Every new school year feels like a clean slate. Not just for students, but for teachers as well. Whether you’re stepping into your very first classroom or returning for your twentieth year, the beginning of the year carries both anticipation and pressure. Classroom management sits at the heart of this transition. It’s not just about […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-484150066.jpg413620Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-08-22 19:59:062025-08-24 20:09:25Reimagining Classroom Management: Building Community and Confidence in the Year Ahead
Your students are growing up in a world where AI is part of everyday life By shaping how they use it, you can turn an unknown into an opportunity for learning. Instead of treating AI only as a challenge, you can guide students to use it responsibly while also making your own work more efficient […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1447265298.jpg424620Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-08-08 23:34:482025-08-11 23:58:20Teaching With AI: Helping Your Students Use It Responsibly
There’s something special about summer with its slower mornings, longer days, and the much-needed space to breathe. But as the new school year approaches, a shift begins. You start thinking about your classroom, your students, and everything this new year might bring. Whether you’re excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, transitioning from summer into school […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-2184697097.jpg414620Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-07-30 19:25:082025-07-30 22:03:58Starting the School Year Right: Practical Tips for Teachers
Helping students prepare for the future is one of the most meaningful parts of teaching. From critical thinking to communication skills, every classroom offers opportunities to support student growth beyond academics. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a long-time educator, you can help students develop the confidence, habits, and knowledge they will need in life […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1000868110.jpg413620Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-06-27 14:28:202025-06-28 14:31:24Teaching Life Skills and Career Readiness in the Classroom
Summer break is a well-earned pause. It’s a time to rest, recover, and reconnect with everything that makes you more than your job. But for many teachers, it can also be a great opportunity to refocus on personal growth, without the constant pressure of the school year. Continuing your education isn’t about checking a box. […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-474300323.jpg411620Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-06-23 18:52:202025-06-23 18:52:20Make the Most of Summer: Continuing Education and Professional Development for Teachers
For too many public school teachers, passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. Between rising costs and frozen pay, you might find yourself taking on extra work just to stay afloat. That reality can feel frustrating and exhausting. But what if a side gig could offer more than a paycheck? Many teachers are discovering that working […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1344252956.jpg413620Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-04-18 10:12:542025-04-21 10:13:09How Teachers Are Using Side Hustles to Earn More and Explore New Passions
Teaching can be incredibly rewarding. You get to shape young minds, build meaningful relationships, and leave a lasting impact. But it can also leave you emotionally and physically drained. The constant pressure to show up for your students, adapt to new demands, and do more with less can take a toll. More and more teachers […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1161167788.jpg413620Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-04-14 19:34:292025-04-14 19:34:29Reclaiming Your Time: Work-Life Balance and Boundaries for Teachers
Student behavior is one of the biggest issues teachers face today. Between post-pandemic disruptions, shifting expectations, and a lack of consistent support, classroom management has become one of the biggest stressors for educators across the country. You’re doing your best, but some days it can feel like that’s not enough. The good news is, you’re […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1392125218.jpg427640Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-03-21 21:51:012025-03-25 12:52:21Student Behavior: Classroom Strategies That Work
You see it every day—students struggling with stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges that impact their learning. With limited time and resources, it’s easy to feel like there’s only so much you can do. But the truth is, even small moments of connection and understanding can make a lasting impact. In this article we explore the […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1570178815.jpg427640Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-03-14 05:13:382025-03-14 05:13:38Supporting Student Mental Health in Your Classroom
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how teachers and students operate both in and out of the classroom. While it has the potential to enhance learning, it also poses a significant challenge: students using AI to generate work they should be doing on their own. Unlike traditional plagiarism, AI-generated content is often original yet not truly […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-2181556814.jpg413620Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-02-28 14:23:492025-03-03 14:24:58How Is AI Changing Student Learning—For Better or Worse?
As healthcare costs continue to rise, many teachers are exploring ways to manage medical expenses without straining their budgets. One option is a Health Savings Account (HSA), which offers tax advantages and flexibility in saving and spending on healthcare. But is an HSA the right choice for you? In this article, we’ll define HSAs, talk […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1683682771.jpg413620Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-02-14 19:13:332025-02-14 19:13:33Are Health Savings Accounts A Smart Choice for Teachers?
Health insurance is a critical safety net, but for many teachers, it might be costing more than it should. Rising premiums, hidden fees, and union-negotiated plans often leave you paying for coverage you don’t fully utilize. In this article, we’ll help you evaluate your current health plan and explore ways to save without sacrificing coverage. […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1446394529.jpg14142120Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-02-05 19:10:212025-02-05 19:10:21Are You Overpaying for Health Insurance?
Did you know that some states and some union contracts try to establish a limited time each year when you can leave your teachers’ union? For many educators, the union opt-out window is the easiest opportunity to make a change. Understanding this process is crucial for teachers who want to exercise their rights, save money, […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1329104242.jpg14142121Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2025-01-10 00:01:242025-01-13 15:53:14Are You In Your Opt-Out Window?
Health insurance is essential, but the costs can add up quickly. If you’ve ever wondered whether your current health insurance plan is truly the best fit for your budget, there are plenty of alternatives worth exploring. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at union-provided health insurance, alternative options that might better suit your […]
You work tirelessly to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for your students. But no matter how much care you take, accidents happen, and conflicts or misinterpretations can occur. One moment, you’re focused on lesson plans and grading papers; the next, you’re dealing with the stress of a lawsuit over something unexpected. In a […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-2154665811.jpg413620Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2024-11-25 20:05:062024-11-25 20:05:28Teacher Liability Insurance: What You Need to Know
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for another term in office, significant changes to the American education system could be on the horizon. For public school teachers, these proposed shifts may bring both opportunities and challenges, impacting everything from classroom autonomy to financial decisions. Here’s a look at how Trump’s plans might reshape education policy and […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-509718880.jpg427640Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2024-11-18 19:43:422024-11-21 20:04:22What Trump’s Second Term Could Mean for Education
As an educator, you dedicate much of your time to shaping young minds, but taking time to relax and recharge is just as important. However, the reality of a teacher’s budget often means that dreams of travel and adventure can seem just out of reach. Fortunately, many travel brands celebrate the work you do by […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-930011722.jpg427640Scott Graveshttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngScott Graves2024-10-28 14:15:342025-03-20 11:26:36Teacher Discounts on Travel (Updated for Spring 2025)
Teachers across the country contribute union dues to support their unions in collective bargaining, legal representation, and member benefits. However, a significant portion of these dues is often directed toward political activities, which could raise concerns for educators who disagree with the political agenda of their unions. Understanding how union dues are spent—and whether they […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1451108294.jpg405600Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2024-10-18 19:11:262024-10-17 14:36:27Can Union Dues Be Used for Political Purposes?
Union membership is often seen as a safeguard for workers, offering protections and advocating for fair treatment. However, questions about job security remain, particularly around termination, layoffs, and unemployment benefits. For public school teachers and other public-sector employees, understanding your rights and limitations can be challenging, especially during times of labor disputes and economic uncertainty. […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-2161517506.jpg427640Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2024-10-13 16:02:082024-10-13 16:02:08Can Union Workers Be Fired?
As a public school teacher, you might have considered opting out of union membership. While unions provide benefits for many educators, you’re not required to join one. Thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling in Janus v. AFSCME, public employees like you cannot be forced to pay union dues or fees to a union […]
https://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1329104242.jpg14142121Erica Mitchellhttps://mypaymysay.com/wp-content/uploads/logo_reverse_350x70.pngErica Mitchell2024-09-20 18:51:492026-07-17 13:49:46What Are Your Rights as a Teacher Who Is Not a Union Member?
Reimagining Classroom Management: Building Community and Confidence in the Year Ahead
Every new school year feels like a clean slate. Not just for students, but for teachers as well. Whether you’re stepping into your very first classroom or returning for your twentieth year, the beginning of the year carries both anticipation and pressure. Classroom management sits at the heart of this transition. It’s not just about […]
Teaching With AI: Helping Your Students Use It Responsibly
Your students are growing up in a world where AI is part of everyday life By shaping how they use it, you can turn an unknown into an opportunity for learning. Instead of treating AI only as a challenge, you can guide students to use it responsibly while also making your own work more efficient […]
Starting the School Year Right: Practical Tips for Teachers
There’s something special about summer with its slower mornings, longer days, and the much-needed space to breathe. But as the new school year approaches, a shift begins. You start thinking about your classroom, your students, and everything this new year might bring. Whether you’re excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, transitioning from summer into school […]
Teaching Life Skills and Career Readiness in the Classroom
Helping students prepare for the future is one of the most meaningful parts of teaching. From critical thinking to communication skills, every classroom offers opportunities to support student growth beyond academics. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a long-time educator, you can help students develop the confidence, habits, and knowledge they will need in life […]
Make the Most of Summer: Continuing Education and Professional Development for Teachers
Summer break is a well-earned pause. It’s a time to rest, recover, and reconnect with everything that makes you more than your job. But for many teachers, it can also be a great opportunity to refocus on personal growth, without the constant pressure of the school year. Continuing your education isn’t about checking a box. […]
How Teachers Are Using Side Hustles to Earn More and Explore New Passions
For too many public school teachers, passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. Between rising costs and frozen pay, you might find yourself taking on extra work just to stay afloat. That reality can feel frustrating and exhausting. But what if a side gig could offer more than a paycheck? Many teachers are discovering that working […]
Reclaiming Your Time: Work-Life Balance and Boundaries for Teachers
Teaching can be incredibly rewarding. You get to shape young minds, build meaningful relationships, and leave a lasting impact. But it can also leave you emotionally and physically drained. The constant pressure to show up for your students, adapt to new demands, and do more with less can take a toll. More and more teachers […]
Student Behavior: Classroom Strategies That Work
Student behavior is one of the biggest issues teachers face today. Between post-pandemic disruptions, shifting expectations, and a lack of consistent support, classroom management has become one of the biggest stressors for educators across the country. You’re doing your best, but some days it can feel like that’s not enough. The good news is, you’re […]
Supporting Student Mental Health in Your Classroom
You see it every day—students struggling with stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges that impact their learning. With limited time and resources, it’s easy to feel like there’s only so much you can do. But the truth is, even small moments of connection and understanding can make a lasting impact. In this article we explore the […]
How Is AI Changing Student Learning—For Better or Worse?
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how teachers and students operate both in and out of the classroom. While it has the potential to enhance learning, it also poses a significant challenge: students using AI to generate work they should be doing on their own. Unlike traditional plagiarism, AI-generated content is often original yet not truly […]
Are Health Savings Accounts A Smart Choice for Teachers?
As healthcare costs continue to rise, many teachers are exploring ways to manage medical expenses without straining their budgets. One option is a Health Savings Account (HSA), which offers tax advantages and flexibility in saving and spending on healthcare. But is an HSA the right choice for you? In this article, we’ll define HSAs, talk […]
Are You Overpaying for Health Insurance?
Health insurance is a critical safety net, but for many teachers, it might be costing more than it should. Rising premiums, hidden fees, and union-negotiated plans often leave you paying for coverage you don’t fully utilize. In this article, we’ll help you evaluate your current health plan and explore ways to save without sacrificing coverage. […]
Are You In Your Opt-Out Window?
Did you know that some states and some union contracts try to establish a limited time each year when you can leave your teachers’ union? For many educators, the union opt-out window is the easiest opportunity to make a change. Understanding this process is crucial for teachers who want to exercise their rights, save money, […]
Teacher Health Insurance: Practical Tips for Affordable Coverage
Health insurance is essential, but the costs can add up quickly. If you’ve ever wondered whether your current health insurance plan is truly the best fit for your budget, there are plenty of alternatives worth exploring. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at union-provided health insurance, alternative options that might better suit your […]
Teacher Liability Insurance: What You Need to Know
You work tirelessly to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for your students. But no matter how much care you take, accidents happen, and conflicts or misinterpretations can occur. One moment, you’re focused on lesson plans and grading papers; the next, you’re dealing with the stress of a lawsuit over something unexpected. In a […]
What Trump’s Second Term Could Mean for Education
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for another term in office, significant changes to the American education system could be on the horizon. For public school teachers, these proposed shifts may bring both opportunities and challenges, impacting everything from classroom autonomy to financial decisions. Here’s a look at how Trump’s plans might reshape education policy and […]
Teacher Discounts on Travel (Updated for Spring 2025)
As an educator, you dedicate much of your time to shaping young minds, but taking time to relax and recharge is just as important. However, the reality of a teacher’s budget often means that dreams of travel and adventure can seem just out of reach. Fortunately, many travel brands celebrate the work you do by […]
Can Union Dues Be Used for Political Purposes?
Teachers across the country contribute union dues to support their unions in collective bargaining, legal representation, and member benefits. However, a significant portion of these dues is often directed toward political activities, which could raise concerns for educators who disagree with the political agenda of their unions. Understanding how union dues are spent—and whether they […]
Can Union Workers Be Fired?
Union membership is often seen as a safeguard for workers, offering protections and advocating for fair treatment. However, questions about job security remain, particularly around termination, layoffs, and unemployment benefits. For public school teachers and other public-sector employees, understanding your rights and limitations can be challenging, especially during times of labor disputes and economic uncertainty. […]
What Are Your Rights as a Teacher Who Is Not a Union Member?
As a public school teacher, you might have considered opting out of union membership. While unions provide benefits for many educators, you’re not required to join one. Thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling in Janus v. AFSCME, public employees like you cannot be forced to pay union dues or fees to a union […]