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In this special anniversary episode, host Grace Stevens reflects on a year of empowering educators to reclaim their work-life balance.

🌟 Highlights:

• Top 3 guest interviews that sparked important conversations
• Most downloaded episodes that resonated with listeners
• Practical strategies for avoiding burnout and setting boundaries
• The surprising truth about "restorative justice" in schools
• Why progressive discipline still matters (backed by research!)

🎧 Featured Guests:

1. Ryan Steuer on project-based learning for all grade levels
2. Casey Maguire on the "sober curious" movement for stressed teachers
3. Justin Baeder on rethinking disciplinary practices and restorative justice in schools

🔥 Hot Topics:

• 5 signs you might be burning out (and what to do about it)
• The science behind burnout vs. compassion fatigue
• How to protect yourself from vicarious trauma

Remember: You CAN have a better teaching experience and I'm here to help you every step of the way!

🙏 Loved the show? Spread the word! Share an episode with a colleague or leave a 5-star review. Together, we can create a revolution of teacher empowerment!

📚 Free Resources Mentioned:

For FREE resources to help support evidence-driven progressive discipline visit: https://www.principalcenter.com/pd/

For FREE resources on project-based learning visit: https://www.magnifylearningin.org/pbl-simplified-video-series

For Casey Mc Guire's FREE 30-Day Sober Guide visit: https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/30-day-sober-guide/

To thrive in teaching WITHOUT sacrificing your personal life, visit www.gracestevens.com/elevate

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out the Elevated Teacher Experience here
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
And the #1 new release for educators Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

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Are you a teacher feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and ready to reclaim your passion for education? 🙋‍♀️ This episode is your lifeline!

Join me as I celebrate my podcast's first anniversary and unveil the game-changing ECHO Framework for Educator Empowerment.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

1. Discover why your energy matters more than your lesson plans 🌟
2. Learn to control what you can (and let go of what you can't) 🎯
3. Unlock the secret to synthesizing happiness in your classroom 😊
4. Break free from others' expectations and create your own teaching experience 🦋

🎧 Episode Highlights:

• My journey from corporate burnout to empowered educator 🏃‍♀️
• The science behind happiness and its impact on teaching 🧪
• Practical tips for bringing joy back into your classroom 🎨
• How to stay positive when faced with challenging class lists 📋
• The power of focusing on what you want, not what you don't 🔍

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• "Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers" book by Grace Stevens
• Yale's free online course on happiness by Laurie Santos https://online.yale.edu/courses/science-well-being

Don't let burnout dim your teaching light! Tune in to learn how the ECHO Framework can transform your classroom experience and reignite your passion for education. 🔥

To thrive in teaching WITHOUT sacrificing your personal life, visit www.gracestevens.com/elevate

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out the Elevated Teacher Experience here
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
And the #1 new release for educators Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

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Teachers, ever feel like you’re stuck in a race you didn’t sign up for?

In this episode, Grace explains why the only competition that truly matters is the one with yourself. Get ready to let go of the comparison trap and embrace a mindset that celebrates growth, collaboration, and grace—both for yourself and your students.

🎙️ Lunchbox Love Note Bonus Mini-Episode: Just like those little love notes slipped into your lunchbox, this episode is here to brighten your day with a virtual smile and a hug.

I hope you enjoy this jolt of inspiration and empowerment for teachers!

And if you appreciate my content, I humbly invite you to "pay it forward" and share this episode with a colleague. Everyone wins 💛

To thrive in teaching WITHOUT sacrificing your personal life, visit www.gracestevens.com/elevate

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out the Elevated Teacher Experience here
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
And the #1 new release for educators Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

Are you a teacher or school administrator tired of energy vampires draining your enthusiasm at school? 🧛‍♂️ Discover how to shield yourself from negativity while maintaining compassion for your colleagues. This episode is your ultimate guide to creating a positive school campus environment, even when surrounded by Debbie Downers and Buzzkill Bobs!

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

• Why avoiding toxic positivity in education is crucial for authentic growth 🌱
• The importance of protecting your peace in a challenging school environment 🛡️
• Five proven strategies to navigate negative co-workers effectively - even if they are your grade span team member or teaching partner 🗺️

🔑 Key Strategies in this episode:

1. Don't Take It Personally: Shift your paradigm and extend grace to others 🤝
2. Minimize Exposure: Proactively avoid negative situations when possible 🚶‍♀️
3. Validate and Bounce: Acknowledge feelings without getting pulled into negativity 🏃‍♂️
4. Set Boundaries: Establish clear norms for meetings and interactions 🚧
5. Increase Your EQ: Develop emotional intelligence for better relationships 🧠

🎯 Remember:

You have the power to create a positive educational future for those in your care. This podcast for teachers can help you navigate challenges with grace, composure, and empathy while staying empowered.

Be sure to share this episode with other educators who want to thrive in teaching without being overwhelmed with negativity.

To thrive in teaching WITHOUT sacrificing your personal life, visit www.gracestevens.com/elevate

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out the Elevated Teacher Experience here
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
And the #1 new release for educators Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

In this bonus mini-episode, I'm sending a virtual hug and a little teacher inspiration for this weekend, and a gentle reminder:

❤️ Your life is happening NOW. Don't put off being happier until you have better circumstances in your classroom and campus.

As the meme says, "Tomorrow never comes." You CAN feel empowered to find joy in your classroom right now, with the students you have.

I hope you enjoy this jolt of inspiration for teachers!

And if you appreciate my content, I humbly invite you to "pay it forward" and share this episode with a colleague. Everyone wins.

To thrive in teaching WITHOUT sacrificing your personal life, visit www.gracestevens.com/elevate

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out the Elevated Teacher Experience here
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
And the #1 new release for educators Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

5 Pieces of Hard-Earned Wisdom for New Teachers (And Why Every Teacher Should Listen!)

This episode is part five of our special Back to School 2024-2025 series, designed to set you up for success with the best strategies, attitudes, and boundary-setting tips.

Whether you’re a brand new teacher or a seasoned educator, today’s episode is packed with wisdom that’s taken a lifetime to earn. I reflect on my 20-year journey and share five powerful "do's." I wish I could go back and tell my younger self—insights from which every teacher, new or experienced, can benefit.

Tune in to Discover:

• 🎯 Why these “do’s” are far more valuable than the typical “don’ts” you hear.
• 🧭 The importance of embracing your moods and making peace with the ups and downs of teaching.
• 🚀 Why waiting for things to get “better” is a trap—and how to thrive right now.
• 🛑 How setting boundaries from the start can transform your teaching experience.
• 🕰️ The crucial difference between urgent and important tasks—and why prioritizing with intention is key.

You’ve got this. Whether you’re stepping into the classroom for the first time or the fifteenth, this episode will remind you that every day is a new adventure in teaching—and you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

To thrive in teaching WITHOUT sacrificing your personal life, visit www.gracestevens.com/elevate

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out the Elevated Teacher Experience here
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
And the #1 new release for educators Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

In this mini-podcast episode for teachers, I address the six things you will never regret doing as a teacher. While there is such a vast amount of teacher turnover and the teacher shortage is real, teaching can be a rewarding and sustainable career if we're smart about it. Examples of things I never regretted spending time on are:

🍎 taking the high road
🍎 leaning into curiosity over judgment
🍎 embracing the "tangents" that lead to teachable moments
🍎 opting out of the "I'll be happy when" mentality
🍎 investing time in dignifying students
🍎 reading out loud to my students of all ages

I hope you enjoy this jolt of inspiration for teachers!

And if you appreciate my content, I humbly invite you to "pay it forward" and share this episode with a colleague. Everyone wins.

To thrive in teaching WITHOUT sacrificing your personal life, visit www.gracestevens.com/elevate

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out the Elevated Teacher Experience here
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
And the #1 new release for educators Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

Attention ALL stressed educators! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the never-ending to-do list or guilty about not getting everything done, this episode is for you. We’re breaking down the myth of the perfect balance and giving you tools to prioritize effectively so you can lead a more fulfilled and empowered teaching life.

In part four of our Back-to-School series, we’re diving into one of the most powerful metaphors to help you redefine what balance really means in your teacher life. Spoiler alert: There's no such thing as the perfect planner or a one-size-fits-all strategy. Instead, we're focusing on intentional choices that will empower you to handle the overwhelm and prioritize what's truly important.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔍 The Myth of the Perfect Planner - Why balance isn’t about finding the right tool, but about making intentional choices.

🎯 The Glass vs. Rubber Ball Metaphor - Discover a new way to categorize your responsibilities and how this mindset shift can transform your approach to both your professional and personal life.

📅 Strategic Prioritization - Learn how to map out the glass balls and rubber balls in your life, so you can focus on what truly matters without burning out.

💡 Actionable Tips - Practical strategies for managing your workload, from knowing when to say no to understanding which tasks can wait.

👩‍🏫 Real Talk for Real Teachers - Why it’s okay to drop some balls, and how to make peace with the ones you choose not to pick up.

Listen today to feel more educator empowered tomorrow! 🎧

To thrive in teaching WITHOUT sacrificing your personal life, visit www.gracestevens.com/elevate

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out the Elevated Teacher Experience here
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
And the #1 new release for educators Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)