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In this conversation, Jordan Jones, an instructional coach, shares her journey and insights on supporting new teachers. She discusses the challenges faced by first-year teachers, the importance of classroom management, and strategies to build confidence and community among educators. Jordan emphasizes the need for effective systems in the classroom and the value of seeking help and collaboration. She also highlights her transition from creating resources to focusing on coaching and supporting new teachers through various platforms.

Chapters
02:51 Supporting New Teachers
05:57 Classroom Management Strategies
09:00 Building Confidence in New Teachers
11:59 Creating Effective Classroom Systems
14:45 Transitioning to New Teacher Support
17:51 Resource Creation and Sharing
20:40 Advice for New Teachers
23:36 Building a Supportive Community
26:53 Final Thoughts and Resources

Keywords
new teachers, classroom management, instructional coaching, teacher support, education resources, teaching strategies, teacher burnout, community building, teaching advice, professional development

Sound Bites
"Keep things as simple as possible."
"Your job is not your life."
"Asking for help is not a weakness."

• Navigating the First Year of Teaching

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Lauren Denny-- www.laurendenny.com

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Feeling behind on back-to-school prep? You’re not alone—and you’re not late. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what I do (and don’t) prep during the summer to help you head into the school year feeling calm, confident, and focused on what really matters.

I’ll walk you through my real-life classroom checklist, how I’ve learned to ditch the pressure to “do it all,” and the simple systems that actually make a difference.

Plus, I’ve created a free Back-to-School Prep Checklist just for you—grab it in the show notes or over on my TpT store to help you prep with intention, not overwhelm. 💛

You’ll Learn:
✔ What to focus on during summer prep
✔ What to let go of (guilt-free!)
✔ Easy wins to save time during the year
✔ How to prep in a way that actually supports you

🔗 Snag the free checklist + browse my favorite back-to-school resources at Teachers Pay Teachers – Simply Lauren Denny.

Follow me on Instagram: @simplylaurendenny

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Lauren Denny-- www.laurendenny.com

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Have you ever walked into a kindergarten classroom and instantly felt the energy—bright colors, fun posters, cozy corners—and then flashbacked to your high school or college experience where the walls were... gray, plain, and uninspired? Yeah, me too.

In this episode, I’m diving into a fascinating study that explores how classroom design changes as students get older—and what that says about how we treat learning at different ages. We’ll unpack the research behind why creative environments foster engagement, how classroom aesthetics impact student success, and why older learners deserve inspiration too.

As a former elementary teacher turned high school media instructor, I’m sharing how I’ve intentionally transformed my classroom into a warm, inviting space—and why I launched a sign business to help other teachers do the same. Because comfort isn’t just for little kids. A creative space can shape how students show up—and how they believe in themselves.

We’ll talk:

• What the research says about classroom design and student performance
• Why color, comfort, and creativity belong in every grade level
• How your learning space might be helping—or hurting—your students
• Tips to rethink your classroom setup, no matter your teaching level
• Why I believe classroom design is one of the most underrated tools in education

✨ Plus: High schoolers give the most honest feedback—you’ll hear how mine react to a colorful, comfy classroom made just for them.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• University of Salford's study on classroom design & learning
• Edutopia’s articles on flexible, student-centered learning environments
• My Teachers Pay Teachers shop: Simply Lauren Denny
• Follow @simplylaurendenny on Instagram for teaching tips and cozy classroom inspo

🎯 Whether you’re a new teacher, a veteran educator, or someone who just loves a good cozy vibe—this episode is for you.

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Lauren Denny-- www.laurendenny.com