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Ready to challenge your understanding of grit and perseverance? In this episode, I  dissect the essence of Angela Duckworth's revolutionary research on grit and the potential pitfalls when her concept is misunderstood and misapplied, leading to an unhealthy grind culture in education. 

Highlights of this episode include:

• The four psychological assets that gritty individuals tend to possess
• How to cultivate grit in our students and ourselves without turning it into "grind"
• How the "grind" culture has permeated education and the two secrets to avoiding it - prioritizing balance and setting healthy boundaries
• My little tantrum over why 90% of school spirit wear is designed for men when so many of us are women and end up wearing frumpy, oversized crew necks that make us look like we ran out of clean clothes and had to wear our husband's t-shirt to school (yes, I said what I said!)

I invite you to reflect, question, and redefine your approach to grit, helping you navigate the fine line between passion, perseverance, and burnout.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Angela Duckworth's TED Talk
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance book by Angela Duckworth

Back to school special 2025/6 Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries Course is everything you need to thrive in the upcoming school year. LIMITED TIME: Use code BBB27 at checkout for a special discount.

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
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Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

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A key way to avoid burning out is to take time during the teaching day to rest, recharge, and connect with other adults. How often do teachers genuinely take a break? And what can you do if your common break area is where all the complainers congregate?

In this episode, I discuss the science, the strategies, and the absolute necessity of taking breaks as a teacher. Topics covered include:

• Why taking breaks is essential to your mental health and your productivity.
• Fun solutions like 'Friendship Fridays' and a 'Positivity Parking Lot' 
• How to set boundaries that foster connections among colleagues and transform the staff room into a place of positivity and support
• A FREE resource to help with either a personal or school-wide wellness challenge

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
FREE 30 Wellness Challenge for Teachers

Back to school special 2025/6 Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries Course is everything you need to thrive in the upcoming school year. LIMITED TIME: Use code BBB27 at checkout for a special discount.

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

A huge cause of teacher burnout is being surrounded by other educators who are constantly negative. In today's episode, we tackle these concerns head-on, exploring practical strategies for preserving your inner peace and maintaining optimism within the context of today's educational landscape, which is, let's face it, very challenging.

Understand the difference between occasional venting, having a bad day, and persistent negativity. Discover the strategies and scripts to empathize with and validate others without letting them drain your battery.  

What happens when the negative co-worker is a teammate you can't avoid?  I'll shine a light on how to set boundaries with them and how to establish norms that promote positivity during meetings. Learn how to express your feelings without blaming others and, ideally, involve others in creating solutions. 

A critical component of self-care for teachers is setting boundaries with negative people. In this episode, I'll help you do just that.

Back to school special 2025/6 Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries Course is everything you need to thrive in the upcoming school year. LIMITED TIME: Use code BBB27 at checkout for a special discount.

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

Is living your best #TeacherLife contributing to your teacher burnout in ways you're unaware of? We've all been there - that point where our identity becomes so entwined with our profession that we lose sight of who we are outside the classroom. 

This episode tackles that reality head-on, exposing the potential pitfalls of over-identifying with our roles as educators. From our wardrobe to our online presence, we discuss how this obsession can lead to a lack of work-life balance, overwhelm, and stress on our relationship.  We explore the idea of teaching being a verb (something we do), not an identity (who we are).

You will leave the episode empowered with proven strategies to help you regain a better balance and ward off educator burnout.
 

Back to school special 2025/6 Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries Course is everything you need to thrive in the upcoming school year. LIMITED TIME: Use code BBB27 at checkout for a special discount.

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

Have you ever been all excited to get the roster of your new students only to find that you have a disproportionate number of students with special circumstances in your class? You're not alone, and we're here to challenge this trend. 

We dive deep into the heart of class list inequality, exploring the possible reasons behind this. More importantly, we offer strategies and mindsets to feel empowered to have a successful year, anyway. It's not about complaining but about understanding reality and successfully navigating it. 

We're here to share our tried-and-true strategies for harnessing positive energy, even when working with challenging students. We fervently believe that every child in your classroom is there because they need you the most. This perspective can drive personal and professional growth and make a world of difference in your teaching journey.

Finally, let's talk about mindset. The narrative you tell yourself and others is more powerful than you think. We discuss how shaping this narrative can impact your attitude, your classroom, and, ultimately, your results. No one said teaching would be easy, but with the right mindset and support, it's all doable. Whether you're seeking advice from the admin, learning new coping strategies, or just reminding yourself that you can do anything for 180 days, we're here to help. Remember, every student deserves a chance, so let's reshape teaching one class at a time.

Back to school special 2025/6 Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries Course is everything you need to thrive in the upcoming school year. LIMITED TIME: Use code BBB27 at checkout for a special discount.

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

Positivity can be toxic - a hard-hitting truth that many schools are unwilling to accept. Welcome to our no-holds-barred conversation on the insidious impacts of forced false positivity in education, a pretty façade that masks the real problems plaguing our education system. We debunk myths and shed light on the darker side of those "fun" activities like spirit weeks, the labeling of teachers, and the damaging effects of perpetuating a too-good-to-be-true environment.

We're not advocating for a gloomy atmosphere or embracing negativity. No, instead we champion the cause of empowerment - a subtle, yet powerful shift away from empty cheerfulness. Empowerment breeds an atmosphere where individuals' feelings are respected, where labels are discarded, where 'Stay in Your Lane' teachers are admired for their steadfastness. This episode is your invitation to join us as we scrap the veneer of toxic positivity and delve into creating a healthy, holistic, and empowering environment in the world of education. Tune in, and let's embark on this journey together.

Back to school special 2025/6 Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries Course is everything you need to thrive in the upcoming school year. LIMITED TIME: Use code BBB27 at checkout for a special discount.

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

Welcome to a revolutionary episode where you'll learn the elusive art of saying 'no'. As educators, we often find ourselves donating countless hours to the school system, sometimes to our own detriment. So, how exactly do we find the delicate balance between lending a helping hand and overextending ourselves? Immerse yourself in our discussion as we explore this predicament, offering you strategies to take control of your commitments and establish healthier boundaries. 

We begin by tackling the challenging task of strategic planning and duty evaluation. We guide you through creating a clear and organized plan for your personal life at the start of the year. We also help you to understand the importance of choosing duties based on passion rather than obligation. Then, we navigate the complex journey of saying 'no' in a student-focused way, empowering you with a five-step guide to frame your refusal as a decision in the students' best interest. Trust us, the more you practice, the easier it gets.

We wrap up our in-depth discussion with the importance of setting boundaries, a crucial aspect of being an educator. This might involve saying 'no' to pushy coworkers and parents while maintaining a cooperative attitude. Not to worry, we've got your back. We even share a sneak peek into my book, The Ultimate Boundaries Playbook for Teachers, filled with practical scripts for those tough conversations. This episode is your guide to finding balance and preserving your energy, enabling you to continue being the best educator you can be. Tune in!

Back to school special 2025/6 Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries Course is everything you need to thrive in the upcoming school year. LIMITED TIME: Use code BBB27 at checkout for a special discount.

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

Are you passionate about being an educator but crave a more positive experience? One that doesn't consume your whole life and leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? You're not alone. 

In this first episode of Balance Your Teacher Life, the new podcast for educators, Grace Stevens introduces herself, shares her background and journey from the corporate world to becoming a public school teacher, author, and educator empowerment coach, and explains the mission and content of the podcast.

Learn how Grace's ECHO Framework for Educator Empowerment © can help teaching professionals avoid burnout, set healthy boundaries, and achieve a better work-life balance. 

Join Grace Stevens as she shares her journey from corporate sales to teaching and beyond. Hear how she navigated this turbulent journey and discovered techniques from positive psychology and neuro-linguistic programming to combat anxiety, depression, and burnout in the classroom. 

Each episode of this new podcast for educators will provide you with practical strategies, inspiring stories, and proven tips to help you craft your own path and experience in the complex yet fulfilling role of teaching. Join her weekly for a healthy dose of inspiration for teachers coupled with realistic and proven tips to take back control of your time and energy and thrive in teaching.

Back to school special 2025/6 Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries Course is everything you need to thrive in the upcoming school year. LIMITED TIME: Use code BBB27 at checkout for a special discount.

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)