EPISODE · Jan 9, 2026 · 6 MIN
98 | I Told My Students, “I Want You to Fail” – Here's What Happened Next
from Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management · host Elizabeth M. Peterson - Teacher, Arts Integration Specialist & Creative SEL Consultant
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
What this episode covers
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
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98 | I Told My Students, “I Want You to Fail” – Here's What Happened Next
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