New Teacher Spotlight: Kelsey Moody
May 14, 2025Click the play bar below to listen to this week's show now:
Show Notes:
The first year of teaching is a mix of excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of questions. So if you’ve just graduated and are looking for a supportive way to prepare and feel a little less stressed, this episode is for you! Today, I’m chatting with Kelsey Moody, a fellow teacher and graduate of my R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy.
At the time of this conversation, Kelsey is getting ready for the school year in real time with the help of the Academy and is sharing her honest experience. If you’ve been on the fence about joining the Academy, or are simply curious whether it’s the right fit for you, Kelsey’s story might help you decide. She talks about what initially held her back, and what ultimately motivated her to join.
For Kelsey, the biggest hesitation was the cost. But once she realized how much was included, like classroom decor and tons of practical resources, she saw the true value of enrolling rather than trying to piece it all together on her own. That’s something I hear from new teachers all the time! The truth is, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Inside the Academy, you’ll find a supportive community of new teachers who are navigating the same challenges right alongside you.
Now that she’s deep into the course, Kelsey shares how much more confident and prepared she feels. She’s created a classroom layout plan, built a data notebook, developed a solid classroom management system, and even feels ready to communicate with parents. So has truly set herself up for success, and you can too!
We have over 3,000 graduates in the Academy, and would love to have you join us. You don’t have to struggle as a beginning teacher, and you don’t have to go on this new journey alone. Whether you're ready to join the Academy or not, you won't want to miss my free masterclass: How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less. It’s packed with practical tips to help you feel confident and prepared. Click below to grab your spot!
Inside this week's show, you'll learn:
- The part of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy that helped Kelsey the most—and how it gave her clarity on how to support her students.
- How to manage imposter syndrome and build confidence as a new teacher.
- Strategies for setting up a functional, organized classroom, and why classroom management prep is so important.
- The value of a supportive teaching community, plus real examples of how the Academy provides that support.
- Tips for building positive parent-teacher relationships and tracking student data effectively.
- Kelsey’s favorite lesson from the Academy, and her advice if you’re on the fence about joining.
Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:
- Free Masterclass: How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less
- Beginning Teacher Talk on YouTube
- 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:
- New Teacher Spotlight: Rebecca Stafford
- How to Know if You're Ready for the School Year
- New Teacher Training Series #8: Your Questions Answered about R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy
- New Teacher Training Series #7: 10 Ways to Know if the Academy is Right for You
- New Teacher Training Series Part 6: Advice for New Teachers from First-Year Teacher Ashley O'Dell
- Spring New Teacher Series #5: Advice for New Teachers from a 2nd Year Teacher: TaiLi Matheny
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