Elizabeth M. Peterson - Teacher, Arts Integration Specialist & Creative SEL Consultant
76 episodes
1 week ago
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?
In this podcast, you’ll find real solutions to bring joy back to teaching, create a caring classroom, and finally find 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!
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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?
In this podcast, you’ll find real solutions to bring joy back to teaching, create a caring classroom, and finally find 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!
Let’s talk about the tech elephant in the classroom. 🐘 We’ve got Chromebooks, smart boards, digital tools—and yet, we’re still battling student disengagement and behavior issues. In this episode, I’m sharing why too much screen time might be affecting your students more than you think, and what you can actually do to bring back connection, creativity, and calm.
If you’ve ever looked around your classroom and thought, “What happened to real learning?”—this one’s for you.
We’ll walk through 3 simple, creative strategies you can start using today that support your students’ engagement, behavior, and emotional regulation—without tossing tech out the window.
This episode is especially for the teacher who’s ready to take back control in a world of digital distraction.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
🌟 The Classroom Reset Group Coaching Program – Join me, Elizabeth and a community of caring, creative teachers to reflect, realign, and reignite your joy in teaching.
📍 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
✨ 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
Ever find yourself wondering, “I still love teaching… but this is really hard!" Maybe you're quite not burned out—but you're definitely not energized either. In this episode, I’m opening up a conversation for those of us caught in that messy middle.
We’ll talk about what this almost-burnout zone really feels like, why so many teachers land here, and what you can actually do to feel better—before burnout completely takes over.
You’ll hear:
How to recognize the signs of low motivation
The biggest struggle teachers face
Four doable ways to reignite your motivation and joy
A heartfelt invitation into something that could really help
💛 Ready for the next step?
Join me inside The Classroom Reset—my 6-month group coaching program to help you calm behaviors, bring back creativity, and finally enjoy teaching again.
👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/reset
~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 our "RESET CHALLENGE" enrollment closes on July 27, 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
Is that back-to-school dread already creeping in? 😩 You're not alone—and you're definitely not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I share how you can balance true rest and a gentle reset before the new school year hits.
We’ll talk about what to do instead of pretending school doesn’t exist (because spoiler: that doesn’t actually help), and how to ease into August feeling grounded, inspired, and even—dare I say—excited. I’m also giving you a peek into a few of my own favorite summer rituals (hello, Air Supply concert + henna on the beach 🎶🌊), and how you can create your own.
Whether you’re fully vegging out or scrolling Pinterest in a panic—this episode will help you reset your mindset, take back control, and enter the next school year with more clarity and calm.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Sign up 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
Let’s be real—have you ever come home after school and just collapsed on the couch?
You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You’re just getting burned out.
Let me share with you one of my own experiences with burnout—and why it 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—not another strategy to pile on top of everything else.
This challenge isn’t about “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
In this episode, I’m diving into something we need to talk about—burnout. Real burnout. The kind that leaves you drained, dreading the school day, and wondering if this is what teaching is supposed to feel like.
But here's the truth: you can love teaching again. And in this episode, I’ll share the three classroom game-changers that can actually help eliminate that heavy burnout feeling—without adding more to your plate.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, or just plain tired of the chaos, this is your reset moment. Let’s talk about how creating a caring classroom culture, using creative SEL strategies, and bringing the arts back into learning can restore calm and joy—for you and your students.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Join me for the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (July 22–23, 2025)
theinspiredclassroom.com/challenge
66 | Frustrated with Student Behaviors? 3 Things That Will Actually Improve Your Classroom Climate
✨ 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
Have you ever felt like you’ve tried everything to fix student behavior—but nothing seems to stick? The clip charts, the brain breaks, the calm-down corners... they help for a second, but the chaos keeps creeping in.
If you’re nodding your head, friend—this episode is for you.
Join me inside The Classroom Reset Challenge—a free, live 2-day workshop happening July 22 and 23. This isn’t your typical PD. Each day, we’ll meet for one hour—On the first day, I’m going to show you the three biggest contributors to improving student behavior, and on the second day we'll dive into how these can also help you eliminate teacher burnout.
Plus, we’ve got hands-on creative activities that are teacher-centered, connection with other caring educators, and yes... summer fun like door prizes, giveaways, and other fun surprises to make this something you’ll actually look forward to.
👉 Register now at TheInspiredClassroom.com/challenge – it’s totally free, but you must sign up to get access to the live workshops and replays!
~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
If behavior charts, clip systems, and pom-pom jars aren’t cutting it anymore, this episode is for you. I’m diving into why these strategies often fall short in today’s classrooms and what actually works to improve student behavior in real, lasting ways.
We’ll explore three powerful contributors to better behavior: building a caring classroom culture, supporting social-emotional learning, and engaging students through creativity and the arts.
These aren’t extra things to add to your plate—they’re practical shifts that make a huge impact (and bring back the joy of teaching!)
If you're ready to create a calmer, more connected classroom where your students and you can thrive, you’ll want to tune in.
~Elizabeth
Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Join me for the FREE Classroom Reset Challenge (July 22–23, 2025)
You’ll get live trainings, real strategies, and fun surprises along the way.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This week, we’re celebrating Teacher Appreciation in a way that's a little different. While I’m all about those lunches and door prizes (can we normalize surprise snacks every month?), this episode invites you to reflect on something even more meaningful—the teachers who have impacted you.
Whether it’s a colleague who lifted you up, a mentor who shaped you, or a teacher from your past who still inspires you today, we’re taking time to honor them. I’ll share a few personal stories and introduce you to some fun ways to spread that appreciation in simple, creative and heartfelt ways.
💛 This isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about real connection. You’ll leave this episode with something you can do right away to make a fellow teacher feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
PLUS - I'm giving you a free gift... 🙂
~Elizabeth
Resources Mentioned:
Become an Inspired Classroom Insider: theinspiredclassroom.com/insider (and get the free gift!)
Add your own tribute to a teacher you have had: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2010/05/teachers-we-have-had/
✨ Let’s keep the INSPIRATION going:
👉Join my Inspiring Teachers Facebook Community: theinspiredclassroom.com/community
👉 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
👉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
What if the secret to a calmer, more connected classroom started in the first five minutes of your day? In this episode, I share simple, teacher-tested ways to set the tone for a day that flows—with less chaos and more connection.
If mornings in your classroom feel rushed, noisy, or just plain off, this one’s for you. These aren't major overhauls—just small, intentional shifts that can lead to big changes.
~Elizabeth
Episodes & Resources Mentioned:
49 | Teacher Student Relationships: A Simple Way to Build Them, Even with Little Time
50 | Want to Use Music in the Classroom? 6 Easy Steps to Making it a Success!
Get your own set of "doodle" soft starts! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Soft-Starts-Transition-Activities-for-Social-Emotional-Learning-SEL-9097051
✨ 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
In this episode, I’m sharing a few of my favorite paperless swaps you can use in your lessons to celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful, creative way—without printing a single worksheet.
You’ll hear ideas that work for math, ELA and science—all hands-on, tech-free, and totally doable. These are the kinds of ideas that make teaching feel fun again, while still hitting your standards and supporting your students’ SEL growth.
If you’ve been craving something fresh that doesn’t require extra planning (or a trip to the copy room), this one’s for you.
Pick just one of the ideas I shared and give it a try. You’ve got this—and I’d love to hear how it goes!
~Elizabeth
Resources Mentioned:
https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2010/04/go-paperless-write-on-your-desk/
✨ 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 ideas you try!)
Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson
Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom
Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom
April is Poetry Month, and if you’re thinking “ugh, not another acrostic…” this episode is for you.
I’m sharing three fresh, arts-infused poetry ideas that are simple to implement, fun for your students, and packed with SEL goodness.
These strategies don’t require fancy materials, a background in poetry, or hours of prep—and they’re designed to engage all your students . . . even the reluctant writers. You’ll hear how randomness, music, and simple self-reflection can help students express themselves in meaningful, creative ways (and have fun doing it).
If your classroom could use a little creative spark, this episode is here to remind you: poetry can be joyful, powerful, and totally doable.
Try just ONE of the ideas from this episode and share your experience with us in the Inspiring Teachers Facebook group. We’re cheering you on!
~Elizabeth
Resources Mentioned:
I created a playlist of music for you to use! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6haqRy0tgUgbcHNX61bxJt?si=MaamYPbFRrmdNuYGr8dYTg
✨ 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
Feeling burnt out? Wondering if you’ve lost your passion for teaching? In this inspiring springtime episode, I share a story rooted in daffodils: The Daffodil Principle—a powerful reminder that big change starts with one small step.
Inside you’ll hear:
A beautiful story that will shift your perspective
Why teacher reflection matters now more than ever
Five small but powerful actions you can take this week to feel more grounded, creative, and connected
How to grow joy in your classroom—without adding more to your plate
Whether you're an elementary teacher who's barely holding on or you're ready for the next, great thing, this episode is your permission to slow down, reflect, and keep on blooming.
~Elizabeth
Link to the Original Daffodil Story: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2011/04/the-daffodil-principle/
✨ 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
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?
In this podcast, you’ll find real solutions to bring joy back to teaching, create a caring classroom, and finally find 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!