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

What’s draining your energy the most right now? For so many teachers, it’s not just behavior—it’s the lack of effort. The constant reminders. The students who won’t take responsibility. The feeling that you’re the one holding everything together just to get through the day. And over time… that’s exhausting. In this episode, I’m unpacking what’s really going on when student effort is low and a few small but powerful shifts to help you start changing the pattern. If you’ve ever felt like you’re managing everything instead of actually teaching, this episode will help you understand why—and what you can begin to do differently.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ You don’t have to keep reacting to behaviors all day. Inside my course, The Classroom RESET, I’ll help you shift what’s underneath it all—so your classroom becomes calmer, more connected, and actually manageable again. You don't need a new initiative, you need a RESET! Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   👉 If you’re ready to move from reacting to behaviors to actually rebuilding a calm, engaged classroom, I’ve got something for you. Grab your free RESET Roadmap here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap   Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community   Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast       ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

Some students are hard to reach. And if you’ve been teaching long enough, you know exactly the kind of student I’m talking about—the one who seems completely shut down, disengaged, or like they just don’t care. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of a 7th grade student who challenged me in a way I didn’t expect. He came into my classroom with a tough exterior and very little interest in what we were doing… and for a while, nothing seemed to work. But then something shifted. And it wasn’t a big strategy or a complicated plan. It was something much simpler—and much more powerful. If you’re working with a student who feels unreachable, this story will remind you that there’s often more going on beneath the surface—and that small shifts can make a big difference. Because it’s not always about fixing behavior. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ You don’t have to keep reacting to behaviors all day. Inside my course, The Classroom RESET, I’ll help you shift what’s underneath it all—so your classroom becomes calmer, more connected, and actually manageable again. You don't need a new initiative, you need a RESET! Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   👉 If you’re ready to move from reacting to behaviors to actually rebuilding a calm, engaged classroom, I’ve got something for you. Grab your free RESET Roadmap here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap   Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community   Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast       ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

You’re not imagining it - teaching is harder. Today I’m talking honestly about what so many of us are seeing right now—more behaviors, less stamina, bigger emotions—and how that can leave you feeling like what used to work just isn’t working anymore. But you don’t have to become a different kind of teacher to handle it. Instead, you may just need to see a different path forward. One that feels more aligned. More doable. And a whole lot more like you.   ✨ FLASH SALE: This week only (through Thursday), enrollment is open for The Classroom RESET—and it’s available at a special discounted rate with some exciting bonuses. I can’t share all the details here in the show notes, so be sure to head to the website to check it out before it closes. Go here for all the details: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building a classroom that feels calm, connected, and actually works for you… 💛 This is your moment to take that step.   ~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

Have you ever had a class that just felt… so hard?! In this episode, I’m sharing a real story from my own classroom about a group of students that challenged me in a completely different way. No matter what I tried, nothing seemed to stick—and at one point, it honestly felt like me vs. them. But what I realized changed everything. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning why one class feels so much harder than the others, this episode will help you see what might actually be going on beneath the surface—and why it’s not just about behavior. I want to help you to stop second-guessing yourself and start looking at your classroom through a new lens—one that actually leads to change.     ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ You don’t have to keep reacting to behaviors all day. Inside my course, The Classroom RESET, I’ll help you shift what’s underneath it all—so your classroom becomes calmer, more connected, and actually manageable again. You don't need a new initiative, you need a RESET! Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   👉 If you’re ready to move from reacting to behaviors to actually rebuilding a calm, engaged classroom, I’ve got something for you. Grab your free RESET Roadmap here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap   Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community   Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast       ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

If you feel like you’re constantly managing behavior instead of actually teaching… this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: most teachers aren’t doing anything wrong—they’re just stuck in patterns that keep them reacting all day long. In this episode, I’m breaking down two common mistakes that can keep you trapped in “behavior mode”… even when you’re doing everything you know how to do. If you’ve ever thought, “Why does this keep happening?” or “Why isn’t anything working?”—this episode will help you start connecting the dots. Because once you see the pattern, you can finally start changing it.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ You don’t have to keep reacting to behaviors all day. Inside my course, The Classroom RESET, I’ll help you shift what’s underneath it all—so your classroom becomes calmer, more connected, and actually manageable again. You don't need a new initiative, you need a RESET! Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community   Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast       ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

Ever have one of those days where nothing works… and you’re left wondering what just happened? Today, I’m sharing a real classroom experience and the shift that changed how I see student behavior completely. Because what if it’s not just a behavior problem? Inside, I’ll help you: Look at those overwhelming days through a different lens Understand what might actually be causing the chaos And learn a simple way to start shifting things—without trying to fix everything at once If you’ve been feeling frustrated, reactive, or like you’re constantly putting out fires, this episode will help you take a step back and see what’s really going on underneath it all.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ You don’t have to keep reacting to behaviors all day. Inside my course, The Classroom RESET, I’ll help you shift what’s underneath it all—so your classroom becomes calmer, more connected, and actually manageable again. You don't need a new initiative, you need a RESET! Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   👉 If you’re ready to move from reacting to behaviors to actually rebuilding a calm, engaged classroom, I’ve got something for you. Grab your free RESET Roadmap here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap   Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community   Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

If you've been feeling like you’re managing behavior more than you’re actually teaching, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down what’s really going on when your classroom feels out of control and 3 clear signs your classroom foundation might be… wobbling. If you’ve been repeating yourself all day, putting out fires, or watching engagement slip right in front of you—this episode will help you see your classroom in a whole new way. More importantly, it will show you where to start so things can begin to feel calmer, more connected, and more manageable again.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ You don’t have to keep reacting to behaviors all day. Inside my course, The Classroom RESET, I’ll help you shift what’s underneath it all—so your classroom becomes calmer, more connected, and actually manageable again. You don't need a new initiative, you need a RESET! Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   👉 If you’re ready to move from reacting to behaviors to actually rebuilding a calm, engaged classroom, I’ve got something for you. Grab your free RESET Roadmap here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap   Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community   Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

Have you ever had a student who seemed completely checked out? You know the kind… Head down on the desk. Avoiding work. Finding every possible way to not engage. It’s easy to look at that student and think, “They just don’t care.” In this episode, I share the story of one of my own students this year—a student who showed all the signs of total apathy and lack of engagement in the classroom. From the outside, it looked like he had no interest in math… or school… or anything happening in the classroom. But what I discovered changed everything. And slowly, over time, I watched him go from head down to hands up. This episode isn’t about a perfect transformation or a magic fix. Instead, it’s about the small, intentional shifts that helped one student begin to re-engage—and what that means for us as teachers. I'm excited to share one of my own recent success stories in my classroom!   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: 120 | Why Student Apathy Isn’t Always Laziness: The Story of One Student Who Proved Me Wrong https://theinspiredclassroom.podbean.com/e/120/   98 | I Told My Students, “I Want You to Fail” – Here's What Happened Next https://theinspiredclassroom.podbean.com/e/98/     Ready to reset the foundation that will help you reach your students? Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset. It’s like your dream PD day—but no sub plans, no stress, and everything applies directly to your classroom. 📍 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

If you're feeling unsupported in your classroom, you’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone. In this episode, I’m digging into what so many teachers are experiencing: escalating student behaviors, testing pressure, parent demands… and that feeling of having to carry it all without consistent support. Today, let's name the reality and help you find your footing again. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, reactive, or like you’re doing this all on your own… this episode will help you breathe a little easier—and remind you where your power and influence still is. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 61: Let It Out Before You Burnout https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/61-let-it-out-before-you-burnout-this-one-teacher-relationship/id1662280027?i=1000710075639   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. It’s like your dream PD day—but no sub plans, no stress, and everything applies directly to your classroom. 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

Ever feel like you’re constantly behind on your curriculum pacing guide . . . no matter how hard you try to keep up? I’m sharing a truth that many caring, creative teachers quietly wrestle with: the pressure to follow every lesson exactly as written—even when your students need something different. If you’ve ever: Paused a lesson to reteach or go deeper Given students extra time to truly understand Felt guilty for not “keeping pace” with others …let's talk. It's time to trust your professional judgment again—without losing sight of the content your students need.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast   Let's face it: You don't need a new curriculum to teach, you need a RESET! Come join us and take that first step toward teaching with more clarity and confidence. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset     Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

Are you feeling the pressure to cram in every last bit of content before testing… while also trying to keep your students calm, focused, and ready? Or maybe you're ready to just throw your hands up and walk away... You’re not alone and this episode will help you find some middle ground—so you can support your students and feel better in your teaching. This episode will help you: Refocus on what actually matters Support your students in a more meaningful way Approach testing season with more calm, clarity, and confidence Let's do this!   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast   If you’re ready to stop bouncing between cramming and giving up, and start teaching with intention, I want to support you. Inside The Classroom RESET, we focus on creating calm, connected classrooms where both you and your students can thrive—even during testing season. Come join us and take that first step toward teaching with more clarity and confidence. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

Ever feel like your creativity has to take a backseat to your curriculum? In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Erin Sponaugle on her podcast. It is an honest conversation about teacher autonomy, creativity in the classroom, and the pressure of scripted curriculum. If you’ve ever felt like you know what your students need—but don’t feel like you have the freedom to do it—this one is for you. We’re diving into how to stay creative even when the expectations feel rigid, and how small, intentional shifts can help you reconnect with your teaching and your students… without breaking the rules or adding more to your plate. Because here’s the truth: creativity isn’t extra—it’s essential. And when you start to reclaim even a little bit of autonomy, you can enjoy teaching again.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast   ✨ The Classroom Reset – A 6-month RESET experience to help you reconnect with your students, calm behaviors, and enjoy teaching again.  Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset. It’s like your dream PD day—but no sub plans, no stress, and everything applies directly to your classroom.     💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

With high stakes testing, parent conferences, observations, curriculum demands and spring student behavior, this time of year can feel like a LOT… and let’s be honest, the pressure is coming from every direction. If you’ve been feeling the weight of it all and wondering if you’re heading straight toward teacher burnout, this episode is for you. I’m sharing what’s really causing that overwhelming pressure (hint: it’s not because you’re not doing enough), why so many teachers get stuck in the burnout cycle, and most importantly—how you can start taking back control in simple, practical ways that actually work in your real classroom. Because here’s the truth: you can’t control everything happening around you… but you can control what’s happening inside your classroom—and that’s where everything begins to shift. If you’re ready to stop just “pushing through” and start feeling more calm, confident, and in control again—you’re in the right place.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 61 |Let it Out Before You Burnout! This One Teacher Relationship is the Key    Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast   Ready to stop the burnout cycle? Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset. It’s like a spa day for your teacher soul—but with a strategy that transforms your classroom. 📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

In this short episode, I share a real classroom story—one that reminded me (and will remind you, too) that even on the days we don’t feel like showing up, something meaningful can still happen. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, questioning your impact, or stuck in the Daily Teacher Drain, this is a reminder that what you’re doing matters, and that joy in teaching isn’t gone… it’s just waiting to be noticed again. And if you’re ready for more of those moments—more connection, more calm, more joy in your classroom—I want to invite you to take the next step with me inside The Classroom Reset. This is where we take these kinds of experiences and make them part of your everyday teaching life with simple, creative, teacher-centered strategies that truly work. ~Elizabeth   Other Resources: Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast   ✨ The Classroom Reset – If you’re tired of managing behavior and ready to prevent it instead, I would love to support you inside The Classroom Reset. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

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

Do you ever feel like you’re spending more time managing behavior than actually teaching? Like you’re constantly redirecting, correcting, and putting out fires… and by the end of the day, you’re completely drained? In this episode, I’m diving into why so many of us feel stuck in “referee mode”—and more importantly, what we can do about it. Because here’s the truth: It’s not about needing better behavior management strategies. It’s about what’s happening underneath the behavior. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast   ✨ The Classroom Reset – If you’re tired of managing behavior and ready to prevent it instead, I would love to support you inside The Classroom Reset. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

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

Have you been feeling the weight of student apathy in your classroom lately? You know the signs… Students who won’t start their work. Students who complain about everything. Students who seem completely checked out. It’s easy to assume they just don’t care. But in this episode, I share a different perspective: student apathy is often a sign of disconnection. When students don’t feel connected, they naturally disengage. The good news? There are some simple shifts teachers can make that start rebuilding those connections. In this episode, I walk you through three practical ways to reconnect students so engagement becomes easier and student apathy starts to fade away. If you're feeling discouraged by students who seem like they just don’t care, this will help you rethink what might actually be happening—and give you some ideas you can try right away.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 108: For Teachers Who Dread Partner Work: Let’s Talk Student Relationships Episode 84: Promote Empathy and Kindness in the Classroom with this Formula!   Do YOU a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast   ✨ The Classroom Reset – If you’re tired of managing behavior and ready to prevent it instead, I would love to support you inside The Classroom Reset. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

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

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

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

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

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

Before you walk into your classroom today, what if you paused for just three minutes...and prayed? In this episode, I’m sharing a simple 3-minute prayer practice you can use before you even leave your car and walk into the school — not to fix your students, not to magically erase behavior challenges — but to steady yourself. If you’re tired of walking into school already bracing for battle… this episode will help you reset your heart before you even reset your classroom.   ~Elizabeth   Not Even Mentioned in This Episode: You were called to this work for a reason. And you don’t have to rely on your own strength to do it well. Take the first step. Pray first. Then teach. And if you need support, I’m here. Come join me inside The Classroom RESET. It’s the easier path to calm, connection, and confidence. 📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast     💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

Testing week can feel like a tidal wave of pressure — for our students and for us. If you’ve ever found yourself pushing harder, printing one more practice test, or telling students “Don't worry. They're really testing to make sure I'm doing my job,” this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I’m sharing three common testing week mistakes teachers make — and what to do instead to create a calmer classroom, reduce student anxiety, and protect your own nervous system during test prep season. Testing season can often leave you feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, and responsible for everything, but this episode will help you reset your mindset and approach so you can lead with clarity instead of panic. Because testing pressure is real — but it doesn’t have to run the show. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode:   Mathapalooza! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2015/04/mathapalooza/   Visualization with Athletes https://www.verywellfit.com/visualization-techniques-for-athletes-3119438   Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast   ✨ The Classroom Reset – Inside this 6-month RESET experience we focus on proactive behavior strategies, calm classroom routines, and creative systems that make the whole year feel more manageable — not just testing week. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset     💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

A number of years ago, I had a fourth grader who could not stay focused during independent math work. She wasn’t defiant. She wasn’t lazy. She just didn’t know how to get herself back on track. And that experience completely changed how I think about off-task behavior. In this episode, I share her story, the powerful lesson it taught me and doable shift you can start using immediately.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: 50 | Want to Use Music in the Classroom? 6 Easy Steps to Making it a Success! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-want-to-use-music-in-the-classroom-6-easy-steps-to/id1662280027?i=1000701682147   110 | Testing Season Stress? How to Regulate Your Classroom Nervous System Before Test Day     If Cindy’s story made you think, “Some of my students need this,” I want you to know — this is just one small shift. Inside The Classroom RESET, we identify one reset that will make the biggest difference in your classroom… and then we build from there. 📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast   💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

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

Have you ever taught a kindness lesson only to see the same rude behavior show up days later? Ya... me too! In this episode, I talk about why kindness activities don’t always lead to lasting behavior change and what students actually need in order to develop kindness in real, everyday moments. We’ll look at how classroom environment and culture play a much bigger role than one-off lessons—and why this shift can lead to calmer behavior and fewer social disruptions. I share real classroom stories and simple, practical ways teachers can support kindness every day. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast   If you’re tired of correcting tone, managing hurt feelings, and feeling like kindness “isn’t sticking,” I invite you to check out The Classroom RESET—a supportive, teacher-centered way to build a caring classroom culture that improves behavior over time. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider     💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

Do you tense up every time it’s time for partner work or group work? The hurt feelings, the drama, the behavior issues—it can make even the best lesson feel exhausting. In this episode, I’m talking about student-to-student relationships and why they play a much bigger role in classroom behavior than we often realize. While teacher–student relationships matter, peer-to-peer relationships are often the missing piece behind stressful group work, exclusion, and social conflict. If you’re tired of managing group work drama and want your classroom to run more smoothly, this episode will help you rethink what’s really going on—and where to focus your energy. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast   ✨ The Classroom Reset – A 6-month RESET experience to help you reconnect with your students, calm behaviors, and enjoy teaching again. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   Become an Inspired Classroom Insider by joining our email list. You'll get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors delivered to your inbox each week! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider     💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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