TL;DR: Being “caught off guard” can invite unexpected joy instead of disruption. Embracing small moments helps us stay present and find happiness in daily life. Letting joy surprise us can make life richer and more fulfilling. When you hear the phrase, “get caught off guard” do you think of being suddenly startled negatively? Like something goes left and it takes … Read More
Work Happier: 5 Things Research Tells Us
TL;DR: Learn 5 research-backed strategies to boost happiness at work, applicable both in and out of the classroom. Embrace negative emotions as signals, rethink productivity, and practice self-compassion to reduce stress. Craft your job to align with your strengths and nurture belonging for a greater sense of purpose. We made it to October! First Days of School, Back to School … Read More
Sweet Beginnings: A Recipe for Success
TL;DR: Baking cookies is a metaphor for the diverse ways educators prepare for a new school year. Some teachers meticulously plan every detail, while others adapt based on their time and resources. The key is to keep showing up and bringing your best to the classroom, just as bakers continue to bring their cookies to the table. How Baking Cookies … Read More
Fill Up Your Mental Health Toolkit
TL;DR: Teaching requires balancing curriculum with social and emotional support for students. Strategies for maintaining mental health include organization, routines, and self-reflection. Connection, positivity, and making daily joyful choices contribute to a healthy teaching environment. Teaching is a rewarding, yet challenging profession. Not only are you responsible for teaching the curriculum to a classroom full of students, but for facilitating … Read More
The Rewards and Challenges of a Lifetime in Teaching
TL;DR: Lifelong educators find immense intellectual and emotional joy. They also face significant challenges like maintaining work-life balance and adapting to changing policies. Personal sacrifices, emotional resilience, and embracing technology are central to their career satisfaction. Mental health care and support systems are crucial for the well-being and longevity of teachers in their profession. Although their jobs provide them with … Read More