Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

Dr. Lori Friesen, Elementary Classroom Management Tips for New Teachers
  • 4.9 (246)
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  • Updated Weekly

"Just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one." Welcome to Beginning Teacher Talk, the weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Lori Friesen, where we talk about all of the things you wish you learned in college about teaching elementary school. We feature kid-tested classroom management techniques, organizational strategies, creative ways to motivate your students, how to work with colleagues, seasonal gems, and how to de-stress and eliminate the overwhelm that too often accompanies your first years of teaching.

  1. 404. Specials Teachers: Why Classroom Management Feels So Different (And Why Most Advice Doesn't Work)

    1d ago

    404. Specials Teachers: Why Classroom Management Feels So Different (And Why Most Advice Doesn't Work)

    In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori speaks directly to art, music, PE, library, STEM, and other specials teachers who often feel overlooked when it comes to classroom management advice. She explains why classroom management for specials teachers is fundamentally different from homeroom teaching and shares simple strategies to reduce behavior challenges through stronger transitions, predictable routines, and effective classroom systems. What You'll Learn: Why classroom management for specials teachers requires a different approach How transitions—not behavior—are often the root cause of classroom disruptions Three simple strategies to create smoother transitions and maximize instructional time Why predictable routines and classroom systems help students feel calm, confident, and ready to learn How strong systems can reduce stress and improve classroom management Resources Mentioned: Classroom Management for Specials Teachers Course (coming soon) Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs If you're a specials teacher who's ever felt frustrated because traditional classroom management advice doesn't seem to fit your classroom, this episode will remind you that you're not doing anything wrong—you simply need strategies designed for your unique teaching environment. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with another specials teacher who could use a little encouragement and support. Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori

    22 min
  2. 403. Teaching Today's Kids with 22-Year Veteran Jodie Culpepper

    Jul 1

    403. Teaching Today's Kids with 22-Year Veteran Jodie Culpepper

    In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori sits down with veteran teacher Jodie Culpepper, who shares how years of classroom management challenges, student behavior concerns, and overwhelming stress nearly led her to resign after 22 years in education. Jodie opens up about what helped her regain confidence, find hope again, and rediscover the joy of teaching through stronger classroom routines, simple behavior strategies, and a renewed focus on relationships with students. What You'll Learn: Why many experienced teachers feel like beginning teachers in today's classrooms How classroom routines and procedures can reduce behavior challenges and create a calmer learning environment Simple classroom management strategies that improved hallway behavior, transitions, and student engagement Why focusing on one or two changes at a time is often more effective than trying to overhaul everything at once The importance of building relationships and "teaching to the heart" before focusing on academic results Resources Mentioned: Monthly Motivators Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs If you've ever felt overwhelmed, discouraged, or wondered if you're the only teacher struggling with classroom management, this episode is a powerful reminder that you're not alone. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with another teacher who could use a little encouragement and support. Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day - even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori

    37 min
  3. 402. Adding Elements of Surprise to Engage Your Students with 4th Grade Teacher Amanda Muri

    Jun 24

    402. Adding Elements of Surprise to Engage Your Students with 4th Grade Teacher Amanda Muri

    In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori sits down with fourth-grade teacher Amanda Muri to talk about how small elements of surprise can create big shifts in classroom management. Amanda shares her journey from feeling confident at the start of the school year to struggling with student engagement after winter break, and how a simple podcast episode helped her rediscover the joy, connection, and excitement that transformed the energy in her classroom. What You'll Learn: Why classroom routines and student engagement often begin to slip after winter break How simple surprises can reignite student motivation and improve classroom behavior Ways to create a stronger classroom culture through curiosity, connection, and shared experiences Why teacher energy and mindset have such a powerful impact on student behavior How small classroom management strategies can help students feel more connected, engaged, and successful Resources Mentioned: Whole-class motivators Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs If you've ever felt like your classroom lost its spark midway through the year, this episode will encourage you to focus on the small shifts that can make a big difference. You'll walk away with practical classroom management ideas that help students stay engaged while making teaching feel more joyful and sustainable. Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start the next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, you can't set foot in your school, or you don't know what grade you'll be teaching. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day - even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care. Click here to save your seat: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori

    49 min
  4. 401. How Small Changes Lead to Big Results in Pre-K Classroom Management With Special Guest Lindsay Parsons

    Jun 17

    401. How Small Changes Lead to Big Results in Pre-K Classroom Management With Special Guest Lindsay Parsons

    In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori sits down with pre-K and kindergarten teacher Lindsay Parsons to talk about what classroom management really looks like with today's students. Lindsay shares how simple shifts completely changed the energy in her classroom and helped her feel hopeful again after struggling with student behavior, social-emotional skill gaps, and teacher overwhelm. What You'll Learn: Why so many teachers feel like traditional classroom management strategies are no longer working How whole class motivators can improve student behavior and classroom culture Simple ways to build student leadership, responsibility, and classroom ownership Why small classroom management changes create powerful long-term results How supportive teacher communities can reduce overwhelm and help teachers feel less alone Resources Mentioned: Whole-class motivators Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs If you've been feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure how to support today's students, this episode will remind you that you are not alone. Be sure to subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk for more practical classroom management strategies, teacher encouragement, and support for elementary educators. Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start the next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, can't set foot in your school, or don't know what grade you'll be teaching.  Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori

    25 min
  5. 400. 5 Reasons Your Classroom Felt So Much Harder Than It Needed to Be

    Jun 10

    400. 5 Reasons Your Classroom Felt So Much Harder Than It Needed to Be

    In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori Friesen breaks down the five hidden classroom patterns that quietly drain teachers day after day. If you've ever felt exhausted by constant reminders, difficult transitions, student behavior interruptions, or feeling like you're always playing catch-up, this episode will help you understand why classroom management can feel so overwhelming and what actually needs to change to make teaching feel calmer, smoother, and more sustainable. What You'll Learn: Why small classroom breakdowns create major teacher exhaustion over time The real reason transitions, lining up, and independent work often feel so difficult How repeated classroom disruptions impact both teachers and students emotionally Why most classroom management strategies don't create lasting change The mindset and classroom systems shift that helps teachers feel calm, clear, and in control again Resources Mentioned: Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk so you never miss an episode. And if you know a teacher who's feeling overwhelmed right now, share this episode with them so they know they're not alone. Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, can't set foot in your school, or don't know what grade you'll be teaching. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori Friesen

    21 min

  6. Jun 3

    399. Why Next Year Will Feel Exactly the Same (Unless You Do This First)

    What if next year doesn't feel easier… not because of your students, but because nothing actually changed? In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori Friesen shares a powerful mindset shift that can completely transform your classroom management and systems before the new school year even begins. If you're hoping for a fresh start, this episode will show you how to actually create one. What You'll Learn: Why a new group of students doesn't automatically create a better classroom experience The real reason common classroom management challenges keep showing up How to shift from reacting to student behavior to designing effective classroom systems Simple examples of how clear routines and procedures can eliminate chaos Why planning your classroom systems before August leads to a calmer, more confident start Resources Mentioned: Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs If you're ready to stop hoping next year will be different and start building a classroom that actually works, this episode is for you. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and follow along with the full series to set yourself up for your strongest school year yet. Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, can't set foot in your school, or don't know what grade you'll be teaching. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori Friesen

    22 min
  7. 398. What to Write Down Before You Leave Your Classroom for Summer

    May 27

    398. What to Write Down Before You Leave Your Classroom for Summer

    Before you pack up your classroom for summer, there's one simple step that can make next year dramatically easier. In this episode, Dr. Lori Friesen shares a powerful Teacher Debrief Framework to help you reflect with purpose, capture what truly worked, and turn this year's experiences into stronger classroom systems for next year. What You'll Learn: How to identify the classroom routines that created calm, predictable systems Why certain lessons or units fell flat and how to adjust them for better engagement The key procedures you may have forgotten to explicitly teach and how that impacts classroom management How to recognize behavior patterns and triggers so you can plan proactively The simple systems and strategies that made your teaching easier and how to build on them Resources Mentioned: The Teacher Debrief Framework (5-step reflection process) Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs If you want to walk into next school year with more clarity, confidence, and stronger classroom management systems, this episode is a must-listen. Be sure to subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk so you never miss an episode designed to support you every step of your teaching journey. Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, can't set foot in your school, or don't know what grade you'll be teaching. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode in the Spring Reset Series. Warmly, Dr. Lori Friesen

    22 min
  8. 397. How to Pack Up Your Classroom for the Summer (So Next Year Feels 10x Easier)

    May 20

    397. How to Pack Up Your Classroom for the Summer (So Next Year Feels 10x Easier)

    As spring fever sets in and the school year winds down, it's tempting to rush through classroom pack-up just to be done. But in this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori Friesen shares a powerful shift in thinking that can transform how you end the year so next year feels dramatically easier. Learn how a simple, system-based approach to packing up your classroom can reduce overwhelm, strengthen your classroom management, and help you start the next school year with clarity and confidence. What You'll Learn: Why end-of-year classroom pack-up is a critical part of effective classroom management and not just a final task How to stop saving everything and instead make intentional decisions that support stronger classroom systems A simple strategy for organizing your materials by classroom systems rather than random supplies How to "leave breadcrumbs" for your future self so you don't feel like you're starting over each year The "First Week Box" every teacher should create to reduce stress and set the tone for strong routines Resources Mentioned: The Spring Reset Series (Five-part series) Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs Ready to feel more prepared for next year? If this episode encouraged you, share it with a fellow teacher who's feeling the weight of spring fever and end-of-year exhaustion. And don't forget to subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk so you can keep building simple, effective classroom management systems that make teaching feel easier and more sustainable year after year. Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, can't set foot in your school, or don't know what grade you'll be teaching. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode in the Spring Reset Series. Warmly, Dr. Lori Friesen

    22 min
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4.9
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246 Ratings

About

"Just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one." Welcome to Beginning Teacher Talk, the weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Lori Friesen, where we talk about all of the things you wish you learned in college about teaching elementary school. We feature kid-tested classroom management techniques, organizational strategies, creative ways to motivate your students, how to work with colleagues, seasonal gems, and how to de-stress and eliminate the overwhelm that too often accompanies your first years of teaching.

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