We voraciously work to stomp out bullying at school. We do not accept harsh words, criticism, or taunting in our classrooms. We have a zero-tolerance policy for cruelty and harmful behavior. But guys, the truth is, we allow all of it into our own internal dialogue. That’s right. The negative self-talk, the self-criticism…we’re bullying ourselves…. Read More
Since the beginning of the pandemic, many teachers have been forced into something most of them never practiced before – remote work. It took a while for educators around the world to figure out, how to make distance learning work for their students, and they had to put all their effort into it. They were… Read More
Sneezes, sniffles, and coughs, OH MY! The classroom can be a scary place during cold and flu season — but it doesn’t have to be. The truth is, your immune system is as strong as you make it. And, armed with the right information and the willingness to focus on boosting your body’s infection-fighting abilities,… Read More
Are all the supplies ready for tomorrow’s art project? How should I answer the email from the parent concerned about the friends her daughter is making? When will I prepare my presentation for the math curriculum committee? Will my contract be renewed for next year? And if it isn’t, how will I pay the bills?… Read More
If you fly with any regularity, you’re likely very familiar with the flight attendant’s instructions to place the oxygen mask on yourself before assisting children. The reason, of course, is that you can’t do a very good job if you don’t take care of yourself first. Particularly in challenging situations, this is absolutely vital. Teaching… Read More
A day in the life of a teacher can be pretty darn jam-packed. So it’s important to make the most of the moments you do have by fostering some inner peace and tapping into the Zen. Check out these eight meditation apps perfect to guide you through some relaxation and rejuvenate your soul for the… Read More
Teaching is the way you have chosen to change the world — and kudos to you for teaching your heart out! But being so deeply invested also means being vulnerable. And that can take a serious emotional toll. Here’s the deal: The emotional labor of teaching is real. And when we don’t talk about it… Read More
You went into your teaching career like gangbusters — excited, energetic, oozing creativity, eyes all atwinkle. But the weight of daily stress can begin to deflate those feelings of satisfaction and ambition and dull your passion. And, if left unchecked, can lead to burnout. Burnout is one of the most common reasons that teachers leave… Read More
Light itself is invisible until it reflects from something and hits our eyes. In the same way, the elements of our life are invisible until we take the time to actually see them through our mind’s eye. Self-reflection is taking the time to see the successes and failures, the opportunities and challenges, and the mental… Read More
With all you do, it’s easy to find yourself working around the clock just to stay ahead. Working too much can not only be damaging to your health but can also be damaging to your family. Creating a barrier at the end of work time — at least for a few hours — can help… Read More
When demands at work and home have you feeling like you’re about to crack, stop, breathe, and take a cue from nature. Channel your inner palm tree. Here’s the thing about palm trees: Even in the fiercest of storms, a palm tree will stay rooted in the ground. Devastating winds will destroy everything in their… Read More
Monday mornings often loom over us like a dark cloud of doom. In fact, they’re so ominous that we start our anxiety about them on Sundays. But are Mondays really that bad? Absolutely not! Finding reasons to love your Mondays can help you bounce out of bed ready to start your workweek. It’s all about… Read More
When you’re at work, lunch feels like it cannot come soon enough — unless of course you’re a teacher with that crazy 10:30 am lunch block. Somehow leftover taco meat just doesn’t have the same appeal that early in the day. So what do you pack when your scheduled lunch is more like a brunch?… Read More
Between caring for students and caring for family, sometimes the only alone time we get is those few minutes in the car on the way to or from work. But guess what? It’s still ALONE time and it should be celebrated and treated like the sacred gift it is. Make the most of this time… Read More
Pencils have erasers for a reason. Mistakes are a part of life. Mistakes mean we’re learning. We’re trying. We are pushing ourselves in new and sometimes uncomfortable ways. That’s the whole point. And, when we flip the switch on our perspective, we realize that mistakes truly are blessings in disguise — and those blessings may… Read More