What Teachers Have to Say
What Teachers Have to Say brings together innovative educators to talk about what it means to be a teacher in the modern classroom. Each episode explores the emotional complexity of teaching as hosts Jake & Nathan talk through the trials and triumphs of teaching. We talk access and equity, artificial intelligence, student behavior, teacher burnout, mentorship models & more. Find practical teaching advice and resources presented in an approachable and real way, alongside valuable insights and inspiration in these thought-provoking conversations, for educators at all levels.
What Teachers Have to Say
Breaking the Cycle: Cruel Optimism in Teaching with Hans Tullman
Can you be excellent at your job without letting it consume your life? The education system thrives on unpaid teacher labor, but at what cost?
In this episode, we discuss cruel optimism—the idea that if teachers just work harder, they can fix systemic issues. Spoiler: They can’t. More hours don’t equal better teaching, and burnout isn’t a badge of honor.
Hans Tullman kicks off the discussion with a hard truth: the system depends on teachers working for free. Jake unpacks how setting boundaries, leveraging AI, and using EduProtocols can help teachers reclaim their time—without sacrificing excellence.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Cruel Optimism—Pushing through systemic problems won’t fix them, it just keeps them going.
🔹 More Hours ≠ Better Teaching—A well-rested teacher is more impactful than a burnt-out one.
🔹 Unpaid Labor—Other professions wouldn’t tolerate it. Why should teachers?
🔹 Set Boundaries—Excellence doesn’t require self-sacrifice. Protect your time.
🔹 AI & EduProtocols—Work smarter, not harder. Reduce workload & focus on what really matters.
🔹 School Leaders—Admins must redefine what “excellence” looks like and actually protect teacher time.
Join the Conversation!
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📞 SpeakPipe:
https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay
Resources Mentioned:
🎤 Hans Tullman – hanstullman.com
📚 Cruel Optimism by Lauren Berlant
⚡ EduProtocols & AI Tools – Reduce your workload & increase efficiency
🔥 Final Thought: You can be an excellent teacher and have a life—in fact, you’ll be a better teacher because of it.
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