find a new and engaging way to work with my students in most every podcast!! Thank you for such an amazing podcast!!
BTeach10

Always learning!

I love to learn new tips and tricks! This podcast always gives me new ideas to try in my classroom.
PJ Emmick

Amazing content and resources

I absolutely love everything from Heidi and Emily. Their resources are fabulous and the podcast is full of great information.
klandecj

Friends

Listening to the podcasts is truly like a PLC with my teacher colleagues. Sharing honest conversations about what works and how we can help students even more. The tips shared are truly best practices and can be trusted. Thank you for your dedication to making teachers feel good about what they are doing and guiding us to be better’ Love, Mrs K
Sprinklinrain

Great Information

I love the content and great information each podcast gives.
Merelyholli

A must have for all Two Crew teachers!

While K-12 teachers can benefit from this encouraging, thoughtful, and practical podcast, it is essential for 2nd grade teachers. I learned about Second Story Window when I fell in love with their products on TPT. The podcast is an extension of their store. It’s packed with goodies and leaves you feeling prepared and encouraged. Grab your coffee and enjoy the invitation to join their conversations on all things classroom.
jvfjfbk

5 Stars!

I recently discovered this podcast through another teaching podcast. I listen to, but I have enjoyed every episode because the tips are practical and easy to use and implement. I love the morning message question at the beginning of each episode because my school also uses responsive classroom for our management and behavior so it fits perfectly with what I can do with my own students. Emily and Heidi are easy to listen to, and do a great job of explaining concepts and giving examples. Even as a teacher whose not so new, I find great tips and ideas to use with my students, such as Surprise and Delight and the mini-series on transitions. I would highly recommend this podcast to anybody and everybody who wants to grow their teaching experience and become better!
Flan Alber

Amazing!!

Hi! I am loving the Teacher Tips episode! It’s so great! You explain the tips so well and I am trying out a few right now!
AidaO.

Wonderful

This podcast helps me so much. As a new teacher, this podcast offers insight into the classroom and techniques that work by actual teachers that work with primary students. I love their advice and everything they offer to help make my life and a teacher easier and more enjoyable. This podcast is a must if you are a teacher
Fairly New to Podcasts

Consistently Helpful

This podcast is the only one I can count on to consistently have a take away for me each week.
pmbtheman

Great podcast even for a veteran teacher!

I love your podcast and the relationship you have on air as sisters. I have 3 sisters of my own including my twin, so I love how close you are. I am a new listener but I have listened to your podcast almost every day for the past 3 weeks. It has rejuvenated my teaching! I have already put some of your suggestions in place, and I can’t wait to do more!
DChas181

Clear, positive, and truly helpful!

This podcast is exactly what working elementary teachers need to hear. Heidi and Emily create content that actually speaks to the struggles, issues, and delights that teachers who are in the classroom face each day. The rapport between these sisters is magical for the format (reminiscent, I’d say, of Ray and Tom Magliozzi of Car Talk in the best way). Every episode is joyful and relatable. The hosts never talk down to the listeners. They offer actionable tips that can be implemented in the classroom. I also appreciate the excellent book recommendations. Teacher Approved has brought to my attention many excellent authors, experts, and thinkers.
82AprilK

So Relatable and Helpful!

Out of all the teacher podcasts I listen to, this one gives the most ready-to-implement strategies. Their stories are relatable and their tips create incredible student engagement! I love listening to them!
Living on Hope

Real struggles!

I love how Heidi and Emily get into the real issues teachers are facing and offer light hearted, yet helpful advice to help you through. I just listened to the one about resetting after a hard day and it helped so much! I used some of the tips today and just felt more hope and joy going into my day!
Mrs. K's class

Great ideas!

I have been listening to the podcast for a year. I love the ideas that Heidi and Emily share. The tip that they give at the end of each episode is very easy to implement right away. I also love the question that they start each episode like the would have done in morning meeting in their classroom.
Patrick Tousley

LOVE your podcast!

Hi Emily and Heidi, I’m a new member or follower of ‘Teacher Approved’. I absolutely appreciate the advice because i am currently completing my internship in early childhood education at Auburn Uni. When I found out that second grade is the grade you two are most excited about, I let out a huge sigh of relief because the university placed me with an awesome second grade class. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or frustrated or procrastinate with anything teaching related, I listen to Teacher Approved. You two have a way of expressing so much joy, excitement, and passion in that you both remind me I am doing great things, and finding out what works for others might not work for me. That it is okay. I rely a lot on your show and just am filled with so much happiness and gratitude. I also LOVE your freebies. Thank you. Sincerely, Patrick Tousley
Littlesass23

Helpful and Fun!

I’ve been listening to these episodes on my walks and they help me laugh, relax, and think! I love that you share so much great information in such a short period of time. I also love hearing about all of your real experiences. I already loved you as TpT creators, and now I feel like I know you. I look forward to every new episode!
jrsparke

Practical!!!

I love the fairly short snippets that are offered in this podcast! Super practical, helpful, and easy to listen to! I’m glad I found this podcast to help encourage me as an educator.
Mrsastewart

The positivity I need in my day!

It was great to learn more about the duo behind Second Story Window. I really enjoyed the podcast about resetting after break. The tips were timely and upbeat.
BrookeChanel

Just What the Teacher Ordered!

Emily and Heidi are awesome and their podcast is exactly what I need to help find balance in this crazy profession. I love that the ideas and strategies they’re sharing are research-based and practical for teachers. Can’t wait to continue listening and learning from your podcast! -Brooke
karenstee

Great podcast

One of the staples on my education podcast list!
mlbressette

Love this podcast!

This is a fun podcast to listen to and I love the practical advice given that can easily be implemented into the classroom setting. I listen to it at lunch and look forward to many more episodes!
jls769

Great Ideas

I have been following Second Story Window for years. I love that I can know listen to their podcast. I like the format. It is easy to listen to as the sisters have great rapport and the conversation flows. Heidi and Emily offer practical and useful advice that I can apply in the classroom immediately.
Tamrnc

Ditch your test review!

This makes so much sense! Thank you for such a great idea!
Golfergurl224

Amazing Podcast!

This podcast always presents wonderful and new ideas that I can always try to implement in my classroom to meet my students’ needs.
Peterswendy

Found My New Teacher Besties!

Heidi and Emily are so fun and relaxing to listen to! I feel like we are just sitting around after school just talking about the best parts of our day. I always “walk away” with something I can implement easily the next day/ week. You will not regret listening.
SaraWhitt88

The Podcast That Teachers Need!

I am SO excited to hear more episodes from Heidi and Emily! They have such a fun rapport while also giving so many great (and practical) teacher tips. I love hearing stories and experiences from fellow teachers, so I’m already hooked. This is one that I’ll be eager to listen to every single week! 🙌🏻
guitarchik122505

Yay!

Emily and Heidi are awesome and I’m so excited that they started a podcast!