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Teaching Today's Kids with 22-Year Veteran Jodie Culpepper

classroom management classroom systems routines student-teacher relationships whole-class motivators

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In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori sits down with veteran elementary teacher Jodie Culpepper to discuss what happens when experienced teachers suddenly feel like beginners again. After returning to the classroom following several years away, Jodie found herself overwhelmed by student behavior challenges, classroom disruptions, and the feeling that the strategies that once worked no longer did. Together, they explore how strong classroom management systems, simple routines, and a focus on relationships helped her rediscover confidence, hope, and joy in teaching.

Show Notes:

In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Jodie shares her powerful story of nearly leaving the teaching profession after 22 years in education. Faced with escalating student behaviors, constant stress, and the pressure of balancing academic expectations with classroom management, she reached a breaking point and was ready to resign. Jodie explains how focusing on just a few simple strategies, including stronger routines, transition systems, and whole-class motivators, helped transform her classroom environment and her mindset. She and Dr. Lori also discuss why so many experienced teachers feel like beginning teachers in today's classrooms, the importance of teaching the whole child, and why building relationships and teaching to students' hearts is often the foundation for academic success.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why many experienced teachers feel like beginning teachers in today's classrooms
How classroom routines and procedures can reduce behavior challenges and create a calmer learning environment
Simple classroom management strategies that improved hallway behavior, transitions, and student engagement
Why focusing on one or two changes at a time is often more effective than trying to overhaul everything at once
The importance of building relationships and "teaching to the heart" before focusing on academic results

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by classroom management, questioned whether you're making a difference, or wondered if teaching has become harder than it used to be, this episode will remind you that you are not alone. Be sure to subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk for practical classroom management strategies, teacher encouragement, and support to help you create a calm, confident, and connected classroom.

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 you’re finishing the school year feeling tired but hopeful, this episode will help you turn your experiences into powerful insights for next year. Take a few minutes to reflect, capture what worked, and build a plan that supports your future teacher self.

🎧 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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