Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management

100 Episodes

Reverse

99 | You Care About Your Students—So Why Is Classroom Management Still a Struggle?

2026-01-1321:23

You care deeply about your students—but if classroom behavior still feels heavy, exhausting, or harder than it should be, this episode is for you. Today, we’re going deep...and getting real. This is a reflective conversation about classroom culture—not the posters on your wall, but how your students actually feel when they walk through your door. I’m sharing real stories from my own classroom, thoughtful questions to help you pause and reflect, and a few simple strategies that can begin shifting behavior by strengthening connection and belonging. If you’re tired of putting out fires, managing instead of teaching, or wondering why your caring heart doesn’t always translate into calm behavior—this episode will help you see what might be missing and what’s possible instead. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: THE 3 DAY SALE STARTS TODAY! Get The Classroom Reset for $100 off the regular price now through Thursday AND receive personalized 1:1 support as you thoughtfully reset your classroom culture and move from managing behavior to building connection with care and creativity! Just use coupon code: TCR100 at the checkout. #easy Go to theinspiredclassroom.com/reset 💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

98 | I Told My Students, “I Want You to Fail” – Here's What Happened Next

2026-01-0906:01

Yep—I said it to my class: “I want you to fail.” Their jaws dropped. But what happened next turned into one of the most meaningful classroom moments we've had all year. In this episode, I’m sharing a quick story about how I used a surprising statement to encourage risk-taking and help my students actually embrace struggle as part of learning. Because here’s the truth: we tell kids that mistakes are how we learn, but are we showing them that it’s safe to try? If your students are hesitant, checked out, or terrified of getting the answer wrong—and if your classroom doesn’t quite feel like the safe space you wish it could be—this one’s for you. You’ll walk away with: One powerful phrase you can use this week to shift your classroom energy. Encouragement to let go of perfection—for you and your students. A reminder that rebuilding your classroom culture is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ The Classroom Reset – A 6-month RESET experience to help you reconnect with your students, calm behaviors, and enjoy teaching again. 👉 Ready to build a classroom culture where risk-taking and growth actually happen? Check out The Classroom Reset and join us today: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset 💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

97 | How Teachers Adjust their Classrooms in January, Not Just Start Over

2026-01-0611:43

Teaching has seasons—and your classroom plan needs to move with them. In this episode, I’m talking about why revisiting your RESET plan is just as important as creating it in the first place. I’m sharing what I’ve noticed as teachers inside The Classroom Reset begin their scheduled check-ins after completing the framework—and how powerful it is to pause, reflect, and decide what comes next instead of pushing through on autopilot. Inside this episode, I’ll walk you through: The most natural times during the school year to revisit your RESET plan Three simple ways to reflect on what’s now part of who you are as a teacher, what got pushed aside, and what still needs support How to move forward with intention—without starting over or feeling behind If you’ve ever written goals at the beginning of the year and wondered where they went, this episode will help you reconnect to them with clarity and confidence. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: If you’re realizing that what you really need isn’t more ideas—but support implementing the ones that matter most—I’d love to invite you into The Classroom Reset. It’s where we build, revisit, and refine your RESET plan together with coaching and personalized support so you don’t have to guess what comes next. Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset for all the info and to enroll. 💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

96 | Encouraging Shy Students and Class Participation Without Pressure - Interview with Christine Devane

2026-01-0222:45

In this episode, I’m joined by Christine Devane, author of Elephant Beach, a book that follows a shy girl who slowly comes out of her shell. Together we talk about what shyness really is (and isn’t), how participation doesn’t always have to look like speaking out loud, and how you can thoughtfully support your shy students. If you’ve ever worried about the students who rarely raise their hands… If you’ve felt unsure whether to call on them or leave them alone… Or if you’ve sensed that your shy students are engaged but just not in the way school typically expects—this episode is for you. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: You can purchase your copy of Elephant Beach by following the link on my "Elizabeth Recommends" page: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/elizabeth-recommends/ You can find Christine onInstagram: @stined13 Want to experience the calm and connection in your classroom again? You will inside The Classroom Reset Course. And new starting this month - you get Personalized 1:1 Support when you enroll! Want to learn more? Go to theinspiredclassroom.com/reset 💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community More about Christine ~ Christine Devane grew up in North Andover, Massachusetts, and graduated from Merrimack College in 2006 with a degree in English and a minor in Elementary Education. She went on to earn her master’s in Elementary Education from Merrimack in 2008. Over the next 13 years, Christine taught at St. Augustine Elementary in Andover and Plympton Elementary in Waltham. She now lives in Wilmington with her husband, John, their three children—Joey, Nick, and Adeline— and their dog, Sophie. Christine has also volunteered and taught English in Costa Rica, and she is an active member of the SCBWI, regularly attending conferences in New York City and Springfield. ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

95 | 3 Steps to Start Fresh in 2026 and Beat Teacher Burnout

2025-12-3008:52

The New Year can be exciting, but walking back into school can be a mix of anticipation, overwhelm, and lack of inspiration. You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful steps that will help you leave burnout behind and head into the new year feeling reignited—not just as a teacher, but as a creative, capable human being. You deserve to start a new year with more than a feeling you need to survive. There's a better, more inspiring way to head back to school in January (or even next week!) without burning out in the process. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: The Vault of Teacher-Centered Workshops — packed with inspiring PD for YOU (self-care, arts integration, classroom culture, and more). We are in the LAST DAYS of getting into the VAULT of teacher-centered workshops, including: The Behavior Blueprint The One Word Workshop Reignite Your Passion For Teaching Self-Care Solutions Virtual Teacher Art Retreat - includes 10+ arts integration workshops! Grab your workshops now: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/pd 💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

94 | The #1 Thing Failing Teachers—and What to Do about It

2025-12-2605:20

Can we talk about professional development for a minute? Or more specifically: assigned professional development. You know the kind—sessions chosen for you, not by you… that leave you nodding politely but learning nothing that actually helps with the realities of YOUR classroom. If you’ve ever thought “This doesn’t apply to me” while sitting through yet another district-mandated PD, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not wrong. In fact, this kind of PD could be contributing to your burnout. But don’t worry—I’ve got a better way: teacher-centered PD It's essential for creative educators like you because it allows you to reclaim your autonomy can reignite your passion for teaching, inspire your creativity, and actually solve real problems like student behavior, lack of connection, and classroom overwhelm. Oh—and BIG NEWS: For the first time ever, I’ve opened up my Vault of Teacher-Centered Workshops—bite-sized, inspiring PD experiences you can do on your own time. Head to theinspiredclassroom.com/pd and use code DEC10 to save 10% before the vault closes at the end of December! Let’s do this—you deserve PD that fuels your creativity and supports the teacher you actually are. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ The Vault of Teacher-Centered Workshops – Short, inspiring PD designed to support YOU Including: The One Word Workshop Reignite Your Passion For Teaching Self-Care Solutions Virtual Teacher Art Retreat - includes 10+ arts integration workshops! Use code DEC10 to save 10% Only available through December! 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/pd 💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

93 | 8 Reflective Questions to Reignite Your Teaching Spark

2025-12-2316:38

Before we jump into the new year, I’m inviting you to slow down and reflect. In this episode, I’m sharing 8 powerful questions that have helped me (and other teachers like you) reconnect with what really matters in the classroom—and in life. These questions aren’t about setting goals or fixing everything overnight. They’re about tuning into your inner teacher voice, rediscovering what lights you up, and choosing a path forward that feels aligned, not assigned. If you’ve felt stretched thin, burned out, or just “off” this year, this conversation will help you pause, reflect, and reignite your spark. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ The Vault of Teacher-Centered Workshops – Short, inspiring PD designed to support YOU Including: The One Word Workshop Reignite Your Passion For Teaching Self-Care Solutions Virtual Teacher Art Retreat - includes 10+ arts integration workshops! Use code DEC10 to save 10% Only available through December! 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/pd 💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

92 | My December Tradition That Builds Relationships—and Improves Classroom Behavior

2025-12-1811:29

If you’ve ever wondered how to build real connection with your students (especially the tricky ones), or if you’ve felt like student behavior is pulling you away from the joy of teaching, this episode is for you. Here’s the thing: when we bring ourselves—our stories, our passions—into the classroom, everything changes. Students lean in, relationships grow stronger, and behavior starts to shift in powerful ways. I can't wait to share how this worked for me over the years. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: The Vault of Teacher-Centered Workshops Available only in December! This special collection includes creative, teacher-centered workshops on using music in the classroom, building stronger relationships, calming behavior, and infusing more YOU into your teaching. Each one is PD-certified—so you can invest in yourself and earn PD hours while doing it! 👉 Go to the Vault now https://theinspiredclassroom.com/pd 💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

91 | Can Music Fix Classroom Behavior? 3 Ways to Use It with Purpose

2025-12-1619:03

Music isn’t just a mood-booster—it’s a classroom management tool, a community builder, and a creative way to support your students' emotional regulation. (And it doesn’t take hours to implement!) In this episode, I’m sharing the 3 ways you can listen to music in the classroom —ones that go beyond background noise and actually help build connection, improve focus, and support better behavior. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: The Vault of Teacher-Centered Workshops – PD that actually inspires you (open only through December!) ➡️ https://theinspiredclassroom.com/pd 🎁 Use code DEC10 at checkout to save 10% Head into winter break with a new mindset, a few music-powered strategies, and the inspiration you’ve been craving. Workshops Mentioned that are in The VAULT: ➡️ https://theinspiredclassroom.com/pd Bring Music into Your Curriculum includes Inspired by Listening Book Build Relationship through SEAL: Social-Emotional Artistic Learning Celebrate Beethoven in the Classroom (theinspiredclassroom.com/shop) ➡️ Become an INSIDER! Come join my free Inspired Classroom Newsletter where you'll discover creative learning strategies, engage your students, and take back control of your own classroom. https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

90 | Who Said Student Learning Has to Be Neat? Creativity Is Supposed to Be Messy

2025-12-1209:19

Let’s talk about messy projects—you know, the glue-in-your-hair, paint-on-the-desk, “what is this even supposed to be?” kind of mess. It's all good... Learning isn’t supposed to be tidy all the time, and when we focus on the process over the product, we give our students something deeper than just a cute final result—we give them a real, memorable learning experience. If you’ve been avoiding those creative projects because they feel like “too much,” this episode is just want you need to hear. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: The Vault of Teacher-Centered Workshops – PD that actually inspires you (open only through December!) ➡️ https://theinspiredclassroom.com/pd 🎁 Use code DEC10 at checkout to save 10% Head into winter break with a new mindset, a few creative strategies, and the inspiration you’ve been craving. Workshops Mentioned that are in The VAULT: Virtual Teacher Art Retreat - including 10+ workshops in arts integration! Friendly Friday Framework ➡️ Become an INSIDER! Come join my free Inspired Classroom Newsletter where you'll discover creative learning strategies, engage your students, and take back control of your own classroom. https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

89 | Why Teacher Burnout Isn’t Your Fault (and What’s Actually Causing It) Interview with Erin Sponaugle

2025-12-0934:12

Let’s be honest—burnout is real, and it’s affecting amazing teachers like you every single day. In this episode, I sit down with Erin Sponaugle, a 23-year teaching veteran and author of the book Teachaholic to talk about why burnout happens… and why it’s not your fault. We chat about what’s draining your energy in the classroom (spoiler: it’s not just the kids), what’s missing from most PD, and how to start building real boundaries that protect your creativity and well-being. This one’s full of heart, truth, and a whole lot of encouragement for teachers who are ready to stop surviving and start enjoying teaching again. If you’ve been questioning how long you can keep doing this, feeling like you’re failing when really the system is failing you—this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and empowered to make a shift. And hey—Erin also interviewed me on her podcast this week! Go listen to our conversation on Next Chapter for Teachers after this one. 🔗 Links Mentioned Erin’s book: Teachaholic (Available on Amazon) Erin’s podcast: Next Chapter for Teachers Podcast The Vault of Teacher-Centered PD Workshops (open only in December!): theinspiredclassroom.com/pd Use code DEC10 to save 10% School PD isn’t cutting it—and you know it. This December, grab PD that gets you. Workshops inside the Vault are short, practical, and designed for real teachers with real classrooms. Check it out at theinspiredclassroom.com/pd and use code DEC10 to save 10%. ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

88 | Student Behavior in December? 5 Sanity-Saving Ideas that Actually Work

2025-12-0223:03

December in the classroom can feel like trying to teach in the middle of a snow globe—glitter everywhere, chaos swirling, and you're just trying to make it to break with your sanity (and your classroom) intact. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 simple, actually doable strategies to help you handle behavior issues and keep your students engaged while also giving yourself space to breathe. We’ll talk about: Sanity-saving ideas that don’t require hours of prep Simple crafts, music, and community-building activities Incentives and classroom games that keep students motivated A "little-known" December holiday that I've celebrated since I started teaching And a clever little MOVIE trick that’ll save your last-day plans! Ready to make December a little more fun, calm, and connected? Tune in and walk away with practical ideas you can use tomorrow. Resources Mentioned: 🎶 Celebrate Beethoven in the Classroom: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/shop 📽️ My Simple Holiday Origami Tutorial: YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/861BP7ThVGw?si=gbDYLSVDQz4Gp4kT ✨ Time to GET INSPIRED! If December’s got you running on peppermint mochas and pure adrenaline, it’s time to gift yourself something better—PD that actually helps. The Vault is open, friend. Let’s make this the season you choose YOU. 👉 Go to https://theinspiredclassroom.com/pd The Vault of Teacher-Centered Workshops is open for December only! This is your chance to grab PD hours while learning things that actually help with student behavior, SEL, and bringing creativity back—on your terms. 🎁 Use code DEC10 to save 10% ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

Stop Being Student-Centered (and Rediscover the Teacher You Love to Be!)

2025-12-0104:22

This bonus episode is a little different—and a little bold. I’m talking about something that might go against what we’ve always been told as teachers: being too student-centered. (Yep. I said it.) If you’re feeling burned out, uninspired, or like the PD you’re “supposed to” do just doesn’t hit the mark—this episode is for you! We’ll explore why so much professional development leaves us depleted instead of inspired, and how taking back control of your learning can actually make you feel like a whole, creative teacher again. ✨ Plus, I share a special opportunity that's only available this month: The Vault of Teacher-Centered Workshops is open now through December! Go to https://theinspiredclassroom.com/pd and use code DEC10 to get 10% off ALL workshops. These short, practical, creative sessions are exactly what we need—especially when the usual PD isn’t cutting it. So if you’re ready to put yourself back at the center of your teaching… press play. ~Elizabeth ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

87 | Teachers, Take Back Your Time: 3 Steps to a Social Media Detox

2025-11-2522:32

I’m getting real about something most of us are dealing with (whether we admit it or not): our relationship with social media. I’m sharing my personal story of falling out of love with social media, deleting the apps off my phone (#gasp!), and what I learned through the process. From “just checking notifications” to full-blown scrolling stupors, I’ll walk you through the small changes that made a big impact—not just on my screen time, but on my peace of mind, relationships, and ability to be more present. I’ll also talk about what this means for us as teachers and some simple steps you can take to do your own social media detox! Because if we want our students to have healthy tech habits, we have to start modeling them ourselves. Your time matters. And your joy matters. And I want to help you reclaim both—one scroll-free minute at a time. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Join me in a Social Media Detox over the next 30 days. There's nothing to sign up for, no workshop to attend, just follow the steps in this episode and then let me know by emailing me!! How do you email me? If you are on my email list, just respond to any email I've sent you and tell me! If you're not on my Insider Email list yet, sign up here: theinspiredclassroom.com/insider Ready to reset more than just your phone habits? Join me inside The Classroom Reset, a group coaching program designed to help you reflect, reconnect with what matters, and prioritize your own well-being—so you can show up as the teacher (and human) you want to be. It’s not just a reset for your classroom—it’s a reset for you. 💛 Go to theinspiredclassroom.com/reset ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

86 | Take a Gratitude Break With Me in This Season of Big Feelings in the Classroom

2025-11-1813:55

Let’s be real—this season can feel like a whirlwind of behaviors, to-do lists, and burnt-out teacher brains. That’s why in this episode, I’m inviting you to take an intentional pause—a real-time gratitude break to reset your mindset and reconnect with what matters most. Really. This episode is a mini-workshop just for YOU! I’ll walk you through a simple and an advanced gratitude strategy you can do with me as you listen. It’s not just about good vibes—it’s about shifting how you see student behavior, how you show up in your classroom, and how you care for yourself (without adding one more thing to your plate). This is your invitation to breathe, reflect, and remember that you have so much to be grateful for! ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: If today’s gratitude break helped calm your mind and lift your heart, imagine what could shift with a little more support. Let this be your sign to not go it alone. Lean into creative, teacher-centered PD that actually fills your spirit—because you deserve to love teaching again. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

85 | Student Behaviors Got You Down? Flex Those SEL Muscles (with Lori Woodley-Langendorff)

2025-11-1143:18

You know those days when student behavior feels like it’s taking over your classroom—and your peace of mind? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Lori Woodley-Langendorff, co-founder of All It Takes and author of SEL Muscle Mastery: 6 Tools for Building Resiliency and Connection in Schools and Communities. Lori and I talk about what’s really going on beneath the surface of student disengagement and dysregulation, and why she calls SEL “Social-Emotional Literacy.” (Spoiler: I love that!) You’ll hear powerful insights into how we can spot the signs of student disconnection early, build trust without being a therapist, and teach emotional resilience through practical strategies—and even through how we show up as educators. If you’re ready to support your students’ social-emotional growth and feel more grounded in your own practice, this is the conversation for you. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Learn More about Lori and her BOOK SEL Muscle Mastery! https://www.selmuscles.com/ Ready to stop the burnout cycle? Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset. It’s like a spa day for your teacher soul—but with a strategy that transforms your classroom. 📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset 💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

84 | Promote Empathy and Kindness in the Classroom with this Formula!

2025-11-0421:29

We hear a lot about building teacher-student relationships—but what about peer-to-peer? In this episode, we're diving into why helping students form meaningful friendships may be the most important thing you do all year. You'll learn my simple Friendship Formula, how to teach it explicitly, and how it transforms your classroom culture. Because let’s face it—students can’t learn if they don’t feel like they belong. And belonging? It starts with connection. If your classroom feels disconnected or cliquey, this episode is for you. Discover how to foster real friendships, reduce behavior issues, and create a culture where kids show up ready to learn—and stay connected all year. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in this Episode: 🌟 Ready to create a classroom where friendships thrive? Inside TCR, you’ll get monthly group coaching, practical strategies, and creative inspiration to help you manage behaviors, build connection, and enjoy teaching again. Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset. It’s like friendship bootcamp for your students—and a relationship refresh for your entire classroom. 💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

83 | Why ‘Just Getting Through the Year’ Isn’t the Goal (Anymore)

2025-10-2818:36

Raise your mug if you’ve ever said, “I just need to make it to June.” Yep—me too. But here’s the truth: just getting through the year shouldn't be the goal. It’s a red flag—and we need to talk about it. In this episode, I’m sharing a fresh perspective on what it really means to take the reins of your teaching life. We’ll walk through three practical steps to help you reflect, refocus, and take aligned action—so you can stop surviving and start actually enjoying your classroom again. If you're feeling stuck, drained, or just going through the motions, this conversation will meet you right where you are—and give you the nudge you need to shift gears. AND... at the end of the episode, I’ve got an exciting update—yes, the doors to The Classroom Reset are staying open a little longer (but just until Wednesday)! If you missed it, now’s your chance to grab your spot. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Ready to stop the burnout cycle? Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset. It’s like a spa day for your teacher soul—but with a strategy that transforms your classroom. 📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset 🔗 Links Mentioned: Free Teacher Reflection Guide: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/freebies/reflection/ Join The Classroom Reset (now open until Wednesday!): https://theinspiredclassroom.com/yes ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

82 | One Teacher’s Journey Back to Joy: How Doreen Learned to Enjoy Teaching Again

2025-10-2123:53

If you've ever felt the overwhelm of "all the things" you do as a teacher, this one's for you! In this special episode, I share parts of my conversation with Doreen, a fourth-grade teacher who loved teaching but was frustrated with the pressures of teaching we all face. You’ll hear how Doreen discovered a different way—using the arts and SEAL (Social-Emotional Artistic Learning) to bring life back to her everyday. You’ll hear her honest struggles, her turning point, and the powerful shift that helped her students grow AND brought joy back into her teaching. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Want to experience the calm and connection in your classroom again? You will inside The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program. https://theinspiredclassroom.com/yes It’s like your dream PD day—but no sub plans, no stress, and everything applies directly to your classroom. PLUS - enroll before SUNDAY and you'll get all the Challenge Bonuses too!! 💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

81 | Is Burnout the New Normal for Teachers?

2025-10-1410:22

We’ve all been there—grading papers during Sunday football, staying late just to stay afloat, and wondering… is this what being a “good teacher” really means? In this episode, I’m calling out the burnout culture that’s become way too normal in education—and sharing why it doesn’t have to be that way. You'll hear a powerful story from a veteran teacher (Doreen) who went from exhausted to excited again, plus a mindset shift that just might change how you view your work and your worth. If you're feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle of “just surviving,” this is your sign to pause and reset. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Join the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (October 21 & 22) https://theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge 💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

#box-pro-ellipsis-176830446390434{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management

Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management