Nurturing Educators

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Welcome to Nurturing Educators, hosted by Debbie Ross. In this episode, we dive into the science of happiness, stress, and nervous system protection with international researcher and organizational happiness expert Dr. Daniela Jines. Dr. Jines shares her philosophy as an academic "happy hippie," blending rigorous, clean science with free, accessible tools to bring dignity and quality to every job. 

The conversation begins by myth-busting common beliefs about hard work. Dr. Jines explains that the notion that working longer hours or sharing more content yields better results is entirely false. Instead, activities like laughter, movement, and music physically change brain chemistry by lowering harmful cortisol and boosting dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and learning-focused acetylcholine. She emphasizes that spending 90,000 hours of our lives at work makes workplace happiness a fundamental human and labor right rather than just a perk. 

Next, the discussion shifts to teacher stress and burnout, noting that 70% of educators suffer from chronic stress comparable to military personnel in war zones. This constant high cortisol damages the immune system, contributes to long-term health issues like heart disease, and strains family dynamics. Because stress travels from parents to students and hijacks a teacher's nervous system, organizations and schools must recognize how toxic cultures act as contagious nervous systems. 

To combat this, Dr. Jines breaks down the BUFF Framework, offering zero-cost strategies for Before, During, and After work. She outlines an 18-minute morning routine involving gratitude, physical affection, sunlight exposure, nature-tricking, music, and mindful eating to prepare the nervous system for safety. For the classroom, she recommends micro-tools like the 4-7-8 breathing technique and somatic rituals to drop out of fight-or-flight mode. Ultimately, she reassures listeners that neuroplasticity allows the brain to heal, learn, and rewire at any age through patience, discipline, and joy. 

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Happy Organizations: happyorganizations.org
• Workaholics Anonymous Lab: Free global burnout recovery resources 
• Connect with Dr. Daniela Jines: LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-jines-90b701170/

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities 
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

Thanks for listening! 

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In this episode of Nurturing Educators, host Debbie Ross is joined by Professor Grant Schofield—Chief Science Officer at PREKURE, AUT Professor of Public Health, and former Chief Health Advisor to the New Zealand Ministry of Education. Drawing on over three decades of research in healthspan and lifestyle medicine, Prof Schofield addresses why teaching is a high-risk career for chronic fatigue and explores how systemic school pressures impact educator well-being. 

Together, they unpack actionable, science-backed strategies to help teachers manage stress, stabilise energy, and streamline daily routines. Key topics include leveraging AI and technology to lower administrative workload, managing staffroom nutrition and glucose volatility to eliminate afternoon crashes, embracing a "choose your hard" fitness mindset, and using evening wind-down habits like nervous system resets to achieve restorative sleep.

PREKURE: Learn more about preventive health and health coach certification programs at prekure.com. 

Prof Grant Schofield's Personal Site: Access blogs, articles, and book resources at profgrantschofield.com

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities 
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

Thanks for listening! 

Send us Fan Mail

Are you feeling drained, overwhelmed, or like you’re simply going through the motions in your teaching career? You aren't alone. In this episode of Nurturing Educators, Debbie sits down with Meg Gallagher—educator, coach, and founder of Ignite Your Spark—to explore how brain science and self-compassion can help us move from surviving to truly thriving.

Meg shares her journey from observing widespread teacher burnout during her 10 years of school visits to completing master's research on educator well-being. Together, they dive into the real-world pressures facing teachers today, the neurological traps that keep us stuck in overwhelm, and how small "micro-actions" can kickstart our motivation and protect our energy.

In this episode, we cover:

• Understanding "Lost Spark": What it actually looks and feels like when we drift away from our core values.
• The Neuroscience of Motivation: Why waiting to "feel motivated" doesn't work, and how the brain uses habits and prediction to save energy.
• Actionable Micro-Steps: Simple, daily habits—like pausing at the classroom door and practicing gratitude—to regulate your nervous system.
• School Culture & Leadership: How schools can create safe, belonging-focused environments that honor individual teacher well-being rather than using one-size-fits-all programs.
• Reframing Success: Letting go of the myth that everyone else has it all figured out.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Book: Belonging by Owen Eastwood
• Self-Compassion Research: Dr. Kristin Neff (self-compassion.org)

Connect with Meg Gallagher:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @igniteyourspark
• Facebook: Ignite Your Spark | Teaching and Learning with the Heart, Brain and Mind

Connect with Nurturing Educators:

• Socials: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @nurturingeducators
• Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review and share it with a colleague who needs a little spark today!

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities 
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

Thanks for listening! 

Send us Fan Mail

What if the secret to easing an anxious mind isn’t found in a self-help book but at the bottom of your drawer? In this insightful episode, host Debbie sits down with former financial advisor turned psychotherapist and certified KonMari consultant Hazel to explore the fascinating connection between a messy room and an overactive mind. Fresh off walking a few 100 kilometers together along the Camino de Santiago, the pair reflect on why side-by-side conversations unlock deep personal truths—and how bringing that same sense of safety, non-judgment, and reflection into our living spaces can spark profound emotional healing.

Hazel breaks down the psychology behind "clutter," revealing how holding onto unused items often stems from underlying feelings of fear, guilt, or unwritten rules we place on ourselves. Moving past standard minimalism, she explains how Marie Kondo's method serves as a structured behavioral therapy tool. By shifting our mindset from a negative fear of loss to a positive treasure hunt for what truly "sparks joy," we can dismantle perfectionism, rebuild self-agency, and break the overwhelming cycle of mental and physical noise—starting with something as simple as your sock drawer.

Packed with actionable advice for busy people, this conversation offers step-by-step strategies to defeat decision fatigue, build micro-habits, and navigate the emotional blocks that keep us stuck in old patterns. Whether you're feeling utterly overwhelmed by your home, looking to improve family dynamics, or eager to align your environment with your true values, Hazel’s practical wisdom and warm, compassionate approach will inspire you to transform both your living space and your inner life. Tune in to learn why thanking your clutter, celebrating tiny wins, and creating space for joy can change everything!

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities 
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

Thanks for listening! 

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In this episode of Nurturing Educators, we sit down with Irene, an experienced English teacher in Spain, to discuss the transformative impact of bilingual education and language immersion. Reflecting on five months of working together, we dive into how the bilingual programme operates on the ground and the invaluable role that international language assistants play in opening students' eyes to a world of diverse accents and cultures.

We explore why traditional textbooks simply cannot replicate the magic of real-world travel, student exchanges, and Erasmus projects. Irene shares inspiring stories of how breaking down classroom walls forces students to communicate out of necessity, turning English into a magnificent tool for global connection and even shaping their future university paths.

Finally, we shift the lens to teacher sustainability and mental health. Irene opens up about navigating the exhausting demands of long school terms and the heavy administrative workload, sharing the essential boundaries and lifestyle strategies—from yoga to mountain trekking—that keep her grounded and energised outside the classroom.

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities 
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

Thanks for listening! 

Send us Fan Mail

Nervous System Secrets: Creating Calm in Your Classroom with Lisa Danahy.

We’ve all been there, that frantic post-lunch slump on a rainy day when the classroom energy is through the roof and your chest starts to tighten. In this episode of Nurturing Educators, I'm sitting down with the wonderful Lisa Danahy author of Creating Calm in Your Classroom, to dive into the science of classroom energy.

Lisa shares her incredible journey from 20 years in early childhood classrooms to founding a global social-emotional learning nonprofit. Together, we explore why your nervous system speaks louder than your words and how you can use simple, 20-second tools—like the "balloon breath" and intentional movement—to guide your students back to centre.

We talk about moving away from rigid rules toward community agreements, the power of slow looking, and how looking after your own energy first creates a beautiful ripple effect of calm. If you’re feeling a bit burnt out or just want some quick, practical strategies to protect your own well-being while moulding young lives, this conversation is for you!

Connect with Lisa:

• Website: www.createcalm.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Find her book, Creating Calm in Your Classroom, on Amazon or Balboa Press.

Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators. 

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities 
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

Thanks for listening! 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and often intense world of the Spanish public education system through the eyes of Elena, a veteran English teacher with 34 years of experience. From the high-stakes "lottery" of the oposiciones state exams to the gruelling process of earning a permanent post, Elena pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to build a lifelong teaching career in Spain. She shares her personal journey of navigating regional transfers, a well-earned sabbatical, and the 23-year trek it took to finally land a position in her hometown.

Beyond the bureaucracy and exams, we explore the heartbeat of the Spanish staff room. Elena discusses the evolution of English fluency among Spanish youth, the ongoing controversy surrounding bilingual programmes, and the "sacred" importance of the mid-morning coffee break. It is a candid look at the challenges of shifting education laws and endless paperwork, balanced by the joy of the holidays and the deep camaraderie found within teaching departments.

Whether you are an aspiring educator curious about international systems or simply a fan of behind-the-scenes stories, this conversation offers a grounded perspective on the life of a civil servant in Spain. Elena’s reflections on her upcoming retirement and her passion for seeing struggling students succeed provide a heartwarming conclusion to an episode filled with expert insight and cultural wit.

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities 
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

Thanks for listening! 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the heart of the Swedish education system through a conversation that is over twenty years in the making. Host Debbie reunites with her long-time friend and fellow educator, Hanna, to compare their teaching experiences across Sweden, New Zealand, and Spain. From the cultural significance of taking your shoes off at the school door to the "school law" that makes education truly free and compulsory for all, they explore how environment and policy shape the student experience.

The discussion moves into the practical challenges facing modern classrooms, including the shift away from digital devices back toward "basics" like pencils and paper. Hanna shares fascinating insights into how her school fosters a culture of radical trust—operating without student lockers or school bells—and how the Swedish government is moving toward a nationwide ban on cell phones to improve student focus and well-being.

To wrap up, the pair discusses the realities of teacher salaries, the complexities of marking national exams, and the unique ways Sweden navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you are an educator interested in global pedagogy or simply curious about the Swedish way of life, this episode offers a refreshing look at how trust, transparency, and relationship-building remain the most vital tools in any teacher's toolkit.

How does the Swedish approach to "radical trust" in the classroom compare to what you’ve experienced in your own teaching career?

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities 
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

Thanks for listening! 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Debbie Ross sits down with her bestie, Anna-Marie. A mum and local PTA chair, to offer a candid and heartfelt look at the world of primary education through the lens of a parent. Set against the backdrop of their move from Auckland to a tight-knit coastal community, they explore how the school serves as the heartbeat of a small town and why integrating into that community is so rewarding. Anna-Marie shares her unique experience leading a modern PTA, moving away from traditional structures toward a collaborative "team effort" that focuses on high-impact events like fishing competitions and regional networks.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of the modern classroom, from report writing to the increasing administrative burdens placed on teachers. Anna-Marie reflects on how being a mum has shifted her perspective on education, emphasising the need for parents to offer teachers trust, respect, and the space to do what they are qualified to do. Whether discussing "Funday Mondays," curriculum changes, or the transition to high school, this episode is a refreshing reminder of how parents and educators can work together to create a thriving environment for the next generation.

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities 
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

Thanks for listening! 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Host Debbie sits down with Andrea, a dedicated Art History teacher and Year 9 Dean, to discuss the transformative power of art education and the current challenges facing the subject in New Zealand schools. Andrea shares her personal journey from studying law to becoming an advocate for visual literacy, sparked by her own teachers who used storytelling to bring the past to life. She explores how her various roles as a coach and dean allow her to build deep, authentic connections with her students, viewing them not just as pupils, but as individuals with diverse strengths that often shine brightest outside the four walls of a classroom.

The conversation takes a serious turn as they address the proposed removal of Art History as a standalone subject in the national curriculum. Andrea makes a passionate case for the subject's necessity, arguing that in our modern, image-saturated world, the ability to critically analyse visual information is a vital life skill. She highlights the community-led efforts and student petitions aimed at saving the subject, emphasising that Art History provides a unique lens through which students can explore social, political, and environmental histories while developing their own voices.

Finally, the episode celebrates the vibrant artistic landscape of Aotearoa, from the world-class collections at the Auckland Art Gallery to the dynamic street art scenes in Christchurch and Hamilton. Andrea encourages both new and experienced teachers to immerse themselves in their local artistic communities and to utilise the wealth of digital resources now available to make art history feel "real" and accessible. The episode serves as a powerful reminder that art is not just a study of the past but a crucial tool for navigating the complexities of the present and future.

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities 
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

Thanks for listening!