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

129 Episodes

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126 | Feel Behind on Curriculum Pacing? You just may need to hear this.

2026-04-1007:30

Ever feel like you’re constantly behind on your curriculum pacing guide . . . no matter how hard you try to keep up? I’m sharing a truth that many caring, creative teachers quietly wrestle with: the pressure to follow every lesson exactly as written—even when your students need something different. If you’ve ever: Paused a lesson to reteach or go deeper Given students extra time to truly understand Felt guilty for not “keeping pace” with others …let's talk. It's time to trust your professional judgment again—without losing sight of the content your students need. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast Let's face it: You don't need a new curriculum to teach, you need a RESET! Come join us and take that first step toward teaching with more clarity and confidence. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider 💬 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

125 | 3 Ways to Support Your Students Without Cramming Before State Testing

2026-04-0714:29

Are you feeling the pressure to cram in every last bit of content before testing… while also trying to keep your students calm, focused, and ready? Or maybe you're ready to just throw your hands up and walk away... You’re not alone and this episode will help you find some middle ground—so you can support your students and feel better in your teaching. This episode will help you: Refocus on what actually matters Support your students in a more meaningful way Approach testing season with more calm, clarity, and confidence Let's do this! ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast If you’re ready to stop bouncing between cramming and giving up, and start teaching with intention, I want to support you. Inside The Classroom RESET, we focus on creating calm, connected classrooms where both you and your students can thrive—even during testing season. Come join us and take that first step toward teaching with more clarity and confidence. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider 💬 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

124 | Struggling with Teacher Autonomy? How to Stay Creative in the Classroom Even with a Scripted Curriculum

2026-04-0333:22

Ever feel like your creativity has to take a backseat to your curriculum? In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Erin Sponaugle on her podcast. It is an honest conversation about teacher autonomy, creativity in the classroom, and the pressure of scripted curriculum. If you’ve ever felt like you know what your students need—but don’t feel like you have the freedom to do it—this one is for you. We’re diving into how to stay creative even when the expectations feel rigid, and how small, intentional shifts can help you reconnect with your teaching and your students… without breaking the rules or adding more to your plate. Because here’s the truth: creativity isn’t extra—it’s essential. And when you start to reclaim even a little bit of autonomy, you can enjoy teaching again. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – A 6-month RESET experience to help you reconnect with your students, calm behaviors, and enjoy teaching again. Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset. It’s like your dream PD day—but no sub plans, no stress, and everything applies directly to your 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

123 | Struggling with Teacher Burnout? How to Take Back Control When the Pressure Is On

2026-03-3119:12

With high stakes testing, parent conferences, observations, curriculum demands and spring student behavior, this time of year can feel like a LOT… and let’s be honest, the pressure is coming from every direction. If you’ve been feeling the weight of it all and wondering if you’re heading straight toward teacher burnout, this episode is for you. I’m sharing what’s really causing that overwhelming pressure (hint: it’s not because you’re not doing enough), why so many teachers get stuck in the burnout cycle, and most importantly—how you can start taking back control in simple, practical ways that actually work in your real classroom. Because here’s the truth: you can’t control everything happening around you… but you can control what’s happening inside your classroom—and that’s where everything begins to shift. If you’re ready to stop just “pushing through” and start feeling more calm, confident, and in control again—you’re in the right place. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 61 |Let it Out Before You Burnout! This One Teacher Relationship is the Key Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast 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 Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider 💬 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

122 | She Almost Didn’t Show Up… But the Students Gave Her a Reason to Stay

2026-03-2707:49

In this short episode, I share a real classroom story—one that reminded me (and will remind you, too) that even on the days we don’t feel like showing up, something meaningful can still happen. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, questioning your impact, or stuck in the Daily Teacher Drain, this is a reminder that what you’re doing matters, and that joy in teaching isn’t gone… it’s just waiting to be noticed again. And if you’re ready for more of those moments—more connection, more calm, more joy in your classroom—I want to invite you to take the next step with me inside The Classroom Reset. This is where we take these kinds of experiences and make them part of your everyday teaching life with simple, creative, teacher-centered strategies that truly work. ~Elizabeth Other Resources: Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – If you’re tired of managing behavior and ready to prevent it instead, I would love to support you inside The Classroom Reset. Learn more and enroll here: 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

Giveaway! This Teacher Got Clarity in 30 Minutes—Now It’s Your Turn

2026-03-2503:43

What could 30 minutes of real support do for you? For one teacher, she was able to walk away feeling lighter, clearer, and ready to move forward with confidence. That’s the power of coaching. And now… it’s your turn. 💛 I’m celebrating this amazing community by giving away THREE coaching prize packs—and you could be one of the winners! 🎁 What You’ll Win: ✨ A 30-minute 1:1 coaching call with me ✨ A $25 Amazon gift card (because you deserve a treat!) ✨ 10% off everything in my TpT store 📝 How to Enter: Step 1: Leave a positive review of the Enjoy Teaching Again podcast. (If you've already done that, then share your favorite episode!) Step 2: Post a screenshot of your review or share inside our Facebook community 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community Step 3: Use the hashtag #giveaway so I can find your entry! ⏰ Entries close: March 26, 2026 (Thursday) at midnight 🎉 Winners announced: March 27 inside the Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community 💛 If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just unsure what your next step is—this is your chance to get personalized support from someone who’s in the classroom, coaches other teachers and truly gets it. In our 30 minutes together, we can talk through: Student behavior challenges Creative lesson ideas Classroom management strategies Setting boundaries Or honestly… anything that’s been weighing on you I can't wait to schedule these calls!! ~Elizabeth Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ 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

121 | 3 Ways to Feel Less Like a Referee and More Like a Teacher

2026-03-2414:51

Do you ever feel like you’re spending more time managing behavior than actually teaching? Like you’re constantly redirecting, correcting, and putting out fires… and by the end of the day, you’re completely drained? In this episode, I’m diving into why so many of us feel stuck in “referee mode”—and more importantly, what we can do about it. Because here’s the truth: It’s not about needing better behavior management strategies. It’s about what’s happening underneath the behavior. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – If you’re tired of managing behavior and ready to prevent it instead, I would love to support you inside The Classroom Reset. Learn more and enroll here: 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

120 | Why Student Apathy Isn’t Always Laziness: The Story of One Student Who Proved Me Wrong

2026-03-2012:57

Have you ever looked at a student and thought, “They just don’t care”? In this episode, I share a story about a student in my math class who seemed completely checked out. He came in late, wandered around, asked for snacks and bathroom breaks, and eventually put his head down on the desk like nothing in class mattered. From the outside, it looked like student apathy. But what I discovered changed the way I approached him—and it slowly changed his engagement in class too. If you’ve been feeling frustrated by students who don’t participate, refuse to work, or seem like they’ve completely checked out, this conversation will remind you of something important: Teachers have real influence in their classrooms. And sometimes the smallest things can begin to turn things around. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 119: Student Apathy Is Getting Worse (What Teachers Can Do) 💛 The Inspired Classroom Community If this episode resonated with you, come continue the conversation inside our free teacher community. It’s a space for caring, creative teachers who want support, fresh ideas, and encouragement from others who truly understand classroom life. Join us here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/community Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – If you’re tired of managing behavior and ready to prevent it instead, I would love to support you inside The Classroom Reset. Learn more and enroll here: 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

119 | Student Apathy Is Getting Worse (What Teachers Can Do)

2026-03-1718:57

Have you been feeling the weight of student apathy in your classroom lately? You know the signs… Students who won’t start their work. Students who complain about everything. Students who seem completely checked out. It’s easy to assume they just don’t care. But in this episode, I share a different perspective: student apathy is often a sign of disconnection. When students don’t feel connected, they naturally disengage. The good news? There are some simple shifts teachers can make that start rebuilding those connections. In this episode, I walk you through three practical ways to reconnect students so engagement becomes easier and student apathy starts to fade away. If you're feeling discouraged by students who seem like they just don’t care, this will help you rethink what might actually be happening—and give you some ideas you can try right away. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 108: For Teachers Who Dread Partner Work: Let’s Talk Student Relationships Episode 84: Promote Empathy and Kindness in the Classroom with this Formula! Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – If you’re tired of managing behavior and ready to prevent it instead, I would love to support you inside The Classroom Reset. Learn more and enroll here: 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

118 | Tired, Isolated, and Feel Unsupported? Let's Rediscover Your Teacher Joy

2026-03-1311:21

Teacher are tired, but that doesn't mean you don't care. Teachers are frustrated, but that doesn't mean you want to give up. Over and over again, I hear that teachers are searching... searching for fresh ideas and inspiration, support and connection with other educators and a positive space in the middle of a challenging profession. Well, what if that actually existed?? In this episode, I talk about how we can build something better together. Because teaching shouldn’t feel like survival mode. If you’ve been craving inspiration, encouragement, and real conversations with other educators who get it, this episode is for you. ~Elizabeth Join the Community If this conversation resonates with you, I’d love to invite you into the community where these conversations are happening every day. Come connect with other teachers who are working to create calmer, more engaging classrooms together. 👉 Join the community here: theinspiredclassroom.com/community Other Resources: Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – If you’re tired of managing behavior and ready to prevent it instead, I would love to support you inside The Classroom Reset. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset 💬 We just RELAUNCHED our amazing community of Creative Teachers Building Calm & Engaged Classrooms. Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Join us here: 👉 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

117 | Why Does My Classroom Feel Out of Control Every Week? A Mini-Reset to Calm the Storm

2026-03-1017:00

Does your classroom feel out of control… again? If it feels like student behaviors keep resurfacing week after week, you’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone. In this episode, I’m talking about why classrooms can start to feel like constant storm season and the deeper reason behavior problems keep regenerating, even when you’re doing all the “right” things. I’ll walk you through a simple 5-step Micro Reset you can use to pause and begin rebuilding the kind of classroom culture that actually supports calm and cooperation. If you’re tired of putting out behavior fires all day, this episode will help you start shifting the atmosphere in your classroom. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – If you’re tired of managing behavior and ready to prevent it instead, I would love to support you inside The Classroom Reset. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset 💬 We just RELAUNCHED our amazing community of Creative Teachers Building Calm & Engaged Classrooms. Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Join us here: 👉 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

116 | Miss Thematic Teaching? How Connected Learning Naturally Improves Student Behavior

2026-03-0607:50

Do you remember when classrooms had themes? When units of study connected — the bulletin boards, the writing, the projects — and students were completely invested? Thematic teaching may not be “a thing” anymore in the age of scripted curriculum, but connection still matters. And when learning feels connected, behavior improves naturally. I can't wait to share these 3 simple ways you can bring back connected learning starting this week. You don’t need permission to bring back the spark. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – If you’re tired of managing behavior and ready to prevent it instead, I would love to support you inside The Classroom Reset. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset 💬 We just RELAUNCHED our amazing community of Creative Teachers Building Calm & Engaged Classrooms. Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Join us here: 👉 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

115 | No Time for Play in the Classroom? 3 Simple Ways to Boost Engagement and Improve Student Behavior

2026-03-0317:00

Are your students spending more time on devices than at recess? Are you seeing more conflict, more frustration, and more behavior issues — and wondering what’s changed? In this episode, I share a conversation I had with a kindergarten teacher who is feeling the tension between curriculum demands and the lack of play in her classroom. And honestly? What she’s seeing in kindergarten is showing up in upper elementary too. If you’re tired of constantly managing student behavior and feeling like you’re putting out fires all day, you'll love this conversation and the 3 simple, realistic ways I share to bring playful learning back — without throwing out your curriculum. This isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about shifting what’s already there so your classroom feels calmer, more connected, and more manageable. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – If you’re tired of managing behavior and ready to prevent it instead, I would love to support you inside The Classroom Reset. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset 💬 We just RELAUNCHED our amazing community of Creative Teachers Building Calm & Engaged Classrooms. Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Join us here: 👉 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

114 | Want a Calm, Engaged Classroom? Start With Your Creative Spark

2026-03-0208:41

What does a simple piece of cardboard have to do with student engagement? In this episode, I’m sharing a small classroom story that turned into a big reminder: our creativity as teachers matters more than we think. If you’ve been feeling stuck in scripted lessons, frustrated by student behavior, or just plain drained, this episode is your invitation to reconnect with the creative spark that brought you into teaching in the first place. When we allow ourselves to teach creatively — even in small ways — something changes. The stress eases. Students lean in. And the joy returns. And after you've listened, please JOIN ME inside our FREE community! We just RELAUNCHED our amazing community of Creative Teachers Building Calm & Engaged Classrooms. Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Join us here: 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – If you’re tired of managing behavior and ready to prevent it instead, I would love to support you inside The Classroom Reset. Learn more and enroll here: https://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

113 | Sick of Bracing for Classroom Battles? Pray This Before Burnout Wins

2026-02-2706:01

Before you walk into your classroom today, what if you paused for just three minutes...and prayed? In this episode, I’m sharing a simple 3-minute prayer practice you can use before you even leave your car and walk into the school — not to fix your students, not to magically erase behavior challenges — but to steady yourself. If you’re tired of walking into school already bracing for battle… this episode will help you reset your heart before you even reset your classroom. ~Elizabeth Not Even Mentioned in This Episode: You were called to this work for a reason. And you don’t have to rely on your own strength to do it well. Take the first step. Pray first. Then teach. And if you need support, I’m here. Come join me inside The Classroom RESET. It’s the easier path to calm, connection, and confidence. 📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast 💬 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

112 | 3 Test Prep Mistakes Teachers Should Avoid for a Calmer Classroom

2026-02-2416:40

Testing week can feel like a tidal wave of pressure — for our students and for us. If you’ve ever found yourself pushing harder, printing one more practice test, or telling students “Don't worry. They're really testing to make sure I'm doing my job,” this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I’m sharing three common testing week mistakes teachers make — and what to do instead to create a calmer classroom, reduce student anxiety, and protect your own nervous system during test prep season. Testing season can often leave you feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, and responsible for everything, but this episode will help you reset your mindset and approach so you can lead with clarity instead of panic. Because testing pressure is real — but it doesn’t have to run the show. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Mathapalooza! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2015/04/mathapalooza/ Visualization with Athletes https://www.verywellfit.com/visualization-techniques-for-athletes-3119438 Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – Inside this 6-month RESET experience we focus on proactive behavior strategies, calm classroom routines, and creative systems that make the whole year feel more manageable — not just testing week. Learn more and enroll here: 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

111 | Struggling with Off-Task Behavior? Why Practice Matters More Than Constant Reminders

2026-02-2007:37

A number of years ago, I had a fourth grader who could not stay focused during independent math work. She wasn’t defiant. She wasn’t lazy. She just didn’t know how to get herself back on track. And that experience completely changed how I think about off-task behavior. In this episode, I share her story, the powerful lesson it taught me and doable shift you can start using immediately. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: 50 | Want to Use Music in the Classroom? 6 Easy Steps to Making it a Success! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-want-to-use-music-in-the-classroom-6-easy-steps-to/id1662280027?i=1000701682147 110 | Testing Season Stress? How to Regulate Your Classroom Nervous System Before Test Day If Cindy’s story made you think, “Some of my students need this,” I want you to know — this is just one small shift. Inside The Classroom RESET, we identify one reset that will make the biggest difference in your classroom… and then we build from there. 📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast 💬 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

110 | Testing Season Stress? How to Regulate Your Classroom Nervous System Before Test Day

2026-02-1718:40

Testing season has a way of turning even the calmest classroom upside down. That's why today, I’m talking about the nervous system and how much it applies to our classrooms — especially this time of year. If you’re feeling the pressure to cram curriculum, rearrange schedules, pause creative subjects, and just “get through” the standardized test… you are not alone. And your students feel it too. In this episode, I’ll walk you through: What the nervous system actually is (in simple, practical terms) Why behavior often spikes during testing season Why practicing regulation before test day matters Three simple, classroom-ready strategies you can start using tomorrow (including drawing, soundtracking, stretching, and breathing) This isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about creating calm on purpose. If you want students who are focused and steady during testing, it starts now — with small, predictable regulation practices that support both you and your class. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: 50 | Want to Use Music in the Classroom? 6 Easy Steps to Making it a Success! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-want-to-use-music-in-the-classroom-6-easy-steps-to/id1662280027?i=1000701682147 Soft Starts (resource) - Transition Activities for Social-Emotional Learning SEL https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Soft-Starts-Transition-Activities-for-Social-Emotional-Learning-SEL-9097051 Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – A 6-month RESET experience to help you reconnect with your students, calm behaviors, and enjoy teaching again. Learn more and enroll here: 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

109 | Teaching Kindness but Still Seeing Rude Behavior? Here’s What’s Missing

2026-02-1314:27

Have you ever taught a kindness lesson only to see the same rude behavior show up days later? Ya... me too! In this episode, I talk about why kindness activities don’t always lead to lasting behavior change and what students actually need in order to develop kindness in real, everyday moments. We’ll look at how classroom environment and culture play a much bigger role than one-off lessons—and why this shift can lead to calmer behavior and fewer social disruptions. I share real classroom stories and simple, practical ways teachers can support kindness every day. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast If you’re tired of correcting tone, managing hurt feelings, and feeling like kindness “isn’t sticking,” I invite you to check out The Classroom RESET—a supportive, teacher-centered way to build a caring classroom culture that improves behavior over time. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider 💬 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

108 | For Teachers Who Dread Partner Work: Let’s Talk Student Relationships

2026-02-1015:45

Do you tense up every time it’s time for partner work or group work? The hurt feelings, the drama, the behavior issues—it can make even the best lesson feel exhausting. In this episode, I’m talking about student-to-student relationships and why they play a much bigger role in classroom behavior than we often realize. While teacher–student relationships matter, peer-to-peer relationships are often the missing piece behind stressful group work, exclusion, and social conflict. If you’re tired of managing group work drama and want your classroom to run more smoothly, this episode will help you rethink what’s really going on—and where to focus your energy. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast ✨ The Classroom Reset – A 6-month RESET experience to help you reconnect with your students, calm behaviors, and enjoy teaching again. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider 💬 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-177599874490460{-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