This August, many fresh college graduates are stepping into their classrooms for the first time. They knew what they were signing up for when they decided to be a teacher—but did they, really? While education is still a career many choose to pursue, just as many are dropping out of teaching, creating a nationwide teacher shortage.
Will these new teachers just become another statistic?
Meet Miss Jenna MacNulty, a first-year teacher in a bustling third-grade classroom. This year, she’s putting all her education and training into practice, and it’s not easy.
This is Year One, a podcast from Carnegie Learning that dives into one teacher’s exhilarating, challenging, and eye-opening journey of teaching for the first time.
Jenna has never envisioned herself being anything else other than a teacher. But will her passion for education shine through despite the trials she faces? Will Jenna return to teach for a second year?
We’re here to capture every moment and find out.
Live From The National Institutes: Jenna’s Journey in Year One
Teacher Jenna MacNulty reflects on her first year of teaching, discussing the challenges, joys, and personal growth experienced, in an interview with Janet Irwin and Kasey Bratcher.
20 May 2025
Jenna’s Last School Days of Year One
It’s Jenna’s last day as a third-grade teacher, and while the routine feels familiar, there’s an unmistakable weight in the air. A year ago, she couldn’t sleep the night before her first day. Today, she’s preparing to say goodbye.
In this final episode of Year One, Jenna reflects on the whirlwind of her first year: the nervous excitement of meeting her students, the challenges of finding her footing, and the unexpected joy in forming deep connections with her class. But as the school year draws to a close, the hardest part isn’t packing up her things—it’s saying goodbye to the students who have shaped her year in ways she never expected.
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
29 Apr 2025
To Stay or Not to Stay – That is the Question
As Jenna nears the end of her first year of teaching, she's faced with an unexpected decision. But with deep connections to her current school, a strong team, and students who have impacted her life, Jenna grapples with the choice to stay or move on.
In this episode of Year One, we follow Jenna as she reflects on the ups and downs of her first year and weighs the decision between comfort and opportunity. Will she start over in a new school, or will she remain with the community she’s built?
Tune in to hear how Jenna navigates this pivotal moment, supported by her friends, family, and her passion for education.
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
8 Apr 2025
Spring Fever
The end of the school year is near, but the final stretch is no walk in the park.
In this episode, Miss MacNulty faces a classroom of students growing restless with summer just around the corner. Classroom routines break down, and managing behavior becomes a daily battle, but Jenna has a few strategies to keep her third graders on track. From creative lesson plans to Teacher Appreciation Week surprises, Jenna shares how she navigates this challenging yet rewarding time in her first year of teaching.
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
18 Mar 2025
The Realities of State Testing
What happens when a first-year teacher faces the biggest test of the year—literally?
In this episode, as the pressure builds for both students and teachers, Jenna works to balance test prep with maintaining an engaging classroom environment. You’ll hear her anxieties, from logistical hurdles to ensuring her students are prepared. Listen in as she navigates the stress and reflects on her students' performance during this pivotal moment in her first year of teaching.
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
25 Feb 2025
The Dreaded Teacher Observation
Surprise! Your principal drops in for an unannounced classroom observation.
In this episode, Miss MacNulty shares what it’s really like to have someone watching your every move as a first-year teacher. From the nerves of trying to “get it right” to the relief of getting through it, she gives us a peek into the principal observation and evaluation process.
We also hear from veteran principal Nishira, who sheds light on what principals are really looking for during these visits. Spoiler alert: it’s not about perfection.
Listen to hear how Jenna's handling the pressure of being observed, the surprises that come with teaching, and the lessons she’s learning along the way.
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
4 Feb 2025
Budgeting on a Teacher’s Salary
We know teachers don’t go into education for the paycheck, but what happens when the bills start piling up?
In this episode, Miss MacNulty, gets real about the financial challenges of being a first-year teacher. From rent and groceries to keeping her classroom stocked with supplies, she shares the stress of budgeting on a teacher’s salary—and what it feels like to live paycheck to paycheck.
Listen to hear how she’s managing, where the financial reality is hitting hardest, and how she's finding small ways to stay afloat—both in and out of the classroom.
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
14 Jan 2025
Teaching the Whole Student
Miss MacNulty, Maggie, and Phonisha share how building deep relationships with students and understanding their unique challenges transforms classroom dynamics and leads to more effective teaching.
3 Dec 2024
The Substitute Dilemma
Miss Jenna MacNulty shares her personal struggles with calling in sick as a teacher, revealing the guilt and stress of taking care of herself while her classroom still needs her.
19 Nov 2024
Accommodating Individual Needs and IEPs
Teaching isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every child learns differently. This is a fact.
Also a fact? Some students require special accommodations to get the time and attention they need.
We follow Jenna as she navigates the challenges of providing accommodations for her students. Balancing the needs of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and ensuring every child in her classroom receives the attention they deserve, Jenna reflects on the complexities of supporting diverse learning needs.
This episode also features experienced educators and administrators who explore what it takes to implement these accommodations effectively and how they impact both the classroom and the broader school environment.
Whether it's extra time on tests, small group settings, or personalized learning tools, you’ll witness the day-to-day realities and responsibilities that come with making education accessible to all.
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
5 Nov 2024
Prep, Plan, PTO - The Time Management Dilemma
A teacher’s job doesn’t end at 3pm, and it’s a reality every teacher knows all too well.
From early mornings and extended hours to balancing lesson planning and grading, Jenna finds that the administrative work required of her is a lot to juggle.
In this episode, we follow Jenna as she navigates the demanding and often overwhelming challenges of managing her time and how important setting boundaries is for a sustainable work-life balance.
How does she keep her head above water? Tune in to find out.
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
22 Oct 2024
Jenna's First Parent-Teacher Conference
Parent-teacher conferences are just around the corner, and like many teachers, Jenna is unsure of what to expect. Will parents be supportive? Will they challenge her methods?
During the height of COVID-19, remote learning turned parents into makeshift educators. This increased parental involvement but also led to heightened scrutiny of schools. For new teachers like Jenna, this added pressure made parent-teacher conferences especially daunting.
In this episode, she comes face-to-face with the fact that teaching is about much more than working with students.
Resources:
Listen to Jenna's interview on That's Total Mom Sense: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/janet-irwin-and-jenna-macnulty-educating-our-nations/id1463443667?i=1000671647592
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
8 Oct 2024
The Parent Connection
What do you do when you have kids screaming inappropriate words at each other?
For Jenna, involving school staff isn’t enough, so she decides to turn to the most vital part of a student's support system for help—their parents.
In this episode, she discovers that these relationships have more of an impact on her students' success and well-being than she originally thought.
Will she be able to build a connection that helps her students and corrects some of the behavior issues in her class?
Resources:
Listen to Jenna's interview on That's Total Mom Sense: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/janet-irwin-and-jenna-macnulty-educating-our-nations/id1463443667?i=1000671647592
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
24 Sept 2024
On Your Best Behavior
So your classroom has rules and routines (they’re on giant posters – you can’t miss ‘em.) But what happens when your students start to test boundaries?
Miss Jenna MacNulty shares her experience dealing with unexpected behavior challenges, like a student hiding under an umbrella behind a bookshelf for 35 minutes. Hear Jenna’s thoughts on balancing discipline with compassion and trying to find a long-term solution. Will she be able to maintain control of her classroom? Or will her administration need to get involved?
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
10 Sept 2024
I’d Like to Speak With the Classroom Manager
What does it take to get 26 third-graders into a classroom routine?
Miss Jenna MacNulty quickly finds out it’s easier said than done.
One of the huge challenges teachers face is setting the stage for successful learning with effective classroom management and clear expectations. As she begins to set her own strategies by trial and error, Jenna does her best to cater to her students’ needs while aligning with the school’s mission.
From lining up in the hallway to handling transitions, we get a glimpse into Jenna’s frustrations and determination to find what works for her students.
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
27 Aug 2024
Class Is in Session
The first day of school is as big of a deal for teachers as it is for students.
Walking into school that first morning, Miss Jenna MacNulty knows she has prepared as much as she can. She’s met some of her students, double-checked her to-do list, and yet, she can’t help but feel anxious as the first bell nears. She’s been preparing for this day her whole life—but is it everything she hoped it would be?
In this episode, we explore the excitement and challenges of Jenna’s first day in the classroom. From getting-to-know-you games to making sure all 26 students make their buses, experience all the emotional highs and lows that make Jenna’s first day an unforgettable start to her teaching career.
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
20 Aug 2024
Jenna’s First Open House
It’s the evening before the first day of school. The classroom door is wide open, and Miss Jenna MacNulty eagerly waits to meet 26 new students and their families.
Welcome to Open House.
In this episode, we follow Jenna through her very first open house as she adjusts to the social dynamics and various backgrounds each student brings. From navigating the chaos of open house night to managing parents' expectations, she shares her insights, triumphs, and lessons learned.
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
13 Aug 2024
Meet Miss MacNulty
Miss Jenna MacNulty is a first-year teacher eager to put passion into practice inside her third grade classroom. But in the midst of national teacher and funding shortages, will her love for teaching be enough to carry her through?
Join us for the debut episode of Year One from Carnegie Learning as Jenna prepares her classroom for her first day and the year ahead.
Resources:
Learn more about Year One and get free classroom resources: https://yearonepodcast.com/ (https://yearonepodcast.com/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ (https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/)
Follow Miss MacNulty’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty (https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnulty)
Learn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ (https://www.carnegielearning.com/)
10 Jul 2024
This is Year One
Every school year, thousands of new teachers enter their classrooms for the first time. And by the end of the year, many of these educators consider a new career path.
In the midst of a nationwide teacher shortage, will these new teachers just become another statistic?
Meet Miss Jenna MacNulty, a first-year teacher in a bustling third-grade classroom. This year, she’s putting all her education and training into practice, and it’s not easy.
Jenna has never envisioned herself being anything else other than a teacher. But will her passion for education shine through despite the trials she faces? Will Jenna return to teach for a second year?
This is Year One, a podcast from Carnegie Learning that follows one teacher’s exhilarating, challenging, and eye-opening journey of teaching for the first time.
Join us as we follow Jenna’s journey.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
34 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
19 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
14
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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