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. In part one of this conversation, I'm sitting down with three of our amazing coaches who are sharing ...
Jul 09, 2025•28 min•Ep. 356
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 the Classroom Management Club helped her navigate her transition into special education and why it'...
Jul 02, 2025•38 min•Ep. 355
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 strong student relationships. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/back-to-school Index C...
Jun 25, 2025•43 min•Ep. 354
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 Academy helped boost her confidence and get her classroom organized as she headed into year two. Show...
Jun 18, 2025•38 min•Ep. 353
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 so important in teaching and offering a few practical ways you can begin to develop it. Show Notes:...
Jun 11, 2025•25 min•Ep. 352
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 knew going into teaching, and how the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy changed her perspective and appro...
Jun 04, 2025•50 min•Ep. 351
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, you’ll not only find your place, but begin to build lasting, supportive relationships with your cowork...
May 28, 2025•32 min•Ep. 350
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 the fear. You’ll also see how making small, strategic adjustments can make next year feel far more man...
May 21, 2025•23 min•Ep. 349
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 to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Free Mast...
May 14, 2025•31 min•Ep. 348
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 avoid them. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/classroom-setup Subscribe to the Beginning...
May 07, 2025•25 min•Ep. 347
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 it's the key to getting you hired. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teacher-interview...
Apr 30, 2025•23 min•Ep. 346
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 Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/theory-practice-gap Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk Yo...
Apr 23, 2025•27 min•Ep. 345
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.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teacher-attrition Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://...
Apr 16, 2025•25 min•Ep. 344
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 confidence and establish a strong foundation. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/new-tea...
Apr 09, 2025•23 min•Ep. 343
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 concentration. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teaching-kids-to-focus Free Masterclas...
Apr 02, 2025•22 min•Ep. 342
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 Get Ready For the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Fast Finishers I...
Mar 26, 2025•24 min•Ep. 341
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 Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Growth M...
Mar 19, 2025•27 min•Ep. 340
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://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Love Notes for Your Kiddos - Bookmarks: https://www.teacherspay...
Mar 12, 2025•28 min•Ep. 339
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 practical test-taking strategies to help your students feel prepared and less anxious, starting with fi...
Mar 05, 2025•26 min•Ep. 338
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 Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Grab a copy of my book, Dear New ...
Feb 26, 2025•24 min•Ep. 337
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 Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exa...
Feb 19, 2025•26 min•Ep. 336
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 cultivate restorative joy—because prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish. It’s necessary for both...
Feb 12, 2025•28 min•Ep. 335
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 - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Grab a copy of...
Feb 05, 2025•28 min•Ep. 334
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.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teaching-kindness-to-kids Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: htt...
Jan 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 333
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 how to incorporate it into your lessons. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/movement-in-...
Jan 22, 2025•22 min•Ep. 332
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-for-teachers Learn more about R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club: https:...
Jan 15, 2025•31 min•Ep. 331
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 Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Gr...
Jan 08, 2025•27 min•Ep. 330
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 favorite creative ways to infuse humor in the classroom. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/hum...
Jan 01, 2025•29 min•Ep. 329
This Christmas, give yourself the gift of time with strategies to achieve work-life balance as a teacher. In this episode, I share five powerful shifts to help you streamline your planning, set boundaries, and create more time for life outside the classroom. These actionable tips may feel challenging at first, but they’ve made a lasting difference for me, and they can for you too. Start small, implement one strategy at a time, and watch how small changes lead to big results! Show Notes: https://...
Dec 25, 2024•27 min•Ep. 328
Teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when it comes to building their confidence to speak and participate in class. In this episode, I’m sharing simple, low-prep speaking activities that make language practice fun and stress-free for your students. Whether they’re just starting out or advancing in their language skills, these adaptable strategies will help them grow from listening to confidently speaking. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen...
Dec 18, 2024•26 min•Ep. 327
