The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive

Dr. LaToya Crockett
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  • 教育
  • 一周一更

Welcome to The Inspired Educator—a supportive community designed to empower new and aspiring teachers to thrive in and beyond the classroom. Hosted by Dr. LaToya Crockett, experienced educator and founder of Thrive with Purpose Consulting and Development, this podcast delivers real-talk interviews with successful classroom teachers who are walking the walk. These educators are navigating the same highs and lows you're facing—and they’re here to share what’s working. Each episode is packed with: ✅ Practical strategies for classroom management, parent communication, and student engagement ✅ Encouragement for first and second-year teachers, career changers, substitute teachers, and student teachers ✅ Inspiring stories and expert advice from real educators still in the field ✅ Insights to help you build confidence, find balance, and grow in your purpose Whether you’re building your teacher toolkit or just trying to make it through the week with a little more joy, this podcast is your go-to space for support, community, and growth. 🎧 Tune in and join the journey to becoming the inspired educator you dreamed of being.

  1. What to Do When Students Test the Rules

    7月22日

    What to Do When Students Test the Rules

    In this episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive, Dr. LaToya Crockett shares honest and practical advice on what to do when students start testing the rules. Whether it’s off-task behavior, ignoring directions, or pushing limits, these moments are part of every teacher’s journey but they don’t have to shake your confidence. LaToya walks you through why students test boundaries and how you can respond with clarity, consistency, and calm, without raising your voice or second-guessing yourself. She also shares real examples from her kindergarten classroom and simple strategies new teachers can start using immediately. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why testing behavior is developmentally appropriate (and expected)How to shift your mindset from frustration to calmWhat to reflect on before responding to off-task behaviorHow routines, tone, and body language shape student responseWhy consistency and positive reinforcement matter more than consequencesThis episode is perfect for: First-year teachers building classroom management skillsCareer changers and student teachers preparing for the first week of schoolEducators who want to stay calm, clear, and confident under pressureLets stay connected: Join the Thrive with Purpose Facebook communityFollow Dr. LaToya Crockett on LinkedIn

    19 分钟
  2. Culturally Responsive Classroom Management: Building Inclusive Routines

    7月20日

    Culturally Responsive Classroom Management: Building Inclusive Routines

    In this episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive, we continue our classroom management series with a thoughtful conversation about what it means to manage a classroom in a way that honors students' backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. Dr. LaToya Crockett is joined by Anjali Bajaj, founder of AHINSA Leadership Collective and a longtime educator and school leader. Together, they explore how culturally and historically responsive education can guide your routines, relationships, and expectations, even if you're just starting your teaching journey. This episode will help you: Understand what culturally responsive classroom management looks like in practiceReflect on how your own identity and values shape your teachingBuild routines that are respectful, relevant, and clearStrengthen your relationships with students from day oneApproach the first weeks of school with confidence and purposeWhether you’re a first-year teacher, student teacher, or transitioning into the classroom, this conversation will help you lead with clarity and care. 📬 Connect with Anjali Bajaj Anjali Bajaj of AHINSA Leadership Collective Inc. Email Anjali@ahinsaleadership.ca IG @ahinsaleadershipcollective LinkedIn: Anjali Bajaj 💡 Thrive with Purpose links Facebook: The Inspired Educator: Support for New and Aspiring Teachers LinkedIn: Dr. LaToya Crockett If this episode spoke to you, share it with a fellow educator and follow the show for more practical guidance and encouragement.

    58 分钟
  3. Classroom Management vs. Discipline: What New Teachers Need to Know

    7月8日

    Classroom Management vs. Discipline: What New Teachers Need to Know

    Welcome to Episode 2 of our four-part series on classroom management. If you're preparing for a new school year, this episode is designed to help you start strong by understanding one of the biggest misconceptions new teachers face: the difference between classroom management and discipline. Dr. LaToya Crockett is joined by veteran educator and leadership consultant Lisa Norwood, founder of iLead Education Services. With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and turnaround principal, Lisa shares clear, actionable advice on building structure, creating routines, and leading your classroom with confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why classroom management is about prevention, not punishmentHow routines and procedures create security for studentsThe role of consistency in building student trustWhat new teachers often misunderstand about disciplinePractical strategies you can implement before your first dayThis conversation is packed with insight and encouragement to help you plan intentionally and avoid burnout later in the year. Connect with Lisa Norwood Website: ileadeducationservices.com Email: ileadedservices@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-norwood-williams-b1a06615/ Connect with Dr. LaToya Crockett Join the Thrive with Purpose Facebook group for continued support Follow LaToya on LinkedIn: Dr. LaToya Crockett

    48 分钟
  4. Teach Behavior Like You Teach Reading: Modeling and Practicing Routines with Tangela Leggett

    7月1日

    Teach Behavior Like You Teach Reading: Modeling and Practicing Routines with Tangela Leggett

    Welcome to Season 2 of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive! To start this season, we're launching a focused four-part mini-series on classroom management. This first episode sets the foundation with one essential truth for new teachers: behavior must be taught, modeled, and practiced just like reading. Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with Tangela Leggett, founder and CEO of Leggett Educational Consulting, to explore how routines and expectations can be built from day one through clarity, structure, and relationship-building. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why behavior expectations must be taught explicitly — not assumedHow to model and practice key routines in a K–5 classroomTips for building consistency and calm through repetitionThe connection between routines and strong student relationshipsEncouragement for new teachers who are still finding their voice

    39 分钟
  5. 23: Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Practical Tips for New Teachers with Shannon Poynter

    6月24日

    23: Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Practical Tips for New Teachers with Shannon Poynter

    New teachers, if you've ever felt unsure about how to support students with IEPs, collaborate with special education teams, or create a classroom where every child feels seen, this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with Shannon Poynter, a special education teacher with over 17 years of experience, to discuss what inclusion really means and how to make it a lived reality in your classroom. You'll learn: ✔️ What inclusion looks like beyond buzzwords ✔️ How to build respectful collaboration with paras and resource teachers ✔️ 3 simple strategies to make your classroom more inclusive ✔️ What parts of the IEP you really need to understand as a gen ed teacher ✔️ How to build trust, structure, and belonging for all students Whether you're a first-year teacher, student teacher, or career changer, this episode will leave you encouraged, informed, and ready to lead an inclusive space with heart and purpose. 📱 Follow on us on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567457680782 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Dr. LaToya Crockett

    41 分钟
  6. 22: Smart Money Moves for New Teachers: How to Manage Your Summer School Paycheck

    6月17日

    22: Smart Money Moves for New Teachers: How to Manage Your Summer School Paycheck

    If you're a new teacher stepping into summer school with extra income on the way, this episode is your financial wake-up call! In today’s conversation, Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with Dr. Melissa Weathersby — a financial wellness consultant, educator, and advocate for financial literacy — to break down smart money habits every early-career educator needs. You’ll learn: ✔️ What to do with your summer school paycheck ✔️ How to build an emergency fund (even on a tight budget) ✔️ Why teachers should stop overspending on their classrooms ✔️ Budgeting basics using the 50/30/20 rule ✔️ Mindset shifts to go from spending to investing ✔️ The #1 financial trap new teachers fall into — and how to avoid it Whether you're teaching summer school or gearing up for your first year, this episode will help you manage your money with confidence and clarity. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Melissa Weathersby at melissaweathersby.com Connect on LinkedIn: Dr. LaToya Crockett

    48 分钟
  7. 21: Connection Before Content: How to Build Meaningful Relationships with Your Students

    6月10日

    21: Connection Before Content: How to Build Meaningful Relationships with Your Students

    Summer school teachers, this is for you! The secret to a thriving classroom, even in the summer, starts with genuine connections. I’m Dr. LaToya Crockett, and today I chat with transformational speaker and educator Wynette Richardson—aka “The Teacher’s Champion”—on how to lay the foundation for learning through authentic rapport in a short amount of time. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: 🎯 Why Relationships Matter: How Ms. Mildred Echols and Ms. Wanda White shaped Wynette’s why—and how you can discover yours.🔑 Day-One Strategies: Showing up as your true self, framing intentional get-to-know-you questions, and embedding “not optional” participation without pressure.🤝 Inclusivity Tactics: Paper-and-pen alternatives, talking pieces, and flex options that ensure every learner’s voice is heard.🌱 Short-Term Contexts: Quick rapport-building norms for summer school and long-term subs that accelerate trust—even in 20 days.🛠️ Daily Check-Ins: Mood meters, 1–100 scales, and emoji prompts to keep your finger on the pulse of student well-being.Love this episode? Subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow educator! Connect with Wynette: https://www.wynetterichardson.com/

    49 分钟
  8. 20: Bringing Learning to Life: How New Teachers Can Integrate the Arts into Their Classroom

    6月3日

    20: Bringing Learning to Life: How New Teachers Can Integrate the Arts into Their Classroom

    In this inspiring episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!, Dr. LaToya Crockett is joined by Tanjarae Porter—arts educator, certified reading specialist, and founder of Cultivated Connections—to explore how arts integration can be a powerful tool for student engagement, inclusivity, and personal teacher wellness. Whether you're a first-year teacher, a career changer, or someone looking to spark creativity in your classroom, this episode is filled with practical strategies and heartwarming stories that will remind you why this work matters. 🎨 What you’ll learn in this episode: What arts integration really means (and how it’s different from arts enhancement)3 easy-to-implement arts-based strategies to engage all learnersHow to integrate the arts without needing to be “an artist”Why creativity is essential to supporting student voice, confidence, and literacyHow arts integration supports special education students and English learnersWhy arts education is equity work—and how to make it culturally responsive✨ This episode is a must-listen for: ✔️ New and aspiring teachers ✔️ Teachers working in diverse classrooms ✔️ Educators looking to make learning more inclusive, joyful, and effective 🎧 Listen now and learn how to empower your students—and yourself—through the power of creative teaching. 🔗 Additional Resources: 🖥️ Learn more about Cultivated Connections: https://www.cultivatedconnections.org/ Download your No Prep Arts Integration Activities: https://www.cultivatedconnections.org/Resource_NoPrepArtsIntegration 📥 Download the FREE End-of-Year Behavior Guide: https://thrive-with-purpose-consulting-and-development-llc.kit.com/18f873c94f

    1 小时 5 分钟
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关于

Welcome to The Inspired Educator—a supportive community designed to empower new and aspiring teachers to thrive in and beyond the classroom. Hosted by Dr. LaToya Crockett, experienced educator and founder of Thrive with Purpose Consulting and Development, this podcast delivers real-talk interviews with successful classroom teachers who are walking the walk. These educators are navigating the same highs and lows you're facing—and they’re here to share what’s working. Each episode is packed with: ✅ Practical strategies for classroom management, parent communication, and student engagement ✅ Encouragement for first and second-year teachers, career changers, substitute teachers, and student teachers ✅ Inspiring stories and expert advice from real educators still in the field ✅ Insights to help you build confidence, find balance, and grow in your purpose Whether you’re building your teacher toolkit or just trying to make it through the week with a little more joy, this podcast is your go-to space for support, community, and growth. 🎧 Tune in and join the journey to becoming the inspired educator you dreamed of being.

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