Get Ready for the School Year with a Second-Year Teacher
Jun 18, 2025Click the play bar below to listen to this week's show now:
Show Notes:
You made it through your first year of teaching—congratulations! But now that you’ve had a chance to catch your breath, you might be realizing that most of the year felt like survival mode. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. I’ve been there, too. That’s why I’m so excited to bring you today’s episode, where we talk about what it really takes to not just survive, but thrive in your second year.
My guest, Teresa Grosboll, shares her story, and trust me, it’s one that many new teachers will relate to. Teresa didn’t walk into the classroom without life experience. With 20 years as a graphic designer and several years of homeschooling her children, she felt fairly prepared. But, like so many of us, she quickly realized that nothing fully equips you for that first year in a traditional classroom setting.
After making it through year one, Teresa knew she didn’t want to just “get by” again. She was ready to grow and become the teacher her students truly needed. Even with a supportive team around her, she was looking for something more structured—something to guide her step-by-step.
That’s when she discovered the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy. Believe it or not, she almost didn’t join! But once she did, everything changed. The Academy gave her a clear, streamlined roadmap to feel confident and fully prepared for her second year.
Like many new teachers, Teresa felt overwhelmed by all the moving parts of classroom life, especially while teaching a split grade. But with the Academy’s support, she finally felt in control. She shares how it became the single best resource that helped her set up her classroom in a way that was successful, organized, and intentionally designed to support student learning.
If you’re on the fence about joining the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, this episode is for you! My conversation with Teresa gives you a clear look at what’s involved and how it can help you feel more calm, confident, and capable as a beginning teacher. Check out my free masterclass, How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less, to learn more and save your seat!
Inside this week's show, you'll learn:
- How despite having a wealth of life experience, Teresa still didn’t feel fully prepared for her first classroom and how the Academy changed that for her.
- Why joining the Academy was the single most impactful decision in helping her set up a successful classroom.
- The power of positivity and relatable experiences in the course, and how they made a big difference for Teresa.
- How the Academy provides a clear, comprehensive plan from the start, helping teachers understand what they’re working toward.
- Teresa’s favorite lesson in the course and how it improved the flow and organization of her classroom.
- The impact of decision fatigue on teachers and how the course offers systems that reduce in-the-moment decisions and help you feel more in control.
Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:
- God Made Me Unique: Helping Children See Value in Every Person
- Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God’s Image in Every Person
- 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: Teaching Overseas
- New Teacher Spotlight: Kelsey Moody
- New Teacher Spotlight Series Part Two: Rebecca Stafford
- New Teacher Spotlight Series Part Five: Beth Bowe
- Teaching a Split Grade: 10 Helpful Tips
- How to Reframe Negative Thoughts (And Why It’s Important)
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