The Inspired Classroom

In this episode, I’m diving into 3 mistakes teachers make when trying to “fix” classroom behavior. Maybe you’ve tried ignoring little disruptions, only to end up reacting later with frustration. Or maybe you’ve leaned on quick tricks—a kindness jar here, a new chart there—only to realize they don’t really change the culture of your classroom. Let's look at why these common mistakes keep you stuck...

What if improving student behavior wasn’t about sticker charts, new systems, or 30-minute SEL lessons… but about a few small but powerful shifts in how we show up and guide our classrooms? In this episode, I’m diving into the four essential mindset and strategy shifts that will help you reset your classroom climate, support your students’ emotional needs, and reduce those daily behavior battles. W...

We’re serving up some truth today—because not all professional development is created equal. Some PD sessions leave you energized but unsure how to apply what you’ve learned. Others feel… well, like a microwaved meal: bland, rushed, and not really made for you. In this episode, we unpack the difference between traditional PD, teacher-centered PD, and the secret sauce that actually makes change sti...

You know those hallway convos or lunchroom rants that start out as harmless venting… and somehow leave you feeling more exhausted? Yeah, me too. In this episode, I’m diving into why those “teacher talk” moments—even with the best of colleagues—don’t always lead to real growth, and what you can do instead. I’m sharing the real reason we stay stuck in burnout and how coaching (the good kind!) can gi...

Ever wonder how you're supposed to connect with students when you're only in the room for a day—or even just a class period? In this episode, I sit down with Vicki, a CRT or Casual Relief Teacher (that’s what we’d call a substitute here in the U.S.) from Australia with over 30 years of experience. She's frustrated, she's compassionate, and she’s so real about the behavior challenges she's facing—e...

In this episode, I get real about the question so many of us are quietly asking: Is teaching still worth it? If you’ve found yourself living for weekends, counting the days until the next vacation, or wondering if you can really do this for another 5, 10, or 15 years… this conversation is for you. We’ll explore what’s really at the heart of your teaching career, and I’ll share 3 steps from my Rese...

This one’s from the heart. In this episode, I’m opening up about something we don’t talk about enough as teachers—prayer. Not affirmations, not manifesting… but quiet, intentional moments with God, asking for strength, direction, and peace in your teaching day. I’ll share some real-life moments where I had no choice but to let go and lean on prayer—and how that changed everything for me. We’ll als...

It’s easy to get swept up in setting up a beautiful classroom—name tags, motivational posters, organized bins—but none of that really solves behavior issues, does it?   In this episode, I’m sharing 3 meaningful and practical ways to support student behavior before things spiral. These strategies are proactive, teacher-centered, and rooted in connection—not compliance. If you're already bracing for...

What if your calm was actually your most effective behavior strategy?   In this episode, we’re flipping the script on traditional behavior management and talking about how intentional teacher relaxation can shift the emotional tone of your classroom—for the better.   Whether you’re already back at school or clinging to those final days of summer—this one’s for you.   If your classroom has felt a l...

This week, I’m sitting down with my very first guest—Kristina Peterson, high school English teacher and co-author of the book AI in the Writing Workshop: Finding the Write Balance. We’re diving into one of the biggest topics in education today: artificial intelligence. From ethical concerns to creative opportunities, I'm asking the real questions about how AI is changing our classrooms—and how we...

Let’s talk about the tech elephant in the classroom. 🐘 We’ve got Chromebooks, smart boards, digital tools—and yet, we’re still battling student disengagement and behavior issues. In this episode, I’m sharing why too much screen time might be affecting your students more than you think, and what you can actually do to bring back connection, creativity, and calm. If you’ve ever looked around your c...

Ever find yourself wondering, “I still love teaching… but this is really hard!" Maybe you're quite not burned out—but you're definitely not energized either. In this episode, I’m opening up a conversation for those of us caught in that messy middle. We’ll talk about what this almost-burnout zone really feels like, why so many teachers land here, and what you can actually do to feel better—before b...

Is that back-to-school dread already creeping in? 😩 You're not alone—and you're definitely not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I share how you can balance true rest and a gentle reset before the new school year hits.   We’ll talk about what to do instead of pretending school doesn’t exist (because spoiler: that doesn’t actually help), and how to ease into August feeling grounded, inspired,...

In this episode, I’m diving into something we need to talk about—burnout. Real burnout. The kind that leaves you drained, dreading the school day, and wondering if this is what teaching is supposed to feel like. But here's the truth: you can love teaching again. And in this episode, I’ll share the three classroom game-changers that can actually help eliminate that heavy burnout feeling—without add...

If behavior charts, clip systems, and pom-pom jars aren’t cutting it anymore, this episode is for you. I’m diving into why these strategies often fall short in today’s classrooms and what actually works to improve student behavior in real, lasting ways. We’ll explore three powerful contributors to better behavior: building a caring classroom culture, supporting social-emotional learning, and engag...

Let’s be real—so much of the PD we sit through leaves us feeling… uninspired. I’ve been there too, nodding along, taking notes, and wondering if any of it will actually stick. In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 key questions you need to ask in order to figure out if the professional development you're signed up for is truly teacher-centered—and why that matters so much. If you’re feeling tired of...

Feeling torn between rest, reflection, and planning over summer break? In this episode, I share the reality behind what will work if you want a little of each. Rethinking what that looks like might be the key to recovering from burnout and walking into the fall feeling refreshed, not frazzled. I'll share own summer rhythms, give practical and personal ideas for creating a restorative routine, and...

Ever feel like your calm-down corner is more like a timeout chair—or maybe it’s just gathering dust? In this episode, I'll share creative, teacher-tested ways to transform your calm-down corner into a powerful tool that helps students self-regulate and re-engage in learning. You’ll learn how to set it up with the right stuff, teach kids to use it, and build it into your classroom culture—without a...

Let's flip the script on that never-ending to-do list and introduce something that’ll actually fill you up—a DID List! We’re talking all about how to reflect on what you’ve accomplished, big and small, so you can finish the school year feeling proud instead of overwhelmed. I’m sharing why making a DID List is a powerful mindset shift (especially during the crazy end-of-year rush), how it can help...

Are you tired of carrying the emotional weight that teaching brings? In this episode of Enjoy Teaching Again, I share why having a trusted venting buddy isn't just helpful—it's essential. You’ll hear real talk about what healthy venting looks like, who makes the best venting partner, and how to avoid the common traps that can turn necessary release into foot-in-your-mouth moments.   Whether you’ve...

Feeling boxed in by scripted lessons and copy-paste curriculum? You’re not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing four simple, actually doable strategies that bring creativity—and student engagement—back into your day, without piling on extra prep. 🙌   I use these strategies every week.  They are tried, tested and work! We’ll cover: ✔️ How to use music to transform the vibe of a lesson ✔️ A drama st...

Some teachers love it. Some teachers dread it. Spirit Week usually involves some crazy socks, wacky hair, and the occasional coveted Decades Day. But what if we put a twist on this and sent it… underground? This kind of Spirit Week is designed just for teachers—to build connection, creativity, and joy in a way that keeps you smiling all week. And the best part? Students love it just as much. In th...

This week, we’re celebrating Teacher Appreciation in a way that's a little different. While I’m all about those lunches and door prizes (can we normalize surprise snacks every month?), this episode invites you to reflect on something even more meaningful—the teachers who have impacted you. Whether it’s a colleague who lifted you up, a mentor who shaped you, or a teacher from your past who still in...

What if the secret to a calmer, more connected classroom started in the first five minutes of your day? In this episode, I share simple, teacher-tested ways to set the tone for a day that flows—with less chaos and more connection. If mornings in your classroom feel rushed, noisy, or just plain off, this one’s for you. These aren't major overhauls—just small, intentional shifts that can lead to big...

In this episode, I’m sharing a few of my favorite paperless swaps you can use in your lessons to celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful, creative way—without printing a single worksheet. You’ll hear ideas that work for math, ELA and science—all hands-on, tech-free, and totally doable. These are the kinds of ideas that make teaching feel fun again, while still hitting your standards and supporting you...