Explore every episode of the podcast Teacher Self-Care and Life Balance: Personal Growth to Empower Educators & Avoid Burnout
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ultimate Teacher Survival Guide: 10 Hard-Won Lessons for Avoiding Burnout & Finding Joy in Teaching | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:54:53 | |
🎙️ 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 Instagram h ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Supporting Student Mental Health & SEL with Iuri Melo of School Pulse | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:56:14 | |
What 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
What School Pulse Offers:
Why Teachers Need This:
The Game-Changer:
Website: schoolpulse.org **All video content accessible without email signup
Teachers 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/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| BTS 2025/26: The Complete Teacher Boundary Plan: 6 Essential Areas for Back to School Success | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:33:53 | |
In this power-packed episode of our Back to School 2025 series, Grace breaks down the ONE thing that can make or break your entire school year - and it's not your bulletin boards or seating charts. It's your boundary plan. You're spending hours on classroom decorations while ignoring the foundation that will determine whether you thrive or barely survive this year. Grace reveals the 6 critical areas every teacher needs to address to create sustainable work-life balance and protect their energy.
1. Time Boundaries - Your Non-Negotiable Schedule ⏰ 2. Physical & Emotional Space Boundaries 🏠 3. Toxic People Boundaries - Protecting Your Energy 🛡️ 4. Coworker Boundaries - Professional Relationships 🤝 5. Parent Communication Boundaries 👨👩👧👦 6. Student Boundaries - Professional Relationships 📚
💡 Boundaries are skills - not personality traits. They can be learned and improved. 💡 The boundary inventory - Most teachers don't realize where their boundary blind spots are hiding. 💡 "Classroom policy" magic - Remove the personal element by framing boundaries as policies. 💡 Consistency is everything - Your boundaries only work if you apply them fairly to everyone. 💡 Plan before you need them - Don't wait for boundary violations to figure out your response.
Every day you operate without clear boundaries, you're conditioning others to expect unlimited access to your time, energy, and emotional labor. This isn't just about work-life balance - it's about creating a sustainable career that doesn't burn you out before you can make the impact you're meant to make. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| How to Have the Best Parent-Teacher Conference Season Ever: 5 Tips for Teacher Success | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:39:27 | |
Let me help you get ready to have the best parent-teacher conference season ever! 📝 While it can cause a lot of teacher stress, conferences are an important chance to connect with families. With some preparation, you can make conferences productive and positive! 🔑 First, leverage technology to take yourself out of the scheduling drama! It will also help you meet the needs of parents with inflexible schedules. ⏰ Second, manage expectations upfront. Tell parents how long conferences will be and remind them not to be surprised - they should already know if their child is struggling. 👩🏫 Third, involve students when you can with self-reflection exercises like "glow and grow." Get their perspective and involve them in the "triangle of success." ❌ Fourth, set boundaries. Have a schedule posted publicly so parents stick to their time slot. Get a witness if you anticipate tension. 👀 🤗 Fifth, imagine it's your child. Lead with the positives. Minimize jargon on forms. Make it a dialogue, not a monologue. So stop dreading those conferences! With some prep, you'll crush it! ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Maintaining Positive Classroom Management During the Holiday Chaos | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:29:16 | |
Once Halloween hits, it seems the momentum of the holidays just doesn't stop! In this week's episode, I look at how to avoid holiday teacher burnout and how to calm the classroom chaos that this time of year brings. You'll learn how to:
I'll also touch on how to address cultural sensitivity and inclusivity without getting overly stressed or letting parents bully you. And give you access to a FREE RESOURCE appropriate for most classrooms. You can download the free coloring /growth mindset mandalas that I mentioned in the episode here ⬆️ ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Breaking Free from the Teacher Martyr Myth: The Foundation of Teacher Self-Care | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:24:43 | |
If you are finding it hard to avoid teacher burnout and engage in true teacher self-care - this might be the piece you're missing. Buckle up, because in this week's episode, I am about to challenge the deep-seated belief that overwork and personal sacrifice are just part of the teaching gig. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Reducing Teacher Stress: 5 Lessons from 'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff' (Best Books for Teachers Part 2) | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:30:11 | |
Imagine transforming your teaching day into a more peaceful, joy-filled experience. Picture a classroom where the small stuff doesn't phase you and the big stuff doesn't overwhelm you or your students (oh, happy day!) ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| The Paradigm Shift Needed to Reduce Teacher Burnout | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:28:23 | |
In this episode, inspired by Dr. Stephen R. Covey's first chapter of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" I discuss the ONE paradigm shift that could transform our teaching. A paradigm shift isn't just a buzzword; it's a fundamental change in how we approach or understand a situation. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| The Best Books for Teachers that Aren't About Teaching: Part 1 - Covey's Seven Habits | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:33:50 | |
As an author and an avid reader, I'm obsessed with books. What if the books with the greatest power to transform your teaching and relationships with students, parents, admins, and co-workers aren't books about education? ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Grit versus Grind: The Balance Between Passion and Burnout in Education | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:23:03 | |
Ready to challenge your understanding of grit and perseverance? In this episode, I dissect the essence of Angela Duckworth's revolutionary research on grit and the potential pitfalls when her concept is misunderstood and misapplied, leading to an unhealthy grind culture in education.
I invite you to reflect, question, and redefine your approach to grit, helping you navigate the fine line between passion, perseverance, and burnout. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Teacher Tips: How to Take Breaks & Connect Even if Your Staff Lounge is Super Negative | 18 Sep 2023 | 00:26:19 | |
A key way to avoid burning out is to take time during the teaching day to rest, recharge, and connect with other adults. How often do teachers genuinely take a break? And what can you do if your common break area is where all the complainers congregate?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Tips for Teachers: How to Protect Your Peace from Toxically Negative Co-Workers | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:24:58 | |
A huge cause of teacher burnout is being surrounded by other educators who are constantly negative. In today's episode, we tackle these concerns head-on, exploring practical strategies for preserving your inner peace and maintaining optimism within the context of today's educational landscape, which is, let's face it, very challenging. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Navigating #TeacherLife: The Dangers of Making Teaching Your Whole Identity | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:30:01 | |
Is living your best #TeacherLife contributing to your teacher burnout in ways you're unaware of? We've all been there - that point where our identity becomes so entwined with our profession that we lose sight of who we are outside the classroom. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Teacher Burnout Alert: When Sunk Cost Fallacy Keeps You Stuck | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:41:21 | |
Breaking Free from the Sunk Cost Fallacy: Why Smart Teachers Stay Stuck 🌱 That voice in your head saying "I've invested too much to quit now"? It's lying to you. Summer is the perfect time to identify what's keeping you stuck - and it's probably not what you think.
Why that Gold Rush unit you spent years perfecting might be choking the life out of your classroom
How tenure and "years invested" keep teachers miserable in environments that are destroying their wellbeing
The painful truth about overcommitting to students who aren't progressing (and why it's hurting everyone)
What happens when your need to be "the teacher who does everything" becomes your prison
"Who would you be if you let that story go?" This isn't just about your classroom - it's about the limiting stories keeping you stuck in relationships, hobbies, and life decisions.
Every hour you spend watering dead plants is time stolen from nurturing what could actually bloom in your life. Your master's degree isn't a prison sentence. Your years of service don't have to keep you miserable. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away.
Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| 5 Tips for Teachers When Your Class Roster Is Scary | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:31:23 | |
Have you ever been all excited to get the roster of your new students only to find that you have a disproportionate number of students with special circumstances in your class? You're not alone, and we're here to challenge this trend. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Is Toxic Positivity Killing Teacher Morale on Your Campus? | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:25:08 | |
Positivity can be toxic - a hard-hitting truth that many schools are unwilling to accept. Welcome to our no-holds-barred conversation on the insidious impacts of forced false positivity in education, a pretty façade that masks the real problems plaguing our education system. We debunk myths and shed light on the darker side of those "fun" activities like spirit weeks, the labeling of teachers, and the damaging effects of perpetuating a too-good-to-be-true environment. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| 5 Steps for Teachers to Say "No" to Extra Duties in a Professional and Comfortable Way | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:38:04 | |
Welcome to a revolutionary episode where you'll learn the elusive art of saying 'no'. As educators, we often find ourselves donating countless hours to the school system, sometimes to our own detriment. So, how exactly do we find the delicate balance between lending a helping hand and overextending ourselves? Immerse yourself in our discussion as we explore this predicament, offering you strategies to take control of your commitments and establish healthier boundaries. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Introduction to Balance Your Life - New Podcast for Educators with Grace Stevens | 18 Aug 2023 | 00:21:09 | |
Are you passionate about being an educator but crave a more positive experience? One that doesn't consume your whole life and leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? You're not alone. Join Grace Stevens as she shares her journey from corporate sales to teaching and beyond. Hear how she navigated this turbulent journey and discovered techniques from positive psychology and neuro-linguistic programming to combat anxiety, depression, and burnout in the classroom. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| The Truth About SEL: Building Emotional Intelligence That Actually Empowers Teachers and Students | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:37:52 | |
🧠 Why SEL Curriculum Isn't Working (And What Teachers Should Do Instead) In this episode, Grace Stevens dives deep into Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and reveals why scripted curricula often fall flat. She shares real classroom observations that expose the gap between checking boxes and authentic emotional intelligence building. This episode provides actionable strategies for teachers to develop genuine EQ skills in themselves and their students without adding to their already overwhelming workload.
Listen now and learn how to authentically model and teach emotional intelligence, even if you don't have a designated "SEL block." To automatically receive the free resources that accompany this episode, sign up for Grace's bi-weekly newsletter. The easiest way is to download her free guide to saying "no" without guilt and ditch your least favorite adjunct duty at this link www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Teacher Burnout Recovery: 4 Essential Steps to Your Summer Reset | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:36:11 | |
🌞 4 Essential Strategies for Teacher Summer Recovery & Burnout Prevention Episode Summary You made it through another school year! 🎉 But summer break doesn't automatically fix teacher burnout. Host Grace Stevens shares 4 proven strategies to help teachers truly disconnect, recover, and prepare for renewal during summer break. 🔑 Key Takeaways Strategy #1: Create a Closing Ritual ✅
Strategy #2: Complete the Stress Cycle 🧘♀️ Teaching = constant assault on your nervous system. Your body needs intentional recovery:
Strategy #3: Triage Your Summer To-Do List 📝 Your list is too long (we know it is!). Apply medical triage principles:
Pro Tip: Listen to Episode 50 for setting boundaries with family who think you're "free all summer" Strategy #4: Rebuild Your Identity Outside Teaching 🌱 Remember who you are beyond the classroom:
Key takeaway: Remember: August is coming whether you worry about it or not - you might as well enjoy your summer! 🌞 #TeacherBurnout #SummerRecovery #TeacherWellness #EducatorSelfCare #TeacherLife Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Why Teacher Back to School Success Starts with Setting Limits in These 4 Areas Over Summer | 27 May 2025 | 00:38:53 | |
🎉 Summer is almost here, and I'm dropping some serious truth bombs about why your sweet summer break should be about HEALING, not hustling. If your summer to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt (I see you! 😅), this episode is your roadmap to setting the limits you need for a joyful back-to-school season.
The Four Essential Areas to Set Limits This Summer:
This episode includes practical strategies, a pep talk (always), and a celebration of all you've accomplished this year. Listen now, and share with a teaching friend! ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Transferable Teacher Skills: Your Path to a New Career If You Are Looking to Leave the Classroom | 13 May 2025 | 00:37:43 | |
How to Transform Your Teaching Career Into Something New This week I'm chatting with Lisa Harding, CEO of Teacher Career Transitions Academy, about how educators can successfully transition to careers outside the classroom. Born into a family of teachers but taking a different path herself, Lisa shares her journey from educational technology executive to certified career coach dedicated to helping teachers recognize their transferable skills and overcome imposter syndrome. Whether you're considering leaving teaching, looking for a side hustle, or planning for post-retirement opportunities, this dynamic conversation provides valuable insights and practical steps for your career journey.
Even if you're not looking to leave teaching right now, this information is incredibly valuable. Many of us will eventually move beyond the classroom, and understanding your options can actually reduce stress and provide peace of mind.
➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Rethinking School Flexibility to Fight Teacher Burnout + Boost Teacher Retention | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:29:56 | |
4 Flexibility Options Schools Need NOW to Retain Great Teachers In this week's episode, I share something deeply personal that has been on my mind since I left the classroom full-time two years ago. The truth? I never stopped loving teaching or my students - I simply needed more flexibility than traditional school structures could offer.
Let's be honest - teaching has become an all-or-nothing profession. You're either in the classroom full-time or completely out of education. This inflexible system is driving away talented educators who love teaching but need options that accommodate:
In this episode, I explore four potential solutions that could enable teachers to remain in the profession while enjoying more flexibility in their schedules. They include:
➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| The Anxious Generation: The Case for Phone Free Schools & How Teachers Can Combat the Attention Economy | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:48:15 | |
Why Your Smartphone Policy May Be Destroying Your School Culture Is your classroom filled with anxious, distracted students who can't handle minor setbacks? Research shows technology is rewiring their brains, and not in a good way. In this essential episode, discover the stark difference between phone-free and phone-accessible schools, learn how the "attention economy" deliberately creates addiction, and get practical strategies for every grade level to build resilience and focus without fighting constant battles over devices.
Whether you're witnessing technology's toll firsthand or concerned about rising student anxiety, these actionable approaches will help you create an environment where students can develop the social skills and emotional regulation they desperately need. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| 7 Tips for Substitute Teacher Success | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:39:03 | |
Teacher Self-Care: Setting Your Substitute Teacher Up for Success 🍎✨ Are you dragging yourself to school when sick because writing sub plans feels overwhelming? Discover how to set yourself (and your substitute teacher) up for success with these practical strategies from a former teacher-turned substitute!
Taking time off when needed is essential for teacher wellbeing, but many educators avoid absences because preparing for a substitute feels more stressful than working while ill. This episode reframes substitute preparation as a crucial self-care practice.
After 20+ years of classroom teaching, Grace gained valuable insights from substitute teaching across:
Remember: You are a human first and a teacher second. You deserve to take time off when needed without stressing about classroom chaos. With proper preparation, both you and your substitute can succeed! ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| 6 Teacher Tips to Slay Student Test-Taking Anxiety | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:43:26 | |
For free and paid resources to help students of all ages deal with test anxiety visit: 🌟 Learn the one skill you should be teaching all year to ensure test-taking success! 💡 Discover how to create a calm, supportive testing environment in your room. 🎯 Shift the focus to what students can control and where you can find the "done for you" lesson plans to support you. 📣 Understand how to effectively communicate with parents to set students up for success without excessive pressure. 🥳 Learn the best strategies to boost student confidence and eliminate surprise testing stressors. 🎙️ You will find all this and more in this podcast episode for teachers of all grade levels to help your students overcome testing anxiety and perform at their best. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Teacher Wellness Done Wrong: When Teacher Book Studies Add Stress Not Support | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:28:30 | |
Why 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.
📚 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 skills Administrators 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/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| How These Common Limiting Beliefs Are Fueling Your Teacher Burnout | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:39:49 | |
In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the science behind limiting beliefs and how they specifically show up in education and the lives of passionate teachers. Learn practical strategies to identify, challenge, and transform the unhelpful stories you tell yourself about teaching that keep you stuck in burnout cycles.
"We see the world not as it is, but as we are. Most of us see through the eyes of our fears, our limiting beliefs, and our false assumptions." - Robin Sharma ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| 5 Educational Practices to Stop in 2025 with Dr. David Franklin | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:50:24 | |
Ready to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters in education? Dr. David Franklin, creator of The Principal's Desk community (230,000+ educators strong!), shares his candid take on what schools need to leave behind in 2025 - and spoiler alert: teachers, you're going to want to hear this! ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Teacher Self-Care Tips: Separating Your Worth from Your Identity as a Teacher | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:31:57 | |
Teacher pop-quiz: If you could never wear a t-themed t-shirt again, would your wardrobe empty? In this powerful encore episode, we dive deep into the dangers of making teaching your entire identity and how to reclaim balance in your life. Whether you're struggling with burnout or feeling guilty about setting boundaries, this episode provides practical strategies to help you separate your worth from your work. Key Takeaways:
🎯 Action Steps:
💫 Quote of the Episode: ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| What If the Dept. of Education Disappears? How Teachers Can Empower Students Through Media Literacy | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:43:40 | |
In this powerful episode, Grace Stevens addresses the growing concerns in education and provides practical strategies for teachers to maintain their influence and effectiveness, regardless of external challenges. ICE raids, potential elimination of the Dept. of Education ... student and teacher anxiety is at an all-time high. Grace talks about the importance and empowerment that come from focusing on what you can control, including the critical areas of classroom culture, explicitly teaching media literacy and critical skills, and navigating professional relationships with people who have very different politics and opinions.
"You are not just an educator; you are a force for stability, hope, and change. No policy, no funding cut, no political shift can take that power away from you."
For instant access to the media literacy resource guide mentioned in this episode (lesson plans and site suggestions), Click Here or ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Asking Empowering Questions (New Educators Handbook Pt 2) | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:28:12 | |
🎯 Transform Your Teaching with These Powerful Questions That Change Everything Are you feeling overwhelmed in your classroom? Discover how asking the right questions can completely shift your teaching experience from stressed to empowered! In this episode, learn practical strategies to handle challenging student behavior, navigate workplace negativity, and maintain professional boundaries - all through the power of empowering questions.
This episode is part two in my deep dive into concepts from the best new educator's manual: The Empowered Teacher's Toolkit. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Empowering Teachers: 3 Essentials to Take Back Your Agency & Avoid Teacher Burnout | 28 Jan 2025 | 00:37:15 | |
If there were one word separating joyful, impactful teachers from those stuck in overwhelm, and burnout, wouldn’t you want to know it? 🚀 Spoiler alert: It’s Empowerment. In this foundational episode, we’ll unpack how you can claim it, why it’s essential for thriving in your teaching career, and how it transforms every part of your life. 🔑 Key Takeaways:
🎧 Listen Now: ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| “Who Smarted?” Unpacking the #1 Podcast for Your Classroom with Producer Jerry Kolber | 21 Jan 2025 | 00:31:15 | |
Finally! An educational podcast for your classroom that you and your students will enjoy AND helps with listening comprehension.
Plus, he's offering all teachers FREE ad-free access to his wildly popular educational podcast "Who Smarted" (we're talking 50 million downloads!). The best part? These episodes are insanely fun to listen to. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Teacher Self-Care Success: Ditch the Resolutions & Focus on “Being” over “Doing” | 14 Jan 2025 | 00:38:46 | |
🌟 Teacher Growth Reimagined: Why "Being" Beats "Doing" - A Fresh Take on New Year's Resolutions Are you one of the 80% of teachers whose New Year's resolutions have already fallen apart? Don't worry - you're not alone! Let's ditch the "new year, new you" pressure and focus on something more powerful: identity-based growth. 🌱 Key sections of this episode: Identity Over Actions 💫 Focus on WHO you want to be rather than WHAT you want to do Your personality isn't fixed - you can intentionally shape it to align with your goals Remember, "Your energy teaches more than your lesson plans." How you show up matters. Creating Your Teacher Avatar 👩🏫 Visualize your ideal teaching self Define how you want to show up in the classroom Example attributes: Prioritizing connection before correction Bringing joy to learning Building students up, not breaking them down Maintaining healthy boundaries The 3-Minute Morning Practice ⏰ That Can Transform Your Growth
Remember: You don't need a "new you" - you just need to reconnect with the amazing educator you were before stress and overwhelm took over. Simple doesn't mean easy, but focusing on who you want to BE rather than what you want to DO creates lasting, meaningful change. #TeacherGrowth #TeacherLife #TeacherWellness #EducatorBalance #TeacherSelfCare #TeacherMindset #TeacherTips #TeacherSupport #TeacherMentalHealth #TeacherEmpowerment ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Teacher Communication Tips: 5 Things You Say That Annoy Other Teachers | 07 Jan 2025 | 00:28:41 | |
It's time to level up your teacher communication! Could YOU be unintentionally pushing your teaching colleagues away? In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the seemingly helpful phrases that might actually be damaging your workplace relationships. Whether you're a veteran teacher or new to the classroom, these common expressions could create tension without you even realizing it! 🎯 Key Takeaways:
💡 Pro Tips:
✨ Remember: Awareness is the first step to positive change. These insights aren't meant to shame but to empower you to build stronger, more authentic relationships with your teaching community. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| LLN: Inspiration for Teachers: It's OK to Dread Returning To School Tomorrow | 05 Jan 2025 | 00:13:55 | |
In this heartfelt mini-episode, Grace shares a "Lunchbox Love Note" to help teachers navigate the dreaded Sunday Scaries. As winter break ends and the hustle of teaching looms, many educators feel a mix of anxiety, dread, and resentment. Grace reminds you that these feelings are normal—and that you’re not alone. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:
✨ Teacher Takeaways:
📌 Actionable Advice:
And if you appreciate my content, I humbly invite you to "pay it forward" and share this episode with a colleague. Everyone wins 💛 ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Teacher Burnout, Stress & Mental Health: 17 Red Flags | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:28:30 | |
In 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:
💬 Final Takeaway Boundaries 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/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Exploring Dry January to Reduce Your Teacher Stress and Teacher Anxiety | 31 Dec 2024 | 00:49:05 | |
This week's ENCORE🎙️ episode is for anyone who has ever wondered if they are taking our "drink to escape/cope" culture too far. As teachers, many of us joke about needing our "lesson planning juice," but some of us have a nagging feeling that maybe our life would be better without alcohol. Educators, this is a judgment-free zone. It's an invitation to honestly ask yourself if some of your habits may be fueling your teacher stress and anxiety, not relieving them.
Casey shares her wisdom, encouragement, and a great resource to help you get started on a 30-day alcohol-free experiment (try it and see how you feel and what you learn) The Hello Someday Podcast For Sober Curious Women ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| 5 Proven Teacher Tips to Calm Classroom Craziness Before Break | 10 Dec 2024 | 00:33:30 | |
➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| 🔍Why I Returned To Teaching: Key Lessons | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:34:05 | |
👩🏫 Are you a teacher wrestling with the "stay or go" dilemma? This vulnerable and honest episode might be your roadmap! Episode Description: In this deeply personal episode, experienced educator Grace Stevens shares her transformative journey of leaving full-time teaching, discovering unexpected challenges in her new life, and ultimately finding her way back to the classroom—but on her own terms. Key Insights You'll Discover: 🔍 The REAL reasons teachers consider leaving their profession 💡 Surprising emotional and professional gaps created by stepping away from education 🌈 How flexibility doesn't always equal fulfillment 💪 Strategies for maintaining passion while protecting your well-being 🤝 The irreplaceable value of human connection in teaching Raw Moment Alert: During a conference exercise, Grace discovered she scored incredibly low in "validation" and "purpose" - a revelation that sparked her return to teaching. Pro Tip for Educators: Grace advocates for normalized sabbaticals and more flexible re-entry paths in education. Memorable Quote: "Is my life easier without teaching? A hundred percent. But it is not as full." Who Should Listen?
➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| How to Handle Pushback When You Set Healthy Teacher Boundaries | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:38:13 | |
Are you nervous about setting boundaries at school because you're worried about pushback? You're not alone! In this episode, we tackle one of the most common concerns I hear from educators: "What happens when I start setting boundaries and people push back?" Whether it's passive-aggressive comments from colleagues or pressure from administrators, I'm sharing real strategies to help you stand firm with confidence and grace. ✨ In This Episode You'll Discover:
🚀 Key Takeaways:
💫 Remember: When you invest in healthy boundaries, everyone benefits - your students get a more energized, creative, and present teacher, and you get to have a more balanced, fulfilling life. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| 5 Teacher Tips for Stress-Free Parent Conferences | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:42:15 | |
Let me help you get ready to have the best parent-teacher conference season ever! 📝 While it can cause a lot of teacher stress, conferences are an important chance to connect with families. With some preparation, you can make conferences productive and positive! 🔑 First, leverage technology to take yourself out of the scheduling drama! It will also help you meet the needs of parents with inflexible schedules. ⏰ Second, manage expectations upfront. Tell parents how long conferences will be and remind them not to be surprised - they should already know if their child is struggling. 👩🏫 Third, involve students when you can with self-reflection exercises like "glow and grow." Get their perspective and involve them in the "triangle of success." ❌ Fourth, set boundaries. Have a schedule posted publicly so parents stick to their time slot. Get a witness if you anticipate tension. 👀 🤗 Fifth, imagine it's your child. Lead with the positives. Minimize jargon on forms. Make it a dialogue, not a monologue. So stop dreading those conferences! With some prep, you'll crush it! ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| LLN: Inspiration for Teachers: Finding Peace With Election Results No Matter How You Voted | 09 Nov 2024 | 00:11:20 | |
In this empowering mini-episode, Grace examines how to deal with the aftermath of this week's election results. What if it didn't go the way you hoped? How do we rise above no matter what and find things that unite us with others, not divide us? How do we create a classroom community where everyone feels valued, safe, and included? ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| 5 Secrets for Beating the Sunday Anxiety for Teachers | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:32:06 | |
Beating the Sunday Scaries: 5 Game-Changing Tips for Teachers That pit in your stomach on Sunday afternoon? You're not alone. As educators, we've ALL felt that weekend-ruining anxiety creeping in. But here's the truth: you don't have to live with the Sunday Scaries forever. In this episode, I'm sharing my battle-tested strategies that helped me transform my weekends from dread-filled to rejuvenating. 🎯 In This Episode You'll Discover:
💪 Key Takeaways: Stop letting Sunday anxiety rob you of weekend joy and Monday energy. These practical strategies will help you set boundaries, protect your peace, and show up as your best self for your students. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| 😊 Easiest Happiness Hack Ever - The Lovely List | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:10:45 | |
Teachers, want to boost your daily happiness and teacher resilience? Key Takeaways:
Why Listen? If you’re feeling teacher overwhelmed during this busy time of year, this episode offers a grounding, uplifting practice that’s easy to implement. Just one change in how you notice the little things can help you feel more connected and present each day and transform the energy in your classroom. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| LLN: Inspiration for Teachers: You Are Enough, You Do Enough | 27 Oct 2024 | 00:11:07 | |
🎙️ Lunchbox Love Note Bonus Mini-Episode: Just like those little love notes slipped into your lunchbox, this episode is here to brighten your day with a virtual smile and a hug. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| Breaking Down Dyslexia: What Every Teacher Needs to Know (But Was Never Taught!) | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:34:54 | |
🎓 Breaking Down Dyslexia: What Every Teacher Needs to Know (But Was Never Taught!) Did you know that 1 in 5 students in your classroom may have dyslexia? Yet most of us learned about it in just "two paragraphs" during our teacher training! In this eye-opening episode, we chat with Lisa Parnello, a full-time dyslexia coach who's transforming how we understand and support students with dyslexia. Key Takeaways: 📚 Dyslexia isn't about seeing letters backward - it's about how the brain processes language 🧠 Three major signs to watch for:
🍎 What teachers can do to help students who they suspect may have dyslexia, despite the imitation of resources in many schools. 🌟 Success Stories: Many highly successful individuals have dyslexia, including:
🎯 Free Resources:
🎧 Want to Learn More? Check out Lisa's podcast "Dyslexia Devoted" - over 117 episodes of practical strategies and insights Professional Development Opportunities:
Remember: You're not alone in feeling underprepared to support students with dyslexia. With the right tools and knowledge, you can make a significant difference in these students' lives! #TeacherResources #Dyslexia #SpecialEducation #TeacherPD #EducatorSupport #DyslexiaAwareness #TeacherTips #teacherbalance #teachertips ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| How to Be a Happier Teacher: 8 Proven Habits That Actually Work in the Classroom | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:43:23 | |
In 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: 🌟
Key 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: 🔗 ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||
| 12 Rules for Setting Healthy Boundaries in School and at Home | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:38:47 | |
Many of us know that we need to do a better job expressing our needs, wants, desires, and preferences, but we don't know how to start the conversation or do it in a productive, positive way. Why Boundaries Matter for Teachers Setting boundaries isn't about building walls – it's about creating lanes that allow you to navigate your professional and personal life with confidence. By establishing clear expectations and limits, you're not only protecting your well-being but also fostering healthier relationships with colleagues, students, and administrators. 🤝 🎯 Start with small, manageable boundaries and build up your confidence. 🎯 Use "I" statements to express your needs without putting others on the defensive. 🎯 Be prepared to enforce your boundaries, but always do so with grace and professionalism. ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms | |||