TL;DR: Being an educator comes with a big investment of time, energy, responsibility, and resources. That’s why mental health matters for teachers. You are worth investing in you because you are you. You are challenged to pursue ideas for mental health and to try it. The best thing you can offer your students is the healthiest version of ourselves. We … Read More
Let’s Talk About Ableist Language
TL;DR Ableism shows up in our language and actions, even at school. It’s important to consider both identity first and people first language. Ableist language factors into our daily interactions with each other and the structures of power around us. What is ableism? People experience disability differently. There are physical, cognitive, and learning disabilities, and mental illnesses, to name a … Read More
Psychology Is Greater Than Pedagogy
TL;DR: Generational poverty and general helplessness are very real. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), poverty, mental health, and learned helplessness all connect. Educators should embed hope in their lesson plans and schools should make it a part of the culture. Educators know that to truly overhaul our educational system, we must overhaul our focus: psychology is greater than pedagogy. Psychology Is … Read More
3 Tips for Healing from Educator Burnout or Disengagement
TL;DR: Heal from educator burnout or disengagement by recognizing emotions, setting boundaries, and developing self-awareness. We need to intentionally make the decision to heal every day. So, you’re exhausted. You’ve been spending copious amounts of time working and it feels like there is no end in sight. Sometimes, you find yourself staring at the computer screen, scrolling aimlessly through social … 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