Beginning Teacher Talk

Classroom management isn’t just a concern for homeroom teachers. Specials teachers face their own unique set of challenges: rotating classes, varying expectations, and limited time to build relationships. But with the right strategies, you can turn that chaos into connection and create a learning environment where students thrive, no matter how short the time you have with them. In today’s episode, I’ll walk you through several classroom management strategies tailored specifically for specialist teachers, along with practical tools for implementing them. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/specials-teachers  Classroom Management Club Waitlist: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/membershipwaitlist  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 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through

With such long and exhausting days, teachers need more opportunities to relax and declutter their minds, and meditation does just that. It's a powerful tool that allows educators to recharge, reduce stress, and regain focus, helping them show up with presence, patience, and purpose, both in and out of the classroom. In today’s episode, I’ve created a 10-minute guided meditation you can listen to at the end of the day, during a break, or whenever you need to reset your mind. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/meditation-for-teachers  10-Minute Guided Meditation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6va4lLTq34&t=315s  Classroom Management Club Waitlist: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/membershipwaitlist  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 Lung Cancer Free: One Coup

One thing I always emphasize is that teachers are lifelong learners. They’re constantly evolving, growing, and striving to be their best. Because this mindset plays such an important role in a teacher’s success and happiness, I love interviewing educators who truly embody it, and my guest today does just that. Margaret McLellan is a member of the Classroom Management Club and is joining me to share how the Club has impacted her classroom management and how you can find success and support through it as well. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/classroom-management-club-2  Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset 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 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Bo

Tapping into your creative side during summer break is a great way to develop engaging strategies that make a real impact on your students and classroom community. Five-minute field trips are one of those strategies you’ll want to keep in your toolkit. In today’s episode, I revisit this special technique—explaining what it is, when to use it, and how it helps students become regulated, refocused, and reenergized. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/five-minute-field-trips  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 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 Pinteres

When you’re part of the Classroom Management Club, you’re not just exchanging ideas and strategies; you’re sharing purpose, strength, and the kind of support that only fellow educators can offer. Last week, we kicked off our conversation with three of our fabulous coaches—Alicia, Michelle, and Becca—who shared their experiences as members of the Club and offered tips for improving classroom management. In part two of this conversation, they're discussing why they love being coaches, everything the Club has to offer, and their advice for beginning teachers on managing their classrooms. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/classroom-management-coaches-part-two  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

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