AI policy in schools has teachers navigating federal chaos with zero training. In this episode, veteran AP teacher Leah Cleary breaks down the Biden vs Trump AI education executive orders, reveals why only 2 states require district AI policies, and translates what state guidance actually means for classroom teachers. She shares how she uses AI tools like her custom GPT for grading (https://leahcleary.com/gpt-for-grading-landing-page/) while addressing the reality that 70% of teachers have received no AI professional development. Learn what's coming in 2026, which states have mandatory requirements, and how to make professional decisions about AI when policy offers zero practical answers. Essential listening for teachers trying to navigate artificial intelligence in education without clear guidelines.

In this episode of If Teachers Ruled the World, host Leah Cleary tackles every teacher's nightmare: waking up sick and having to create substitute teacher plans at 5 AM. She shares a practical system for how to prepare for a substitute teacher that works for both random sick days and extended emergencies. Leah breaks down two approaches—quick last minute sub plans using templates, and a complete emergency sub plans system you set up once at the beginning of the year. Whether you need sub plans for teachers during flu season or for unexpected life events, this episode offers substitute lesson plans template strategies that prioritize your wellbeing while keeping students learning. Stop sacrificing your health to avoid sub prep, and start using a system that actually works.

What happens when life gets hard outside of school, but you still have to show up for 150+ students with zero time to breathe? In this episode, I'm getting real about the unique demands of teaching - the performative nature of our job, the myth of the "free period," and what it costs to be "on" all day with no breaks when you're also dealing with personal struggles.

If you've ever felt exhausted from flipping the switch between your real life and your teacher life, this one's for you. We're talking about teacher burnout, the reality of teacher work-life balance (or lack thereof), why teaching is so exhausting, and why our 20-minute lunch and "planning period" aren't what people think they are.

No perfect solutions here - just honest conversation about teacher mental health, the cost of compartmentalizing, and permission to acknowledge that this job hits different when life gets hard.