Episode 11: Simplifying Lesson Planning | The Edu20/20 Podcast
Courtney Dumas
March 17, 2026
Lesson planning doesn’t have to be complicated. Courtney and Shannon share four moves that simplify it — a clear objective, essential activities, a simple lesson check, and planned student engagement — plus a weekly routine that keeps planning manageable.
Lesson planning doesn’t have to be complicated.
In this episode of The Edu20/20 Podcast, Courtney and Shannon break down four essential moves that simplify lesson planning and help teachers focus on what matters most for student learning.
They discuss common lesson planning frustrations, how to prioritize the most important parts of a lesson, and practical strategies teachers can use to plan more efficiently while still delivering strong instruction.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How to identify a clear lesson objective
- How to choose essential activities that move learning forward
- Why every lesson needs a simple lesson check
- How to plan meaningful student engagement
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:01 The Priority Skills Every Teacher Needs
04:13 Why Lesson Planning Feels Overwhelming
05:27 The 4 Moves That Simplify Lesson Planning
07:26 Identifying Essential Activities
09:08 Planning for Student Engagement
12:21 Creating a Weekly Lesson Planning Routine
15:20 Advice for Instructional Leaders
Follow Edu20/20 for more strategies that help educators simplify instruction and strengthen classroom impact.
