Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, 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. 5d ago

    173 | 5 Myths About Teacher Burnout — And What You Actually Need to Recover

    Let's bust five myths about teacher burnout and the recovery from burnout — the myths that keep good, tired teachers stuck including the idea that burnout is simply inevitable. (Spoiler - it's not!) Because after so many years in education, I've learned that recovery isn't just about doing less or removing yourself from the classroom. It's about having protected time to intentionally step away from what's draining you and reconnect with something that fills you back up. And for me, that includes a little creativity! In this episode, we'll talk about: Why teacher burnout isn't something you simply have to accept Why "doing less" isn't always the answer The quiet belief that taking time for yourself is selfish Why professional growth and recovery don't have to be separate What teacher-centered, hands-on professional development can look like My simple R-E-S-T action plan for taking your next step toward recovery If you've been wondering whether you can actually feel that spark again — I hope this episode gives you a reason to believe you can. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Your Oxygen Mask (article) https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2011/06/put-your-oxygen-mask-on-first/   Setting Boundaries (podcast trilogy) https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2026/09/setting-boundaries/   Stop Being Student-Centered (article and video) https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2021/05/stop-being-student-centered/   The Overnight Teacher Art Retreat! Learn more here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/retreat     Other Resources:   Grab the free 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

  2. Sep 22

    172 | The Real Reason Group Work Falls Apart (And the Fix Most Teachers Miss)

    You set up group work with the best intentions. You create a solid task, explain the directions, assign roles, and maybe even make a rubric. Then five minutes in, one student is doing all the work, another has checked out, and the room is suddenly buzzing with unrelated chatter. If you've ever thought, Why does group work always turn into this?—you're not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing the real reason group work can fall apart, and it has less to do with your assignment or your grouping strategy than you might think. The missing piece is often the peer relationships underneath the group. When students don't know or trust one another, even a well-designed group task can create tension, disengagement, and behavior issues. But when students have opportunities to genuinely connect with their peers, something changes. They're more patient, more willing to work together, and more accountable to one another—not just to you or the assignment. I'll share why I used to focus so much on better group structures and strategic grouping, what I eventually realized was missing, and how intentionally building peer relationships can make group work smoother and more rewarding. You'll also get three simple steps you can use to start strengthening those relationships before your next academic group task. If group work has become something you dread—or something you avoid because you know how quickly it can turn into managing behavior—this episode will give you a different way to look at the problem.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Want to learn more about Friendly Friday? Go to this article here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2017/02/friendly-friday-notes-sel-activity-for-your-students/   💬 Grab the silly debate questions inside 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   Grab the free 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       ✨ 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

  3. Sep 15

    171 | The Back-to-School Honeymoon Is Over: What to Do When Behavior Starts Slipping

    The first few weeks of school can feel pretty good. Kids are polite, routines are fresh, and everyone is still figuring each other out. Then…the honeymoon ends. If behaviors are starting to pop up, don't panic. It doesn't mean your year is headed in the wrong direction. It means the newness is wearing off—and your real classroom culture is beginning to take shape. In this episode, I’m talking about what happens when that early-school-year calm starts to disappear and how to figure out what your students need next. We’ll look at three important areas—connection, regulation, and engagement—and how each one can affect what you're seeing in your classroom. I’ll also walk you through my simple Classroom Tripod Check-In so you can identify which area needs attention and take one proactive step before behaviors start to tip. If you're thinking, “Things were going so well. What happened?” this episode will help you stop seeing those early behavior changes as a warning sign—and start seeing them as useful information. You'll leave with a simple way to identify where to focus your energy without trying to fix everything at once. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode:   Grab the free 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

  4. Sep 8

    170 | 3 Classroom Power Struggles You're Losing Without Realizing It

    You’re not trying to get into power struggles with your students. But sometimes, they happen before you even realize what’s going on. In this episode, I’m sharing three common—and often invisible—power struggles that can quietly show up in your classroom. More importantly, we’ll talk about what you can do to step out of the struggle while protecting the relationship. If you’ve ever found yourself arguing with a student and suddenly thought, “Wait...how did we get here?” this episode will help you recognize those moments earlier and respond differently. You’ll walk away with a simple action plan to help you stay calm, step out of the power struggle, and follow up in a way that builds connection instead of wearing it down. Because this isn’t about winning the argument. It’s about keeping your authority and winning the relationship.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode:   Grab the free 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

  5. Sep 4

    169 | The Redirection Script That Actually Works for Student Behavior Issues

    Most redirection sounds like a warning — and kids can tell. AND that can often backfire, especially when the redirection doesn't even work. If you've ever tried to redirect a student only to have to do it again 5 minutes later, this one is for you! In this episode, I'm giving you the exact four-part redirection script to use for student behavior issues. When I use it in my classroom, it works! (And when I forget to use it... well, you know... I'm just repeating myself a few minutes later. Plus, I'll share the most important part of making any redirection effective. (You probably already know this in your gut, but a reminder every now and again can't hurt!)   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode:   Grab the free 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

  6. Sep 1

    168 | Addressing Student Behaviors with Tools, Not Rules (Interview with Claudia Bertolone-Smith and Marlene Moyer)

    What if the students who challenge us the most aren't asking us to fix their behavior — they're asking us to see past it? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Claudia Bertolone-Smith and Marlene Moyer, authors of Tools Not Rules: Developing Self-Regulation for Improved Student Behavior in Grades K–8. Claudia brings 24 years of elementary teaching experience and now trains pre-service teachers as an associate professor of mathematics education. Marlene has 22 years teaching grades 5–7 and now works as a mentor teacher. We talk about the idea at the heart of their book — that behavior is a symptom, not the underlying issue — and what it actually looks like to separate a student from their behavior without letting anything slide. Claudia and Marlene share the real classroom strategies that came out of their own team-teaching experience, including their "magic fuzzy numbers" approach to shifting a whole class's dynamic, and a star chart method built around noticing the positive things about a struggling student. We also get into a moment that hit close to home for Claudia, and how this approach helps students choose different behaviors without ever being made to feel small. If you've got a student this year who feels defined by their hardest moments, this conversation is for you. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode:   Learn more about Claudia and Marlene's book at toolsnotrules.com.     Grab the free 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

  7. Aug 28

    167 | Students Getting into Trouble? Why Kids Choose Negative Attention Over None

    Have you ever had a student who keeps doing the exact thing that gets them in trouble — even after they've told you they don't want to? This episode is about that kind of student behavior. We'll look at why some students need that negative attention and how to bridge those students from seeking negative attention to being a well-regulated student. I'll walk you through exactly how to bridge that gap and what to look out for in the process. Let's go! ~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 take the ideas from this episode a little deeper? Grab the free RESET Roadmap! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap   OR, jump right in and join The Classroom RESET! Learn more and enroll: 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

  8. Aug 25

    166 | Why Consequences Aren't Changing Student Behavior (And What Actually Does)

    I used to think that if I just found the right consequence, my classroom would finally calm down. But in many cases that's actually backwards. In this episode, I'm breaking down the three real reasons consequences keep failing — even when we're consistent and even when we're fair. And I'll share a tool that will help you look at student behaviors in a different way so that consequences don't need to be your constant go-to. If you've ever felt like you're giving the same consequence to the same student over and over with nothing changing, this episode is for you.   ~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

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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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