The Inspired Classroom: Recent Episodes
Elizabeth Peterson
Are you a caring, creative educator in need a little inspiration? Join Elizabeth Peterson as she discusses ideas, strategies and techniques of how the arts can inspire YOU, your students and be used as a powerful tool for social-emotional learning (SEL) through SEAL: Social-Emotional Artistic Learning.
What if your professional development actually left you feeling inspired, energized, and excited to get back to your classroom?
After years of teaching through screens, Zoom meetings, packed schedules, and increasing demands, I’m bringing my Teacher Art Retreats back—and I couldn’t be more excited.
In this episode, I’m sharing what the Overnight Teacher Art Retreat actually is, why I decided the time was right to bring it back, and what makes this kind of teacher-centered professional development so different.
I’ll take you behind the scenes of the retreat experience, share why teachers have returned to these retreats again and again, and help you decide whether this is the kind of experience you’ve been craving.
This isn’t just about learning another strategy for your students. It’s about making time for you to create, connect, recharge, and remember why you love being an educator.
The January 2027 Overnight Teacher Art Retreat📅 January 22–23, 2027 (Friday evening through Saturday)
📍 Essex Woods, Essex, Massachusetts
🎨 Hands-on, arts-based professional development
🏡 Overnight retreat experience
🍽️ Meals and materials included
📚 12 hours of PD credit
🎓 Optional graduate credit available
There are only 25 spots, so if something in you just lit up hearing the words teacher retreat, go check it out.
Save your spot here:
theinspiredclassroom.com/retreat
I would absolutely love to see you there. ❤️
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Join me at the Overnight Teacher Art Retreat! Learn more here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/retreat
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can enjoy teaching again.
Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
Grab the RESET Roadmap that takes you through all 5 steps of the framework that leads to improved student behavior and more teacher joy!!
https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
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
We've all done it — scrolled through classroom set up pictures online and felt that mix of inspired and overwhelmed. Well, whether your classroom looks like it could be in a magazine or not, there are some things that can be added to make sure your environment fosters calm and belonging.
So, in this episode, I'm sharing a few specific things I actually put in my own room every year to do just that!
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
63 | Is Your Calm-Down Corner Even Working? The Mistakes Teachers Make—and How to Fix ThemThe Break Box — Calm Down Strategies for Classroom Management: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calm-Down-Strategies-for-Classroom-Management-The-Break-Box-10348201
Grab the RESET Roadmap that takes you through all 5 steps of the framework that leads to improved student behavior and more teacher joy!!
https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
✨ https://theinspiredclassroom.com/the-classroom-reset-sp1 – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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.
👉 https://theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizapeterson/
Follow & DM me onhttps://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe onhttps://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroomhttps://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
It's the first week of school, and if you're like most teachers, your rules are already created, even if it's just in your mind. You're ready to establish clear expectations, get your students on board and be ready to implement consequences when needed.
But before you do that, listen in. Today, I'm sharing why rules alone might not be enough to get you through the year — and what actually needs to happen underneath it.
I'll share the exact process I use to build a classroom contract with my students and a bonus question I love asking students that can make this even more effective.
This is the type of work that shifts behavior from "don't do this" to "I am a learner."
Plus I'll leave you with a simple action plan — RULE — to help you carry this into your own classroom this week. Let's build something that lasts past October!
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Article: How to Create a Classroom Contract With Your Students (and not for them)
Grab the RESET Roadmap that takes you through all 5 steps of the framework that leads to improved student behavior and more teacher joy!!
https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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
Many teachers have gotten stuck thinking creativity is something you add when there’s time. Let's flip that — because creativity can actually reduce behavioral escalation, increase student engagement, and help YOU reconnect with your joy. It's not a bonus... it's a foundation.
I’ll walk you through what happens in a student’s nervous system when you bring movement, storytelling, or visual response into your classroom — and why it addresses all three legs of Your Classroom’s Tripod at once. I’ll also talk about what creativity does for teachers, not just students — because reconnecting with the joy of creative teaching is one of the most underrated antidotes to the Daily Teacher Drain.
And by the end, you’ll have the END Framework — a simple three-step structure that takes 60 seconds and can go at the close of any lesson, any day, any subject.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Grab the RESET Roadmap that takes you through all 5 steps of the framework that leads to improved student behavior and more teacher joy!!
https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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 you've ever wondered whether student behavior is harder now than it used to be — the data has an answer. In this episode I'm sharing two more findings from 2025 and 2026 that confirm what teachers across the country have been feeling. And these aren't fringe numbers. This is the profession speaking.
I'll walk you through what the data is actually pointing at — and why the answer isn't just more behavior management strategies. It's a foundation shift. Connection, Regulation, and Engagement — the three legs of Your Classroom's Tripod — are what behavior has been pointing at this whole time.
By the end you'll have a simple three-step plan to claim the data, name your leg, and decide what to do about it.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Devon's Story: 145 | Stop Redirecting Your Students - It Just Doesn't Work Anymore
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can enjoy teaching again.
Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
Sources:
- RAND Corporation (2026). State of the American Teacher Survey.
- NEA (2025). "The Survey Says: We're at a Crisis Point." Love & Logic summary: loveandlogic.com/blogs/our-blog/teacher-burnout-classroom-management
- EAB District Leadership Forum (2019), as cited by Gormley et al., University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
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 episode I’m naming the two things that actually stand between teachers and a classroom that runs smoothly — and neither of them is more information. Because information was never the problem. You know how to teach. You have the strategies, the activities and the know how. So... what's missing??
There's a reason why strategies stop working by October. And a reason why your frustration grows instead of subsides. Let's have to real talk today, shall we?
By the end you’ll have a simple three-step way to name your own gap and decide what to do about it before Sunday.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can enjoy teaching again. Our "Challenge Sale" is going on now through SUNDAY! Be sure to get in while we have over $600 in bonuses and savings happening! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/yes
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
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
What if the research confirmed that you’re losing the equivalent of 14.5 school days every year — not to planning or grading, but to managing disruptive student behavior?
In this episode, I’m walking through what the data actually says — including a University of Nebraska-Lincoln study that sent trained observers into real classrooms to measure the time and financial cost of behavior management. The findings are striking and worth talking about.
I’ll also share what the research says happens when effective classroom management strategies are in place — and it’s not just about reducing behavior. It’s about improving student engagement, academic performance, social-emotional skills, and yes, getting more of your teaching time back.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Classroom Tripod is discussed here: 148 | What a Calm Classroom Actually Looks Like (It's Not What You've Been Sold)
Behavior management time statistic based on research reported by Gormley, M. J., Overfield, R. A., Spradlin, C., Scanlan, L., & Sheridan, S. M., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, citing EAB District Leadership Forum (2019), Breaking Bad Behavior: The Rise of Classroom Disruptions in Early Grades and How Districts Are Responding.
Additional source: Jonson, A. & Witte, A. L. (2025). Reducing Classroom Disruptive Behaviors to Improve Academic Performance: An NeMTSS Research Brief. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349570451_The_Time_and_Cost_of_Classroom_Behavior_Management
- https://nemtss.unl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/25-Reducing-Student-Disruptive-Behaviors.pdf
Are you ready to jump into The Classroom RESET course? It's the natural next step to improving student behavior and getting those 14.5 days back! Let's do this! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/yes
Have a question? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
The Classroom Reset course: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
Inspired Classroom Insider: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
Free community: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/community
Connect with Elizabeth:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizapeterson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
The Classroom RESET Challenge starts July 21st, and in this episode I'm walking you through exactly what three days together is going to look like so that you can improve student behavior to eliminate teacher burnout!
Come for three days. Leave with more than you came with. And if you want to go further — The Classroom Reset course will be there when you're ready.
Save your spot — it's free, PD hours are available, and the replay comes to you if you can't make it live: theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
I cannot wait.
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Classroom RESET Challenge (free, July 21-23, 2026): https://theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
Join me for a free, live 3-day challenge built for teachers who already know how to teach and are ready to walk into this school year with an actual plan for student behavior — not just hope.
📅 Tuesday–Thursday, July 21–23, 2026
🕠 5:30pm PST / 6:30pm MST / 7:30pm CST / 8:30pm EST
⏱️ One-hour workshop each day
🎓 PD hours available
📼 Can't make it live? No problem — replays go out after each session.
workshops ~ community ~ prizes ~ FUN!
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can enjoy teaching again.
Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
Connect with Elizabeth:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizapeterson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
If "I don't have time for one more thing" is the thought that keeps you from trying anything new in your classroom, I want you to hear this one before school starts.
In this episode, I'm sharing some of my favorite classroom management tips — not because they're clever or complicated, but because every single one of them fits inside time you already have. We talk about three small, specific moves that address Connection, Regulation, and Engagement without adding a single extra minute to your day.
I'll also share what shifted for me when I stopped looking for what I could add and started looking at what I could redirect — and why the first five minutes of class might be the most important classroom management tip nobody talks about.
By the end, you'll have a simple three-step plan to find the moments in your day that are already there — and give them one clear job.
And if you want to dig deeper into more strategies like these, join me at The Classroom RESET Challenge — three days, one hour a day, completely free, July 21st–23rd. On Day 2 I do a live micro-engagement demo that shows you exactly what this can look like in your classroom. PD hours available.
Save your spot: theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
Join The Classroom RESET Challenge (free, July 21-23): theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
Ready to take it all the way? The Classroom Reset course is where we take everything in this episode and build it into a full, supported RESET plan for your classroom. You know how to teach - now let's make sure your classroom and your students are ready!
Learn more and enroll at https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
Become an Inspired Classroom Insider: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
Free community: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/community
Connect with Elizabeth:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizapeterson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
If you've ever tried a new classroom behavior management strategy, watched it work for a week or two, and then felt it completely fall apart — this episode is for you.
I'm breaking down why strategies stop working, and why it almost never has anything to do with the quality of the strategy itself. The real issue is usually where you're aiming. When you're managing the symptom (the behavior) instead of the source, things will unravel every time — no matter how good the strategy is.
I want to walk you through why behavior is always pointing at something underneath, how Your Classroom's Tripod helps you figure out exactly what that is, and what changes when your energy is finally going to the right place.
By the end, you'll have a simple three-step plan to carry into fall (or next week) so you stop managing the same thing over and over — and start actually changing it.
And if you want to do this live with me, I'd love for you to join The Classroom RESET Challenge — three days, one hour a day, completely free, July 21st–23rd. We'll work through improving student behavior without clip charts or consequences, preventing burnout, and creating a classroom you actually love. PD hours included.
Save your spot: theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
Can't wait to see you there!
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
Join The Classroom RESET Challenge (free, July 21-23): theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
Ready to take it all the way? The Classroom Reset course is where we take everything in this episode and build it into a full, supported RESET plan for your classroom. You know how to teach - now let's make sure your classroom and your students are ready!
Learn more and enroll at https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
Become an Inspired Classroom Insider: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
Free community: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/community
Connect with Elizabeth:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizapeterson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
If you've ever thought "they just aren't trying" about a student in your class, I want you to hear this one before you step foot back into school.
In this episode, I'm challenging a belief I've held myself — and one I hear from teachers constantly — that a checked-out, unmotivated-looking student is simply choosing not to try. What I've come to realize, in my own classroom and in working with teachers everywhere, is that what looks like a lack of effort is often a lack of access.
I'll walk you through why that shift matters, how it connects to Engagement and what to actually do differently with the student you're picturing right now.
By the end, you'll be equipped with a simple three-step process to catch yourself before making any assumptions...and how to be the teacher that kids has been needing for so long!
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Join me this July 21-23, 2026 for the Classroom RESET Challenge. Learn how to improve student behaviors to eliminate teacher burnout! Go to https://theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge to reserve your FREE spot!
Other Resources:
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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
Have you ever wondered if you're just exhausted...or if it's something more?
In this episode, I'm joined by PTSD expert and resilience trainer Lori Owens as we talk about a question I think so many teachers are asking themselves: How do I know if I'm simply exhaused, burned out—or if my nervous system is trying to tell me something more?
You'll hear practical, teacher-friendly strategies to help you recognize the signs of burnout, regulate stress during the school day, and create healthier boundaries so you can care for your students without sacrificing yourself.
If you've been feeling emotionally drained, dreading Monday mornings, or wondering why a weekend never seems to be enough, this conversation is for you.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Lori's free Boundary-Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast
Coaching discount: Use code GUEST10 for 10% off your first coaching session with Lori.
Join me this July 21-23, 2026 for the Classroom RESET Challenge. Learn how to improve student behaviors to eliminate teacher burnout! Go to https://theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge to reserve your FREE spot!
Other Resources:
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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
Summer is the perfect time to think about next school year—but if you're simply hoping next year will somehow be calmer, you're going to need to listen to this.
In this episode, I'm sharing why hope alone has never fixed classroom management and the three common mistakes many of us make at the end of a difficult school year. I'll walk you through how to stop relying on luck, start learning from last year's challenges, and create a classroom management plan that actually supports the classroom you want.
If you've ever caught yourself saying, "Maybe next year's class will be better," this episode will help you replace wishful thinking with a simple, intentional plan that can truly change your year.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Join me this July 21-23, 2026 for the Classroom RESET Challenge. Learn how to improve student behaviors to eliminate teacher burnout! Go to https://theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge to reserve your FREE spot!
Other Resources:
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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 your summers sometimes end up feeling like one big runway into next school year, this one's for you. I'm sharing three resets I actually believe in for teacher summer vacation — and the one thing almost every teacher skips without even realizing it.
We'll talk about why your body needs to catch up before your to-do list does, why a real plan beats a wish every single time, and why your phone might be the biggest thing standing between you and an actual break.
I'll also walk you through the one belief most of us never question and why that's exactly backwards.
Plus, by the end, you'll have three small, doable steps to make sure this summer actually feels different. You've earned a real rest. Let's make sure you actually get one.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Join me this July for the Classroom Reset Challenge to improve student behavior and eliminate teacher burnout! It's FREE! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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
What do you picture as a "calm classroom?" Silent rows of kids working quietly? Only the sound of pencils writing or fingers typing? That might happen every once in a while, but is that really the ultimate goal?
Today I'm breaking down the real difference between a calm classroom and a quiet one, and why so many of us have been chasing the wrong picture for years. We'll talk about why calm starts with your own regulation before it ever touches student behavior, and why your best teaching memories probably weren't the silent ones.
By the end, you'll learn what Your Classroom Tripod is and have a simple three-step plan to carry into fall — without overhauling everything you already do.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Cocktail Party Philosophy (blogpost): https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2011/02/conversations-in-the-classroom-the-cocktail-party-philosophy/
Ready to learn about the RESET Framework? Get your free PDF: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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
You know it's true... maybe you've even said it out loud: Our students have changed!
Honestly, our students' brains have genuinely changed. Not because something is wrong with them — but because the world they live in has calibrated them for constant stimulation, instant rewards, and short-form everything.
In this episode I talk about:
- Why student attention spans in the classroom have genuinely shortened — and what's driving it
- The dopamine connection: what's happening in our students' brains and why school feels so hard to stay in
- Why the answer is NOT to gamify your curriculum or compete with TikTok (and what to do instead)
This one is for every teacher who has a student who checks out before they even start — and who is ready to understand what's actually going on underneath that.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Be sure to listen to the interview with Natayle Brown — #146 What Every ELA Teacher Needs to Know About Struggling Readers and Student Shutdown
Get your ticket to The Unstuck Literacy Conference (free! June 23–25): theinspiredclassroom.com/unstuck
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
✨ The Classroom Reset – If this conversation resonates with you, you'll love The Classroom Reset. Inside, you'll learn how to build the foundation that helps students feel safe enough to participate, take risks, self-regulate, and engage in learning. Because before students can succeed with our strategies, they need the conditions that make learning possible.
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
Have you ever had a student who seemed determined to avoid reading, writing, or participating at all costs?
In this episode, I sit down with literacy expert and conference host Natayle Brown to discuss what's really happening when students shut down in ELA classrooms. We explore the difference between true defiance and overwhelm, why struggling readers often disengage before they even begin, and how teachers can challenge students without pushing them into shutdown.
Natalie shares practical insights about attention spans, dopamine, skill deficits, student engagement, and the Zone of Proximal Development—all through the lens of helping struggling readers access grade-level learning.
This is the perfect prequel to my session inside the Unstuck Literacy Conference Natayle is hosting. Be sure to register for this free conference which runs from Jun 23-25, 2026 by going to theinspiredclassroom.com/unstuck
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Unstuck Literacy Conference: theinspiredclassroom.com/unstuck
Natayle's Website: https://heynatayle.com/
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
✨ The Classroom Reset – If this conversation resonates with you, you'll love The Classroom Reset. Inside, you'll learn how to build the foundation that helps students feel safe enough to participate, take risks, self-regulate, and engage in learning. Because before students can succeed with our strategies, they need the conditions that make learning possible.
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
What if the behavior you're constantly redirecting isn't actually the problem?
In this episode, I'm sharing the story of one of my students—a student who taught me one of the most important classroom management lessons of my career. For weeks, I responded the way many of us were taught: redirect the behavior, apply the consequence, move on. But when I finally paused and asked a different question, everything changed.
You'll discover why some student behaviors are really signals of something deeper, how one simple conversation can shift the entire dynamic of a classroom, and the three questions I now ask before jumping into a correction.
If you're exhausted from repeating yourself all day, frustrated that traditional classroom management strategies aren't working like they used to, or wondering how to create a calmer, more connected classroom without becoming a therapist, this episode is for you.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Ready to take the next step? Grab my free RESET Roadmap and explore the full framework I reference in this episode.
➡️ theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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
You have years of experience. You have the degree. You've put in the extra time to reach the kids who need it most. You know how to teach.
So why does classroom management feel so much harder than it used to?
I want to get honest about something — what every seasoned teacher deserves to hear: the reason your classroom management tools aren't working the way they used to has nothing to do with your skill as a teacher. Your students have genuinely changed. And nobody told you, retrained you, or handed you anything new to work with.
Let's look at three specific things we are seeing in today's students that are different from even five years ago and return to the core of what has always worked in education — with a framework built for the classroom you're actually in right now.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Video: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs for Teachers
Free RESET Roadmap — Walk through the full RESET Framework in one place, with podcast episodes built right in: theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap
Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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
You rest over the summer. You genuinely step away. And then September arrives — and within two weeks, you are right back in it...like you never left.
If the exhaustion keeps coming back no matter what you do, this episode is for you.
I'll walk you through 3 signs that what you're experiencing isn't just teacher burnout — it's what happens when you've been working without the right framework underneath you. Not a personal failure. A structural problem. Luckily, structural problems have real solutions.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Grab the whole RESET Framework in this free PDF: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap
✨ The Classroom Reset – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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
The school year is over. Summer is here! But if you're still feeling exhausted, you're not alone.
In this episode, I'm sharing why summer break doesn't automatically fix teacher burnout—and why some teachers return in August feeling refreshed while others feel like they never really recovered.
I'll walk you through three simple steps that can help you so more than just rest, but actually recover and be ready for the next school year.
If you've ever found yourself thinking, "I need this summer to feel different," this episode is for you. Let's make this summer one that helps you truly recover so 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 – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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
Can we just acknowledge that the end of the school year feels like one giant emotional roller coaster sometimes?
In this episode, I’m sharing some personal stories about the teacher friendships that helped shape my teaching journey — the people who made hard years manageable, made me laugh when I needed it most, and reminded me I wasn’t alone. From hallway eye contact emergencies to late-night team vent sessions over nachos and gin and tonics, this episode is a love letter to the teacher besties who help us stay in this profession.
If you’ve ever had a teacher friend who helped you survive a hard year, this episode will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe tear up just a little.
And as you head into summer, I hope you’ll keep listening to the podcast for encouragement, support, and just enough school talk to help you feel grounded without pulling you back into overwhelm.
~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 – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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 you’re limping your way to summer break feeling emotionally exhausted, overstimulated, and one bad email away from wanting to face plant into the couch for three straight days… this episode is for you.
In this episode, I’m sharing a few simple but powerful ways to transition into summer without carrying the stress, frustration, and survival mode of the school year right along with you. We’ll talk about why teachers often crash hard in June, the difference between intentional rest and avoidance, and how to start recovering before burnout convinces you teaching just isn’t for you anymore.
I’ll also share my personal “Two Week Rule” for the start of summer!
Because here’s the truth:
You don’t need more to do. You need a RESET.
And no… that doesn’t mean spending your entire summer finding new activities to try and reorganizing classroom bins at midnight.
Just listen in... I want this podcast to be just enough school talk to help you feel grounded, supported, and encouraged through the summer without pulling you back into overwhelm.
So make sure you subscribe and KEEP listening all summer long. And if you want extra support, encouragement, and insider updates join my insider email community here:
https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
~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 – The online course that helps you improve student behaviors, increase engagement and support students' SEL, so that you can 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
Feeling like your students are mentally checked out lately? Need a quick way to boost engagement without adding more prep to your plate?
In this short episode, I share a simple creative activity you can use at the drop of a hat with almost any age level: Circles.
This easy, low-pressure activity helps students:
- practice flexible thinking,
- spark creativity,
- increase focus and participation,
- and reconnect with learning in a fun, engaging way.
Most importantly, it reminds us that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated to make a BIG impact on classroom energy and student engagement.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
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 – theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
It’s like your dream PD day—but no sub plans, no stress, and everything applies directly to your classroom.
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
It's May and teachers are exhausted. Students are checked out. And by this point in the school year, it can feel like you’re managing behavior more than you’re actually teaching.
In this episode, I share why creativity is about so much more than art projects or “fun activities.” You’ll discover how the creative process helps students think flexibly, stay engaged, and regulate emotions — especially during the chaotic end-of-year season.
If your classroom energy feels flat, frustrating, or completely fried right now, this episode will help you rethink engagement in a way that feels practical, supportive, and doable.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in this Episode:
Do you have a question for me? Record it here and I'll answer it on the podcast! https://www.videoask.com/f42f127z8
Download my free RESET Roadmap! 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
✨ 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 felt stuck in teaching—but also not quite ready to walk away from education completely?
In this quick episode, I’m sharing a perspective that might completely shift how you think about burnout, frustration, and finding joy in your work again. Sometimes getting unstuck doesn’t mean quitting… sometimes it means changing how you show up in education.
I’m talking about the power of trying something different, stepping into a new challenge, and giving yourself permission to evolve as an educator.
If teaching has started to feel overwhelming, repetitive, or like you’re just surviving the days until the next break, this episode will give you something hopeful to think about.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Are you considering a change and want to run your thoughts by someone? Record it here: https://www.videoask.com/f42f127z8
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
Ever find yourself carrying everything in your classroom?
The reminders.
The behavior management.
The motivation.
The emotional energy.
The responsibility for whether students engage… or don’t.
And... does it drive you crazy like it does for me?
Somehow, teachers take on more of the load while students carry less and less.
And while it may feel necessary—it’s also exhausting.
So, let's talk about it!
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Check out Episode 135 | Student Effort Is Low… And It’s Burning Teachers Out
💬 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
✨ 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
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
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
What happens when a teacher goes from feeling completely burnt out… to experiencing a true classroom transformation?
In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful conversation with a high school ELA teacher who recently went through The Classroom RESET—and her story is one so many of us can relate to.
At one point, she described feeling like she was in a pit of overwhelm. The challenges in her classroom felt like too much, and like so many teachers, she was trying to piece together strategies just to get through the day.
But what she experienced in the course wasn’t just a collection of new ideas.
👉 It was a transformation.
In our conversation, she shares:
- What burnout really felt like in her classroom (and why it was so hard to get out of)
- The challenges she faced as a high school teacher navigating behavior, lack of motivation, and pressure
- Why The Classroom RESET felt different from other professional development she’s tried
- How shifting her classroom approach led to real, noticeable change
- And why this work became something she actually wanted to do—not just something she had to do
One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is how she describes this process as a form of self-care—not because it was easy, but because it finally supported her in a way that made teaching feel better again.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like nothing is really changing no matter what you try, this episode will give you a glimpse of what’s possible.
Because you don’t need more random strategies.
You need something that actually works.
~Elizabeth
✨ 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
✨ 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
I’m getting real about something most of us are dealing with (whether we admit it or not): our relationship with social media.
I’m sharing my personal story of falling out of love with social media, deleting the apps off my phone (#gasp!), and what I learned through the process. From “just checking notifications” to full-blown scrolling stupors, I’ll walk you through the small changes that made a big impact—not just on my screen time, but on my peace of mind, relationships, and ability to be more present.
I’ll also talk about what this means for us as teachers and some simple steps you can take to do your own social media detox! Because if we want our students to have healthy tech habits, we have to start modeling them ourselves.
Your time matters. And your joy matters. And I want to help you reclaim both—one scroll-free minute at a time.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Join me in a Social Media Detox over the next 30 days. There's nothing to sign up for, no workshop to attend, just follow the steps in this episode and then let me know by emailing me!!
How do you email me? If you are on my email list, just respond to any email I've sent you and tell me! If you're not on my Insider Email list yet, sign up here: theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
Ready to reset more than just your phone habits?
Join me inside The Classroom Reset, a group coaching program designed to help you reflect, reconnect with what matters, and prioritize your own well-being—so you can show up as the teacher (and human) you want to be.
It’s not just a reset for your classroom—it’s a reset for you. 💛
Go to theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Let’s be real—this season can feel like a whirlwind of behaviors, to-do lists, and burnt-out teacher brains. That’s why in this episode, I’m inviting you to take an intentional pause—a real-time gratitude break to reset your mindset and reconnect with what matters most.
Really. This episode is a mini-workshop just for YOU!
I’ll walk you through a simple and an advanced gratitude strategy you can do with me as you listen. It’s not just about good vibes—it’s about shifting how you see student behavior, how you show up in your classroom, and how you care for yourself (without adding one more thing to your plate).
This is your invitation to breathe, reflect, and remember that you have so much to be grateful for!
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
If today’s gratitude break helped calm your mind and lift your heart, imagine what could shift with a little more support.
Let this be your sign to not go it alone. Lean into creative, teacher-centered PD that actually fills your spirit—because you deserve to love teaching again.
It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
You know those days when student behavior feels like it’s taking over your classroom—and your peace of mind? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Lori Woodley-Langendorff, co-founder of All It Takes and author of SEL Muscle Mastery: 6 Tools for Building Resiliency and Connection in Schools and Communities.
Lori and I talk about what’s really going on beneath the surface of student disengagement and dysregulation, and why she calls SEL “Social-Emotional Literacy.” (Spoiler: I love that!) You’ll hear powerful insights into how we can spot the signs of student disconnection early, build trust without being a therapist, and teach emotional resilience through practical strategies—and even through how we show up as educators.
If you’re ready to support your students’ social-emotional growth and feel more grounded in your own practice, this is the conversation for you.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Learn More about Lori and her BOOK SEL Muscle Mastery!
https://www.selmuscles.com/
Ready to stop the burnout cycle? Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset.
It’s like a spa day for your teacher soul—but with a strategy that transforms your classroom.
📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on.
It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
We hear a lot about building teacher-student relationships—but what about peer-to-peer? In this episode, we're diving into why helping students form meaningful friendships may be the most important thing you do all year. You'll learn my simple Friendship Formula, how to teach it explicitly, and how it transforms your classroom culture.
Because let’s face it—students can’t learn if they don’t feel like they belong. And belonging? It starts with connection.
If your classroom feels disconnected or cliquey, this episode is for you. Discover how to foster real friendships, reduce behavior issues, and create a culture where kids show up ready to learn—and stay connected all year.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in this Episode:
🌟 Ready to create a classroom where friendships thrive? Inside TCR, you’ll get monthly group coaching, practical strategies, and creative inspiration to help you manage behaviors, build connection, and enjoy teaching again. Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset.
It’s like friendship bootcamp for your students—and a relationship refresh for your entire classroom.
💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on.
It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Raise your mug if you’ve ever said, “I just need to make it to June.” Yep—me too. But here’s the truth: just getting through the year shouldn't be the goal. It’s a red flag—and we need to talk about it.
In this episode, I’m sharing a fresh perspective on what it really means to take the reins of your teaching life. We’ll walk through three practical steps to help you reflect, refocus, and take aligned action—so you can stop surviving and start actually enjoying your classroom again.
If you're feeling stuck, drained, or just going through the motions, this conversation will meet you right where you are—and give you the nudge you need to shift gears.
AND... at the end of the episode, I’ve got an exciting update—yes, the doors to The Classroom Reset are staying open a little longer (but just until Wednesday)! If you missed it, now’s your chance to grab your spot.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Ready to stop the burnout cycle? Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset.
It’s like a spa day for your teacher soul—but with a strategy that transforms your classroom.
📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
🔗 Links Mentioned:
- Free Teacher Reflection Guide: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/freebies/reflection/
- Join The Classroom Reset (now open until Wednesday!): https://theinspiredclassroom.com/yes
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
If you've ever felt the overwhelm of "all the things" you do as a teacher, this one's for you! In this special episode, I share parts of my conversation with Doreen, a fourth-grade teacher who loved teaching but was frustrated with the pressures of teaching we all face.
You’ll hear how Doreen discovered a different way—using the arts and SEAL (Social-Emotional Artistic Learning) to bring life back to her everyday. You’ll hear her honest struggles, her turning point, and the powerful shift that helped her students grow AND brought joy back into her teaching.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Want to experience the calm and connection in your classroom again? You will inside The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program. https://theinspiredclassroom.com/yes
It’s like your dream PD day—but no sub plans, no stress, and everything applies directly to your classroom.
PLUS - enroll before SUNDAY and you'll get all the Challenge Bonuses too!!
💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on.
It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
We’ve all been there—grading papers during Sunday football, staying late just to stay afloat, and wondering… is this what being a “good teacher” really means?
In this episode, I’m calling out the burnout culture that’s become way too normal in education—and sharing why it doesn’t have to be that way. You'll hear a powerful story from a veteran teacher (Doreen) who went from exhausted to excited again, plus a mindset shift that just might change how you view your work and your worth.
If you're feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle of “just surviving,” this is your sign to pause and reset.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Join the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (October 21 & 22) https://theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on.
It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Have you ever felt like you’ve tried everything to fix student behavior—but nothing seems to stick? The clip charts, the brain breaks, the calm-down corners... they help for a second, but the chaos keeps creeping in.
If you’re nodding your head, friend—this episode is for you.
Join me inside The Classroom Reset Challenge—a free, live 2-day workshop happening October 21 & 22. This isn’t your typical PD. Each day, we’ll meet for one hour—On the first day, I’m going to show you the three biggest contributors to improving student behavior, and on the second day we'll dive into how these can also help you eliminate teacher burnout.
Plus, we’ve got hands-on creative activities that are teacher-centered, connection with other caring educators, and yes... summer fun like door prizes, giveaways, and other fun surprises to make this something you’ll actually look forward to.
👉 Register now at TheInspiredClassroom.com/challenge – it’s totally free, but you must sign up to get access to the live workshops and replays!
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Join me for the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (Oct 21 & 22, 2025)
theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
In this episode, I’m diving into 3 mistakes teachers make when trying to “fix” classroom behavior.
Maybe you’ve tried ignoring little disruptions, only to end up reacting later with frustration. Or maybe you’ve leaned on quick tricks—a kindness jar here, a new chart there—only to realize they don’t really change the culture of your classroom.
Let's look at why these common mistakes keep you stuck and what you can do instead to create a classroom that feels calm, connected, and ready for real learning.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Join the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (October 21 & 22) https://theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on.
It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
What if improving student behavior wasn’t about sticker charts, new systems, or 30-minute SEL lessons… but about a few small but powerful shifts in how we show up and guide our classrooms?
In this episode, I’m diving into the four essential mindset and strategy shifts that will help you reset your classroom climate, support your students’ emotional needs, and reduce those daily behavior battles. Whether you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of managing behaviors all day—this one’s for you.
👉 I’ll also share one story from my own classroom that proves these strategies really work—even a year later.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Join the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (October 21 & 22) https://theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on.
It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
We’re serving up some truth today—because not all professional development is created equal.
Some PD sessions leave you energized but unsure how to apply what you’ve learned. Others feel… well, like a microwaved meal: bland, rushed, and not really made for you. In this episode, we unpack the difference between traditional PD, teacher-centered PD, and the secret sauce that actually makes change stick: coaching.
If you’re craving support that feels personal, practical, and empowering—this one’s for you.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
76 | LIVE COACHING: Can a Substitute Teacher Really Build Connection? A Veteran CRT’s Breakthrough with Disruptive Students
You’ve had the microwaved PD. You’ve tried the pre-packaged strategies. Now it’s time for a full-course experience—crafted just for you.
Join me and a community of caring, creative teachers inside The Classroom Reset—where professional development is personalized, coaching is built in, and every session leaves you feeling seen, supported, and seriously inspired.
🍽️ It’s like sitting down to the most nourishing, soul-filling meal with your favorite teacher friends—AND you walk away with a real plan.
theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on.
It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
You know those hallway convos or lunchroom rants that start out as harmless venting… and somehow leave you feeling more exhausted? Yeah, me too. In this episode, I’m diving into why those “teacher talk” moments—even with the best of colleagues—don’t always lead to real growth, and what you can do instead.
I’m sharing the real reason we stay stuck in burnout and how coaching (the good kind!) can give you the fresh perspective, clarity, and energy you’ve been craving. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start enjoying teaching again, this is your sign.
🎁 Plus—don’t miss the giveaway I’m hosting to celebrate this community! You could win a 1:1 coaching session with me, some fun teacher treats, and support that actually moves you forward.
💬 Tune in and ask yourself: Is your “support system” keeping you stuck?
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!
This week, I’m giving away THREE amazing prize bundles to celebrate this community and help more teachers discover the Enjoy Teaching Again podcast. 🎉
Here’s what you could win:
✨ A 30 minute coaching call with me where we can talk through anything you need—student behavior challenges, creative lesson ideas, boundaries, overwhelm, you name it.
✨ A 10% off coupon to my entire TpT store
✨ And a $25 Amazon gift card (because you deserve a treat—for your classroom or just for you!)
Here’s how to enter:
Step 1 – Leave a positive review for the Enjoy Teaching Again podcast or share your favorite episode on Facebook or Instagram.
Step 2 – Take a screenshot
Step 3 – Post your screenshot (either the review or the share) inside my free FB group: Inspiring Teachers. theinspiredclassroom.com/community
And don’t forget to use the hashtag #giveaway so I can find your entry!
I’ll be tracking all entries in the group from Sept 16–23
Entries close at midnight on the 23, and I’ll announce the winners on Sept 26. 🎉
This is your chance to get a little coaching, a lot of encouragement, and maybe a sweet surprise for your classroom (or just for yourself!).
So go ahead—leave a review, share something that inspired you, and pop into the group with your #giveaway post.
Can’t wait to see what you share!
🌟 Ready for the kind of support that actually helps? Inside TCR, you’ll get monthly group coaching, practical strategies, and creative inspiration to help you manage behaviors, build connection, and enjoy teaching again. Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset.
It’s like having a teacher BFF, mentor, and coach—all rolled into one program of clarity and encouragement.
💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on.
It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Ever wonder how you're supposed to connect with students when you're only in the room for a day—or even just a class period?
In this episode, I sit down with Vicki, a CRT or Casual Relief Teacher (that’s what we’d call a substitute here in the U.S.) from Australia with over 30 years of experience. She's frustrated, she's compassionate, and she’s so real about the behavior challenges she's facing—especially when connection feels almost impossible.
You’ll hear how we worked through some mindset shifts and practical strategies to help her feel less drained and more empowered—even in a role that doesn’t allow for long-term relationships.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
Just like Vicki did in this episode, you can pause, reflect, and reset—without needing a full classroom makeover.
Inside The Classroom Reset, I’ll coach you through practical ways to build connection, even when time is short and behaviors are big.
🌟 You don’t have to do this alone. Join us at theinspiredclassroom.com/reset.
💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on.
It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
In this episode, I get real about the question so many of us are quietly asking: Is teaching still worth it? If you’ve found yourself living for weekends, counting the days until the next vacation, or wondering if you can really do this for another 5, 10, or 15 years… this conversation is for you.
We’ll explore what’s really at the heart of your teaching career, and I’ll share 3 steps from my Reset Framework that will help you go from survival mode to actually enjoying your classroom again — without adding more to your plate.
You deserve to feel good about walking into your classroom every day — and your students deserve the best version of you. So, let's get this conversation going!
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
🎸 If you’re tired of just surviving the school year and wondering if teaching is even worth it anymore, it’s time for a reset — The Classroom Reset.
Think of it like hitting pause, cranking up the volume on your creativity, and walking back into your classroom with a plan that actually makes you want to teach again.
theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on.
It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
This one’s from the heart.
In this episode, I’m opening up about something we don’t talk about enough as teachers—prayer. Not affirmations, not manifesting… but quiet, intentional moments with God, asking for strength, direction, and peace in your teaching day.
I’ll share some real-life moments where I had no choice but to let go and lean on prayer—and how that changed everything for me. We’ll also explore 3 simple ways you can begin (or return to) a practice of prayer that supports your heart and mind as a teacher, no matter what kind of school you work in.
If you’ve been feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed by behaviors, or just flat-out unsure how you’re going to make it through the school year—this is for you. You don’t have to carry it all alone.
Let’s talk about how prayer can help you enjoy teaching again.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
🌟 Join me and a community of caring, creative teachers to reflect, realign, and reignite your joy in teaching inside The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program.
It’s like turning down the noise of school stress—but turning up the volume on your calling.
💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on.
It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
It’s easy to get swept up in setting up a beautiful classroom—name tags, motivational posters, organized bins—but none of that really solves behavior issues, does it?
In this episode, I’m sharing 3 meaningful and practical ways to support student behavior before things spiral. These strategies are proactive, teacher-centered, and rooted in connection—not compliance. If you're already bracing for blurting, refusal, or meltdowns this year, this one’s for you.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
🌟 Want to experience the calm and connection in your classroom again? You will inside The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program.
It’s like your dream PD day—but no sub plans, no stress, and everything applies directly to your classroom.
Want my favorite pencil sharpener? (The one I mention in the show?) Go HERE!
63 | Is Your Calm-Down Corner Even Working? The Mistakes Teachers Make—and How to Fix Them
57 | From Morning Chaos to Classroom Calm - 3 Teacher-Tested Approaches
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
What if your calm was actually your most effective behavior strategy?
In this episode, we’re flipping the script on traditional behavior management and talking about how intentional teacher relaxation can shift the emotional tone of your classroom—for the better.
Whether you’re already back at school or clinging to those final days of summer—this one’s for you.
If your classroom has felt a little chaotic, your students are dysregulated, and you’re wondering how to calm things down without a behavior chart explosion… this episode will give you a fresh, empowering (and teacher-centered!) perspective.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
🌟 Join me and a community of caring, creative teachers to reflect, realign, and reignite your joy in teaching inside The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program.
It’s like a weekend getaway with your favorite teacher friends—but you come back with a real plan.
52 | Why Being a Superhero Teacher is Wrecking Your Passion for Teaching
50 | Want to Use Music in the Classroom? 6 Easy Steps to Making it a Success!
63 | Is Your Calm-Down Corner Even Working? The Mistakes Teachers Make—and How to Fix Them
Want to use my BREAK Box in your classroom? Click HERE!
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
This week, I’m sitting down with my very first guest—Kristina Peterson, high school English teacher and co-author of the book AI in the Writing Workshop: Finding the Write Balance.
We’re diving into one of the biggest topics in education today: artificial intelligence. From ethical concerns to creative opportunities, I'm asking the real questions about how AI is changing our classrooms—and how we can respond with clarity, confidence, and care.
Whether you’re curious, cautious, or feeling totally overwhelmed by the tech wave, this conversation will leave you feeling more grounded in your role as a teacher and more equipped to help your students navigate AI with intention.
Big ideas we cover:
- What AI is really doing in our classrooms
- How to use it ethically and creatively
- The teacher’s role in guiding students through this shift
- Practical ways to engage with AI at any grade level
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
If this episode gets your wheels turning (and I think it will!), go check out Kristina's book!
AI in the Writing Workshop: Finding the Write Balance
🌟 Join me and a community of caring, creative teachers to reflect, realign, and reignite your joy in teaching inside The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program.
It’s like a spa day for your teacher soul—but with a strategy that transforms your classroom.
📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
More about Kristina!
Kristina Peterson has been teaching high school English in Exeter, NH since 2008. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and has served the educational community as Secretary for the New Hampshire Council of Teachers of English (NHCTE) since 2017. Kristina also teaches in the University of New Hampshire’s Learning Through Teaching program, as well as in their Literacy Institute and Writers Academy.
Her first book, AI in the Writing Workshop: Finding the Write Balance (Heinemann, 2025), was co-authored with her teaching partner, Dennis Magliozzi. The book explores AI as a thought partner, research companion, and writing tool, while addressing the ethical complexities and instructional opportunities AI presents in today’s classrooms.
In addition to her classroom work, Kristina regularly contributes to publications such as Education Week, California English, and English Journal. She is the co-developer of Arts in Action, winner of the 2023 New Hampshire Governor's Arts Education Award, and co-founder of Bookshelf Diversity, a statewide grant initiative that provides teachers with diverse books for their classrooms.
Kristina also designs and delivers AI literacy training for law enforcement professionals. Whether supporting K–12 educators, higher education faculty, or law enforcement, she combines research-based practice with real-world insight and an engaging approach to help others navigate—and harness—the power of AI responsibly.
Find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-peterson-617525262/
Let’s talk about the tech elephant in the classroom. 🐘 We’ve got Chromebooks, smart boards, digital tools—and yet, we’re still battling student disengagement and behavior issues. In this episode, I’m sharing why too much screen time might be affecting your students more than you think, and what you can actually do to bring back connection, creativity, and calm.
If you’ve ever looked around your classroom and thought, “What happened to real learning?”—this one’s for you.
We’ll walk through 3 simple, creative strategies you can start using today that support your students’ engagement, behavior, and emotional regulation—without tossing tech out the window.
This episode is especially for the teacher who’s ready to take back control in a world of digital distraction.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
🌟 The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program – Join me, Elizabeth and a community of caring, creative teachers to reflect, realign, and reignite your joy in teaching.
📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Ever find yourself wondering, “I still love teaching… but this is really hard!" Maybe you're quite not burned out—but you're definitely not energized either. In this episode, I’m opening up a conversation for those of us caught in that messy middle.
We’ll talk about what this almost-burnout zone really feels like, why so many teachers land here, and what you can actually do to feel better—before burnout completely takes over.
You’ll hear:
- How to recognize the signs of low motivation
- The biggest struggle teachers face
- Four doable ways to reignite your motivation and joy
- A heartfelt invitation into something that could really help
💛 Ready for the next step?
Join me inside The Classroom Reset—my 6-month group coaching program to help you calm behaviors, bring back creativity, and finally enjoy teaching again.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
🌟 The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program – Join Elizabeth and a community of caring, creative teachers to reflect, realign, and reignite your joy in teaching.
📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
Ready to stop the burnout cycle? Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset and join us before our "RESET CHALLENGE" enrollment closes on July 27, 2025!
✨ 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
Is that back-to-school dread already creeping in? 😩 You're not alone—and you're definitely not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I share how you can balance true rest and a gentle reset before the new school year hits.
We’ll talk about what to do instead of pretending school doesn’t exist (because spoiler: that doesn’t actually help), and how to ease into August feeling grounded, inspired, and even—dare I say—excited. I’m also giving you a peek into a few of my own favorite summer rituals (hello, Air Supply concert + henna on the beach 🎶🌊), and how you can create your own.
Whether you’re fully vegging out or scrolling Pinterest in a panic—this episode will help you reset your mindset, take back control, and enter the next school year with more clarity and calm.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Sign up for the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (July 22 & 23, 2025)
theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
In this episode, I’m diving into something we need to talk about—burnout. Real burnout. The kind that leaves you drained, dreading the school day, and wondering if this is what teaching is supposed to feel like.
But here's the truth: you can love teaching again. And in this episode, I’ll share the three classroom game-changers that can actually help eliminate that heavy burnout feeling—without adding more to your plate.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, or just plain tired of the chaos, this is your reset moment. Let’s talk about how creating a caring classroom culture, using creative SEL strategies, and bringing the arts back into learning can restore calm and joy—for you and your students.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Join me for the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (July 22–23, 2025)
theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
66 | Frustrated with Student Behaviors? 3 Things That Will Actually Improve Your Classroom Climate
✨ 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 behavior charts, clip systems, and pom-pom jars aren’t cutting it anymore, this episode is for you. I’m diving into why these strategies often fall short in today’s classrooms and what actually works to improve student behavior in real, lasting ways.
We’ll explore three powerful contributors to better behavior: building a caring classroom culture, supporting social-emotional learning, and engaging students through creativity and the arts.
These aren’t extra things to add to your plate—they’re practical shifts that make a huge impact (and bring back the joy of teaching!)
If you're ready to create a calmer, more connected classroom where your students and you can thrive, you’ll want to tune in.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Join me for the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (July 22–23, 2025)
You’ll get live trainings, real strategies, and fun surprises along the way.
theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Let’s be real—so much of the PD we sit through leaves us feeling… uninspired. I’ve been there too, nodding along, taking notes, and wondering if any of it will actually stick.
In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 key questions you need to ask in order to figure out if the professional development you're signed up for is truly teacher-centered—and why that matters so much.
If you’re feeling tired of PD that talks at you instead of with you, this episode will help you take your power back and invest in something that fuels your passion for teaching.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Join me for the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (July 22–23, 2025)
theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
✨ 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
Feeling torn between rest, reflection, and planning over summer break? In this episode, I share the reality behind what will work if you want a little of each. Rethinking what that looks like might be the key to recovering from burnout and walking into the fall feeling refreshed, not frazzled. I'll share own summer rhythms, give practical and personal ideas for creating a restorative routine, and share three powerful ways to reset your energy, creativity, and classroom culture—all without sacrificing your hard-earned break.
If you're tired of starting every school year already exhausted, this episode is your gentle invitation to try something new. You'll walk away with mindset shifts and realistic ideas to take control of your summer so it actually serves you—not just your classroom.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
🌟 The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program – Join Elizabeth and a community of caring, creative teachers to reflect, realign, and reignite your joy in teaching.
📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
Ready to stop the burnout cycle? Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset and join us before early bird enrollment closes on June 24, 2025!
✨ 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 calm-down corner is more like a timeout chair—or maybe it’s just gathering dust? In this episode, I'll share creative, teacher-tested ways to transform your calm-down corner into a powerful tool that helps students self-regulate and re-engage in learning. You’ll learn how to set it up with the right stuff, teach kids to use it, and build it into your classroom culture—without adding more stress to your day.
If you’re tired of dealing with constant classroom disruptions, or you’re not sure how to handle those BIG emotions that pop up, this episode is your answer for how to successfully implement a student-centered spot to chill out!
~Elizabeth
Resources Mentioned:
Get the BREAK Box that I use in my own classroom on TpT by clicking HERE!
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Want to take these calm-down corner ideas—and so much more—to the next level? Join me inside The Classroom Reset, my brand new group coaching program where you’ll get step-by-step strategies to transform your entire classroom. We’ll work together to build routines, foster student ownership, and create a learning space that’s calm, creative, and connected. Let’s hit that reset button and make your classroom a place where you enjoy teaching! theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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 flip the script on that never-ending to-do list and introduce something that’ll actually fill you up—a DID List! We’re talking all about how to reflect on what you’ve accomplished, big and small, so you can finish the school year feeling proud instead of overwhelmed.
I’m sharing why making a DID List is a powerful mindset shift (especially during the crazy end-of-year rush), how it can help you set more meaningful goals, and why it’s the best way to start next year strong.
Inside this episode, you’ll discover:
- A simple way to reclaim your sense of accomplishment as a teacher
- How to reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) so you can plan for a more inspiring year ahead
- A teacher-friendly tool you can use anytime you need a boost
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re never caught up—and always behind—this episode is for you.
~Elizabeth
Become an INSIDER at The Inspired Classroom!
theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
When you are an INSIDER, you get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors, create a caring classroom and bring joy back to teaching!
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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 tired of carrying the emotional weight that teaching brings? In this episode of Enjoy Teaching Again, I share why having a trusted venting buddy isn't just helpful—it's essential. You’ll hear real talk about what healthy venting looks like, who makes the best venting partner, and how to avoid the common traps that can turn necessary release into foot-in-your-mouth moments.
Whether you’ve accidentally let it all out in the hallway (oops!) or you’re bottling it up to the point of snapping over a pencil sharpener, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone—and you can stay grounded without going it alone.
This isn’t about gossip. It’s about connection, care, and staying sane in the work you love.
Teacher burnout is real—and venting the right way might be the missing piece to feeling human again. If you’ve ever ended your school day emotionally drained and mentally fried, this episode is for you.
~Elizabeth
✨ Want to be the first to hear about the BIG new thing I’m working on for teachers who need a reset? Join the Insider List! theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
Become an INSIDER at The Inspired Classroom!
theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
When you are an INSIDER, you get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors, create a caring classroom and bring joy back to teaching!
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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
Feeling boxed in by scripted lessons and copy-paste curriculum? You’re not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing four simple, actually doable strategies that bring creativity—and student engagement—back into your day, without piling on extra prep. 🙌
I use these strategies every week. They are tried, tested and work!
We’ll cover:
✔️ How to use music to transform the vibe of a lesson
✔️ A drama strategy so quick it fits in your reading block
✔️ A movement break you can use anytime, anywhere
✔️ A visual art idea that doesn’t require an art cart
Whether you’re trying to reach more learning styles or just bring some joy back into your teaching—these creative moves will help you love teaching again (even with a script in hand).
Try just one of these ideas this week and let us know how it goes inside the Inspiring Teachers Facebook group. You’ll be surprised how much a little creativity can shift the energy—for you and your students.
~Elizabeth
Resources Mentioned:
Become an INSIDER at The Inspired Classroom! theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
When you are an INSIDER, you get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors, create a caring classroom and bring joy back to teaching!
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ Connect with me (and share what you try from this episode!)
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Some teachers love it. Some teachers dread it. Spirit Week usually involves some crazy socks, wacky hair, and the occasional coveted Decades Day. But what if we put a twist on this and sent it… underground?
This kind of Spirit Week is designed just for teachers—to build connection, creativity, and joy in a way that keeps you smiling all week. And the best part? Students love it just as much.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
✔️ What Underground Spirit Week actually looks like—and why teachers are secretly loving it
✔️ Creative, teacher-centered ideas you can use to start your own version (without a ton of chaos!)
✔️ How to turn it into a surefire morale booster for you and your teacher besties
If you're craving a little fun with your teacher buddies and want to do something just for YOU (ain't no shame in it)—this is your episode.
~Elizabeth
Resources Mentioned:
Become an INSIDER at The Inspired Classroom! theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
When you are an INSIDER, you get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors, create a caring classroom and bring joy back to teaching!
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ Connect with me (and share what you try from this episode!)
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
This week, we’re celebrating Teacher Appreciation in a way that's a little different. While I’m all about those lunches and door prizes (can we normalize surprise snacks every month?), this episode invites you to reflect on something even more meaningful—the teachers who have impacted you.
Whether it’s a colleague who lifted you up, a mentor who shaped you, or a teacher from your past who still inspires you today, we’re taking time to honor them. I’ll share a few personal stories and introduce you to some fun ways to spread that appreciation in simple, creative and heartfelt ways.
💛 This isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about real connection. You’ll leave this episode with something you can do right away to make a fellow teacher feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
PLUS - I'm giving you a free gift... 🙂
~Elizabeth
Resources Mentioned:
Become an Inspired Classroom Insider: theinspiredclassroom.com/insider (and get the free gift!)
Add your own tribute to a teacher you have had: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2010/05/teachers-we-have-had/
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ Connect with me!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
What if the secret to a calmer, more connected classroom started in the first five minutes of your day? In this episode, I share simple, teacher-tested ways to set the tone for a day that flows—with less chaos and more connection.
If mornings in your classroom feel rushed, noisy, or just plain off, this one’s for you. These aren't major overhauls—just small, intentional shifts that can lead to big changes.
~Elizabeth
Episodes & Resources Mentioned:
49 | Teacher Student Relationships: A Simple Way to Build Them, Even with Little Time
50 | Want to Use Music in the Classroom? 6 Easy Steps to Making it a Success!
Get your own set of "doodle" soft starts! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Soft-Starts-Transition-Activities-for-Social-Emotional-Learning-SEL-9097051
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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 sharing a few of my favorite paperless swaps you can use in your lessons to celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful, creative way—without printing a single worksheet.
You’ll hear ideas that work for math, ELA and science—all hands-on, tech-free, and totally doable. These are the kinds of ideas that make teaching feel fun again, while still hitting your standards and supporting your students’ SEL growth.
If you’ve been craving something fresh that doesn’t require extra planning (or a trip to the copy room), this one’s for you.
Pick just one of the ideas I shared and give it a try. You’ve got this—and I’d love to hear how it goes!
~Elizabeth
Resources Mentioned:
https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2010/04/go-paperless-write-on-your-desk/
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ Connect with me (and share what ideas you try!)
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
April is Poetry Month, and if you’re thinking “ugh, not another acrostic…” this episode is for you.
I’m sharing three fresh, arts-infused poetry ideas that are simple to implement, fun for your students, and packed with SEL goodness.
These strategies don’t require fancy materials, a background in poetry, or hours of prep—and they’re designed to engage all your students . . . even the reluctant writers. You’ll hear how randomness, music, and simple self-reflection can help students express themselves in meaningful, creative ways (and have fun doing it).
If your classroom could use a little creative spark, this episode is here to remind you: poetry can be joyful, powerful, and totally doable.
Try just ONE of the ideas from this episode and share your experience with us in the Inspiring Teachers Facebook group. We’re cheering you on!
~Elizabeth
Resources Mentioned:
I created a playlist of music for you to use! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6haqRy0tgUgbcHNX61bxJt?si=MaamYPbFRrmdNuYGr8dYTg
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ Connect with me (and share what you try from this episode!)
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Feeling burnt out? Wondering if you’ve lost your passion for teaching? In this inspiring springtime episode, I share a story rooted in daffodils: The Daffodil Principle—a powerful reminder that big change starts with one small step.
Inside you’ll hear:
- A beautiful story that will shift your perspective
- Why teacher reflection matters now more than ever
- Five small but powerful actions you can take this week to feel more grounded, creative, and connected
- How to grow joy in your classroom—without adding more to your plate
Whether you're an elementary teacher who's barely holding on or you're ready for the next, great thing, this episode is your permission to slow down, reflect, and keep on blooming.
~Elizabeth
Link to the Original Daffodil Story: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2011/04/the-daffodil-principle/
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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 love teaching—but by the end of the day, you’re completely drained. Sound familiar? I’ve coined a name for that: The Daily Teacher Drain and I’m naming exactly what causes that daily exhaustion in today's podcast episode.
(Spoiler alert: it’s more than just being “tired.”)
Even better, we’ll look at how you can take simple, intentional steps to feel more energized and in control.
You’ll walk away with realistic, teacher-centered strategies to protect your energy, restore your passion, and start feeling like yourself again.
~Elizabeth
Episodes Mentioned:
17 | Step Two: Remember Control (3 Steps to Preventing Teacher Burnout)
52 | Why Being a Superhero Teacher is Wrecking Your Passion for Teaching
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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’ve heard it before: “Teachers are superheroes!” But let’s be honest—that cape? It’s heavy.
In this episode, I talk about why the “superhero teacher” myth is not only unrealistic, but also unsustainable… and what to focus on instead so you can actually feel inspired, not exhausted.
If your passion for teaching is starting to wear you down instead of lift you up, it’s time for a new approach: to shift from trying to do it all, to doing what truly matters—making a real difference without burning out.
~Elizabeth
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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
Standardized testing is stressful—for our students and for us. But what if one of the best ways to help them succeed has nothing to do with test prep...
In this episode, I’m sharing my secret to helping my students go into their state testing with some calm and confidence. This might just be the secret weapon you've been missing. You'll hear the 3 step framework you can use the day before testing that will calm nerves, build community, and help students show up refreshed and ready.
It’s time to lower the test stress, boost engagement, and make testing week a little more joyful. Wait…what??? (yes. seriously.)
~Elizabeth
Episodes Mentioned:
50 | Want to Use Music in the Classroom? 6 Easy Steps to Making it a Success!
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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 wish you had a remote control for your classroom’s energy? 🎶 This episode is your first step. Inside, we’re talking about how you can use music to help manage classroom behaviors, boost focus, and bring a little more calm and joy to your day.
Inside, I’ll share the 6 steps you need to take to introduce Soundtracking to your class so that you can successfully use music to help with transitions, creative time, independent work, and even emotional regulation.
Classroom behaviors, student energy, and your own sanity are all impacted by the vibe you set. And this simple, creative SEAL strategy can help you shift that vibe—without saying a word.
~Elizabeth
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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
There’s no denying that building relationships is super important in our classrooms. It can help with student engagement, behaviors and academic success! didn’t have to be complicated?
In this episode, I’m talking about one simple, powerful strategy that isn’t complicated and is something you can do starting tomorrow! I’ll tell you everything you need to know and share a couple stories along the way.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by behavior struggles, emotional outbursts, or just a sense of disconnection, this episode is your reminder that small steps really do make a big difference.
~Elizabeth
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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 feel like teaching just isn’t fun anymore? Does classroom management feel like you're playing a game of whack-a-mole? Do you wish you could clone little Betsy - the only student in class who exudes joy and stays engaged while learning? Ever feel like shutting your door and going off script just so you can teach in a way that you know your students need?
You’re not alone—and you’ve just found your people. (YAY!)
In this podcast, you’ll find real solutions to bring joy back to teaching, create a caring classroom, and finally find some balance between school and home. Teaching doesn’t have to feel like you're in survival mode. Here, you’ll discover creative learning strategies that engage your students, practical ways to build a connected and caring classroom culture, and mindset shifts that help you take back control of your own classroom.
If you're ready to stop drowning in scripted lessons, behavior struggles, and the Daily Teacher Drain—and start teaching with creativity, confidence, and purpose—you’re in the right place!
Hey there, I’m Elizabeth, a teacher since 1999, a mentor, consultant, arts integration specialist and creator of SEAL: Social-Emotional Artistic Learning. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how creativity can transform a classroom—not just for our students, but for us teachers, too! I’ve always leaned into creative teaching strategies to build relationships, engage students, and keep myself loving what I do—even on the toughest days.
(And, let’s face it - there are some tough days!)
I’ve worked with teachers who are exhausted, stuck in survival mode, and struggling with behavior issues that drain their energy. But when you start tapping into your own creativity—using the arts to connect with students, to bring meaning into lessons, and to shift the classroom dynamic—something changes. The stress eases. The engagement rises. The joy returns.
That’s what I want for you.
If you're ready to finally enjoy teaching again—to create a calm, connected classroom, engage your students in meaningful learning, and reclaim your personal time—WELCOME – this is the podcast for you. My solutions are simple, effective, and built to inspire the teacher—because you don’t need more on your plate, you just need what works.
So go find your coffee (it’s around here somewhere), grab your favorite pen, take a deep breath, and get ready to Enjoy Teaching Again!
~Elizabeth
More Resources:
✨ Join the Teacher Community: www.theinspiredclassroom.com/community
✨ Learn more about SEAL:www.theinspiredclassroom.com/seal
✨ 👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
✨ Contact: support@theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ Visit my website: www.theinspiredclassroom.com
The key to teaching social and emotional skills in the classroom is to do it all the time, every day. And yet, it's helpful to have some kind of framework that can guide what you're doing. That's where the SEAL Method comes in. In it, you learn a holistic approach to bringing SEL into your classroom through 4 puzzle pieces.
In this episode, we continue with the 3rd and 4th puzzle pieces: Targeting Your Integrations and Strengthening Your Mindset.
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Webinar - How to Diffuse Student's BIG Emotions without Feeling lik the Classroom Therapist theinspiredclassroom.com/freewebinar
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
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, we dive into the crucial role transitions play in creating a productive and engaging classroom environment. We'll explore the four essential steps that lead to seamless transitions to maintain momentum and foster an atmosphere of focused learning. Let's make your classroom transitions smoother and more effective, ensuring that every moment of your class counts.
Resources:
Read the original blog post: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2019/02/prep-and-transition-4-steps-to-a-focused-class/
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Webinar - How to Diffuse Student's BIG Emotions without Feeling lik the Classroom Therapist theinspiredclassroom.com/freewebinar
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
It's a new school year and as exciting as that can be, it's also exhausting. When your new classes start to come in, you can realize that there is a long road ahead. In today's episode, we'll look at 2 major mindset shifts teachers often need to make in order to take the school year on and build a foundation for success!
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Whether you have a done-for-you social-emotional curriculum or not, it's important to start rethinking how you approach your job as a teacher. Your students need help when it comes to how they transition into your room to learn and how they focus and engage with their work.
There are 4 puzzle pieces that make up a holistic approach to creatively address students' social and emotional needs in the classroom. In this episode we'll look at the first two: Embedded Strategies and Consitent SEAL Activities.
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Webinar - How to Diffuse Student's BIG Emotions without Feeling lik the Classroom Therapist theinspiredclassroom.com/freewebinar
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
I know you're struggling with aspects of your school day. It's ok. It's normal. It's because you care about your students and you care about the work you do. And chances are you also care about helping your students develope their social-emotioal skills. Listen in as I talk about one way you can look at the strategies you bring into the classroom!
Resources Mentioned:
Free Webinar - How to Diffuse Student's BIG Emotions without Feeling lik the Classroom Therapist theinspiredclassroom.com/freewebinar
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
The arts are engaging, yes. And speak to the whole child, absolutely. But why are the arts something that every classroom needs? Listen in as Elizabeth explores 3 reasons the arts need to be in YOUR classroom!
Resources Mentioned:
Soft Starts - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Soft-Starts-Transition-Activities-for-Social-Emotional-Learning-SEL-9097051
Article - The Community that Art Built
Back to School FREE Resources! - https://theinspiredclassroom.com/btsfreebie
Article - Reinforcing Elementary Math Lessons With Movement
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Webinar - How to Diffuse Student's BIG Emotions without Feeling lik the Classroom Therapist theinspiredclassroom.com/freewebinar
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Self-Care isn't about the short activities you can add to your life, it's about the long term things you can change to make your life better. Let's dig in!
Resources Mentioned:
The Reilient Teacher Podcast with Brittany Blackwell
The Self-Care Summit (free for limited time!)
Self-Care Solutions Workshop
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - How to Diffuse Students' BIG Emotions without feeling tlike the Classroom Therapist
theinspiredclassroom.com/freewebinar
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
While engaging in great conversations during the Soar to Success Summit about the artistic ideas I posed in my session: “A Palette Full of Potential: Unlocking Executive Function through Art” I found a theme of how teachers are excited to start implementing, but need to start small. So, let's talk about 3 ways you can start small with the arts!
New Webinar:
Want to learn how to diffuse your students BIG Emotions without feeling like the classroom therapist? Join me BRAND NEW webinar! (no-cost) and... Get my #1 process for building community in your classroom that reduces BIG Emotions and brings together even the most reluctant peers in just 20 minutes a week!
theinspiredclassroom.com/freewebinar
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
"Trust the process" is something I was told over and over when I was getting my masters in Arts & Learning. It's a great lesson what we can instill in our students through process art. Listen in to learn more about what this is and how it can play a part in your classroom, regardless of what age level you teach!
Want to learn more about process art and other ways the arts can help your young students? Join me at this year's Pre K Soar to Success Summit, where I'll be presenting on “A Palette Full of Potential: Unlocking Executive Function through Art.”
https://theinspiredclassroom.com/preksummit/
PLUS, when you sign up using THIS LINK, you’ll be eligible to get my bonus pack of brand new early childhood SEAL resources!
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
It seems as though social-emotional learning is becoming too political and many people are getting concerned about that. You should! Especially when, at its core, SEL should really be about 2 simple things. Listen in, because I'm ready to share them with you!
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Are you worried that your stduents are shutting down or acting up, causing them not to do the work you know they are capable of? Do you feel unable to help your students the way you want to? Today, I’ll share with you the 3 biggest MISbeliefs you may be making that can affect how you show up in your classroom. Join me!!
Resources Mentioned:
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Yes. Students do need creativity in the classroom and yet, often teachers are hindered by the creative constraints put on them by scripted curriculums. Today, we take a deep dive into the issues around this.
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
Districts and schools often spend a lot of time and money on new programs and initiatives that they then require their teachers to implement. Now, imagine if instead, they invested time and money into their teachers instead. What kinds of differences do you think that would make in our classrooms and schools? Listen in as I explore what this could do for education.
Resources Mentioned:
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
In this episode, we look at some of the ways to know if you might be suffering from what's called the Daily Teacher Drain as well as what you can do to fix it.
Resources Mentioned:
Check out our brand new workshop Self-Care Solutions built just for teachers who need to take a moment for themselves and discover what unique solutions will work for them.
Go to theinspiredclassroom.com/selfcare to learn more!
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
Of course, teachers care... but I want to challenge you to think if it just might be too much. In this episode we'll look at ways to know if you DO care too much, how that affects you and what you can do about it.
Sound silly? Maybe not. Have a listen, becuase this might be JUST the message you need to hear today!
Resources Mentioned:
Check out our brand new workshop Self-Care Solutions built just for teachers who need to take a moment for themselves and discover what unique solutions will work for them.
Go to theinspiredclassroom.com/selfcare to learn more!
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
Check out this amazingly simple way to bring a smile to your students' faces as they enter your classroom so that you can bring some positivity into their day.
Resources Mentioned:
Get your own set of Positive Message Cards inside my TpT store!
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
A question that is often asked is, "How do I get others on board?" When you want to do something creative or innovative in the classroom, your excitement can be contagious, so use that! Here are some suggestions I love to give teachers as they start investing time in arts integration and SEAL: Social-Emotional Artistic Learning.
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
Music is a powerful tool for the classroom. One very successful way to use it is to build the sense of community in your classroom. In this episode, I share a clip from the SEAL Week Challenge, where I talk about 2 simple ways you can use music to just that - even if you are not a musician!
Resources Mentioned:
Inspired by Listening (the book)
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
Teachers have many concerns when it comes to their students and their ability to be in the classroom to learn. From dealing with "Big Feelings" to transitioning into learning to showing empathy for their classmates - we touch on it all in this episode. A preview of the content of the SEAL Week Challenge, listen in to how the arts and creativity can help with all of this!
Ready to sign up for the free SEAL Week Challenge? Go to this link: theinspiredclassroom.com/sealweek
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
A teacher messaged me, wondering how to talk to people who were concerned about SEL. With the state of things right now, there are many who are second-guessing and downright objecting to any social-emotional learning in schools. However, having SEL in the classroom is more important than ever . . . IF you do it the actual way it should be done. I'm excited to tackle this topic today!
Resources Mentioned:
Join us for the SEAL WEEK CHALLENGE: theinspiredclassroom.com/sealweek
Dr. Lori Sanford Wiley's book: Comprehensive Character-Building Classroom
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
The role of the educator has changed so much over the decades. In this episode, I'm talking about my perspecitve on how this role has changed and what that means for us in education.
Resources Mentioned:
Join us for the free SEAL Week Challenge! theinspiredclassroom.com/sealweek
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requireing them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
You can't teach SEL for a couple of days or even a few weeks and then say you're done. Truly effective social-emotional learning happens all year and every day. Listen in for a 3 phase framework that helps make a holistic approach a true reality.
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requireing them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
With all the creative teachers we have in our schools - creative professionals that strive to bring amazing learning experiences to their students - how can we script the social-emotional program they have to teach? What if, instead, we equipped teachers with the skills and strategies they needed to create learning experiences that help their students build their social-emotional skills? (Just a thought...)
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requireing them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
There's a lot of debate right now around what exactly social-emotional learning is... I like to get to the bare bones of it and how it should be something integrated into what teachers teach in their classrooms.
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requireing them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
Being a caring, creative teacher goes far beyond the idea that you can teach your content well. Nowadays, we need to rethink how we approach these two concepts when it comes to the type of teacher you are. You a naturally both caring and creative... now let's look at what that means for today's classroom and our current students.
Resources Mentioned:
Want some inspiration on how to build relationships with your students? Here's the free resource I mentioned: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/connection
Join our Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community!
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requireing them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Family communication can feel indimidating at times, but it doesn't have to. Here are a couple mistakes we can keep in mind so that when we do need to contact parents, it's a positive experience!
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requireing them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
You can be the most caring, positive teacher and still make these mistakes in your classroom. It's ok... we all do this. (Me included!) But the more we are able to remind ourselves about these the mistakes, the more apt we are to readjust and fix them! So, let's take a look at these mistakes together and see if we can do better together!
Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requireing them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
Lunch time is YOUR time! How do you use it? In this episode, we'll look at some ideas and reflect on how using your lunch time is part of your Teacher SEL!
This is part of a episode collection focusing on Teacher SEL.
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
Resources:
SEAL Teacher Training course: theinspiredclassroom.com/trainme
Listen to the other episode about boundaries and Teacher SEL
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Your loaded school bag is a great place to start setting some boundaries so you can take care of your own Teacher SEL. It's worth a listen so that you can reflect on your school bag habits and see how you can adjust them to your own needs.
This is part of a episode collection focusing on Teacher SEL.
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
Resources:
SEAL Teacher Training course: theinspiredclassroom.com/trainme
Listen to the other episode about boundaries and Teacher SEL
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Setting boundaries is an important part of Teacher SEL and email is a great place to start. Let's reflect on some ideas of how we can do this!
This is part of a episode collection focusing on Teacher SEL.
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
We've looked at our priorities and what we can and can't control. Now, in Step Three of preventing teacher burnout, we are going to talk about all of our responsibilities. I've got 4 categories to share with you today so that you can sort out your responsibilities and maybe even take some things off your plate!
This is part of a episode collection focusing on Teacher SEL.
Resources:
What more about Teacher SEL on The Inspired Classroom's YouTube Channel!
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Learn more about SEAL at teachSEAL.com
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Connect with me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
In Step Two of preventing teacher burnout, we are going to talk about control. Get ready to brainstorm with me as we look at the things in our lives and careers that we can and can't control.
This is part of a episode collection focusing on Teacher SEL.
Resources:
What more about Teacher SEL on The Inspired Classroom's YouTube Channel!
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Learn more about SEAL at teachSEAL.com
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Connect with me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
For the next 3 episodes we are looking at how to prevent teacher burnout. Today, your task is to set your priorities. Take a listen for some insight and inspiration.
This is part of a episode collection focusing on Teacher SEL.
Resources:
What more about Teacher SEL on The Inspired Classroom's YouTube Channel!
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Learn more about SEAL at teachSEAL.com
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Connect with me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
We always hear that our teaching needs to be student-centered. . . but what about our professional development? If we want to truly support our teachers, their PD needs to be teacher-centered. Join me in this episode to learn more about what that actually means.
This is part of a episode collection focusing on Teacher SEL.
Resources Mentioned:
Visit The Inspired Classroom's professional development page!
Learn more about SEAL at teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Visit our page JUST for administrators! theinspiredclassroom.com/admin
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
This episode is for the administrators who run our schools! Today, I'm taking a deep dive into what administrators can do to help to keep their teachers and keep them happy. Not by providing coffee and jeans day every day, but with some professional and practical courses of action.
This is part of a episode collection focusing on Teacher SEL.
Resources Mentioned:
Visit our page JUST for administrators! theinspiredclassroom.com/admin
Learn more about SEAL at teachSEAL.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook
Follow & DM me on Instagram
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
Let's begin our episode collection on Teacher SEL by talking about the basics of what it is and why it's so important. Please share this collection with other teachers who may need to hear some positive insights to how to truly care for themselves.
This is part of a episode collection focusing on Teacher SEL.
Resources Mentioned:
Learn more about SEAL at teachSEAL.com
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
Plain and simple: all social-emotional teaching in our classrooms need to be explicit. Let’s take a look at why!
Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
All good social-emotional learning needs to be proactive. What does that mean? Well, there are to ways to think about this for your classroom: proactive for YOU and proactive for your students. Take a listen…
Resources Mentioned:
Want some inspiration on how to build relationships with your students? Here's a free resource: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/connection
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
SEAL is the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom hehavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social emotional strategies into their current content without requireing them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time. The idea behind SEAL is that we can use arts integrated strategies specifically to teach, build and practice social-emotional learning competencies.
Resources Mentioned
Blogpost from 2009! The Value of the Arts
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Join the SEAL Foundations course theinspiredclassroom.com/sealfoundations
Enroll in SEAL Teacher Training theinspiredclassroom.com/trainme
Check out the resources at teachSEAL.com
Watch the SEAL Playlist on YouTube
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
When you integrate the arts into the content you teach (no matter the subject or age), your students will remember and understand the content at a much deeper level. Let's look at some practical ideas you can use in your classroom!
This is part of a mini-series! In espisodes 7-9, we'll take a closer look at 3 key benefits to bringing creativity and the arts into your classroom. There are more . . . so look for more espisodes in the future!
Resources Mentioned:
Edutopia Article: Reinforcing Math Lessons with Movement
Check out my book, Inspired by Listening: Integrating Music Listening Experiences into the Classroom
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Interested in learning some amazing arts integrated activity ideas and strategies? Check out the Virtual Teacher Art Retreat!
theinspiredclassroom.com/retreat
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
Not only can the arts bring people together, but they can help students recognize and regulate the many emotions they bring with them into the classroom. Here are some ideas of how to harness this power of the arts so that students can be ready to learn.
This is part of a mini-series! In espisodes 7-9, we'll take a closer look at 3 key benefits to bringing creativity and the arts into your classroom. There are more . . . so look for more espisodes in the future!
Resources Mentioned:
The last episode: Building Community: Key Benefit to the Arts in Learning #1 | Arts Integration
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Interested in learning some amazing arts integrated activity ideas and strategies? Check out the Virtual Teacher Art Retreat!
theinspiredclassroom.com/retreat
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
Building community with your class is important at any time of the school year. Let's look at how the arts can play a part in this!
This is part of a mini-series! In espisodes 7-9, we'll take a closer look at 3 key benefits to bringing creativity and the arts into your classroom. There are more . . . so look for more espisodes in the future!
Resources Mentioned:
Permission to Pause (podcast espisode #2)
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Interested in learning some amazing arts integrated activity ideas and strategies? Check out the Virtual Teacher Art Retreat!
theinspiredclassroom.com/retreat
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
Do you have a lesson you haven't done for a while, but you really love? Listen in to Part Three of the Permission Trilogy where I talk about how you can (and SHOULD) bring an old lesson back to life.
Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
What a great way to prevent and even defeat burn out - by giving your students the opportunity to create something meaningful. Part Two of the Permission Trilogy continues with Permission to Create. What is a lesson you could do this with?
Resources Mentioned:
Watch the video of the Moon Painting here!
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
Let's start talking about Creative Teacher Self-Care and things that you can do inside your own classroom to prevent burn out. Part One of this Permission Trilogy starts with the Permission to Pause! Listen in and let me know if you will make yourself a pause plan.
Resources Mentioned:
Read about How Studio Day Saved My School Year on the blog!
Read more about the Power of the Pause and get a free SEAL Tool: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2021/01/the-power-of-the-pause/
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
The second part of our motto is to Be Inspiring! It's time to take your experiences and transfer them into your classroom. Listen in and then let me know what kinds of things you do (or plan to do) to Get Inspired so that you can BE Inspiring.
Resources Mentioned:
ONE Word Workshop: theinspiredclassroom.com/onewordworkshop
Want some inspiration on how to build relationships with your students? Here's the free resource I mentioned: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/connection
Other Resources:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
Our motto at The Inspired Classroom is to Get Inspired, Be Inspiring. In this episode, we will take a closer look at the first part, the action-taking GET Inspired part that every educator should take in order to take ownership of their own professional learning.
Resources Mentioned:
Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
Free Workshop - The 3 Secrets to Integrating the ARTs with SEL theinspiredclassroom.com/workshop
Check out the professional development we provide! theinspiredclassroom.com/pd
ONE Word Workshop: theinspiredclassroom.com/onewordworkshop
Get in touch with Elizabeth!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinspiredclassroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspiredclassroom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theinspiredclassroom
Wouldn't it be nice to have no stress in our busy, teacher lives? No stress is the approach I'm taking as I start this podcast - both for me and for YOU! Let's take a close (and quick) look at what this means as we focus in on our new goals and priorities for 2023.
Please subscribe and join me on this new journey!
Resources Mentioned:
ONE Word Workshop: theinspiredclassroom.com/onewordworkshop