Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management

Elizabeth M. Peterson - Teacher, Arts Integration Specialist & Creative SEL Consultant
  • 5.0 (61)
  • How To
  • Updated Semiweekly

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. 2d ago

    141 | Why Teacher Friendships Matter: An Ode to My Teacher Besties

    Can we just acknowledge that the end of the school year feels like one giant emotional roller coaster sometimes? In this episode, I’m sharing some personal stories about the teacher friendships that helped shape my teaching journey — the people who made hard years manageable, made me laugh when I needed it most, and reminded me I wasn’t alone. From hallway eye contact emergencies to late-night team vent sessions over nachos and gin and tonics, this episode is a love letter to the teacher besties who help us stay in this profession. If you’ve ever had a teacher friend who helped you survive a hard year, this episode will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe tear up just a little. And as you head into summer, I hope you’ll keep listening to the podcast for encouragement, support, and just enough school talk to help you feel grounded without pulling you back into overwhelm.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: 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

    10 min

  2. 5d ago

    140 | Exhausted After Teaching All Year? How to Land Softly into Summer Break without the Burnout

    If you’re limping your way to summer break feeling emotionally exhausted, overstimulated, and one bad email away from wanting to face plant into the couch for three straight days… this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m sharing a few simple but powerful ways to transition into summer without carrying the stress, frustration, and survival mode of the school year right along with you. We’ll talk about why teachers often crash hard in June, the difference between intentional rest and avoidance, and how to start recovering before burnout convinces you teaching just isn’t for you anymore. I’ll also share my personal “Two Week Rule” for the start of summer! Because here’s the truth: You don’t need more to do.  You need a RESET. And no… that doesn’t mean spending your entire summer finding new activities to try and reorganizing classroom bins at midnight. Just listen in... I want this podcast to be just enough school talk to help you feel grounded, supported, and encouraged through the summer without pulling you back into overwhelm. So make sure you subscribe and KEEP listening all summer long. And if you want extra support, encouragement, and insider updates join my insider email community here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/insider   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: 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

    19 min

  3. May 22

    139 | Need a Fast Engagement Win? Try this Creative "Circles" Activity

    Feeling like your students are mentally checked out lately? Need a quick way to boost engagement without adding more prep to your plate? In this short episode, I share a simple creative activity you can use at the drop of a hat with almost any age level: Circles. This easy, low-pressure activity helps students: practice flexible thinking, spark creativity, increase focus and participation, and reconnect with learning in a fun, engaging way. Most importantly, it reminds us that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated to make a BIG impact on classroom energy and student engagement. ~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 experience the calm and connection in your classroom again? You will inside ✨ The Classroom Reset – theinspiredclassroom.com/reset It’s like your dream PD day—but no sub plans, no stress, and everything applies directly to your classroom.   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

    9 min

  4. May 19

    138 | Stop Fighting Spring Behavior: Why Creative Engagement Helps Students Regulate, Focus, and Learn

    It's May and teachers are exhausted. Students are checked out. And by this point in the school year, it can feel like you’re managing behavior more than you’re actually teaching. In this episode, I share why creativity is about so much more than art projects or “fun activities.” You’ll discover how the creative process helps students think flexibly, stay engaged, and regulate emotions — especially during the chaotic end-of-year season. If your classroom energy feels flat, frustrating, or completely fried right now, this episode will help you rethink engagement in a way that feels practical, supportive, and doable.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in this Episode: Do you have a question for me? Record it here and I'll answer it on the podcast! https://www.videoask.com/f42f127z8   Download my free RESET Roadmap! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap   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

    19 min

  5. May 18

    137 | What If You’re Not Burned Out from Teaching… Just Stuck?

    Have you ever felt stuck in teaching—but also not quite ready to walk away from education completely? In this quick episode, I’m sharing a perspective that might completely shift how you think about burnout, frustration, and finding joy in your work again. Sometimes getting unstuck doesn’t mean quitting… sometimes it means changing how you show up in education. I’m talking about the power of trying something different, stepping into a new challenge, and giving yourself permission to evolve as an educator. If teaching has started to feel overwhelming, repetitive, or like you’re just surviving the days until the next break, this episode will give you something hopeful to think about. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Are you considering a change and want to run your thoughts by someone? Record it here: https://www.videoask.com/f42f127z8   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     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

    11 min

  6. May 15

    136 | Is the Lack of Student Responsibility Driving You Crazy Too?

    Ever find yourself carrying everything in your classroom? The reminders. The behavior management. The motivation. The emotional energy. The responsibility for whether students engage… or don’t. And... does it drive you crazy like it does for me? Somehow, teachers take on more of the load while students carry less and less. And while it may feel necessary—it’s also exhausting. So, let's talk about it!   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: Check out Episode 135 | Student Effort Is Low… And It’s Burning Teachers Out   💬 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   ✨ You don’t have to keep reacting to behaviors all day. Inside my course, The Classroom RESET, I’ll help you shift what’s underneath it all—so your classroom becomes calmer, more connected, and actually manageable again. You don't need a new initiative, you need a RESET! Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset     Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast     ✨ 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

    17 min

  7. May 12

    135 | Student Effort Is Low… And It’s Burning Teachers Out

    What’s draining your energy the most right now? For so many teachers, it’s not just behavior—it’s the lack of effort. The constant reminders. The students who won’t take responsibility. The feeling that you’re the one holding everything together just to get through the day. And over time… that’s exhausting. In this episode, I’m unpacking what’s really going on when student effort is low and a few small but powerful shifts to help you start changing the pattern. If you’ve ever felt like you’re managing everything instead of actually teaching, this episode will help you understand why—and what you can begin to do differently.   ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ You don’t have to keep reacting to behaviors all day. Inside my course, The Classroom RESET, I’ll help you shift what’s underneath it all—so your classroom becomes calmer, more connected, and actually manageable again. You don't need a new initiative, you need a RESET! Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   👉 If you’re ready to move from reacting to behaviors to actually rebuilding a calm, engaged classroom, I’ve got something for you. Grab your free RESET Roadmap here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap   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   Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast       ✨ 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

  8. May 8

    134 | How I Made a Connection with the Toughest Kid in 7th Grade

    Some students are hard to reach. And if you’ve been teaching long enough, you know exactly the kind of student I’m talking about—the one who seems completely shut down, disengaged, or like they just don’t care. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of a 7th grade student who challenged me in a way I didn’t expect. He came into my classroom with a tough exterior and very little interest in what we were doing… and for a while, nothing seemed to work. But then something shifted. And it wasn’t a big strategy or a complicated plan. It was something much simpler—and much more powerful. If you’re working with a student who feels unreachable, this story will remind you that there’s often more going on beneath the surface—and that small shifts can make a big difference. Because it’s not always about fixing behavior. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ You don’t have to keep reacting to behaviors all day. Inside my course, The Classroom RESET, I’ll help you shift what’s underneath it all—so your classroom becomes calmer, more connected, and actually manageable again. You don't need a new initiative, you need a RESET! Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   👉 If you’re ready to move from reacting to behaviors to actually rebuilding a calm, engaged classroom, I’ve got something for you. Grab your free RESET Roadmap here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/roadmap   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   Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast       ✨ 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

    9 min
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5
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About

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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