If I could go back and talk to myself before my first year of teaching, this is the episode I would want to hear. Today we’re diving into Part 1 of a series for first-year teachers, packed with practical strategies to help you keep your sanity in a chaotic school environment. I share three critical areas that every new teacher must master: intentional planning, classroom culture, and healthy boundaries. You’ll walk away with actionable insights and biblical encouragement to help you build a sustainable, joyful teaching life—starting now.
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Why planning your first 9 weeks is the smartest move a new teacher can make
How bell-to-bell teaching minimizes behavior problems before they begin
Why expectations > curriculum in the first weeks of school
How to use the 4 P’s to set a strong classroom culture
Practical ways to set non-negotiable boundaries that prevent burnout
Why boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re strategic
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00:00 – Intro: What I Wish I Knew
00:08 – Welcome to Teacher Talk
01:05 – Why Planning Matters for First-Year Teachers
01:57 – Bell-to-Bell Teaching: What It Is and Why It Works
02:59 – Planning Will Save You When Things Go Wrong
03:48 – Avoid Overplanning: Stay Flexible
04:30 – Setting Clear Expectations (and Why It’s Worth It)
05:27 – Teaching Expectations vs. Jumping Into Curriculum
06:13 – The 4 P’s of Classroom Culture
07:43 – The Power of Setting Boundaries
08:40 – Boundaries That Prevent Burnout
09:20 – Real-Life Examples of Healthy Boundaries
11:21 – Final Takeaways for New Teachers
12:10 – Join the Teacher Talk Community + Next Steps
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“Your success starts with preparation. Your sanity is protected by boundaries. And your classroom won’t thrive without a strong foundation of expectations.”
Stay strong. Keep teaching.
