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Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management
Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management
This podcast addresses the challenges of modern elementary teaching, such as burnout, difficult student behavior, and classroom management struggles. It offers practical solutions to bring joy back to teaching, build a caring classroom culture, and find balance between school and home. The host, Elizabeth M. Peterson, is an experienced teacher and arts integration specialist who shares creative learning strategies and mindset shifts to help teachers move from survival mode to purpose-driven teaching. Listeners will discover ways to engage students and reclaim control of their classrooms.
Episodes
163 | Is Teaching Still Worth It in 2026?
Have you ever found yourself typing “I quit teaching” into Google late at night?
With the behavior challenges, burnout, increasing demands, and everything else teachers are carrying right now, it’s understandable to wonder: Is teaching still worth it?
In this episode, I’m taking a different look at that question. I’ll share a deeply personal story about my mom, a teacher who once tried to talk me
162 | Teacher Art Retreats Are Back!
What if your professional development actually left you feeling inspired, energized, and excited to get back to your classroom?
After years of teaching through screens, Zoom meetings, packed schedules, and increasing demands, I’m bringing my Teacher Art Retreats back—and I couldn’t be more excited.
In this episode, I’m sharing what the Overnight Teacher Art Retreat actually is, why I decided the t
161 | Classroom Set-Up for Calm and Student Belonging
We've all done it — scrolled through classroom set up pictures online and felt that mix of inspired and overwhelmed. Well, whether your classroom looks like it could be in a magazine or not, there are some things that can be added to make sure your environment fosters calm and belonging.
So, in this episode, I'm sharing a few specific things I actually put in my own room every year to do just th
160 | Why Classroom Rules Fail (Even When Students Know Them)
It's the first week of school, and if you're like most teachers, your rules are already created, even if it's just in your mind. You're ready to establish clear expectations, get your students on board and be ready to implement consequences when needed.
But before you do that, listen in. Today, I'm sharing why rules alone might not be enough to get you through the year — and what actually needs
159 | Stop Saving Creativity for Friday — It Could Be the Most Powerful Classroom Management Tool You Have
Many teachers have gotten stuck thinking creativity is something you add when there’s time. Let's flip that — because creativity can actually reduce behavioral escalation, increase student engagement, and help YOU reconnect with your joy. It's not a bonus... it's a foundation.
I’ll walk you through what happens in a student’s nervous system when you bring movement, storytelling, or visual respon
158 | Student Behavior Is the #1 Crisis in Teaching Right Now. Here's What Teachers Can Do
If you've ever wondered whether student behavior is harder now than it used to be — the data has an answer. In this episode I'm sharing two more findings from 2025 and 2026 that confirm what teachers across the country have been feeling. And these aren't fringe numbers. This is the profession speaking.
I'll walk you through what the data is actually pointing at — and why the answer isn't just mo
157 | 2 Things Standing Between You and a Classroom That Runs Smoothly (And It's Not What You Think)
In this episode I’m naming the two things that actually stand between teachers and a classroom that runs smoothly — and neither of them is more information. Because information was never the problem. You know how to teach. You have the strategies, the activities and the know how. So... what's missing??
There's a reason why strategies stop working by October. And a reason why your frustration gr
156 | You're Losing 14.5 Days a School Year to Student Behavior. The Research Is Telling Us Something.
What if the research confirmed that you’re losing the equivalent of 14.5 school days every year — not to planning or grading, but to managing disruptive student behavior?
In this episode, I’m walking through what the data actually says — including a University of Nebraska-Lincoln study that sent trained observers into real classrooms to measure the time and financial cost of behavior management. T
155 | Does Student Behavior Steal Your Teacher Joy? A Classroom RESET Challenge Preview
The Classroom RESET Challenge starts July 21st, and in this episode I'm walking you through exactly what three days together is going to look like so that you can improve student behavior to eliminate teacher burnout!
Come for three days. Leave with more than you came with. And if you want to go further — The Classroom Reset course will be there when you're ready.
Save your spot — it's free, PD ho
154 | No Time for One More Thing? The 5-Minute Classroom Management Fix Every Teacher Already Has Time For
If "I don't have time for one more thing" is the thought that keeps you from trying anything new in your classroom, I want you to hear this one before school starts.
In this episode, I'm sharing some of my favorite classroom management tips — not because they're clever or complicated, but because every single one of them fits inside time you already have. We talk about three small, specific move
153 | Tired of Student Behavior Strategies That Stop Working? Here's Why It Keeps Happening (And What to Do)
If you've ever tried a new classroom behavior management strategy, watched it work for a week or two, and then felt it completely fall apart — this episode is for you.
I'm breaking down why strategies stop working, and why it almost never has anything to do with the quality of the strategy itself. The real issue is usually where you're aiming. When you're managing the symptom (the behavior) instea
152 | The Truth About Lack of Student Effort in Your Classroom
If you've ever thought "they just aren't trying" about a student in your class, I want you to hear this one before you step foot back into school.
In this episode, I'm challenging a belief I've held myself — and one I hear from teachers constantly — that a checked-out, unmotivated-looking student is simply choosing not to try. What I've come to realize, in my own classroom and in working with teac
151 | Exhausted, Burned Out...or Is It Something More? What Every Teacher Needs to Know (with Lori Owens)
Have you ever wondered if you're just exhausted...or if it's something more?
In this episode, I'm joined by PTSD expert and resilience trainer Lori Owens as we talk about a question I think so many teachers are asking themselves: How do I know if I'm simply exhaused, burned out—or if my nervous system is trying to tell me something more?
You'll hear practical, teacher-friendly strategies to help y
150 | You Don't Need a Calmer School Year. You Need a Different Plan.
Summer is the perfect time to think about next school year—but if you're simply hoping next year will somehow be calmer, you're going to need to listen to this.
In this episode, I'm sharing why hope alone has never fixed classroom management and the three common mistakes many of us make at the end of a difficult school year. I'll walk you through how to stop relying on luck, start learning from la
149 | 3 Summer Resets Every Teacher Needs (And the One You Might Actually Skip)
If your summers sometimes end up feeling like one big runway into next school year, this one's for you. I'm sharing three resets I actually believe in for teacher summer vacation — and the one thing almost every teacher skips without even realizing it.
We'll talk about why your body needs to catch up before your to-do list does, why a real plan beats a wish every single time, and why your phone
148 | What a Calm Classroom Actually Looks Like (It's Not What You've Been Sold)
What do you picture as a "calm classroom?" Silent rows of kids working quietly? Only the sound of pencils writing or fingers typing? That might happen every once in a while, but is that really the ultimate goal?
Today I'm breaking down the real difference between a calm classroom and a quiet one, and why so many of us have been chasing the wrong picture for years. We'll talk about why calm starts
147 | Our Students Have Changed: Attention Spans, Dopamine Hits, and What We Can Do
You know it's true... maybe you've even said it out loud: Our students have changed!
Honestly, our students' brains have genuinely changed. Not because something is wrong with them — but because the world they live in has calibrated them for constant stimulation, instant rewards, and short-form everything.
In this episode I talk about:
Why student attention spans in the classroom have genuinely
146 | What Every ELA Teacher Needs to Know About Struggling Readers and Student Shutdown (with Natayle Brown)
Have you ever had a student who seemed determined to avoid reading, writing, or participating at all costs?
In this episode, I sit down with literacy expert and conference host Natayle Brown to discuss what's really happening when students shut down in ELA classrooms. We explore the difference between true defiance and overwhelm, why struggling readers often disengage before they even begin, and h
145 | Stop Redirecting Your Students - It Just Doesn't Work Anymore
What if the behavior you're constantly redirecting isn't actually the problem?
In this episode, I'm sharing the story of one of my students—a student who taught me one of the most important classroom management lessons of my career. For weeks, I responded the way many of us were taught: redirect the behavior, apply the consequence, move on. But when I finally paused and asked a different question,
144 | You Know How to Teach — But Classroom Management Sure Has Changed!
You have years of experience. You have the degree. You've put in the extra time to reach the kids who need it most. You know how to teach.
So why does classroom management feel so much harder than it used to?
I want to get honest about something — what every seasoned teacher deserves to hear: the reason your classroom management tools aren't working the way they used to has nothing to do with your
143 | Why Teacher Exhaustion Keeps Coming Back: 3 Signs You're Missing What Actually Fixes It
You rest over the summer. You genuinely step away. And then September arrives — and within two weeks, you are right back in it...like you never left.
If the exhaustion keeps coming back no matter what you do, this episode is for you.
I'll walk you through 3 signs that what you're experiencing isn't just teacher burnout — it's what happens when you've been working without the right framework undern
142 | Did the School Year Burn You Out? How Some Teachers Recover and Others Stay Exhausted
The school year is over. Summer is here! But if you're still feeling exhausted, you're not alone.
In this episode, I'm sharing why summer break doesn't automatically fix teacher burnout—and why some teachers return in August feeling refreshed while others feel like they never really recovered.
I'll walk you through three simple steps that can help you so more than just rest, but actually recover a
141 | Why Teacher Friendships Matter: An Ode to My Teacher Besties
Can we just acknowledge that the end of the school year feels like one giant emotional roller coaster sometimes?
In this episode, I’m sharing some personal stories about the teacher friendships that helped shape my teaching journey — the people who made hard years manageable, made me laugh when I needed it most, and reminded me I wasn’t alone. From hallway eye contact emergencies to late-night tea
140 | Exhausted After Teaching All Year? How to Land Softly into Summer Break without the Burnout
If you’re limping your way to summer break feeling emotionally exhausted, overstimulated, and one bad email away from wanting to face plant into the couch for three straight days… this episode is for you.
In this episode, I’m sharing a few simple but powerful ways to transition into summer without carrying the stress, frustration, and survival mode of the school year right along with you. We’ll ta
139 | Need a Fast Engagement Win? Try this Creative "Circles" Activity
Feeling like your students are mentally checked out lately? Need a quick way to boost engagement without adding more prep to your plate?
In this short episode, I share a simple creative activity you can use at the drop of a hat with almost any age level: Circles.
This easy, low-pressure activity helps students:
practice flexible thinking,
spark creativity,
increase focus and participation,
138 | Stop Fighting Spring Behavior: Why Creative Engagement Helps Students Regulate, Focus, and Learn
It's May and teachers are exhausted. Students are checked out. And by this point in the school year, it can feel like you’re managing behavior more than you’re actually teaching.
In this episode, I share why creativity is about so much more than art projects or “fun activities.” You’ll discover how the creative process helps students think flexibly, stay engaged, and regulate emotions — especially
137 | What If You’re Not Burned Out from Teaching… Just Stuck?
Have you ever felt stuck in teaching—but also not quite ready to walk away from education completely?
In this quick episode, I’m sharing a perspective that might completely shift how you think about burnout, frustration, and finding joy in your work again. Sometimes getting unstuck doesn’t mean quitting… sometimes it means changing how you show up in education.
I’m talking about the power of tryin
136 | Is the Lack of Student Responsibility Driving You Crazy Too?
Ever find yourself carrying everything in your classroom?
The reminders.
The behavior management.
The motivation.
The emotional energy.
The responsibility for whether students engage… or don’t.
And... does it drive you crazy like it does for me?
Somehow, teachers take on more of the load while students carry less and less.
And while it may feel necessary—it’s also exhausting.
So, let's talk about
135 | Student Effort Is Low… And It’s Burning Teachers Out
What’s draining your energy the most right now?
For so many teachers, it’s not just behavior—it’s the lack of effort. The constant reminders. The students who won’t take responsibility. The feeling that you’re the one holding everything together just to get through the day.
And over time… that’s exhausting.
In this episode, I’m unpacking what’s really going on when student effort is low and a few
134 | How I Made a Connection with the Toughest Kid in 7th Grade
Some students are hard to reach.
And if you’ve been teaching long enough, you know exactly the kind of student I’m talking about—the one who seems completely shut down, disengaged, or like they just don’t care.
In this episode, I’m sharing the story of a 7th grade student who challenged me in a way I didn’t expect. He came into my classroom with a tough exterior and very little interest in what we
133 | From Burnout to Breakthrough: How One High School Teacher Transformed Her Classroom (INTERVIEW)
What happens when a teacher goes from feeling completely burnt out… to experiencing a true classroom transformation?
In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful conversation with a high school ELA teacher who recently went through The Classroom RESET—and her story is one so many of us can relate to.
At one point, she described feeling like she was in a pit of overwhelm. The challenges in her classroom
132 | It Felt Like Me vs Them: Why the Behavior Feels So Hard
Have you ever had a class that just felt… so hard?!
In this episode, I’m sharing a real story from my own classroom about a group of students that challenged me in a completely different way. No matter what I tried, nothing seemed to stick—and at one point, it honestly felt like me vs. them.
But what I realized changed everything.
If you’ve ever found yourself questioning why one class feels so mu
131 | Still Playing Referee? 2 Mistakes That Keep You Stuck in Behavior Mode
If you feel like you’re constantly managing behavior instead of actually teaching… this episode is for you.
Because here’s the truth: most teachers aren’t doing anything wrong—they’re just stuck in patterns that keep them reacting all day long.
In this episode, I’m breaking down two common mistakes that can keep you trapped in “behavior mode”… even when you’re doing everything you know how to do.
130 | Drowning in Student Behavior? What If That’s Not the Real Problem?
Ever have one of those days where nothing works… and you’re left wondering what just happened?
Today, I’m sharing a real classroom experience and the shift that changed how I see student behavior completely.
Because what if it’s not just a behavior problem?
Inside, I’ll help you:
Look at those overwhelming days through a different lens
Understand what might actually be causing the chaos
And
129 | 3 Signs Your Classroom Feels Off (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right)
If you've been feeling like you’re managing behavior more than you’re actually teaching, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down what’s really going on when your classroom feels out of control and 3 clear signs your classroom foundation might be… wobbling.
If you’ve been repeating yourself all day, putting out fires, or watching engagement slip right in front of you—this episode will help you s
128 | How I Turned a Student from Total Apathy to Totally Engaged
Have you ever had a student who seemed completely checked out?
You know the kind…
Head down on the desk.
Avoiding work.
Finding every possible way to not engage.
It’s easy to look at that student and think, “They just don’t care.”
In this episode, I share the story of one of my own students this year—a student who showed all the signs of total apathy and lack of engagement in the classroom. From t
127 | No Classroom Support? What Every Overwhelmed Teacher Needs to Hear
If you're feeling unsupported in your classroom, you’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone.
In this episode, I’m digging into what so many teachers are experiencing: escalating student behaviors, testing pressure, parent demands… and that feeling of having to carry it all without consistent support.
Today, let's name the reality and help you find your footing again.
If you’ve been fe
126 | Feel Behind on Curriculum Pacing? You just may need to hear this.
Ever feel like you’re constantly behind on your curriculum pacing guide . . . no matter how hard you try to keep up?
I’m sharing a truth that many caring, creative teachers quietly wrestle with: the pressure to follow every lesson exactly as written—even when your students need something different.
If you’ve ever:
Paused a lesson to reteach or go deeper
Given students extra time to truly under
125 | 3 Ways to Support Your Students Without Cramming Before State Testing
Are you feeling the pressure to cram in every last bit of content before testing… while also trying to keep your students calm, focused, and ready?
Or maybe you're ready to just throw your hands up and walk away...
You’re not alone and this episode will help you find some middle ground—so you can support your students and feel better in your teaching.
This episode will help you:
Refocus on what
124 | Struggling with Teacher Autonomy? How to Stay Creative in the Classroom Even with a Scripted Curriculum
Ever feel like your creativity has to take a backseat to your curriculum?
In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Erin Sponaugle on her podcast. It is an honest conversation about teacher autonomy, creativity in the classroom, and the pressure of scripted curriculum. If you’ve ever felt like you know what your students need—but don’t feel like you have the freedom to do it—this one
123 | Struggling with Teacher Burnout? How to Take Back Control When the Pressure Is On
With high stakes testing, parent conferences, observations, curriculum demands and spring student behavior, this time of year can feel like a LOT… and let’s be honest, the pressure is coming from every direction.
If you’ve been feeling the weight of it all and wondering if you’re heading straight toward teacher burnout, this episode is for you.
I’m sharing what’s really causing that overwhelming p
122 | She Almost Didn’t Show Up… But the Students Gave Her a Reason to Stay
In this short episode, I share a real classroom story—one that reminded me (and will remind you, too) that even on the days we don’t feel like showing up, something meaningful can still happen.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, questioning your impact, or stuck in the Daily Teacher Drain, this is a reminder that what you’re doing matters, and that joy in teaching isn’t gone… it’s just waiting to
Giveaway! This Teacher Got Clarity in 30 Minutes—Now It’s Your Turn
What could 30 minutes of real support do for you?
For one teacher, she was able to walk away feeling lighter, clearer, and ready to move forward with confidence. That’s the power of coaching.
And now… it’s your turn. 💛
I’m celebrating this amazing community by giving away THREE coaching prize packs—and you could be one of the winners!
🎁 What You’ll Win:
✨ A 30-minute 1:1 coaching call with me
✨
121 | 3 Ways to Feel Less Like a Referee and More Like a Teacher
Do you ever feel like you’re spending more time managing behavior than actually teaching?
Like you’re constantly redirecting, correcting, and putting out fires… and by the end of the day, you’re completely drained?
In this episode, I’m diving into why so many of us feel stuck in “referee mode”—and more importantly, what we can do about it.
Because here’s the truth:
It’s not about needing better be
120 | Why Student Apathy Isn’t Always Laziness: The Story of One Student Who Proved Me Wrong
Have you ever looked at a student and thought, “They just don’t care”?
In this episode, I share a story about a student in my math class who seemed completely checked out. He came in late, wandered around, asked for snacks and bathroom breaks, and eventually put his head down on the desk like nothing in class mattered.
From the outside, it looked like student apathy.
But what I discovered changed
119 | Student Apathy Is Getting Worse (What Teachers Can Do)
Have you been feeling the weight of student apathy in your classroom lately?
You know the signs…
Students who won’t start their work.
Students who complain about everything.
Students who seem completely checked out.
It’s easy to assume they just don’t care.
But in this episode, I share a different perspective: student apathy is often a sign of disconnection.
When students don’t feel connected, the
118 | Tired, Isolated, and Feel Unsupported? Let's Rediscover Your Teacher Joy
Teacher are tired, but that doesn't mean you don't care.
Teachers are frustrated, but that doesn't mean you want to give up.
Over and over again, I hear that teachers are searching... searching for fresh ideas and inspiration, support and connection with other educators and a positive space in the middle of a challenging profession.
Well, what if that actually existed??
In this episode, I talk abo
117 | Why Does My Classroom Feel Out of Control Every Week? A Mini-Reset to Calm the Storm
Does your classroom feel out of control… again?
If it feels like student behaviors keep resurfacing week after week, you’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone.
In this episode, I’m talking about why classrooms can start to feel like constant storm season and the deeper reason behavior problems keep regenerating, even when you’re doing all the “right” things.
I’ll walk you through a s
116 | Miss Thematic Teaching? How Connected Learning Naturally Improves Student Behavior
Do you remember when classrooms had themes? When units of study connected — the bulletin boards, the writing, the projects — and students were completely invested?
Thematic teaching may not be “a thing” anymore in the age of scripted curriculum, but connection still matters. And when learning feels connected, behavior improves naturally.
I can't wait to share these 3 simple ways you can bring back
115 | No Time for Play in the Classroom? 3 Simple Ways to Boost Engagement and Improve Student Behavior
Are your students spending more time on devices than at recess? Are you seeing more conflict, more frustration, and more behavior issues — and wondering what’s changed?
In this episode, I share a conversation I had with a kindergarten teacher who is feeling the tension between curriculum demands and the lack of play in her classroom. And honestly? What she’s seeing in kindergarten is showing up in
114 | Want a Calm, Engaged Classroom? Start With Your Creative Spark
What does a simple piece of cardboard have to do with student engagement?
In this episode, I’m sharing a small classroom story that turned into a big reminder: our creativity as teachers matters more than we think.
If you’ve been feeling stuck in scripted lessons, frustrated by student behavior, or just plain drained, this episode is your invitation to reconnect with the creative spark that brough
113 | Sick of Bracing for Classroom Battles? Pray This Before Burnout Wins
Before you walk into your classroom today, what if you paused for just three minutes...and prayed?
In this episode, I’m sharing a simple 3-minute prayer practice you can use before you even leave your car and walk into the school — not to fix your students, not to magically erase behavior challenges — but to steady yourself.
If you’re tired of walking into school already bracing for battle… this e
112 | 3 Test Prep Mistakes Teachers Should Avoid for a Calmer Classroom
Testing week can feel like a tidal wave of pressure — for our students and for us. If you’ve ever found yourself pushing harder, printing one more practice test, or telling students “Don't worry. They're really testing to make sure I'm doing my job,” this episode is for you.
In today’s conversation, I’m sharing three common testing week mistakes teachers make — and what to do instead to create a c
111 | Struggling with Off-Task Behavior? Why Practice Matters More Than Constant Reminders
A number of years ago, I had a fourth grader who could not stay focused during independent math work.
She wasn’t defiant.
She wasn’t lazy.
She just didn’t know how to get herself back on track.
And that experience completely changed how I think about off-task behavior.
In this episode, I share her story, the powerful lesson it taught me and doable shift you can start using immediately.
~Elizabet
110 | Testing Season Stress? How to Regulate Your Classroom Nervous System Before Test Day
Testing season has a way of turning even the calmest classroom upside down.
That's why today, I’m talking about the nervous system and how much it applies to our classrooms — especially this time of year.
If you’re feeling the pressure to cram curriculum, rearrange schedules, pause creative subjects, and just “get through” the standardized test… you are not alone. And your students feel it too.
In
109 | Teaching Kindness but Still Seeing Rude Behavior? Here’s What’s Missing
Have you ever taught a kindness lesson only to see the same rude behavior show up days later?
Ya... me too!
In this episode, I talk about why kindness activities don’t always lead to lasting behavior change and what students actually need in order to develop kindness in real, everyday moments. We’ll look at how classroom environment and culture play a much bigger role than one-off lessons—and why
108 | For Teachers Who Dread Partner Work: Let’s Talk Student Relationships
Do you tense up every time it’s time for partner work or group work?
The hurt feelings, the drama, the behavior issues—it can make even the best lesson feel exhausting.
In this episode, I’m talking about student-to-student relationships and why they play a much bigger role in classroom behavior than we often realize. While teacher–student relationships matter, peer-to-peer relationships are often
107 | Off-Task During Math? Engagement Strategies That Help Students Focus and Understand
If math time in your classroom feels scattered, off-task, or frustrating, this episode is for you. Today, I’m sharing simple math engagement strategies that help students focus, make sense of word problems, and truly understand what numbers represent. You’ll hear about my favorite strategy for math and I'll share how these engagement ideas help improve student behavior, reduce confusion, and make
106 | Disengaged Students? How Simple Engagement Shifts Calm Behavior and Bring Content to Life
If your students feel disengaged, off-task, or restless, this episode is for you. I’m sharing how simple classroom engagement ideas can make a real difference in student behavior, focus, and understanding.
I’ll take you inside a real classroom story and show you how engagement isn’t about entertaining students — it’s one of the most effective classroom management tools we have. You’ll hear how sma
105 | The #1 Secret to Improving Student Behavior
Student behaviors is the number 1 thing teachers tell me their struggling with. So today, I want to share the #1 secret that will help. Can you guess what it is?
Take a moment, think and then press play!
Inside I'll share the secret and then 3 ways to put it into practice so that you can improve student behaviors in your classroom.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
57 | From Morning Chaos
104 | 5 Steps to Navigate Disruptive Student Behaviors
Do you deal with extreme student behaviors? Or how about those behaviors that aren't extreme, but just constant (and annoying!) They disrupt the flow of a lesson, disrupt the classroom environment and take time away from your teaching and your students' learning!
Well, if that is frustrating to you, then this episode will be very helpful. I'm sharing the 5 steps to navigate disruptive behaviors so
103 | Are you really making an impact on your students?
Sometimes you might just wonder: Am I really making a difference in my classroom? Am I really making an impact on my students?
Well, I'm here to set the record straight with a little story about a boy who walks through my classroom multiple times a day. I can't wait to tell you all about it!
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
✨ The Classroom Reset – A 6-month RESET experience to help you reco
102 | 3 Reasons You Keep Teaching - Even When Teaching is Tough
Teaching is tough. There's no doubt about it and yet... here you are coming back day after day, year after year. There's a reason. In fact, I would dare to say there are 3 really great reasons for you to stay in this amazing, (even if sometimes draining) profession.
Ready to explore? Take a listen!
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
✨ The Classroom Reset – A 6-month RESET experience to help y
101 | Is It You… or Your Classroom? Why Experienced Teachers Need a Reset
Teaching can feel harder than it used to — even when you love it and know you’re good at what you do. In this episode, I’m talking directly to the experienced, caring teacher who feels exhausted, disconnected, and unsure why classroom behavior and engagement feel so off right now.
I share the story of a teacher I call Carol — a teacher who loves her students, feels the pressure of scripted curricu
100 | Is The Classroom RESET Another Course — or the Support You’ve Been Missing?
If the idea of “another course” makes you feel tired before you even start, this episode is for you.
In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what The Classroom RESET is — and what it’s not. I talk honestly about why so many courses and programs leave teachers feeling overwhelmed, behind, or alone, and why support (not more content) is often what experienced, caring teachers are really missing.
99 | You Care About Your Students—So Why Is Classroom Management Still a Struggle?
You care deeply about your students—but if classroom behavior still feels heavy, exhausting, or harder than it should be, this episode is for you.
Today, we’re going deep...and getting real.
This is a reflective conversation about classroom culture—not the posters on your wall, but how your students actually feel when they walk through your door. I’m sharing real stories from my own classroom,
98 | I Told My Students, “I Want You to Fail” – Here's What Happened Next
Yep—I said it to my class: “I want you to fail.”
Their jaws dropped. But what happened next turned into one of the most meaningful classroom moments we've had all year.
In this episode, I’m sharing a quick story about how I used a surprising statement to encourage risk-taking and help my students actually embrace struggle as part of learning. Because here’s the truth: we tell kids that mistakes ar
97 | How Teachers Adjust their Classrooms in January, Not Just Start Over
Teaching has seasons—and your classroom plan needs to move with them. In this episode, I’m talking about why revisiting your RESET plan is just as important as creating it in the first place.
I’m sharing what I’ve noticed as teachers inside The Classroom Reset begin their scheduled check-ins after completing the framework—and how powerful it is to pause, reflect, and decide what comes next instead
96 | Encouraging Shy Students and Class Participation Without Pressure - Interview with Christine Devane
In this episode, I’m joined by Christine Devane, author of Elephant Beach, a book that follows a shy girl who slowly comes out of her shell. Together we talk about what shyness really is (and isn’t), how participation doesn’t always have to look like speaking out loud, and how you can thoughtfully support your shy students.
If you’ve ever worried about the students who rarely raise their hands…
If
95 | 3 Steps to Start Fresh in 2026 and Beat Teacher Burnout
The New Year can be exciting, but walking back into school can be a mix of anticipation, overwhelm, and lack of inspiration. You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful steps that will help you leave burnout behind and head into the new year feeling reignited—not just as a teacher, but as a creative, capable human being.
You deserve to start a new year with more than a feeling y
94 | The #1 Thing Failing Teachers—and What to Do about It
Can we talk about professional development for a minute?
Or more specifically: assigned professional development. You know the kind—sessions chosen for you, not by you… that leave you nodding politely but learning nothing that actually helps with the realities of YOUR classroom.
If you’ve ever thought “This doesn’t apply to me” while sitting through yet another district-mandated PD, you’re not alo
93 | 8 Reflective Questions to Reignite Your Teaching Spark
Before we jump into the new year, I’m inviting you to slow down and reflect. In this episode, I’m sharing 8 powerful questions that have helped me (and other teachers like you) reconnect with what really matters in the classroom—and in life.
These questions aren’t about setting goals or fixing everything overnight. They’re about tuning into your inner teacher voice, rediscovering what lights you u
92 | My December Tradition That Builds Relationships—and Improves Classroom Behavior
If you’ve ever wondered how to build real connection with your students (especially the tricky ones), or if you’ve felt like student behavior is pulling you away from the joy of teaching, this episode is for you.
Here’s the thing: when we bring ourselves—our stories, our passions—into the classroom, everything changes. Students lean in, relationships grow stronger, and behavior starts to shift in
91 | Can Music Fix Classroom Behavior? 3 Ways to Use It with Purpose
Music isn’t just a mood-booster—it’s a classroom management tool, a community builder, and a creative way to support your students' emotional regulation. (And it doesn’t take hours to implement!)
In this episode, I’m sharing the 3 ways you can listen to music in the classroom —ones that go beyond background noise and actually help build connection, improve focus, and support better behavior.
~El
90 | Who Said Student Learning Has to Be Neat? Creativity Is Supposed to Be Messy
Let’s talk about messy projects—you know, the glue-in-your-hair, paint-on-the-desk, “what is this even supposed to be?” kind of mess. It's all good...
Learning isn’t supposed to be tidy all the time, and when we focus on the process over the product, we give our students something deeper than just a cute final result—we give them a real, memorable learning experience.
If you’ve been avoiding those
89 | Why Teacher Burnout Isn’t Your Fault (and What’s Actually Causing It) Interview with Erin Sponaugle
Let’s be honest—burnout is real, and it’s affecting amazing teachers like you every single day. In this episode, I sit down with Erin Sponaugle, a 23-year teaching veteran and author of the book Teachaholic to talk about why burnout happens… and why it’s not your fault.
We chat about what’s draining your energy in the classroom (spoiler: it’s not just the kids), what’s missing from most PD, and ho
88 | Student Behavior in December? 5 Sanity-Saving Ideas that Actually Work
December in the classroom can feel like trying to teach in the middle of a snow globe—glitter everywhere, chaos swirling, and you're just trying to make it to break with your sanity (and your classroom) intact.
In this episode, I’m sharing 5 simple, actually doable strategies to help you handle behavior issues and keep your students engaged while also giving yourself space to breathe.
We’ll talk a
Stop Being Student-Centered (and Rediscover the Teacher You Love to Be!)
This bonus episode is a little different—and a little bold.
I’m talking about something that might go against what we’ve always been told as teachers: being too student-centered. (Yep. I said it.)
If you’re feeling burned out, uninspired, or like the PD you’re “supposed to” do just doesn’t hit the mark—this episode is for you!
We’ll explore why so much professional development leaves us depleted i
87 | Teachers, Take Back Your Time: 3 Steps to a Social Media Detox
I’m getting real about something most of us are dealing with (whether we admit it or not): our relationship with social media.
I’m sharing my personal story of falling out of love with social media, deleting the apps off my phone (#gasp!), and what I learned through the process. From “just checking notifications” to full-blown scrolling stupors, I’ll walk you through the small changes that made a
86 | Take a Gratitude Break With Me in This Season of Big Feelings in the Classroom
Let’s be real—this season can feel like a whirlwind of behaviors, to-do lists, and burnt-out teacher brains. That’s why in this episode, I’m inviting you to take an intentional pause—a real-time gratitude break to reset your mindset and reconnect with what matters most.
Really. This episode is a mini-workshop just for YOU!
I’ll walk you through a simple and an advanced gratitude strategy you can d
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