In this laugh-out-loud short, our 50th episode, (!) retired educators Sue and Lisa dive into the absurd yet hilarious idea of a nursing home exclusively for retired teachers. Imagine ex-principals thinking they are running the place, while residents engage in wheelchair races, balloon volleyball, and GoNoodle brain breaks. Hallways are adorned with…

In their 49th podcast episode, "The Teacher Brain—Blessing or Burden?", hosts Sue and Lisa dive into the eternal struggle of turning off the "teacher brain." From accidentally organizing strangers' children at the park to obsessing over classroom supplies, these retired teachers can't help but see the world through an educational lens. They recount…

In this episode we join Lisa, who’s fresh back from a serene Portugal trip, but now reeling from eye surgery. Despite Lisa's "bloody eye" issues, she’s ready to dive into the day's topic: the mythical Teacher’s Lounge. It’s not just a place; it's an institution filled with characters straight out of a sitcom. Remember the "lounge lizard"? The veter…

Sue and Lisa, two seasoned educators, catch up in their podcast to discuss the often humorous side of life as we all age. This episode dives into their continued conversation about retirement, introducing well-intentioned games and phone calls with retired friends. The duo brainstorms quirky business ideas like an AI-driven 'teacher immersion room'…

In episode 46, Sue and Lisa are cozied up in Sue's new Scamp Camper, aka their new mobile podcast studio, shielded from the rain by the camper's rat-fur walls. Yes, rat fur, but don’t let that deter you; it’s just part of the charm! These two retirees are planning to conquer the world, dreaming of a comedy show tour from the tiny camper, or they co…

In the thrilling conclusion of our "Teach It Reality TV Gameshow," the hosts unveil the winner. The two contestants face the dreaded speed round, deciding if the scenarios are true or not true. Michael emerges triumphant, lauded for his quick thinking and wit in navigating these bizarre but often TRUE classroom scenarios. Michael and runner-up Kim,…

Welcome back to 'We Didn't Know What We Didn't Know'! In today's episode, Sue and Lisa dive headfirst into their hilarious teacher game show reboot, pitting non-teachers against the challenges educators face daily. From crayfish conundrums to accidental underwear rags, the laughs are non-stop! First up, Donald, the bureaucratic non-educator from Ca…

Because Lisa just became a Grandma again, and Sue is taking some time off to reinvent herself, we've decided to reboot our fantastic episodes about our Teacher Game Show. In this first episode of three, we explore the challenges of teaching through a game show format, first putting professional teachers to the test with absurd scenarios straight fr…

In this episode, Sue and Lisa dive into the hilarious world of leaving behind remnants of their teaching careers. From inadvertently leaving confidential papers in storage units to daring Lego heists, they recount the comical mishaps and memorable moments that define their legacies. As they reminisce about the quirky traditions and pranks that infu…

Welcome to our Teacher Comedy Podcast with Sue and Lisa, where they're hitting it like pros, just like they did back in '36 Sicily. In today's episode, they tackle the topic of ageism with their signature blend of humor and insight. Sue shares the dreams she's been having after retirement, including one where Lisa's a bus driver navigating the chal…

Join Lisa and Sue, two retired elementary school teachers with over 30 years of experience each, as they dive into the hilarious world of education in their latest podcast adventure. After failed attempts to publish their comedic experiences in a book, they decided to take matters into their own hands and share their stories out loud. In this episo…

Welcome to the wacky world of "Grades and Chocolate: A Podcast of Sweet and Savvy Ratings!" Join Sue and Lisa as they embark on a hilarious journey through the absurdity of grading systems. From school grades to bathroom scales, this dynamic duo covers it all. But hold on, it's not all about A's and B's! The hosts introduce a groundbreaking rating …

In this uproarious episode, hosts Lisa and Sue dive headfirst into the wild world of student teachers, sharing their experiences and unforgettable encounters. From the get-go, it's clear that Lisa isn't one to share her classroom easily, citing her aversion to relinquishing control, confessing that she'd rather not share her students—or her drinks!…

Do you constantly reminisce about days gone by? Are you quite certain that education was simply better "back in the day?" Well, Sue and Lisa beg to differ. By the way, our students COULD read and write in CURSIVE and they SAID THE PLEDGE of allegiance every day. Plus, they could TYPE their 5 page essays after GOOGLING how to SPELL tricky words like…

We didn't know what we didn't know what it was like for our teachers when we were children having fun on the playground in the 1970's. Sue and Lisa discuss the craziness of having recess duty now that they DO KNOW. Screaming, "Hold your balls!" Covid recess, aka. the Berlin Wall. Designated snow. Sleeping bag coats, boot trackers, and orange vests.…

Sue and Lisa discuss the kinds of kids they were during school recess, and they wonder if the same types exist in the wild today. Were you a climber, a whiner, a swinger or a clinger? They even wrote their own Billy Joel parody song about it. Stand back, Weird Al! #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBotherDressingUp, #Wh…

Some heroes wear a cape & can lift a car over their head, but some wear a hairnet and can lift heavy trays of hot chicken nuggets with one hand. Today we talk about the Lunch Lady (and man?) Heroes of the school. Well, mainly we tell our own lunch stories from our memories. #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBotherDress…

Happy Anniversay everbody! Sue and Lisa are here to begin year 3 of podcasting. This episode tackles dressing mishaps, moped hair, accidents galore, and the wrath of a woman whose parking space was taken. Laugh along with us as we tell our teacher stories from the last 35 years. Share your stories with us, please? Email us: podcastwedidntknow@gmail…

A school bus is really just a large metal tube with seats built like walls, hiding up to 75 loud children, hiding ungodly things from the sight of the bus driver. That driver most assuredly is not singing "Move on back" or thinking about the "swish, swish, swish " of the wipers. Join Lisa and Sue on a harrowing journey back to their memories of bus…

It's time to dust off your floppy disk, warm up your Apple 2E, and journey on the Oregon Trail with Sue and Lisa! This time we talk about how technology in the schools has changed over the decades for both teachers and students. What do you remember from your childhood? Do you miss it, or is it only fit for the dumpster? #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis…

It's time for part 2 of our seminar called "Teacher Training Boot Camp" This session's traits are perseverance, adaptability, (fast thinking) tolerance, and of course, collaboration, aka. co-BLAB-oration. Copy and paste this link in your browser to watch the accompanying YouTube video: https://youtu.be/PFrLA9SSvR4 (or click link below) #TheyDontPay…

Are you ready to sign up for a free 2-day seminar called "Teacher Training Boot Camp?" Sue and Lisa will lead you through the difficult and often timed tasks that will separate the tough & able from the weak quitters. Today we tackle these traits: stamina, patience, grit, acceptance, and love. Does this sound like a serious podcast, suitable for no…

We have all been to school. We know the signs. There's Mr. Comedian, Mrs. Militant, and Ms. Mom. Sue and Lisa have a lot to say about the teaching styles they have encountered over the past 35 years. #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBotherDressingUp, #WhatItsAllAbout, #LessonPlan, #BathroomBreak, #DanielsonModel, #Try…

So...we picked on parenting styles last time. Thinking about birth order was too triggering for Sue (middle child), so we decided to think about all of those staff meetings, when true personalities and teacher styles came out, along with claws, avoidance, tears, and enthusiasm. We felt an overwhelming compulsion to dramatize the scenarios we are ta…

What kind of parent are you? A snowplow? A Tiger? A Jellyfish? Helicopter? Invisible? Lisa and Sue are not young enough to know everything, but we know parents. In this episode, we share lots of stories of close encounters of the helicopter kind. Don't worry, we have changed the names to protect everybody. BEWARE! Our gameshow format is back. Let u…

Sue and Lisa share the funny things their own children had to endure because their Moms were teachers. Are you a teacher's kid or a teacher with your own tormented kids? Email us your funny, frustrating, or frightening story to podcastwedidntknow@gmail.com. You will win a prize! #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBother…

Calling all demon and witch teachers from our past. You know who you are. We are going to talk about the trauma you caused us. You haunted us with number one machines, burned creamed corn, fruit flies, and crusty milk pants. Disclaimer: We know teaching is a tough profession, and everyone has their "Oops" moments, including us. But this is a comedy…

There is nothing like a shiny, new school year, so full of hopes and dreams. Then, as reality crashes all around, you might need a blue blankie and a quiet corner to say good-bye to your hopes, and dream of retirement. Sue and Lisa share some funny stories about the first day blues. They really didn't know what they didn't know. Learn from them. Pl…

Sue and Lisa have more than a few things to say about the craziness of starting a new school year in an elementary classroom. The main question: is ingenuitive a word? Sue still says it is not, but who wants to challenge a mic drop? #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBotherDressingUp, #WhatItsAllAbout, #LessonPlan, #Bat…

Sue and Lisa have been podcasters for one year! Listen and laugh along with us as we reminisce. Wish us a happy anniversary by email: Podcastwedidntknow@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SueandLisa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wedidntknowpodcast/ Thanks for listening! #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyD…

It is summer, friends! Sue and Lisa reminisce about summers past and discuss all the weird and wonderful jobs and hobbies teachers do during those precious weeks of summer. Do you have comments or things to share? Here's our email: podcastwedidntknow@gmail.com #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBotherDressingUp, #WhatIt…

Lisa is officially retired, but before we celebrate, it is time to discuss the end of a great school year with a Gaga pit, bloody dunk tanks, road rash, a caterpillar vagina, and a flaming middle finger. #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBotherDressingUp, #WhatItsAllAbout, #LessonPlan, #BathroomBreak, #DanielsonModel, …

Our stress reducer stories continue, but enter the more dangerous territory of hospital visits and reprimands. #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBotherDressingUp, #WhatItsAllAbout, #LessonPlan, #BathroomBreak, #DanielsonModel, #TryingToBeNice, #StopTheWorldIWantToGetOff, #WeDidntKnow, #WeDidntKnowWhatWeDidntKnow, #Stre…

How do you get through the tough times in life? Lisa and Sue are joined by 3 teacher friends who reminisce about how they handled stress through the years. We suggest you ignore their advice. #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBotherDressingUp, #WhatItsAllAbout, #LessonPlan, #BathroomBreak, #DanielsonModel, #TryingToBeN…

As the retiring Lisa cleans out her classroom for the last time, she is asking herself the same question most teachers have asked for decades, "Why is that here?" We have found some crazy things in our classrooms, and in our desks. How about you? If you have pictures of the funny or strange items from your desk, please email them to us at podcastwe…

There is nothing more ridiculous than keeping all those scraps of construction paper in a giant scrap box. From petrified cupcakes to balls of poster putty...thousands of binder clips to science supplies...teachers keep everything, just in case. #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBotherDressingUp, #WhatItsAllAbout, #Les…

Sometimes the underlying reasons we stress over leading parent-teacher conferences are hard to explain. In this episode, we do our best to fill you in on some pretty weird experiences we've had between us over the past 35 years. Reach out to us by email: podcastwedidntknow@gmail.com As a parent or a teacher, tell us your weird parent teacher confer…

Come join Sue and Lisa as they share their hopes and dreams for 2022. They have New Year's Resolutions for educators everywhere. Sue shares with Lisa some advice for retirement that include ditching glitter, "Express-a-masks," and keeping up with technology. #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBotherDressingUp, #WhatItsA…

Sue and Lisa share stories of great and not so great gifts that teachers receive. They also have a special holiday treat for you. Happy New Year! We will be back in 2022! #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBotherDressingUp, #WhatItsAllAbout, #LessonPlan, #BathroomBreak, #DanielsonModel, #TryingToBeNice, #StopTheWorldIWa…

We find the winner of our Teach It Game Show by playing a speed round of "Real or Not Real." Did Lisa have a student with a foot fetish or one who wouldn't wear shoes? Did Sue teach a boy who was afraid of the color yellow? Did we know of a substitute who forgot to come back to class after lunch? Hear more of our stories, and laugh along as we crow…

It is time for the non-educators to join Sue and Lisa for their new elimination teacher game show: Teach IT! (Final title in review.) Listen to random callers as they answer questions about dead hamsters, giant chocolate bars, smoky cake, and gifts of homemade moonshine, the prize is $1,000,000 FAKE Bucks! This is sure to be the next big thing. #Th…

Join Sue and Lisa for their new elimination teacher game show: Teach IT! (Final title in review.) Do you know what to do with a dead class pet? How about the proper technique to dispose of live science crayfish? Have you ever eaten a pint of someone else's ice cream from the staff fridge while crying in a corner? If you answered "Yes or No," this g…

Welcome to our Halloween episode of "We Didn't Know What We Didn't Know!" You are in for a treat...or will it be a trick? Listen and find out. #TheyDontPayMeEnoughForThis, #IGiveUp, #HandsToYourself, #WhyDoIBotherDressingUp, #WhatItsAllAbout, #LessonPlan, #BathroomBreak, #DanielsonModel, #TryingToBeNice, #StopTheWorldIWantToGetOff, #WeDidntKnow, #W…

Sue and Lisa have a few guests as they continue their discussion on the ridiculous things kids say and do in school. Find out why math belongs in frickin' Nebraska, exactly what is Jell-O sh#@, the dam challenge, and of course, Grandpa Joe. We end the episode with the next verse of our country song. Enjoy! We would love to hear from you with your p…

Sue and Lisa have so many stories on this topic that it is going to take two episodes to cover them all! In part one, we kind of lose our minds. Let's just say there were puddles left behind when taping. Bring along a towel when you listen. The unexpected things that we hear as teachers often blindside us, but they make our job so much fun. Hair st…

No matter how great a day of teaching and learning is going, children and adults alike have to deal with bodily functions. Sue, Lisa, and some friends share stories related to the mishaps of solids, liquids and gases that they didn't know they had to deal with as teachers. This episode is not for the faint of heart or the weak of stomach. Picker fl…

Sue and Lisa are again joined by some teacher friends to share some "SFD" teaching moments. This is the secret code that we used to explain those moments in teaching where swearing is needed but not allowed. Hopefully, you will figure it out. Laugh along with us as we share stories such as: the obnoxious ship horns on sick days, a sign language mis…

Sue and Lisa are joined by past and present teacher friends who share examples of rules that are just plain stupid (We know stupid is not a nice word but, "Oh well"). We talk about the injustices of wooden spoons, A to B, illegal fist bumps, attractive gym suits, and a macho fire marshal with his 10% rule. Please listen and laugh along with us. #Th…

Sue and Lisa share stories of times when they were blindsided during their teaching experiences. Find out about the confusing Mr. Bones puzzle, granny panty cleaning cloths, NOT potpies, and tornado watches. Sue finishes the story of the three hamsters named Chester. Listen and hopefully laugh along with us as we didn't see THAT coming! #TheyDontPa…

Sue and Lisa share how they came to make this podcast. Be ready to laugh along with us as we share "What We Didn't Know We Didn't Know" about having pets in our classrooms. Over the last 30 years, we've invited Madagascan hissing cockroaches, aquariums of fish, and cages hamsters named after "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" characters into our classrooms…