Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

There's a certain chaos that walks back into your classroom after recess or lunch with the buzzing energy, side conversations, and constant movement in students' seats. But what if those notoriously tricky transitions could become some of the calmest, most focused moments of your day? With the right strategies, those post-playtime minutes can shift from stressful to smooth...and even a little fun....

The beginning of the year is always full of promise and hope for a successful, smooth school year - and that same optimism often extends to the support we expect from our administration. But when the reality sets in that you're suddenly navigating everything on your own, the question becomes:  What now?  In today's episode, I'm sharing strategic steps you can take to regain your power, protect you...

When a handful of students seem determined to derail your lesson plans, it can feel like your classroom is running you instead of the other way around. But the most successful teachers know how to redirect chaos into cooperation by understanding what's driving the disruption and transforming it into engagement. Doing so not only protects the learning environment for all students but also turns dis...

Teachers naturally want to manage everything that happens in their classrooms and handle student behaviors independently. But when the tension between wanting to do it all yourself and knowing you've reached your limit starts to spill over, you've reached that pivotal moment every teacher faces, when you wonder,  "Is this something I handle, or is it time to bring in admin?" In today's episode, I'...

Imagine walking into a classroom where students greet each other with smiles, celebrate one another's efforts, and notice the small things that make each day special. That's the power of gratitude - it transforms the classroom atmosphere from ordinary to uplifting. In today's episode, I'm sharing seven fresh, practical, and engaging ways to weave gratitude into your classroom, and why it matters s...

Some students seem to need your help every few minutes, whether it's finding a pencil, getting assistance with an assignment, or asking what to do next. While their constant need for reassurance can feel overwhelming, these moments are golden opportunities to teach independence. In today's episode, I'm exploring why needy kids are showing up more often in classrooms, what research tells us about s...

Mornings and transitions can be tricky moments for teachers, but they don't have to stay that way. By establishing clear routines and teaching students exactly how your classroom runs, you create a calm, structured, and predictable environment that leads to more engagement and productivity. In today's episode, I'm sharing several practical, low-prep strategies to help you keep your mornings, and y...

There comes a moment when even the most passionate teachers whisper to themselves, "I don't know if I can do this anymore". The exhaustion, the negative interactions, and the weight of it all can feel overwhelming. And while it's easy to dwell on the negative (trust me, I have!), since that noise is often louder and takes up more space in your mind, I want you to do the opposite. In this episode,...

After years of letting interruptions disrupt my teaching, I realized that blurting wasn't usually about disrespect. It was about impulse control. With that mindset shift, I began approaching blurting as a skill gap my students needed help with. In today's episode, I'm sharing three simple, practical, and ready-to-use strategies to stop blurting and turn those interruptions into focused, respectful...

October can be one of the most engaging months of the school year when you weave in seasonal themes, keep lessons interactive, and give students ownership of their learning. This month, my goal is to help stock your seasonal resource bucket with ideas that are both effective and fun. To kick things off, today's episode shares six simple, creative strategies to keep students engaged during October,...

When parents question your decisions as a teacher, it can feel like your professionalism is on trial, but it's actually an opportunity. Instead of bracing for conflict, what if you leaned in with clarity, calm, and confidence?  As the excitement of a new school year wears off, new and challenging situations often arise. That's why I created the September Survival Series; to give you practical tips...

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 confi...

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 calle...

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...

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...

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 wi...

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 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...

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 a...

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 shar...

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,...

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 manage...

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. I...

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...

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...