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

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

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

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

Not every day is rainbows, unicorns, and cupcakes with sprinkles. Sometimes the only side of the bed you can wake up on is the wrong side.  And that’s okay. It’s all part of this big amazingly messy experience called life. While you can’t necessarily control your mood or all the thoughts that pop into your… Read More

You love your students. And many of them come to school with traumatic backgrounds and stories that hurt your heart and affect you down to your soul. You listen. You care. You do everything you can to help these children manage and survive. But the most important element in helping others is being able to… 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

You’ve heard of the 12 Days of Christmas but this year, how about trying the 12 Days of Balance? We know that there are never enough minutes in a day to get our professional work done, never mind personal to-dos. Plus, many educators are truly passionate about their jobs and research shows that creative jobs… Read More