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

classroom management classroom systems new teacher

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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

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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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