This teacher podcast is for all educators who want to regain control of their time and energy and rekindle their passion for teaching. It is full of tips for teachers who want to overcome teacher burnout, invest in authentic teacher self-care, and create a sustainable work-life balance through better habits and confidently setting boundaries. Grace combines her 20-year classroom experience and training in NLP and life coaching to inspire, entertain, and support educators to feel more empowered to create their unique path in an education system that can be overwhelming and stressful. This podcast for educators delivers the kind of teacher professional development you've always wished you could receive. Once you understand that your energy teaches more than your lesson plans, you'll realize that feeling empowered to create your own teaching experience is the best thing you can do for yourself, your family, and your students. You'll discover that feeling empowered is the ultimate inspiration for teachers.This educator podcast is for you if you've ever asked yourself: 1. How can teachers set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance? 2. What are some signs of burnout in teachers, and how can it be prevented? 3. What can schools do to support teacher well-being and prevent burnout?4. What ways can schools create a wellness culture that supports both students and teachers? 5. What are the best podcasts for teachers who want practical strategies for proper self-care and inspiration for teachers?6. What are some positive mindsets and strategies to help me put the fun and joy back in my classroom and fall back in love with teaching?7. What resources can support me if I am struggling and starting to think that a career in education may not be sustainable? PART of the TEACH BETTER Podcast Network
Send us a textWhether you're facing a Program Improvement Plan (PIP) or dealing with a challenging administrator, this episode provides practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you navigate these difficult situations with grace and professionalism. Grace shares her own story of working with a demanding administrator and how changing her perspective transformed the experience.What You'll lEarn:1. Mindset ShiftsOther People's Experiences Don't Have to Be Yours - Don't let colleagues' negative stories shape your realityFocus on Facts, Not Feelings - Write down what has actually happened vs. what you've heard or assumedThis is Temporary - A PIP is a chapter, not your whole storyAssume Best Intentions - Approach the plan as a tool for improvement, not punishment2. Practical StrategiesDocument Everything - Keep daily logs and confirm conversations via emailRequest Specific Feedback - Ask for concrete examples of what success looks likeFind a Thought Partner - Get support from a trusted mentor or colleague (without gossiping)Focus One Thing at a Time - Don't try to overhaul everything at onceMaintain Professionalism - Stay calm, neutral, and professional even when provoked3. Setting BoundariesTime Boundaries - Don't let the PIP consume your entire lifeEmotional Boundaries - Respond, don't react; pause before responding to feedbackCommunication Boundaries - Don't overexplain, overjustify, or constantly seek reassurance4. Growth OpportunitiesUse the experience to evaluate if this district is right for youLearn what you can, even if the situation isn't idealBuild resilience and professional skillsRemember: most teachers outlive their administratorsKey Quotes"Other people's experience doesn't need to be your experience.""This is not a personal indictment - it's often a reflection of a broken system or poor communication."These aren't just for teachers on improvement plans. Back to school special 2025/6 Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries Course is everything you need to thrive in the upcoming school year. LIMITED TIME: Use code BBB27 at checkout for a special discount.Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance
Send us a textWelcome to Part 5 of our Back-to-School Series!
Send us a textIf you've ever opened an email from a parent and instantly felt your stomach drop — this episode is for you. In today's episode, Grace unpacks practical and empowering ways to improve your communication with families — without burning out, over-explaining, or bending over backwards.You'll walk away with mindset shifts and strategies to help you:De-escalate tough parent conversationsCommunicate clearly and proactively to avoid confusionSet healthy boundaries without guiltBuild trust and goodwill from day oneGrace also shares real talk about what doesn't work, how to recover when you've made a mistake, and why improving parent communication makes everything — yes, everything — easier.Whether you're dealing with a challenging parent, hoping to reset after a rocky start, or just want to feel more confident heading into a new school year — this episode will help you reclaim your calm and lead with connection.Back to school special 2025/6 Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries Course is everything you need to thrive in the upcoming school year. LIMITED TIME: Use code BBB27 at checkout for a special discount.Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance
Send us a textHey teacher friend — you're back in school, and guess what's making its rounds again? Yep… the dreaded adjunct duty list
Send us a textLIMITED TIME OFFER MENTIONED:www.gracestevens.com/lifeback Use coupon code BBB27 at checkoutWelcome to part one of our five-episode Back to School Special for the 2025-26 school year! In this foundational episode, Grace breaks down her proven ECHO Framework for Educator Empowerment - four essential pillars that will help you crush this school year, create your own path, and bring your own sunshine no matter what challenges come your way.The ECHO Framework ExplainedGrace introduces her comprehensive framework that encompasses everything she's taught over 12 years of writing, speaking, and podcasting about teacher empowerment.E - Energy Teaches More Than Your Lesson PlansHow you show up matters more than perfect lesson plans or classroom decorThe power of co-regulation in the classroomCreating a positive vibe that promotes learning and risk-takingSelf-care as a professional responsibility, not selfishnessC - Control What You Can ControlStop wasting energy on things outside your influenceThe connection to Mel Robbins' "Let Them Theory" and Stephen Covey's timeless principlesFocusing on your responsibilities rather than managing everyone elseCreating empowerment through intentional focusH - Happiness Can Be SynthesizedResearch-backed truth: Only 50% of happiness is genetic baselineLife circumstances contribute just 10% to your happiness quotientThe powerful 40%: intentional habits you can cultivate and controlReference to Harvard research and happiness expertsO - Other People's Experience Doesn't Need to Be Your ExperienceCreating your own path despite difficult narratives in educationWhy teachers in the same building can have vastly different experiencesTaking responsibility for your unique teaching journeyKey TakeawaysYou can change your "operating terms and conditions" anytime - don't wait for next yearPersonal development is YOUR responsibility (it won't come from admin PD)YBack to school special 2025/6 Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries Course is everything you need to thrive in the upcoming school year. LIMITED TIME: Use code BBB27 at checkout for a special discount.Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance
Send us a textIn this power-packed episode of our Back to School 2025 series, Grace breaks down the ONE thing that can make or break your entire school year - and it's not your bulletin boards or seating charts. It's your boundary plan.You're spending hours on classroom decorations while ignoring the foundation that will determine whether you thrive or barely survive this year. Grace reveals the 6 critical areas every teacher needs to address to create sustainable work-life balance and protect their energy.
Send us a textBreaking Free from the Sunk Cost Fallacy: Why Smart Teachers Stay Stuck
Send us a text
Send us a text
Send us a text
Send us a textHow to Transform Your Teaching Career Into Something NewThis week I'm chatting with Lisa Harding, CEO of Teacher Career Transitions Academy, about how educators can successfully transition to careers outside the classroom. Born into a family of teachers but taking a different path herself, Lisa shares her journey from educational technology executive to certified career coach dedicated to helping teachers recognize their transferable skills and overcome imposter syndrome. Whether you're considering leaving teaching, looking for a side hustle, or planning for post-retirement opportunities, this dynamic conversation provides valuable insights and practical steps for your career journey.Key Points Discussed:Common misconceptions teachers have about changing careers and overcoming imposter syndromeCurrent career paths that are excellent matches for teachers' skill setsHow to rebrand classroom skills into corporate-friendly resume languageA step-by-step process for transitioning out of teachingPractical exercises to identify your transferable skills and career optionsThe importance of networking when considering a career changeand so much more!Even if you're not looking to leave teaching right now, this information is incredibly valuable. Many of us will eventually move beyond the classroom, and understanding your options can actually reduce stress and provide peace of mind.Resources Mentioned:GRAB THE FREE DOWNLOAD Teacher Career Transitions Directory: 200+ careers for transitioning teachers with job summaries, core skills, and salary rangesLearn more about Teacher Career Transitions AcademyTo join us this summer, www.gracestevens.com/balance - ACT FAST - only 30 seats available! Want PD that teachers crave and actually use? Have your administrator visit www.gracestevens.com/adminsWant to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out my signature on-demand course, Balance Your Teacher Life. You can go the self-study route or join a cohort with group coaching for Summer 2025. Check out all the details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance
Send us a text4 Flexibility Options Schools Need NOW to Retain Great TeachersIn this week's episode, I share something deeply personal that has been on my mind since I left the classroom full-time two years ago. The truth? I never stopped loving teaching or my students - I simply needed more flexibility than traditional school structures could offer.The Flexibility Crisis in EducationLet's be honest - teaching has become an all-or-nothing profession. You're either in the classroom full-time or completely out of education. This inflexible system is driving away talented educators who love teaching but need options that accommodate:Young children at homeAging parents requiring carePersonal health needsWork-life balanceIn this episode, I explore four potential solutions that could enable teachers to remain in the profession while enjoying more flexibility in their schedules.They include:1. Reimagined SabbaticalsNot just unpaid leave, but structured breaks (6 months to a year) with:Partial pay possibilitiesGuaranteed retention of tenureMaintained healthcare benefitsReturn-to-position guarantees2. Expanded Job SharesAllow two excellent teachers to split one full-time position:Flexible scheduling optionsMaintained benefits (critical improvement needed)Reduced burnoutPreserved institutional knowledgeCollaborative teaching partnershipsLess disruption for students3. Reduced Load ContractsCommon in higher education but rarely available in K-12:Teach fewer classes/sectionsPerfect for experienced educatorsOpportunity to bring back retired teachers as mentorsReduce burnout while maintaining connections4. Administrative Support SystemsAddress the number one complaint: "I love teaching - it's all the OTHER stuff that wears me out"Dedicated admin support for paperworkHelp with data entry, reporting, emailsGrade management assistanceParent communication supportReduced mental load for teachersBonus Idea: Professional "Break" BankCreate systems where teachers can donate time to colleagues needing mental health breaks - not just for physical illness.Remember: Flexible options aren't a sign of weakness - they're infrastructure for longevity a Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out my signature on-demand course, Balance Your Teacher Life. You can go the self-study route or join a cohort with group coaching for Summer 2025. Check out all the details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance
Send us a textWhy Your Smartphone Policy May Be Destroying Your School CultureIs your classroom filled with anxious, distracted students who can't handle minor setbacks? Research shows technology is rewiring their brains, and not in a good way.In this essential episode, discover the stark difference between phone-free and phone-accessible schools, learn how the "attention economy" deliberately creates addiction, and get practical strategies for every grade level to build resilience and focus without fighting constant battles over devices.Key Insights:Why the "attention economy" is deliberately engineered to hook young mindsFour neurological impacts: social deprivation, sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, and addictionGrade-specific strategies that work even without school-wide phone bansEvidence-based activities that build resilience through appropriate risk-takingWhether you're witnessing technology's toll firsthand or concerned about rising student anxiety, these actionable approaches will help you create an environment where students can develop the social skills and emotional regulation they desperately need. Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out my signature on-demand course, Balance Your Teacher Life. You can go the self-study route or join a cohort with group coaching for Summer 2025. Check out all the details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance
Send us a textTeacher Self-Care: Setting Your Substitute Teacher Up for Success
Send us a textFor free and paid resources to help students of all ages deal with test anxiety visit:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Grace-Stevens-Happy-classroomsFeeling overwhelmed by school testing season? Dread seeing students suffer from crippling test anxiety? This podcast episode for educators of all grades is for you!
Send us a textIn this eye-opening episode, we dive into the science behind limiting beliefs and how they specifically show up in education and the lives of passionate teachers. Learn practical strategies to identify, challenge, and transform the unhelpful stories you tell yourself about teaching that keep you stuck in burnout cycles.Key Points
Send us a textReady to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters in education? Dr. David Franklin, creator of The Principal's Desk community (230,000+ educators strong!), shares his candid take on what schools need to leave behind in 2025 - and spoiler alert: teachers, you're going to want to hear this!
Send us a textTeacher pop-quiz: If you could never wear a t-themed t-shirt again, would your wardrobe empty? In this powerful encore episode, we dive deep into the dangers of making teaching your entire identity and how to reclaim balance in your life. Whether you're struggling with burnout or feeling guilty about setting boundaries, this episode provides practical strategies to help you separate your worth from your work.Key Takeaways:Why wrapping your whole identity in teaching leads to burnout and relationship strainThe problem with attaching your self-worth to measurable outcomes in educationHow to maintain your sense of self when transitioning out of teachingPractical steps to create more balance and nurture non-teaching interests
Send us a textIn this powerful episode, Grace Stevens addresses the growing concerns in education and provides practical strategies for teachers to maintain their influence and effectiveness, regardless of external challenges. ICE raids, potential elimination of the Dept. of Education ... student and teacher anxiety is at an all-time high. Grace talks about the importance and empowerment that come from focusing on what you can control, including the critical areas of classroom culture, explicitly teaching media literacy and critical skills, and navigating professional relationships with people who have very different politics and opinions.Episode Highlights
Send us a textIf there were one word separating joyful, impactful teachers from those stuck in overwhelm, and burnout, wouldn't you want to know it?
Send us a textFinally! An educational podcast for your classroom that you and your students will enjoy AND helps with listening comprehension. In this week's episode, I sat down with Jerry Kolber - the Emmy-nominated creator of Brain Games (yes, THAT Brain Games!) - and he shared an incredible FREE resource that's perfect for:Building listening comprehension skillsThose tricky transition timesWhen you need a quality 15-minute activityGetting kids excited about learningPlus, he's offering all teachers FREE ad-free access to his wildly popular educational podcast "Who Smarted" (we're talking 50 million downloads!).➡️ To learn more and get immediate access, go to:www.whosmarted.com/educator/The best part? These episodes are insanely fun to listen to. Other parts of this inspiring conversation include:
Send us a text
Send us a textIt's time to level up your teacher communication!Could YOU be unintentionally pushing your teaching colleagues away? In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the seemingly helpful phrases that might actually be damaging your workplace relationships. Whether you're a veteran teacher or new to the classroom, these common expressions could create tension without you even realizing it!
Send us a textIn this heartfelt mini-episode, Grace shares a "Lunchbox Love Note" to help teachers navigate the dreaded Sunday Scaries. As winter break ends and the hustle of teaching looms, many educators feel a mix of anxiety, dread, and resentment. Grace reminds you that these feelings are normal—and that you're not alone.
Send us a textThis week's ENCORE
Send us a text➡️ To get your FREE
Send us a textAre you nervous about setting boundaries at school because you're worried about pushback? You're not alone! In this episode, we tackle one of the most common concerns I hear from educators: "What happens when I start setting boundaries and people push back?" Whether it's passive-aggressive comments from colleagues or pressure from administrators, I'm sharing real strategies to help you stand firm with confidence and grace.✨ In This Episode You'll Discover:
Send us a textLet me help you get ready to have the best parent-teacher conference season ever!
Send us a textIn this empowering mini-episode, Grace examines how to deal with the aftermath of this week's election results. What if it didn't go the way you hoped? How do we rise above no matter what and find things that unite us with others, not divide us? How do we create a classroom community where everyone feels valued, safe, and included?❤️ Her advice? "Be the source." Lead with love, not fear.Take a quick time out to maybe have a mindset shift and a virtual hug to make you feel better about navigating the challenges of "keeping politics out of your classroom" when it is all anyone can think about this week.Inspiration for teachers, school leadership, and anyone who is stressed by politics these days.➡️ To get your FREE
Send us a textBeating the Sunday Scaries: 5 Game-Changing Tips for TeachersThat pit in your stomach on Sunday afternoon? You're not alone. As educators, we've ALL felt that weekend-ruining anxiety creeping in. But here's the truth: you don't have to live with the Sunday Scaries forever. In this episode, I'm sharing my battle-tested strategies that helped me transform my weekends from dread-filled to rejuvenating.
Send us a textTeachers, want to boost your daily happiness and teacher resilience?In this mini-episode, Grace shares a simple, transformative strategy that requires no time, no money, and very little effort—but has the potential to completely change how you feel and show up each day in your classroom and your life. It's all about noticing the "lovely" moments in your day and giving them just a little extra focus to turn everyday encounters into a source of joy. Dive in to learn how a “lovely list” can help you cultivate a positive mindset!Key Takeaways:
Send us a text
Send us a text
Send us a textMany of us know that we need to do a better job expressing our needs, wants, desires, and preferences, but we don't know how to start the conversation or do it in a productive, positive way. If, like me, you suffer from being a chronic -people pleaser, this episode is for you!I dive deep into the art of setting healthy boundaries – a game-changer for teachers who want to avoid burnout and rediscover their work-life balance.
Send us a textAre you a stressed-out teacher looking for inspiration?
Send us a text
Send us a textIn this special anniversary episode, host Grace Stevens reflects on a year of empowering educators to reclaim their work-life balance.
Send us a text
Send us a textTeachers, ever feel like you're stuck in a race you didn't sign up for? In this episode, Grace explains why the only competition that truly matters is the one with yourself. Get ready to let go of the comparison trap and embrace a mindset that celebrates growth, collaboration, and grace—both for yourself and your students.
Send us a textAre you a teacher or school administrator tired of energy vampires draining your enthusiasm at school?
Send us a textTo thrive in teaching WITHOUT sacrificing your personal life, visit www.gracestevens.com/elevate Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out the Elevated Teacher Experience hereCheck out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book hereAnd the #1 new release for educators Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book hereWanna get social?https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacherhttps://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacherhttps://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)
Send us a Text Message.5 Pieces of Hard-Earned Wisdom for New Teachers (And Why Every Teacher Should Listen!)This episode is part five of our special Back to School 2024-2025 series, designed to set you up for success with the best strategies, attitudes, and boundary-setting tips. Whether you're a brand new teacher or a seasoned educator, today's episode is packed with wisdom that's taken a lifetime to earn. I reflect on my 20-year journey and share five powerful "do's." I wish I could go back and tell my younger self—insights from which every teacher, new or experienced, can benefit.Tune in to Discover:
Send us a Text Message.In this mini-podcast episode for teachers, I address the six things you will never regret doing as a teacher. While there is such a vast amount of teacher turnover and the teacher shortage is real, teaching can be a rewarding and sustainable career if we're smart about it. Examples of things I never regretted spending time on are:
Attention ALL stressed educators! If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the never-ending to-do list or guilty about not getting everything done, this episode is for you. We're breaking down the myth of the perfect balance and giving you tools to prioritize effectively so you can lead a more fulfilled and empowered teaching life.In part four of our Back-to-School series, we're diving into one of the most powerful metaphors to help you redefine what balance really means in your teacher life. Spoiler alert: There's no such thing as the perfect planner or a one-size-fits-all strategy. Instead, we're focusing on intentional choices that will empower you to handle the overwhelm and prioritize what's truly important.What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Are you feeling anxious about controlling student behavior this year? Are you stressed at the thought that your classroom management plan that used to work in the past is no longer stringent enough for today's challenging classroom behaviors? If these feelings resonate, then this week's podcast episode for teachers is going to be perfect for you! In this empowering episode, I explore:
In this episode, I continue our "Back to School" series, focusing on the all-important aspect of building positive parent-teacher relationships. Drawing on 20 years of experience, I share my "secret sauce" to fostering a productive partnership with parents. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator, these insights will set you up for a successful school year.Key Takeaways for Teachers and Instructional Leaders:
❤️ A mini-episode in my Lunchbox Love Notes series - purely inspiration and motivation to support teachers. This one is for you if you have mixed feelings about going back to school.
Back-to-school season can be a rollercoaster, whether you're thrilled to start lesson planning or dreading the endless professional development icebreakers. But nothing causes as many back-to-school jitters as (finally) getting your new class list. This is the first in a 5-part back-to-school 2024 series. I break down when to take that unbalanced list to administration and when not to, and the 5 top mindsets to adopt to ensure you don't derail your year before it's even begun.Episode Highlights:
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
