Our tips for struggling teachers

Today’s episode is for every teacher who has ever walked into their classroom thinking: “Am I even doing this right?” In this powerful and practical conversation, I sits down with educational leader, teacher, and author of You Have a Story to Tell, Bridget Gengler to talk about the real struggles new teachers face — from burnout and classroom behaviour challenges to building relationships with students and protecting your own wellbeing. Bridget shares simple, realistic strategies that teachers can actually use in busy classrooms, including: ✨ Morning meeting ideas ✨ Daily student check-ins ✨ Social-emotional learning strategies ✨ Behaviour management tips ✨ Ways to create calmer classrooms ✨ How to build strong connections with students ✨ Teacher mindset shifts that reduce overwhelm We also discuss why students need to feel seen and heard, and how storytelling can transform classroom culture. Bridget shares insights from her book, You Have a Story to Tell, and explains how giving students a voice can build empathy, confidence, and connection. If you’re a new teacher, a mentor teacher, or simply feeling exhausted and stretched thin, this episode will leave you feeling supported, encouraged, and full of practical ideas you can try immediately. 💛 You are not failing. Teaching is hard — and you do not have to figure it all out alone. 👍 If this episode helped you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with another teacher who may need encouragement today. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:45 Bridget’s book: You Have a Story to Tell 05:45 Advice for teachers 15:50 Simple SEL strategies for busy classrooms 26:15 Advice if you're struggling with a toxic work environment 30:20 How to stay postive as a teacher 35:20 Our best teaching tips 📚 Check out Bridget's Book, You Have a Story to Tell: https://shorturl.at/nVX9h 🎙️ Connect with me: ▶️ YouTube – Teacher Mindset   / @teacher_mindset   📸 Instagram  / teacher_mindset_coach   🎵 TikTok  / mindset_with_marisa   💼 LinkedIn  / marisa-campagna-esterhuizen-2a5a63138   #TeacherTips, #NewTeachers, #TeacherBurnout, #ClassroomManagement, #SocialEmotionalLearning, #TeacherSupport, #TeacherWellbeing, #TeachingStrategies, #SEL, #GrowthMindset, #ElementaryTeacher, #TeacherPodcast, #Education, #TeacherLife, #MindsetMatters