Beginning Teacher Talk

I always dreamed of creating a space for beginning teachers and the Classroom Management Club has exceeded all expectations. It has grown into a thriving community that turns support and encouragement into daily fuel for growth. In addition to providing resources teachers can use throughout the school year, it includes dedicated coaches who offer ongoing support and guidance to fellow educators. In part one of this conversation, I'm sitting down with three of our amazing coaches who are sharing how the Club helps solve classroom management challenges and what makes this community so special. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/classroom-management-coaches  Sign up for Teacher Summer Camp [FREE]: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lun

Beginning teachers imagine that with experience will come more confidence, stronger classroom management, and the ability to handle challenging students and situations with ease. And while that can certainly be true, the reality is that experienced teachers never stop learning and growing in their practice. My guest on today's episode, Kayla, can attest to that. She's sharing how being a member of the Classroom Management Club helped her navigate her transition into special education and why it's so important to never stop developing your teacher skills.  Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/sped-teachers  Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset  Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple

When you’re just starting out as a teacher, there’s so much to learn and never quite enough time. So, what can you do to help yourself feel more prepared and ready to tackle the back-to-school season? My guest on today’s episode, Emily Roberts, had the same question. She’s sharing how the Academy shaped her preparation, helped her manage challenging student behaviors, and supported her in building strong student relationships. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/back-to-school  Index Card Flipbook: https://amzn.to/4jMrWmJ  Classroom Prizes: Variety Pack: https://amzn.to/4jHHYhW Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: https://amzn.to/3HCgtc9   Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/

Your first year of teaching often feels like pure survival mode. It’s usually not until your second year that you can finally take a breath, make intentional plans, and start growing as an educator. My guest on today’s episode, Teresa Grosboll, knows that feeling all too well. She’s sharing what it really takes to not just survive, but thrive in your second year—and how the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy helped boost her confidence and get her classroom organized as she headed into year two. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/ready-for-school  God Made Me Unique: Helping Children See Value in Every Person: https://amzn.to/43fcGIX Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God’s Image in Every Person: https://amzn.to/3SAsdhA Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly

Let’s be honest: teaching gets tough. As a beginning teacher, you're stepping into a world where success isn’t defined by perfection, but by perseverance. There will be challenges — tough students, long nights, and moments of doubt — but grit is what will carry you through. In today’s episode, inspired by Angela Duckworth’s book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, I’m sharing why grit is so important in teaching and offering a few practical ways you can begin to develop it. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/the-power-of-grit  Angela Duckworth's book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance: https://amzn.to/3F9kcx3  Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ

Even with several years of classroom experience working alongside other teachers, stepping into your own classroom comes with a whole new set of challenges. From classroom setup and organization to behavior management and building routines, there are so many things a university program doesn't prepare you for. In today's teacher spotlight, Jenna Barron is sharing her struggles, what she wish she knew going into teaching, and how the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy changed her perspective and approach to teaching.  Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teaching-overseas  Sticky Flip Chart Paper: https://amzn.to/3LwULG1  Book Bins for Centers: https://amzn.to/420vwRW  Supply Caddies for Centers: https://amzn.to/3oF9XrC  Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your

Teachers often pour so much time and energy into supporting their students that they forget about forming strong relationships with their peers. Navigating adult connections can be unexpectedly tricky. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing practical advice for how you can fit in at a new school or with your grade-level team. These strategies will show you that with patience and a positive outlook, you’ll not only find your place, but begin to build lasting, supportive relationships with your coworkers.  Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/fitting-in-at-a-new-school  Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box”

Our brains are wired to worry, so it’s only natural for you to wonder how you'll handle the unknown of the coming school year. Using two real-life teacher examples, I’ll show how fear and worry about potential challenges can be addressed with simple, actionable strategies. Each concern is valid, but by focusing on what’s true and what’s working, you’ll start to recognize your growth and reframe the fear. You’ll also see how making small, strategic adjustments can make next year feel far more manageable. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/managing-fear  Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lun

The first year of teaching is a mix of excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of questions. So if you’ve just graduated and are looking for a supportive way to prepare and feel a little less stressed, this episode is for you! Today, I’m chatting with Kelsey Moody, a fellow teacher and graduate of my R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/new-teacher  Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/ Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk  Connect with Lori

Beginning teachers often get so caught up in the way their classroom looks and forget its true purpose: functionality. Even veteran teachers can benefit from reflecting on their current classroom setup to find better ways to organize the space and better serve their students. In today’s episode, I’m sharing six of the most common mistakes teachers make when setting up their classrooms and how to avoid them. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/classroom-setup  Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Free Masterclass - How to Prepare for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/ Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk):

Teacher interviews can be intimidating and often feels like you're stepping into the unknown. But the hidden secret to a successful interview doesn’t show up on a resume, a lesson plan you once taught, or even your knowledge of content standards. Instead, it’s about your interview energy. In today's episode, I'm discussing what that means, practical ways to show it, what you need to avoid, and why it's the key to getting you hired.  Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teacher-interviews  Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Preparing for Elementary Teacher Interviews Resource Library Bundle: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/offers/gNTPZRn6/checkout  Free Masterclass - How to Prepare for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: On

The transition from student teacher to full-time teacher can be overwhelming, and many new teachers feel stressed during their first year. This is often due to the gap between the theoretical knowledge gained in university and the practical skills needed in the classroom. In this episode, I discuss how to bridge that gap and how to gain support from adminstrators, schools, and districts.  Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/theory-practice-gap Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Learn about the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/  Free Masterclass - How to Prepare for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Learn More about Academy District Partnerships: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/academy-for-schools-districts   Learn More about Academy University Partnerships: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/academy-for-universities Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly

When new teachers are met with feelings of isolation, unprepared realities of the classroom, and unsupportive guidance or mentorship, it often leads to teacher attrition. In today's episode, I dive deeper into how these obstacles contribute to educators leaving the profession, the cost it has on the education system, and what we can do now to prevent teacher burnout.  Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teacher-attrition  Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Learn about the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/  Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Learn More about Academy District Partnerships: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/academy-for-schools-districts   Learn More about Academy University Partnerships: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/academy-for-universities Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R

New teachers often leave university feeling unprepared for the realities of the classroom, struggling to bridge the gap between theory and practice. In this episode, we explore three of the biggest challenges they face, based on research, and how to best support them. From managing student behavior to overcoming feelings of isolation, we’ll discuss actionable strategies to help new teachers build confidence and establish a strong foundation. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/new-teacher-challenges  Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk Learn about the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/  Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset References: Blair, N. (2019, September). New teachers face three common challenges. ASCD. Matsumoto-Royo, K., & Ramírez-Montoya, M. S. (2021). Core practices in practice-based teacher education: A systematic literat

Are you struggling to keep your students focused? In this episode, I’m sharing simple, research-backed strategies to help students build their attention skills in fun and meaningful ways. You'll learn how to naturally integrate focus-boosting activities into your daily routine, incorporate mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises, and implement gradual, intentional strategies to strengthen concentration. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teaching-kids-to-focus  Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Love Notes for Your Kiddos - Bookmarks: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Love-Notes-for-Your-Kiddos-Positive-Bookmarks-Surprises-5111445  “Active Breaks and Cognitive Performance in Pupils: A Systematic Review”: https://revista-apunts.com/en/active-breaks-and-cognitive-performance-in-pupils-a-systematic-review/#:~:text=(2019)%20also%20uncovered%20beneficial%20effects,are%20capable%20of%20carrying%20out “Mindfulness-Or

After preparing for weeks for state assessments, teachers often get to the day and still have one question left to answer - What do I do with my students after taking the big test? If you have this question, you're not alone! I'm sharing five ideas for how to structure your day after taking exams.  Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/test-taking-in-elementary  Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready For the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready  Fast Finishers Imagination Station for a Game/Activity: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fast-Finisher-Activities-April-Imagination-Station-Gr-2-5-6754392  Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Farmhouse): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Farmhouse-Chic-Decor-Growth-Mindset-Positive-Affirmation-Mirror-Cards-Editable-8193583  Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Brights): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chalkboard-Brights-Decor-Growth-Mindset-Positive-Affirmation-Mirror-Cards-8193670  Growth Mindset Affir

When it comes to preparing students for state standardized tests, learning and reviewing academic content is just part of the preparation. The other big piece is mindset. In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 strategies that will help your students become calm and confident when taking taking assessments.  Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/mindfulness-for-elementary-students  Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Growth Mindset Bookmarks: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Growth-Mindset-Bookmarks-Positivity-in-the-Classroom-5121671 Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Farmhouse): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Farmhouse-Chic-Decor-Growth-Mindset-Positive-Affirmation-Mirror-Cards-Editable-8193583  Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Brights): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chalkboard-Brights-Decor-Growth-Mindset-Positive-Affirmation-Mirror-Cards-8193670  Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Succulent):

If standardized tests make you anxious, you’re not alone! In this episode, we’re continuing our test prep series by shifting focus to math. I’m sharing five powerful test-taking strategies to help students tackle math challenges with confidence. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/math-test-taking-skills-in-elementary  Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Love Notes for Your Kiddos - Bookmarks: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Love-Notes-for-Your-Kiddos-Positive-Bookmarks-Surprises-5111445  Love Notes for Your Kiddos - Certificates: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Love-Notes-for-Your-Kiddos-Positive-Certificates-Surprises-5109084  Growth Mindset Bookmarks: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Growth-Mindset-Bookmarks-Positivity-in-the-Classroom-5121671 Math Test-Taking Strategies for Elementary Students: https://www.sadlier.com/school/sadlier-math-blog/math-test-taking-strategies-for-elementary-s

As spring approaches, both teachers and students look forward to warmer weather and the excitement of summer, but there's one big source of stress: standardized testing. These tests bring high stakes, with scores affecting decisions at the state, district, and school levels, putting pressure on teachers to help students perform their best. In this episode, I’m kicking off a four-part series on practical test-taking strategies to help your students feel prepared and less anxious, starting with five key tips for English Language Arts assessments. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/test-taking-strategies-for-elementary  Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Multiple Choice Test Taking Strategies: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/test-taking-strategies-for-elementary  Multiple Choice Test Taking Strategies: How to Ace a Multiple-Choice Test: https://www.saintleo.edu/about/stories/blog/multiple-choice-test-taking-strategies-how-to

We feel so much pressure in our work environment, personal life, and from society. It's difficult to manage all of those emotions and demands. In this episode, I'm sharing why school is the best place to take the pressure off and how you can easily accomplish this with a few mindset shifts.  Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/take-the-pressure-off  Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/ Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk  Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk