Educators 2 Educators Podcast

A recent survey from eSpark showed some very interesting insights into what teachers are looking for in 2024 - the top of the list? Student engagement. That isn't a surprise, we've been talking about student engagement forever. It's only gotten more and more difficult to capture a student's attention in an era of quick, easily digestible content. What's new is how eSpark has chosen to approach this struggle. I sat down with two members of the eSpark team, Mary Gurley and John Jennings, to understand what they've learned from listening to teachers and how they use that feedback in their product.

Your feet hurt, your back aches, your brain is fried. Luckily, teachers have it easy and get their summers off, right? (You can't see it, but I'm rolling my eyes.) Whether you had a restful summer or are still burnt out from spring, let's chat about start the year with healthy self-care practices that are realistic and maintainable. We're going to talk about meal planning, making good use of your break time, taking lunch alone, getting tasks done during the day, rethinking grading strategies, and setting expectations with parents. We aren't meant to live lives we need to take a break from. Let's work on creating healthier boundaries for ourselves - it's possible, even for teachers - because after all, it is just a job.

I had one of the most stress-free weeks of my life, and here's how I did it. Teachers, I know back to school is crazy - my two teenagers just went back, and I can all too vividly remember my days of classroom decorating and meeting new students. Somehow, I was still able to find peace in the madness. I did it through chore delegation, preparing outfits and foods for the week, listening to my body, and making better use of my waiting time. It is practical to be a teacher and have low-stress weeks. Here's what you need to do.

Wondering what the morning routine of a 20-year veteran teacher looks like? My friend and dedicated teacher, Kelly Ewen, is a superstar teacher with the best advice for whether this is your first year or your second decade in the classroom. We're going to talk about the best ways to learn names, how to do morning greetings, what to do during circle time, and how to handle supplies. We also have a great tip for teaching students hallway and line-up expectations. This episode has everything you need to know to feel prepared and motivated for your first day of school this year.

Tired of long emails with parents communicating a tired subject? Ready to build healthier parent-teacher relationships that get to the point? My friend and veteran teacher of 20 years, Kelly, has offered me a lot of advice to share with you this back-to-school season - one piece of advice being how to communicate with parents effectively. After trying everything under the sun, her tried and true method is the Talking Points app. Let's explore what the Talking Points app is, how Kelly uses it every day, and why those lengthy weekly newsletters are unnecessary work for you.

It's time to start thinking about back-to-school prep, so grab your favorite flare pen and get ready to take some notes! I wanted to offer the most practical tips, so I asked my friend and the first ever guest on educators 2 educators, a veteran teacher of over 20 years in Chicago, Kelly for some help. Today, we'll discuss bulletin boards, organizing your personal life, planning for the big picture, and more. These tips require a little extra effort on your end to start your year off on the right foot. educators 2 educators website educators 2 educators on Instagram Standing Desk Link Teacher Welcome Letter Summer Goals for Teachers Online Community for Teachers First Class Free with Kelly at Shred (Carmel, Indiana) Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Amazon Storefront

Canva has always been at the forefront of empowering students and teachers, providing classrooms with technology that fuels creativity and design literacy. In this episode, we'll explore the incredible features and benefits that Canva's new suite of products brings to the table. With host Carrie Conover, we'll discuss what's changed for Canva, especially in its new AI tools, how teachers can use it to instruct all students, and how students can gain powerful skills in design.   Sign Up for Free Community Month Here!   Canva press release: https://www.canva.com/newsroom/news/canva-for-education-new-tools/?utm_medium=newsroom&utm_source=linkedin-carly&utm_campaign=edutober&utm_content=product

Based on the blog post written by Classroom to Boardroom Community member Connor McQueen, this episode of the educators 2 educators podcast explores four engaging and easy-to-use positive behavior apps teachers can start using today. If you're looking for fun and effective classroom management strategies, Connor and host Carrie Conover explore why each of these tools might be a perfect fit for your classroom. Discover how gamification and seamless communication can seriously improve your classroom environment to foster deeper learning and better collaboration.   Learn more at www.educators2educators.com Follow Carrie:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-conover/   https://www.pinterest.com/CarrieConover/   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJKkrpO_ck_Gtes82zSYtQ   https://www.instagram.com/educators2educators   https://twitter.com/educators2edu   https://www.facebook.com/educators2educators

In this episode of the educators 2 educators Podcast, we explore how teachers can harness AI technology to save time and create great materials for their students. I've even found the perfect place for you to start playing with AI and its power. Twee is an amazing EdTech AI tool that can help you create quiz questions, vocab matches, video transcriptions, and so much more. There is nothing to fear with this easy-to-use online tool. I've started using AI for so many areas of my businesses, and even in my personal life. Let's look at all of the ways I've found AI useful and all of the ways you can adapt it for your classroom.

In this episode of the educators2educators podcast, host Carrie Conover talks to Eric Dahlberg, CEO of eSpark Learning, about their new product, Choice Text. Choice Text is a reading comprehension for fiction and nonfiction that allows students to pick and create the reading passage based on the lesson. The lesson targets the student's learning level and is personalized to their background and interests using generative artificial intelligence. The episode also discusses the importance of student choice and agency in education and the mission and vision statement of eSpark Learning. Overall, the episode focuses on how eSpark Learning is reimagining learning in a student-centered way that aims to get kids to love reading and math. eSpark Free Trial Carrie's LinkedIn Carrie's Instagram Eric's LinkedIn Why Teachers Need to Start Using ChatGPT ASAP    

If one thing you're dreading for back to school is grading, these EdTech tools for grading are here to save you (and your precious time). As a former teacher, I remember the days when I would leave school with a bag full of essays, math papers, and projects to grade. After my evening routine with my family, the last thing I wanted to do was grade papers. Here are some popular EdTech grading tools to help you save time at home and be present this school year. Join EdTech School: https://www.carrieconover.com/learnwithcarrie educators 2 educators blog: https://www.educators2educators.com/

How many EdTech tools do you really know? If the first things that come to mind are Google Classroom and Class Dojo… this episode of the educators 2 educators podcast is for you. Tune in for a quick quiz with host Carrie Conover to test your EdTech knowledge. In anticipation of the release of Carrie's latest course, EdTech School, get a sneak peek into the new resource helping teachers help students with new tools they've never heard of. Can you answer all of the questions in the EdTech quiz correctly?   Join EdTech School: https://www.carrieconover.com/learnwithcarrie educators 2 educators blog: https://www.educators2educators.com/

In this episode of the educators 2 educators Podcast, host Carrie Conover interviews Joel Jacobson, CEO and partner at Defined Learning. Defined Learning is an EdTech company that offers high-quality project-based learning experiences to students. Their goal is to enhance student engagement and achievement by providing real-world, project-based learning opportunities that help develop future-ready skills. The episode covers how to engage students with project-based, real-world content, how Defined Learning has evolved into an engaging instructional tool, how you can support students in exploring new career opportunities, and how to get started with Defined Learning today. Defined Learning: https://definedlearning.com/ 60 Day Free Access: https://learn.definedlearning.com/freeaccess EdTech School with Carrie Conover: https://www.carrieconover.com/learnwithcarrie Blog: www.educators2educators.com Follow Carrie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-conover/ Follow Carrie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrieconover Follow Carrie on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@carrieconover

Writable's Co-founder Heidi Perry joins the e2e podcast to discuss teaching and writing. With a classroom-first approach and Heidi and her colleagues' education and product experience, they created a writing tool that is a teacher's and a student's dream come true.  Listen in as Carrie asks Heidi how the idea for Writable was created, what was essential for the team to consider as it was built, and what they have in store for the future.  Free Teacher Account: https://app.writable.com/login?ReturnUrl=%2Fhome Behind the scenes look at a High Five Quick Write: https://app.writable.com/myassignments?noFte=True Become an e2e Member: https://e2e.mykajabi.com/offers/zc7dCKMt/checkout e2e Member login: https://e2e.mykajabi.com/login e2e Blog: https://www.educators2educators.com/  

Valentine's Day is around the corner. Are you ready?  No, are YOU ready and prepared to treat yourself with kindness? What about your students? Today, I'm sharing my true feelings about Valentine's Day and some easy, peasy, lemon-squeezy valentine's day resources for your classroom.   www.educators2educators.com/blog for the entire list of resources!   Become a member for $10 per month www.educators2educators.com

Do you love Canva for Education, or are you interested in learning more about the incredible design collaboration tool that is free for all teachers?   In this episode, I caught up with Leena Marie, The Edtech Guru, from Canva for Education, to get to know what is so unique about this online tool for teachers.  Become an e2e member for free: https://e2e.mykajabi.com/offers/zc7dCKMt/checkout   Canva Design School: https://www.canva.com/designschool/tutorials/canva-for-teachers/

I left my teaching position with Chicago Public Schools after giving a decade of my life to the profession. I departed for multiple reasons, including a family move, the need for a challenge in my career, and the desire to escape the grind and stress. Back then, I didn't know many teachers who wanted to leave teaching. I was the outlier, and people were shocked when I made my departure. I was a standout educator with strong student and parent relationships, and my test scores and student growth were always through the roof. Wind the clock ahead; I've been out of the classroom almost longer than I was in it. I've spent the second decade of my career working in edtech (eSpark Learning and Discovery Education) and in the last five years building educators 2 educators. Back when I left the classroom, we were all stressed. Yes, parents were demanding. Yes, we had a few students who made our classroom hard to manage. But we faced nothing like what teachers are facing today. Covid, plus social media, plus technology, plus a mental health crisis, plus a downward economy… I've spent the last ten years traveling the nation, visiting school districts of all sizes, and building an educator network of over 70,000 educators. I talk to teachers, coaches, and administrators every day. And today, I'm going to tell you WHY teachers and administrators are leaving education in a steady stream.   Important Links: www.educators2educators.com www.carrieconover.com Free 30 Day Membership: https://e2e.mykajabi.com/offers/zc7dCKMt

Are you an educator looking to teach and promote self-care with your students? Try these 6 online tools for students of all ages to use in school and at home! Read the entire blog at www.educators2educators.com/student-wellbeing Try e2e Membership for 30 days free (no credit card required): https://e2e.mykajabi.com/offers/zc7dCKMt/checkout   e2e Membership login: https://e2e.mykajabi.com/login  

Teacher self-care is not selfish! This month we are sharing tools for when you need to care for yourself and get back that motivation to teach. In this episode, I'm talking about my return to the podcast and giving you a super easy tool to use when you need to let someone else do the "teaching." Let your students take the reins and ease your workload by using podcasting in your classroom. Students of all grade levels can work independently or in groups to create a podcast episode OR listen to podcasts in your classroom and work on listening comprehension. Both options can be relevant to your lesson or a topic of their choosing.  Today, Heather Campbell from @seriousgiggles joins the podcast to discuss how teachers can use podcasting in their classrooms. Printables from SeriousGiggles are available on Teachers Pay Teachers, and e2e members even have exclusive free access to the materials. Read the entire Teacher Self-Care Resource blog post at www.educators2educators.com Join e2e for 30 days for free - no credit card required! 

Rebecca Stump recently presented Teaching in a Tech-Based World at the e2e Teacher Summer Reboot Conference. The presentation was such a hit with educators that we decided to share out her knowledge in a 3 part series (this is the first of a three-part series). Today, Rebecca's top three ed-tech tools to enhance student engagement. Watch the video tutorials at www.educators2educators.com   Become an e2e member at https://www.classroomtoboardroom.net/e2emembership

It doesn't matter if you are a general education teacher or a special education teacher; educators need resources to serve their entire student population. We not only need those resources, but we also need them to be fast and easy. Check out these top-notch special education resources for back-to-school.

Think that you can't do STEM in your classroom because you don't have tons of expensive materials or fancy technology and equipment?  As a STEM lab teacher for the past 5 years, I can tell you the most used materials in my lab were tape, cardboard, and popsicle sticks!  While 3-D printers and robotics are cool and a great resource for learning 21st Century Skills, they aren't the only tools needed to successfully complete STEM activities.  Here are three STEM challenges you can easily complete in your classroom within the first week of school.  These fun challenges will not only introduce your students to some basic STEM concepts but also provide insight into the dynamics of your new group of students that could help shape your classroom throughout the year! Free Pipe cleaner activity slides: https://www.classroomtoboardroom.net/stem-first-week-of-school-freebie-2022 e2e Member Free Observation Forms: e2e.mykajabi.com/login Blog Post: https://e2e.squarespace.com/blog/3-stem-activities YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wYq2kzhnPE&t=2s

Teacher Self-Care: Burnout is a buzzword that educators have heard many times over, and in today's climate, it's at an all-time high. But, how does an educator get out and stay out of burnout? Nichola helps to solve this problem one client at a time, helping her teachers feel more energized, productive, fulfilled, and confident personally and professionally. When Nichola isn't helping support educators through their burnout she is a wife and mother of 2 rugrats with whom she enjoys getting outside, watching the office, and eating junk food while not working out. ****Grab your early bird tickets at www.educators2educators.com Links:  Instagram Website Supporting Files: Burned Out to Best Teacher Ever Experience!

During this session we will dive into the constant pressure we add to our plates even when they are already full. We will also discuss the stresses that come along with being in a constant state of overextending ourselves. You will leave with strategies and action steps to help you protect your peace. Bio: Kayland is a Teacher Self Care Coach who works with educators to help them create, sustain, and improve their self-care practices. Kayland believes that it is important to be proactive when it comes to prioritizing yourself. She uses her expertise to assist educators in building their own personal toolkit of strategies that help them to reclaim their peace and prevent burnout. In addition, she uses her passion to help others set intentional and meaningful boundaries. Kayland has worked as an educator in lower Alabama for over 6 years. As a content creator, Kayland loves collaborating and sharing information with her Instagram community to help them transform their physical, emotional, and spiritual self-care habits. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of South Alabama and a Master's degree in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University.   Links:  Instagram Website   Supporting Files: Resisting the Urge to Overextend Yourself Slides Resisting the Urge to Overextend Yourself Notes Schedule of Pleasant Events

In this session, Nita Creekmore talks about ways to find the root of Sunday Scaries and combat them as well! Sunday Scaries are a real thing, but it doesn't have to take over your Sunday. Find out ways to release the feeling of Sunday Scaries.  Bio: Nita Creekmore is an Instructional Coach who lives just outside Atlanta, GA. Nita is originally from Woodbridge, Virginia. She taught in grades 1, 2, and 5 for 13 years before becoming an Elementary School Instructional Coach. Nita obtained her Master's Degree in Elementary Education in 2002 and her Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership in 2013. In the 17 years, she has been in education, she truly believes that in all aspects of the field, relationships must always come first. Nita is married to Michael Creekmore, Jr. and has four children, three daughters and a son ages 7, 13, 15, and 17. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, attending her kids' extracurricular activities, practicing yoga, and relaxing with a good book. Nita believes in maintaining a healthy work/life balance, building relationships, the importance of self-care, and the impact of diverse read alouds on students of all ages!   Links:  Instagram Website  

As a veteran teacher of over 11 years, Brittany has been in trenches and battled the dreaded burnout - personally, professionally, and everything in between.  She is your designated and biggest cheerleader for avoiding teacher burnout and here to give you the 411 on how to go from Burned Out to Balanced.  This presentation will start off with a fun way of determining your burnout type, some easy-to-recognize burnout symptoms, and then jump into four strategies to balance so we can build up before we break down.  Grab a cup of coffee and download the workbook to tip the scales & balance your burnout! Bio: Brittany Blackwell, M.Ed. is an award-winning special educator and self-care strategist from South Carolina with over ten years of experience working in elementary and middle school classrooms. Brittany is no stranger to teacher burnout and has a passion for empowering teachers, parents, and students to prioritize self-care and mental health. Brittany's digital approach to self-care through digital planning, vision boards, and strategies has reached the homes of thousands of educators across the world. Also known as "MsPrincessTeach" on TikTok, Brittany's social media following grew through her fast-paced, lighthearted tutorials and humorous real-life experiences. Brittany helps teachers create their own Individualized Self Care Plan by providing sustainable strategies, handcrafted products, and digital resources to reduce stress and prevent burnout. Her approach gives support so that educators can maximize fulfillment & effectiveness in their personal and professional lives.   Links:  Instagram  Website   Supporting Files: From Burn Out to Balance 101 Worksheet Free Daily Digital Planner, Free Digital Vision Board & ebook, & Individualized EduCare Program Launch 

When the 21 - 22 school year started I thought it would be just a little easier than the past two years. But I was wrong! Everything is still hard, even asking for help.  Very few people enjoy asking for help because it's uncomfortable. But here's what I learned about how to ask for help through the most challenging semester of my career in education.  Bio: Tre' is an Adult SEL Consultant helping schools support teachers to Impact Students. His mission is to make it easier to do what you love because when you see someone living their dream it makes you either want to be a part of that dream or start to live your own. SEL educators provide Adult SEL skill-building and SEL implementation support for school communities. Since 2017 SEL educators has worked with 18+ Schools and Education Organization to improve social-emotional competence in educators.   Links:  Instagram Website   Supporting Files: Presentation Transcript Presentation Workshee

Meredith Newlin is the founder of The Transformed Teacher. As a veteran educator who has been teaching for more than 16 years, her passion and purpose are to help motivate and inspire educators to rediscover—and keep—their joy for the teaching profession. Meredith is the author of Captured Fireflies: Truths, Mistakes, And Other Gifts Of Being an English Teacher as well as Freed To Teach: 7 Keys To Thrive In an Era Of Uncertainty. Grab Your FREE copy of Meredith's book here: https://mailchi.mp/6faebd53ba2b/reboot2022 Did you miss Teacher New Year Reboot? You can grab a $39 extension pass here: www.educators2educators.com/nyr Meredith hosts The Transformed Teacher podcast as well as a variety of workshops, online courses, and programs for teachers. She also serves as a book coach for teachers who want to share their stories. A North Carolina native, Meredith currently lives in Denver, Colorado with her two children, Eleanor and Oscar Instagram: @meredithnewlin Podcast: www.thetransformedteacher.com/podcast Website: www.thetransformedteacher.com    

Carrie says goodbye to the educators 2 educators podcast with an interview led by Heather Campbell.      

Carrie is saying goodbye to the e2e podcast after episode 100. Join her as she explains her decision to sunset the podcast and her plans for the final episode.

Can you believe it? One more episode until 100!  Today we are revisting the number 1 downloaded episode of the e2e podcast, Routines that Matter! Make sure to sign up for Teacher Summer Reboot at www.educators2educators.com

The second most downloaded episode is the first episode from New Teacher Jumpstart! Today we get self-care tips from Carrie Conover, Heather Campbell, Jeanne Wolz, Kristen Harris and Allie Szczecinski. www.educators2educators.com/newteacher e2e Self-Care Toolkit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/805106522/teacher-self-care-toolkit?ref=shop_home_active_8&crt=1

Can you believe we are about to hit 100 episodes? In Celebration, we are revisiting the Top 5 downloaded episodes. Today we are revisiting episode #43 with Jeanne Wolz: Finding Happiness Outside the Classroom. Make sure to register for Teacher Summer Reboot at www.educators2educators.com.    

Can you believe we are about to hit 100 episodes of the e2e podcast? In celebration, we are revisiting the Top 5 most downloaded episodes. Student-led Conferences with Heather Campbell comes in at #4! Make sure to save the date for Teacher Summer Reboot 2020 on July 16-18th! www.educators2educators.com

Can you believe we are about to hit 100 episodes of the e2e podcast? In celebration, we are revisiting the Top 5 most downloaded episodes. Building Healthy Boundaries comes in at #5! Make sure to save the date for Teacher Summer Reboot 2020 on July 16-18th! www.educators2educators.com

Jennifer Drake joins the podcast to discuss Student Agency. In this episode we cover Lesson 1: What is student agency?   Lesson 2:  Getting started- What to do first and what to continue to do throughout the school year? Lesson 3: Ways to incorporate student agency into the classroom setting   Save the date for Teacher Summer Reboot - July 16-18, 2021.   www.educators2educators.com    

Dr. Kati Wax joining the podcast to discuss returning to the classroom from a mental health perspective. Kai founded Lincoln Park Psychology in 2020 in order to fulfill her passion for affecting others to make meaningful change.  In addition, Dr. Wax has a belief in giving back to the psychology profession through comprehensive clinical training opportunities.   https://www.lincolnparkpsychology.com/   www.educators2educators.com

Laura from @bilingualmingle/  joins the e2e podcast to discuss How Libraries Make Teachers’ Lives Easier. Laura teaches us: Lesson 1: Use the library to save yourself tons of $$$ Lesson 2: Plan ahead to maximize library resources Lesson 3: Familiarize yourself with librarian and library services   https://www.bilingualmingle.ca/ Laura is a French Immersion Kindergarten teacher from Ontario, Canada. She currently teaches in the same rural school that she herself attended, and says that she wouldn't have it any other way! Laura received both her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and is now in her tenth year of teaching. Laura is currently at home on maternity leave with her two daughters but continues to remain engaged in the education world through blogging, creating resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, taking part in virtual teaching conferences, and connecting with other educators on social media. Laura has presented at several conferences, including twice at the Educators 2 Educators New Year Reboot Conference and at the Bilingual Educators Virtual Summit. She loves meeting and connecting with teachers around the globe!    

Thom Gibson from www.thomgibson.com joins the e2e podcast to discuss Classroom Jobs For Any Teaching Context.  Thom shares the following lessons: Why have class jobs Types of jobs for a hybrid or remote classroom How to support students and keep them accountable https://thomgibson.com/workwithme/  

Bob Tewksbury, formal All-Star Pitcher, mental skills coach, and author, joins the e2e podcast to talk about mental focus during stressful situations. Bob and Carrie focus on these three lessons: 1) Expect stressful situations 2) Perceptions change the inner voice 3) Final touches - breathe   Learn more about Bob's work at https://bobtewksbury.com/ Bio:   Bob has a unique professional resume that combines a successful major league baseball career with a master’s degree in sport psychology and counseling from Boston University. Despite two arm surgeries and several demotions back to the minors, he persevered going on to win 110 games and make an All-Star team. After retiring from baseball, he returned to college to complete my bachelors degree, and three years later completed my masters degree from BU. He has worked as a mental skills coach for three of MLB’s storied franchises and some of the games' best players including; Jon Lester, Rich Hill, Andrew Miller, and Anthony Rizzo, among others. He has provided mental skills training to a number of colleges such as Tufts Men’s Ice Hockey, Boston College Baseball, Boston College Basketball, Middlebury College Baseball, Bates College Baseball, Wheaton College Women’s Lacrosse, and Eastern Kentucky University Baseball.  He also has a number of individual college and high school athletes from various sports across the country. Bob is a member of the Applied Association of Sport Psychology (AASP) as well as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. (CMPC) and is trained in the DISC Athlete Assessment

Teaching is STRESSFUL. There's no way around it, you are going to feel stress if you are a teacher. Managing your stress is a big part of teacher self-care. In this episode, we are talking to Lynn Jimenez from Connect, Flow, Grow. She teaching us how to recognize and manage our stress as educators.   Join our FREE 21-Day Teacher Stress Challenge at https://www.educators2educators.com/stress

We've all been there. You wake up in the morning and you're just not feeling it. Life feels blah. You don't want to go to work. Your colleague or sister or partner annoyed you yesterday and the feelings are still lingering. Your clothes fit funny and your face looks tired. Maybe you are regretting that 9 pm glass of wine or the big warm batch chocolate chip cookies you devoured. You're in a mental funk and you know if you don't somehow snap out of it, you're headed for a long day of self-pity and cranky-town. Even the most mentally healthy people wake up on the wrong side of the bed some days. It's normal and it seems to happen to me a few days a month. I've trained myself to figure out how to identify it right away and work through a process to turn it around. This has been so beneficial to me because I never or rarely ever let a mental funk turn into an entirely bad day.  3 Ways I Get Myself Out of a Mental Funk and Turn My Day Around. I Pay Attention to My Thoughts In my all-time favorite podcast, The Life School Podcast, Brooke Castillo discusses how our feelings turn into thoughts, our thoughts turn into our actions, and our actions turn into our results. Brooke has helped me become more aware of the conversation going on in my head and how reoccurring thoughts can have a big impact on my mood, my day, and my life.  When I find myself in a funk or feeling down I zone in on the thoughts going on in my head. Am I thinking the same thoughts over and over? Are there unresolved feelings that I need to deal with? Am I being too hard on myself?  If I'm in a funk, it is most likely because I've let my thoughts get the best of me. Questions I may ask myself are:  What has changed from yesterday?  Did I have these thoughts yesterday? Did someone say or do something to me to create uncomfortable feelings in me? Am I talking to myself the same way I would talk to someone else?  Would I let another person talk to me the way I'm talking to myself? How was I feeling the last time I felt positive and energized? What has changed since then? How can I get back to that place? I try to figure out exactly what I am feeling deep down. It doesn't mean that I try to fix or change my feelings. All of my feelings are valid, but it is important for me to intensify them if I want to make a shift in my mood. Go to Your People If digging deep into your feelings and thoughts uncovers an unresolved issue or some form of self-sabotage, I turn to my people. The people that love me unconditionally and want to see me happy and successful. I'm blessed to have many of these types of relationships in my life, including my husband, Brian, as well as friends who I trust dearly.  If working through the feelings and thoughts on my own isn't working, I'll go to my people and articulate clearly that I am struggling. "I'm in a funk. I think it is because of A, B, and C. Can you help me decide if these thoughts are grounded in reality?" Simple conversations and statements like this allow me to say aloud what I have been wrestling within my mind. This allows my partner, my friends, my people to be a mirror for me. To help me ground my thoughts in reality and steer me in the right direction. I never feel guilty going to these people because  I give back to these relationships and show up when these same people need me. I'm not going to my people for the answers and they know that I'm not coming to them for the answers. I'm going to them so they can hold up a mirror to me so I can ground myself in reality. People like helping the people they like and love. It also makes them feel needed and loved as well. In my opinion, when we go to the ones we love with both our good days and bad days, a true, authentic relationship grows. Get Out of My Current Situation Another self-intervention I do when I'm in a funk is to create a physical change of scenery. If you listen to the latest e2e Podcast episode, I told a story about a morning when I was really struggling. I was able to go to my team tennis drills and use the self-pity I was feeling to play some of the best tennis I've played in years. I was able to do this because, on the car ride over, I recognized that I wasn't really doing well mentally and was able to identify where the feelings were really coming from. hint: It had nothing to do with tennis. I left the court thinking "THIS is why people need to exercise and have hobbies". Just getting out of my house and forcing myself to have a change of scenery was hugely impactful on the rest of my day. For me, a change in scenery has always boosted my spirits and distracted me from mental funks. Hitting the tennis courts and seeing my tennis community was enough distraction for my brain to push those negative thoughts away. If tennis is not an option, I run to Target and browse the selves or I do my hair and makeup and go to the grocery store. A physical change of scenery is such a great distraction for my brain. Finally, there have been times that these funks don't go away. I know that is okay too. Sometimes we just have to lean into the tough days and know that tomorrow will be a better day. If I find that these days are more numerous and I can't quite shake my funk, I call a professional therapist and get the help I need to get back on track.  We all want to live our best lives, but not every day is going to be the best day you have ever had. Living our days in a funk can feel frustrating. To get out of a mental funk and turn your day around, pay attention to your thoughts, connect with your people and find a change of scenery. 

Mike Pfile joins the e2e podcast to discuss teaching digital literacy.   Mike Pfile is a teacher at Edison Middle School in Wheaton, IL where he teaches 6th-grade social studies, 6th-grade Collaboration and Leadership and a 7th-grade Digital Literacy class. Mike is relatively new to teaching, this is his 6th year at Edison. Before teaching Mike worked in engineering and radio which gives him the opportunity to have different experiences to bring to the classroom. His 7th-grade Digital Literacy class utilizes those experiences and engages kids with an honest, real-world look at issues and topics related to technology and that responsibility. 

Candice Ludwig joins the e2e podcast to discuss

Allison Baggerly joins the e2e podcast to discuss how we can Create a Budget You Can Stick To. Allison created the Inspired Budget after paying off over $111,000 in debt on two TEACHER salaries. Learn more about e2e at www.educators2educators.com Find our weekly newsletter at www.educators2edcuators.com/newsletter Find Allison at https://inspiredbudget.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/inspiredbudget/      

Michael Creekmore joins the e2e podcast to share Teacher Self-Care Tips during Covid.  Lesson 1: Give Yourself Grace Lesson 2: Lean on Your Supports Lesson 3: Process Over Progress Coming off the holiday season, we may be facing a little bit of unrest. Let Michael help you get back to a place of positive mental health. Follow Michael on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/bearded.school.counselor/

Emily Tarity sits down to provide teacher self-care tips in the form of celebrating your Inchstones as a teacher. Emily and Carrie discuss how important it recognizes inchstones (not only milestones) in your personal & professional life.  Emily is a teacher in New York as well as an e2e Member and e2e Ambassador.  www.educators2educators.com

Hear about the latest changes happening here at e2e, including the launch of our new podcast, Classroom to Boardroom. You'll hear the story of Kirsten Harris who recently made the transition from teaching to working for an education company. Our new season of the e2e podcast will launch on January 8th! Register for New Year Reboot at educators2educators.com

How are teaching and tennis related? To find out, join Carrie as she explores the importance of doing what you love. In this episode, Carrie focuses on the path of personal and professional growth and how learning to release your brain, humility and a bit of perspective can make all the difference. Sign up for Teacher Fall Reboot at www.educators2educators.com/register www.educators2educators.com  

Join Carrie as she sits down with Marshall Escamilla. Marshall and his wife have an amazing and successful podcast for children, Tumble: A Science Podcast for Kids. Marshall discusses the why and how of using audio in your classroom, whether you are teaching virtually or in person.  Using audio is a super-easy way to engage students without adding screen time! himalaya.com/tumble Link to Podcast Resource Bundle from Heather Campbell. Register for Teacher Fall Reboot at www.educators2educators.com/register

The last episode in the New Teacher Reboot series is here. Carrie keeps it short and sweet as she chats about setting up your classroom (virtually or in-person).   Make sure to register for Teacher Fall Reboot 2020 at educators2educators.com/register