The Ultimate Teacher Survival Guide: 10 Hard-Won Lessons for Avoiding Burnout & Finding Joy in Teaching
Send us a text🎙️ After 100+ episodes, I'm distilling EVERYTHING into one powerful episode. These 10 truths will transform your teaching career from surviving to thriving. Save this episode. Share it with every teacher you know. This is the one that changes everything. 🌟In this episode, Grace shares the 10 most critical pieces of advice she wishes she'd known when she started teaching—and the lessons that took her years to learn the hard way. Whether you're a brand new teacher or a 20-year veteran, these truths will help you create a sustainable, joyful teaching career.✨ #1: Your Energy > Your Lesson Plans Self-care isn't selfish—it's the foundation of great teaching. Your calm, consistent presence matters more than perfect Pinterest-worthy activities.💪 #2: No One Is Coming to Save You The only person who can transform your teaching experience is YOU. Learn the boundary-setting and communication skills they never taught in teacher training.🎯 #3: You Always Have a Choice Stop saying "I have no choice." You might not like your options, but denying you have them is disempowering. Focus on what you CAN control.🚫 #4: Nobody Is Indispensable Don't sacrifice your health because you think the school can't function without you. (Spoiler: Your job will be posted on EDJOIN by 3 PM if you quit today.)🤐 #5: Not Everyone Is Your Friend Be careful what you share and with whom. Protect your peace and privacy—especially in the age of social media.⚽ #6: Don't Catch Every Ball Drama, complaints, and other people's battles will constantly come your way. Learn to "validate and bounce" instead of getting dragged in.❤️ #7: You Can't Be All Things to All Students You cannot care more than everyone else in a student's life. Focus your energy where it will make the most impact.👤 #8: Teaching Isn't Your Whole Identity You are a human first, teacher second. Cultivate interests and relationships outside the schoolhouse or risk burnout.📉 #9: LESS Is More Do less, talk less, hold onto less. Not everything urgent is important. Learn to prioritize ruthlessly and make peace with "good enough."🚷 #10: Ditch the Comparison Game Stop comparing your messy Tuesday to someone else's filtered Instagra ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/saynoWant to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance 📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:The Empowered Teacher ToolkitCheck out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classroomsWanna get social?https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacherhttps://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacherhttps://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)
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Supporting Student Mental Health & SEL with Iuri Melo of School Pulse
Send us a textWhat if one text message could save a student's life? In this powerful episode, Grace sits down with Iuri Mellow, co-founder of School Pulse, to explore a revolutionary mental health support system that's preventing tragedies in schools across America. After 7 students died by suicide in his Utah community, social worker and best-selling author, Iuri created a solution that gives students anonymous access to trained counselors via text—before and after school, 7 days a week.⚠️ Content Warning: Brief discussion of suicidal/homicidal ideation in youth💡 Episode HighlightsWhat School Pulse Offers:📱 Live text-based counseling support for students (grades 6-12)🆓 Free 22-topic video library (absenteeism, anxiety, vaping, grief, and more)🔒 Anonymous, confidential student access to trained professionals✉️ Weekly positive psychology content sent via text and email👨👩👧 Parent involvement and transparency built-inWhy Teachers Need This:Removes the burden of being "unlicensed therapists"Low-lift, high-impact support systemMultiplies school counseling capacity without adding workloadClick-and-play resources requiring zero trainingRidiculously affordable for schoolsThe Game-Changer:80% of student engagement is positive conversationsLess than 3% student opt-out rateSuccess story at minute 45-47 that will blow your mindHas prevented homicidal ideation, self-harm, and moreStudents stay connected even after graduating🔗 ResourcesWebsite: schoolpulse.org Free Video Library: https://schoolpulse.org/student-success/**All video content accessible without email signup🎯 Bottom LineTeachers can't do it all—and they shouldn't have to. This episode offers hope and practical solutions for supporting student mental health without adding to educator burnout. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/saynoWant to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance 📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:The Empowered Teacher ToolkitCheck out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classroomsWanna get social?https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacherhttps://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacherhttps://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)
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Teacher Wellness Done Wrong: When Teacher Book Studies Add Stress Not Support
Send us a textWhy Campus-Wide Book Studies Might Backfire (And What to Do Instead)In this candid episode, educator and author Grace Stevens shares an unconventional perspective: why mandating her own book for campus-wide studies might do more harm than good. She explores the psychology behind teacher resistance to mandatory professional development, the difference between gifts and assignments, and offers practical alternatives that respect teacher autonomy while genuinely supporting wellbeing and reducing burnout.Key Points📚 The Assignment vs. Gift Problem - When administrators mandate books for staff, even well-intentioned resources can feel like just another compliance checkbox rather than genuine support🚫 Avoiding Toxic Positivity - Books about mindset and positivity can backfire with already overwhelmed teachers, coming across as tone-deaf rather than helpful, especially when mandated from above✅ Teacher Autonomy Matters - Self-determination theory applies to educators too—teachers need choice and voice in their professional development, not just mandates🎯 When Book Studies Work - Book studies are most effective when teachers choose to participate, when multiple options are offered, or when integrated into teacher credential programs where context is appropriate💝 Better Gift Alternatives - Journals and personal reflection tools make excellent gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week or new staff without the pressure of mandatory reading or discussion🔄 Systemic Change Over Symbolic Gestures - Real support for teacher wellbeing requires systemic changes, not just book recommendations that can feel like lip service⚠️ Reading the Room - Administrators should survey staff needs and interests before selecting professional development materials—what works for one campus may not work for another🎓 Teacher College Success - Pre-service teacher programs are ideal settings for books on burnout prevention and boundary-setting, as students are already in learning mode and need these foundational skillsAdministrators interested in empowering teachers with real skills to help combat burnout and overwhelm are invited to watch a 5-minute video at this link: ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/saynoWant to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance 📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:The Empowered Teacher ToolkitCheck out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classroomsWanna get social?https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacherhttps://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacherhttps://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)
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Teacher Burnout, Stress & Mental Health: 17 Red Flags
Send us a textIn this episode of the Teacher Self-Care and Life Balance Podcast, we’re diving deep into a topic every educator needs to hear: the warning signs that you need stronger, healthier boundaries.If you’ve been feeling exhausted, resentful, or like teaching is bleeding into every corner of your life, this episode is your wake-up call. 🚨Inside, I’ll share 17 red flags—10 from your personal life and 7 from your school life—that reveal when your boundaries are slipping. Plus, I’ll walk you through a mindset shift that will change how you see boundaries forever.💡 Remember: boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re what allow you to protect your time, energy, and joy—so you can show up fully for yourself, your family, and your students.🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🔟 10 private-life warning signs you’re neglecting your needs (like constant fatigue, guilt when resting, or short tempers at home)7️⃣ school-life symptoms of burnout (from always saying yes ➡️ to losing your joy in teaching)🧠 The #1 mindset shift that makes setting boundaries feel less scary and more loving📚 Which past podcast episodes to binge next if you want practical scripts and strategies🛑 Why “pushing through” doesn’t make you a better teacher—it makes you a burned-out one💬 Final TakeawayBoundaries don’t mean you care less. They mean you’re building a teaching life you can actually sustain. 🌱 Start with one small change this week—like not checking email after dinner—and notice how much lighter you feel.Need a proven roadmap to help you set healthier teacher boundaries? Check out the Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries course at www.gracestevens.com/lifeback ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/saynoWant to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance 📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:The Empowered Teacher ToolkitCheck out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classroomsWanna get social?https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacherhttps://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacherhttps://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)
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How to Be a Happier Teacher: 8 Proven Habits That Actually Work in the Classroom
Send us a textIn This Episode: 🎧 Grace shares 8 powerful habits that can transform your teaching experience and help you become that "offensively cheerful" teacher who stays calm even when chaos strikes.The 8 Happy Habits: 🌟Set Healthy Boundaries 🚧 Protect your energy like it's $24,000 a dayIt's okay to disappoint people sometimesPrioritize Relationships Over Perfection 💝 Use the "2-10 Rule" (2 minutes for 10 days with struggling students)Create student shoutout circlesBuild inside jokes and laugh with your studentsPractice Micro Moments of Calm 🧘♀️ Try "Starfish Breathing" (trace your hand while breathing)Use hallway resets (pause at doors, one mindful breath)Create calm classroom environments with soft music/lightingStay Organized with Simple Systems 📚 Remember: "You don't rise to your goals, you fall to your systems"Delegate routines to students (they're more capable than you think!)Have daily reset routines before leavingReframe Your Challenges 🔄 Apply growth mindset to yourself, not just studentsSee behavior issues as opportunities to reteachModel mistakes and problem-solvingCelebrate the Small Wins 🎉 Write down 3 best parts of your day before leavingUse a "joy jar" in your classroomTune your radar to good stuff, not annoyancesSeparate Your Worth from Your Work 👤 Be a complete person beyond just "teacher"Schedule non-negotiable time for YOUR interestsRun Your Own Race 🏃♀️ Stop comparing yourself to Pinterest perfectionStay out of staff room drama that doesn't concern youProtect your peace at all costsKey Takeaway: 💡 Don't try all 8 habits at once! Pick one, make it routine, then add another. Happiness can be synthesized - it's a skill you can learn!Resources Mentioned: 🔗Happy Classroom Habits CoursePositive Mindset Journal for Teach ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/saynoWant to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance 📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:The Empowered Teacher ToolkitCheck out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classroomsWanna get social?https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacherhttps://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacherhttps://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)
About Teacher Self-Care and Life Balance: Personal Growth to Empower Educators & Avoid Burnout
This teacher podcast is for all educators who want to regain control of their time and energy and rekindle their passion for teaching. It is full of tips for teachers who want to overcome teacher burnout, invest in authentic teacher self-care, and create a sustainable work-life balance through better habits and confidently setting boundaries. Grace combines her 20-year classroom experience and training in NLP and life coaching to inspire, entertain, and support educators to feel more empowered to create their unique path in an education system that can be overwhelming and stressful. This podcast for educators delivers the kind of teacher professional development you've always wished you could receive. It is the perfect balance of teacher personal growth tips, life-coaching and encouragement for overwhelmed educators.Once you understand that your energy teaches more than your lesson plans, you'll realize that feeling empowered to create your own teaching experience is the best thing you can do for yourself, your family, and your students. You'll discover that feeling empowered is the ultimate inspiration for teachers.This educator podcast is for you if you've ever asked yourself:1. How can teachers set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance? 2. What are some signs of burnout in teachers, and how can it be prevented? 3. What can schools do to support teacher well-being and prevent burnout?4. What ways can schools create a wellness culture that supports both students and teachers? 5. What are the best podcasts for teachers who want practical strategies for proper self-care and inspiration for teachers?6. What are some positive mindsets and strategies to help me put the fun and joy back in my classroom and fall back in love with teaching?7. What resources can support me if I am struggling and starting to think that a career in education may not be sustainable?PART of the TEACH BETTER Podcast Network
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