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. 2 DAYS AGO · BONUS

    Enter the Teacher Giveaway!

    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 min 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!

    4 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    77 | Teacher Burnout Warning: When “Teacher Talk” Isn’t Helping—Here’s What to Do Instead

    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

    13 min

  3. 9 SEPT

    76 | LIVE COACHING: Can a Substitute Teacher Really Build Connection? A Veteran CRT’s Breakthrough with Disruptive Students

    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

    23 min

  4. 2 SEPT

    75 | Is Teaching Still Worth It in 2025? A Real Talk for Tired Teachers

    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

    19 min

  5. 26 AUG

    74 | 3 Ways Prayer Can Help You Find Peace in Teaching

    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

    15 min

  6. 19 AUG

    73 | 3 Ways to Stop Student Behavior Problems Before They Start

    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

    22 min

  7. 12 AUG

    72 | Why Teacher Relaxation Is the Secret to Better Student Behavior

    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

    23 min

  8. 5 AUG

    71 | AI in the Classroom: What Teachers Need to Know (and Why It Matters Now) Interview with Kristina Peterson

    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/

    47 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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