The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive

What to Do When Students Test the Rules

In this episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive, Dr. LaToya Crockett shares honest and practical advice on what to do when students start testing the rules. Whether it’s off-task behavior, ignoring directions, or pushing limits, these moments are part of every teacher’s journey but they don’t have to shake your confidence. LaToya walks you through why students test boundaries and how you can respond with clarity, consistency, and calm, without raising your voice or second-guessing yourself. She also shares real examples from her kindergarten classroom and simple strategies new teachers can start using immediately. What You'll Learn in This Episode: * Why testing behavior is developmentally appropriate (and expected) * How to shift your mindset from frustration to calm * What to reflect on before responding to off-task behavior * How routines, tone, and body language shape student response * Why consistency and positive reinforcement matter more than consequences This episode is perfect for: * First-year teachers building classroom management skills * Career changers and student teachers preparing for the first week of school * Educators who want to stay calm, clear, and confident under pressure Lets stay connected: * Join the Thrive with Purpose [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567457680782] Facebook community * Follow Dr. LaToya Crockett [https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-crockett/]on LinkedIn

Culturally Responsive Classroom Management: Building Inclusive Routines

In this episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive, we continue our classroom management series with a thoughtful conversation about what it means to manage a classroom in a way that honors students' backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. Dr. LaToya Crockett is joined by Anjali Bajaj, founder of AHINSA Leadership Collective and a longtime educator and school leader. Together, they explore how culturally and historically responsive education can guide your routines, relationships, and expectations, even if you're just starting your teaching journey. This episode will help you: * Understand what culturally responsive classroom management looks like in practice * Reflect on how your own identity and values shape your teaching * Build routines that are respectful, relevant, and clear * Strengthen your relationships with students from day one * Approach the first weeks of school with confidence and purpose Whether you’re a first-year teacher, student teacher, or transitioning into the classroom, this conversation will help you lead with clarity and care. 📬 Connect with Anjali Bajaj Anjali Bajaj of AHINSA Leadership Collective Inc. Email Anjali@ahinsaleadership.ca [Anjali@ahinsaleadership.ca] IG @ahinsaleadershipcollective LinkedIn: Anjali Bajaj [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-bajaj-ahinsa/] 💡 Thrive with Purpose links Facebook: The Inspired Educator: Support for New and Aspiring Teachers [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567457680782] LinkedIn: Dr. LaToya Crockett [https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-crockett] If this episode spoke to you, share it with a fellow educator and follow the show for more practical guidance and encouragement.

Classroom Management vs. Discipline: What New Teachers Need to Know

Welcome to Episode 2 of our four-part series on classroom management. If you're preparing for a new school year, this episode is designed to help you start strong by understanding one of the biggest misconceptions new teachers face: the difference between classroom management and discipline. Dr. LaToya Crockett is joined by veteran educator and leadership consultant Lisa Norwood, founder of iLead Education Services. With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and turnaround principal, Lisa shares clear, actionable advice on building structure, creating routines, and leading your classroom with confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why classroom management is about prevention, not punishment * How routines and procedures create security for students * The role of consistency in building student trust * What new teachers often misunderstand about discipline * Practical strategies you can implement before your first day This conversation is packed with insight and encouragement to help you plan intentionally and avoid burnout later in the year. Connect with Lisa Norwood Website: ileadeducationservices.com [http://ileadeducationservices.com] Email: ileadedservices@gmail.com [ileadedservices@gmail.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-norwood-williams-b1a06615/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-norwood-williams-b1a06615/] Connect with Dr. LaToya Crockett Join the Thrive with Purpose [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567457680782] Facebook group for continued support Follow LaToya on LinkedIn: Dr. LaToya Crockett [https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-crockett]

Teach Behavior Like You Teach Reading: Modeling and Practicing Routines with Tangela Leggett

Welcome to Season 2 of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive! To start this season, we're launching a focused four-part mini-series on classroom management. This first episode sets the foundation with one essential truth for new teachers: behavior must be taught, modeled, and practiced just like reading. Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with Tangela Leggett, founder and CEO of Leggett Educational Consulting, to explore how routines and expectations can be built from day one through clarity, structure, and relationship-building. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why behavior expectations must be taught explicitly — not assumed * How to model and practice key routines in a K–5 classroom * Tips for building consistency and calm through repetition * The connection between routines and strong student relationships * Encouragement for new teachers who are still finding their voice

23: Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Practical Tips for New Teachers with Shannon Poynter

New teachers, if you've ever felt unsure about how to support students with IEPs, collaborate with special education teams, or create a classroom where every child feels seen, this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with Shannon Poynter, a special education teacher with over 17 years of experience, to discuss what inclusion really means and how to make it a lived reality in your classroom. You'll learn: ✔️ What inclusion looks like beyond buzzwords ✔️ How to build respectful collaboration with paras and resource teachers ✔️ 3 simple strategies to make your classroom more inclusive ✔️ What parts of the IEP you really need to understand as a gen ed teacher ✔️ How to build trust, structure, and belonging for all students Whether you're a first-year teacher, student teacher, or career changer, this episode will leave you encouraged, informed, and ready to lead an inclusive space with heart and purpose. 📱 Follow on us on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567457680782 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567457680782] 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Dr. LaToya Crockett [https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-crockett]