Embracing Change and Growth: Montana Riley’s Guide to Reigniting Your Teaching Passion

Welcome to a special recap and deep dive into the latest episode of the "Flip Side: Get Your Teach On" podcast, featuring the inspiring Montana Riley. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, this episode is packed with actionable advice, encouragement, and real talk about navigating change, building confidence, and finding renewed motivation in your teaching career.

Let’s break down the main themes and expert tips Montana shared, so you can walk away with practical strategies to transform your classroom and your mindset—no matter where you are on your teaching path.

The Power of Change: Why a New Environment Can Reignite Your Passion

Main Takeaway:

If you’re feeling exhausted or burnt out, don’t quit teaching just yet, try changing your environment first.

Montana’s Story:

After eight years at the same school, Montana took a year off to be with her baby and then made the bold decision to move to a new school closer to family. This leap into the unknown was scary, but it brought new excitement, opportunities, and a sense of renewal.

Actionable Advice:

• Recognize Burnout as a Signal for Change:

Burnout doesn’t always mean you’re in the wrong profession. Sometimes, it’s a sign that you need a new challenge, a different grade level, or a fresh environment.

• Give Yourself Permission to Try Something New:

Before making a final decision to leave teaching, consider switching schools, grade levels, or even subject areas. A change of scenery can reignite your passion and remind you why you started teaching in the first place.

• Reflect on Your Needs:

Ask yourself: What’s missing in my current role? Is it support, community, resources, or simply a new challenge? Use your answers to guide your next steps.

Expert Insight:

Montana emphasizes, “The beauty of teaching is that you can try something new, maybe one more year in a different role or school—and see how it goes. Don’t give up too soon.”

Interviewing Your Next School: How to Find the Right Fit

Main Takeaway:

When searching for a new teaching position, remember: you’re interviewing the school as much as they’re interviewing you.

Montana’s Approach:

After hearing about a new school opening, Montana reached out directly to the principal and treated the interview as a two-way conversation. She prioritized finding a supportive administration and a collaborative team.

Actionable Advice:

• Prepare Questions for the School:

  • What is the school’s approach to professional development?

  • How does the administration support teachers?

  • What resources are available for your grade/subject?

  • Can you meet your potential teammates before accepting the job?

• Assess the School Culture:

Pay attention to how staff interact, the energy in the building, and whether the school’s values align with yours.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away:

If the fit isn’t right, keep looking. The right environment can make all the difference in your job satisfaction and effectiveness.

Expert Insight:

Montana advises, “A strong, supportive administration is crucial. Don’t be afraid to gather all the information you need to make the best decision for you.”

Balancing Confidence and Growth: Thriving in a New Community

Main Takeaway:

Confidence in your teaching style is important, but so is humility and openness to feedback.

Montana’s Experience:

Starting at a new school meant Montana had to prove herself all over again. She leaned into her unique teaching style (“the Montana way”) while remaining open to learning from new colleagues and accepting constructive criticism.

Actionable Advice:

• Own Your Strengths:

Be confident in what you bring to the table. Your experience and results matter.

• Stay Open to Feedback:

Growth happens when you’re willing to listen and adapt. Seek out feedback from coaches, instructional leads, and peers—even when it’s uncomfortable.

• Find Your People:

Look for colleagues who are supportive and willing to try new things. If you don’t find them right away, keep searching.

• Balance Confidence with Humility:

“I’m not a perfect teacher, and I always have room to grow,” Montana shares. Embrace both your expertise and your areas for improvement.

Expert Insight:

“Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. When you leave the harbor, it’s not smooth sailing at first, but eventually, you’ll reach beautiful new places.”

Intentional Classroom Design: Systems Over Style

Main Takeaway:

A beautiful classroom is great, but intentional organization and functional systems are what truly make a difference.

The Get Your Teach On Classroom:

At the national conference, Montana helped design a fully functional classroom that wowed both teachers and students. The focus wasn’t just on aesthetics, but on purposeful zones and systems that support learning.

Actionable Advice:

• Prioritize Functionality:

  • Create clear zones (student center, classroom library, supply area) with specific purposes.

  • Use labels, bins, and signage to help students navigate and take ownership of the space.

• Start Small:

You don’t have to overhaul your entire classroom at once. Pick one area to improve—like your library or materials organization—and build from there.

• Make It Student-Friendly:

Design your space so students can access what they need independently. This fosters responsibility and smooth transitions.

• Draw Inspiration, Don’t Copy:

Use ideas from model classrooms as a springboard, but adapt them to fit your unique needs and style.

Expert Insight:

Montana encourages, “You don’t have to copy the look exactly, but you can take ideas to improve your own systems. It’s about functionality and inspiration.”

Quick Wins: Morning Meeting Activities to Boost Energy

Main Takeaway:

Simple, fun activities can set a positive tone for the day and build classroom community.

Montana’s Favorite Activity:

Play a kid-appropriate song and have students guess the artist (not the song title). Split the class into teams and award points. It’s quick, energizing, and gets everyone engaged.

Actionable Advice:

• Keep It Simple:

You don’t need a full morning meeting to make an impact. Even a five-minute activity can boost morale.

• Use Music and Games:

Music is a universal motivator. Create a playlist of upbeat, school-appropriate songs for quick games.

• Build Connection:

These activities aren’t just “fluff”—they help students feel seen, valued, and excited to learn.

• Be Consistent:

Incorporate these quick wins regularly to maintain a positive classroom culture.

Expert Insight:

“It’s not academic, but it builds connection and excitement, which supports learning,” Montana explains.

Connect with Montana Riley

Want more inspiration and practical tips? Follow Montana Riley on social media:

Instagram & TikTok: @teachinganduplifting

Explore the Get Your Teach On classroom and resources at shop.getyourteachon.com.

Final Encouragement

If you’re feeling stuck, exhausted, or unsure about your next steps in teaching, remember: you have options. Change can be scary, but it’s also the gateway to growth, renewed passion, and new opportunities. Take Montana’s advice, step out of your harbor, embrace the unknown, and watch your teaching journey flourish.

Do something this week that makes you uncomfortable. Your future self and your students will thank you!

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