The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive

In this episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive, Dr. LaToya Crockett shares honest and practical advice on what to do when students start testing the rules. Whether it’s off-task behavior, ignoring directions, or pushing limits, these moments are part of every teacher’s journey but they don’t have to shake your confidence.LaToya walks you through why students test boundaries and how you can respond with clarity, consistency, and calm, without raising your voice or second-guessing yourself. She also shares real examples from her kindergarten classroom and simple strategies new teachers can start using immediately.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why testing behavior is developmentally appropriate (and expected)How to shift your mindset from frustration to calmWhat to reflect on before responding to off-task behaviorHow routines, tone, and body language shape student responseWhy consistency and positive reinforcement matter more than consequencesThis episode is perfect for:First-year teachers building classroom management skillsCareer changers and student teachers preparing for the first week of schoolEducators who want to stay calm, clear, and confident under pressureLets stay connected:Join the Thrive with Purpose Facebook communityFollow Dr. LaToya Crockett on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive, we continue our classroom management series with a thoughtful conversation about what it means to manage a classroom in a way that honors students' backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.Dr. LaToya Crockett is joined by Anjali Bajaj, founder of AHINSA Leadership Collective and a longtime educator and school leader. Together, they explore how culturally and historically responsive education can guide your routines, relationships, and expectations, even if you're just starting your teaching journey.This episode will help you:Understand what culturally responsive classroom management looks like in practiceReflect on how your own identity and values shape your teachingBuild routines that are respectful, relevant, and clearStrengthen your relationships with students from day oneApproach the first weeks of school with confidence and purposeWhether you’re a first-year teacher, student teacher, or transitioning into the classroom, this conversation will help you lead with clarity and care.📬 Connect with Anjali BajajAnjali Bajaj of AHINSA Leadership Collective Inc.Email [email protected] @ahinsaleadershipcollectiveLinkedIn: Anjali Bajaj💡 Thrive with Purpose linksFacebook: The Inspired Educator: Support for New and Aspiring TeachersLinkedIn: Dr. LaToya CrockettIf this episode spoke to you, share it with a fellow educator and follow the show for more practical guidance and encouragement.

Welcome to Episode 2 of our four-part series on classroom management. If you're preparing for a new school year, this episode is designed to help you start strong by understanding one of the biggest misconceptions new teachers face: the difference between classroom management and discipline.Dr. LaToya Crockett is joined by veteran educator and leadership consultant Lisa Norwood, founder of iLead Education Services. With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and turnaround principal, Lisa shares clear, actionable advice on building structure, creating routines, and leading your classroom with confidence.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why classroom management is about prevention, not punishmentHow routines and procedures create security for studentsThe role of consistency in building student trustWhat new teachers often misunderstand about disciplinePractical strategies you can implement before your first dayThis conversation is packed with insight and encouragement to help you plan intentionally and avoid burnout later in the year.Connect with Lisa NorwoodWebsite: ileadeducationservices.com Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-norwood-williams-b1a06615/Connect with Dr. LaToya CrockettJoin the Thrive with Purpose Facebook group for continued supportFollow LaToya on LinkedIn: Dr. LaToya Crockett

Welcome to Season 2 of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive! To start this season, we're launching a focused four-part mini-series on classroom management. This first episode sets the foundation with one essential truth for new teachers: behavior must be taught, modeled, and practiced just like reading.Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with Tangela Leggett, founder and CEO of Leggett Educational Consulting, to explore how routines and expectations can be built from day one through clarity, structure, and relationship-building.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why behavior expectations must be taught explicitly — not assumedHow to model and practice key routines in a K–5 classroomTips for building consistency and calm through repetitionThe connection between routines and strong student relationshipsEncouragement for new teachers who are still finding their voice

New teachers, if you've ever felt unsure about how to support students with IEPs, collaborate with special education teams, or create a classroom where every child feels seen, this episode is for you.In this powerful conversation, Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with Shannon Poynter, a special education teacher with over 17 years of experience, to discuss what inclusion really means and how to make it a lived reality in your classroom.You'll learn: ✔️ What inclusion looks like beyond buzzwords ✔️ How to build respectful collaboration with paras and resource teachers ✔️ 3 simple strategies to make your classroom more inclusive ✔️ What parts of the IEP you really need to understand as a gen ed teacher ✔️ How to build trust, structure, and belonging for all studentsWhether you're a first-year teacher, student teacher, or career changer, this episode will leave you encouraged, informed, and ready to lead an inclusive space with heart and purpose.📱 Follow on us on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567457680782💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Dr. LaToya Crockett

If you're a new teacher stepping into summer school with extra income on the way, this episode is your financial wake-up call!In today’s conversation, Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with Dr. Melissa Weathersby — a financial wellness consultant, educator, and advocate for financial literacy — to break down smart money habits every early-career educator needs.You’ll learn: ✔️ What to do with your summer school paycheck✔️ How to build an emergency fund (even on a tight budget) ✔️ Why teachers should stop overspending on their classrooms ✔️ Budgeting basics using the 50/30/20 rule ✔️ Mindset shifts to go from spending to investing ✔️ The #1 financial trap new teachers fall into — and how to avoid itWhether you're teaching summer school or gearing up for your first year, this episode will help you manage your money with confidence and clarity.🔗 Learn more about Dr. Melissa Weathersby at melissaweathersby.com Connect on LinkedIn: Dr. LaToya Crockett

Summer school teachers, this is for you!The secret to a thriving classroom, even in the summer, starts with genuine connections. I’m Dr. LaToya Crockett, and today I chat with transformational speaker and educator Wynette Richardson—aka “The Teacher’s Champion”—on how to lay the foundation for learning through authentic rapport in a short amount of time.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:🎯 Why Relationships Matter: How Ms. Mildred Echols and Ms. Wanda White shaped Wynette’s why—and how you can discover yours.🔑 Day-One Strategies: Showing up as your true self, framing intentional get-to-know-you questions, and embedding “not optional” participation without pressure.🤝 Inclusivity Tactics: Paper-and-pen alternatives, talking pieces, and flex options that ensure every learner’s voice is heard.🌱 Short-Term Contexts: Quick rapport-building norms for summer school and long-term subs that accelerate trust—even in 20 days.🛠️ Daily Check-Ins: Mood meters, 1–100 scales, and emoji prompts to keep your finger on the pulse of student well-being.Love this episode? Subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow educator!Connect with Wynette: https://www.wynetterichardson.com/

In this inspiring episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!, Dr. LaToya Crockett is joined by Tanjarae Porter—arts educator, certified reading specialist, and founder of Cultivated Connections—to explore how arts integration can be a powerful tool for student engagement, inclusivity, and personal teacher wellness.Whether you're a first-year teacher, a career changer, or someone looking to spark creativity in your classroom, this episode is filled with practical strategies and heartwarming stories that will remind you why this work matters.🎨 What you’ll learn in this episode:What arts integration really means (and how it’s different from arts enhancement)3 easy-to-implement arts-based strategies to engage all learnersHow to integrate the arts without needing to be “an artist”Why creativity is essential to supporting student voice, confidence, and literacyHow arts integration supports special education students and English learnersWhy arts education is equity work—and how to make it culturally responsive✨ This episode is a must-listen for:✔️ New and aspiring teachers✔️ Teachers working in diverse classrooms✔️ Educators looking to make learning more inclusive, joyful, and effective🎧 Listen now and learn how to empower your students—and yourself—through the power of creative teaching.🔗 Additional Resources:🖥️ Learn more about Cultivated Connections: https://www.cultivatedconnections.org/Download your No Prep Arts Integration Activities: https://www.cultivatedconnections.org/Resource_NoPrepArtsIntegration📥 Download the FREE End-of-Year Behavior Guide: https://thrive-with-purpose-consulting-and-development-llc.kit.com/18f873c94f

Feeling like you’ve poured every ounce of energy into your classroom… and now there’s nothing left? You’re not alone. I’m Dr. LaToya Crockett, and in this episode I sit down with licensed therapist Timeka L. Muhammad of The Courage To Cope to break down what educator burnout really looks like—and share therapist-approved habits to reclaim your passion for teaching.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:🔍 What Burnout Really Is — A clear, relatable definition so you can spot it early🚩 3 Key Warning Signs — From chronic fatigue and irritability to forgetfulness and aches🛠️ Three Burnout-Busting StrategiesSet Firm Boundaries — Leave work at work so you can fully show up at homeWind-Down Rituals — 5–10 minutes of stretch, journal, or deep breathing before “off-duty” modeThe “Not Now” List — Politely defer extra requests until you have bandwidthGrab Your Free Guide 🎁 Download the 7 Behavior Strategies to Finish the Year StrongConnect with Timeka 🌐 https://www.thecouragetocope.com/about-8Love this episode? 👇 Subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow educator! 👇

Feeling exhausted, emotionally drained, or just overwhelmed as the school year winds down? You’re not alone. In this powerful episode, Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with educator wellness expert and founder of Teacher Recess, Daryll Wharton, to explore what burnout really looks like—and how new teachers can create sustainable boundaries to protect their energy, purpose, and passion. This episode is filled with affirming, actionable wisdom to help new educators stay grounded, reflect with intention, and shift from merely surviving to truly thriving. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What burnout really looks like (it’s more than just being tired) The difference between being out of alignment and being overworked How to identify what’s in your “teacher bag” and decide what to carry or let go Practical boundary-setting phrases and mindsets every new teacher needs Why saying "no" is a form of professional strength—not selfishness Tools to help you regulate emotions, set intentions, and recharge daily Why teacher wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for student success 🔑 Key Takeaways: ✔️ "No" is a complete sentence. ✔️ You teach people how to treat you—start with yourself. ✔️ Burnout is a sign you’re out of alignment, not just overworked. ✔️ Teaching from overflow, not emptiness, protects your purpose. ✔️ Reflection and mindfulness help you reset—not just react. ✔️ Teacher wellness should be built into school culture, not added on. 🎯 This Episode is For: First- and second-year teachers feeling stretched thin Career changers and student teachers struggling with balance School leaders and mentors who want to better support new educators Educators seeking a more sustainable, purpose-driven teaching life 📌 Resources Mentioned: 🌐 Visit Teacher Recess Consulting - https://teacherrecess.com/ 🎧 Free “Active Meditation” Audio for Teachers https://teacherrecess.com/ 🗣️ Share the Love: If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow educator or mentor. ✨ Subscribe, download and review!

Hey there, educator friends! 👋 Ever feel like the weight of the classroom is just... a bit too much? In this episode of The Inspired Educator, I sit down with Claire from The Feeling Centre to share real‑world, heart‑centered strategies that help you: 💖 Spot the first whispers of burnout before it takes over 💖 Build simple, feel‑good emotional‑wellness habits into your day 💖 Draw firm lines between work and home with healthy boundaries 💖 Cultivate a growth mindset that lifts you up when challenges strike 💖 Lean on fellow teachers to create powerful peer support networks We laugh, we reflect, and we walk away with tools you can try today. What You’ll Learn: 💎 How to notice burnout early so you can pause and recharge 💎 Easy daily rituals that boost your mood and resilience 💎 Boundary‑setting tips that protect your precious “you” time 💎 Mindset hacks to stay uplifted, even on tough days 💎Ways to connect with other teachers for ongoing support Connect with Claire 🌐 Website: https://thefeelingcentre.com.au/ 👍 Facebook: tfcthefeelingcentre 📸 Instagram: @Thefeelingcentre 10 Hacks for Wellbeing Workshop ____________________________________________________________________________ I’ve got a special gift for you! 🎁 Download the free 7 Behavior Strategies to Finish the Year Strong Guide Love this episode? Let me know! Drop a review, hit subscribe, and share with a fellow teacher. Your support means the world. ❤️

Feeling overwhelmed in the classroom? In this episode of The Inspired Educator, Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with mindfulness coach Martin Hofkamp to explore practical strategies for managing stress, staying grounded, and creating a calmer, more focused learning environment. Martin shares simple mindfulness tools new and aspiring teachers can use to build emotional resilience, navigate daily challenges, and protect their well-being. If you're ready to bring more calm, balance, and joy into your teaching career, this conversation is for you! In this episode, you’ll learn: How mindfulness helps you manage classroom stress Practical ways to build resilience and emotional balance Strategies for focusing on what’s going right (even on tough days) Why self-care is essential—not selfish—for teachers ✨ Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow educator!

As the school year winds down, energy winds up—and for many teachers, that means classroom management becomes more challenging than ever. In this episode of The Inspired Educator, Dr. LaToya Crockett is joined by MaaTchaas Thomas, founder of Sankofa Learning Place and a certified special education teacher, to talk about end-of-year student behavior. With years of experience supporting students with diverse needs, MaaTchaas shares practical, calm, and culturally responsive strategies for teachers facing behavior challenges during testing season, routine disruptions, and emotional fatigue. Whether you’re a first-year teacher, a long-term sub, or a career changer trying to finish the year strong, this conversation will give you tools—and peace of mind. 🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 🧠 Why student behavior intensifies in the spring 📚 How high-stakes testing impacts students’ mental and emotional regulation 📆 Strategies for keeping routines consistent 📋 How to support students with IEPs and behavior plans when structure is shaky 💬 Calm, non-escalating ways to reestablish boundaries ❤️ How relationship-building can still happen—even in May 💡 Key Takeaways from MaaTchaas: Behavior is communication. Look beyond the disruption and ask, “What does this student need?” Testing season is not just hard for teachers—students feel the pressure too. Normalize breaks, breathing, and encouragement. When the schedule changes, anchor students in familiar routines wherever possible. Don’t try to fix everything in one day. Consistency and connection matter more than perfection. Finish the year how you want to be remembered. It's never too late to reset. Connect with MaatTchaas Thomas: Business Name: Sankofa Learning Place L.L.C. Website: www.SankofaLearningPlace.com Instagram: @sankofa_learning_place Facebook: Sankofa Learning Place Email: [email protected] Free Workshop: “Testing Season & End-of-Year Mayhem: Game-Changing Strategies for Classroom Control” Date: April 27, 2025 💬 Let’s Stay Connected Loved this episode? ✅ Follow the show ✅ Leave a review ✅ Share with a fellow educator navigating spring challenges

Is science always the first subject to get cut when you’re short on time? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Inspired Educator, Dr. LaToya Crockett welcomes Anissa Williams, a Science Coordinator who shares practical, real-world advice for bringing science back into your classroom—without feeling overwhelmed or off track. With a background in middle school science and K–12 curriculum support, Anissa understands the realities new teachers face: tight schedules, lack of materials, and limited confidence with science content. But she’s here to remind us: you don’t have to be an expert to spark curiosity. 🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 🔬 Why you don’t need a science degree to teach great science lessons 🧠 Mindset shifts to stop feeling intimidated by STEM content 📚 How to blend science into ELA, math, and writing for seamless integration 📊 Creative ways to assess science understanding—without paper-pencil tests 👩🏾‍🏫 How to pace your science lessons without skipping the hands-on parts 🎯 The importance of exposure over perfection in early grades 🧪 What a high-quality science lesson really looks like (hello, 5E model!) 💡 Key Takeaways from Anissa: You don’t have to be the expert—just create opportunities for discovery. Science can be taught in small chunks throughout the day. Use reading time for science texts, writing time for evidence-based claims, and math time for measurement and graphing. Scripted curriculum is your friend. Read it. Follow it. It’s built to support you. Engagement starts with the “hook.” The 5E model helps make lessons exciting, hands-on, and memorable. 📌 Perfect For: First and second-year teachers feeling overwhelmed by science K–5 teachers juggling multiple content areas Career changers unsure how to teach STEM Educators looking for time-saving strategies that still promote student curiosity and engagement Loved this episode? ✅ Subscribe ✅ Leave a review ✅ Share it with a fellow educator

In this value-packed episode of The Inspired Educator, host Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with Dr. JaNae’ Alfred, a 17-year educator, instructional coach, and Director of Community and Culture. Dr. Alfred brings wisdom, warmth, and real-world strategies to one of the most important (and often overwhelming) parts of teaching: parent communication. Whether you’re preparing for your first parent-teacher conference, navigating cultural dynamics, or unsure how to handle difficult conversations, Dr. Alfred walks you through how to do it all with authenticity, clarity, and confidence. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 📞 Why the first parent phone call should always be positive 🤝 How to build trust and transparency from day one 📋 Tips for using scripts, cheat sheets, and systems to streamline communication 🧠 The role of culture in how families communicate—and how to respect that 📣 Strategies for addressing behavior concerns without damaging the relationship 🧭 What to do when parents are rude, upset, or disengaged 📨 How to document phone calls and follow up with professional email summaries 🗣️ How word choice matters This episode is perfect for: 💡First and second-year teachers 💡Career changers navigating parent partnerships 💡Substitute teachers working across grade levels 💡Educators who want to improve parent communication and reduce conflict If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another educator. And remember—you’re not just surviving, you’re thriving with purpose.

Managing a classroom full of students can feel like juggling 20 spinning plates while walking a tightrope—especially when small, repeated disruptions start piling up. In this solo episode of The Inspired Educator, Dr. LaToya Crockett breaks down a clear, actionable framework for handling those little disruptions before they turn into big problems. Whether you’re a first-year teacher, career changer, or substitute navigating classroom management for the first time, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to build a calm, consistent, and thriving learning environment. In This Episode, You'll Learn: 3-Pillars to help with classroom management 1. Be Proactive – How to prevent disruptions before they happen 2. Respond Calmly – What to do when disruptions do occur 3. Reflect & Modify – Why it’s important to revisit your systems Takeaways & Tips: ✅ Prevention beats reaction: Establish expectations early and reinforce them often. ✅ Stay calm, consistent, and clear in your response to disruptions. ✅ Track and reflect: Your observations can help you fix the root of repeated issues. ✅ Celebrate progress! Use incentives and praise to reinforce positive behavior. If this episode helped you, share it with a fellow educator. Let’s grow this community of confident, thriving teachers together. 🎧 Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode! 💛 Remember: You’re not just surviving. You’re thriving with purpose.

In this episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive, host Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with veteran educator and consultant Felicia Heard of Be Heard Education. With over 20 years of experience in instructional design, student engagement, and relationship-building, Felicia brings fresh insight into how new teachers can teach critical 21st century skills without burning out. 🌟 What You’ll Learn: 💡What 21st century skills really are—and why they matter 💡How to build student voice and creativity into your lessons 💡Why student relationships are key to engagement and rigor 💡Encouraging words for teachers thinking of leaving the profession This episode is full of heart, strategy, and inspiration. If you're ready to engage your students in deeper learning while staying grounded yourself, this is a must-listen. 📌 Don’t forget to follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with your teacher community. If you're interested in connecting with Felicia Heard visit her website or follow her on LinkedIn. https://beheardedu.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicia-bell-heard-214a5b60/

In this energizing episode of The Inspired Educator, host Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with high school teacher and instructional coach Erin Shook to explore practical, creative strategies for student engagement. Whether you teach kindergarten or seniors, Erin shares actionable ways to get students talking, thinking, moving—and actually enjoying learning. We cover: ✅How to rebuild student social skills post-pandemic ✅Why “elementary-style” tools (stickers, partner cards, silly games) still work for teens ✅Tips for using movement, music, and choice to increase classroom participation ✅The value of being real, flexible, and relationship-focused ✅Encouragement and SEL-based strategies for new and overwhelmed teachers From daily check-ins to You Pick Two choice boards, Erin’s wisdom is the refresh you didn’t know you needed. Perfect for new and second-year teachers, career changers, and anyone who wants to make learning engaging. 💡 Try just one of Erin’s ideas this week—and tag her on Instagram (@teachwell.bewell) or LinkedIn to share how it went! 🔗 Connect with Erin: Instagram: @teachwell.bewell LinkedIn: Erin Shook https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-shook-69bbb0b5/

Nervous about parent-teacher conferences? In this episode of The Inspired Educator, Dr. LaToya Crockett shares 6 practical strategies to help new teachers navigate tough conversations with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Learn how to prepare talking points, manage emotions, and follow up with families to build strong relationships and create a positive classroom culture. Perfect for first-year teachers gearing up for conferences or challenging parent interactions.

Feeling overwhelmed by lesson planning? You’re not alone—and this episode is here to help. In Episode 9 of The Inspired Educator, host Dr. LaToya Crockett shares step-by-step strategies to help new and aspiring teachers simplify their planning process, save time, and reduce stress—without sacrificing student learning. If you’re a first-year teacher juggling multiple content areas, scripted curriculum, and limited planning time, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control of your workflow. You’ll learn how to: ✅ Organize your planning materials for consistency and ease ✅ Use your benchmark assessments and standards to “begin with the end in mind” ✅ Maximize your use of scripted curriculum—without reinventing the wheel ✅ Create a weekly materials list to avoid last-minute prep stress ✅ Build sustainable planning systems that save time year after year 💡 Bonus Tip: Discover how to plan with longevity in mind so you’re not starting from scratch next school year. ✨ This episode is perfect for: ✅ First and second-year teachers ✅ Career changers entering the classroom ✅ Substitute teachers managing multiple subjects ✅ Elementary educators responsible for all content areas 💬 If this episode helped you, share it with a teacher friend!