Whether you're drowning in grading, battling classroom chaos, or questioning your impact after a tough student interaction, this episode brings real talk and real solutions.
CJ reflects on the surprising challenges of returning to the classroom, shares how he's using AI to speed up grading without sacrificing feedback, and unpacks everything from behavior consequences that don’t stick to what happens when a student confesses they cheated… after graduation.
Grab your coffee, your planner, and your teacher heart — this one’s packed with practical tips, soul-level encouragement, and some Halloween candy nostalgia too.
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Chapters
00:00 – Eagles game vs. teacher talk
03:00 – CJ’s surprise re-entry struggle: keeping up with grading
06:45 – AI grading breakthrough: how CJ uses ChatGPT
10:15 – New school, same strategies: why what works, works
13:00 – From ghost stories to grading hacks
17:00 – Should you switch from high school to elementary?
21:30 – Student says your class was too hard (and cheated): how to respond
26:45 – Why you can’t base your worth on student opinions
30:00 – When logical consequences don’t work
32:30 – Power struggles and classroom disrespect
37:00 – Helping kids learn hard lessons... with grace
40:10 – Not doing the fun activity? Here's how to tell the class
42:20 – How CJ tackles nonstop talking and builds student accountability
47:00 – Balancing fatherhood, marriage, and teaching
50:30 – Tips for grading faster and managing curriculum overload
54:20 – How to use music intentionally in class
56:45 – Halloween candy hierarchy + buying back your kids' stash
59:00 – Using your commute to learn something new
1:02:10 – Using Instagram DMs to bring guest speakers to your class
1:06:40 – Computer science teacher tips + student engagement ideas
1:09:15 – Grading with AI, again — but smarter
1:12:30 – Final thoughts on cheating, character, and what really matters
1:15:50 – Does your old Philly teaching style still work now?
1:18:00 – How CJ structures his weekend to get it all done
1:21:00 – If you’re feeling behind — how to rig the game to win
