Jessica 11:40:00 AM No Comments

Teachers don’t need another app to log into or a fancy new tool to learn. Sometimes the biggest time-savers are already built into the tech you use every day. You just might not know about them.

Here are 10 little-known shortcuts and features that can save you hours (and maybe your sanity) in the classroom.

1. Split Screen Shortcut

Windows: Windows Key + Left/Right Arrow
Mac: Hold the green “maximize” button → Tile to left or right.
👉 Stop flipping tabs — grade in one window while your lesson plan is open in another.

2. Voice Typing in Google Docs

Tools → Voice Typing → talk and watch it transcribe.
👉 Great for feedback, lesson ideas, or even sub notes when you’re tired of typing.

3. Reopen a Closed Tab

Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + T (or Command + Shift + T on Mac).
👉 Instantly brings back that tab you closed by accident.

4. Quick Screenshot Tricks

Windows: Windows + Shift + S
Mac: Command + Shift + 4
👉 Capture just the part of the screen you need for student examples, error messages, or lesson visuals.

5. Search a Page Fast

Shortcut: Ctrl + F (or Command + F).

👉 Jump straight to a word in a long PDF or document. Perfect for standards, IEPs, or lesson resources.

6. Pin Tabs in Chrome

Right-click a tab → Pin.
👉 Keeps gradebook, email, or Google Classroom locked in place so it never gets lost.

7. Timer in Google Search

Type “5 minute timer” into Google.
👉 Classroom management without hunting for an app.

Bonus Tracks:

8. Drag + Drop Between Tabs

Highlight text or an image → drag it straight into another tab (like Google Slides or Docs).
👉 No need to copy/paste back and forth.

Jessica

Jessica 11:00:00 AM No Comments

Teachers don’t need more work on their plates; they need shortcuts that actually save time (and sanity). That’s where these tiny tech tips come in. They’re quick, practical, and teacher-tested. Best part? Each one can save you valuable minutes every single day.

Here are some of my favorites ⬇️

1. Quick Chromebook Log-Out

Did you know pressing Ctrl + Shift + Q twice instantly logs a student out of a Chromebook?
👉 Handy when devices are shared between classes, or if students need to step away from their screen quickly.

2. Schedule Emails in Gmail or Outlook

Write an email now, send it later.
Simply click the arrow next to Send → choose Schedule send. Perfect for parent emails or those “late-night thoughts” you’d rather send during school hours.

3. Google Keep Organization

Google Keep is one of the most underrated tools out there. You can pin notes, add reminders, and color code your to-dos.
✨ Try creating one note per subject or duty (lesson plans, IEPs, meetings). It’s a lifesaver for staying organized.

4. Declutter Tabs with OneTab

If you’re like me, you always have a million tabs open. The OneTab Chrome extension collapses them all into a single list you can reopen anytime.
Perfect for meetings, planning time, or just saving your brain from overload.

5. Annotate PDFs Without Printing

Skip the printer. With Kami or Adobe Acrobat, you can annotate PDFs directly on your device.
Great for grading, modeling, or prepping virtual lessons — and it saves paper too.

6. Force a Copy in Google Docs

Want to share a template with students or colleagues? Change the end of the URL from /edit → /copy.
This forces anyone who clicks the link to make their own copy. No more accidental edits to your original.

7. Share Cleaner Templates with Preview Mode

For an even cleaner look, change the URL ending from /edit → /template/preview.
This gives your audience a read-only preview of the file, with an option to copy if they want. It looks polished and professional perfect for sharing resources cleanly and easily.

Final Thoughts

These tiny tech tips may seem simple, but they add up fast. Less time searching, organizing, or fixing mistakes = more time teaching (and maybe even more time for YOU).

✨ Want all these shortcuts in one place? I’ve created a free PDF cheat sheet you can download and keep handy. GRAB IT HERE!

Jessica

Jessica 12:36:00 PM No Comments

If you’re a teacher, you already know that exhaustion is part of the job. But here’s the truth: a lot of the “wellness advice” teachers hear isn’t actually helping. In fact, some of it is making you even more tired.

Let’s bust a few myths that need to be retired once and for all.

☕ Myth 1: More Coffee = More Energy

Coffee feels like the only thing keeping you upright some days. But after the 3rd (or 4th) cup, what happens? Jitters, crash, and even worse sleep at night.

Truth: Coffee is fine in moderation, but it’s not a substitute for hydration, protein, or rest. Try water first in the morning, pair your coffee with food, and cut off caffeine by early afternoon so you can actually fall asleep.

🍎 Myth 2: Skipping Lunch Saves Time

Raise your hand if you’ve “accidentally” skipped lunch because you were catching up on grading or answering emails. (🙋‍♀️ guilty.) But skipping meals makes your afternoon crash even harder.

Truth: A 10-minute lunch with real food (protein + carb + fat) will fuel you way better than powering through. Even a cheese stick + apple beats a granola bar at 3:30.

🕔 Myth 3: Staying Late Makes You a Good Teacher

It’s easy to think that being the last car in the parking lot proves your dedication. But staying late night after night doesn’t make you a better teacher; it just makes you an exhausted one.

Truth: Boundaries are self-care. Leave when your contract says you can. The work will always be there tomorrow.

😴 Myth 4: You Can Catch Up on Sleep Over the Weekend

Bad news: your body doesn’t work that way. Staying up late all week and trying to “bank sleep” on Saturday just makes you groggier.

Truth: Aim for consistent sleep + wake times, even on weekends. Pair it with a simple bedtime routine (phone down, brain dump, Calm peptides if you need help winding down) and you’ll feel better all week long.

💻 Myth 5: You Don’t Have Time for Wellness

Between lesson plans, grading, meetings, and family, wellness feels impossible. But waiting until you “have time” means it will never happen.

Truth: You don’t need an hour at the gym or a spa day to reset. Wellness can be:

A 2-minute stretch at your desk
Drinking water before coffee
Taking a quick walk during planning
Saying “no” without apologizing

Small resets add up and they actually stick.

✨ Final Thoughts

Teachers don’t need more pressure or more myths about what wellness should look like. You need realistic, sustainable routines that support your energy, focus, and sleep.

Start by retiring these myths and trying one small shift this week. Your future self (and your students) will thank you.

👉 Want more simple resets? Subscribe to my Sunday Reset Newsletter for weekly teacher wellness + tech tips.

Jessica

Jessica 10:00:00 AM No Comments

If you’re a teacher, you know “teacher tired” is a very specific kind of exhaustion. By 8 PM you’re done. By 10 PM you’re wide awake, replaying parent emails, lesson plans, and that one copier jam that ruined your morning.

It’s called teacher insomnia. Tired all day, wired at night. And it makes back-to-school season even harder.

The good news? You don’t need a 90-minute wind-down routine to finally get some sleep. A few simple habits can make a huge difference in how quickly you fall asleep (and how well you stay asleep).

Here’s the bedtime reset routine that actually works. It's been tested and approved by a former teacher who used to live on 4-5 hours of sleep (lol, me).

📵 Step 1: Put the Phone Down

This one’s simple but brutal: 30 minutes before bed, put your phone down.
No scrolling, no “just one more reel,” no late-night emails.
If you’re tempted, leave it charging across the room. Out of sight, out of mind.

📝 Step 2: Brain Dump with Voice Notes or Journal

Most of the time, it’s not our body that’s awake — it’s our brain.
Try this:

Voice notes: “Hey Siri/Hey Google, record a voice memo” → say all the thoughts swirling in your head.
Journal: Write down tomorrow’s to-do list, that parent email reply, or the random reminder you’re afraid you’ll forget.

Clearing your head = less midnight overthinking.

💧 Step 3: Calm Peptides (My Secret Weapon) or Drink a Calming Tea

Here’s where my wellness routine comes in. I take Calm peptides about 30 minutes before bed.
They help me shift out of “teacher brain” mode and into “rest” mode.
For me, it’s been the difference between staring at the ceiling replaying emails… and actually falling asleep.

🧘 Step 4: Quick Stretch or Journal Prompt

Spend 2–3 minutes stretching, or write one line in your journal:

“One thing I did well today”
“One thing I’ll let go of tonight”
This little reset tells your body and brain: the day is done.

💤 Step 5: Lights Out = Real Sleep

Finally, give yourself permission to go to sleep. Not scroll. Not grade. Not “catch up.” Just sleep.

Because honestly? Rest is productive.

✨ Final Thoughts

Teacher tired is real. So is teacher insomnia. But with a few small shifts like putting your phone down, brain dumping your thoughts, sipping Calm peptides, and stretching, you can build a bedtime reset routine that actually works.

Try one step tonight and notice the difference. Small changes = better sleep = a stronger human tomorrow.

Jessica

Jessica 10:30:00 AM No Comments

If you’re a teacher (or just a tired human), you know the feeling: you drag yourself home after a long day, and the last thing you want to do is chop, sauté, and prep a “balanced dinner.” Most nights, dinner ends up looking like cereal, random granola bars, or takeout you didn’t really want.

I’ve been there. So many times.

And while there's nothing wrong with cereal and random granola bars and takeout, sometimes you may want something a little more substantial.

The truth? Meal prep doesn’t have to be an all-day Sunday event with 27 containers and a week of perfectly portioned lunches. It can be simple, fast, and actually realistic for real life.

Here’s how to meal prep when you’re too tired to meal prep.

Start With the “One Grocery Bag, Five Meals” Mindset

Instead of planning 10 different recipes with a million ingredients, stick to one simple grocery bag that can stretch into five dinners.

Example: A pack of chicken breasts + a few veggies = sheet pan chicken, tacos, wraps, a rice bowl, and soup.
Bonus: Less waste, less decision fatigue, and way less stress at 5 PM.

Check out some of my One Grocery Bag plans HERE.

Jessica

Jessica 11:24:00 AM No Comments

Back-to-school season always feels like a whirlwind—new schedules, fresh lesson plans, and about a thousand little things to keep track of. But when it comes to technology, building a few simple routines can save your time and your sanity.

Here are five easy tech routines to start the school year off strong:

1. Use Version History Like a Safety Net

Accidentally delete an assignment? Student overwrote your beautifully formatted template? No panic necessary. Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets all have a Version History tool. With just a few clicks, you can restore previous versions of a document (or even copy pieces from earlier drafts). Make it part of your routine to check version history before spending time recreating work.

💡 Pro Tip: Teach students how to use this feature, too—it builds independence and responsibility.

2. Set Up Email Filters to Declutter Your Inbox

Your inbox doesn’t have to feel like a firehose. Spend 10 minutes setting up filters at the start of the year:

Parent newsletters → Auto-label and skip inbox.
Student submissions → Route into a single folder.
Professional development updates → Archive until you’re ready.

This way, the only emails hitting your inbox are the ones that actually need your attention.

3. Use Voice Notes for Quick Wins

Instead of typing long reminders or trying to capture ideas mid-chaos, use voice notes. Apps like Google Keep, Otter, or even the voice memo feature on your phone can turn your thoughts into text. It’s a great way to capture parent phone call notes, student observations, or reminders on the fly.

4. Build Student Chromebook Care Routines

A little structure early on goes a long way in preventing mid-year meltdowns over broken or missing devices. Try setting up simple routines like:

A morning and afternoon Chromebook check-in spot.
Weekly “clean your screen and keyboard” time.
Teaching students to charge at the same time each day.

Consistency means fewer tech headaches for you later.

PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES USE CLOROX WIPES ON SCREENS!! They are fine to use on keyboards and the external parts of the Chromebooks, but not on screens.

My Fave Screen Cleaning Wipes: (affiliate link)

https://amzn.to/4ndl4kC

5. Create Google Keep Checklists for Everything

Checklists aren’t just for groceries. Use Google Keep to create reusable checklists for:

Materials you need for common lessons.
Sub plans.
Weekly classroom reset tasks.

Bonus: You can share lists with co-teachers or even your students for collaborative routines.

Final Thoughts

The start of the year is the perfect time to put systems in place that will save you stress later. These tech routines are simple to set up but powerful in keeping you organized and sane when the school year gets busy.

✨ Remember: small routines add up to big relief. Pick one to start this week and layer in the others as you go.

Jessica

Jessica 11:00:00 AM No Comments

Meal prep that’s flexible, flavorful, and Friday-night-friendly.

If you’ve been around here a while, you know I love a good One Grocery Bag, Five Meals plan. It’s my go-to method for saving time, money, and mental energy, especially during the back-to-school chaos.

This week’s edition: Pulled Pork.

With just one batch of slow-cooked shredded pork, you’ll have the base for four healthy-ish dinners, plus one easy “don’t think about it” frozen meal to round out the week.

🥩 What You’ll Need

Start with 3 - 4 lbs of pork shoulder or pork butt. Season it simply with:

Salt + pepper
Garlic powder + onion powder
Smoked paprika
A splash of broth or apple cider vinegar

Cook it low and slow (Instant Pot or Crockpot both work!), then shred it up and divide into 4–5 portions (~3–4 oz each) depending on your household size.

🍽 The Meal Plan

1. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Toast a bun or sourdough slice, pile on the pork, and top with coleslaw or pickled onions.
Healthy swap: Skip the bun and use sweet potato rounds or serve in a bowl.

2. Pulled Pork Tacos

Serve in corn tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado, and salsa.
Healthy swap: Use large romaine or butter lettuce leaves instead of tortillas.

3. Pulled Pork Veggie + Rice Bowls

Layer roasted veggies, shredded pork, and brown or cauliflower rice.
Drizzle with tahini, lime vinaigrette, or coconut aminos.

4. Pulled Pork Quesadillas

Sandwich pulled pork and compliant cheese (if tolerated) or hummus between two tortillas and toast until golden.
Healthy swap: Use a gluten-free tortilla or make into a pulled pork veggie skillet.

5. Friday Night = Frozen Chicken Nuggets + Instant Mashed Potatoes

Because you deserve a break. And let’s be honest — no one is cooking a full meal on a Friday.

🥗 Sides & Lunch Tips

Each dinner idea includes optional side pairings (think: air fryer sweet potatoes, slaw mix, simple salads, or pre-steamed veggies). You can also repurpose leftover pork into:

Lettuce wraps for lunch
A quick stir-fry
Scrambled with eggs and spinach for breakfast-for-dinner

✅ Why It Works

Budget-friendly: One protein = multiple meals
Time-saving: Cook once, eat all week
Customizable: You can make this as “clean” or comfort-food-style as you like
Flexible: Works whether you're carb cycling or just trying to get dinner on the table

Grab it HERE

✨ Real Life Tip:

If you’re following something like Belle Vitale Plan A, sub the pork shoulder with a lean pork loin roast and cook it the same way for a lighter option. It’s just as shreddable and better for your macros.

Jessica

Jessica 11:00:00 AM No Comments

Let’s be honest: the idea of a "perfect" morning routine is often created by influencers who wake up at 4:45 AM, journal in cursive, and drink hot lemon water with turmeric while meditating in a linen robe.

That’s not my vibe.

But as someone who supports teachers and writes curriculum full time, I do need structure. I need energy. I need focus. And I need something I can actually stick with - even on mornings when I oversleep or my brain feels like static.

So here it is: my simple, realistic, teacher-approved morning routine that helps me feel grounded and energized without taking over my life. And yes, there’s still room for coffee.

🚪 Step 1: Start With Hydration

Before I even touch coffee, I mix up a packet of MAKE Hydrated or Fit + Hydrated with cold water.

It tastes like a spa day and gives my body:

A head start on hydration
Support for bloat and digestion
A gentle energy boost (especially Fit + Hydrated!)

Even when I wake up tired or groggy, this is step one. Because when I feel better, it’s way easier to make better choices for the rest of the day.

📅 Step 2: Check My Top 3 (Not My Inbox)

I used to scroll emails, social media, and notifications the second I opened my eyes. Now, I open my planner or Wellness Tracker (AKA Google Keep) and write down just 3 things:

One Must-Do task
One Feel-Good task (something just for me)
One Let-It-Go task (because letting go is also a task!)

This gives me focus and helps me avoid falling into a reactive spiral.

Bonus: I use Google Keep or a sticky note if I’m short on time.

🙌 Step 3: Move for 5–20 Minutes

I don’t always do a full workout in the morning, but I do move. Some days it’s a quick walk on the walking pad, some days it’s a few stretches or a strength circuit. It gets my blood flowing and tells my brain: "We’re awake and we’re doing things."

Even 5 minutes counts.

☕ Step 4: Enjoy the Coffee (No Shame)

Yes, I drink coffee. But I don’t let it be the first thing that hits my stomach anymore. I’ve noticed a huge difference in energy and mood when I hydrate first and give myself a few quiet moments to get centered before caffeine kicks in.

Coffee becomes a treat, not a crutch.

📆 Want to Try It?

If your mornings feel rushed, chaotic, or just plain non-existent, try building a routine that works for you.

You can use my free Weekly Planner or this simple formula:

Hydrate
Ground your mindset
Move
Then caffeinate

It doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful. Start small, and build from there.

Let me know if you want to know how I use MAKE peptides to feel focused without feeling frantic.

You don’t have to wake up at 4AM to have a strong start. You just need a system that supports you.

Jessica

Jessica 10:00:00 AM No Comments

If you’ve been teaching for more than five minutes, you know that tech can be your best friend… or your eternal nemesis.

The thing is, there are so many little shortcuts and tools that can make your teaching day smoother, but they’re not always obvious. And sometimes, the “simple” things are the ones we overlook the most.

Here are 10 of my favorite teacher tech tips you probably don’t know (but should), plus how they can save your time, your sanity, and maybe even your coffee.

1. Version History in Google Docs

Stop making “Lesson Plan FINAL - Use This One” and “Lesson Plan FINAL Final V2.”
Go to File → Version history → See version history and you can view, restore, and name past versions of your document. You’ll never need 87 duplicate files "copy of copy of copy" again.

2. Pinning & Grouping Chrome Tabs

If your browser looks like a game of Tetris, this is for you.

Pin Tabs: Right-click on a tab → Pin. This keeps it open, small, and locked to the left.
Group Tabs: Right-click → Add Tab to Group. Color-code and label them (Lesson Plans, Grades, Email).

Your future self will thank you.

3. Voice Notes on Apple Watch, iPhone, and Android

Ever had a brilliant idea in the hallway… and forgot it by lunch? Stop trusting your memory; just record it!

Apple Watch: Raise your wrist and say “Hey Siri, record a voice memo”. Saved instantly in your Voice Memos app.

iPhone: Open the Voice Memos app, tap record. Rename later so you can find it fast.

Android: Open the Google Recorder app (many newer phones have it built-in) or download a free voice memo app from the Play Store. Tap record and go.

Perfect for lesson ideas, parent reminders, or sudden lightbulb moments without fumbling for a sticky note.

4. Semantris & Quick Draw: Artificial Intelligence for Classroom Engagement

Semantris: A Google word association game. Great for vocabulary warm-ups, synonyms/antonyms, and brain breaks.
Quick Draw: AI tries to guess your doodle in 20 seconds. Fun for vocab review, art warm-ups, or just a laugh (“That’s not a potato, it’s a duck!”). Also, GREAT practice for little fingers on trackpads and computer mice.

Both are free, web-based, and hook students fast.

5. AutoDraw for Quick Graphics

Need a visual but your stick figure skills are… questionable?
Go to autodraw.com, doodle your best attempt, and watch AI turn it into clean clipart.
Perfect for anchor charts, presentations, or classroom signs.

6. Mac/PC Screenshot Shortcuts

Stop printing your screen just to crop it.

Mac: Shift + Command + 4 = select an area to capture.
PC: Windows + Shift + S = select an area to capture.

Screenshots go right to your clipboard or desktop for easy pasting. Just use CTRL+V to paste the screenshot wherever you want it!

7. Email Filters for Sanity

Gmail: Click the gear → See all settings → Filters & Blocked Addresses.
Outlook: Settings → Mail → Rules.

Create filters for newsletters, parent communication, or team updates so they skip the inbox clutter and go right where you want them.

8. Google Keep Checklists for Routines

Google Keep is like sticky notes, but they don’t get lost under your desk.
Create checklists for daily classroom routines, student jobs, or even sub plans. Share with teammates for easy collaboration.

9. Keyboard Shortcuts You’ll Actually Use

Copy: Ctrl/Command + C
Paste: Ctrl/Command + V
Undo: Ctrl/Command + Z
Reopen closed tab: Ctrl/Command + Shift + T (the best one)

Little seconds saved add up to minutes, and that’s another sip of coffee.

10. Using Headings in Google Docs

If you have a 14-page doc, scrolling is a nightmare.
Highlight text → Change from “Normal text” to “Heading 1/2/3.”
Then use View → Show Outline to jump around instantly.
Great for lesson plan binders, curriculum maps, and student project docs.

Final Thoughts

Tech doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, the simplest features are often the most powerful.

Start with one or two of these tips this week. Use the time you save to do something just for you: drink your water, eat your lunch, or (my favorite) take a bathroom break.

What’s your go-to teacher tech hack? Drop it in the comments so we can all steal it.

Jessica

Jessica 5:00:00 PM No Comments

An easy, fun, and free way to introduce artificial intelligence in the classroom

Why Even Talk About AI in the Classroom?

Let’s be honest — “artificial intelligence” sounds big and intimidating. But it’s also everywhere: in our phones, in our recommendations, in the way students are already using (or hearing about) tech.

As a curriculum writer and former teacher, I love finding ways to make big ideas feel small, safe, and fun — especially for younger learners. And that’s exactly why I love Google Quick, Draw!

What Is Google Quick, Draw?

Google Quick, Draw! is a free, browser-based game where students draw simple objects (like a cat, a shoe, or a mountain) and the AI tries to guess what they’re making — in real time.

The AI model has been trained on millions of doodles, so the more students draw, the better it gets at recognizing patterns.

It’s fast, funny, and surprisingly mind-expanding.

Why I Love Using It to Teach AI

✅ It’s visual and interactive

No boring slides about algorithms — just doodles and guesses.

✅ It makes AI less scary

Students see AI as a “helper” trying to learn from their work (and sometimes failing!).

✅ It builds digital fluency

They begin understanding how machines learn, recognize patterns, and improve over time.

✅ It’s great practice for tech skills, too

This activity gives younger students hands-on experience with using a trackpad or mouse — something many of them struggle with early on. Practicing fine motor skills in a fun, low-pressure way helps build their confidence with devices they’ll use daily.

How to Use It in the Classroom

1. Use It as a Warm-Up

Great for getting students thinking creatively before a STEM or tech lesson.

2. Pair Students Up

Let one student draw while the other guesses what the AI will guess — this builds discussion and prediction skills.

3. Reflect on the Experience

Ask:

“What made it hard for the AI to guess?”
“What do you think the computer learned from your doodle?”
“Was it always right? Why or why not?”

4. Tie It to Real-World AI

Explain how apps like Google Photos or Siri also recognize patterns to help us — and how they don’t always get it right.

Teacher Tips

✅ Works great on Chromebooks and desktops
✅ No sign-in required
✅ You can replay and share student drawings if you project your screen
✅ Keep it light and fun — the point isn’t perfect drawing, it’s interaction

Want a Lesson Plan or Slide Deck?

I’m working on a printable version of this activity with guiding questions and slides — message me on Instagram @techandteachability if you want early access!

Final Thoughts

AI isn’t just something our students will “deal with someday” — it’s already part of their world. And the more we can bring it down to earth in creative, thoughtful ways, the better prepared they’ll be.

Google Quick, Draw! is one of my favorite tools for starting that conversation — no robots required.