How To Survive The Classroom
As we all know, an educator’s career is one of prestige, respect, and authority. Just kidding. Sure, there are lesson plans and inspirational posters. Book reports and detentions. But nobody tells you it’s also parents brawling in the parking lot, students unleashing live crickets during finals, and getting evaluated for “running a tight ship” while the ceiling literally leaks onto your head. Hosted by Andrea Forcum (aka @Educator Andrea on TikTok, former high school teacher and current professor at Indiana State University), How to Survive the Classroom is part advice column, part survival guide, and part group therapy. Each week, Andrea dons her trauma tiara to tackle call-ins and confessions from fellow educators (and brave educator allies). From hilarious war stories to brutal burnout moments, join us as we strategize, survive, and occasionally let out a good old-fashioned cathartic scream into the void. If you’ve ever Googled “how to professionally quit mid-semester” or seriously considered hiding in a supply closet, this show’s for you. Teaching may be a noble profession… but nobility doesn’t stop your classroom from catching on fire.
Episodes
May 5, 2025 • 46 mins
What do a lead-painted door, a rubberized body part in a middle school backpack, and the KKK showing up to a school in the ‘80s have in common? Absolutely nothing—except they’re all packed into this episode.
Today, I’m kicking things off solo with chaotic home improvement updates (including which stripper works hardest) and a couple of voice memos from listeners that are… honestly, you just have to hear them to believe them. One w...
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May 5, 2025 • 42 mins
So, we changed the name. Welcome to How To Survive the Classroom—you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
In this kickoff to the new era, I’m diving into two of the most unhinged teacher submissions I’ve ever heard—one involving a movie mishap that will haunt you and another featuring a hallway hair war that somehow became my own personal reality TV show.
Plus, I’m revealing the AI tool that actually doesn’t feel sketchy (teac...
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May 3, 2025 • 62 mins
On this week's episode "Passing Out In The Classroom", I spoke with Gabe Dannenbring, about how he comes from a family of teachers and got into teaching to bring something to society, the time he tore his pants at school, when a meth head broke into their school, and shared his opinions on what the US can do to recruit more teachers.
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Want to Learn About Gabe Dannenbring?
Tik Tok: @g_unit24
Facebook / IG / YouTube: @gabedannenbri...
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May 3, 2025 • 66 mins
On this week's episode "BTS Of The Trust & Teaching", I spoke with Gaspare Randazzo, about how a dare sent him to China, which in turn led him to teaching, as well as talking about Abe Lincoln being his favorite historical figure, his stand-up career, and his time on the Netflix reality show, The Trust.
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Want to Learn About Gaspare Randazzo?
@StandUpRandazzo across all platforms.
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Don’t be shy come say hi: andrea@human-content.c...
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May 3, 2025 • 63 mins
On this week's episode, "A Special Interest in Rodents with Mrs. Frazzled", I spoke with Arielle Fodor, AKA Mrs. Frazzled, about her love for rodents, maternity leave practices among teachers, and where her teaching voice came from.
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Want to Learn About Mrs. Frazzled?
TikTok / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube : @mrs.frazzled
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Don’t be shy come say hi: andrea@human-content.com and podcasterandrea.com
Watch on YouTube: @educatoran...
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May 3, 2025 • 68 mins
On this week's episode "Navigating Mean Girls and Mischief", I spoke with Rebecca Rogers! She shares hilarious and heartfelt stories from her early teaching years, the challenges of handling mean girls, and the memorable pranks her students played. Rebecca also opens up about setting boundaries with difficult parents and the surprising experiences that shaped her teaching career.
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Want to Learn more about Rebecca Rogers?
Instagra...
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May 3, 2025 • 63 mins
On this week's episode "Free Snacks", I had an inspiring chat with Carey Arensberg! She shares the heartwarming story behind her Care Closet, opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how an earlier diagnosis could have changed things, and discusses the challenges of navigating social media. Plus, hear about some of the weirdest items she's ever had to confiscate in her career!
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Want to Learn more about Carey Aren...
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May 3, 2025 • 70 mins
On this week's episode "Historically Hot Gossip", I spoke with the amazing Lauren Chela! Discover how she transforms history lessons with storytelling, her memorable experience at Disney's Abe Lincoln exhibit, and her journey from subbing for two years to becoming a full-fledged teacher. Plus, don't miss the hilarious story of how she recreated a battlefield right in her classroom!
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Want to Learn Lauren Cella?
Instagram: @laurenc...
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May 3, 2025 • 62 mins
On this week's episode "Puke and Rally", I spoke with Devin Siebold! He shares stories about the teacher who inspired him in his youth, the time he volunteered to be pied in the face by students, and what led to him vomiting in the classroom.
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Want to Learn Devin Siebold?
All Social Media: @devinsiebold or @devincomedy
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Don’t be shy come say hi: andrea@human-content.com and podcasterandrea.com
Watch on YouTube: @educatorandre...
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May 3, 2025 • 65 mins
On this week's episode "We Are Insecure", I spoke with Lauran Woolley She shared her teaching dress code philosophies, how middle school girls are terrifying, and how turning 30 means getting old and becoming uncool.
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Want to Learn About Lauran Wooley?
TikTok / Youtube / Facebook / Instagram / Threads / Snapchat: @Mrs.Woolleyin5th
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Don’t be shy come say hi: andrea@human-content.com and podcasterandrea.com
Watch on YouTube: @e...
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May 3, 2025 • 62 mins
On this week's episode "Raccoon Roadkill", I spoke with Andrea Caspari! She shared her experiences teaching in the inner city, discussed how to embrace what kids are into and develop those interests and skills, and recalled a crazy possum stand-up act she saw.
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Want to Learn About Andrea Caspari?
Facebook: Andrea Caspari Comedy
Instagram / YouTube: @caspariland
TikTok: @casparilandcomedy
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Don’t be shy come say hi: andrea@human-...
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May 3, 2025 • 59 mins
On this week's episode "A Blind Taste Test", I spoke with Matt Eicheldinger! He told us about how being a soccer camp coach in high school and that experience working with kids led him to teach, shared moments of how technology in the classroom failed him, talked about the books he wrote for middle schoolers, and shared some of the grossest stories he has from the classroom.
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Want to Learn About Matt Eicheldiner?
Tiktok / Instag...
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May 3, 2025 • 65 mins
On this week's episode "Buff Nipple Drawings", I spoke with Mr Philip Lindsay, about how he is about to finish his Masters in Special Education, how he strategizes reaching kids who just can’t pay attention learning math, using Gen Z and Alpha language in the classroom, and shares his most embarrassing story.
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Want to Learn About Mr Philip Lindsay?
Tiktok / Instagram: @mr_lindsay_sped
Facebook: Mr. Lindsay
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Don’t be shy come s...
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May 3, 2025 • 70 mins
On this week's episode "How Can We Keep Teachers in the Classroom?", I spoke with Charles Fournier! Together, we dive deep into the critical issues of teacher attrition, workload, and the cultural challenges within the education system. Charles shares insights from his podcast, discussing the systemic problems that lead to teachers leaving the profession and potential solutions to these issues. We explore the impact of modern distr...
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May 3, 2025 • 76 mins
On this week's episode "Teach for America Critiqued", I spoke with Joe Dombrowski! He shares his journey from elementary school teacher to full-time touring comedian. Joe shares some wild classroom stories, including his infamous viral April Fool's prank, and offers hilarious insights into the world of teaching and comedy. Plus, don't miss his candid take on Teach for America and why he believes it needs a major overhaul!
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Want to...
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May 3, 2025 • 68 mins
On this week's episode "Mentor Moments", I spoke with Mr. Eugene Williams! He shares some stories and we reminisce about the early days of my teaching career under his guidance, share some wild and hilarious classroom stories, and discuss the invaluable lessons I learned from his mentorship. From navigating tricky student situations to growing as an educator, Eugene's wisdom and humor made a lasting impact that I can't wait to shar...
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May 3, 2025 • 65 mins
On this week's episode "Bathroom Fan Encounters", I spoke with Sam Salem! He shares his journey as a substitute teacher and comedian, his wild experiences on the road, and the challenges of balancing comedy with teaching. From awkward encounters with fans to navigating the unpredictable world of subbing, Sam shares it all with humor and insight. Plus, we swap some unforgettable stories from the classroom that you won't want to miss...
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May 3, 2025 • 66 mins
On this week's episode "What Are the Dangers of Suppressed Emotions in Students?", I sit down with motivational speaker Jared Scott to discuss his journey from a shy, small-town kid to a leading advocate for student mental health. Jared shares his personal experiences with loss, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of mental resilience in overcoming trauma. Together, they explore the significance of public speaking, traum...
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May 3, 2025 • 69 mins
On this week's episode "How Does Solo Sailing Compare to Teaching?", I sit down with Luke Hartley, also known as the Sailing Songbird. Luke shares his extraordinary journey from being a middle school music teacher in Seattle to sailing solo around the world on his 27-foot sailboat. Currently anchored in French Polynesia, Luke discusses the joys and challenges of life at sea, including the unique community of sailors he encounters, ...
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May 3, 2025 • 28 mins
We’re doing something a little different today. We’re sharing an episode from another podcast. It’s called In It: Raising Kids who Learn Differently. It’s a show for parents and educators of children who have challenges with reading, math, focus, and other learning differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you have any students in your class who are in special education, this podcast is an excellent resource that will help you suppor...
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