Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Learning Styles, SEL, Classroom Management

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, I’m diving into 3 mistakes teachers make when trying to “fix” classroom behavior. Maybe you’ve tried ignoring little disruptions, only to end up reacting later with frustration. Or maybe you’ve leaned on quick tricks—a kindness jar here, a new chart there—only to realize they don’t really change the culture of your classroom. Let's look at why these common mistakes keep you stuck and what you can do instead to create a classroom that feels calm, connected, and ready for real learning.   ~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

What if improving student behavior wasn’t about sticker charts, new systems, or 30-minute SEL lessons… but about a few small but powerful shifts in how we show up and guide our classrooms? In this episode, I’m diving into the four essential mindset and strategy shifts that will help you reset your classroom climate, support your students’ emotional needs, and reduce those daily behavior battles. Whether you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of managing behaviors all day—this one’s for you.   👉 I’ll also share one story from my own classroom that proves these strategies really work—even a year later.   ~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

We’re serving up some truth today—because not all professional development is created equal. Some PD sessions leave you energized but unsure how to apply what you’ve learned. Others feel… well, like a microwaved meal: bland, rushed, and not really made for you. In this episode, we unpack the difference between traditional PD, teacher-centered PD, and the secret sauce that actually makes change stick: coaching. If you’re craving support that feels personal, practical, and empowering—this one’s for you.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: 76 | LIVE COACHING: Can a Substitute Teacher Really Build Connection? A Veteran CRT’s Breakthrough with Disruptive Students   You’ve had the microwaved PD. You’ve tried the pre-packaged strategies. Now it’s time for a full-course experience—crafted just for you. Join me and a community of caring, creative teachers inside The Classroom Reset—where professional development is personalized, coaching is built in, and every session leaves you feeling seen, supported, and seriously inspired. 🍽️ It’s like sitting down to the most nourishing, soul-filling meal with your favorite teacher friends—AND you walk away with a real plan. 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

You know those hallway convos or lunchroom rants that start out as harmless venting… and somehow leave you feeling more exhausted? Yeah, me too. In this episode, I’m diving into why those “teacher talk” moments—even with the best of colleagues—don’t always lead to real growth, and what you can do instead. I’m sharing the real reason we stay stuck in burnout and how coaching (the good kind!) can give you the fresh perspective, clarity, and energy you’ve been craving. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start enjoying teaching again, this is your sign. 🎁 Plus—don’t miss the giveaway I’m hosting to celebrate this community! You could win a 1:1 coaching session with me, some fun teacher treats, and support that actually moves you forward. 💬 Tune in and ask yourself: Is your “support system” keeping you stuck?   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! This week, I’m giving away THREE amazing prize bundles to celebrate this community and help more teachers discover the Enjoy Teaching Again podcast. 🎉 Here’s what you could win: ✨ A 30 minute coaching call with me where we can talk through anything you need—student behavior challenges, creative lesson ideas, boundaries, overwhelm, you name it. ✨ A 10% off coupon to my entire TpT store ✨ And a $25 Amazon gift card (because you deserve a treat—for your classroom or just for you!) Here’s how to enter: Step 1 – Leave a positive review for the Enjoy Teaching Again podcast or share your favorite episode on Facebook or Instagram. Step 2 – Take a screenshot Step 3 – Post your screenshot (either the review or the share) inside my free FB group: Inspiring Teachers. theinspiredclassroom.com/community And don’t forget to use the hashtag #giveaway so I can find your entry! I’ll be tracking all entries in the group from Sept 16–23 Entries close at midnight on the 23, and I’ll announce the winners on Sept 26. 🎉 This is your chance to get a little coaching, a lot of encouragement, and maybe a sweet surprise for your classroom (or just for yourself!). So go ahead—leave a review, share something that inspired you, and pop into the group with your #giveaway post. Can’t wait to see what you share!   🌟 Ready for the kind of support that actually helps? 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 having a teacher BFF, mentor, and coach—all rolled into one program of clarity and encouragement.     💬 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

Ever wonder how you're supposed to connect with students when you're only in the room for a day—or even just a class period? In this episode, I sit down with Vicki, a CRT or Casual Relief Teacher (that’s what we’d call a substitute here in the U.S.) from Australia with over 30 years of experience. She's frustrated, she's compassionate, and she’s so real about the behavior challenges she's facing—especially when connection feels almost impossible. You’ll hear how we worked through some mindset shifts and practical strategies to help her feel less drained and more empowered—even in a role that doesn’t allow for long-term relationships.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Just like Vicki did in this episode, you can pause, reflect, and reset—without needing a full classroom makeover. Inside The Classroom Reset, I’ll coach you through practical ways to build connection, even when time is short and behaviors are big. 🌟 You don’t have to do this alone. Join us at 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

In this episode, I get real about the question so many of us are quietly asking: Is teaching still worth it? If you’ve found yourself living for weekends, counting the days until the next vacation, or wondering if you can really do this for another 5, 10, or 15 years… this conversation is for you. We’ll explore what’s really at the heart of your teaching career, and I’ll share 3 steps from my Reset Framework that will help you go from survival mode to actually enjoying your classroom again — without adding more to your plate. You deserve to feel good about walking into your classroom every day — and your students deserve the best version of you. So, let's get this conversation going!   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: 🎸 If you’re tired of just surviving the school year and wondering if teaching is even worth it anymore, it’s time for a reset — The Classroom Reset. Think of it like hitting pause, cranking up the volume on your creativity, and walking back into your classroom with a plan that actually makes you want to teach again. 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

This one’s from the heart. In this episode, I’m opening up about something we don’t talk about enough as teachers—prayer. Not affirmations, not manifesting… but quiet, intentional moments with God, asking for strength, direction, and peace in your teaching day. I’ll share some real-life moments where I had no choice but to let go and lean on prayer—and how that changed everything for me. We’ll also explore 3 simple ways you can begin (or return to) a practice of prayer that supports your heart and mind as a teacher, no matter what kind of school you work in. If you’ve been feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed by behaviors, or just flat-out unsure how you’re going to make it through the school year—this is for you. You don’t have to carry it all alone. Let’s talk about how prayer can help you enjoy teaching again. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: 🌟 Join me and a community of caring, creative teachers to reflect, realign, and reignite your joy in teaching inside The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program. It’s like turning down the noise of school stress—but turning up the volume on your calling.   💬 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

It’s easy to get swept up in setting up a beautiful classroom—name tags, motivational posters, organized bins—but none of that really solves behavior issues, does it?   In this episode, I’m sharing 3 meaningful and practical ways to support student behavior before things spiral. These strategies are proactive, teacher-centered, and rooted in connection—not compliance. If you're already bracing for blurting, refusal, or meltdowns this year, this one’s for you.   ~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. It’s like your dream PD day—but no sub plans, no stress, and everything applies directly to your classroom.   Want my favorite pencil sharpener? (The one I mention in the show?) Go HERE!   63 | Is Your Calm-Down Corner Even Working? The Mistakes Teachers Make—and How to Fix Them   57 | From Morning Chaos to Classroom Calm - 3 Teacher-Tested Approaches   ✨ 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

What if your calm was actually your most effective behavior strategy?   In this episode, we’re flipping the script on traditional behavior management and talking about how intentional teacher relaxation can shift the emotional tone of your classroom—for the better.   Whether you’re already back at school or clinging to those final days of summer—this one’s for you.   If your classroom has felt a little chaotic, your students are dysregulated, and you’re wondering how to calm things down without a behavior chart explosion… this episode will give you a fresh, empowering (and teacher-centered!) perspective.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: 🌟 Join me and a community of caring, creative teachers to reflect, realign, and reignite your joy in teaching inside The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program. It’s like a weekend getaway with your favorite teacher friends—but you come back with a real plan.   52 | Why Being a Superhero Teacher is Wrecking Your Passion for Teaching   50 | Want to Use Music in the Classroom? 6 Easy Steps to Making it a Success!   63 | Is Your Calm-Down Corner Even Working? The Mistakes Teachers Make—and How to Fix Them    Want to use my BREAK Box in your classroom? Click HERE!     ✨ 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

This week, I’m sitting down with my very first guest—Kristina Peterson, high school English teacher and co-author of the book AI in the Writing Workshop: Finding the Write Balance. We’re diving into one of the biggest topics in education today: artificial intelligence. From ethical concerns to creative opportunities, I'm asking the real questions about how AI is changing our classrooms—and how we can respond with clarity, confidence, and care. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or feeling totally overwhelmed by the tech wave, this conversation will leave you feeling more grounded in your role as a teacher and more equipped to help your students navigate AI with intention.   Big ideas we cover: What AI is really doing in our classrooms How to use it ethically and creatively The teacher’s role in guiding students through this shift Practical ways to engage with AI at any grade level   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: If this episode gets your wheels turning (and I think it will!), go check out Kristina's book! AI in the Writing Workshop: Finding the Write Balance   🌟 Join me and a community of caring, creative teachers to reflect, realign, and reignite your joy in teaching inside The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program. It’s like a spa day for your teacher soul—but with a strategy that transforms your classroom. 📍 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   More about Kristina! Kristina Peterson has been teaching high school English in Exeter, NH since 2008. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and has served the educational community as Secretary for the New Hampshire Council of Teachers of English (NHCTE) since 2017. Kristina also teaches in the University of New Hampshire’s Learning Through Teaching program, as well as in their Literacy Institute and Writers Academy. Her first book, AI in the Writing Workshop: Finding the Write Balance (Heinemann, 2025), was co-authored with her teaching partner, Dennis Magliozzi. The book explores AI as a thought partner, research companion, and writing tool, while addressing the ethical complexities and instructional opportunities AI presents in today’s classrooms. In addition to her classroom work, Kristina regularly contributes to publications such as Education Week, California English, and English Journal. She is the co-developer of Arts in Action, winner of the 2023 New Hampshire Governor's Arts Education Award, and co-founder of Bookshelf Diversity, a statewide grant initiative that provides teachers with diverse books for their classrooms. Kristina also designs and delivers AI literacy training for law enforcement professionals. Whether supporting K–12 educators, higher education faculty, or law enforcement, she combines research-based practice with real-world insight and an engaging approach to help others navigate—and harness—the power of AI responsibly.   Find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-peterson-617525262/

Let’s talk about the tech elephant in the classroom. 🐘 We’ve got Chromebooks, smart boards, digital tools—and yet, we’re still battling student disengagement and behavior issues. In this episode, I’m sharing why too much screen time might be affecting your students more than you think, and what you can actually do to bring back connection, creativity, and calm. If you’ve ever looked around your classroom and thought, “What happened to real learning?”—this one’s for you. We’ll walk through 3 simple, creative strategies you can start using today that support your students’ engagement, behavior, and emotional regulation—without tossing tech out the window. This episode is especially for the teacher who’s ready to take back control in a world of digital distraction.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: 🌟 The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program – Join me, Elizabeth and a community of caring, creative teachers to reflect, realign, and reignite your joy in teaching. 📍 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