Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

Every September, teachers get swept into the “stress spiral” - the endless to-do lists, stacks of papers to grade, and the constant feeling of barely keeping your head above water. But what if this season didn’t have to drain you? 

In last week’s episode, I kicked off the September Survival Series, which highlights how teachers can regain control and re-establish routines and procedures with confidence onc...

At the start of the school year, everything feels fresh. Students are eager, polite, and full of curiosity. But as the weeks go on, that initial sparkle can begin to fade. Routines get tested, boundaries are pushed, and the excitement starts to wear off. For most teachers, this transition tends to happen in September, when reality starts to set in.

That’s why I’m launching a brand-new series called the S...

When teachers feel like their admin doesn’t have their back, it can be exhausting, isolating, and even hopeless at times. But you're not powerless. In fact, there are ways to protect your well-being, advocate for yourself, and create positive change—even when support from the top is lacking. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what to do when you're dealing with mean or unsupportive admin, and how to protect your peace by...

If you're a beginning teacher dealing with students who constantly ignore you, here are two things you need to know: you're not alone, and it doesn't mean you're a bad teacher. Need some good news? It doesn’t have to stay this way! In today’s episode, I’m sharing why students might not be listening and giving you a clear, 5-step action plan to help your students follow directions without having to repeat yourself over...

While many of us use books to support lessons or create a calm, engaging moment with our class, did you know there are other powerful ways to use them? Children’s literature isn’t just about telling stories. It’s an effective tool for establishing expectations, modeling behavior, and building a positive classroom culture. In today’s episode, I’m sharing five of my favorite children’s books that will help you teach cla...

As you set up your classroom and wait for students to arrive, a different kind of noise often fills the silence: worry. Teachers carry a lot on their shoulders, and sometimes that worry grows loud enough to drown out everything else, stirring up self-doubt. In today’s episode, you’ll learn simple, practical strategies to quiet that worry, take away its power, and boost your confidence, both in the classroom and in you...

Classroom management isn’t just a concern for homeroom teachers. Specials teachers face their own unique set of challenges: rotating classes, varying expectations, and limited time to build relationships. But with the right strategies, you can turn that chaos into connection and create a learning environment where students thrive, no matter how short the time you have with them. In today’s episode, I’ll walk you throu...

With such long and exhausting days, teachers need more opportunities to relax and declutter their minds, and meditation does just that. It's a powerful tool that allows educators to recharge, reduce stress, and regain focus, helping them show up with presence, patience, and purpose, both in and out of the classroom. In today’s episode, I’ve created a 10-minute guided meditation you can listen to at the end of the day,...

One thing I always emphasize is that teachers are lifelong learners. They’re constantly evolving, growing, and striving to be their best. Because this mindset plays such an important role in a teacher’s success and happiness, I love interviewing educators who truly embody it, and my guest today does just that. Margaret McLellan is a member of the Classroom Management Club and is joining me to share how the Club has im...

Tapping into your creative side during summer break is a great way to develop engaging strategies that make a real impact on your students and classroom community. Five-minute field trips are one of those strategies you’ll want to keep in your toolkit. In today’s episode, I revisit this special technique—explaining what it is, when to use it, and how it helps students become regulated, refocused, and reenergized.

When you’re part of the Classroom Management Club, you’re not just exchanging ideas and strategies; you’re sharing purpose, strength, and the kind of support that only fellow educators can offer. Last week, we kicked off our conversation with three of our fabulous coaches—Alicia, Michelle, and Becca—who shared their experiences as members of the Club and offered tips for improving classroom management. In part two of ...

I always dreamed of creating a space for beginning teachers and the Classroom Management Club has exceeded all expectations. It has grown into a thriving community that turns support and encouragement into daily fuel for growth. In addition to providing resources teachers can use throughout the school year, it includes dedicated coaches who offer ongoing support and guidance to fellow educators. In part one of this co...

Beginning teachers imagine that with experience will come more confidence, stronger classroom management, and the ability to handle challenging students and situations with ease. And while that can certainly be true, the reality is that experienced teachers never stop learning and growing in their practice. My guest on today's episode, Kayla, can attest to that. She's sharing how being a member of the Classroom Manage...

When you’re just starting out as a teacher, there’s so much to learn and never quite enough time. So, what can you do to help yourself feel more prepared and ready to tackle the back-to-school season? My guest on today’s episode, Emily Roberts, had the same question. She’s sharing how the Academy shaped her preparation, helped her manage challenging student behaviors, and supported her in building strong student relat...

Your first year of teaching often feels like pure survival mode. It’s usually not until your second year that you can finally take a breath, make intentional plans, and start growing as an educator. My guest on today’s episode, Teresa Grosboll, knows that feeling all too well. She’s sharing what it really takes to not just survive, but thrive in your second year—and how the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy helped boost h...

Let’s be honest: teaching gets tough. As a beginning teacher, you're stepping into a world where success isn’t defined by perfection, but by perseverance. There will be challenges — tough students, long nights, and moments of doubt — but grit is what will carry you through. In today’s episode, inspired by Angela Duckworth’s book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, I’m sharing why grit is so important in teach...

Even with several years of classroom experience working alongside other teachers, stepping into your own classroom comes with a whole new set of challenges. From classroom setup and organization to behavior management and building routines, there are so many things a university program doesn't prepare you for. In today's teacher spotlight, Jenna Barron is sharing her struggles, what she wish she knew going into teachi...

Teachers often pour so much time and energy into supporting their students that they forget about forming strong relationships with their peers. Navigating adult connections can be unexpectedly tricky. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing practical advice for how you can fit in at a new school or with your grade-level team. These strategies will show you that with patience and a positive outlook, you’ll not only find yo...

Our brains are wired to worry, so it’s only natural for you to wonder how you'll handle the unknown of the coming school year. Using two real-life teacher examples, I’ll show how fear and worry about potential challenges can be addressed with simple, actionable strategies. Each concern is valid, but by focusing on what’s true and what’s working, you’ll start to recognize your growth and reframe the fear. You’ll also s...