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

109 Episodes

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107 | Off-Task During Math? Engagement Strategies That Help Students Focus and Understand

2026-02-0612:13

If math time in your classroom feels scattered, off-task, or frustrating, this episode is for you. Today, I’m sharing simple math engagement strategies that help students focus, make sense of word problems, and truly understand what numbers represent. You’ll hear about my favorite strategy for math and I'll share how these engagement ideas help improve student behavior, reduce confusion, and make math feel more manageable for everyone. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ Want guided support using engagement to improve behavior and understanding? The Classroom Reset walks you step-by-step through engagement strategies that help students regulate, connect, and learn — so teaching feels better again. Learn more at 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

106 | Disengaged Students? How Simple Engagement Shifts Calm Behavior and Bring Content to Life

2026-02-0318:56

If your students feel disengaged, off-task, or restless, this episode is for you. I’m sharing how simple classroom engagement ideas can make a real difference in student behavior, focus, and understanding. I’ll take you inside a real classroom story and show you how engagement isn’t about entertaining students — it’s one of the most effective classroom management tools we have. You’ll hear how small, creative shifts can help students better understand content while reducing power struggles and daily frustration. If you’re tired of constantly redirecting behavior or re-teaching the same concepts, this episode will help you see engagement in a new, calmer, more effective way. ~Elizabeth ✨ Want support putting this into practice? Inside The Classroom Reset, I guide you through proven engagement strategies that improve behavior, build connection, and help you enjoy teaching again — without doing it alone. Learn more and join us at theinspiredclassroom.com/reset. Interested in a Strategy Call? We can discuss engagement strategies that truly fit your students and help bring content to life. I’d love to think it through with you. https://theinspiredclassroom.com/strategy Ask a Question and get it answered on the podcast! Go to https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast, scroll and find the button to press record! 💬 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

105 | The #1 Secret to Improving Student Behavior

2026-01-3016:44

Student behaviors is the number 1 thing teachers tell me their struggling with. So today, I want to share the #1 secret that will help. Can you guess what it is? Take a moment, think and then press play! Inside I'll share the secret and then 3 ways to put it into practice so that you can improve student behaviors in your classroom. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: 57 | From Morning Chaos to Classroom Calm - 3 Teacher-Tested Approaches Behavior Blueprint: Grab all the resources, videos, templates and tools you need today to Navigate Disruptive Behaviors with 100% Confidence! Go to https://theinspiredclassroom.com/behavior Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast Want to experience the calm and connection in your classroom again? You will inside The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program. 💬 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

104 | 5 Steps to Navigate Disruptive Student Behaviors

2026-01-2716:12

Do you deal with extreme student behaviors? Or how about those behaviors that aren't extreme, but just constant (and annoying!) They disrupt the flow of a lesson, disrupt the classroom environment and take time away from your teaching and your students' learning! Well, if that is frustrating to you, then this episode will be very helpful. I'm sharing the 5 steps to navigate disruptive behaviors so that you can improve student behaviors. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Behavior Blueprint: Grab all the resources, videos, templates and tools you need today to Navigate Disruptive Behaviors with 100% Confidence! Go to https://theinspiredclassroom.com/behavior Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast Want to experience the calm and connection in your classroom again? You will inside The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program. 💬 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

103 | Are you really making an impact on your students?

2026-01-2304:51

Sometimes you might just wonder: Am I really making a difference in my classroom? Am I really making an impact on my students? Well, I'm here to set the record straight with a little story about a boy who walks through my classroom multiple times a day. I can't wait to tell you all about it! ~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. 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 @thein

102 | 3 Reasons You Keep Teaching - Even When Teaching is Tough

2026-01-2010:35

Teaching is tough. There's no doubt about it and yet... here you are coming back day after day, year after year. There's a reason. In fact, I would dare to say there are 3 really great reasons for you to stay in this amazing, (even if sometimes draining) profession. Ready to explore? Take a listen! ~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. 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

101 | Is It You… or Your Classroom? Why Experienced Teachers Need a Reset

2026-01-1508:54

Teaching can feel harder than it used to — even when you love it and know you’re good at what you do. In this episode, I’m talking directly to the experienced, caring teacher who feels exhausted, disconnected, and unsure why classroom behavior and engagement feel so off right now. I share the story of a teacher I call Carol — a teacher who loves her students, feels the pressure of scripted curriculum, and is wondering if she can keep doing this for another 5, 10 or 15+ years. If any part of that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. We’ll talk about why another initiative or program isn’t the answer — and why The Classroom RESET might be. I’ll explain what it really means to reset your classroom through culture, engagement, and social-emotional learning, and how support (not more effort) is often the missing piece. ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Get The Classroom Reset 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! 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

100 | Is The Classroom RESET Another Course — or the Support You’ve Been Missing?

2026-01-1417:03

If the idea of “another course” makes you feel tired before you even start, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what The Classroom RESET is — and what it’s not. I talk honestly about why so many courses and programs leave teachers feeling overwhelmed, behind, or alone, and why support (not more content) is often what experienced, caring teachers are really missing. You’ll hear how The Classroom RESET is structured, why it’s designed as a guided reset experience with ongoing support, and who it’s meant for. If you love teaching but feel like your classroom needs calm, connection, and clarity again, this episode will help you decide if TCR is the right next step for you. I hope this inspires you today. 💛 ~Elizabeth Mentioned in This Episode: Get The Classroom Reset 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! 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

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: Get The Classroom Reset 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! 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

#box-pro-ellipsis-177040136432443{-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