Wellness for Educators

Send us Fan MailMoney stress is loud, even when you never say a word about it, and for educators it can spill into sleep, focus, and the energy you bring to students. We sit down with Scott Fritz, a longtime elementary teacher who got pulled into personal finance out of necessity while adopting two children, and we talk through what actually helps when money feels tight and confusing. He’s practical, honest, and focused on the habits that reduce stress instead of adding more rules to your life.We start with the foundation: budgeting that begins by tracking your expenses for a few months, then sorting them into categories so you can see patterns clearly. From there, Scott explains how defining what you truly value makes it easier to cut spending that does not serve you, and why it matters that a partner shares the same vision. We also dig into automation and visibility using budgeting and personal finance apps that aggregate accounts, with examples like YNAB, Monarch Money, and Fidelity Full View.Then we get tactical: building an emergency fund of about three to six months of living expenses, using a separate high-yield online savings account, and understanding the basic difference between CDs and a Roth IRA. For newer teachers juggling student loans, rent, and credit cards, Scott walks through the debt avalanche method, calculators that clarify your payoff timeline, and a simple 24-hour rule to slow impulse buys in an Amazon-ready world.We close with big-picture teacher financial planning: learning your contract and salary scale, starting early with options like a 403(b) or 457(b), when a fee-only financial advisor can help, and why estate planning and digital passwords are an overlooked form of wellness. Scott will be back in January, so send us the questions you want answered, then subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review so more educators can find it.Scott Fritz's Information Below:Financial Literacy for Employees of Pennsylvania Public SchoolsScott was a guest on the following podcasts:Financially Independent Teachers Podcast (episode #49 aired 1/23/2022)Teach and Retire Rich Podcast (episode 302 aired on 12/29/2023)The Teacher Money Store (episode 104 aired on 12/10/2025)Budgeting apps mentioned include YNAB (You Need A Budget), Monarch Money, and Every Dollar Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailI hit publish on my first YouTube video and immediately learned a humbling lesson: the first frame that showed up on Facebook had my face frozen in the weirdest expression. No editor, no tech team, no shortcuts. Just me, rereading instructions, fixing the thumbnail, and reminding myself that growth often looks awkward at first. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by technology, nervous about being seen, or tempted to quit when something looks imperfect, you’ll feel very understood here.We also zoom out from the tech moment into what it represents: courage, identity beyond the classroom, and the power of dreams to protect our wellness. I dedicate the video to my dad on his 98th heavenly birthday, share why Durham, North Carolina, has become the top listener city, and talk about what it means to put your passion out into the world even when you don’t know who’s listening. Along the way, I reflect on travel goals, the idea that experiences can make us “richer,” and why educators need something to look forward to that is not tied to grading, meetings, or email.Then I get honest about the dreams that didn’t happen: a bed and breakfast, becoming a flight attendant, even being in a commercial. Each near-miss becomes proof that disappointment can redirect you rather than defeat you. The dream that stayed with me for 30 years is educator wellness: encouraging teachers, helping schools build wellness programs, and walking beside educators as they learn sustainable self-care and work-life balance.If you want a motivational reset for the school year, a nudge to keep dreaming, and a reminder that you need to be well to teach well, press play. Subscribe, share with a fellow educator, and leave a review so more teachers can find this support.YouTube Video https://youtu.be/_96_M-tCIzU Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailWalls go up fast at school. Bridges take courage, patience, and a decision to keep connecting even when it would be easier to shut down. As we open season four of Wellness for Educators, I’m sharing the mindset that’s guiding me into the 2026-27 school year: become a bridge builder, because you need to be well to teach well.I tell the story of doing something that genuinely scared me, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and why that kind of bravery translates to classrooms and staff rooms. We talk about leaning on colleagues, mentors, friends, and family, and how a new school year is your clean slate to adjust what didn’t work last year. If you want practical teacher self care, this starts with small choices: breathe, stay calm, set clear expectations, and refuse to take every tough moment personally.We also dig into one of the biggest drains on educator wellness: difficult relationships. I share ways to build connection with disruptive students and how to work toward unity with coworkers you don’t always see eye to eye with. You’ll hear the “radiators vs drainers” idea for protecting your energy, plus a reminder to look for tiny joys you might be missing. I also introduce you to Frida, a 100-year-old “radiator” who models warmth and encouragement, and I wrap with a lighthearted teacher survival kit you can keep in your back pocket.If this gives you a boost, subscribe, share it with a fellow educator, and leave a review so more teachers can find support. What bridge will you build first this year? Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailWe close out season three by naming the real stress of the final school weeks and choosing a mindset that honors what went right for us and our students. We also pull together the most practical wellness takeaways from the season so we can step into summer with more rest, more joy, and less burnout. • end-of-year stress reframed through gratitude, student growth, and small wins • simple connection habits like board games and phone-free time • resilience through determination and support systems • healthier food choices and cutting back on processed foods • the power of silence for nervous system reset • doable self-care steps and using insurance perks • fitness snacks, posture, and core focus for sustainable movement • courage, clarity, and community that turn dreams into reality • supporting student anxiety while protecting educator energy • summer recovery through rest, play, nature, and laughter • using leftover energy to organize, donate, and prep for next year If you have a friend who you think could benefit from this podcast, please pass it along. Until that time, please practice self care.  Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailNegativity can feel like background noise in a school building, but it quietly drains the people doing the work. I sit down with Matthew Palmer, an elementary assistant principal in South Carolina, to talk about educator wellness from a leadership perspective and to name what many teachers feel but rarely say out loud: schools run best when we stop criticizing roles we don’t fully understand and start acting like one team.Matthew shares what challenges him most as an administrator, especially the moments when an early childhood teacher is doing everything possible for a struggling student and still feels overwhelmed. We dig into the “priceless moments” that keep educators going, why small gestures matter more than big one-week celebrations, and how daily appreciation can shift a school’s culture. We also tackle difficult parent interactions with a clear, practical takeaway: if a situation is getting tense, stop emailing and pick up the phone or meet face to face to prevent misunderstandings and rebuild trust.We reflect on post-pandemic changes in student behavior, particularly in pre-K and kindergarten, and what schools can do with early intervention and stronger behavior supports. Matthew also explains how learning walks and peer observations can strengthen relationships, spread great teaching ideas, and replace comparison with encouragement. We close with real-world self care for educators, including boundaries, movement, letting go of late-night replaying, and a mindset shift that sticks: are you living a “get to” day or a “going to” day?If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a review so more educators can find the support they deserve. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailPhones, pressure, and rising anxiety are not abstract trends. They’re showing up in real classrooms, in real kids, and in the adults trying to support them without burning out. I sit down with Dr. Dana Sarvey, a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, to get clear on what’s happening to youth mental health and what educators can realistically do next.We start with a practical question schools face all the time: what’s the difference between a child psychologist and a child psychiatrist? Dr. Sarvey breaks down training, roles, neuropsych testing, and prescribing, then connects it to what she’s seeing most often in her practice, especially depression, anxiety, panic, and OCD that frequently overlap. We also talk about seasonal mood changes and why some students look like different people once routines shift and the weather improves.Then we take on the big, uncomfortable topics: the increase in psychotropic medication for kids and teens, what the numbers actually show, and why medication is only one slice of a much bigger treatment plan that includes therapy and strong environmental supports at school. We also dig into social media and adolescent mental health, including research on depression, self-perception, and academic impact, plus concrete guardrails and why delaying exposure can matter. Along the way, we reflect on the lifelong imprint teachers leave and how to help students regain perspective when perfectionism and competition take over.If you found this helpful, subscribe, share with an educator or parent, and leave a review so more people can find Wellness for Educators. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailWhat if a single yes could reshape how you work, live, and care for yourself? We sit down with Kelly Donovan—middle school physical and health educator and well-being coordinator at International School Basel—to trace her leap from Pennsylvania to Switzerland and the lessons she carried across oceans. From the first spark in Mexico City’s international classrooms to a serendipitous invite that opened a door in Basel, Kelly shows how courage, clarity, and community can turn a dream into daily life. We explore the emotional arc of moving abroad—the honeymoon highs, the homesick lows, and the steady rise into adaptation—and the practical supports that made it real: a city voucher for German classes, cross-border routines, and rituals that keep family close. Inside school walls, Kelly walks us through SEE Learning, the Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning framework developed at Emory University. The team began by training teachers in cognitively based compassion practices, proving that student well-being sticks when adults embody it first. The rollout spans early years to grade 12, aligning language, habits, and goals around compassion, resilience, and systems thinking. We also dig into the culture that sustains hard work: leadership that values the person behind the teacher, real holidays with zero email pressure, and a ski week in the Alps that forges trust and grit. Kelly offers a clear path for educators curious about working overseas—mindset shifts, where to find roles (Search Associates and TES), and how to navigate partnerships, logistics, and fear. She closes with daily wellness anchors—movement, rest you don’t have to earn, cooking at home, and the simple act of noticing—as tools any teacher can adopt, anywhere. If this conversation sparks your own leap of faith, hit follow, share with a colleague who needs hope, and leave a review to help more educators find their way.Thoughts from Kelly below:SEE LearningSearch [email protected]  Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThe school day starts before sunrise and ends long after dismissal, and somewhere between lesson plans and parent emails, your back is tight, your energy is low, and sleep keeps slipping. That grind doesn’t have to be your baseline. We invited Pilates and fitness specialist—and former professional dancer—Lane Groser to help us build a smarter, simpler path to feeling strong, mobile, and rested. Lane traces her journey from the studio to coaching and shares a clear framework any educator can use: train your heart with cardio, protect muscle and bone with strength, and safeguard ease with mobility and balance. She cuts through the noise about protein rules and trend-chasing and returns to fundamentals that fit a busy life. You’ll learn posture cues you can use at your desk today—stack ribs over hips, sit on your sit bones, keep a gentle core tone—so your back stops doing all the work. Lane also reframes “core” as a 360-degree system where abs and back share the load, reducing tension and improving alignment. Motivation gets a makeover with three practical methods to beat procrastination: the cleaning method to spark momentum, the boundary method to anchor sessions between fixed events, and the five-minute method to lower the start barrier. We dig into stretching and balance for injury prevention and aging well, and we close with a candid look at sleep. Lane offers a realistic target of eight to nine hours, a calming gratitude wind-down, and a simple fix for early wake-ups: go to bed earlier and give your body the opportunity window it needs.You’ll leave with tools you can use tomorrow: small movement “snacks,” short strength sessions at home, posture resets between classes, and a kinder weekly review using your wearable. Stronger alignment, steadier energy, and better sleep help you teach with patience and joy. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a colleague who could use a boost, and leave a quick review so more educators can find it.Check out Lange Grosser Fitnesswww.lanegrosserfitness.cominstagram.com/lanegrosserfitnessfacebook.com/lanegrosserfitness Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailA fresh year doesn’t magically create more time between classes, meetings, and grading—so we built a smarter way to pursue wellness that fits the real school day. With health and wellness consultant Dayna Gowan, we dig into practical strategies teachers can use right now: finding hidden insurance perks, shaping a sustainable self-care routine, and bringing simple, joyful energy back into daily life. Think free mindfulness apps through your insurer, short info sessions that boost benefits awareness, and small habits you can actually keep when afternoons get stacked.We also zoom out to the district level. If you’re the person who wants to make wellness real for your campus, Dana lays out a clear path: secure leadership buy-in, involve HR and the benefits team, and recruit a few site advocates to meet regularly. Start small with a wellness corner, add low-lift walking challenges, and ask leaders to participate publicly so culture follows action. Budgets help, but momentum matters more; consistency, clear communication, and visible wins keep people engaged.On the personal side, Dayna’s SELF framework—Sleep, Exercise, Love for yourself, and Food—translates self-care into doable steps. Protect your bedtime, choose movement you enjoy, practice compassion, and stop skipping meals. We even play with mindset: “Find the fun in the mundane” turns routine tasks into a spark of joy, breaking the tunnel vision of burnout without slipping into toxic positivity. Wrap it all together with one habit per quarter, and by year’s end you’ve stacked real change without the crash.If this conversation gives you a nudge, share it with a colleague who needs it, then hit follow and leave a quick review. Your support helps more educators find tools, perks, and hope to teach well—by feeling well.Be sure to check out Dayna's podcast, Improvly SpeakingDayna GowanSpeaker & Facilitator of Fun at Improvly Speaking | W |   | improvlyspeaking.comE |   | [email protected] Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailWhat if five quiet minutes could reset an entire day? We close the year with a focused, practical guide to finding calm in a loud season—especially for teachers who spend every hour juggling decisions, emotions, and endless distractions. Rather than adding another task to your to-do list, we build a small, sustainable habit that creates big returns: a short window of morning silence that lowers stress, resets attention, and restores patience.We unpack why silence is more than peaceful—it’s powerful. Research points to lower cortisol and parasympathetic activation when we pause the noise, and that matters in December when finances, social obligations, and grief often collide with shorter daylight. We share plainspoken steps to make the practice stick: wake a touch earlier, flip your phone face down, set a five-minute timer, breathe or repeat a grounding mantra, and name five things you’re grateful for. If mornings are hectic, we offer creative plan B options, from a no-audio commute segment to carving out a quiet nook with earplugs or a closet beanbag.Throughout, we connect this practice to the classroom. A clearer mind increases tolerance, deepens listening, and helps you respond rather than react—to students, colleagues, and the everyday frictions of traffic, grocery lines, and holiday expectations. You’ll hear reminders from past guests about how movement and journaling can pair with silence, plus realistic planning tips for the night before to protect your calm at sunrise. Start with twice a week, notice what changes first—focus, patience, or gratitude—and let the habit grow from there.Be well to teach well, and find joy in the journey. If this conversation helps, share it with a colleague who could use five minutes of quiet today. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us where you’ll make space for silence this week. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailNutrition expert and former college athlete Sam Rodgers joins the Wellness for Educators podcast to share practical strategies for maintaining health amid the demanding responsibilities of teaching. Sam reveals how his nutrition background led him to create "Dear Dad," a blog that frames wellness conversations as heartfelt letters to overcome the defensiveness many people feel when discussing their eating habits.The conversation delves into the powerful 80-20 principle of health—how food choices make up 80% of our wellness outcomes while exercise contributes 20%. Sam explains why this makes intuitive sense: we eat multiple times daily, making those decisions compound quickly, while exercise benefits accumulate more gradually. Rather than viewing movement as merely weight management, Sam encourages finding joy in physical activity for its mental clarity benefits, describing his running shoes as "one of the most important tools" in his professional arsenal.For educators facing the constant temptation of break room treats and holiday gatherings, Sam offers actionable advice: bring your own healthy snacks, adopt a personal rule to only eat homemade treats (skipping processed store-bought items), and fundamentally shift your mindset to recognize heavily processed foods as marketing products rather than actual nourishment. He addresses the challenge of fitting exercise into packed schedules by sharing his own morning routine and suggesting practical alternatives like lunchtime walks and utilizing school fitness facilities.As we approach the holiday season, Sam provides wisdom about maintaining balance without deprivation. His most profound insight may be recognizing how our culture has extended "holiday-style eating" into a year-round phenomenon—by reserving indulgences for truly special occasions, we can enjoy celebrations guilt-free while maintaining healthy patterns in between. The episode concludes with Sam's powerful reminder that teachers who prioritize their wellness bring more enthusiasm and effectiveness to the classroom, simultaneously modeling healthy behaviors for students who desperately need positive examples in our food-abundant society.What wellness strategy will you implement this week to enhance both your health and your teaching? Listen now to discover practical approaches that serve both you and your students.https://deardadhealth.substack.com/Dear Dad Blog Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailWhat does true resilience look like in the face of overwhelming obstacles? Meet Anjelica Rodriguez, who journeyed from a childhood marked by family mental health struggles, financial hardship, and adult responsibilities to become a college graduate, homeowner, and devoted mother breaking generational cycles.When we talk about student potential, Anjelica's story stands as a powerful testament to what's possible with determination and support. As a middle schooler, she balanced schoolwork while helping care for younger siblings in a household where resources were scarce and her mother battled bipolar disorder. By sixteen, her independence led her to move in with her eighteen-year-old sister, working two jobs while maintaining her studies. Today, she's a Penn State graduate working as a resident specialist prioritizing housing for military families.What makes Anjelica's perspective so valuable for educators is her balanced view of her challenges. She acknowledges the difficulties while maintaining deep appreciation for her mother's efforts to create better opportunities. Her advice to teachers working with students from challenging backgrounds is refreshingly direct: "Don't assume." She shares a poignant story about a teacher who refused to accept her money for a school project, making her feel stereotyped rather than supported.For students currently navigating difficult circumstances, Anjelica offers wisdom beyond her years: "Sometimes life is not easy and you go through periods where you are learning and you don't have nothing to pull from. But keep in mind and have faith that at the end of the day, this is just a time." Her message emphasizes perseverance, exposure to possibilities beyond current circumstances, and maintaining faith in future potential.Whether you're an educator seeking to better support students from challenging backgrounds or someone navigating your own difficult journey, this conversation offers practical wisdom about creating supportive spaces, maintaining wellness through intentional practices, and recognizing the extraordinary resilience that can emerge from adversity. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailVeteran educator Brittany Snavely opens up about the delicate balancing act of raising four daughters while pursuing a fulfilling 21-year teaching career in this thought-provoking conversation about modern parenting and educator wellness.Drawing from her experience spanning sixth grade classrooms to her current role as an elementary school librarian, Brittany shares candid observations about how technology has fundamentally changed childhood. "Kids now have this constant sense of 'I need to know right now,'" she notes, describing how today's students struggle with patience and problem-solving when answers aren't immediately available. Her solution? Creating unplugged opportunities with puzzles and card games that spark joy and genuine interaction among her students.The conversation takes a personal turn as Brittany reveals her family's thoughtful approach to teen cell phone usage. Rather than applying blanket rules, she and her husband consider each daughter's unique relationship with technology—allowing their naturally disciplined 16-year-old more freedom while establishing firmer boundaries for their 14-year-old who shows mood changes with excessive screen time. This individualized strategy reflects the intentional parenting philosophy that guides their family life.Perhaps most valuable for listeners is Brittany's practical wisdom about maintaining wellness amid constant demands. Currently on day eight of a modified 75-Day Challenge that includes daily exercise, increased water intake, and mindful choices, she embodies the podcast's motto: "You need to be well to teach well." Her commitment to choosing herself first—even when faced with endless to-do lists—offers inspiration for educators struggling to prioritize their own health.The episode concludes with powerful insights about authentic connection as the foundation of both effective teaching and joyful living. Whether it's meaningful conversations during car rides between activities or mindful moments in nature during lunch breaks, Brittany demonstrates how even the busiest educators can find moments of genuine connection and rejuvenation in their hectic days.Join us for this refreshingly honest conversation about navigating the complex intersection of parenting, teaching, and personal wellness in today's fast-paced world. Your health is a priority—find joy in the journey! Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailHave you ever wondered why we can easily recall our favorite teachers decades later, yet struggle to remember last year's award-winning movie or championship teams? The answer lies in the profound, lasting impact educators have on their students' lives—an impact that extends far beyond test scores and classroom walls.Summer break is winding down, and a new school year approaches with its inevitable challenges, choices, and changes. As educators, you face over a thousand decisions daily, from curriculum implementation to addressing individual student needs. Your attitude toward these challenges—choosing optimism over complaints, embracing change rather than resisting it—sets the tone not just for your classroom but potentially for your students' futures.Teaching isn't merely a profession; it's a calling. Those who approach education as an opportunity to shape young minds report significantly higher levels of satisfaction and fulfillment. When you create safe spaces for children who carry worries and heartbreak alongside their backpacks, when you look beyond test scores to see the whole child, you leave what one grateful parent describes as "fingerprints on hearts, not just paper." These seemingly small gestures—learning each student's name, offering second chances, believing in a child's potential—build confidence that students carry with them long after they've forgotten academic content.As Maya Angelou wisely observed, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." This profound truth forms the foundation of educational impact. While prioritizing self-care through adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, and regular movement, remember that your well-being enables your vital work. You need to be well to teach well, finding joy in the journey as you become "a rainbow in someone's cloud."Share this podcast with colleagues who could use encouragement, and rate and review to help others discover these wellness insights. Let's make the 2025-2026 school year one where both teachers and students thrive! Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThe journey toward wellness is never a straight line, especially for dedicated educators who pour their hearts into their classrooms all year. As we close our first season of Wellness for Educators, this finale brings together the essential wisdom from twelve episodes of teacher-centered self-care strategies.Throughout this season, we've heard from remarkable guests – from former students sharing how compassionate teachers changed their lives, to educators like Nell Herman reminding us to "give ourselves grace," to health experts like Dr. Peter Montminy explaining why filling our own wellness tanks must precede serving others. Their collective message reinforces our foundational belief: you need to be well to teach well.Summer offers educators a precious opportunity for rejuvenation. Whether your break has already begun or awaits on the horizon, now is the perfect moment to set intentional wellness goals. Research confirms that written goals are substantially more likely to be achieved, but the key lies in making those goals realistic and sustainable. Rather than dramatic, all-or-nothing changes, embrace small adjustments: reducing caffeine gradually, finding creative ways to incorporate movement into daily routines, or creating technology-free family time. These modest shifts accumulate into meaningful transformation without triggering the perfectionism that derails many wellness journeys.Perhaps most valuable is the reminder that wellness often resides in life's quieter moments – a family meal without phones, conversations around a fire pit, or periods of restorative silence. As I reflect on my own journey, including the cherished memory of the last meal shared with my sister before her unexpected passing, I'm reminded that these seemingly ordinary moments ultimately become our most precious treasures.You've worked tremendously hard this year, shaping young minds and hearts despite countless challenges. Now it's time to celebrate and nurture yourselves with the same dedication you show your students. Kick back in those flip-flops, turn up your favorite music, and remember that your well-being matters profoundly. Ready to set your summer wellness goal? Share your intentions or ask for support – we're cheering for you every step of the way! Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailFriendship sustains us through life's greatest challenges and sweetest victories. Lori welcomes her childhood friend of over 60 years, Alison Waters Murphy, for a heartfelt conversation about the profound impact of meaningful connections on our wellbeing.What begins as reminiscing about childhood playdates transforms into powerful reflections on how relationships shape our lives and careers. The friends explore the concept of "seasonal friendships" versus lifelong bonds, acknowledging how some connections serve us for specific periods while others withstand decades of change. Their own friendship stands as testament to the latter – picking up effortlessly despite time and distance.Alison shares her fascinating journey from corporate executive to Montessori preschool teacher, offering unique insights about education from both sides of the classroom. Her experience with two-and-a-half to three-year-olds gave her profound respect for educators' dedication and the necessity of self-care. "You can't pour from an empty cup," she reminds listeners, advocating for clear boundaries between work and personal life. Teachers will find practical wisdom in her three-part advice: prioritize self-care, commit to continuous learning, and celebrate even the smallest victories with students.The episode culminates with Lori honoring her father's passing anniversary by sharing his timeless wisdom: "Choose your friends, don't let your friends choose you." This philosophy emphasizes surrounding yourself with people who elevate rather than diminish you – a reminder that wellness isn't just about personal habits but also about the company we keep. Text a link to a friend who might benefit from this conversation about friendship, support systems, and finding joy in the journey. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailWhat if the essence of true balance as a working parent doesn't lie in perfection but in prioritizing what truly matters? Join us as we unravel the heartfelt journey of blending careers and family life, crafted over my 37 years in education. Through candid reflections and shared wisdom, I explore the tides of guilt and triumph that come with wearing multiple hats as an educator and parent. My daughters, Bethany and Jenna, step into the conversation, shedding light on their experiences growing up with a working mom, and how it molded their sense of responsibility and resilience. Together, we revisit cherished memories, like the perks of a teacher's schedule that made summers unforgettable.In a world where the quest for balance often feels like a tightrope walk, we explore the art of managing expectations and offering oneself grace. The narrative is woven with discussions on the resilience built from attending school through minor illnesses and the invaluable lessons these experiences impart. We shine a spotlight on the undeniable benefits of working outside the home that extend beyond financial stability, touching lives within our families and classrooms. Maintaining health emerges as a cornerstone for well-being, reinforcing the notion that educators stand as unsung heroes in the intricate dance of life and work. Join us in celebrating these stories of strength, growth, and the unique legacy of being a working parent in education. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailDiscover the transformative power of resilience through the inspiring journey of Jamie Barberich-Covill, a dedicated special education teacher who faced the harrowing challenge of a brain tumor diagnosis in 2006. Despite numerous surgeries and treatments, Jamie has not only continued to thrive as an educator and a loving mother but has also become a beacon of hope in her community. I am Lori Maxfield, your host on Wellness for Educators, and I invite you to explore the deep connection between personal well-being and effective teaching with us. From reducing stress to enhancing creativity, understanding how maintaining calm and balance can lead to better outcomes in the classroom is key. We'll also discuss the importance of building positive relationships, taking responsible risks, and practicing gratitude to fortify one's resilience.In our latest episode, hear firsthand from Jamie, whose story exemplifies true courage and perseverance. Her ability to face adversity with strength and grace, despite the daunting medical hurdles, exemplifies Theodore Roosevelt's notion of courage: it's about going on when you don’t have the strength. Jamie’s narrative is not only a testament to resilience but also a reminder that asking for help is a sign of strength. As Jamie shares, sometimes the hardest battles give rise to the most profound growth and transformation. Whether you're an educator or someone seeking inspiration and guidance in your personal journey, this episode promises to offer insights and encouragement to bolster your own resilience in the face of life's challenges. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailUnlock the secrets to a more mindful and effective teaching practice with insights from Dr. Peter Montminy, a renowned clinical psychologist and mindfulness instructor. Together, we explore the mounting emotional challenges faced by children in today's high-speed, tech-driven world and how this impacts teachers. Dr. Montminy shares practical strategies to cope with the chronic stress plaguing educators and students alike. Through self-regulation techniques and mindful practices, discover how you can create a balanced and nurturing environment that truly supports learning and emotional well-being.In our conversation, we highlight the transformative power of self-regulation and co-regulation for both educators and students. These tools can help you manage classroom disruptions and stress more effectively. With Dr. Montminy's guidance, learn to incorporate a simple yet powerful "reset minute" into daily routines, enhancing focus and calm in any educational setting. Prioritizing self-care is not just about personal well-being; it’s about fostering a legacy of resilience and calm that benefits future generations. Join us and embrace mindful practices that can revolutionize educational environments, ensuring both students and teachers thrive. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailCan a single moment of empathy change a student's life forever? Join me, Lori Maxfield, as I explore this question through the inspiring story of "Mrs. Thompson and Teddy." This tale from my early teaching days highlights the transformative power of understanding and compassion in the classroom. As we navigate the hectic holiday season, I offer heartfelt encouragement to educators everywhere, emphasizing the importance of empathy with our students. A healthy work-life balance not only enhances teaching effectiveness but also inspires future generations.In this episode I encourage teachers to genuinely focus on each child in your class. Some may actually  have hardships just like Teddy. We have the power to make a lasting difference in a child's life.  I encourage fellow educators to seek joy and fulfillment in their work and to be a supportive force in the school community. Remember, your well-being is crucial for your success as an educator. As we conclude our podcast offerings for the year, I invite you to share this journey with friends who might benefit, and I look forward to reconnecting with you in 2025. Thank you for being a part of this nurturing and impactful community. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailAfter years of sacrificing sleep for the sake of exercise, I've come to realize the profound impact sleep deprivation has had on my well-being and performance as an educator. Join me, Lori Maxfield, on Wellness for Educators as I share personal reflections from my 37-year teaching journey and explore the essential role sleep plays in mental and physical health, brain function, and social interactions. You’ll hear practical tips for overcoming common causes of insomnia, like stress and anxiety, to improve not just your sleep, but your effectiveness in the classroom.Yet, sleep is just one part of the wellness puzzle. This episode also highlights the power of positive communication in classrooms. Through activities like the "put-down funeral," we help students release negativity and foster an environment of encouragement. I’ll share heartwarming stories, including nominating a friend, Fred, to a Wall of Fame, inspiring others to pursue their dreams. As educators, our self-care is crucial—not just for us, but for the generations we inspire. Join me for a message of positivity, kindness, and a gentle reminder of your heroic role in shaping the future. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailDiscover the transformative power of self-care for educators with insights from Dr. Becky, author of Good Inside. Learn how simple practices like deep breathing, staying hydrated, and meditating can significantly reduce stress and enhance your teaching effectiveness. Prioritize your well-being and gain practical tips on how to create a healthier work-life balance, ensuring you have the energy and calm needed both inside and outside the classroom. Join us for an enriching conversation with Nell Herrmann, a National Board Certified Teacher whose extraordinary career spans from Blue Hill, Maine to the icy terrains of Greenland and Antarctica, and the tropical waters of Belize and the Bahamas. Nell shares her inspiring journey and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way, offering actionable advice for implementing wellness practices in the demanding world of education. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and motivated by her remarkable story and practical strategies for achieving a balanced, fulfilling life as a dedicated educator. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailEmbracing Self-Care and Building Positive Student ConnectionsCan prioritizing self-care truly transform your teaching experience? Discover how simple yet powerful self-care habits can set the stage for a fulfilling and productive school year. I reflect on the significance of setting boundaries and making time for activities that rejuvenate the spirit, such as taking a walk, reading a book, or spending quality time with loved ones. As educators brace themselves for the new academic year, we explore practical strategies to identify and mitigate stressors, creating a more positive and engaging classroom environment. The simple act of learning and remembering students' names can foster an incredible sense of community and trust, vital for a thriving educational space.Get inspired by heartwarming stories of educators who have made an indelible impact on their students' lives. Hear from Firas, a Marine stationed in Japan, as he shares how his third-grade teacher's patience and support helped him transition from being a refugee to thriving in a new country. Listen to Amenah, an 18-year-old student, who contrasts her experiences with two vastly different teachers, underscoring the profound effects of empathy and compassion in education. As we gear up for the new school year, we also offer practical tips for building positive rapport with students from day one and emphasize the joy and responsibility of being a positive influence. Join us for an episode brimming with motivation, practical advice, and heartfelt stories that celebrate the powerful role of educators. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailYou can do hard things!  Teachers that survived the pandemic  have overcome huge obstacles.This was such a challenging time in the world. Lori Maxfield shares a story about the  Special Olympics and encourages teachers to finish well. This is an opportunity to finish the school year on a high note. Kindness matters. Find joy in the journey.  Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThe influence of a good teacher can never be erased. You want to end well. Attitude is key.  Lori shares a story regarding a kindergarten teacher and quotes “All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten written by Robert Fulghum. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis is the first episode of the Wellness for Educators Podcast. Encouraging teachers to take care of their own health. What educators do daily is important, but it is necessary for educators to take care of themselves. It has a direct impact on the students they teach.  Thanks for listening!