We Didn't Know What We Didn't Know--Stories of Teaching Over Three Decades
Sue and Lisa are retired elementary teachers. When they started their careers, "They didn't know what they didn't know." Their podcast is here to show appreciation for those who are called to teach. They would also like you to laugh along with them. They are starting their 4th year, and hope you reach out with your story. Email us at podcastwedidntknow@gmail.com.
Episodes
59 episodes
Icebreakers From Hell
In this episode of their comedy podcast for teachers, Sue and Lisa discuss the most absurd and cringe-worthy icebreakers they've experienced in professional settings. They share their takes on everything from uncomfortable shoulder massages to ...
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Season 4
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Episode 59
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28:17
Pets in the Classroom Remastered!
As Lisa is off gallivanting in the Caribbean this January (2025) Sue is remastering some of their first episodes. After all these years, Sue has finally learned how to edit a little bit better. You can hear the "Three Chesters" story in complet...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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20:40
Shut Up, Sit Down, and Earn A Marble
In this new episode, Sue and Lisa take a trip down memory lane to explore the evolution of school discipline. From the intimidating Board of Education (a.k.a. the paddle) to today’s mindfulness exercises, they unpack the absurd, someti...
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Season 4
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Episode 58
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29:33
Fa-La-La-La-larious Moments From Holiday Staff Parties
Welcome to a holly-jolly whirlwind of awkward conversations, questionable gift exchanges, and a game of quarters that went TOO FAR! In this episode, we unwrap the chaos of school worker holiday parties. From the great pickle ornament debacle to...
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Season 4
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Episode 57
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25:04
Acronym Overload
Decoding the ABCs of Acronym Overload - A Pep Talk by YOUR Principal"Good morning, team! Today’s priorities: align PPG with MTSS strategies, focusing on PBIS to reduce ODRs. Address RTI needs for...
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Season 4
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Episode 56
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17:15
Staff Infections (Meetings)
Welcome to We Didn't Know What We Didn't Know, where retired teachers Sue and Lisa spill the tea—and maybe some coffee—on life in the classroom and beyond. In this episode, they tackle the universal torment of school staff meetings wit...
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Season 4
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Episode 55
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20:00
Substitute Teaching
Lisa and Sue reminisce about their wildest substitute teaching experiences. From quirky subs like the "ear piercing enthusiast" to the "life insurance lecturer," they share stories that left classrooms in stitches or stunned silence. They swap ...
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Season 4
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Episode 54
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29:10
PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY, please
In this episode of We Didn’t Know What We Didn’t Know, Sue and Lisa tackle the challenges teachers face in the age of screens. From the days of three-channel TVs and foil-covered rabbit ears to the overwhelming presence of iPads and sm...
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Season 4
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Episode 53
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20:13
Early Birds Vs. Night Owls
On today's episode, Sue and Lisa take a humorous dive into the quirks of being early birds versus night owls, especially in the chaotic world of elementary school teaching. They uncover the morning growls, caffeine-fueled sprints, and Cosmic br...
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Season 4
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Episode 52
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22:33
Welcome Back, You're Fired?
Today on We Didn’t Know What We Didn’t Know, Lisa and Sue thank their lucky stars they're not at Teacher Back Day—five days of mandatory bonding, awkward wellness activities, and the ever-looming threat of budget cuts. School district ...
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Season 4
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Episode 51
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14:58
Teacher Nursing Home- A Short- Our 50th Episode!
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 resi...
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Season 4
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Episode 50
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11:21
Teacher Brain-Blessing or Burden?
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 ove...
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Season 4
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Episode 49
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21:06
Lounge Lizards-The Teacher's Lounge
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 48
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23:45
Gettin' Older Than Dirt
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 47
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23:52
Teachers, Are We Really Rockin' Retirement?
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 46
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29:13
Teacher Game Show Finale-Reboot
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 t...
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Season 3
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Episode 45
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19:32
Teacher Game Show Part 2 Reboot
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 a...
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Season 3
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Episode 44
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29:11
Teacher Game Show Part 1 Reboot
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 teachi...
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Season 3
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Episode 43
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21:42
Leaving Your Legacy
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 memora...
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Season 3
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Episode 42
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19:55
Ageism
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 s...
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Season 3
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Episode 41
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21:44
The Frickin' Golden Apple
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 40
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22:10
Take This Grade and Shove It
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 du...
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Season 3
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Episode 39
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20:50
Surviving the Chaos-Student Teachers Unleashed!
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 ea...
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Season 3
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Episode 38
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23:09