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Episode 453: Monday Mindset: Seasons episode artwork

Sep 28, 2026 10 min

Episode 453: Monday Mindset: Seasons

from Teaching Middle School ELA Hosted by Caitlin Mitchell

When your usual teacher energy disappears, it can feel scary, embarrassing, or like you’re doing something wrong. We sit with that reality and name it for what it often is: psychological exhaustion after a long stretch of stress, loss, and change. If you’ve been telling yourself, “Once this passes, then I’ll be okay,” this Monday Mindset offers a kinder, more honest way to move forward. We talk about the hidden emotional weight so many middle school ELA teachers carry while still planning lessons, supporting students, and trying to keep life afloat outside school. You’ll hear a reframing that hits home: winter is not a sign you failed at summer. Winter is part of the cycle. Sometimes you are not meant to be visibly productive or endlessly upbeat. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is accept the season you’re in, stop judging yourself for being tired, and allow rest and rebuilding to do their work. If this resonates, subscribe, share this with a teacher friend who needs it, and leave a quick review so more educators can find the show.

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When your usual teacher energy disappears, it can feel scary, embarrassing, or like you’re doing something wrong. We sit with that reality and name it for what it often is: psychological exhaustion after a long stretch of stress, loss, and change. If you’ve been telling yourself, “Once this passes, then I’ll be okay,” this Monday Mindset offers a kinder, more honest way to move forward. We talk about the hidden emotional weight so many middle school ELA teachers carry while still planning le...

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Episode 453: Monday Mindset: Seasons

0:00 10:28

Chapters

  1. 0:00 Welcome And EB Academics Mission
  2. 1:11 A Personal Update On Heavy Seasons
  3. 3:40 Why Winter Is Part Of Growth
  4. 8:13 Mental Health Support And A Gentle Week

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This episode is 10 minutes long.

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This episode was published on September 28, 2026.

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