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Playing Teacher
🎙️ What is a teacher, really?
And what’s it actually like inside a New York City school?
Welcome to Playing Teacher, where veteran educators Matt and Rob—with over 40 years of combined experience teaching in NYC—pull back the curtain on the myths, realities, and moments that make education unforgettable (for better or worse). From the mysterious teacher’s lounge to the myth of “summer off,” they explore what really happens when the classroom door closes.
This isn’t a shiny brochure version of school. It’s the real deal:
🧠 Learning vs. schooling.
❤️ What kids actually carry with them.
🔥 How teachers and counselors survive systems built to burn them out.
And when we’re lucky enough to have her, we’re joined by Beanie—school counselor, educator, and recurring co-host—who brings powerful insight, grounded compassion, and the kind of perspective only someone who's worked both inside and around the classroom can offer.
👥 Guests range from teachers, students, and administrators to learning scientists, former kids (yes, really), and other unexpected voices from the world of education.
Whether you're in the classroom, supporting from the sidelines, or just trying to make sense of how we learn and why it matters—this is your hallway pass to the inside.
Playing Teacher
Episode 7: Remember When… (Memorable Moments & Movie Magic)
In this episode of Playing Teacher, we talk about the moments that stick—the scenes from our lives as educators that play in our minds like movies. You know the ones: the hallway showdown, the field trip fiasco, the spontaneous dance party, the kid who said something so profound you wrote it on a post-it and never threw it away.
We reflect on how these memorable teaching moments—big or small, funny or moving—aren’t just one-off stories. They’re what give the work meaning. And much like scenes from iconic films, they become part of our shared consciousness, shaping how we connect, how we teach, and how we remember.
From epic fails to unexpected victories, we draw parallels between the classroom and the big screen. Because whether you’re quoting Dead Poets Society, The Goonies, or Ferris Bueller, there’s something powerful about how movies and memories intertwine. They help us build language, build relationships, and build meaning—especially with kids who need more than just content; they need connection.
This one’s for the teachers who carry a mental highlight reel—and who know that sometimes, the best way to reach a student is through a well-timed movie quote or a shared laugh that becomes legend.
