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. 9H AGO

    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

  2. 1D AGO ·  BONUS

    Bonus>> Teaching Feels Harder Than Ever… But You Can Still Be the Teacher You Want to Be

    You’re not imagining it - teaching is harder. Today I’m talking honestly about what so many of us are seeing right now—more behaviors, less stamina, bigger emotions—and how that can leave you feeling like what used to work just isn’t working anymore. But you don’t have to become a different kind of teacher to handle it. Instead, you may just need to see a different path forward. One that feels more aligned. More doable. And a whole lot more like you.   ✨ FLASH SALE: This week only (through Thursday), enrollment is open for The Classroom RESET—and it’s available at a special discounted rate with some exciting bonuses. I can’t share all the details here in the show notes, so be sure to head to the website to check it out before it closes. Go here for all the details: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building a classroom that feels calm, connected, and actually works for you… 💛 This is your moment to take that step.   ~Elizabeth     ✨ 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

  3. 2D AGO ·  BONUS

    Bonus>> Do you really need one more thing?

    Do you ever feel like every new idea, strategy, or initiative just adds one more thing to your already full plate? In this episode, I’m getting real about what teachers actually need right now—and why more strategies, more programs, and more “quick fixes” aren’t solving the problem. Because if you’re being honest… you’ve tried a lot already. So why does it still feel like nothing is working? Inside this episode, I’m walking you through what might really be going on beneath the surface—and why it’s not about doing more, but about building something different.   If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you’re constantly managing behavior more than you’re actually teaching… this episode will help you see things in a new way. Because you don’t need more on your plate. 👉 You need something that actually works.   ✨ FLASH SALE: This week only (through Thursday), enrollment is open for The Classroom RESET—and it’s available at a special discounted rate with some exciting bonuses. I can’t share all the details here in the show notes, so be sure to head to the website to check it out before it closes. Go here for all the details: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset   If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building a classroom that feels calm, connected, and actually works for you… 💛 This is your moment to take that step.   ~Elizabeth     ✨ 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

    8 min

  4. 3D AGO

    133 | From Burnout to Breakthrough: How One High School Teacher Transformed Her Classroom (INTERVIEW)

    What happens when a teacher goes from feeling completely burnt out… to experiencing a true classroom transformation? In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful conversation with a high school ELA teacher who recently went through The Classroom RESET—and her story is one so many of us can relate to. At one point, she described feeling like she was in a pit of overwhelm. The challenges in her classroom felt like too much, and like so many teachers, she was trying to piece together strategies just to get through the day. But what she experienced in the course wasn’t just a collection of new ideas. 👉 It was a transformation. In our conversation, she shares: What burnout really felt like in her classroom (and why it was so hard to get out of) The challenges she faced as a high school teacher navigating behavior, lack of motivation, and pressure Why The Classroom RESET felt different from other professional development she’s tried How shifting her classroom approach led to real, noticeable change And why this work became something she actually wanted to do—not just something she had to do One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is how she describes this process as a form of self-care—not because it was easy, but because it finally supported her in a way that made teaching feel better again. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like nothing is really changing no matter what you try, this episode will give you a glimpse of what’s possible. Because you don’t need more random strategies. You need something that actually works.   ~Elizabeth   ✨ FLASH SALE: This week only (through Thursday), enrollment is open for The Classroom RESET—and it’s available at a special discounted rate with some exciting bonuses. I can’t share all the details here in the show notes, so be sure to head to the website to check it out before it closes. Go here for all the details: https://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

    31 min

  5. MAY 1

    132 | It Felt Like Me vs Them: Why the Behavior Feels So Hard

    Have you ever had a class that just felt… so hard?! In this episode, I’m sharing a real story from my own classroom about a group of students that challenged me in a completely different way. No matter what I tried, nothing seemed to stick—and at one point, it honestly felt like me vs. them. But what I realized changed everything. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning why one class feels so much harder than the others, this episode will help you see what might actually be going on beneath the surface—and why it’s not just about behavior. I want to help you to stop second-guessing yourself and start looking at your classroom through a new lens—one that actually leads to change.     ~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

  6. APR 28

    131 | Still Playing Referee? 2 Mistakes That Keep You Stuck in Behavior Mode

    If you feel like you’re constantly managing behavior instead of actually teaching… this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: most teachers aren’t doing anything wrong—they’re just stuck in patterns that keep them reacting all day long. In this episode, I’m breaking down two common mistakes that can keep you trapped in “behavior mode”… even when you’re doing everything you know how to do. If you’ve ever thought, “Why does this keep happening?” or “Why isn’t anything working?”—this episode will help you start connecting the dots. Because once you see the pattern, you can finally start changing it.   ~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   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

    15 min

  7. APR 24

    130 | Drowning in Student Behavior? What If That’s Not the Real Problem?

    Ever have one of those days where nothing works… and you’re left wondering what just happened? Today, I’m sharing a real classroom experience and the shift that changed how I see student behavior completely. Because what if it’s not just a behavior problem? Inside, I’ll help you: Look at those overwhelming days through a different lens Understand what might actually be causing the chaos And learn a simple way to start shifting things—without trying to fix everything at once If you’ve been feeling frustrated, reactive, or like you’re constantly putting out fires, this episode will help you take a step back and see what’s really going on underneath it all.   ~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

    11 min

  8. APR 21

    129 | 3 Signs Your Classroom Feels Off (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right)

    If you've been feeling like you’re managing behavior more than you’re actually teaching, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down what’s really going on when your classroom feels out of control and 3 clear signs your classroom foundation might be… wobbling. If you’ve been repeating yourself all day, putting out fires, or watching engagement slip right in front of you—this episode will help you see your classroom in a whole new way. More importantly, it will show you where to start so things can begin to feel calmer, more connected, and more manageable again.   ~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

    22 min
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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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