If I could go back and talk to myself before my first year of teaching, this is the episode I would want to hear. Today we’re diving into Part 1 of a series for first-year teachers, packed with practical strategies to help you keep your sanity in a chaotic school environment. I share three critical areas that every new teacher must master: intentional planning, classroom culture, and healthy boundaries. You’ll walk away with actionable insights and biblical encouragement to help you build a sustainable, joyful teaching life—starting now.

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• Why planning your first 9 weeks is the smartest move a new teacher can make

• How bell-to-bell teaching minimizes behavior problems before they begin

• Why expectations > curriculum in the first weeks of school

• How to use the 4 P’s to set a strong classroom culture

• Practical ways to set non-negotiable boundaries that prevent burnout

• Why boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re strategic

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• 00:00 – Intro: What I Wish I Knew

• 00:08 – Welcome to Teacher Talk

• 01:05 – Why Planning Matters for First-Year Teachers

• 01:57 – Bell-to-Bell Teaching: What It Is and Why It Works

• 02:59 – Planning Will Save You When Things Go Wrong

• 03:48 – Avoid Overplanning: Stay Flexible

• 04:30 – Setting Clear Expectations (and Why It’s Worth It)

• 05:27 – Teaching Expectations vs. Jumping Into Curriculum

• 06:13 – The 4 P’s of Classroom Culture

• 07:43 – The Power of Setting Boundaries

• 08:40 – Boundaries That Prevent Burnout

• 09:20 – Real-Life Examples of Healthy Boundaries

• 11:21 – Final Takeaways for New Teachers

• 12:10 – Join the Teacher Talk Community + Next Steps

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• 👉 Take the Burnout Self-Assessment

• 👉 Join the 5 Days to Restored Energy Challenge

• 👉 Join the Teacher Talk Community

• Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2 of this new teacher survival series.

• Share this episode with a new teacher who needs encouragement.

• Leave a Review on Apple or Spotify—it helps more teachers find the support they need.

• “Your success starts with preparation. Your sanity is protected by boundaries. And your classroom won’t thrive without a strong foundation of expectations.”
  Stay strong. Keep teaching.