We are incredibly excited to share that one of our amazing Teach Better Speakers Network Speakers, Dr. PJ Caposey, has been named the 2023 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Administrators. PJ is the superintendent of Meridian CUSD #223 in Illinois, and has been a member of the Teach Better Speakers Network since August of 2020. … Read More
Who Owns Your School’s Narrative?
TL;DR: Principals and school staff should search social media on a regular basis to analyze the message(s) students, families, and stakeholders are sharing about the school and its image. Learn how to positively contribute to that narrative by having a plan and including many voices. Communicate enough positive messages on a regular basis so that a negative post won’t ruin … Read More
Kids Do Better When We Give Them Grace
TL;DR: Give people grace because they are often doing their best. Be willing to bend school rules if they give students comfort and don’t hurt anyone. Consider how bending school rules can help students feel more welcome at school. Grace I went through the Dunkin’ drive-through the other day. As the 2 cars in front of me ordered, I kept … Read More
Confronting Our Complaints
TL;DR: Gratitude helps wire our brains to look for the good. Research has shown that, on average, people complain about once a minute during a typical conversation. The more we complain, the more we wire our brains to focus on the negative aspects of our lives. Try to go one full day without complaining. Constant Complaining In this Teach Happier … Read More
5 Radical Self-Care Lessons for Educators
TL;DR: Burnout is not “this is just how it is.” We need to prioritize our own wellness. Self-care isn’t selfish and it’s not about temporary relief. You must put the work in to maintain boundaries and demonstrate self-care. Set office hours for yourself. Embed wellness routines into your classroom to model self-care for students too. Burnout Six years ago, I … Read More