Teacher stress is at an all-time high. Teacher morale is at an all-time low. This is the moment when we need support. There are many types of support – instructional support, administrative support, community support etc. Teachers need all these supports to be effective and successful. But there is another kind of support that is desperately needed – emotional support. How do you build an emotional support system for yourself as a teacher? Who should be in your support community? Here’s how to build your support network so you can cope with high stress and low-morale for this school year and beyond.
[Read more…]Stop Taking Things Personally
It’s been a rough day. The lesson didn’t go well. The students didn’t respond how you wanted them to. They didn’t learn. They misbehaved. They were disengaged.
What’s the next thought that runs through your mind?
> I failed
or
> I’m a failure
It’s a subtle difference. But it’s important. Read more for tips for teachers on how to stop taking things personally and create emotional space between you and the work.
[Read more…]Taming Your Teacher Gremlin
You know that little (loud) voice in your head that tells you that your ideas are bad, that you aren’t good enough, that you’re not beautiful enough, that you don’t have enough… I not-so-fondly refer to that voice as my gremlin. That gremlin is only out to steal our joy, kill our dreams, and make us play small. Read on for some tips on taming your teacher gremlin:
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Renew Your Teaching Contract
“I’m so exhausted,” she said through tears, “I just don’t know if I can do it another year.” This came from one of the teachers I coach this week in our session. She is fried crispy, overwhelmed, and just ‘done’. And she is also trying to decide whether or not to sign her teaching contract for next year. So – want to know what I asked her? I’m going to share with you 10 questions that you can consider if you find yourself in this predicament.
[Read more…]Happy Teachers Take Time to Rejuvenate
Happy teachers take time to rejuvenate. It’s that simple. When we burn our candle at both ends, we cannot keep our flame going forever. We need time to refuel, rest, and rejuvenate our bodies, minds, and spirits. [Read more…]
Teachers: The Struggle Is Real
Top 5 Reasons Teachers Seek Coaching
People often ask me, “what do you work with people on when you coach them?” So I decided to outline the most common reasons teachers come to me for coaching. Can you guess what they are? And if one of these resonates, check out my coaching page for more information about coaching or schedule a call to see if coaching would be a good fit for you. [Read more…]
Summer Reflection as a Teacher
Most all teachers are now on summer break, and it’s natural to want to just let down your hair and relax. And I don’t blame you. That is exactly what you should do. And while you are floating in the pool with a margarita in hand, let your mind wander back to this past school year and do a little reflecting. Here are my tips for effectively digesting the school year.
Summer Reading for Wholehearted Teachers
7 Tips for Getting More Sleep as a Teacher
Teaching is an extremely draining activity – both physically and mentally. Standing all day, strutting our fast-paced “Teacher Walk”, and at least 500 squats to desks. Plus add in emotional fatigue, and it’s no wonder we’re exhausted!
Sleep is our body’s natural way of nourishing and replenishing our resources. But most of us teachers are completely sleep deprived. How can we get more sleep as teachers?