Many educators see work-life balance as a pipe dream detached from the realities of teaching. It’s certainly among the most elusive goals in education. But despite the complex forces pulling us out of balance every day, some educators have found ways to bring more stability, joy, and peace to their challenging work. Here’s what they say works.

Follow on Twitter: @JessicaCabeen @SarahSajohnson @DrRachaelGeorge @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70b.

Jessica Cabeen is the Principal of Alternative Education Programs in Austin, Minnesota. Jessica was named the 2021 ED Dive National Principal of the year, 2017 Minnesota National Distinguished Principal of the Year, and was awarded the NAESP/VINCI Digital Leader of Early Learning Award in 2016. She is a NAESP Middle Level Fellow and a Future Ready Principal. Jessica is the author of Hacking Early Learning and co-author of Balance Like a Pirate, Unconventional Leadership, Lead with Grace: Leaning into the Soft Skills of Leadership and Principal in Balance: Leading at Work and Living a Life.

Sarah Johnson has led in rural Pk-12 schools in Northwestern Wisconsin since 2004 in teacher leadership roles and as a building principal at all levels. She is a leadership coach for excellent principals across the country with J Casas and Associates and hosts the In AWE Podcast where she amplifies women to empower a community. Sarah is co-author of Balance Like a Pirate: Going Beyond Work-Life Balance to Ignite Passion and Thrive as an Educator and author of Lead with FAITH: Building Strong Foundations So You Can Rise Up, Slay Fear, and Serve Well. She is deeply passionate about serving principals to live full lives that transcend the title.

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