The Next Level Teacher Podcast

You're a Good Teacher. So Why Don't You Enjoy Teaching More?

Have you ever wondered how you can be a good teacher, care about your students, and work hard at your job… and still not particularly enjoy teaching?

You're not alone.
There are so many teachers who are doing a great job in the classroom but aren't necessarily enjoying the experience. Maybe you're counting down the minutes until dismissal, dreading Sunday evenings, or wondering if teaching is always going to feel this exhausting.

But what if being good at teaching and enjoying teaching are two completely different skill sets?
In this episode, I'm exploring why those two things don't always go hand in hand, what teachers might be missing when it comes to actually enjoying their work, and why your experience as a teacher might have more possibilities than you realize.

Because I don't think your only options are to keep pushing through, wait for things to get easier, or eventually leave the profession.

There's another way to approach your experience as a teacher.

In this episode, we'll talk about: ➡️ Why being a good teacher doesn't necessarily mean you enjoy teaching.
 ➡️ The difference between knowing how to teach and knowing how to navigate the experience of being a teacher.
 ➡️ Why changing your classroom circumstances isn't always the answer.
 ➡️ The skills teachers need but aren't necessarily taught in their teacher preparation programs.
 ➡️ What's possible when you learn to approach teaching differently.

Ready to feel better about teaching?

I've created a FREE five-lesson mini-course called How to Be a Happier Teacher to help you understand why teaching might feel harder than it needs to and introduce you to a different way to approach your experience in the classroom.

You'll get five lessons delivered straight to your inbox over five days. 

Watch the videos or read the lesson summaries—whatever works best for you!

Sign up for free here:https://www.brennanelsoncoaching.com/happy

You don't have to wait until summer vacation to enjoy your life as a teacher.
Come join me!— Brenna

Connect with Brenna:
Website: www.brennanelsoncoaching.com
Instagram: @next.level.teacher

The Disillusionment Phase: Why Teaching Feels So Hard Right Now (And What to Do About It)

Does teaching feel a little harder lately? You're not imagining it.

In this episode, we're talking about the disillusionment phase of teaching, a stage in Ellen Moir's phases of first-year teacher development. It's that point in the school year when the excitement has worn off, the workload feels overwhelming, student behaviors become more challenging, and you might start questioning whether you can keep doing this.

And while these phases are often discussed in relation to new teachers, experienced teachers can recognize these same ups and downs, too.

But here's the good news: You don't have to wait for winter break to start feeling better.

I'm sharing four practical ways to navigate this season of teaching, take care of yourself emotionally, and change how you're experiencing your school day.

In this episode, you'll learn: ➡️ What the disillusionment phase is and why it can feel so challenging
 ➡️ Why the emotional ups and downs of teaching don't have to determine how you feel
 ➡️ Four ways to navigate the teacher slump without simply waiting for things to get better

Ready to feel like a happier teacher?Check out my free mini-course, How to Be a Happier Teacher. You'll learn simple skills to help you feel better about teaching, even when your classroom circumstances aren't perfect.

 😊 Join the free mini-course here! 😊 

Episode 132: The 5 Scariest Things That Can Happen to a Teacher

It's Halloween, and we're counting down five teacher moments that can make your heart skip a beat! From mysterious emails from parents to surprise observations, these everyday situations can send our brains straight to the worst-case scenario.

In this lighthearted episode, we'll explore why our brains sometimes make uncertain situations feel scarier than they actually are—and how to respond to the facts instead of getting caught up in everything that might go wrong.
We'll also acknowledge that sometimes life brings genuinely difficult, heartbreaking experiences that go far beyond everyday teacher stress.Because teaching will never be completely predictable, but you can learn skills to navigate the hard moments with more confidence and less unnecessary worry.

In this episode, you'll learn: ➡️ Why your brain jumps to worst-case scenarios
 ➡️ How to recognize the difference between what's happening and what you're imagining
 ➡️ How to approach stressful teacher moments without letting worry take over

Happy Halloween, teachers! 🎃

Looking for personalized support? Try coaching for free!
Sign up for your FREE one-on-one session with Brenna HERE!

Make More of a Difference, Not More Work

Do you ever find yourself adding more to your workload in an effort to be a better teacher?

More planning, more activities, more tweaks, more time spent making things just a little bit better?

In this episode of the Next Level Teacher Podcast, Brenna shares a recent experience that reminded her of an important lesson: doing more doesn't always mean making a bigger impact.

We'll talk about how teachers can get sidetracked by the little details, why it's worth questioning whether extra effort will actually move you closer to your goals, and how to recognize when good enough really is good enough.Because your students don't need you to make everything perfect. And you don't need to spend every spare minute working to be a great teacher.
In this episode, you'll learn:
 ➡️ Why doing more doesn't always lead to better results
 ➡️ How to recognize when extra effort is worth it—and when it isn't
 ➡️ A simple question to ask before adding more to your plate

Your challenge this week: Before taking on one more task or tweaking something that's already good, ask yourself, Will this actually make a meaningful difference, or am I just giving myself more to do?

Listen in and find a more sustainable way to make a difference in your classroom.

Ready for teaching to feel a little lighter?Learn more about Calm in the Classroom: Modern-day Solutions to Teacher Stress, Overwhelm, and Anxiety

Follow the Next Level Teacher Podcast for practical ideas to make teaching feel more manageable and enjoyable. 

Teacher Friend, You Don't Have to Be Perfect!
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Strength of Teachers, we discuss the perfectionist mindset many educators struggle with, its impact on teacher self-care, and how to shift toward a healthier outlook of excellence rather than flawlessness. Tune in to learn strategies for managing the stress and anxiety that often accompany an “all-or-nothing” mentality in the teaching profession and for insights on embracing imperfection, finding balance, and sustaining happiness as a teacher.
Key Takeaways:
1. Teacher Perfectionism vs. Striving for Excellence
Understanding the difference between perfectionism and striving for excellence, focusing on setting realistic goals in teaching and personal growth. While perfectionism is driven by a fear of inadequacy, excellence centers on hopeful growth. This shift in mindset is crucial for teacher self-care and a sustainable career.

2. Signs of Perfectionism in Teaching
Perfectionist tendencies often manifest in excessive busyness, procrastination, or self-doubt. We discuss how perfectionism adds to teachers' stress, overwhelm, and anxiety—ultimately impacting classroom environments and mental well-being. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward healthier practices.

3. How to Move Beyond Perfectionism
Learn the actionable steps teachers can take to break free from perfectionist thinking, including self-reflection, generating processing emotions, and adopting a growth mindset. The episode also highlights the beauty of "Wabi-Sabi"—appreciating imperfections—as a reminder that teachers’ value isn’t tied to flawless performance.

4. Introducing "Calm in the Classroom" - A Course for Teacher Wellness
For more help creating an emotionally healthy environment for yourself and your students, check out my upcoming course, Calm in the Classroom, designed to teach essential emotional and mental skills for managing stress, overwhelm, and anxiety. Teachers will learn how to regulate their nervous systems, build resilience, and create a more balanced teaching life. Sign up to be notified when enrollment opens!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Michelangelo's Prisoners: Check out the famous "unfinished" sculptures here!
Calm in the Classroom - Ready to overcome perfectionism and manage stress better? Learn more HERE!

Follow Brenna on Instagram - Connect with Brenna at @brennanelsoncoaching for more teacher self-care inspiration, podcast updates, and to share your teacher self-care journey.

FREE Mini-Sessions for Teachers - Interested in personal support? Book a free mini-coaching call to dive deeper into teacher wellness and self-care. 

If Sunday afternoon or evening brings a familiar feeling of dread about going back to school, you're not alone. The Sunday Scaries are especially common for teachers—and they can quickly turn an entire weekend into a countdown to Monday.

But what if you didn't have to spend your Sunday worrying about the week ahead?
In this episode of the Next Level Teacher Podcast, we're talking about the Sunday Scaries and three practical strategies you can use to break the cycle of anxiety, worry, and dread before the school week begins.
You'll learn how to: ➡️ Allow uncomfortable emotions instead of fighting or resisting them
 ➡️ Stay present and enjoy the weekend you're actually living instead of mentally jumping ahead to Monday
 ➡️ Create a "worry window" so you can intentionally address your concerns without letting them take over your entire day
 ➡️ Plus, I'll share a bonus strategy for preparing for Monday on Thursday so you can head into the weekend with more peace of mind

The goal isn't to convince yourself that Monday is going to be amazing or eliminate every uncomfortable feeling about going back to school.It's learning how to stop letting thoughts about Monday steal the weekend you're living right now.
Because teachers deserve to have a weekend, too.
If you're a teacher struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, stress, or dread about going back to school, this episode will give you a few simple tools you can start using this weekend.

Want some free coaching?I have a few spots available for free mini coaching sessions. If there's a situation, relationship, or challenge at school that you've been struggling with, head to brennanelsoncoaching.com/free to grab your spot.

Teacher overwhelm doesn't mean you're doing something wrong.

In this episode, I’m sharing a little of what my own September looked like—and the reminder I needed when I found myself feeling overwhelmed, out of sorts, and frustrated that I should have been able to handle it better.
Because even when we have the tools, we’re still human. Life changes, teaching changes, and we’re constantly adjusting to new challenges and circumstances.

If you’ve been feeling like you should have it all figured out by now, this episode is for you.

I’ll also share why having the right tools and an outside perspective can make such a difference when you’re in the middle of a difficult season.

Want some outside perspective? I offer complimentary mini-coaching sessions for teachers. Click HERE to book your free call! (Spots are limited--grab yours today!) 

https://www.brennanelsoncoaching.com/free

When Your Students Are Annoying

What do you do when your students annoy you?Let’s be honest: even if you love teaching and care deeply about your students, there are going to be moments when their behavior gets under your skin.

Maybe a student constantly interrupts you. Maybe a teenager puts their head down every day. Maybe a student is always late, never has what they need, or waits until the last possible minute to ask for help.

It’s normal to feel frustrated or annoyed by student behavior.But what if the student’s behavior isn’t actually what’s creating your annoyance?

In this episode of The Next Level Teacher Podcast, we’re talking about what happens when teachers feel annoyed with their students—and how to respond without reacting in ways you later regret.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
 🔹 Why there is no such thing as an inherently “annoying” student
 🔹 What’s really happening when you feel annoyed by student behavior
 🔹 Why trying to control students can make classroom frustration even worse
 🔹 What to do when you feel yourself getting irritated in the middle of class
 🔹 Why it’s okay to feel annoyed—and why you don’t have to become a teacher who never experiences negative emotions
 🔹 How to pause before reacting to a difficult student or situation
 🔹 How identifying your thoughts can help you understand your emotional response
 🔹 How to respond to challenging student behavior intentionally instead of reactively
 🔹 Why learning to manage your own emotions can change your experience of teaching

You don’t have to become a perfectly calm teacher who never gets frustrated.

The goal isn’t to eliminate annoyance.

The goal is to learn how to notice what’s happening, take care of yourself in the moment, and choose how you want to respond—even when your students are doing things that really get on your nerves.

Because when you learn how to manage yourself in those difficult moments, you can create a better experience for yourself, your students, and your classroom.
Listen to the episode!Episode 23: When Your Students Are AnnoyingIf you’ve ever thought, “Why are these kids making me so crazy?”, this episode is for you.

And if you know another teacher who is dealing with a particularly annoying student right now…send it their way. 😉
About The Next Level Teacher Podcast

The Next Level Teacher Podcast is for classroom teachers who want to feel better at work without having to leave education.

Hosted by Brenna Nelson, a Certified Life Coach for Teachers and longtime educator, the podcast explores the emotional and mental side of teaching—including teacher stress, overwhelm, frustration, anxiety, boundaries, confidence, and creating a teaching experience that feels lighter and more manageable.

Because when you feel better, you teach better.

Learn More:
Instagram: @Next.Level.Teacher
Email: [email protected]

Get Help!
Free Coaching Session - Click HERE!
Calm in the Classroom 

You Don't Have to Be Calm to Be a Calm Teacher

What if being a calm teacher doesn't actually mean feeling calm all the time?

In this episode, we're challenging the idea that teachers need to have a perfectly regulated nervous system before they can respond well to challenging classroom situations. You are allowed to be frustrated, angry, overwhelmed, and even think, Are you kidding me right now? Being upset doesn't mean you've failed at classroom management—or failed at being a calm teacher.

Instead, we're talking about what emotional regulation for teachers really looks like: being able to notice your reactions, understand what your brain is making a situation mean, and choose what you want to do next—even when you're still upset.
You'll learn how to:➡️ Stop adding shame and self-criticism to your teacher stress
➡️ Separate your emotions from your actions
➡️ Get curious about what's underneath your frustration with students
➡️ Recognize when you're taking student behavior personally
➡️ Understand what is—and isn't—within your control as a teacher
➡️ Practice acceptance without becoming passive or giving up boundaries
➡️ Respond to challenging student behavior without automatically reacting
➡️ Give yourself compassion before you feel calm

We also explore why calm doesn't mean never getting angry or frustrated. A calm teacher isn't someone who never has a strong emotional reaction. A calm teacher is someone who has more choice about what to do with that reaction.

If you're an overwhelmed, stressed, or burned-out teacher who is tired of feeling like you should be able to handle every classroom challenge perfectly, this episode is for you.

You don't have to earn compassion by becoming calm first. Sometimes, giving yourself permission to be upset is exactly what helps you respond with more intention.

Teacher Burnout, Stress & the Nervous System: How Teachers Can Interrupt the Stress Cycle

What happens when teacher stress and student stress feed into each other? In this episode, we’re exploring the connection between teacher burnout, classroom stress, student stress, and the nervous system—and what teachers can actually do to interrupt the cycle.

Research from the University of British Columbia found a relationship between teacher burnout and students’ cortisol levels, offering an interesting look at how the stress and emotional environment of a classroom may affect both teachers and students.

But this episode isn’t about giving teachers one more thing to worry about.
Instead, we’re talking about nervous system regulation for teachers, emotional contagion, stress responses, and why your internal state matters in the classroom. You’ll also learn why predictability and consistent classroom routines can help create a more stable environment for students.
You’ll hear about:➡️  The connection between teacher burnout and student stress
➡️  How stress can become a cycle between teachers and students
➡️  What emotional and physiological “contagion” means in the classroom
➡️  Why your nervous system responds to stress—even when you aren't actually in danger
➡️  How to notice when you're becoming activated instead of immediately reacting
➡️  Why regulating your own stress doesn't mean you're responsible for regulating every student
➡️  How predictable classroom routines can support a calmer classroom environment
➡️  Why the goal isn't to eliminate stress, but to build the awareness and skills to respond differently

If you’re a teacher feeling overwhelmed, stressed, burned out, or exhausted by the demands of the classroom, this episode offers a different way to think about what’s happening—and a more empowering place to start.

You don't have to mirror the chaos around you. You can interrupt the cycle.

Sources:
Oberle, E., & Schonert-Reichl, K. A. (2016). Stress contagion in the classroom? The link between classroom teacher burnout and morning cortisol in elementary school students.

Dimitroff et al. (2017). Physiological dynamics of stress contagion. Scientific Reports.

DeCaro, J. A., & Worthman, C. M. (2011). Changing family routines at kindergarten entry predict biomarkers of parental stress.