Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

Latest Episodes:

348. New Teacher Spotlight: Kelsey Moody May 14, 2025

Show notes

The first year of teaching is a mix of excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of questions. So if you've just graduated and are looking for a supportive way to prepare and feel a little less stressed, this episode is for you! Today, I'm chatting with Kelsey Moody, a fellow teacher and graduate of my R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/new-teacher

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

If the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast is helping you in your teaching and if you're feeling extra loving, I would be so grateful if you would leave a positive review for the show! Your kind words mean the world to me. Just click here to leave your review now (and be entered into our draw for a $25 Amazon Gift Card)!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beginning-teacher-talk/id1456137677 I hope you have a wonderful week, and remember - just because you are a beginning elementary teacher, there is no need for you to struggle like one.

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

347. Setting Up a Classroom: 6 Mistakes to Avoid May 07, 2025

Show notes

Beginning teachers often get so caught up in the way their classroom looks and forget its true purpose: functionality. Even veteran teachers can benefit from reflecting on their current classroom setup to find better ways to organize the space and better serve their students. In today's episode, I'm sharing six of the most common mistakes teachers make when setting up their classrooms and how to avoid them.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/classroom-setup

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

346. It's Not Just What You Say — It's HOW You Show Up: The Interview Energy Shift That Gets You Hired Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Teacher interviews can be intimidating and often feels like you're stepping into the unknown. But the hidden secret to a successful interview doesn't show up on a resume, a lesson plan you once taught, or even your knowledge of content standards. Instead, it's about your interview energy. In today's episode, I'm discussing what that means, practical ways to show it, what you need to avoid, and why it's the key to getting you hired.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teacher-interviews

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Preparing for Elementary Teacher Interviews Resource Library Bundle: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/offers/gNTPZRn6/checkout

Free Masterclass - How to Prepare for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

345. Bridging the Theory-Practice Gap: Transitioning from Student to Teacher (And How Schools Can Help) Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

The transition from student teacher to full-time teacher can be overwhelming, and many new teachers feel stressed during their first year. This is often due to the gap between the theoretical knowledge gained in university and the practical skills needed in the classroom. In this episode, I discuss how to bridge that gap and how to gain support from adminstrators, schools, and districts.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/theory-practice-gap

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Learn about the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/

Free Masterclass - How to Prepare for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready

Learn More about Academy District Partnerships: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/academy-for-schools-districts Learn More about Academy University Partnerships: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/academy-for-universities

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

344. The Real Cost of Teacher Attrition (& How to Prevent It) Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

When new teachers are met with feelings of isolation, unprepared realities of the classroom, and unsupportive guidance or mentorship, it often leads to teacher attrition. In today's episode, I dive deeper into how these obstacles contribute to educators leaving the profession, the cost it has on the education system, and what we can do now to prevent teacher burnout.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teacher-attrition

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Learn about the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/

Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

343. The 3 Biggest Challenges for New Teachers (& How to Solve Them) Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

New teachers often leave university feeling unprepared for the realities of the classroom, struggling to bridge the gap between theory and practice. In this episode, we explore three of the biggest challenges they face, based on research, and how to best support them. From managing student behavior to overcoming feelings of isolation, we'll discuss actionable strategies to help new teachers build confidence and establish a strong foundation.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/new-teacher-challenges

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Learn about the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/

Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset

References:

Blair, N. (2019, September). New teachers face three common challenges. ASCD.

Matsumoto-Royo, K., & Ramírez-Montoya, M. S. (2021). Core practices in practice-based teacher education: A systematic literature review of its teaching and assessment process. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 70, 101047.

Mathews, J. (2011, December 18). New teacher decries lesson plan gap [blog post]. Retrieved from Class Struggle at The Washington Post at www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/class-struggle/post/new-teacher-decries-lesson-plan-gap/2011/12/17/gIQAt0C50O_blog.html

Melnick, S., & Meister, D. (2008). A comparison of beginning and experienced teachers' concerns. Educational Research Quarterly, 31(3), 39–56.

Smith, T. M., & Ingersoll, R. M. (2004). What are the effects of induction and mentoring on beginning teacher turnover? American Educational Research Journal, 41(3), 681–714.

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

342. How to Teach Kids Focus Skills Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Are you struggling to keep your students focused? In this episode, I'm sharing simple, research-backed strategies to help students build their attention skills in fun and meaningful ways. You'll learn how to naturally integrate focus-boosting activities into your daily routine, incorporate mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises, and implement gradual, intentional strategies to strengthen concentration.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teaching-kids-to-focus

Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset

Love Notes for Your Kiddos - Bookmarks: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Love-Notes-for-Your-Kiddos-Positive-Bookmarks-Surprises-5111445

"Active Breaks and Cognitive Performance in Pupils: A Systematic Review": https://revista-apunts.com/en/active-breaks-and-cognitive-performance-in-pupils-a-systematic-review/#:~:text=(2019)%20also%20uncovered%20beneficial%20effects,are%20capable%20of%20carrying%20out

"Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation for Primary School Children: Effects on Attention and Psychological Well-Being": https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00805/full

"How Does Chunking Help Working Memory?": https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29698045/#:~:text=(b)%20Is%20the%20chunking%20benefit,APA%2C%20all%20rights%20reserved

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

341. How to Structure the Rest of Your Day After an Assessment Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

After preparing for weeks for state assessments, teachers often get to the day and still have one question left to answer - What do I do with my students after taking the big test? If you have this question, you're not alone! I'm sharing five ideas for how to structure your day after taking exams.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/test-taking-in-elementary

Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready For the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready

Fast Finishers Imagination Station for a Game/Activity: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fast-Finisher-Activities-April-Imagination-Station-Gr-2-5-6754392

Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Farmhouse): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Farmhouse-Chic-Decor-Growth-Mindset-Positive-Affirmation-Mirror-Cards-Editable-8193583

Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Brights): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chalkboard-Brights-Decor-Growth-Mindset-Positive-Affirmation-Mirror-Cards-8193670

Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Succulent): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Succulents-Decor-Growth-Mindset-Positive-Affirmation-Mirror-Cards-Editable-8193463

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

340. How to Calm & Prepare Students During the Weeks Leading Up to Testing Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

When it comes to preparing students for state standardized tests, learning and reviewing academic content is just part of the preparation. The other big piece is mindset. In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 strategies that will help your students become calm and confident when taking taking assessments.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/mindfulness-for-elementary-students

Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset

Growth Mindset Bookmarks: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Growth-Mindset-Bookmarks-Positivity-in-the-Classroom-5121671

Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Farmhouse): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Farmhouse-Chic-Decor-Growth-Mindset-Positive-Affirmation-Mirror-Cards-Editable-8193583

Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Brights): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chalkboard-Brights-Decor-Growth-Mindset-Positive-Affirmation-Mirror-Cards-8193670

Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Succulent): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Succulents-Decor-Growth-Mindset-Positive-Affirmation-Mirror-Cards-Editable-8193463

The Anti-Test Anxiety Society by Julia Cook: https://amzn.to/3XPStWk

The Big Test by Julie Danneberg: https://amzn.to/3RgqL2k

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

339. Test-Taking Strategies for Math in Elementary Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

If standardized tests make you anxious, you're not alone! In this episode, we're continuing our test prep series by shifting focus to math. I'm sharing five powerful test-taking strategies to help students tackle math challenges with confidence.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/math-test-taking-skills-in-elementary

Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset

Love Notes for Your Kiddos - Bookmarks: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Love-Notes-for-Your-Kiddos-Positive-Bookmarks-Surprises-5111445

Love Notes for Your Kiddos - Certificates: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Love-Notes-for-Your-Kiddos-Positive-Certificates-Surprises-5109084

Growth Mindset Bookmarks: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Growth-Mindset-Bookmarks-Positivity-in-the-Classroom-5121671

Math Test-Taking Strategies for Elementary Students: https://www.sadlier.com/school/sadlier-math-blog/math-test-taking-strategies-for-elementary-students-math-multiple-choice-test-taking-strategies

How to Solve Math Word Problems: https://thebluebrainteacher.com/4-math-word-problem-solving-strategies/

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

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