Shows
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to ThriveWhat to Do When Students Test the RulesIn 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 st...2025-07-2218 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to ThriveCulturally Responsive Classroom Management: Building Inclusive RoutinesIn 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...2025-07-2057 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to ThriveClassroom Management vs. Discipline: What New Teachers Need to KnowWelcome 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...2025-07-0848 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to ThriveTeach Behavior Like You Teach Reading: Modeling and Practicing Routines with Tangela LeggettWelcome 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...2025-07-0138 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive23: Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Practical Tips for New Teachers with Shannon PoynterNew 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 strat...2025-06-2441 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive22: Smart Money Moves for New Teachers: How to Manage Your Summer School PaycheckIf you're a new teacher stepping into summer school with extra income on the way, this episode is your financial wake-up call!In today’s conversation, Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with Dr. Melissa Weathersby — a financial wellness consultant, educator, and advocate for financial literacy — to break down smart money habits every early-career educator needs.You’ll learn: ✔️ What to do with your summer school paycheck✔️ How to build an emergency fund (even on a tight budget) ✔️ Why teachers should stop overspending on their classrooms ✔️ Budgeting basics using the 50/30/20 rule...2025-06-1748 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive21: Connection Before Content: How to Build Meaningful Relationships with Your StudentsSummer school teachers, this is for you!The secret to a thriving classroom, even in the summer, starts with genuine connections. I’m Dr. LaToya Crockett, and today I chat with transformational speaker and educator Wynette Richardson—aka “The Teacher’s Champion”—on how to lay the foundation for learning through authentic rapport in a short amount of time.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:🎯 Why Relationships Matter: How Ms. Mildred Echols and Ms. Wanda White shaped Wynette’s why—and how you can discover yours.🔑 Day-One Strategies: Showing up as your true self, framing inten...2025-06-1048 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive20: Bringing Learning to Life: How New Teachers Can Integrate the Arts into Their Classroom In this inspiring episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!, Dr. LaToya Crockett is joined by Tanjarae Porter—arts educator, certified reading specialist, and founder of Cultivated Connections—to explore how arts integration can be a powerful tool for student engagement, inclusivity, and personal teacher wellness.Whether you're a first-year teacher, a career changer, or someone looking to spark creativity in your classroom, this episode is filled with practical strategies and heartwarming stories that will remind you why this work matters.🎨 What you’ll learn in this episode:What arts integration really me...2025-06-031h 05
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive19: Stress, Burnout, and Mental Health—Strategies to Prevent Educator BurnoutFeeling like you’ve poured every ounce of energy into your classroom… and now there’s nothing left? You’re not alone. I’m Dr. LaToya Crockett, and in this episode I sit down with licensed therapist Timeka L. Muhammad of The Courage To Cope to break down what educator burnout really looks like—and share therapist-approved habits to reclaim your passion for teaching.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:🔍 What Burnout Really Is — A clear, relatable definition so you can spot it early🚩 3 Key Warning Signs — From chronic fatigue and irritability to forgetfulness and aches🛠️ Three Burnout-Busting Strateg...2025-05-2732 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive18: From Burnout to Balance: How Teachers Can Set Boundaries and Reclaim Their WellnessFeeling exhausted, emotionally drained, or just overwhelmed as the school year winds down? You’re not alone. In this powerful episode, Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with educator wellness expert and founder of Teacher Recess, Daryll Wharton, to explore what burnout really looks like—and how new teachers can create sustainable boundaries to protect their energy, purpose, and passion. This episode is filled with affirming, actionable wisdom to help new educators stay grounded, reflect with intention, and shift from merely surviving to truly thriving.
💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
What burnout really looks like (it’s more...2025-05-1352 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive17: Mental Health for Educators: Building Resilience and Emotional WellnessHey there, educator friends! 👋
Ever feel like the weight of the classroom is just... a bit too much?
In this episode of The Inspired Educator, I sit down with Claire from The Feeling Centre to share real‑world, heart‑centered strategies that help you:
💖 Spot the first whispers of burnout before it takes over
💖 Build simple, feel‑good emotional‑wellness habits into your day
💖 Draw firm lines between work and home with healthy boundaries
💖 Cultivate a growth mindset that lifts you up when challenges strike
💖 Lean on fellow teachers to...2025-05-0634 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive16: Staying Calm in the Chaos: Building Resilience and Emotional Balance for New EducatorsFeeling overwhelmed in the classroom?
In this episode of The Inspired Educator, Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with mindfulness coach Martin Hofkamp to explore practical strategies for managing stress, staying grounded, and creating a calmer, more focused learning environment. Martin shares simple mindfulness tools new and aspiring teachers can use to build emotional resilience, navigate daily challenges, and protect their well-being.
If you're ready to bring more calm, balance, and joy into your teaching career, this conversation is for you!
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How mindfulness helps you manage cl...2025-04-2931 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive15: Finishing the Year Strong: End of the Year Classroom StrategiesAs the school year winds down, energy winds up—and for many teachers, that means classroom management becomes more challenging than ever. In this episode of The Inspired Educator, Dr. LaToya Crockett is joined by MaaTchaas Thomas, founder of Sankofa Learning Place and a certified special education teacher, to talk about end-of-year student behavior. With years of experience supporting students with diverse needs, MaaTchaas shares practical, calm, and culturally responsive strategies for teachers facing behavior challenges during testing season, routine disruptions, and emotional fatigue. Whether you’re a first-year teacher, a long-term sub, or a career changer trying to fini...2025-04-2251 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive14: Making Time for Science: Practical Support for New Teachers with Packed SchedulesIs science always the first subject to get cut when you’re short on time? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Inspired Educator, Dr. LaToya Crockett welcomes Anissa Williams, a Science Coordinator who shares practical, real-world advice for bringing science back into your classroom—without feeling overwhelmed or off track. With a background in middle school science and K–12 curriculum support, Anissa understands the realities new teachers face: tight schedules, lack of materials, and limited confidence with science content. But she’s here to remind us: you don’t have to be an expert to spark curiosity. 🔑...2025-04-1631 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive13:How to Talk So Parents Will Listen (And How to Listen So Parents Will Talk)In this value-packed episode of The Inspired Educator, host Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with Dr. JaNae’ Alfred, a 17-year educator, instructional coach, and Director of Community and Culture. Dr. Alfred brings wisdom, warmth, and real-world strategies to one of the most important (and often overwhelming) parts of teaching: parent communication. Whether you’re preparing for your first parent-teacher conference, navigating cultural dynamics, or unsure how to handle difficult conversations, Dr. Alfred walks you through how to do it all with authenticity, clarity, and confidence. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 📞 Why the first parent phone call should always be positi...2025-04-081h 00
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive7: Classroom Management Made Simple: How to Handle Those Little DisruptionsManaging a classroom full of students can feel like juggling 20 spinning plates while walking a tightrope—especially when small, repeated disruptions start piling up. In this solo episode of The Inspired Educator, Dr. LaToya Crockett breaks down a clear, actionable framework for handling those little disruptions before they turn into big problems. Whether you’re a first-year teacher, career changer, or substitute navigating classroom management for the first time, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to build a calm, consistent, and thriving learning environment.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
3-Pillars to help with...2025-04-0337 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive12: How to Empower Students with 21st Century Skills: Tips for New TeachersIn this episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive, host Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with veteran educator and consultant Felicia Heard of Be Heard Education. With over 20 years of experience in instructional design, student engagement, and relationship-building, Felicia brings fresh insight into how new teachers can teach critical 21st century skills without burning out.
🌟 What You’ll Learn:
💡What 21st century skills really are—and why they matter
💡How to build student voice and creativity into your lessons
💡Why student relationships are key to engagement and rigor
💡Encouragi...2025-04-0127 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive9: Conquering Lesson Planning: How to Work Smarter, Not HarderFeeling overwhelmed by lesson planning? You’re not alone—and this episode is here to help.
In Episode 9 of The Inspired Educator, host Dr. LaToya Crockett shares step-by-step strategies to help new and aspiring teachers simplify their planning process, save time, and reduce stress—without sacrificing student learning. If you’re a first-year teacher juggling multiple content areas, scripted curriculum, and limited planning time, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control of your workflow.
You’ll learn how to:
✅ Organize your planning materials for consistency and ease
✅ Use your...2025-03-2524 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive8: Navigating Hard Conversations: Tips for First & Second Year Teachers During Parent-Teacher ConferencesNervous about parent-teacher conferences?
In this episode of The Inspired Educator, Dr. LaToya Crockett shares 6 practical strategies to help new teachers navigate tough conversations with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Learn how to prepare talking points, manage emotions, and follow up with families to build strong relationships and create a positive classroom culture. Perfect for first-year teachers gearing up for conferences or challenging parent interactions.2025-03-2513 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive11: 🎧 Student Engagement Strategies That Actually Work: Insights from a High School Psychology TeacherIn this energizing episode of The Inspired Educator, host Dr. LaToya Crockett sits down with high school teacher and instructional coach Erin Shook to explore practical, creative strategies for student engagement.
Whether you teach kindergarten or seniors, Erin shares actionable ways to get students talking, thinking, moving—and actually enjoying learning.
We cover:
✅How to rebuild student social skills post-pandemic
✅Why “elementary-style” tools (stickers, partner cards, silly games) still work for teens
✅Tips for using movement, music, and choice to increase classroom participation
✅The value of being real, flexible...2025-03-2539 min
The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!#9: Conquering Lesson Planning: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder📌 Struggling with lesson planning?
Feeling overwhelmed by scripted curricula and limited prep time?
You’re not alone! In this episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!, I’m breaking down a simple, strategic approach to lesson planning that will save you time, reduce stress, and help you work smarter, not harder.
💡 Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ How to get organized so lesson planning doesn’t take over your life
✅ Why you should always begin with the end in mind (hint: assessments are your roadmap!)
✅ The biggest time...2025-02-1124 minThe Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!#8 Navigating Hard Conversations: Tips for First & Second Year Teachers During Parent-Teacher ConferencesIn this episode of The Inspired Educator, we share 6 essential tips to help first and second-year teachers navigate hard conversations during parent-teacher conferences.
Whether you're discussing student progress, behavior, or classroom strategies, these actionable tips will give you the confidence to handle challenging conversations with parents.
Learn how to prepare effectively, listen authentically, control your emotions, and offer solutions that focus on student success.
Tune in for expert advice that will help you build stronger relationships and foster better communication in your classroom.
Don't forget to subscribe/follow The Inspired Educator...2025-01-2813 minThe Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!#7 Classroom Management Made Simple: How to Handle Those Little DisruptionsWelcome back to The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive! In today’s episode, Dr. LaToya Crockett dives deep into practical, structured systems to handle those small but disruptive behaviors in the classroom.
Classroom disruptions can be overwhelming, especially for new teachers, but with the right strategies in place, you can create a calm and productive learning environment for both you and your students. In this episode, Dr. Crockett covers:
✅Proactive prevention strategies to reduce disruptions before they happen
✅Real-life examples of setting clear expectations and creating predictable routines
✅Effective interven...2025-01-2137 minThe Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!Mastering Inclusion and Collaboration: Expert Advice for New EducatorsIn this insightful episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!, we dive deep into the essential aspects of creating inclusive classrooms and fostering meaningful collaboration between general education teachers and special education teams. Join us as we sits down with Shannon Poynter, a seasoned special education teacher with over 15 years of experience, to discuss how to effectively support neurodivergent students, work alongside paraprofessionals, and implement practical strategies that make a real impact in the classroom.
Key Takeaways:
✨Understanding what inclusion truly means and how to create a welcoming space for all students....2025-01-1440 minThe Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!Empowering New Teachers with Effective Reading StrategiesIn this episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!, we’re joined by the incredible Tamia Peterson, also known as The Savvy SPEDucator.
Tamia is a special education reading interventionist, published author, and educator with a passion for helping teachers master the art of reading interventions. Tamia shares actionable insights into the multi-tier approach to reading interventions, her journey as an educator, and how research-backed strategies can transform classrooms. Whether you’re supporting struggling readers or looking for tools to strengthen your practice, Tamia’s advice is a game-changer for educators at any stage of the...2025-01-0742 minThe Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!Reset and Recharge: New Year Tips for New Teachers🎙️ Reset and Recharge: New Year Tips for New Teachers Are you ready to head back to the classroom with a refreshed mindset and practical tools to tackle the second half of the school year? This week on The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!, we’re diving into the unseen ways teachers build stronger relationships with students and how to reset your mindset for a successful January. In the first part of this episode, we’ll expand on last week’s conversation about building meaningful student relationships with three new strategies you might not expect, like creating solid structures...2024-12-3145 minThe Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!Building Authentic Student Relationships with The Socially Savvy MentorWelcome back to The Inspired Educator! This week, we’re joined by the incredible Latasha Gaston, known as The Socially Savvy Mentor. With her expertise in helping preteens and teens build healthy, meaningful relationships both in and out of the classroom, Latasha brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this episode. Here’s what you’ll take away: 🤝 What authentic student-teacher relationships really mean and why they are essential for classroom success. 🛠 Practical, actionable steps you can use immediately to connect with your students, such as learning names quickly, showing genuine interest in their lives, and creating routines that foster...2024-12-3121 minThe Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!From Campus to Classroom: Ms. Jay's Passion to Teach Despite the Challenges"Welcome to The Inspired Educator, the podcast where we celebrate and support new teachers navigating their teaching journeys. I’m Dr. Crockett, your host, and today’s episode kicks off something truly special: we’re following one aspiring teacher’s path from college senior to her first classroom.
In this episode, you’ll meet Ms. Jay, a future educator full of passion, excitement, and big dreams. Listen as she shares:
🌟 Why she chose teaching during a time when educators face so many challenges.
✨ What excites her most about stepping into her own classroom.
😟 Her hon...2024-12-1714 minThe Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!From Substitute to Full-Time Teacher: Ms. Smittie's First-Year JourneyIn this episode of The Inspired Educator, we dive into the story of Ms. Smittie, a first-year teacher who transitioned from substitute teaching to leading her own classroom. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step into full-time teaching—especially with no prior teaching experience—this conversation will inspire and reassure you that you’re not alone.
Ms. Smittie shares:
💡 Why she chose to pursue teaching, even during one of the most challenging times for educators.
🎉 The moments she’s most excited about, like building relationships and creating a positive classroom communit...2024-12-1717 minThe Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive!Welcome to The Inspired EducatorWelcome to The Inspired Educator! In this trailer, I’m quickly sharing the heart behind this podcast and a quick peak into my journey as a teacher turned educational consultant. Discover why I started The Inspired Educator and how it’s designed to uplift, empower, and guide new and aspiring teachers through the challenges of teaching. This podcast isn’t just about advice—it’s about community. Whether you’re a first-year teacher, a career changer, or a substitute navigating the classroom, you’re not alone. Here, we’re building a supportive space to help you grow, thrive, and become the educa...2024-12-1703 min
the DirectLineDIRECTLINE Podcast: Volume 1, Episode 17On this episode ofthe DirectLine,host David Roustio hears from Latoya Crockett-Thomas, with Choices In Community Living (CICL), who makes sure to give "her ladies" special shout-outs. If you have a question, comment, or would like to be a guest on the DirectLine, reach out to David at podcast@oadsp.org.2023-07-0603 min
Dr. Pamela Presents - Write Now: An Author's PlatformWRITE NOW with Berlinda Love & Latoya BuchananBoth of these powerful women are part of the UNDEFEATED Anthology released by Kearn Crockett Cherry
The women in this anthology share some amazing stories of how they lived through challenges in their life, but they still managed to win. They are mothers, doctors, ministers, entrepreneurs, and much more. Some have gone through childhood trauma, obstacles in their career, life changing health issues, unexpected deaths, bullies, and more. These women are relentless, determined, persistent, unbroken, unwavering, and unshakeable community leaders. Sometimes life can give you a “bag of rocks”. It’s how you deal with any situations that a...2022-11-011h 09