The Next Level Teacher Podcast

Brenna Nelson | The Next Level Teacher
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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. 12H AGO

    81. How to Teach When Life Feels Heavy

    How to Teach When Life Feels HeavyEpisode Summary:In this heartfelt episode of The Next Level Teacher, Brenna dives into what it really means to keep showing up when teaching is exhausting—not just because of lesson plans or student behavior, but because life itself feels heavy. Whether it’s classroom challenges, personal struggles, or just the weight of the world, this episode offers compassionate, practical tools to help you stay grounded and effective—without pushing yourself to burnout.You’ll learn how to give yourself grace, regulate your emotions, and find moments of peace and purpose even in the hardest seasons. Brenna shares real cognitive and emotional strategies rooted in neuroscience, including how to reframe your thoughts, process emotions, and create calm in your classroom even when everything feels like too much.Because teaching is exhausting—but it’s also meaningful. And with the right mindset, compassion, and tools, you can keep showing up in powerful, sustainable ways.In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why it’s okay to not be at 100% when life gets tough ✅ How to offer yourself grace without giving up your standards ✅ A simple coaching model for managing emotional overwhelm ✅ How to stay effective and connected with your students, even in hard seasons ✅ Practical ways to find calm, purpose, and presence when teaching feels heavyMentioned in this episode: 🎧 Calm in the Classroom course — Learn emotional regulation tools for teachers at brennanelsoncoaching.com/selfcare

    14 min

  2. NOV 7

    80. How to Stop Caring What Other People Think (Especially at School)

    How to Stop Caring What Other People Think (Especially at School)Episode Summary:Teachers are some of the most caring professionals on the planet—and while that empathy makes you great at your job, it can also leave you emotionally exhausted. In this episode, Brenna Nelson, certified life coach for teachers, breaks down how to stop caring what other people think using practical mindset tools rooted in brain science.You’ll learn: ✅ Why your brain is wired to care about others’ opinions (and how that’s not a moral flaw). ✅ The thought patterns that keep teachers trapped in overthinking, overworking, and perfectionism. ✅ How to create confidence that isn’t dependent on praise, evaluations, or approval. ✅ Real-life examples of shifting from external validation to internal calm. ✅ How to apply the Thought Model to stop rumination and emotional burnout.Listen in for a permission slip to stop performing for approval—and start teaching, living, and showing up from calm confidence.Mentioned in this episode: 👉 Calm in the Classroom course — learn to manage stress and emotions with thought work tools: brennanelsoncoaching.com/calm

    12 min

  3. OCT 31

    79. The Invisible Load of Teaching (and How to Set It Down)

    The Invisible Load of Teaching (and How to Set It Down)Episode Summary:Ever feel emotionally drained after a school day, even when nothing major “went wrong”? That’s the invisible load of teaching — the emotional labor no one sees but every educator feels.In this episode, Brenna Nelson, educator and certified life coach for teachers, shares practical teacher stress relief tips to help you recognize emotional over-functioning, release what’s not yours to carry, and build sustainable calm in your classroom and your mind.You’ll learn: ✅ What “the invisible load” really is and how it shows up in daily teaching life. ✅ Why so many teachers feel pressure to manage everyone’s emotions. ✅ How to use The Model to separate what’s yours from what isn’t. ✅ Practical teacher stress relief tips to decompress and reset after work. ✅ How to care deeply without burning out.Tune in to learn how to set down the invisible emotional weight of teaching—without losing your compassion or your calm.Mentioned in this episode: 👉 Calm in the Classroom course: brennanelsoncoaching.com/calm

    13 min

  4. OCT 24

    78. Why Your Students’ Big Feelings Don’t Need to Derail Your Day

    When your students’ emotions run high, it can feel like your entire classroom is falling apart. But what if their big feelings didn’t have to derail your day?In this episode, Brenna shares how teachers can handle disruptive students without yelling, snapping, or losing control. Using cognitive and emotional strategies and tools, she breaks down how your thoughts create your emotions — and how your emotional regulation can calm the room faster than any behavior chart.You’ll Learn: ✅ Why student emotions feel contagious — and how to take charge of your own emotions. ✅ How to utilize The Model to manage your mind during classroom chaos. ✅ Simple thought shifts to stay calm when students act out. ✅ How your nervous system can help regulate your students’ nervous systems. ✅ Why your calm is the most powerful classroom management tool you have.Mentioned in this episode: 👉 Calm in the Classroom — Brenna’s signature course for teachers who want to reduce stress and stay emotionally grounded. brennanelsoncoaching.com/calmRelated Episodes:Episode 7: Why Emotions are Important

    15 min

  5. OCT 17

    77. Teacher Burnout Prevention: Why Mindset Alone Isn’t Enough

    In this episode of Next Level Teacher, Brenna explains why one of the most important keys to teacher burnout prevention is addressing your nervous system—not just your mindset. You’ll learn how your body sets the stage for your thoughts, why “regulation before reframe” is the order that works, and practical ways to calm your nervous system so mindset tools finally stick.You’ll learn:✅ Why mindset-only stress strategies often fall flat✅ The role your nervous system plays in burnout prevention✅ A two-step process: regulate first, reframe secondIf you’ve ever tried to “think” your way out of stress without success, this episode will give you a more effective approach to preventing burnout.Related Episodes:🎙️Episode 57: The Best Classroom Management Advice for Teachers🎙️Episode 63: How Nature Calms Teachers' Nervous Systems  Resources & Links:💻 Course: Calm in the Classroom: Modern Day Solutions to Teacher Stress, Overwhelm, and Anxiety - The necessary teacher training you didn't get (but probably need!) Click HERE for more info! Use the discount code PODCAST to get over 25% off!📷 Follow Brenna on Instagram: @Next.Level.Teacher🔗 Learn more at The Next Level Teacher Blog. Click HERE!

    6 min

  6. OCT 10

    76. Teacher Burnout Causes: How External Validation Fuels Burnout (and What to Do Instead)

    In this episode of Next Level Teacher, Brenna shares a personal story about how a single offhand comment made her question her teaching ability—and even her self-worth. She explores how depending on external validation is one of the hidden teacher burnout causes, and why rooting our confidence internally is the key to resilience.In this Episode You’ll learn:✅ Why external validation never feels like enough✅ How relying on outside approval creates burnout for teachers✅ A simple mindset shift to help you remember your unshakable worth✅ Listen in for encouragement and practical insight on breaking free from the cycle of conditional self-worth.Related Episodes:🎙️ Episode 4: Your Infinite Worth🎙️ Episode 20: When Teachers Make Mistakes🎙️ Episode 44: Embracing Imperfection - Breaking Free From Teacher PerfectionismResources & Links:💻 Course: Calm in the Classroom: Modern Day Solutions to Teacher Stress, Overwhelm, and Anxiety - The necessary teacher training you didn't get (but probably need!) Click HERE for more info! Use the discount code PODCAST to get over 25% off!📷 Follow Brenna on Instagram: @Next.Level.Teacher🔗 Learn more at The Next Level Teacher Blog. Click HERE!

    8 min

  7. OCT 3

    75. New Teacher Tips: The One Skill Teacher Training Didn’t Teach You (But You Need Now)

    Teacher training programs prepare us with pedagogy, lesson planning, and content knowledge—but there’s one crucial skill they often leave out: emotional regulation. In this episode, Brenna shares why this overlooked skill is one of the most powerful tools for preventing burnout and thriving in the classroom.If you’ve ever felt like teaching is more emotionally draining than you expected, this conversation will help you understand why—and what you can do about it.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why emotional regulation is rarely taught in teacher prep programs✅ How your emotions affect your teaching more than you realize✅ Why emotional regulation is the invisible foundation of effective pedagogy✅ Practical next steps for new teachers who want to avoid burnoutResources & Links:💻 Course: Calm in the Classroom: Modern Day Solutions to Teacher Stress, Overwhelm, and Anxiety - The necessary teacher training you didn't get (but probably need!) Click HERE for more info! Use the discount code PODCAST to get over 25% off!📷 Follow Brenna on Instagram: @Next.Level.Teacher🔗 Learn more at The Next Level Teacher Blog. Click HERE!

    8 min

  8. SEP 26

    74. Teacher Self Care Ideas That Actually Work

    Most lists of “teacher self care ideas” focus on bubble baths, pedicures, or coffee breaks. But if you’ve tried those things and still feel exhausted, you’re not alone. In this episode, Brenna explains why traditional self-care isn’t enough for teachers, and shares what actually works to build resilience and prevent burnout.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why common teacher self care ideas often fall short✅ The deeper reason teachers still feel burned out despite “self-care”✅ The missing link: emotional regulation and nervous system awareness✅ Practical strategies to support yourself beyond surface-level fixesResources & Links:🆓 Free Mini Course: Why Self-Care Doesn’t Work for Teachers (and What to Do Instead) 📷 Follow me on Instagram: @Next.Level.Teacher🔗 Learn more at The Next Level Teacher Blog. Click HERE!

    5 min
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Brenna Nelson Coaching
  • Show Website
    The Next Level Teacher Podcast