Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Learning Styles, SEL, Classroom Management

Elizabeth M. Peterson - Teacher, Arts Integration Specialist & Creative SEL Consultant
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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! More Resources: ✨ Join the Teacher Community: www.theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Learn more about SEAL: www.theinspiredclassroom.com/seal ✨ Sign up for my FREE Class: www.theinspiredclassroom.com/class ✨ Contact: support@theinspiredclassroom.com ✨ Visit my website: www.theinspiredclassroom.com

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    85 | Student Behaviors Got You Down? Flex Those SEL Muscles (with Lori Woodley-Langendorff)

    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

    43 min

  2. 4 NOV

    84 | Promote Empathy and Kindness in the Classroom with this Formula!

    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

    21 min

  3. 28 OCT

    83 | Why ‘Just Getting Through the Year’ Isn’t the Goal (Anymore)

    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

    19 min

  4. 21 OCT

    82 | One Teacher’s Journey Back to Joy: How Doreen Learned to Enjoy Teaching Again

    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

    24 min

  5. 14 OCT

    81 | Is Burnout the New Normal for Teachers?

    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

    10 min

  6. 7 OCT

    80 | 3 Mistakes Teachers Make When Trying to Fix Classroom Behavior

    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

    14 min

  7. 30 SEPT

    79 | 4 Must-Dos to Improve Student Behavior (Before You Burn Out)

    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

    23 min

  8. 23 SEPT

    78 | Serving Up the Same Old PD? Let’s Cook Up Something Better for Teachers

    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

    15 min
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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! More Resources: ✨ Join the Teacher Community: www.theinspiredclassroom.com/community ✨ Learn more about SEAL: www.theinspiredclassroom.com/seal ✨ Sign up for my FREE Class: www.theinspiredclassroom.com/class ✨ Contact: support@theinspiredclassroom.com ✨ Visit my website: www.theinspiredclassroom.com

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