Beginning Teachers: What's the Problem Here?

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Find out what one parent said to me that changed everything...
(I have never been so embarrassed!)

Welcome to the first episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, a podcast I created to help beginning elementary teachers learn the invaluable secrets of the trade that we weren't taught in university. A place where we talk honestly about what it means to be a teacher of tiny humans, and where I share true stories about my own teaching journey - the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Despite four years in college designed to prepare pre-service educators for classroom teaching, there are numerous aspects of being an elementary school teacher that can only be learned once you have your own classroom, and often, with the help of a mentor. I'm excited to use this podcast as a platform to help beginning teachers learn more about this practical and essential side of teaching. 

Even though many changes have happened in our society - the way children are raised, how families operate and communicate in today's world, and even the tools available to educators in an increasingly digital world - I've learned that the foundational aspects of teaching remain the same.

Let's face it: New teachers will always need to learn how to set up a classroom in a way that will enhance and contribute to a sense of community, safety, and efficiency; how to reach the child who seems unreachable; how to handle "power parents;" how to truly inspire students' imaginations and shape children's confidence and positive views of what they are capable of in this world, and how to practice daily self-care in easy, practical ways so that they don't burn out and leave the profession they love.

I focused my Masters in Education on the question: "Beginning Teachers: What's the Problem Here?"  and after years of reading and research and interviewing master educators, I published everything I learned in The Beginning Teacher's Handbook for Elementary School.

(Just a note: I have since removed this handbook from the marketplace and am focused on offering fresh, new, updated ideas and content online in today's digital marketplace. I have so many exciting goodies in store for you!)  

I was surprised by the amazing response from thousands of beginning teachers as I traveled across the country sharing what I'd learned at conferences, and I am now convinced more than ever that the foundational aspects of teaching will always remain at the heart of our profession. 

This podcast is my offer of help: to inspire, to motivate, and to encourage elementary teachers in their first years of teaching to keep going and to keep working at the craft you love. No matter how difficult things are right now, they will get better, and I can help you find your way.

In this first episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, I share a little bit about who I am, why this podcast exists, and what you can expect to get along the way. Let's get started!

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Please subscribe to the show if you are a beginning teacher, and tell me a little about who you are. I'd love to learn more about your story and specifically what you would like help with as you navigate your first few years of teaching. Your contributions will help shape future episodes, because this podcast is designed especially for you.  Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read.

Just click here to review. Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Warmly,

Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast, Beginning Teacher Talk, and creator of the innovative literacy program for 1st and 2nd grade, Dogs Help Kids Read and Succeed, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com and at howdogshelpkids.com.

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