The Next Level Teacher Podcast

Brenna Nelson | The Next Level Teacher
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Courses
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Next Level Teacher Podcast—a show for educators ready to break free from burnout and step into a calmer, more confident classroom life. Hosted by a teacher, life coach, and resilience expert, Brenna Nelson, this podcast helps K–12 teachers manage stress, protect their energy, and find practical tools for emotional regulation, nervous system support, and mindset mastery. Each episode delivers simple, science-backed strategies for teachers who want more than just survival. You'll learn how to set boundaries, regulate your nervous system, shift your thought patterns, and build real resilience—so you can teach with clarity, confidence, and calm.  When you rise, the classroom rises with you. Become the teacher who changes everything—by changing yourself first.Join the movement and step into the next level version of you today!✨ Topics include: * Teacher burnout recovery* Emotional resilience for educators* Nervous system regulation strategies* Mindset coaching for teachers* Sustainable, effective self-care for teachers* How to thrive in the classroom (not just survive) Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator, you'll walk away from every episode with tools to help you show up for your students and yourself. 🎧 Ready to become the next level version of yourself—in and out of the classroom? Hit follow and start your journey today.

  1. 4d ago

    122. Tough Teacher Truth: The First Week of School Isn't Supposed to Feel Good

    Episode 122: The First Week of School Isn't Supposed to Feel GoodIf you're exhausted, overwhelmed, or already wondering whether you're doing something wrong during the first week of school, take a breath. The first week of school is supposed to be hard.In this episode of the Next Level Teacher Podcast, Brenna Nelson talks about the pressure teachers put on themselves at the beginning of a new school year—and how quickly a difficult classroom experience can turn into a story about what we think that experience means about us.Because there's a big difference between:“This is hard.”and“This shouldn't be this hard.”One acknowledges reality. The other adds another layer of stress, frustration, and self-doubt.The beginning of the school year comes with a huge amount of adjustment. You're learning new students, establishing classroom routines, figuring out relationships and boundaries, managing expectations, and trying to keep up with everything else that comes with being a teacher. You aren't supposed to have everything figured out in the first week.You're learning, too.And while you can't control everything that happens in your classroom, you can learn how to handle your own thoughts, emotions, and stress differently when things don't go according to plan.In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ Why feeling exhausted or overwhelmed during the first week of school doesn't mean you're failing ✔️ The difference between “This is hard” and “This shouldn't be this hard” ✔️ How teachers add a second layer of stress to difficult classroom situations ✔️ Why a difficult class period doesn't have to become a difficult day ✔️ How thoughts like “I'm already failing” or “My students don't respect me” can make a challenging situation feel even worse ✔️ A simple thought shift you can use when you're feeling overwhelmed: “This is hard.” ✔️ Why you don't need to have your classroom, classroom management, or teaching figured out immediately ✔️ How to give yourself permission to be a beginner again—even if you've been teaching for years ✔️ Why emotional regulation and working with your own brain are skills you can learn ✔️ How becoming better at handling difficult teaching moments can change your experience of the entire school yearA simple exercise for this weekThe next time you catch yourself thinking:“This shouldn't be this hard.”Try replacing it with:“This is hard.”Then ask yourself:“What do I want to do next?”You don't have to convince yourself that everything is fine. You don't have to put a positive spin on a frustrating situation. You can acknowledge that something is hard and still choose what you want to do next.Want help feeling better while teaching is still hard?That's exactly what I teach inside Calm in the Classroom—how to understand your brain, regulate instead of automatically reacting, and handle the difficult parts of teaching without carrying all of it home with you.If you're ready for a different teaching experience, I'd love to help.Learn more about Calm in the Classroom → CLICK HERE!Or, if you're not sure where to start, send me a message on Instagram @next.level.teacher or email brennanelson@brennanelsoncoaching.com and let's talk about your options.Keywordsfirst week of school, first week of school tips for teachers, back to school stress, teacher stress, teacher overwhelm, teacher anxiety, teacher burnout, classroom stress, teacher mental health, teacher emotional regulation, classroom management stress, how to handle teacher stress, teacher self care, beginning of the school year, back to school for teachers, teacher mindset

  2. Aug 21

    121. Teacher Guilt Is Lying to You: Let Go of Back-to-School Guilt and Move Forward

    Episode SummaryAs summer comes to an end, are you carrying guilt into the new school year?Maybe you feel guilty that you didn't get enough work done. Or you worked too much? Or that you didn't spend enough quality time with your family. Maybe you didn't rest enough...or maybe you rested so much that now you feel behind.If any of that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.In today's conversation, I'm sharing a simple mindset shift that has helped me stop carrying guilt for all the things I should have done and start focusing on what actually matters.You'll learn why guilt isn't proof that you're a good teacher or a good parent, why our brains naturally create "should" thinking, and one powerful question that can help you move forward with intention instead of self-criticism.If you're ready to begin this school year without carrying the weight of a "perfect" summer that never existed, press play.In This Episode, You'll Learn: 🔹 Why so many teachers feel guilty at the end of summer 🔹 Where "should" thinking comes from—and why it keeps us stuck 🔹 The difference between learning from the past and living in it  🔹 A simple question that shifts you from guilt to intentional action 🔹 How to start the school year feeling lighter instead of weighed downMentioned in This Episode🎓 Free Workshop: How to Have Your Best School Year YetWant to learn the internal skills that help teachers stay calm, resilient, and emotionally steady throughout the school year? Reserve your free spot using the link below.Click HERE to Register!Connect with BrennaWebsite: brennanelsoncoaching.comInstagram: @next.level.teacherIf this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with another teacher who's feeling the pressure of back-to-school season.

  3. Aug 14

    120. Create Your Best School Year Yet: Stop Repeating Last Year | Teacher Mindset Podcast

    Episode SummaryWhat if the biggest thing shaping this school year isn't your students, your schedule, or your administration—but the thoughts you're bringing into it?As teachers, it's easy to carry last year's experiences into a brand-new school year without even realizing it. Our brains naturally look to the past for evidence about what teaching is like, but when we define our future by our past, we often end up recreating the same experience.In this episode, I'm sharing a simple mindset shift that can completely change how you approach this school year. Instead of asking, "What happened last year?" you'll learn to ask a much more powerful question: "Who do I want to become this year?"'I'll also walk you through three practical ways to start thinking like your future self today so you can stop replaying old patterns and begin creating a school year you're genuinely excited about.In This Episode, You'll Learn: 🔥 Why your brain naturally wants to recreate last year's experience 🔥 The hidden cost of defining teaching by your past 🔥 Three simple mindset shifts to help you create your future intentionally 🔥 How to make decisions from the teacher you're becoming—not the teacher you've been 🔥 Why preparing yourself may be even more important than preparing your classroomMentioned in This Episode🎓 Free Workshop: How to Have Your Best School Year YetIf you're ready to learn the three internal skills every teacher needs to stay calm, resilient, and confident this year, reserve your free spot using the link below.Click HERE to Register (It's Free!)Connect with BrennaWebsite: https://www.brennanelsoncoaching.comInstagram: @next.level.teacherIf you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher friend who's getting ready for a fresh start this school year.

  4. Aug 7

    119. The Most Important Back-to-School Prep for Teachers (Hint: It's Not Your Classroom)

    Episode SummaryAs teachers, we spend hours preparing our classrooms before school starts—organizing supplies, planning lessons, decorating bulletin boards, and making sure everything is ready for our students.But there's one thing most of us never learned how to prepare:Ourselves.In this short episode, I'm sharing why I believe the most important back-to-school preparation has nothing to do with your classroom and everything to do with your mind and nervous system.You'll discover why two teachers can face the exact same circumstances but have completely different experiences—and how preparing yourself emotionally may be the best investment you make this school year.If you're hoping this year feels different than the last one, this episode is for you.In This Episode, You'll Learn:➡️ Why preparing yourself matters just as much as preparing your classroom➡️ The emotional skills most teacher preparation programs never teach➡️ How your nervous system shapes your experience in the classroom➡️ Why your mindset—not your circumstances—has the biggest impact on your school year➡️ A simple shift that can help you enjoy teaching more this yearMentioned in This Episode🎓 Free Workshop: How to Have Your Best School Year YetIf you're ready to learn the three internal skills that help teachers stay calm, resilient, and confident—even on the hard days—I'd love to have you join me for this free training.Reserve your spot HERE!Join me live August 13 @ 8:00 PM EDT. Can't make it live? Sign up anyway, and I'll send you the replay!Connect with BrennaWebsite: https://www/brennanelsoncoaching.comInstagram: @next.level.teacherIf this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another teacher who's getting ready for a fresh start this school year.

  5. Jul 31

    118. Don’t Let Anyone Bully You Into Blue Cheese: The Teaching Trend You Don’t Have to Follow

    Do you ever feel like you're supposed to be using the latest teaching strategy—even if it doesn't fit your classroom or your personality? From flexible seating and interactive notebooks to digital classrooms, morning meetings, and every new education trend that appears on social media, teachers are constantly being told what they should be doing. But what if the best teaching strategy is the one that actually works for you? In this short episode of The Next Level Teacher Podcast, Brenna Nelson shares a simple analogy inspired by a recipe for a wedge salad—and why it perfectly captures the pressure many teachers feel to keep up with every new educational trend. If you've ever wondered whether you're "doing teaching right," this episode offers a refreshing reminder that effective teaching isn't about copying someone else's classroom. It's about creating a classroom that aligns with your students, your strengths, and your values. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why you don't need to follow every teaching trend  A better question to ask instead of "Should I be doing this?"  How comparison steals confidence in the classroom  Why effective teachers succeed with many different teaching styles  How to build a classroom that works for both you and your students  A simple mindset shift that can reduce teacher stress and overwhelm Whether you're a new teacher or a veteran educator, this episode will remind you that there isn't just one right way to teach.  If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another teacher who could use this reminder today.

  6. Jul 24

    117. The One Habit I Would Recommend to EVERY Teacher

    What if the most important habit you could develop as a teacher had nothing to do with lesson planning or classroom management? In this episode of The Next Level Teacher Podcast, Brenna Nelson shares the one daily habit she would recommend to every educator—whether you're a first-year teacher, a seasoned veteran, or somewhere in between. The answer might surprise you. It's not becoming more productive. It's not finding the perfect planner. And it's not squeezing in more self-care. It's learning how to intentionally care for your nervous system. Your nervous system influences how you respond to challenging students, stressful parent emails, overflowing to-do lists, and unexpected classroom disruptions. When you spend your day in survival mode, teaching becomes harder than it needs to be. But when you learn to regulate your nervous system, you create more patience, resilience, and emotional steadiness—both for yourself and your students. In this episode, Brenna explains why nervous system regulation is one of the most overlooked tools for preventing teacher burnout and improving your overall well-being. In this episode, you'll learn: Why nervous system regulation matters for teachers  How chronic stress impacts your classroom experience  Why two teachers can experience the same day very differently  The connection between teacher burnout and nervous system activation  Why consistency matters more than long self-care routines  One simple question to ask yourself throughout the school day  How becoming more grounded benefits both you and your students If you're looking for practical ways to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and enjoy teaching again, this episode is a great place to start.  Resources Mentioned: Ready to learn how to regulate your nervous system and create a calmer classroom experience? Schedule a free  Call with Brenna and learn how to get started on your personalized journey. Click HERE to find a time that works for you!If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another teacher who could use a little more calm this school year.

  7. Jul 17

    116. The Hidden Pressure Teachers Put on Summer (And why it might be making your burnout worse!)

    Do you feel like summer break is supposed to "fix" everything? If you've ever caught yourself thinking... I need to make this summer count.I should be happier by now.I only have a few weeks left.I need to get my life together before school starts....you're not alone. In this episode of The Next Level Teacher Podcast, Brenna Nelson explores the hidden pressure many teachers unknowingly place on summer break—and why those expectations may actually make it harder to recover from teacher burnout. Instead of allowing summer to be a season of rest, many educators turn it into another checklist filled with self-improvement, productivity, and unrealistic expectations. Brenna explains why burnout doesn't magically disappear when school ends, how our thoughts create unnecessary pressure, and what to focus on instead if you want lasting emotional well-being. If you're hoping to return to school feeling calmer, healthier, and more grounded—not because summer magically transformed you, but because you've learned how to care for yourself—this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why teachers often expect too much from summer break  The hidden thoughts creating unnecessary pressure and guilt  Why teacher burnout doesn't disappear just because school is out  How "should" thinking steals your peace  The difference between intentional rest and guilt-filled rest  Why summer isn't meant to fix you  A healthier way to prepare for the next school year If you're ready to stop trying to earn your rest and start enjoying the season you're actually in, press play.  Connect with Brenna: Ready to change your relationship with teaching? Find out how by signing up for a free discovery call with Brenna. Click HERE to schedule today--spots are limited; sign up now!If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another teacher who needs permission to let summer simply be summer.

  8. Jul 10

    115. Permission to Rest

    Do you ever feel guilty for slowing down during summer break? You're not alone.In this episode, Brenna challenges the belief that you have to be productive every minute of your time off. She shares why rest isn't something you have to earn, how guilt can quietly steal the benefits of downtime, and why the thoughts driving your actions matter more than the actions themselves.Whether you're spending your summer organizing your classroom, pursuing personal goals, or simply catching your breath, this episode will help you let go of the pressure to "do more" and instead choose what genuinely serves you.In this episode, you'll learn: ⭐ Why rest is one of the most productive things you can do. ⭐ How guilt and shame sabotage true recovery. ⭐ The difference between acting from obligation versus desire.   ⭐ Why your worth isn't determined by your productivity.  ⭐ How to recognize the thoughts and emotions driving your summer decisions.If you'd like help sorting through the mental clutter and creating a calmer, more intentional school year, schedule your free coaching call at brennanelsoncoaching.com/free.

See All (122)

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Next Level Teacher Podcast—a show for educators ready to break free from burnout and step into a calmer, more confident classroom life. Hosted by a teacher, life coach, and resilience expert, Brenna Nelson, this podcast helps K–12 teachers manage stress, protect their energy, and find practical tools for emotional regulation, nervous system support, and mindset mastery. Each episode delivers simple, science-backed strategies for teachers who want more than just survival. You'll learn how to set boundaries, regulate your nervous system, shift your thought patterns, and build real resilience—so you can teach with clarity, confidence, and calm.  When you rise, the classroom rises with you. Become the teacher who changes everything—by changing yourself first.Join the movement and step into the next level version of you today!✨ Topics include: * Teacher burnout recovery* Emotional resilience for educators* Nervous system regulation strategies* Mindset coaching for teachers* Sustainable, effective self-care for teachers* How to thrive in the classroom (not just survive) Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator, you'll walk away from every episode with tools to help you show up for your students and yourself. 🎧 Ready to become the next level version of yourself—in and out of the classroom? Hit follow and start your journey today.

Information

  • Creator
    Brenna Nelson | The Next Level Teacher
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    122
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Brenna Nelson Coaching
  • Show Website
    The Next Level Teacher Podcast

You Might Also Like