TL;DR: There are a number of strategies for creating mindful moments as an educator. Mindful moments will help you create balance in your teaching career. “We are the creators of our own destiny; with each moment we live, we have the opportunity to touch another life and make the moments count.” Mindfulness is a Buddhist-inspired spiritual awareness practice. It allows … Read More
Teach Resilience.
TL;DR: Sometimes there will be a cheering squad behind you and other times there isn’t. When things get tough, resilience is key to getting through. Intentional discomfort is at the top of the hierarchy of resilience. Mindful moments can help us get through situations of intentional discomfort that create resilience. My 2021 WORD continues to be resilience! Why teach resilience? … Read More
The Empathetic Teacher
TL;DR: Our learners’ behavior is an important form of communication. Consider and revise your responses to student behavior to be more empathetic. Don’t assume how a learner is feeling; ask them directly. Validate your students’ feelings to ensure they feel heard and understood. During my first year teaching, I spent countless hours learning, planning, and creating. I loved every second … Read More
Navigating Self-Care Through the 3 Ships
TL;DR: Navigate your self-care through the 3 ships: relationships, leadership, and partnerships. Teachers are more stressed, overwhelmed, and past the point of burnout than ever before. Implementing self-care is something that needs to be done proactively and often. When I first started on my maiden voyage into education, our school had a part-time wellness coordinator. As a stipended paraprofessional, her … Read More
Never Too Old For Play
TL;DR: “Play” is an activity that one chooses to do and that brings that person enjoyment. Play looks different for everyone. What might be considered play for someone might be work for another, and vice versa. Another teacher/friend talks to me about play! Marie McCumber is a teacher of 5th graders at the Ohio State School for the Blind. … Read More