Specials Teachers: Why Classroom Management Feels So Different (And Why Most Advice Doesn't Work)

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In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori speaks directly to specials teachers who often feel overlooked when it comes to classroom management advice. Whether you teach art, music, PE, library, STEM, or another special area, Dr. Lori explains why classroom management feels different in your classroom and how simple systems and routines can help you make the most of the limited time you have with students.

Show Notes:

In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori explores the unique classroom management challenges specials teachers face and why so many traditional strategies aren't designed for the reality of teaching students for just 30 to 45 minutes each week. She explains why transitions are often the true source of behavior challenges and shares three practical strategies to create calmer, more predictable classrooms by reducing confusion, giving directions before movement, and establishing consistent beginning-of-class routines. Dr. Lori also discusses why strong classroom management isn't about personality or being the loudest teacher in the building—it's about creating systems that help students feel confident, successful, and ready to learn.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why classroom management for specials teachers requires a different approach
• How transitions—not behavior—are often the root cause of classroom disruptions
• Three simple strategies to create smoother transitions and maximize instructional time
• Why predictable routines and classroom systems help students feel calm, confident, and ready to learn
• How strong systems can reduce stress and improve classroom management

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Classroom Management for Specials Teachers Course (coming soon)
• 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 a specials teacher who's ever felt frustrated because traditional classroom management advice doesn't seem to fit your classroom, this episode is a reminder that you're not doing anything wrong. With the right systems and strategies, you can create a calm, confident, and engaging learning environment—even when you only have students for a short time each week.

Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care.

Click here to save your seat: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this

Listen & Subscribe:

If classroom management feels especially challenging in your specials classroom, this episode will help you rethink what's really causing those behavior struggles and give you practical strategies you can start using right away.

🎧 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:

• Classroom Management for Specials Teachers
• When Students Hijack Your Classroom: How to Stay in Control & Still Teach Everyone Else
• Mastering the Art of Giving Clear Directions in Elementary Classrooms

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