Before You Quit Teaching, Listen to This: With Middle School Teacher Amber Duane

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In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori sits down with middle school teacher Amber Duane to share how she went from nearly leaving the teaching profession after her first year to feeling confident and excited about the future. Together, they discuss how strong classroom management systems, intentional preparation, and the right support can completely transform a teacher's experience—especially during the back-to-school season.

Show Notes:

In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Amber shares her journey from feeling overwhelmed and questioning whether she was meant to teach to discovering practical classroom management strategies that gave her a fresh start. She and Dr. Lori discuss why so many beginning teachers struggle in silence, the importance of preparing classroom systems before students arrive, and how investing in professional development can save teachers years of trial and error. Amber also reflects on the mindset shifts that helped her become a calmer, more confident teacher and why she now looks forward to each new school year instead of fearing it. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why strong classroom management starts before school begins
• How back-to-school preparation reduces stress and builds confidence
• The classroom management systems that transformed Amber's teaching
• Why asking for support and professional development accelerates your growth
• Simple ways to start the school year calm, prepared, and confident

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs

If you're preparing for back to school and wondering how to create a calm, confident classroom from day one, this episode will encourage you and remind you that every great teacher starts somewhere. The right systems, support, and preparation can make all the difference.

Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:

Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start the next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, you can't set foot in your school, or you don't know what grade you'll be teaching.

Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready

Listen & Subscribe:

If you're getting ready for a new school year, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged, prepared, and excited about what's possible in your classroom.

🎧 Listen to the episode and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk Podcast so you never miss new strategies for classroom management, teacher success, and starting the school year strong.

💛 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:

• First Month of School Reminders & Mindset Shifts
• Want To Quit? Me Too
• How to Work Less in 2025: 5 Things I Did to Get My Weekends Back

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