We’ve covered a lot in our 100 episodes, but now in our third season, we have decided to take a break, to re-energize, re-focus, and re-evaluate.

We hope you’ve enjoyed listening, and that if you want to hear more, you reach out and let us know.

Today, we’re unpacking how perfectionism shows up in our work, what it costs us, and how to aim for purposeful progress instead of polished perfection. Because your students don’t need perfect—they need present.

Topics Discussed

• How Perfectionism Shows Up in Teaching (and Why It’s a Problem)
• Why Middle School Teachers Are Especially Prone to Perfectionism
• Practical Mindset Shifts and Strategies to Let Go of Perfectionism

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

We’ve all been there—you're using your go-to behavior strategy... maybe proximity, a private redirection, or a behavior chart—and the student either ignores it, rolls their eyes, or doubles down.

It’s frustrating for sure. And it’s happening more often. Traditional classroom management tools are no longer effective with some middle school students.

So what do you do when the old systems don’t cut it?

Topics Discussed

• Why Traditional Behavior Strategies Might Not Work Anymore
• What To Try When Traditional Strategies Aren’t Working
• Preventative Moves That Shift the Culture Long Term

Resources

Brittany’s Tools for Classroom Norms & Check-Ins:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Rules-and-Regulations-Lesson-Plan-Print-and-Digital-1331085

https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/mental-health-check-in

Related Episodes

Episode 57: Stress Management Techniques (for students and teachers)

Episode 1: Establishing a Positive Classroom Culture in Your Classroom.

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes