118. Don’t Let Anyone Bully You Into Blue Cheese: The Teaching Trend You Don’t Have to Follow

Do you ever feel like you're supposed to be using the latest teaching strategy—even if it doesn't fit your classroom or your personality? From flexible seating and interactive notebooks to digital classrooms, morning meetings, and every new education trend that appears on social media, teachers are constantly being told what they should be doing. But what if the best teaching strategy is the one that actually works for you? In this short episode of The Next Level Teacher Podcast, Brenna Nelson shares a simple analogy inspired by a recipe for a wedge salad—and why it perfectly captures the pressure many teachers feel to keep up with every new educational trend. If you've ever wondered whether you're "doing teaching right," this episode offers a refreshing reminder that effective teaching isn't about copying someone else's classroom. It's about creating a classroom that aligns with your students, your strengths, and your values. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why you don't need to follow every teaching trend  A better question to ask instead of "Should I be doing this?"  How comparison steals confidence in the classroom  Why effective teachers succeed with many different teaching styles  How to build a classroom that works for both you and your students  A simple mindset shift that can reduce teacher stress and overwhelm Whether you're a new teacher or a veteran educator, this episode will remind you that there isn't just one right way to teach.  If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another teacher who could use this reminder today.