New Teacher Talk

Join us on New Teacher Talk as we welcome Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, author of Learning to Relearn from Routledge, for an essential conversation about classroom management that every new educator needs to hear.

In this episode, Kwame shares his expertise on creating welcoming yet structured classroom environments that serve as orderly and safe spaces for learning communities to thrive. Moving beyond traditional "discipline" approaches, he focuses on proactive strategies that build connection while maintaining the structure students need to succeed.

You'll discover four immediately actionable techniques:

Whether you're struggling with classroom chaos or looking to refine your management approach, Kwame's practical wisdom will help you create the kind of classroom where both teaching and learning can flourish. This episode is packed with strategies you can implement immediately to transform your classroom culture.

Perfect for new teachers, student teachers, and anyone looking to strengthen their classroom management toolkit with relationship-centered approaches that actually work.

#NewTeacherTalk #ClassroomManagement #NewTeachers #TeachingTips #Education #TeacherPodcast #StudentTeachers #ClassroomCulture #TeachingStrategies #EducationPodcast #TeacherSupport #LearningCommunity #PositiveClassroom #TeacherTraining #TeachingLife #EdChat #TeacherWisdom #ClassroomTechniques #TeachingAdvice #EducatorLife

Join us as Dr. Anna sits down with Emma Moore, a recent graduate of the Teaching Well Program at Johns Hopkins University, who shares her unexpected transition from pursuing medicine to discovering her calling in the classroom. Emma opens up about how working as a kindergarten teacher's aide completely changed her career trajectory and ignited her passion for education.

In This Episode:

Emma's authentic reflections on growth, mentorship, and the importance of creating classrooms where every student feels safe to learn, question, and be themselves offer valuable insights for both new and experienced educators.

#NewTeacherTalk #StudentTeaching #TeachingPhilosophy #ClassroomManagement #StudentCentered #InquiryLearning #CulturallyResponsive #TeacherGrowth #EducationPodcast #TeachingJourney #FirstYearTeacher #TeacherMentorship #MiddleSchoolTeaching #TeacherReflection #BoldTeaching

Welcome to New Teacher Talk! In this essential episode, Blake Reddick, an experienced middle school social studies teacher, explores the often-overlooked aspects of school year preparation that go far beyond decorating classrooms and writing lesson plans.

Blake reveals that successful teaching starts with intentional preparation work that happens outside the classroom. He shares his proven strategies for building relationships before day one, from crafting meaningful letters to students and families to connecting with department chairs and understanding IEP and 504 plans. You'll learn how to set yourself up for success by getting to know your school community before you even step foot in your classroom.

Key topics covered include:

Blake emphasizes that mental and emotional preparation is "the very most important thing," sharing practical advice on how to recharge through hobbies, family time, and establishing routines that sustain you throughout the demanding school year. As he puts it, "If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail."

Whether you're a brand new teacher or a veteran looking to refine your approach, this episode provides a comprehensive roadmap for starting the school year with confidence, clarity, and strong foundations for success.

#NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPrep #BackToSchool #TeachingTips #NewTeachers #MiddleSchoolTeacher #TeacherWellbeing #SchoolYearPrep #TeacherSupport #EducationPodcast #TeachingLife #TeacherBoundaries #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherMentalHealth #EducatorLife #TeachingStrategies #TeacherPodcast #SchoolPreparation #TeacherAdvice #EdChat

Join us for an invaluable conversation with veteran educator Lori Abbott, who shares 33 years of teaching wisdom to help new teachers thrive. In this episode, Lori covers the fundamentals of effective classroom management, explaining how all student behavior is purposeful and offering strategies for building positive relationships that prevent issues before they start. She dives into the game-changing potential of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for lesson planning, providing step-by-step guidance on writing effective prompts that incorporate student demographics and learning goals. Lori also addresses the critical importance of work-life balance, sharing practical tips for avoiding burnout and managing the workload that inevitably comes home. Finally, she tackles imposter syndrome head-on, encouraging new teachers to embrace their humanity and reconnect with their "why" when facing challenges. Whether you're a first-year teacher or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with actionable advice from someone who truly understands the profession.

Welcome to the new season of New Teacher Talk! Hosts Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth kick off the school year with essential mental preparation strategies for early career and aspiring educators. This episode focuses on building the right mindset for August and setting yourself up for success before stepping into the classroom.

Key Segments

Segment 1: Let's Talk "Mental Setup"

Segment 2: Planning Without Overplanning

Segment 3: Find Your Anchor

Segment 4: Protect Your Energy

Quick Mental Prep Checklist

Upcoming August Episodes

This month's focus: Supporting teachers while preparing for the beginning of the school year 

Featured Guests:

Connect with New Teacher Talk

Key Takeaway: You don't have to know everything right now, you just need a foundation. That foundation starts with taking care of your mindset before the school year kicks into full gear.

Join Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth as they celebrate the milestone season finale of New Teacher Talk! Exciting updates are in store! This summer, catch bonus content on their YouTube channel (NewTeacherTalk1), packed with short, practical videos on classroom procedures, rules, routines, behavior plans, and incentive ideas.

The new season launches August 4th, featuring fresh guests, free classroom downloads, enhanced social media resources, and a new twice-per-week episode schedule. Stay connected and inspired! Follow @newteachertalk on Instagram and BlueSky for free teaching resources every Tuesday and motivation boosts every Thursday.

#newteachertalk #podcast

🔥 New Teachers, Let’s Unlock LinkedIn’s Power! 🔥

If you're a new teacher looking to elevate your career, LinkedIn is your ultimate networking tool—but are you using it right or using it at all? In this episode, Dr. Beth reveals five essential strategies to help educators build a standout profile, connect with education leaders, and showcase classroom successes. Whether you’re seeking growth opportunities, wanting to build your professional brand, or just looking for an engaged community of educators, this episode gives you the insider tips you need to make LinkedIn work for you.

🎙️ Ready to transform your professional presence? Hit play now!

Nicole Heaver: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-heaver-361181334/

Dion Copeland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dion-copeland-m-ed-59863b109/

Dr. Rudy Ruiz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudyruiz2/

Edifying Teachers: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edifying-teachers/posts/?feedView=all

Educators to Follow in 2025 on LinkedIn written by Leisa Grace Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-50-educators-follow-linkedin-2025-according-me-wilson-lqnrf/

#LinkedIn #newteachers #professionalnetworking #careerdevelopment #newteachertalk #podcast

🔥 TEACHER TALK: SUMMER EDITION 🔥

Teachers, it’s time to hit pause, grab your favorite iced coffee, and tune in—because we’re serving up the ultimate summer survival guide! Whether you're sticking with your current school, scouting for a new teaching gig, or just vibing through summer break, Drs. Beth and Anna have got your back.

💡 INSIDE THE EPISODE:

Teaching isn’t just a job—it’s an art and a science, and summer is your time to refresh and reimagine. So, whether you’re prepping for the next school year or just basking in some well-earned freedom, hit play and let’s make this summer count! ☀️💛

#TeacherLife #SummerPrep #RestIsProductive #NewTeacherTalk #Podcast

Join us for an inspiring conversation with EdRising Illinois leaders Christy Schweitzer, Maya Moneze, and Carson Mizell as they share how this incredible organization is transforming the future of education. Discover why students in Educators Rising are 400% more likely to enter teaching after high school and learn about the powerful community, leadership opportunities, and support systems that make this program so impactful.

🎓 Hear Carson's unexpected journey to becoming state president and his hands-on classroom experiences 

🤝 Learn about Maya's networking adventures and connections with educators at every level

💡 Get insider advice on building relationships, incorporating your passions into teaching, and supporting students' social-emotional needs 

🏫 Explore how to find the right school culture and navigate early career challenges 

✨ Bust common teaching misconceptions and discover what it really takes to succeed in education

Whether you're considering teaching, already in the classroom, or supporting future educators, this episode offers valuable insights into building a thriving educational community and career.

Check out these resources to start your own EdRising chapter!

EdRising Illinois Flier

4 Step Guide to Start a Chapter

#EducatorsRising #EdRisingIllinois #newteachers #educatorpipeline

In this episode, English teacher Abby Bartle from Oswego High School shares invaluable advice for new educators preparing for their first year in the classroom. Drawing from her own experiences and insights from fellow first-year teachers, Abby offers a chronological guide taking you from the end of student teaching through summer preparation and into those crucial first days of school.

Discover practical tips on:

Whether you're finishing student teaching, job hunting, or anxiously awaiting your first classroom, this episode provides the encouragement and practical wisdom you need to approach your first year with confidence.

#NewTeacherTalk #FirstYearTeacher #TeacherTips #StudentTeaching #TeacherLife #NewTeacher #EducatorAdvice