Anti-Burnout For English Teachers, a podcast for inspired teaching

83. Pantone Chose White. Here's What That Means for Your Classroom.

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pantone chose white for 2026, and their reasoning, "clarity without coldness, structure without severity," felt like someone naming the thing I've bee...

82. Why Your Students Need More Productive Struggle (And How Oregon Trail Proves It)

16 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Remember lining up in the computer lab to die of dysentery? There's something that pixelated pioneer simulator understood about learning that we've fo...

81. Dictionary.com named "6-7" Word of the Year & I'm Living in Idiocracy

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dictionary.com just named "6-7" their 2025 Word of the Year. It's not even a word—it's numbers from a viral song, celebrated for b...

80. Building OUT vs. Building UP: What Star Trek Can Teach Us About English Curriculum

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds gives you both satisfaction (complete episodes) AND character development (growth across the season). What if English le...

79. Revisiting Pre-Pandemic Teaching Strategies

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, I reflect on the changes in education since the pandemic and importance of revisiting effective strategies from the past, such a...

78. Why Your Students Crave 90s Nostalgia

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your students are obsessed with Outer Banks, rewatching Friends for the tenth time, and choosing shows from before they were born over algorithm-recom...

77. Creating Your Classroom Microcosm (When Everything Else Feels Standardized)

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling like you're just delivering someone else's curriculum in someone else's system? In this episode, we explore how to reclaim your pr...

76. Are Your Students Living Like NPCs?

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel like your students are just going through the motions? In this episode, we explore why so many students operate like NPCs (non-playable char...

75. What Squid Game Taught Me About Creative Assignments

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You know those creative assignments that should spark magic but end up falling totally empty…for you and for your students? I’ve been wrestling wi...

74. Everything Everywhere All at Once and Teaching in the Age of AI

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Picture this: Everything you've ever owned, everything you've ever eaten, every experience you've ever had—all of it gets put on a bagel...

73. Are Our Students Living a Severed Academic Life?

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your students were living their own version of Severance? In this episode, I explore how science fiction can illuminate the hidden architectur...

72. The "Kids These Days" Fallacy: Why Blaming Technology is Tired and Unproductive

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"Back in the day, (before COVID) students could actually focus..." Every teacher has heard it. Many of us have said it. But what if our fear...

71. Teaching Sustainability: A Training Plan for the New Year

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In 1996, Michael Johnson won two Olympic golds by training less intensely than his competitors. Weird, right? Explore how the counterintuitive concep...

70. The Strategic Sub Plan: Building Coverage Into Your Units

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why do we design our teaching as if we'll never need coverage when (almost) every teacher needs it multiple times a year? Stop coming to school sick...

69. Making Growth Visible: What Teachers Can Steal from Spotify Wrapped

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How did Spotify turn "you listened to Taylor Swift for 10,483 minutes" into a story you couldn't wait to share? Meanwhile, we're still sharing student...

68. The Discussion Structure That Made "I Agree" Obsolete

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"I agree with what they said." It's possibly the most dreaded phrase in literary discussions. The polite nodding. The surface sharing. The performance...

67. Beyond the Witches: Addressing Mental Health Through Macbeth

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we go beyond the witches to explore how Macbeth offers insights into ambition, performance, and mental health—both in the play and ...

66. Is It Gothic?: Bridging Classic and Modern Texts in Spooky Season Lessons

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As October rolls in, join us for a haunting exploration of Gothic literature in the classroom. In this episode, we'll uncover new ways to approach Got...

65. Curriculum Lab: Crumpled Papers and Resolved Feedback - Navigating Feedback Woes

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever had a student crumple up their graded paper right in front of you? In this Curriculum Lab episode I share my own struggles with feedback frustrat...

64. Grading on a Curve... of Emotions: How School Policies Shape Student Success

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let's look at the world of education's hidden curriculum to explore how common school policies can unintentionally manipulate student emotions...

63. From TLC to TV Eras: Navigating History with the Time-Neutral Teen

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why are your students wearing Nirvana tees without knowing the band? Explore the world of the 'time-neutral teen' and learn how to use their n...

62. Boldly Teach: Overcoming Education's “No-Win” Scenario

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel like teaching is an impossible mission? You're not alone! Join us as we explore how Star Trek's iconic 'no-win scenario' mirrors the challe...

61. Curriculum Lab: Toddlers, Teenagers, and Teaching - Juggling Life After the Long Weekend

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this Curriculum Lab, we're diving into the post-Labor Day chaos that every teacher knows all too well. From binge-watching 'UnReal' to...

60. The Force of Thematic Teaching: Unleashing the Science of Reading, Mandalorian-Style

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Like Grogu learning to harness the Force, it's time for your students to master the power of reading. Discover how to forge a curriculum as stron...

59. Short, Sharp, and Effective: Micro-Content Strategies for Teachers

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel like your lessons are dragging, while your students’ attention spans are sprinting? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re getting ...

58. Curriculum Lab: Cell Phone Ban Meets Marvel's 'What If? in Week 2

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm sharing about week two of the school year. In this behind-the-scenes look, I navigate the ripple effects of a newly enforced c...

57. Classroom Triage: The Life-Saving Skill Every Teacher Needs (But Never Learned in College)

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling overwhelmed by endless to-do lists and competing priorities? In this episode, discover the game-changing concept of "Classroom Triage&quo...

56. Reshape Literary Analysis with the Power of "What If?"

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What if two simple words could transform your English classroom? Discover how this approach can bring new energy to both literary analysis and the wri...

55. Curriculum Lab: What Actually Worked in Week 1 (and What Didn't)

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I've got one week of school under my belt... Join me for an inside look at implementing my curriculum revamp n real time. I'll give honest ins...

54. Cracking the Discussion Code - How I Turned Awkward Silences into Engaging Debates

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever faced a sea of blank stares during class discussions? You're not alone. In this episode I explore my practices and habits that practices that...

53. Liquid Death for Literature: 5 Ways to Revive Your English Class

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to murder the monotony in your English classroom? Join us as we dive into the audacious world of Liquid Death's marketing strategies and dis...

52. Curriculum Lab: How I turned my LMS into a literary theme park (and how you can too)

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me as we explore how to transform your Learning Management System from a mundane storage space into an engaging, year-long literary adventure. In...

51. Then and Now: The Great Research Reboot - Moving Students Beyond Google

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From index cards to AI fact-checking, research in the classroom has undergone a seismic shift. Join us as we explore how teaching research has evolved...

50. Innovate Your English Class by Stealing These 5 Tricks from MrBeast

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dare to Beast-ify your English class? This episode is your million-dollar challenge." Dive into the world of YouTube's content king and disc...

49. Curriculum Lab: First Day of School Casting Students as Leads in Their Educational Journey

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you, like me, tired of first-day snooze-fests? This year, I'm shaking things up in my 10th grade English class, and I can't wait to share ...

48. Then and Now: Why I Killed My Favorite Assignment (And How It Made Me a Better Teacher)

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me on a journey through the evolution of multimodal assignments in the English classroom. In this episode, I'll share: The 'love manual...

47. Literary Gains: Flexing Your Teaching Muscles with Gymshark-Inspired Community Building Strategies

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how a billion-dollar fitness empire's success story can transform your English classroom into a vibrant literary community. In this episo...

46. Curriculum Lab: From Shaky Towers to Sturdy Bridges - A Scaffolding Makeover

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Step into my classroom, where we're building a year-long scaffolding masterpiece! Join me to discuss how I'm ditching the one-size-fits-all ap...

45. Then and Now: How AI Turned Essay Writing from Chore to Creative Challenge

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a world where AI can churn out essays faster than you can say "thesis statement," we're flipping the script. Join me to explore wher...

44. Netflix's Narrative Mastery: 5 Binge-Worthy Strategies to Transform Your Curriculum

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine a classroom where students are as captivated by your lessons as they are by their favorite Netflix series. In this episode, we're pulling ba...

43. Curriculum Lab: Summer Revamp Unexpected Challenges and Surprising Result

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’m back to curriculum planning, and this time, I’m blowing it all up! After a brief hiatus, I'm relaunching the podcast with an inside look at my...

42. Then and Now: Reimagining Shakespeare's Second Act for Gen Z

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How can a 400-year-old play compete with TikTok for your students' attention? In this episode, we're exploring unexpected connections between ...

41. Beyond the Yoga Mat: What Lululemon's Billions Can Teach Us About Engaging Students

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I've got a $7 billion question for you: What does a yoga pants company have to do with revolutionizing your English classroom? In this episode, we...

40. Plot Twist Summit Series: Talking Science of Reading with Allison McManus

20 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast I talk with Allison McManus. She shared her approach and tips for bringing Science of Reading into the secondary classr...

39. Plot Twist Summit Series: talking essential questions and unit planning with Amanda Cardenas

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode the podcast I welcomed Amanda Cardenas to discuss essential questions. Amanda shares why crafting inquiry units with essential questio...

38. Plot Twist Summit Series: Practical SEL with Kathryn Gehrsitz

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Does SEL feel like one more thing? In this episode of the podcast we discuss how English teachers can incorporate SEL in ways that naturally feed curr...

37. Plot Twist Summit Series: talking teaching memoirs and writing with Lauralee Moss

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast I'm talking with Lauralee Moss! We're chatting about teaching memoirs and how her own experience as a writer ...

36. Research, Literature Circles, and Reflection: Looking ahead and planning the 4th quarter

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm taking you through the plan for the rest of the year. I have big plans! My students will be completing a research essay and re...

Sunday Inspiration #6: The Cotton Club and Context as a Strategy to Deepen Engagement

17 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Sunday! In this episode we're looking at how to use historical context to bring more diversity into our conversation by looking at The Cotton Cl...

35. Three Tools I Use to Improve Class Discussion

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to start having student-centered class discussions or interested in tools and strategies to help them run even better? In this episode I sha...

Sunday Inspiration #5: What do Minecraft and Emerson have in common?

10 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More than you might expect! In this episode I share some thoughts about how to spruce up Transcendentalism by connecting to the Minecraft end poem. I...

34. Should Our Classrooms Be "Fun"?

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we're drawing on the written of Dr. Stuart Brown, the founder of the National Institute of Play. Is play just for children? Let&...

Sunday Inspiration #4: P.T. Barnum and the Ethics of Historical Interpretations

03 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Did anyone else really dislike the circus? In this Sunday Inspiration session I'm looking into P.T. Barnum and the film The Greatest Showman. H...

33. Allusions as Easter Eggs and Why That Matters

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We know that understanding allusions in a text, but what happens when we don't recognize allusions because the cultural references are unfamiliar? Le...

Sunday Inspiration #3: Beyonce, Multi-Media Storytelling, and Intellectual Property

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're talking about Beyonce's newest single "Texas Hold 'Em" and how it can connect to our teaching of allusion...

32. Why Universal Themes Are a Trap and What to Do Instead

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I'm teaching American Born Chinese and it hits me. While there are certainly themes in this book that everyone can connect to, it's missing the point ...

Sunday Inspiration #2: Langston Hughes (and Whitman and Beyonce...among others)

18 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this Sunday Inspiration episode we're looking into Langston Hughes and discussing a couple different ways we can bring his poetry into the clas...

31. We Need More Superheroes: Let's Talk About American Folklore and Mythology

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're talking about superheroes as a reflection of our values and culture and the gaps in current superhero stories and movies. Resources:...

Sunday Inspiration #1: Phillis Wheatley (Why didn't I know this?)

11 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you familiar with Phillis Wheatley, the first African American woman to have a published book of poetry, a celebrity of her day and in the literar...

30. It's been a minute. Here's why...

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I took off a somewhat unexpected break from posting and I'm this episode I explain why. Thanks for tuning in!

29. Getting Organized for the New Semester with Goal Setting

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss using character resolutions from literature as a fun assignment to start the new year and help students reflect on goals. ...

28. Favorite Things of 2023!

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm sharing some of my favorite things! Office Supplies: - Pens - Ceiling Hangers - Water Bottle - Frixion Highlighters - Reusabl...

27. AI in the Classroom: Reflecting on What's Worked and What Hasn't

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss my experiences using AI tools and strategies I've developed to encourage authentic student work. I outline how I've made a...

26. Counting Down to Winter Break and Preparing for the New Year

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I don't know about you, but I feel like the time between Thanksgiving and Winter Break often drags on, feeling like months instead of weeks. In this e...

25. Embracing Sustainable Differentiation Practices for Literary Analysis Units

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're exploring the nuts and bolts of unit structure, from anticipation guides to practice assignments, all the way to major asse...

24. Literary Analysis: Demystifying and Unraveling the "Randomness" of English Classes

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to the Anti-burnout for English Teachers podcast! In this episode, I dive deep into the world of literary analysis. Inspired by a studen...

23. Making Group Work Work: Strategies for Successful Collaboration in the Classroom

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As teachers, we know the benefits of collaborative learning for both students and ourselves. However, group work doesn't always go as planned, an...

22. Teaching English through the Lens of Social Media and Influencer Culture

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Anti-burnout for English Teachers podcast, I give you a peak into my classroom and my process of implementing a collaborative a...

21. Stop Balancing the Scales and Start Prioritizing a Healthy Life

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're diving into the ever-elusive concept of work-life balance. In this episode, we'll explore the myth of work-life balance and how we can pri...

20. Jigsaw Strategy: A Game-Changer for Fostering Classroom Community and Interdependence

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Anti-burnout for English Teachers," I delve into the highly effective Jigsaw Strategy. Initially developed in 1971 to ad...

19. Motivating Students: Strategies to Encourage Timely Completion of Assignments

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Anti-burnout for English Teachers," I explore the challenges of getting students to see the bigger picture and the impor...

18. Pivoting to Manage Grading and Improve the Student Experience

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I dive into the challenge of managing grading when time is even more constraining than expected. As the end of September appro...

17. The Power of Place: Finding the Balance Between Boundaries and Flexibility in a Classroom Design

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I discuss strategies for effectively utilizing space in the classroom. I discuss design of classroom spaces like the classroom library...

16. Creating Space for Effective Teaching: Lessons from Marie Kondo and The Home Edit

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling overwhelmed or like this year is falling a little flat? In today's episode, I share my personal experience of feeling burnt out ...

15. Elevating Socratic Seminars with Team-Based Approaches: Unleashing Collaboration and Competition

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I share strategies for hosting engaging and dynamic Socratic Seminars. By making discussions team-based and both collaborative and c...

14. Teaching Beyond the Text: Using Film to Deepen Understanding

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you're thinking ahead, you may be at a point where you want to continue to build momentum, but also want to be sure that you're giving your...

13. Rethinking the Language of Education: Moving from Battle to Nurturing and Support

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I discuss the challenges in education and ways to address burnout. Some key points discussed included losing experienced teachers, try...

12. How I'm Starting the New School Year: My First Two Weeks

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm sharing my plan for the beginning of the school year. My opening mini-unit will be focused on conveying the importance of each student b...

11. Creating a Classroom Culture that Promotes Independence and Empowered, Engaged Learners

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss practical strategies for creating a supportive and independent learning environment. Join me to discuss the benefits of int...

10. Tech Toolbox: 6 Tech Tools to Make Your Life Easier

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching can be demanding, but with the right tools at your fingertips, you can streamline your tasks, save time, and reduce burnout. We'll explore s...

9: Embracing the Process: Personal Professional Development

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the importance of personal and professional development. Setting SMARTR goals can be demoralizing - instead I suggest fo...

8. The Importance of Creating Systems and Templates for Planning and Differentiation

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have so many decisions to make and information to keep track of as teachers. I'm this episode I discuss two systems I have had success with tha...

7. How to Reduce Time Spent Grading Essays

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I discuss some strategies for how we can implement systems to reduce time spent grading. Check out the show notes at www.englishclass...

6. 3 Strategies to Use to Stop Working Outside of Contract Hours

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is it possible to only work during contract hours as a high school English teacher? I think it is. In this episode I give you three strategies to shif...

5. The REAL Reason We Need to Talk About ChatGPT

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I share my personal journey with ChatGPT. I address concerns surrounded AI-generated content and share strategies for assessing and gr...

4. I Ditched Teaching Context -- Here's Why

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We know that a student's background knowledge is a major contributor to reading comprehension. But could we be doing it all wrong? In this episod...

3. How To Teach Literary Analysis to High School Students Without Stress

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'll share some of the advice I received as a new teacher that stuck with me, and what I have changed in my teaching practice sinc...

2. This Is What I'd Do If I Had the Year to Do Over

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Reflection is an important part of teaching. As the school year draws to a close, let's look back at the year to determine what adjustments we hav...

1. The Ugly Truth About Teacher Burnout

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Teacher burnout is becoming an increasingly important problem for us to address. Even veteran teachers who once considered making teaching a lifetime ...

Official Trailer

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas