Summer Refresh: Top Podcasts For Teachers & Tutors

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As the last days of summer come to a close, there’s a familiar mix of excitement, nostalgia, and maybe just a tiny bit of panic. The shift from poolside afternoons to lesson planning can feel like changing gears without a clutch and if you’re a teacher or tutor, you know the start of the year is both a fresh start and a sprint.

This season, instead of diving in cold, why not transition with intention? Whether you’ve been tutoring throughout the summer or enjoyed a well-deserved break, a great way to ease back into the rhythm is by tuning into podcasts designed for educators. From quick, energizing tips to deep dives into teaching strategies, podcasts can help you gather fresh ideas, spark creativity, and recharge your motivation all while you commute, prep lessons, or enjoy that last iced coffee of the season.

A light green line drawing showing a stack of three books with a bookmark in the top one. An apple with a stem and a leaf rests on the top book. Above the books, a lightbulb is shown glowing with light lines radiating from it. The elements represent education, knowledge, and new ideas.

This Teacher Life

Inspired by a “terribly” boring professional development experience, teacher Monica Genta created her own platform for teachers to access practical, meaningful, and impactful professional development that sticks. Every week, the six-time author, speaker, and educational consultant publishes a new podcast episode with so-simple-they’re-almost-ridiculous tips for improving the daily classroom experience for teachers and students alike.

Apple Podcast | Spotify 

The 10-Minute Teacher Show

A daily podcast with quick, actionable tips for teachers. Host Vicki Davis is a former teacher and school counselor, and she knows what teachers need to hear. Episodes are typically 10-15 minutes long, so they’re perfect for a quick listen.

Apple Podcast | Spotify

A bright pink line drawing of a stopwatch with the text "10 min" in the center. The stopwatch face has a hash mark at the top, representing the 12 o'clock position. The lines are dashed in some places, giving it a modern feel.
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The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast

Hosted by Jennifer Gonzalez, this is a treasure trove for educators. Each episode tackles teaching strategies, classroom management, edtech, and education reform—all through engaging interviews and actionable insights. Widely popular and consistently ranked among the best.

Let’s K12 Better

Join Amber and her kids at their kitchen table, where family discussions are fun and informative! Learn from experts and explore innovative ideas that push for more meaningful, equitable, and compassionate K12 learning experiences for kids, parents, and educators.

Apple Podcast | Spotify

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Self-Care for Educators

If you only have ten minutes to spare for professional or personal development, this podcast is for you. Host Tina H. Boogren takes listeners on a brief vacation from the classroom to share practical self-care strategies that include breathwork, mindfulness, practicing gratitude, and setting boundaries.

Apple Podcast | Spotify

MindShift  

This podcast explores the latest research in teaching and learning, with a focus on how to improve educational outcomes for all students. While geared towards teachers, many of the insights and strategies can be beneficial for tutors as well.

Apple Podcast | Spotify

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A pale blue line drawing of a retro-style microphone with vertical lines on either side representing sound waves. The image is a visual symbol for a podcast or other audio content.

As summer winds down, it’s the perfect time to set the tone for a successful, energized school year. Podcasts like these offer more than just tips. They provide inspiration, practical strategies, and a moment to pause and recharge. Whether you’re a classroom teacher or a tutor, tuning in can help you enter the new year with fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and a sense of connection to the broader teaching community.

So grab your headphones, sip that last iced coffee, and let these podcasts guide you as you transition from summer mode to the exciting rhythm of the school year ahead.