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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 16: Behind the Curtain: How Teachers Really Get Hired in New York City
Getting hired in the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) isn’t just about what you know—it’s often about who you know. In this episode of Playing Teacher: The Podcast, we pull back the curtain on the hiring process in the largest school system in the country. From the nerve-wracking interviews to the networking that makes a difference, we explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of how teachers land jobs in the NYCDOE. Whether you’re an aspiring educator or a veteran looking to understand the system better, this candid conversation reveals the realities behind one of the most competitive hiring landscapes in education.
