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In this power-packed episode of our Back to School 2025 series, Grace breaks down the ONE thing that can make or break your entire school year - and it's not your bulletin boards or seating charts. It's your boundary plan.

You're spending hours on classroom decorations while ignoring the foundation that will determine whether you thrive or barely survive this year. Grace reveals the 6 critical areas every teacher needs to address to create sustainable work-life balance and protect their energy.

💪 What You'll Learn:

The 6 Essential Areas of Your Teacher Boundary Plan:

1. Time Boundaries - Your Non-Negotiable Schedule ⏰

2. Physical & Emotional Space Boundaries 🏠

3. Toxic People Boundaries - Protecting Your Energy 🛡️

4. Coworker Boundaries - Professional Relationships 🤝

5. Parent Communication Boundaries 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

6. Student Boundaries - Professional Relationships 📚

✨ Key Takeaways:

💡 Boundaries are skills - not personality traits. They can be learned and improved.

💡 The boundary inventory - Most teachers don't realize where their boundary blind spots are hiding.

💡 "Classroom policy" magic - Remove the personal element by framing boundaries as policies.

💡 Consistency is everything - Your boundaries only work if you apply them fairly to everyone.

💡 Plan before you need them - Don't wait for boundary violations to figure out your response.

🎯 Action Steps:

1. Audit these 6 areas - Where are your biggest boundary gaps?
2. Write your boundary plan - Don't wing it, create intentional policies
3. Find an accountability partner - Share your plan for better success
4. Practice the scripts - Know what you'll say before you need to say it

🔥 Why This Matters:

Every day you operate without clear boundaries, you're conditioning others to expect unlimited access to your time, energy, and emotional labor. This isn't just about work-life balance - it's about creating a sustainable career that doesn't burn you out before you can make the impact you're meant to make.

➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno

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

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Breaking Free from the Sunk Cost Fallacy: Why Smart Teachers Stay Stuck 🌱

That voice in your head saying "I've invested too much to quit now"? It's lying to you.

Summer is the perfect time to identify what's keeping you stuck - and it's probably not what you think.

What's Really Keeping You Trapped 🔍

The Perfect Lesson Plan Prison 📖

Why that Gold Rush unit you spent years perfecting might be choking the life out of your classroom

The Toxic School Trap 🏫

How tenure and "years invested" keep teachers miserable in environments that are destroying their wellbeing

The Struggling Student Spiral 💔

The painful truth about overcommitting to students who aren't progressing (and why it's hurting everyone)

The Superhero Teacher Identity Crisis 🦸‍♀️

What happens when your need to be "the teacher who does everything" becomes your prison

The Question That Changes Everything 💡

"Who would you be if you let that story go?"

This isn't just about your classroom - it's about the limiting stories keeping you stuck in relationships, hobbies, and life decisions.

Why This Matters Right Now ⏰

Every hour you spend watering dead plants is time stolen from nurturing what could actually bloom in your life.

Your master's degree isn't a prison sentence. Your years of service don't have to keep you miserable.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away.

🎧 Ready to break free? Listen now and discover the 7 ways this trap shows up for teachers - plus the one mindset shift that changes everything.

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!)

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🧠 Why SEL Curriculum Isn't Working (And What Teachers Should Do Instead)

In this episode, Grace Stevens dives deep into Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and reveals why scripted curricula often fall flat. She shares real classroom observations that expose the gap between checking boxes and authentic emotional intelligence building. This episode provides actionable strategies for teachers to develop genuine EQ skills in themselves and their students without adding to their already overwhelming workload.

🎯 Key Takeaways

❌ What's NOT Working:

• Scripted SEL curricula that feel like checkbox exercises
• Reflection worksheets that require CBT training teachers don't have
• 40+ emotion posters that overwhelm even adults
• Performative approaches that don't build real classroom community

✅ What DOES Work:

• Authentic modeling of emotional intelligence
• Stop, breathe, ask strategy for overwhelm
• Name it to tame it - improving emotional vocabulary
• Emotional check-ins that are genuine, not scripted
• Perspective taking exercises that build empathy

Listen now and learn how to authentically model and teach emotional intelligence, even if you don't have a designated "SEL block."

To automatically receive the free resources that accompany this episode, sign up for Grace's bi-weekly newsletter. The easiest way is to download her free guide to saying "no" without guilt and ditch your least favorite adjunct duty at this link www.gracestevens.com/sayno

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!)

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🌞 4 Essential Strategies for Teacher Summer Recovery & Burnout Prevention

Episode Summary

You made it through another school year! 🎉 But summer break doesn't automatically fix teacher burnout. Host Grace Stevens shares 4 proven strategies to help teachers truly disconnect, recover, and prepare for renewal during summer break.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Strategy #1: Create a Closing Ritual ✅

• Stop, Start, Continue Reflection (30 minutes) 
  • 🛑 STOP: What drained your energy without results?
  • ➡️ START: New approaches you want to try
  • ✅ CONTINUE: What worked well this year
• Set an "August Problem" date - no school thoughts until then!
• Embrace the clean slate opportunity teachers have each year

Strategy #2: Complete the Stress Cycle 🧘‍♀️

Teaching = constant assault on your nervous system. Your body needs intentional recovery:

• 💤 Sleep without alarms
• 💧 Hydrate properly (no more classroom dehydration!)
• 🚶‍♀️ Move your body (walking, stretching, yoga)
• 🎨 Create (quilting, painting, writing)
• 👥 Socialize with non-teacher friends

Strategy #3: Triage Your Summer To-Do List 📝

Your list is too long (we know it is!). Apply medical triage principles:

• 🚨 Must Do: Critical & time-sensitive only
• 💭 Nice to Do: Not urgent
• 🤝 Delegate: Stop doing everything yourself
• ❌ Eliminate: Some things don't need doing

Pro Tip: Listen to Episode 50 for setting boundaries with family who think you're "free all summer"

Strategy #4: Rebuild Your Identity Outside Teaching 🌱

Remember who you are beyond the classroom:

• List 5 things you love doing (non-teaching related)
• Challenge: List 5 things you love about yourself (not related to serving others)
• Reconnect with neglected hobbies and interests
• Read books that aren't about education!

Key takeaway: Remember: August is coming whether you worry about it or not - you might as well enjoy your summer! 🌞

#TeacherBurnout #SummerRecovery #TeacherWellness #EducatorSelfCare #TeacherLife

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!)

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🎉 Summer is almost here, and I'm dropping some serious truth bombs about why your sweet summer break should be about HEALING, not hustling. If your summer to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt (I see you! 😅), this episode is your roadmap to setting the limits you need for a joyful back-to-school season.

🎯 What You'll Learn

The Four Essential Areas to Set Limits This Summer:

1. 👪 Set Limits with Your Family

• Just because you're "off" doesn't mean you're available 24/7
• How to handle the division of labor conversations
• Scripts for saying no lovingly: "I love spending time with you, but I also need time to recharge so I don't burn out before school starts"
• The "guided close" technique for managing requests

2. 🚫 Set Limits with Guilt & Over-Productivity

• Unlearn the martyr complex (I see you, people-pleaser! 💕)
• Schedule non-doing time proactively
• Remember: Productive rest is important too
• Having needs doesn't make you needy - it makes you human ✨

3. 📅 Set Limits with Invitations & Commitments

• Do fewer things and enjoy them more
• The gut check question: "Is this aligned with rest and joy, or guilt and obligation?"
• My Christmas story: One favorite activity per family member = more joy, less stress
• Simple script: "I'm prioritizing rest this summer. I'm gonna have to pass."

4. 📱 Set Limits with Social Media & Screen Time

• Your nervous system wasn't designed to "drink trauma from a fire hose"
• Experiment with app deletions and screen-time goals
• Model the behavior you want to see
• Focus on being present with the people who matter most

This episode includes practical strategies, a pep talk (always), and a celebration of all you've accomplished this year.

Listen now, and share with a teaching friend!

➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno

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

How to Transform Your Teaching Career Into Something New

This week I'm chatting with Lisa Harding, CEO of Teacher Career Transitions Academy, about how educators can successfully transition to careers outside the classroom. 

Born into a family of teachers but taking a different path herself, Lisa shares her journey from educational technology executive to certified career coach dedicated to helping teachers recognize their transferable skills and overcome imposter syndrome. 

Whether you're considering leaving teaching, looking for a side hustle, or planning for post-retirement opportunities, this dynamic conversation provides valuable insights and practical steps for your career journey.

Key Points Discussed:

• Common misconceptions teachers have about changing careers and overcoming imposter syndrome
• Current career paths that are excellent matches for teachers' skill sets
• How to rebrand classroom skills into corporate-friendly resume language
• A step-by-step process for transitioning out of teaching
• Practical exercises to identify your transferable skills and career options
• The importance of networking when considering a career change
• and so much more!

Even if you're not looking to leave teaching right now, this information is incredibly valuable. Many of us will eventually move beyond the classroom, and understanding your options can actually reduce stress and provide peace of mind.

Resources Mentioned:

• GRAB THE FREE DOWNLOAD Teacher Career Transitions Directory: 200+ careers for transitioning teachers with job summaries, core skills, and salary ranges
• Learn more about Teacher Career Transitions Academy

➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno

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

4 Flexibility Options Schools Need NOW to Retain Great Teachers

In this week's episode, I share something deeply personal that has been on my mind since I left the classroom full-time two years ago. The truth? I never stopped loving teaching or my students - I simply needed more flexibility than traditional school structures could offer.

The Flexibility Crisis in Education

Let's be honest - teaching has become an all-or-nothing profession. You're either in the classroom full-time or completely out of education. This inflexible system is driving away talented educators who love teaching but need options that accommodate:

• Young children at home
• Aging parents requiring care
• Personal health needs
• Work-life balance

In this episode, I explore four potential solutions that could enable teachers to remain in the profession while enjoying more flexibility in their schedules.

They include:

1. Reimagined Sabbaticals
Not just unpaid leave, but structured breaks (6 months to a year) with:

• Partial pay possibilities
• Guaranteed retention of tenure
• Maintained healthcare benefits
• Return-to-position guarantees

2. Expanded Job Shares
Allow two excellent teachers to split one full-time position:

• Flexible scheduling options
• Maintained benefits (critical improvement needed)
• Reduced burnout
• Preserved institutional knowledge
• Collaborative teaching partnerships
• Less disruption for students

3. Reduced Load Contracts
Common in higher education but rarely available in K-12:

• Teach fewer classes/sections
• Perfect for experienced educators
• Opportunity to bring back retired teachers as mentors
• Reduce burnout while maintaining connections

4. Administrative Support Systems
Address the number one complaint: "I love teaching - it's all the OTHER stuff that wears me out"

• Dedicated admin support for paperwork
• Help with data entry, reporting, emails
• Grade management assistance
• Parent communication support
• Reduced mental load for teachers

Bonus Idea: Professional "Break" Bank

➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno

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

Why Your Smartphone Policy May Be Destroying Your School Culture

Is your classroom filled with anxious, distracted students who can't handle minor setbacks? Research shows technology is rewiring their brains, and not in a good way.

In this essential episode, discover the stark difference between phone-free and phone-accessible schools, learn how the "attention economy" deliberately creates addiction, and get practical strategies for every grade level to build resilience and focus without fighting constant battles over devices.

Key Insights:

• Why the "attention economy" is deliberately engineered to hook young minds
• Four neurological impacts: social deprivation, sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, and addiction
• Grade-specific strategies that work even without school-wide phone bans
• Evidence-based activities that build resilience through appropriate risk-taking

Whether you're witnessing technology's toll firsthand or concerned about rising student anxiety, these actionable approaches will help you create an environment where students can develop the social skills and emotional regulation they desperately need.

➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno

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

Teacher Self-Care: Setting Your Substitute Teacher Up for Success 🍎✨

Are you dragging yourself to school when sick because writing sub plans feels overwhelming? Discover how to set yourself (and your substitute teacher) up for success with these practical strategies from a former teacher-turned substitute!

Episode Highlights:

• The Self-Care Connection: Why creating effective sub plans is essential for your wellbeing
• Substitute Teaching Insights: Lessons learned from 5 months of subbing in various schools and grade levels
• 7 Key Strategies to ensure your classroom runs smoothly in your absence

The Self-Care Connection

Taking time off when needed is essential for teacher wellbeing, but many educators avoid absences because preparing for a substitute feels more stressful than working while ill. This episode reframes substitute preparation as a crucial self-care practice.

A Substitute's Perspective

After 20+ years of classroom teaching, Grace gained valuable insights from substitute teaching across:

• Grade levels from TK through 11th grade
• 11-12 different schools
• Various school cultures and resource levels

7 Strategies for Substitute Success

1. Create a template with your master schedule, important routines, and student information
2. Plan review activities rather than new content
3. Provide clear tech instructions or designate student tech helpers
4. Establish a buddy teacher system who can check in and support with challenging students
5. Set up incentives or consequences for student behavior during your absence
6. Have emergency activities available for unexpected situations
7. Document policies in writing regarding phones, computers, seating, and other classroom procedures

Final Thoughts

Remember: You are a human first and a teacher second. You deserve to take time off when needed without stressing about classroom chaos. With proper preparation, both you and your substitute can succeed!

➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno

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

For free and paid resources to help students of all ages deal with test anxiety visit:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Grace-Stevens-Happy-classrooms

Feeling overwhelmed by school testing season? Dread seeing students suffer from crippling test anxiety? This podcast episode for educators of all grades is for you!

🌟 Learn the one skill you should be teaching all year to ensure test-taking success!

💡 Discover how to create a calm, supportive testing environment in your room.

🎯 Shift the focus to what students can control and where you can find the "done for you" lesson plans to support you.

📣 Understand how to effectively communicate with parents to set students up for success without excessive pressure.

🥳 Learn the best strategies to boost student confidence and eliminate surprise testing stressors.

🎙️ You will find all this and more in this podcast episode for teachers of all grade levels to help your students overcome testing anxiety and perform at their best.

➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/sayno

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!)