The Resilient Teacher Podcast

Have you ever wondered if that student's outburst is really just misbehavior—or a sign of something deeper? If you're a teacher facing challenging classroom behaviors and are feeling unsure about how to support students who seem to be struggling as well, this episode is a must listen. I am so excited to have Polina Shkadron to share some key insights that will help you not only understand what's going on in your classroom, but also why it's happening—and how you can foster an environment where every student can succeed.Polina Shkadron is a trauma-certified speech language pathologist who specializes in supporting autistic and ADHD students. In this episode, she dives into the differences between misbehavior and dysregulation, how burnout affects both students and teachers, and why shifting our perspective is key to building healthier classroom relationships. We also discuss practical, brain-based strategies for supporting executive functioning, fostering self-advocacy, and responding to anger and emotional overwhelm in ways that nurture trust and connection. HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode145

How many times have you found yourself repeating yourself in your classroom? The truth is, students - and even adults- struggle to truly listen.If you're an educator or parent feeling the daily frustration of repeating yourself and wondering why it's so hard for your students to listen, this episode is for you!Christine Miles, creator of the Listening Path, joins us to shed light on the “crisis of listening” in our schools and families. Christine unpacks the reasons behind poor listening, and how the lack of training for both teachers and students causes gaps in this area. She breaks down the impact of inadequate listening on learning, practical first steps to better listening, and how creating a common language can alleviate stress and improve collaboration among students, teachers, and parents. We also dive into how improving listening can reduce teacher burnout, foster authentic communication, and prepare kids for the demands of a tech-driven world.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode144

Have you found yourself staring at a stack of ungraded papers and wondering if you care as much as you used to? Teaching is a heart-centered profession, but we all know that the pressures and emotional toll of being in the classroom can leave even the most dedicated educators feeling frustrated, exhausted, or emotionally detached. If you've noticed yourself counting down the years to retirement or just going through the motions to make it through the day, our guest today will help you understand why that's happening and what you can do about it.Mandy Froelich is joining me today to chat all about educator mental health. We're looking at the realities of educator engagement and disengagement, why teachers lose their spark, and how to get it back. Mandy shares the warning signs of disengagement, the differences between burnout and demoralization, and the seven reasons teachers might start to disconnect from their work, and practical strategies for re-engagement. HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode143Join the Prodigy Math Challenge: http://www.teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/statechallenge

If you're a teacher feeling burned out and longing to reconnect with your passion, this episode is for you. Balancing the demands of personal life while staying energized in the classroom can be challenging for many educators. That's why I'm excited to introduce you to Stephanie Clinise, a passionate and inspiring ninth grade English teacher who has rekindled her love for teaching by embracing her true authenticity.During our conversation, Stephanie shares actionable insights on how authenticity can become a teacher's greatest strength and how she has experienced this in her own classroom. She's offering practical tips to help you reconnect with your unique teaching style, ease stress, and foster deeper connections with your students all while you embrace your authenticity and revitalize your teaching practice.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode142

Have you ever experienced that internal tug, wondering if it's time to move on from the classroom? If you have, it doesn't mean you're a bad teacher or that you are giving up. In fact, many educators find themselves wrestling with these thoughts. In this episode, we provide a space to explore this decision free of guilt, helping you reflect, gain clarity, and discover what opportunities are available when considering a career outside the traditional classroom.Kayla from Teacher Transition is joining me to shed light on what the journey of transitioning to a career outside of the classroom may look like. She discusses the signs that may signal it's time for a change, how to identify transferable skills, and the wide range of roles where these skills can be utilized. We're looking at how to reframe your experiences and skill set in a way that opens new opportunities without losing the heart that makes you a teacher. If you have been feeling that nudge to look into options outside the classroom, this episode is for you!HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode141

Teaching in today's world feels more challenging than ever. The stress and anxiety in our classrooms is higher than ever before and it's not just affecting our students but educators as well. In this episode, we dive into the root causes of this rising anxiety, particularly focusing on insights from Jonathan Haidt's book, "The Anxious Generation." These insights could completely change how you manage your classroom, providing practical strategies that will bring ease and balance to both you and your students.In this episode, we dig into insights from Haidt's book including a notable increase in anxiety, depression, and emotional instability in today's students. We're looking at how smartphones and social media are influencing student's behavior, strategies for establishing routines to reduce anxiety, and the importance of fostering genuine peer support and emotional literacy. HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode140

Let's be honest, meeting the diverse needs of 25+ students every day is exhausting. But what if I told you that there's a practical way that teachers are reclaiming their time, reducing stress, and actually enjoying teaching again? In this episode, I am joined by Robert Barnett from the The Modern Classrooms Project, to chat about how The Modern Classrooms Project has empowered countless teachers to reclaim their time, decrease overwhelm, and rediscover joy in teaching.If you feel like you're drowning trying to differentiate for all of your students, this episode is for you! Robert is sharing how he went from frustrated and burned out to energized and connected by simply changing the way he delivered instruction. He's breaking down strategies for effectively incorporating instructional videos in your classroom, promoting student autonomy, and maintaining motivation without having to micromanage. If you're looking for actionable tips and encouragement to start making small but impactful changes that will decrease your overwhelm, this is one you don't want to miss!HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode139

Classroom management challenges can leave teachers feeling overwhelmed and frustrated—but what if the key to better behavior isn't stricter rules, but sensory regulation? In this episode, Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, an expert in human behavior with a Doctorate of Arts in Leadership, shares groundbreaking strategies that help both students and teachers feel safe, stay engaged, and reduce stress in the classroom.Dr. Bilodeau's career began as a high school biology teacher in Guam, and since then, she has designed innovative programs to help students thrive academically. She holds numerous certifications in behavioral therapies and has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2024 Business of the Year in Education and Business Excellence for Social Equity.In this episode, she explains why traditional classroom management approaches often fall short and how small, simple shifts—like adjusting lighting, incorporating movement, and recognizing positive behaviors—can dramatically improve student engagement and behavior. She also shares insights from her upcoming book, Ease the Pain in the Classroom: A Guide to Safety and Regulation, set to launch in 2025, which provides practical, ready-to-use techniques for educators.If you've ever felt burnt out by behavioral challenges, this episode is packed with doable strategies that won't add to your already full plate.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode138

If you find yourself caught between the stress of work demands and the pressures of home life, this episode is just for you. Teachers often find it especially challenging to find a balance between doing everything they feel they need to for work and maintaining their personal life and well-being. I am so excited to have Steven Langer join me today to talk all about maintaining wellness in both the workplace and in your personal life.Steven Langer is a former teacher and principal who transitioned to focus on organizational wellness with his company, Well by Design. Steven is sharing valuable insights on fostering positive workplace cultures and redefining the concept of work-life balance into what he describes as "work-life coherence." We are also diving into the importance of self-awareness and communication, the difference between rest and sleep, and how dopamine hacking can help your brain recognize your accomplishments. HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode137

Are you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and just overall struggling with burnout, this episode is for you. The truth is burnout isn't just about stress or workload, but it's actually rooted in disconnection. If you've been trying all the right things like holding boundaries and prioritizing self-care, but you're still feeling like something's missing, this might just be it.As teachers, we know firsthand the importance of creating strong, meaningful relationships in the workplace but building those connections isn't always easy. In this episode, I'm diving into how challenging it can be to form adult friendships. I'm breaking down how proximity, timing, and energy are all key to building true friendships, as well as sharing practical steps to expand your circle and evaluate your school culture. Don't miss the practical tips for finding your community, even in difficult environments, to help you combat burnout.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode136

There's no doubt that student behavior and managing our classrooms is a common challenge and can be a big component to teacher burnout. If you're feeling exhausted and stressed over student behavior but aren't sure where to go for solutions, you're in the right place! I have Michele Holiday joining me today to share some practical strategies for managing classroom dynamics effectively.Michele Holiday is a behavior strategist and owner of Feed Their Needs where she helps teachers, schools, districts, and student based organizations with strategies, systems, and insight on how to manage their students and their learning environments. Michele is sharing some incredible, actionable tips you can use to reduce stress while maintaining a positive environment for both you and your students. HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode135

Social media's impact on students and teachers goes far beyond just distraction. For many teachers, social media, managing digital distractions in the classroom, and keeping up with the latest tech trends are fueling their stress and burnout. In this episode I am joined by Laura Tierney to chat about the impact of social media on teacher burnout and what we can do about it.Laura Tierney is the founder and CEO of The Social Institute and creator of the peer to peer learning platform, #WinAtSocial. We're chatting about the role social media plays in education and in student life, as well as how teachers can utilize technology for learning and manage the pressures it creates. With Laura's insights, you'll feel confident to manage the impact of social media in positive ways, create tech policies that actually work, and set boundaries to reclaim balance in this digital world.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode134

Have you been feeling overwhelmed and stressed out with the increasing challenges in the classroom? It seems like ever since the pandemic, there are just more and more challenges that teachers face every day such as growing workloads and rising behavioral challenges. This can make it difficult for even the most passionate teachers. My guest today, Dr. Jessica Werner of Northshore Learning, is here to share tips for managing stress in real time to help you navigate those day to day stressors.Dr. Jessica Werner is the founder and CEO of Northshore Learning where they support educators by incorporating neuroscience insights to help teachers understand both student and teacher behavior on a deeper level. She is sharing insights into the global trends impacting educators and micro wellness strategies you can easily implement for stress management.

Teachers everywhere are searching for ways to revitalize their teaching experience and reconnect with their students. That's why I'm thrilled to have Tisha Poncio joins me live from the TCEA conference to share innovative tools and strategies to transform your teaching and alleviate some common stressors teachers are feeling in the classroom. Tisha Poncio, a seasoned educator, former burned out teacher, and tech enthusiasts offers insights on how Smart Technologies and Lumio can make learning more engaging and manageable. In this episode, she shares how tools like Lumio can help bridge the gap between teachers and their diverse learners. We're diving into leveraging technology for student engagement by making learning fun and interactive, addressing neurodiversity in the classroom, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community.

Education technology is rapidly advancing, and understanding how it can benefit both student and teacher well-being is more crucial now than ever. If you're an educator wanting to integrate innovative digital solutions into your classroom to improve your classroom management, enhance student support, and safeguard student well-being, we got you covered!In this episode, I am joined by Toby Hartmann, CEO of Ativion, live from FETC to get all the details on Ativion's new tool, StudentKeeper. Toby is sharing how StudentKeeper addresses many of the digital learning challenges teachers and students face as well as how this tool helps identify patterns in student behavior, promotes proactive rather than reactive educational strategies, and empowers teachers and schools to tailor technology to their specific needs.

Language diversity in the classroom can create both challenges and opportunities. In this episode, we're joined by Arturo Guajardo, Director of K-12 Partnerships at Pocketalk, live from FETC. With over 30 years of experience in education and bilingual teaching, Arturo shares how Pocketalk's AI-powered translation solutions are revolutionizing classrooms. From making meaningful connections with multilingual students to easing teacher workloads, Pocketalk is helping schools foster inclusivity, one conversation at a time.Arturo also introduces the #AllSpokenHere movement and the inspiring ways schools worldwide are using Pocketalk to create welcoming spaces for students and families. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or someone passionate about inclusivity, this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss.

Have you ever felt like you just can't seem to find the joy in teaching anymore? Maybe you're looking to get your sparkle back or miss the excitement and enthusiasm you used to have about being in the classroom. If that hits home, this episode is for you! In today's episode, I'm diving into the benefits of conferences, the impact they can have on educators, and how they can inspire you with fresh ideas and excitement. I'm sharing my personal experiences attending conferences and what I love about them including connecting with other educators and the opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether you prefer in-person or virtual conferences or if you've never attended a conference before, I've got tips on making the most of them so you can walk away feeling empowered and re-energized!HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode129

So often teachers feel buried under endless tasks and overwhelmed by the never-ending demands on their time and energy. If that's you, you may be searching for strategies to lighten the load and regain a sense of balance. In this episode, Miriam Politinsky is joining me to chat about practical ways to manage your responsibilities and create a more sustainable approach to teaching.Miriam Politinsky is a seasoned educator with almost 25 years of experience as well as a successful author. Miriam is sharing her insights into how adopting small but mighty habits can truly impact your daily routine. We also discuss the importance of prioritizing self-care, how using habit-stacking can improve classroom management and productivity, and insights into how to help students develop valuable habits in the classroom. You don't want to miss Miriam's practical solutions and tips to help you thrive both personally and professionally!HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode128

Have you ever thought about what the future of classrooms and education as a whole might look like with new tools and AI being developed all the time? We know that educators face increasing pressures and workloads, but there's a potential for AI and strategic changes to redefine teaching, leading, and learning and to streamline workloads that will open doors to innovation.Dan Fitzpatrick, an author, educator, and AI expert, joins us to offer a fresh perspective on transforming education through AI. In this episode, Dan is sharing how AI can do more than just save time, reignite your passion for teaching, and help reclaim your role as a leader. We also dive into systemic challenges, misconceptions about AI in education, and the types of innovation needed to keep education relevant in an ever-evolving world. Whether you're curious about AI, just getting started with it, or are on your way to being a changemaker in your school with AI, this episode is packed with practical, actionable, and inspirational advice that can help you wherever you're at.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode127

You know I think AI is amazing and can helps save us time with lesson planning and personalizing learning. But let's keep it real, AI is not a magic solution to all our teacher burnout problems, despite what some companies try to tell you. That's why I want to dive into the realities of AI's role in education as well as its capabilities, limitations, and its impact on teacher burnout.There are so many AI tools out there that teachers can utilize to reduce the amount of time and mental energy needed to complete some tasks but there are no AI tools that can solve the systemic problems in education or provide human connection. In this episode, we are looking at why AI alone cannot solve burnout, what it can help us with, and what we need to focus on instead to truly beat burnout in education.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode126

Do you dread opening your inbox because you know your emails are overflowing? So many teachers find themselves overwhelmed by email clutter and feel it's just one more task on their long lists of things to clean up before winter break begins. This time of year, teachers are feeling tired, stressed, and simply burned out. But what if you could set up systems for your email that would eliminate that email stress and free up so much precious time? If you want less inbox stress and more time in the new year, this episode is for you!We all know that simplifying and automating in the classroom are gamechangers. So why wouldn't we want to bring automating and simplifying systems into our email as well? In this episode, I'm sharing 3 simple email systems that can help you squash email stress for good, why December is the perfect time to tackle your inbox issue, how you can build your email system over winter break, and why conquering your inbox clutter will help you be successful in the new year! HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode125

Are you feeling emotionally overwhelmed by the ever increasing demands of the classroom? You are not alone, my friend! Many educators experience the emotional highs and lows of teaching but aren't sure how to navigate all these feelings. That's why I am so excited to have Diane Manser joining me today to share valuable insights on managing the emotional impact of teaching.Diane Manser is a seasoned high school English teacher and published author. Diane has taken her personal experiences of emotional overwhelm and helps fellow educators feel empowered to navigate their emotions. With her almost two decades in the classroom, Diane is a wealth of knowledge and is here to encourage educators to embrace the emotional nature of being in the classroom. In this episode, she shares her experiences with emotional fatigue and how therapy and introspection have been key to her healing process. We also dive into strategies for maintaining emotional strength, such as realizing what we do and do not have control over and finding ways to feel personal empowerment in the challenges.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode124

Teaching can be one of the most rewarding careers, but burnout and overwhelm can quickly drain the passion that initially drew you to the classroom. If you've been feeling disconnected from the joy of teaching, you're not alone and this episode is for you! I had the opportunity to chat with Gabriel Carrillo to explore practical ways to reduce stress by implementing simple tech strategies.Gabriel Carrillo is a veteran instructional technology coach and the host of the EdTech Bites podcast, bringing over 20 years of experience in the education field. In this episode, Gabriel shares valuable tips for how educators can effectively begin to use technology to ease their workload without being overwhelmed by it. We chat about teacher burnout, the challenges teachers may face when integrating technology, practical tips for maintaining creativity and engagement in the classroom, and why it is so important for you to recognize the impact you are making in your classroom.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode123

If you are a teacher who is struggling with energy and overall well-being, you are not alone. So many teachers are struggling with low energy and don't know how to overcome this exhaustion. That's why I am so excited to have Carolyn Marenghi joining me to share some tips on how to work with your circadian rhythm to increase energy and improve productivity.Carolyn Marenghi is a former teacher and teacher wellness coach who understands the unique stresses and demands that come with being in the classroom. She empowers teachers to have natural, all day energy through circadian rhythm alignment. In this episode, she is sharing insights on aligning your daily routines with circadian rhythms to help increase your productivity. We also discuss practical strategies for enhancing well-being, such as structured schedules, morning routines, and ways to get better sleep.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode122

When you think of coaching, do you just think of one more thing being added to your never-ending to-do list? Teachers are BUSY and there never seems to be enough time to get everything on your lists done. But what if you could learn about tech tools that could help save time in your classroom without needing to sit through a training or coaching session?My guests today, technology coaches Kaylee Baldwin and Daniel Cyckowski, are diving into how technology and technology coaches can help reduce teacher burnout. Both Kaylee and Daniel come from classroom backgrounds and are no strangers to the realities of teacher burnout so they understand how important utilizing tech in helpful ways without overwhelm is key. So in this episode, they are sharing how technology coaches can support their teachers with both passive and active coaching techniques, the importance of choosing the right tech tools, and why gamification in the classroom doesn't need to involve screens.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode121

Teaching can be incredibly rewarding but it can also be the source of trauma for many educators. Whether it be experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event in the classroom or experiencing trauma from the lack of support and increasing demands of teaching, this trauma can be incredibly taxing and can lead teachers to leave the classroom. This is a topic that was asked about inside the Resilient Teacher community on Facebook and I think so many teachers can relate. In this episode, we're talking about the reality of reentering the classroom after trauma, insights on how to rebuild in a way that truly protects your well-being, practical strategies for managing stress and finding renewed confidence, and how to create a sustainable approach to teaching that keeps your well-being top of mind.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode120

Have you felt completely overwhelmed with the quickly changing landscape of technology and trying to include it all in your classroom? As classrooms integrate new tools, technologies, and methods that redefine teaching, it's essential to know how we can harness this power without causing more burn out. Imagine an educational environment where both teachers and students are empowered, creativity is fueled, and learning is personalized without adding to our stress. My guest today, Steve Dembo is sharing his insight into these topics and more!In this episode, Steve is diving into the current potential and limitations of AI in education, the power of gamification for student engagement, and why he doesn't think all video games should be banned in schools. He also sheds light on blending hands-on, project-based learning with traditional tools to ignite student imagination and creativity. This conversation is full of great insight from Steve that is sure to leave you feeling empowered and inspired!HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode119

How many times have you been told to “find your why” or “remember your why” when you are feeling burnt out and exhausted? To be honest, it's simply not helpful. Knowing your why originally was meant to inspire and encourage teachers but now, it's become a source of anxiety and guilt for many. But how can we move away from this toxic idea of “remembering our why”?Teachers are so often told to focus entirely on the students, on the school, on the community, on the difference they're making, etc. The thing is, when you are focusing solely on everyone else and taking on more and more responsibilities, there is no room for taking care of us as individuals. In this episode, I am sharing how we can move away from these toxic ideas and redefine our purpose, reclaim our joy in teaching, and how you can find a “why” that fuels you and empowers you instead of draining youHEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode118

So many teachers are feeling the pressure to keep up with all the new technology in their classrooms. As beneficial as technology can be, it can also be overwhelming when you already have a full plate or are feeling burnt out. That is why it is key to find a balance between embracing these new technologies without giving in to the pressure to use every new tool that comes out. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Rachelle Dene Poth to chat about her journey as an educator and the various different roles she holds as well as her experience with teacher burnout and her favorite strategies for combating burnout. We also dive into how to choose the best tools for you, her top tools for educators, utilizing AI for feedback, and the do's and don'ts of AI in education. HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode117

AI seems to be everywhere now, and that includes in your classroom. Although some teachers may be hesitant to utilize AI in their classrooms, it truly is a powerful tool for creating an interactive class and can even help to build relationships within the classroom. Today, Joe and Kristin Merrill are joining me to talk about integrating AI into the classroom to help free up teachers' time while giving students the opportunity to interact with the content in new ways. We are taking a look at what an interactive classroom is, concerns surrounding AI in the classroom, and how AI can help teachers. They also share why they think teachers should be excited about AI in education and how they've experienced burnout throughout their careers.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode116

If you've looked for self-improvement guidance, you've likely come across some self-help guru on social media telling you how important it is to have a morning routine. Except the morning routines they are promoting are not realistic for many teachers, especially if they are parents or are already feeling burnout. The good news is that just because you may not be able to have this intricate morning routine doesn't mean you can't still start your day in a way that helps reduce your stress and prepare you for the day.Years ago when I realized I was officially burned out, I tried to implement a multi step morning routine like I had read about in a blog and I quickly realized that there was no way it was feasible for me. And I know that I am not alone in that! So if you're looking for ways to start your day off right without adding the additional stress of a morning routine, I've got you covered! In this episode, I am sharing what I have learned since then when it comes to morning routines including why you should focus on intentions over routines, the importance of anchor habits, and finding joy in your day. HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode115

We all want to be the best teacher we can possibly need. But meeting every student's unique needs can take a toll on us and lead to burnout, especially if our students who are struggling start to act out. In this episode, Alyson Young is joining me to chat about the challenges students with ADHD and Dyslexia face in traditional classroom settings and how teachers can best support these students. She also shares insights into the misconceptions surrounding ADHD and Dyslexia, how to identify struggling students, ways to support both younger and older students. She also dives into the importance of building relationships with students and how teachers can better equip themselves to help their students with ADHD or Dyslexia.Alyson Young is the founder of The Learning Lab. She has a rich education, psychology, and sociology background, and has taught in public, private, and charter schools. Through her diverse experience, she's witnessed many intelligent children struggle due to inappropriate instruction, leading to frustration, anxiety, and sometimes behavioral problems. This realization sparked her passion to explore the Science of Reading, an area that was often neglected in traditional education systems. Alyson understood that these children weren't struggling because they weren't smart or trying hard enough, but because the educational approach just wasn't aligned with their unique learning styles. Determined to change this, she set out to create The Learning Lab, a place where children's learning styles were acknowledged and embraced. Known for being a mover and a shaker, her primary mission is to uncover how each child learns best and then devise a tailored plan to help them experience success.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode114

Work-life balance, what does it really mean for teachers? Truly disconnecting from work once the school day is done is incredibly challenging for many teachers. We have so much on our to do lists at school and at home. It often feels like we're in a constant state of overwhelm and like we are just trying to keep our heads above water.I've been that overwhelmed teacher without a good work-life balance so in today's episode, I am giving you real-life, actionable strategies for helping you ditch the overwhelm and leave work at work. I'm sharing why you shouldn't try to check off everything on your to do list, how to prioritize your tasks, why you shouldn't always be available, and the importance of knowing that good enough is enough.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode113

Creating personalized lessons to meet every one of our students' diverse needs is stressful especially when you have many students and there is only one of you. But what if you were able to make learning more accessible for all students without burning out? That's where utilizing AI tools in the classroom comes in! Today, I am joined by two incredible guests, Jessica Pack and Georgia Terlaje, who are giving us a look into how AI can be used in the classroom. We are discussing the role of podcasts in professional development, how to leverage AI for Universal Design for Learning, exciting AI tools you can use in your classroom, and more! As a middle school teacher for 19 years and a California Teacher of the Year, Jessica Pack has continually worked to redefine what learning looks like in her classroom. Jessica is the author of Movie Making in the Classroom, published by ISTE. And as an Adobe innovator, she is an advocate for student choice and student voice. She demonstrated this by the original content that her students regularly publish for a global audience. Jessica is also an ISTE community leader who co-hosts two podcasts, The Edge ISTE Community Leader Podcast and Storytelling Saves the World. Georgia Terlaje has taught for over 35 years, and she's a current instructional coach for Palm Springs Unified. She has used digital storytelling as an instructional strategy for 12 years and has presented on the topic both regionally and nationally. She was also instrumental in creating the PSUSD's first elementary film festival. Georgia is a teacher consultant for Digicom Learning, and in this role, she was the lead instructor for professional development courses for teachers in the area of digital storytelling. Georgia also has a digital story podcast that she co-hosts with Jessica, called Storytelling Saves the World, and is part of the ISTE Edge podcast as well. HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode112

If you are a teacher who is not taking action due to fear and living in chaos, let me tell you - you are not alone. In this episode, I share a personal story about how my daughters had to switch schools just two weeks before the start of the school year and how this unexpected change brought up a lot of fear and anxiety—both for them and for me. We dive into how fear of the unknown can paralyze us as educcators leading to procrastination, overactivity, and eventually burnout. We explore the different fears teachers face daily—from fear of failure to fear of losing their jobs—and how these fears create chaos in our lives. I also give my super simple 2-step plan to help you move from chaos to calm. It's literally so simple that I wish it were more difficult..HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode111

Being a burned out teacher is hard but being a burned out teacher with a disability presents unique challenges to face every day. We all know that teachers give so much of themselves to their teaching so it's especially important for teachers with disabilities to set and hold boundaries in order to take care of themselves.In this episode, we get to chat with Hayley Spira-Bauer about her experiences teaching with disabilities and how she navigated the two in tandem. She is sharing how she experienced burnout while teaching and the need for self-advocacy among teachers who often feel pressured to meet their students' needs while neglecting their own. We're also looking at how teacher vacancies impact overall teacher well-being and how she is still making an impact on students and teachers through her current role.Hayley Spira-Bauer is the Chief Operating Officer of Fullmind as well as a New York State certified teacher. She spent the tenure of her teaching career in brick and mortar schools in New York City, working in a public school in the South Bronx and and then a charter school in Harlem for a decade. She has been with Fullmind for seven years doing equity-based work around the United States, supplying state-certified teachers to schools to solve various pain points and is currently the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Academic Officer. Hayley is very, very deeply committed to leaving this world a better way than when she came into it. HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode110StartEd's EDTECH WEEK is the #1 EdTech event in NYC. This year's anniversary edition promises to be their best yet, featuring over 200+ speakers, exclusive networking opportunities, and open discussion sessions on the most talked-about topics impacting EdTech. Tickets are selling fast–register at https://bit.ly/edtechweek-register and use the promo code BRITTANY2024 for 20% off your general registration ticket to join us in NYC!

In this episode, we dive into the power of human connection and how it can be the key to overcoming teacher burnout and truly connecting with your students. Teaching isn't just about imparting knowledge; it's about building relationships, fostering empathy, and bringing your authentic self into the classroom. We get to chat with Jared Scott, who will guide us in exploring how embracing our humanity not only helps us stay resilient in the face of challenges but also creates a supportive environment where students can thrive. Jared Scott's motivational movement began at the young age of 15, marking the start of an impactful career dedicated to inspiring resilience and hope. Today, Jared is known as an award winning speaker that creates legacies and movements wherever he goes. He is also a proud husband and father, an author, and a counselor.Jared's aspiration to become a public speaker started when he was 15 with a mental health crisis in his hometown when there were 12 attempted suicides and four teens committed suicide, in a single year, two of them being friends of his. Deeply Affected by this tragedy, Jared wrote and performed a song in local schools, aiming to offer hope and connection to those feeling isolated.Guided by the experienced speaker and former Globetrotter, Melvin Adams, Jared has since earned a degree in Behavioral Health Sciences and gone one to work with over 1,000 schools through the Culture Shift Tour. HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode109

If you are in the throws of Back to School, let me tell you - it's never too late to automate! Last year, I hosted a 3 day free event called the Back to School Automation Bootcamp for Teachers and I got so many requests for another bootcamp. Instead, I thought what better way to help my teacher friends reduce stress and overwhelm this year than to grab it from the archives and let you get in on the fun with the replays!While this was recorded live and is only Day 1, you can watch the video version as well as grab the FREE resources discussed in Days 1, 2, and 3 by heading over to: http://www.teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/bootcampcatchupHEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode108

Have you ever sat down and had the thought how do some teachers not burnout? How do they seem to get everything to go their way? Why do they get the best classes and live a great life? And what do they have that I don't?I know that I have. If you're feeling that way, the number one thing that those teachers have that you don't is a fine-tuned mindset. With back to school season upon us, I'm here to let you know that just because you don't have the mindset right now, doesn't mean it's a lost cause!In this episode, we will discuss the science behind changing your mindset and bring you actionable tips to making this year a burnout-proof back to school season with 3 powerful mindset hacks.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode107

Going into a new school year can be daunting. We all want to walk in happy go lucky with tons of energy, inspired, and joyful. However, that's not always as easy as it sounds. In this episode, we get to chat with Phil Januszewski. Phil Januszewski is a tattoo covered, Netflix baking-show flopping, high-energy chemistry/physics teaching keynote speaker and coach that is on a mission to create and spread happiness through education, motivation, and entertainment. He empowers the givers in the world to completely flourish in their personal lives first, in order to ignite passion and purpose in their professional lives as well. Phil is a nationally known dynamic speaker of 10+ years and a public school educator since 2005 with a bachelors in chemistry, a masters in teaching leadership, and a certification in positive education. When not speaking, teaching, or supporting the givers in the world, Phil enjoys everyday adventures with his wife and two children and pursuing his personal passions of fitness, baking, networking, and personal development. If you ever meet Phil, be prepared for a great deal of positive energy, love, and passion.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode106

Today's episode is the first episode that is being released in 2 months. I went back and forth how I would return to the podcast but I think this is the best way plus sharing is caring.Odds are you're also a high achiever with a strong drive to keep everything going all the time (like your family, your classroom, your 9-5 teaching job, your hobbies, the list goes on). But sometimes, it comes at a cost. And that could be your mental health, physical health, or relationships.I really love what I do and often can't help myself from doing just one more thing before calling it quits at the end of the day. And so I've found that when I'm in a more challenging season of life personally, I have a tough time giving myself the permission to slow down or put that new idea on hold for now. But this summer, I finally made some improvements, and I want to share my experience with you and hope it helps you in some way.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode105

As teachers we spend a lot of time doing a lot of different tasks but grading and feedback are the number one areas especially for Language Arts teachers that can take up an enormous amount of time. You've probably been like me and spent hours at your kitchen table missing out on time with family and just life outside of work.In this episode, we're chatting with special guest, Gil Flores about how AI is shifting the landscape of education, what this means for our roles as educators, and critically, how tools like Cograder and other AI Grading & Feedback tools can help us reclaim our personal time while deepening the impact we have on our students'. Gil will also address some common concerns and misconceptions about integrating AI into traditional teaching methods.So, if you're curious about reducing the grind of grading and eager to see how AI can support more personalized education, this conversation is for you.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode104

If you are anything like me, juggling a bunch of different classes and even different grade levels can feel like you're drowning. Heck, if you're an elementary teacher prepping for 5 or 6 different subject areas…whew! The struggle is real.But juggling a lot of different things is what my friend Khristen Massic does for fun. Khristen loves efficiency and productivity hacks as much as you love leaving school at your contracted time. She is in her 16th year of education with 10 years as a high school engineering teacher, 4 years as a middle school assistant principal, and 2 years as a district-level instructional coach. She is the mom to 4 (almost 5) littles and she is married to a high school welding teacher. Khristen helps multi-prep secondary teachers learn and implement time-saving tools and strategies so you can achieve a work-life blend faster and better than she did.In this episode, she shares with us her top 3 stress-free strategies for juggling multiple prep classes including her favorite ways to lighten cognitive load with AI. If you just realized you might be a multiple-prep teacher or even if you're not, these practical strategies might be just what you need to reduce your stress this week. Not only is Khristen talking all about Harnessing AI for Effective Lesson Planning and Resource Repurposing in the EmpowerED 2 Teach with AI Conference but stick around until the end for another free resource.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode103

Are you one of those teachers who is piled with more and more at the end of the school year? Or maybe it's another time where it feels like it's just a lot on your plate? You probably call this your "busy season." Then again, as teachers, what season isn't busy, am I right?In this episode, we are diving into the idea behind these "busy seasons" and how I've started to stop letting them get the best of me. I am giving you three practical and actionable tips to transform the feeling of chaos into calm and make little changes with BIG results so you don't burnout in this season.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode102

As teachers, we often didn't get into the profession thinking we'd be rolling in the dough, but we at least expected to receive a livable wage. The fact of the matter is that many teachers are feeling stress and burnout often from their finances. And while, teachers should be paid fairly according to their experience and education with systemic change, at some point, we can be proactive.That's why I am excited to have special guest, George Kamel, on the show to chat all things financial freedom and budgeting for teachers. George Kamel is a national bestselling author of Breaking Free From Broke and a personal finance expert. Following Ramsey's proven money plan, George went from negative net worth to a millionaire in under 10 years. Since 2013, he has served on the Ramsey team, speaking across the country, co-hosting top-ranked Ramsey Network podcasts, like Smart Money Happy Hour and The Ramsey Show. George has. been featured on Fox News, Fox Business, and The Iced Coffee Hour, among other networks. On his YouTube channel, George educates and entertains, exposing the financial system designed to keep you broke. His goal is to help people spend less, save more, and avoid money traps so they can live a life with more margin, options and freedom. Follow George on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X, or online at georgekamel.com. HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode101

It's hard to believe The Resilient Teacher Podcast is already at 100 episodes. Time flies when you're having fun.I'm so excited to celebrate with you today with a listener's choice - I asked, you answered, and now we're doing a round up of 5 of the biggest mistakes that teachers make when they try to recover from burnout.You're definitely going to want to listen to this episode to hear all about the mistakes you could be making, the super simple giveaway I'm doing to celebrate this milestone, some advice, and lots more.And whether this is the first or the 100th episode you've listened to of this podcast, THANK YOU! I hope it's been (or will be) a helpful resource for you whereever you are in your teacher burnout recovery journey.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode100

Stress as a teacher is something you just can't get away from. It's bound to happen but in order to avoid burnout and sustain your career, we have to take steps to mitigate it in realtime. My friend, who you might know as Educator Andrea on Tiktok & Instagram, actually gained some social media notoriety for her hilarious classroom stories, but what you might not know is that she has her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. Her research and dissertation was all about factors that impact teacher attrition most. What might surprise you is that it was not the class size, it was not the grade level, but it was overwhelmingly one specific area, which we will talk all about in this episode.In this episode, we talk all about her journey from teacher to professor, her research and dissertation about what could help teachers sustain their careers as educators, and we also chat our experiences in the classroom to let you know you're not alone.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode99

HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode98

One of the reasons that students are apathetic and disengaged is because they don't see the point or value in learning.We've talked in this short mini-series about apathetic students and disengagement and some real strategies and mindset shifts we can make as educators to reduce the burnout from these types of behaviors.We need a way to reignite our passion but also to intrinsically motivate students to see the value in life-long learning. Last week we talked about adding productive struggle to our classrooms to support students in building the life skills necessary, but this week, I want us to get into the nitty gritty of taking this a step farther and implementing project-based learning strategies that can transform the way students see the value in their education. Where we shift from the traditional 'sit and get' method to a more hands-on, minds-on approach where students aren't just passive recipients but active participants. That's why in today's episode, we chat with Dr. Diondraya Taylor, who is the founder adn CEO of Mindset & Milestones - a social enterprise that helps schools and youth organizations create real-world learning programs using project-based learning. They provide a weekly project newsletter for teachers and program development services for admin who want to take their schools to the next level. Dr. Taylor fell in love with entrepreneurial thinking through her roles with different startups, and this is where she recognized that applying problem-solving to the real world is an amazing tool for educators to encourage innovation and ambition in their students. Dr. Taylor is also a triple Bruin having graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in psychobiology and entrepreneurship, a Master's in Education, and a Ph.D. in Education and Organizational Change. Between her business and her research, she is committed to the preparation of youth for the future of work and transforming classrooms into spaces for real-world learning.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode97

If you've ever faced the challenge of staring at blank faces of your uninterested and disengaged students, you know how hard it is to spark their curiosity. Actually getting them to take action is a struggle in and of itself, but what if I told you there's a transformative approach that could flip the switch from apathy to engagement? That's exactly what we're diving into in today's episode, where we explore the game-changing strategy of teaching productive struggle.This isn't just about getting students to just pay attention; it's about empowering them to embrace the challenges of learning head-on. But how, you ask? How do we transform struggle into a force for engagement? How do we make our classrooms a place where mistakes are not just tolerated but celebrated as stepping stones to learning? That's exactly what my special guest, Mona Iehl from Mona Math, and I discuss today - what exactly productive struggle is, how it helps to bridge the gap between apathy & action, and practical steps that we can take to weave productive struggle into the fabric of our teaching, regardless of what subject we teach.Mona is a former math avoider, teacher & instructional coach in Chicago. Her passion for math came when she discovered how to engage every student in a subject she, too, disliked. Through intentionally changing her math class to help students BE mathematicians using a student centered approach math came alive for Mona and her students. Now Mona collaboratively coaches teachers in building a math culture through rigorous student centered math instruction. You can listen to Mona every Monday on her podcast, Honest Math Chat.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode96

As a teacher, one of the biggest challenges that is experienced in 2024 is the increase in students who don't put forth any effort and won't think for themselves. There is an epidemic of apathetic students in our classrooms and this behavior is met with the push for teachers to do and be more.In this episode, we chat with Angela Watson about how the solution is not to put more onus on teachers, but rather supportn students with how to take initiative and persevere through challenges.Angela Watson is a productivity and mindset specialist, author, and motivational speaker for educators. She is National Board Certified and has a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, along with 11 years of classroom teaching experience and over a decade of experience as an instructional coach. Angela believes in challenging the narrative of the overworked and unappreciated “super teacher.” Through her blog, podcast, books, printables, online courses, and professional development services, Angela has supported countless teachers in choosing a new identity for themselves which is healthy and focused on what matters most.HEAD OVER TO THE SHOW NOTES: teachingmindbodyandsoul.com/episode95