10 Things I Wish I Had Known During My First Year of Teaching

classroom management classroom systems new teacher

Click the play bar below to listen to this week's show now:

In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori Friesen shares 10 powerful lessons she wishes she had known during her first year of teaching. She breaks down how strong classroom systems, routines, and expectations can make classroom management feel calmer, clearer, and more sustainable.

Show Notes:

If you’ve ever felt like your classroom success depends on having the perfect lesson, this episode may shift everything for you. In this heartfelt and practical episode, Dr. Lori Friesen shares 10 powerful lessons she wishes she had known in her first year, revealing how strong classroom systems and routines are the true foundation of effective classroom management.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why classroom routines and systems matter more than even your best lesson plans
How improving transitions can instantly create a calmer, more focused classroom
Why students need to practice expectations repeatedly and how to do it effectively
The difference between calm authority and reactive discipline, and how it impacts behavior
How to identify when behavior challenges are actually system problems, not student problems

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Virtual Teacher Summer Camp
Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok
Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
Learn more at: drlorifriesen.com

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

Listen & Subscribe:

If you're preparing for a new school year or looking for ways to strengthen your classroom management, this episode is full of practical wisdom you'll wish you had known sooner. Learn 10 powerful lessons that will help you build better systems, reduce stress, and grow into the confident teacher you want to be.

🎧 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.

Want to listen on a different platform? Here are the links?

Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.

Click here to listen on Spotify.

Click here to listen on YouTube.

Click here to listen on iHeart Radio.

Click here to listen on Audible.

Click here to listen on other apps.

Related episodes you might enjoy:

Follow:

Are you following my podcast? I release fresh, new content every single week and I don't want you to miss out! 💛 Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts.

Leave a Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you are loving the podcast, I would be so grateful if you would leave me a review over on Apple Podcasts or on Audible. Each time you leave a review, Apple Podcasts or Audible recommends my podcast to other new teachers so they feel a little less alone as they navigate their first few years of teaching.

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know how this podcast is helping you inside your classroom!

To leave a review on Audible, just click here. Under "More Options" you can select "Write a review." I so appreciate your support in helping me get the word out to new teachers around the world.