Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
How do you get students to participate because they actually want to—not just because you called on them?
In Episode 357 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn dig into what it takes to build a classroom where students feel known, supported, and confident enough to participate. We talk about showing students you care even if you're not naturally "warm and fuzzy," practical ways to build relationships, and how those relationships eventually turn into stronger engagement.
CJ also walks through his classroom management process step-by-step—including exactly how he handles an off-task student and the phone call home that may follow. Plus, we tackle AI-proof writing, guided notes, time management, supporting advanced students, and what to do when students tell you that you're being "too nice."
In this episode:
-Showing students you care without changing your personality
-Getting reluctant students to participate in class
-Building confidence before calling on students
-Practical ways to build real teacher-student relationships
-Managing multiple preps, student council, and sub plans
-CJ's step-by-step response to an off-task student
-Turning parent phone calls into partnerships
-Balancing slides, instruction, and student engagement
-Making middle school writing assignments more AI-proof
-Using positive student leaders to improve classroom culture
-What to do when students say you're "too nice"
-Challenging advanced and dual-credit students
-Asking admin for behavioral support when a student needs to leave class
-Creating guided notes that actually help students remember
You don't have to become a different personality to connect with students. What matters is consistently showing them that you see them, care about them, and are there to help them win.
🛒 Teacher resources:
shop.teachyourclassoff.com
🌐 Teach Your Class Off:
teachyourclassoff.com
📚 Classroom Management, Student Buy-In & Relationship Blueprints:
Available in the Teach Your Class Off store.
📧 Questions or mentoring:
hello@teachyourclassoff.com
How do you get students to participate because they actually want to—not just because you called on them?
In Episode 357 of Sunday Night Teacher Talk, CJ and Jenn dig into what it takes to build a classroom where students feel known, supported, and confident enough to participate. We talk about showing students you care even if you're not naturally "warm and fuzzy," practical ways to build relationships, and how those relationships eventually turn into stronger engagement.
CJ also walks through his classroom management process step-by-step—including exactly how he handles an off-task student and the phone call home that may follow. Plus, we tackle AI-proof writing, guided notes, time management, supporting advanced students, and what to do when students tell you that you're being "too nice."
In this episode:
-Showing students you care without changing your personality
-Getting reluctant students to participate in class
-Building confidence before calling on students
-Practical ways to build real teacher-student relationships
-Managing multiple preps, student council, and sub plans
-CJ's step-by-step response to an off-task student
-Turning parent phone calls into partnerships
-Balancing slides, instruction, and student engagement
-Making middle school writing assignments more AI-proof
-Using positive student leaders to improve classroom culture
-What to do when students say you're "too nice"
-Challenging advanced and dual-credit students
-Asking admin for behavioral support when a student needs to leave class
-Creating guided notes that actually help students remember
You don't have to become a different personality to connect with students. What matters is consistently showing them that you see them, care about them, and are there to help them win.
🛒 Teacher resources:
shop.teachyourclassoff.com
🌐 Teach Your Class Off:
teachyourclassoff.com
📚 Classroom Management, Student Buy-In & Relationship Blueprints:
Available in the Teach Your Class Off store.
📧 Questions or mentoring:
hello@teachyourclassoff.com
