Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

Many teachers want calm, well-managed classrooms, but they also want students to feel trusted, creative, and independent. In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori explores why strong classroom routines and student autonomy don't compete with one another. Instead, she explains how thoughtful structure gives students the confidence, clarity, and support they need to become more independent.
What You'll Learn:
• Why structure and student autonomy are not opposites, and how thoughtful routines actually build independence
• Questions you can ask yourself to evaluate whether your classroom routines are creating independence or encouraging compliance
• Dr. Lori's Structure-to-Autonomy Ladder, a five-step framework for gradually transferring responsibility to students
• Practical ways to add choice, creativity, and play into classroom routines while maintaining clear expectations
• How to evaluate your classroom management systems so they create a calm, supportive learning environment where students develop lasting independence
Resources Mentioned:
• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs
If you've ever wondered how to balance clear expectations with student independence, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged and equipped with practical strategies you can use right away. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with another teacher who's preparing for a successful school year.
Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:
Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care.
Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this
Stay connected with us!
Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk
Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!
Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode.
Warmly,
Dr. Lori

When a student refuses to work, it's easy to feel like you have to win the battle, but power struggles rarely lead to lasting change. In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori shares how refusal-to-work reflection forms can help teachers respond calmly, protect instructional time, and guide students toward accountability without escalating the situation.
What You'll Learn:
• How to use refusal-to-work reflection forms without creating a power struggle
• When a student needs support versus when they are choosing to refuse an assignment
• Why calm accountability is more effective than arguments, lectures, or unrelated consequences
• How to create logical work-completion plans that keep students responsible for their learning
• Practical strategies for classroom and specials teachers to document behavior, identify patterns, and respond consistently
Resources Mentioned:
• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs.
Student refusal doesn't have to derail your lesson or leave you feeling frustrated. This episode will help you respond with confidence, maintain positive teacher-student relationships, and create systems that support both accountability and compassion.
Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:
Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care.
Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this
Stay connected with us!
Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk
Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!
Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode.
Warmly,
Dr. Lori

In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori shares one of her favorite back-to-school community-building strategies: using a simple classroom mascot to help students feel connected, safe, and excited to be part of your classroom family. She explains why classroom mascots are about so much more than a stuffed animal; they're a powerful tool for building relationships, teaching routines, supporting emotional regulation, and creating a strong classroom community during the first weeks of school.
What You'll Learn:
• How a classroom mascot can build community during the first weeks of school
• Simple ways to use a class mascot to teach routines and classroom expectations
• How classroom mascots can support emotional regulation and problem-solving
• Easy ideas for creating a shared classroom identity through your mascot
• Why keeping your classroom mascot simple makes it more meaningful and sustainable
Resources Mentioned:
• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs
If you're looking for a simple, meaningful way to strengthen classroom community and help students feel like they belong from day one, this episode is full of practical ideas you can start using right away. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with another teacher who's preparing for the first weeks of school.
Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:
Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care.
Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this
Stay connected with us!
Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk
Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!
Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode.
Warmly,
Dr. Lori

In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori Friesen shares an encouraging message for every teacher who ended the last school year feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or questioning whether they were cut out for teaching. Through three powerful mindset shifts, she explains how a growth mindset for teachers can transform the way we view classroom management challenges, difficult seasons, and our own ability to grow.
What You'll Learn:
• How a growth mindset can help you move forward after a difficult school year
• Why classroom management is a set of skills and systems that can be strengthened
• Three mindset shifts that will help you build confidence and leave self-doubt behind
• How to learn from last year's challenges without letting them define your future
• Why small, intentional changes can create a calmer, more joyful teaching experience
Resources Mentioned:
• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs 
If last year left you feeling exhausted, discouraged, or wondering if teaching was still the right path, this episode is a reminder that one difficult year does not define you. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with a teacher who needs a little hope before the new school year begins.
Need to set up an elementary classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:
Discover how to start the next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, you can't set foot in your school, or you don't know what grade you'll be teaching.
Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready
Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:
Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care.
Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this
Stay connected with us!
Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk
Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!
Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode.
Warmly,
Dr. Lori

In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori Friesen sits down with middle school teacher Amber Duane to share how she went from nearly leaving teaching after her first year to feeling confident and excited about heading back to school. Amber opens up about the classroom management struggles she faced as a beginning teacher, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and the practical strategies that helped her build a calmer, more successful classroom.
What You'll Learn:
• Why strong classroom management starts before students ever walk through your door
• How preparing your classroom before back to school can reduce stress and build teacher confidence
• The classroom management systems that helped Amber transform her teaching
• Why asking for support and investing in professional development can accelerate your growth
• Simple ways to start the school year feeling calm, prepared, and ready for success
Resources Mentioned:
• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs
If you're getting ready for back to school and wondering how to create a calm, confident classroom from day one, this episode will encourage you and remind you that you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with another teacher who's preparing for a successful school year.
Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:
Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start the next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, you can't set foot in your school, or you don't know what grade you'll be teaching.
Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready
Stay connected with us!
Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk
Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!
Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode.
Warmly,
Dr. Lori