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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
Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
I know what it’s like to sit through PD that leaves you with more eye-rolls than inspiration. (There. I said it!)
That’s what led me to create something new: The Classroom Reset Challenge. This free, 2-day experience is for teachers who are ready for a real reset.
This challenge isn’t about little hacks and “self-care” clichés. It’s about practical, creative tools that make your classroom easier to manage—and your job more sustainable.
What can you expect?
- Two 1-hour live Zoom workshops (with replays!)
- The 3 strategies that reduce behavior issues and burnout
- Community support and shared experiences
- Door prizes, giveaways, and teacher-centered creativity to make it fun (because, summer)
🗓️ Happening July 22 & 23
💻 Can’t come live? No worries—replays will be available!
🎟️ But you must register to get access → TheInspiredClassroom.com/challenge
If you’re ready to feel good about teaching again, come join us. Let’s take the challenge—together. 💛
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Join me for the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (July 22–23, 2025)
theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
✨ 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
5 days ago
5 days ago
Let’s be real—so much of the PD we sit through leaves us feeling… uninspired. I’ve been there too, nodding along, taking notes, and wondering if any of it will actually stick.
In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 key questions you need to ask in order to figure out if the professional development you're signed up for is truly teacher-centered—and why that matters so much.
If you’re feeling tired of PD that talks at you instead of with you, this episode will help you take your power back and invest in something that fuels your passion for teaching.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Join me for the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (July 22–23, 2025)
theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
✨ 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
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Feeling torn between rest, reflection, and planning over summer break? In this episode, I share the reality behind what will work if you want a little of each. Rethinking what that looks like might be the key to recovering from burnout and walking into the fall feeling refreshed, not frazzled. I'll share own summer rhythms, give practical and personal ideas for creating a restorative routine, and share three powerful ways to reset your energy, creativity, and classroom culture—all without sacrificing your hard-earned break.
If you're tired of starting every school year already exhausted, this episode is your gentle invitation to try something new. You'll walk away with mindset shifts and realistic ideas to take control of your summer so it actually serves you—not just your classroom.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
🌟 The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program – Join Elizabeth and a community of caring, creative teachers to reflect, realign, and reignite your joy in teaching.
📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
Ready to stop the burnout cycle? Visit theinspiredclassroom.com/reset to learn more about The Classroom Reset and join us before early bird enrollment closes on June 24, 2025!
✨ 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
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Ever feel like your calm-down corner is more like a timeout chair—or maybe it’s just gathering dust? In this episode, I'll share creative, teacher-tested ways to transform your calm-down corner into a powerful tool that helps students self-regulate and re-engage in learning. You’ll learn how to set it up with the right stuff, teach kids to use it, and build it into your classroom culture—without adding more stress to your day.
If you’re tired of dealing with constant classroom disruptions, or you’re not sure how to handle those BIG emotions that pop up, this episode is your answer for how to successfully implement a student-centered spot to chill out!
~Elizabeth
Resources Mentioned:
Get the BREAK Box that I use in my own classroom on TpT by clicking HERE!
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Want to take these calm-down corner ideas—and so much more—to the next level? Join me inside The Classroom Reset, my brand new group coaching program where you’ll get step-by-step strategies to transform your entire classroom. We’ll work together to build routines, foster student ownership, and create a learning space that’s calm, creative, and connected. Let’s hit that reset button and make your classroom a place where you enjoy teaching! theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Let's flip the script on that never-ending to-do list and introduce something that’ll actually fill you up—a DID List! We’re talking all about how to reflect on what you’ve accomplished, big and small, so you can finish the school year feeling proud instead of overwhelmed.
I’m sharing why making a DID List is a powerful mindset shift (especially during the crazy end-of-year rush), how it can help you set more meaningful goals, and why it’s the best way to start next year strong.
Inside this episode, you’ll discover:
-
A simple way to reclaim your sense of accomplishment as a teacher
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How to reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) so you can plan for a more inspiring year ahead
-
A teacher-friendly tool you can use anytime you need a boost
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re never caught up—and always behind—this episode is for you.
~Elizabeth
Become an INSIDER at The Inspired Classroom!
theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
When you are an INSIDER, you get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors, create a caring classroom and bring joy back to teaching!
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Are you tired of carrying the emotional weight that teaching brings? In this episode of Enjoy Teaching Again, I share why having a trusted venting buddy isn't just helpful—it's essential. You’ll hear real talk about what healthy venting looks like, who makes the best venting partner, and how to avoid the common traps that can turn necessary release into foot-in-your-mouth moments.
Whether you’ve accidentally let it all out in the hallway (oops!) or you’re bottling it up to the point of snapping over a pencil sharpener, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone—and you can stay grounded without going it alone.
This isn’t about gossip. It’s about connection, care, and staying sane in the work you love.
Teacher burnout is real—and venting the right way might be the missing piece to feeling human again. If you’ve ever ended your school day emotionally drained and mentally fried, this episode is for you.
~Elizabeth
✨ Want to be the first to hear about the BIG new thing I’m working on for teachers who need a reset? Join the Insider List! theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
Become an INSIDER at The Inspired Classroom!
theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
When you are an INSIDER, you get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors, create a caring classroom and bring joy back to teaching!
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ 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
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Feeling boxed in by scripted lessons and copy-paste curriculum? You’re not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing four simple, actually doable strategies that bring creativity—and student engagement—back into your day, without piling on extra prep. 🙌
I use these strategies every week. They are tried, tested and work!
We’ll cover:
✔️ How to use music to transform the vibe of a lesson
✔️ A drama strategy so quick it fits in your reading block
✔️ A movement break you can use anytime, anywhere
✔️ A visual art idea that doesn’t require an art cart
Whether you’re trying to reach more learning styles or just bring some joy back into your teaching—these creative moves will help you love teaching again (even with a script in hand).
Try just one of these ideas this week and let us know how it goes inside the Inspiring Teachers Facebook group. You’ll be surprised how much a little creativity can shift the energy—for you and your students.
~Elizabeth
Resources Mentioned:
Become an INSIDER at The Inspired Classroom! theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
When you are an INSIDER, you get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors, create a caring classroom and bring joy back to teaching!
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ Connect with me (and share what you try from this episode!)
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Some teachers love it. Some teachers dread it. Spirit Week usually involves some crazy socks, wacky hair, and the occasional coveted Decades Day. But what if we put a twist on this and sent it… underground?
This kind of Spirit Week is designed just for teachers—to build connection, creativity, and joy in a way that keeps you smiling all week. And the best part? Students love it just as much.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
✔️ What Underground Spirit Week actually looks like—and why teachers are secretly loving it
✔️ Creative, teacher-centered ideas you can use to start your own version (without a ton of chaos!)
✔️ How to turn it into a surefire morale booster for you and your teacher besties
If you're craving a little fun with your teacher buddies and want to do something just for YOU (ain't no shame in it)—this is your episode.
~Elizabeth
Resources Mentioned:
Become an INSIDER at The Inspired Classroom! theinspiredclassroom.com/insider
When you are an INSIDER, you get real solutions to calm classroom behaviors, create a caring classroom and bring joy back to teaching!
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉 Join my free class, so that I can help you foster a classroom of Calm, Connection & Creativity! theinspiredclassroom.com/class
👉 Learn more about SEAL, the only method that empowers caring teachers to calm classroom behavior issues and ease teacher burnout by embedding creative and artistic social-emotional strategies into their current content without requiring them to implement an entire program that takes up precious class time.
Go to teachSEAL.com
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉Website: theinspiredclassroom.com
✨ Connect with me (and share what you try from this episode!)
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom