A former corporate girl, Grace quit VP life to pursue her dream job as a public school teacher. After 20 years in the classroom, she now focuses full-time on helping educators have a more positive teaching experience. Grace combines her signature mantra, “Your energy teaches more than your lesson plans,” with two decades of study in behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and NLP to create science-based habits for overwhelmed educators. She has authored three books on teaching including the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers and also the One New Habit book series.

In addition to being an elementary school teacher for 20 years, she is the author of the popular book Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers.

Trench story: was in the trench 17 years into career (2019). Hid in the closet during lunch, sobbing, overwhelmed. Had 10m to get herself together. Knew something had to change. Was in a new district with people policing teachers. Was very reactive. School was really a business there. It was before Th-giving. Daughter visited her CR. Noticed she was so overwhelmed. She took break to reflect. Kept telling herself- “they’re out to get you”. Decided to teach the way she wanted to teach, which lasted into Covid. Teachers helped each other out. AM teaching, PM office hrs. District data-focused, had most participation on zoom due to community building after Th-giving. You need to be intentional with your energy. Her Habits books were written in 2012. Quit corporate career b/c she wanted something with purpose. She had low energy, wasn’t being the teacher she wanted to be. Still got “best teacher” love notes (3rd grade).

Please share a little bit about who you are and what you do related to your book? Does teacher PD virtually. Book The Happy Habit was about 10 habits that you can cultivate. She turned journal into book in 2015. Her 2nd book Post-Covid was written 2021. Last year, other book on setting boundaries was published. She does virtual PD because in her corporate career was flying a lot. She offers courses, works on science of happiness. Overcoming the myth of balance. There’s never the perfect balance. She does some coaching for admin on boundaries. Helps educators reframe their beliefs around boundaries in a way that’s professional while being student-focused.

What are some ways teachers can feel more empowered? She has a 4-part framework she’ll talk about. ECHO framework: E-energy speaks more than your lesson plans. C-control what you can control. Stop being victims. You’ll feel more empowered that way. Don’t get dragged into other ppl’s drama. H-Happiness can be synthesized. Establish habits that can boost happiness. We need to have our own experience of kids, not what the last t experienced. O-other people’s experience.

Talk about the difference between what you’ve outlined in your book and toxic positivity. when you ignore the issues and are being a cheerleader. Instead, ask “what’s w/in our control?” Her pet peeve was “do the best you can”. Invest in a campus culture that doesn’t always celebrate f.ex. staff members w/ perfect attendance.

You coach teachers on setting better boundaries. What are some common misconceptions teachers have about boundaries? One is about other ppl’s behavior. It’s about what YOU will do different. She had a boundary that if a parent was hostile, she’d end the call. 2nd- ppl see you as “inflexible” if you have boundaries. People who fear judgment. 3rd- someone who says an inappropriate comment about another staff member. Setting boundaries make you a better teacher!

She has a free video training on her website. She likes to tell ppl about stuff she has from free, to courses. Is starting a podcast Balance Your Teacher Life Podcast (gracestevens.com) EmpowerEd, about hacking teacher balance. She calls herself a Teacher Empowerment Coach. http://www.GraceStevens.com/happy -5 habits of most productive educators.

Out of everything: Other people’s experience doesn’t need to be yours. Isolate yourself from negative narrative. Be mindful of what you put in your body, what you watch, listen to, etc. Click To TweetListen to things that will help you feel empowered. Albert Einstein- “The most important decision you have to make is whether you’re in a friendly or hostile universe.”

Where can ppl find you online:You can learn more about her on-line courses and coaching at www.GraceStevens.com This is a link to a free video training to help teachers stress-proof their teaching beyond the cliched advice of  investing in self-care and connecting with students. It’s a quick training any teacher could finish on their prep period.

Youtube: Love Your Teacher Life with Grace Stevens – YouTube

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View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vjDfE7QcnUs