"Anything worth doing comes from a lot of effort." We've all heard that before what we don't hear about is all that effort typically results in exhaustion and burnout. But it doesn't have to. 

Hannah Kapitaniuk is currently working towards her master's degree all while teaching in an area where most educators spend their entire careers avoiding. She works with eighth graders in a math intervention program. Today, she joins host Jon Eckert to discuss how she's able to find joy while working in such a challenging position without burning out. 

To learn more about how to find joy not exhaustion in a difficult teaching position, pre-order Jon's book, Just teaching: Feedback, engagement, and well-being for each student.

The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.

Be encouraged.

Timestamps:

[2:00] - We're introduced to Hannah and hear about how she became an 8th grade math intervention teacher.

[4:46] - When a certain curriculum doesn't work for a single student, it's not the student that's broken, it's the system.

[7:00] - Hannah shares some funny quotes she's heard over the years from her students.

[10:30] - Creating a safe space in her classroom is important to Hannah for fostering relationships with her students.

[14:00] - Students don't need teachers to be their peers. They need them to be a stable, consistent presence. 

[16:00] - It's the little things about being a teacher that keeps Hannah motivated.

[17:30] - Hannah tells us about her most embarrassing moment as a teacher.

[19:30] - Her students' personal growth is just as important as their academic growth for Hannah.

[21:30] - Focusing on positive outcomes as much as focusing on negative outcomes helps Hannah find joy.

[22:45] - Finding a square squad is essential for your growth.

Books:

Just teaching: Feedback, engagement, and well-being for each student by Jon Eckert

Connect on Social Media:

Baylor MA in School Leadership

Jon Eckert: @eckertjon

Center for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl