The Inspired Classroom

April is Poetry Month, and if you’re thinking “ugh, not another acrostic…” this episode is for you. I’m sharing three fresh, arts-infused poetry ideas that are simple to implement, fun for your students, and packed with SEL goodness. These strategies don’t require fancy materials, a background in poetry, or hours of prep—and they’re designed to engage all your students . . . even the reluctant wri...

Feeling burnt out? Wondering if you’ve lost your passion for teaching? In this inspiring springtime episode, I share a story rooted in daffodils: The Daffodil Principle—a powerful reminder that big change starts with one small step. Inside you’ll hear: A beautiful story that will shift your perspective Why teacher reflection matters now more than ever Five small but powerful actions you can take t...

You love teaching—but by the end of the day, you’re completely drained. Sound familiar? I’ve coined a name for that: The Daily Teacher Drain and I’m naming exactly what causes that daily exhaustion in today's podcast episode. (Spoiler alert: it’s more than just being “tired.”)   Even better, we’ll look at how you can take simple, intentional steps to feel more energized and in control. You’ll walk...

You’ve heard it before: “Teachers are superheroes!” But let’s be honest—that cape? It’s heavy.  In this episode, I talk about why the “superhero teacher” myth is not only unrealistic, but also unsustainable… and what to focus on instead so you can actually feel inspired, not exhausted. If your passion for teaching is starting to wear you down instead of lift you up, it’s time for a new approach: t...

Standardized testing is stressful—for our students and for us. But what if one of the best ways to help them succeed has nothing to do with test prep...  In this episode, I’m sharing my secret to helping my students go into their state testing with some calm and confidence. This might just be the secret weapon you've been missing. You'll hear the 3 step framework you can use the day before testing...

Ever wish you had a remote control for your classroom’s energy? 🎶 This episode is your first step. Inside, we’re talking about how you can use music to help manage classroom behaviors, boost focus, and bring a little more calm and joy to your day. Inside, I’ll share the 6 steps you need to take to introduce Soundtracking to your class so that you can successfully use music to help with transition...

There’s no denying that building relationships is super important in our classrooms. It can help with student engagement, behaviors and academic success!  didn’t have to be complicated? In this episode, I’m talking about one simple, powerful strategy that isn’t complicated and is something you can do starting tomorrow!  I’ll tell you everything you need to know and share a couple stories along the...

Do you feel like teaching just isn’t fun anymore? Does classroom management feel like you're playing a game of whack-a-mole? Do you wish you could clone little Betsy - the only student in class who exudes joy and stays engaged while learning?  Ever feel like shutting your door and going off script just so you can teach in a way that you know your students need? You’re not alone—and you’ve just fou...

The key to teaching social and emotional skills in the classroom is to do it all the time, every day.  And yet, it's helpful to have some kind of framework that can guide what you're doing.  That's where the SEAL Method comes in.  In it, you learn a holistic approach to bringing SEL into your classroom through 4 puzzle pieces. In this episode, we continue with the 3rd and 4th puzzle pieces: Target...

In this episode, we dive into the crucial role transitions play in creating a productive and engaging classroom environment. We'll explore the four essential steps that lead to seamless transitions to maintain momentum and foster an atmosphere of focused learning. Let's make your classroom transitions smoother and more effective, ensuring that every moment of your class counts.  Resources: Read th...

It's a new school year and as exciting as that can be, it's also exhausting.  When your new classes start to come in, you can realize that there is a long road ahead.  In today's episode, we'll look at 2 major mindset shifts teachers often need to make in order to take the school year on and build a foundation for success!  Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to ca...

Whether you have a done-for-you social-emotional curriculum or not, it's important to start rethinking how you approach your job as a teacher.  Your students need help when it comes to how they transition into your room to learn and how they focus and engage with their work.   There are 4 puzzle pieces that make up a holistic approach to creatively address students' social and emotional needs in t...

I know you're struggling with aspects of your school day.  It's ok.  It's normal.  It's because you care about your students and you care about the work you do.  And chances are you also care about helping your students develope their social-emotioal skills.  Listen in as I talk about one way you can look at the strategies you bring into the classroom!   Resources Mentioned: Free Webinar - How to...

The arts are engaging, yes.  And speak to the whole child, absolutely.  But why are the arts something that every classroom needs?  Listen in as Elizabeth explores 3 reasons the arts need to be in YOUR classroom!   Resources Mentioned: Soft Starts - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Soft-Starts-Transition-Activities-for-Social-Emotional-Learning-SEL-9097051 Article -  The Community that...

Self-Care isn't about the short activities you can add to your life, it's about the long term things you can change to make your life better.  Let's dig in! Resources Mentioned: The Reilient Teacher Podcast with Brittany Blackwell The Self-Care Summit (free for limited time!) Self-Care Solutions Workshop   Other Resources: Website: theinspiredclassroom.com Free Workshop - How to Diffuse Students'...

While engaging in great conversations during the Soar to Success Summit about the artistic ideas I posed in my session: “A Palette Full of Potential: Unlocking Executive Function through Art” I found a theme of how teachers are excited to start implementing, but need to start small.  So, let's talk about 3 ways you can start small with the arts! New Webinar: Want to learn how to diffuse your stude...

"Trust the process" is something I was told over and over when I was getting my masters in Arts & Learning. It's a great lesson what we can instill in our students through process art.  Listen in to learn more about what this is and how it can play a part in your classroom, regardless of what age level you teach! Want to learn more about process art and other ways the arts can help your young...

It seems as though social-emotional learning is becoming too political and many people are getting concerned about that.  You should! Especially when, at its core, SEL should really be about 2 simple things.  Listen in, because I'm ready to share them with you!   Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embed...

Are you worried that your stduents are shutting down or acting up, causing them not to do the work you know they are capable of?  Do you feel unable to help your students the way you want to?  Today, I’ll share with you the 3 biggest MISbeliefs you may be making that can affect how you show up in your classroom. Join me!!   Resources Mentioned: Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers...

Yes.  Students do need creativity in the classroom and yet, often teachers are hindered by the creative constraints put on them by scripted curriculums.  Today, we take a deep dive into the issues around this. Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies...

Districts and schools often spend a lot of time and money on new programs and initiatives that they then require their teachers to implement.  Now, imagine if instead, they invested time and money into their teachers instead.  What kinds of differences do you think that would make in our classrooms and schools?  Listen in as I explore what this could do for education. Resources Mentioned: Learn mo...

In this episode, we look at some of the ways to know if you might be suffering from what's called the Daily Teacher Drain as well as what you can do to fix it.   Resources Mentioned: Check out our brand new workshop Self-Care Solutions built just for teachers who need to take a moment for themselves and discover what unique solutions will work for them. Go to  theinspiredclassroom.com/selfcare  to...

Of course, teachers care...  but I want to challenge you to think if it just might be too much.  In this episode we'll look at ways to know if you DO care too much, how that affects you and what you can do about it.   Sound silly?  Maybe not.  Have a listen, becuase this might be JUST the message you need to hear today!   Resources Mentioned: Check out our brand new workshop Self-Care Solutions bu...

Check out this amazingly simple way to bring a smile to your students' faces as they enter your classroom so that you can bring some positivity into their day.    Resources Mentioned: Get your own set of  Positive Message Cards inside my TpT store! Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative a...

A question that is often asked is, "How do I get others on board?"  When you want to do something creative or innovative in the classroom, your excitement can be contagious, so use that!  Here are some suggestions I love to give teachers as they start investing time in arts integration and SEAL: Social-Emotional Artistic Learning.   Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teach...