Episodes

  • Managing Fear and Worry About Next School Year
    May 21 2025

    Our brains are wired to worry, so it’s only natural for you to wonder how you'll handle the unknown of the coming school year. Using two real-life teacher examples, I’ll show how fear and worry about potential challenges can be addressed with simple, actionable strategies. Each concern is valid, but by focusing on what’s true and what’s working, you’ll start to recognize your growth and reframe the fear. You’ll also see how making small, strategic adjustments can make next year feel far more manageable.

    Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/managing-fear

    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

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    23 mins
  • New Teacher Spotlight: Kelsey Moody
    May 14 2025

    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

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    31 mins
  • Setting Up a Classroom: 6 Mistakes to Avoid
    May 7 2025

    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 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

    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

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    25 mins
  • It’s Not Just What You Say — It’s HOW You Show Up: The Interview Energy Shift That Gets You Hired
    Apr 30 2025

    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

    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

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

    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

    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

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    27 mins
  • The Real Cost of Teacher Attrition (& How to Prevent It)
    Apr 16 2025

    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

    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

    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

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    25 mins
  • The 3 Biggest Challenges for New Teachers (& How to Solve Them)
    Apr 9 2025
    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. 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. 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 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
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    23 mins
  • How to Teach Kids Focus Skills
    Apr 2 2025
    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 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
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    22 mins