E13. What This Year Reminded Me About Teaching

Rachel is taking a closer look at her Amazon storefront and sharing some of the products she uses in her classroom. From classroom essentials to sensory regulation tools, she's talking about the items that have worked well for her and made everyday routines a little easier. If you've checked out her storefront before, this episode gives you a better look at some of her favorite finds and why she recommends them. SHOP RACHEL'S AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://www.amazon.com/shop/engagingearlylearners?ccs_id=2fd92690-27a1-40ca-a63c-e59999cdeba9

The podcast is back, and we’re kicking things off with a deeper look at FriYAY Café. FriYAY Café is a student run coffee cart that gives students the chance to practice functional life skills in a real setting. Students can take orders, handle transactions, communicate with customers, and build independence while having something to look forward to each week. In this episode, we’re talking about what FriYAY Café is, how it works, the skills students practice, and what you need to get started, from funding to supplies. If you have ever thought about starting a student run coffee cart, this episode will give you a closer look at what it can look like and why it can be such a valuable experience for students.

Rachel sits down with Lindsey to talk about changing roles, maternity leave, and the many transitions that come with being a teacher. Lindsey shares her experience switching schools, teaching in a 5th-grade-only school, and what it’s like working in a school with strong resources and support. They also talk about mentoring new teachers and the advice they would give teachers heading into a new school year. Lindsey opens up about taking maternity leave, returning to the classroom, and adjusting to a new schedule. They discuss the importance of communication, remembering what is and isn’t within your control, and giving yourself time to adjust when things change.

When you think about an elementary school counselor, you might picture individual student check-ins or small groups but there is so much more happening behind the scenes. In this episode, Rachel sits down with Jenn, an experienced and incredibly hands-on school counselor, to take us inside the day-to-day role of a counselor in an elementary school. Jenn shares her journey into school counseling and what her work really looks like, from supporting students with social-emotional needs and behavior to collaborating with teachers and helping staff better understand and respond to their students. Rachel and Jenn also dive into how schools can better support student mental health, why proactive support matters, and how strong collaboration between counselors and teachers can make a meaningful difference for students. Shop Engaging Early Learners on Teachers Pay Teachers Find me on my social media platforms: Instagram: @EngagingEarlyLearners Facebook: Engaging Early Learners Facebook Group: Engaging Early Learners Community Website: EngagingEarlyLearners.com Pinterest: Engaging Early Learners Email: [email protected]

What does a BCBA actually do in an elementary school? In this episode, Rachel sits down with her good friend Courtney, a school-based BCBA, to talk about behavior support, working alongside teachers, and what the role really looks like in a school setting. Courtney shares what led her to pursue a career beyond teaching, her personal connection to autism, and how she found her way into behavior support. She also breaks down what ABA is, how BCBAs support students and teachers, and some of the common misconceptions about the role. This conversation is encouraging for teachers, special educators, and anyone who works with students and wants to better understand behavior and how to support students effectively.