In this heartfelt and practical episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, Lesley Moffat is joined by Jeanette Mihalchik, host of The Happy Music Teacher podcast and YouTube channel. Jeanette shares her journey from total overwhelm and burnout—sitting on the classroom floor wondering if she could keep going—to becoming a thriving, joy-filled educator committed to helping others rediscover their spark.

Together, Lesley and Jeanette explore:

• The realities of entering teaching through the “back door” and learning on the fly
• What to do when the job feels unsustainable—even if you love the kids
• Why movement, brain breaks, and student-led moments make a difference
• How mindset shifts and small pivots can turn exhaustion into engagement
• Concrete strategies for making teaching feel easier and more joyful at any grade level

You’ll leave this episode with renewed hope and a few easy-to-implement tools to bring more energy, balance, and student connection into your classroom.

Learn more about Jeanette’s resources and sign up for her free weekly “Happy Highlights” at thehappymusicteacher.com/lesson-plan-sampler

Her website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15mAFiMcPk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappymusicteacher/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehappymusicteacher?