Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

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 A...

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...

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 k...

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, 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 th...

The first year of teaching is a mix of excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of questions. So if you've just graduated and are looking for a supportive way to prepare and feel a little less stressed, this episode is for you! Today, I'm chatting with Kelsey Moody, a fellow teacher and graduate of my R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/new-teacher   Subscribe...

Beginning teachers often get so caught up in the way their classroom looks and forget its true purpose: functionality. Even veteran teachers can benefit from reflecting on their current classroom setup to find better ways to organize the space and better serve their students. In today's episode, I'm sharing six of the most common mistakes teachers make when setting up their classrooms and how to a...

Teacher interviews can be intimidating and often feels like you're stepping into the unknown. But the hidden secret to a successful interview doesn't show up on a resume, a lesson plan you once taught, or even your knowledge of content standards. Instead, it's about your interview energy. In today's episode, I'm discussing what that means, practical ways to show it, what you need to avoid, and why...

The transition from student teacher to full-time teacher can be overwhelming, and many new teachers feel stressed during their first year. This is often due to the gap between the theoretical knowledge gained in university and the practical skills needed in the classroom. In this episode, I discuss how to bridge that gap and how to gain support from adminstrators, schools, and districts.  Show Not...

When new teachers are met with feelings of isolation, unprepared realities of the classroom, and unsupportive guidance or mentorship, it often leads to teacher attrition. In today's episode, I dive deeper into how these obstacles contribute to educators leaving the profession, the cost it has on the education system, and what we can do now to prevent teacher burnout.  Show Notes: https://www.drlor...

New teachers often leave university feeling unprepared for the realities of the classroom, struggling to bridge the gap between theory and practice. In this episode, we explore three of the biggest challenges they face, based on research, and how to best support them. From managing student behavior to overcoming feelings of isolation, we'll discuss actionable strategies to help new teachers build...

Are you struggling to keep your students focused? In this episode, I'm sharing simple, research-backed strategies to help students build their attention skills in fun and meaningful ways. You'll learn how to naturally integrate focus-boosting activities into your daily routine, incorporate mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises, and implement gradual, intentional strategies to strengthen...

After preparing for weeks for state assessments, teachers often get to the day and still have one question left to answer - What do I do with my students after taking the big test? If you have this question, you're not alone! I'm sharing five ideas for how to structure your day after taking exams.  Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/test-taking-in-elementary   Free Masterclass - How to...

When it comes to preparing students for state standardized tests, learning and reviewing academic content is just part of the preparation. The other big piece is mindset. In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 strategies that will help your students become calm and confident when taking taking assessments.  Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/mindfulness-for-elementary-students   Free Master...

If standardized tests make you anxious, you're not alone! In this episode, we're continuing our test prep series by shifting focus to math. I'm sharing five powerful test-taking strategies to help students tackle math challenges with confidence. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/math-test-taking-skills-in-elementary   Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset:  https:/...

As spring approaches, both teachers and students look forward to warmer weather and the excitement of summer, but there's one big source of stress: standardized testing. These tests bring high stakes, with scores affecting decisions at the state, district, and school levels, putting pressure on teachers to help students perform their best. In this episode, I'm kicking off a four-part series on pra...

We feel so much pressure in our work environment, personal life, and from society. It's difficult to manage all of those emotions and demands. In this episode, I'm sharing why school is the best place to take the pressure off and how you can easily accomplish this with a few mindset shifts.  Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/take-the-pressure-off   Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Class...

February can feel long and gloomy, leaving teachers unmotivated. That's why it's so important to bring excitement, joy, and purpose into your days. In this episode, I'm sharing practical ways to help you feel supported so you can not only survive February but thrive through it! Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teacher-support   Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Rese...

Teachers are great at showing kindness to others but often struggle to extend it to themselves, leading to chronic fatigue and burnout. In this episode, we explore why self-kindness is essential and how it can help you navigate the demands of teaching with more energy, joy, and resilience. You'll learn practical, research-backed strategies to reclaim your time, protect your emotional energy, and c...

Modeling kindness is a powerful way to make a lasting impact, which is why it's essential for teachers to show kindness and compassion to their students every day. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 simple and fun ways to model kindness in classrooms, helping to reinforce the positive behaviors you want to see. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/kindness-in-classrooms   Free Masterclass -...

Focusing on respect and kindness can transform your classroom management and foster a stronger sense of community. While academics are important, weaving fun and creative ways to teach kindness to kids into your daily routine is just as essential. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 simple and enjoyable strategies to help you bring more kindness into your classroom. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifries...

With limited opportunities to release energy during the school day, it's no surprise that focusing, retaining information, and staying engaged can be a challenge for students. Your first instinct might be to contain this energy, but instead you can harness it in a way that makes your lessons more fun and effective. In today's episode, we'll discuss why movement in the classroom is so critical and...

It's human nature to think negative thoughts, but the key to not letting it make you feel defeated, frustrated, or doubt your ability to teach is to learn how to reframe those thoughts. In today's episode, I share how your thoughts impact your feelings, actions, and results and share a simple four-step process to reframe negativity. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/positive-mindset-f...

Focusing on the positive can transform your classroom by highlighting students' strengths and fostering a supportive environment. In today's episode, I share 10 simple strategies for shifting your focus to what's going right, backed by research showing that positivity boosts relationships, behavior, and academic achievement. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/find-the-positive   Free M...

Incorporating humor in the classroom is a small strategy that has the power to transform your classroom atmosphere. Humor isn't just telling knock-knock jokes whenever you have time to fill between activities. Instead, there are so many more ways you can use humor to build connections and create a positive and engaging environment for your students. In today's episode, I'm sharing 15 of my favorit...