There Will Be Smoke
There Will Be Smoke  
Podcast: How To Survive The Classroom
Published On: Mon May 19 2025
Description: Teachers, you know it's gonna be a weird week when you're prepping comedy for a room full of principals—including ones you still have to work with. Am I nervous? Yes. Am I planning to open with “remember your why”? Also yes. Let chaos reign. This week, I’m sharing my behind-the-scenes prep for the wildest PD gig of my life… plus two fire-filled fan submissions, literally. One backpack goes up in smoke, and another student brings lint specifically to start a fire during class. And no, that’s not a euphemism. Also, I’ve got two ELA-friendly resources that won’t make you scream into the void, thoughts on classroom routines that actually work, and a major update on my teacher survival guide book (coming soon to save your first year and your mental health). Fires. Comedy. Forced inspiration. And a dress rehearsal for getting heckled by superintendents. Let’s go. Takeaways: I’m performing stand-up for a room full of local principals—and yes, I plan to give them “the gift of time.” A student lit lint on fire inside a classroom drain. And that’s not even the worst part. Another student's backpack combusted mid-class—so naturally, he just shrugged and said “You’ll smell smoke.” A resource that turns writing prompts into a literal game—and somehow still helps students actually write. I’m writing a book for new teachers that starts with everything I personally screwed up. (You’re welcome.) — Join our Book Club: www.patreon.com/thosewhocanread Don’t Be Shy Come Say Hi: www.podcasterandrea.com Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea A Human Content Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices