How to Take the Pressure Off

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Show Notes:

Being a new teacher comes with a lot of pressure. In fact, being a teacher at any stage is demanding—not to mention the responsibilities outside of school and the expectations society places on us. All of this can feel overwhelming. But the craziest part? We often feel like we have to take it all on and keep pushing forward, despite the mental and physical toll it takes.

If you're nodding along and feeling this way, I’m giving you permission to take the pressure off yourself while you’re at school. Yes, you heard me right - at school! Teachers often feel immense pressure to get everything right the first try. This includes managing kid’s behaviors, having the most engaging lesson, an interactive and meaningful activity, timely transitions, and the perfect classroom management system. 

But what if you viewed your classroom as a continuous learning experiment rather than a list of things that you need to get right every single day? In this episode, I want to provide you with some teacher support by exploring ways you can take the pressure off while at school. We'll unpack the real reason behind this added stress and, more importantly, how to shift your mindset from feeling like a failure to focusing on what you can improve next time.

By giving yourself the grace to relieve some of this pressure, you’ll notice a significant shift in how you respond to challenges and how you view teaching. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up and doing your best. So let’s take a step back, ease the pressure, and create a classroom that’s more fun, compassionate, and deeply connected with your students.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• Why school is the perfect place to relieve some of the pressure you put on yourself, and practical ways to do it.
• How The Classroom Management Club provides valuable teacher support, offering a space to troubleshoot challenges and discover fresh ideas to help you refocus.
• How embracing flexibility and change in your teaching can help students develop essential life skills like self-regulation, adaptability, and patience.
• Creative ways to celebrate student progress and how involving them in the process makes learning more engaging and impactful.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset
• 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
• Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, 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 author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• How to Manage Stress & Uncertainty: Social-Emotional Support for Teachers
• 10 Ways to Infuse Movement into Your Classroom for Better Engagement and Focus
• Easy Ways to Involve Movement in Your Lessons (& Increase Student Focus & Engagement)
• Can We Just Take a Breath? Proof that Mindset Matters

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