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Beating the Sunday Scaries: 5 Game-Changing Tips for Teachers

That pit in your stomach on Sunday afternoon? You're not alone. As educators, we've ALL felt that weekend-ruining anxiety creeping in. But here's the truth: you don't have to live with the Sunday Scaries forever. In this episode, I'm sharing my battle-tested strategies that helped me transform my weekends from dread-filled to rejuvenating.

🎯 In This Episode You'll Discover:

• 💡 Why it's NOT "just teaching" - the surprising truth about Sunday anxiety across all professions
• 📚 The "Friday Power Hour" strategy that can completely transform your weekend peace of mind
• 📱 How your tech habits might be sabotaging your weekend (and the simple fixes you need)
• 🌟 The counter-intuitive approach to weekend plans that actually helps you rest better
• ⏰ My game-changing "Sunday at 7" method that freed me from constant work anxiety
• 🎁 BONUS TIP: The "Monday Micro-Joy" technique that makes the week ahead less daunting

💪 Key Takeaways:

Stop letting Sunday anxiety rob you of weekend joy and Monday energy. These practical strategies will help you set boundaries, protect your peace, and show up as your best self for your students.

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!)

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Teachers, want to boost your daily happiness and teacher resilience?

In this mini-episode, Grace shares a simple, transformative strategy that requires no time, no money, and very little effort—but has the potential to completely change how you feel and show up each day in your classroom and your life. It's all about noticing the "lovely" moments in your day and giving them just a little extra focus to turn everyday encounters into a source of joy. Dive in to learn how a “lovely list” can help you cultivate a positive mindset!

Key Takeaways:

• 🌸 The Lovely List Unveiled: Discover Grace's latest tool that helps you notice and appreciate small acts of kindness and connection throughout the day.
• 🧠 Boost Your Mood with a Mental Game: Learn how creating a mental "lovely list" rewires your brain to focus on positive interactions, no journaling required.
• ✨ Find the Lovely in the Ordinary: Start seeing the beauty in everyday interactions—from a smile from a stranger to a helpful hand from a student.
• 💡 Be Someone's Lovely Moment: Challenge yourself to make someone else's day better by being a positive presence.

Why Listen?

If you’re feeling teacher overwhelmed during this busy time of year, this episode offers a grounding, uplifting practice that’s easy to implement. Just one change in how you notice the little things can help you feel more connected and present each day and transform the energy in your classroom.

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!)

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🎙️ Lunchbox Love Note Bonus Mini-Episode: Just like those little love notes slipped into your lunchbox, this episode is here to brighten your day with a virtual smile and a hug. 

I hope you enjoy this jolt of inspiration and empowerment for teachers! 

And if you appreciate my content, I humbly invite you to "pay it forward" and share this episode with a colleague. Everyone wins 💛

This one is all about the mindset of "enough." I promise you, you are enough, you do enough. 

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!)

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🎓 Breaking Down Dyslexia: What Every Teacher Needs to Know (But Was Never Taught!)

Did you know that 1 in 5 students in your classroom may have dyslexia? Yet most of us learned about it in just "two paragraphs" during our teacher training! In this eye-opening episode, we chat with Lisa Parnello, a full-time dyslexia coach who's transforming how we understand and support students with dyslexia.

Key Takeaways: 📚 Dyslexia isn't about seeing letters backward - it's about how the brain processes language 🧠 Three major signs to watch for:

• Phonemic awareness challenges
• Executive functioning struggles (organization, time management)
• Left-handedness (surprisingly correlated!)

🍎 What teachers can do to help students who they suspect may have dyslexia, despite the imitation of resources in many schools.

🌟 Success Stories: Many highly successful individuals have dyslexia, including:

• Steve Jobs (Apple founder)
• Richard Branson (Virgin Group founder)
• Keira Knightley (actress)

🎯 Free Resources:
Join Lisa's Dyslexia Awareness Challenge at www.parnelloeducation.com/challenge

• 5-day email sequence
• Daily 1-2 minute videos
• Practical resources and tools
• Over 200 successful participants

🎧 Want to Learn More? Check out Lisa's podcast "Dyslexia Devoted" - over 117 episodes of practical strategies and insights

Professional Development Opportunities:

• Dyslexia for Beginners Workshop 
• Educator's Guide to Dyslexia (comprehensive course with 4.5 hours PD credit)
• Spelling and Writing Booster Workshops 
• Use promo code "balance" for 20% off all courses!

Remember: You're not alone in feeling underprepared to support students with dyslexia. With the right tools and knowledge, you can make a significant difference in these students' lives!

#TeacherResources #Dyslexia #SpecialEducation #TeacherPD #EducatorSupport #DyslexiaAwareness #TeacherTips #teacherbalance #teachertips

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

Many of us know that we need to do a better job expressing our needs, wants, desires, and preferences, but we don't know how to start the conversation or do it in a productive, positive way. 

If, like me, you suffer from being a chronic -people pleaser, this episode is for you!
I dive deep into the art of setting healthy boundaries – a game-changer for teachers who want to avoid burnout and rediscover their work-life balance. 🏋️‍♀️💪

Why Boundaries Matter for Teachers

Setting boundaries isn't about building walls – it's about creating lanes that allow you to navigate your professional and personal life with confidence. By establishing clear expectations and limits, you're not only protecting your well-being but also fostering healthier relationships with colleagues, students, and administrators. 🤝

I will cover the 12 Essential Rules for setting healthier boundaries at school and at home. Key concepts include:

🎯  Setting boundaries is a loving act, both for yourself and others.

🎯  Start with small, manageable boundaries and build up your confidence.

🎯  Use "I" statements to express your needs without putting others on the defensive.

🎯  Be prepared to enforce your boundaries, but always do so with grace and professionalism.

I give you all the details you need to start setting healthier boundaries TODAY.
Remember, dear teachers: You have the right to a balanced life! By implementing these boundary-setting strategies, you're not just improving your own well-being – you're setting a powerful example for your students and your teaching colleagues. ✨

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

🚀 3 Simple Ways to Help Your Students Thrive (By Doing Less!)

In this episode, I reflect on an "Open Letter to Parents from Your Child's Teacher" that I wrote for ThriveGlobal.com back in 2019.  I take another look into three game-changing habits that can transform your classroom dynamics and help your students develop crucial life skills.

📌 Key Takeaways:

1. 🎭 Let natural consequences be the teacher
2. 🧠 Foster persistence in problem-solving
3. 🤝 Empower students to navigate social interactions

Discover how these strategies not only benefit your students but also lighten your load as an educator. It's time to break free from the "do-everything" mindset and empower our students to thrive! 💪

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

• The timeless nature of classroom challenges (hint: it's not all COVID's fault!)
• How over-helping can hinder student independence and confidence
• Practical tips for implementing these strategies in your classroom
• Real-life examples of how these habits play out (and why they're so tempting!)
• The importance of social-emotional learning in conflict resolution

💡 Actionable Tips:

• Establish clear homework policies and stick to them
• Use prompting questions to guide students instead of providing answers
• Implement a structured approach for resolving playground conflicts

Remember, it's not about doing more – it's about doing the right things that truly matter for your students' growth and success. 🌱

🔗 Related Resources:

• Episode 61: Back to School 2024, Part Two - Positive Teacher-Parent Partnerships
• The original letter from Thrive Global 
• https://community.thriveglobal.com/3-simple-ways-to-help-your-child-thrive-in-school-by-doing-less/

Ready to transform your teaching approach and empow

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 a stressed-out teacher looking for inspiration? 🌟 This episode of the Balance Your Teacher Life podcast takes an unexpected turn, diving into graduation speeches that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even roll your eyes. But most importantly, it'll remind you why you became an educator in the first place.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

• The viral "Bill Gates" graduation speech that wasn't 🤯
• 11 brutally honest rules for life that every student (and teacher) should hear 📝
• The truth behind the viral list and its actual author 🕵️‍♀️
• Jim Carrey's surprisingly profound commencement address 🎭
• The five words that could change your students' lives (and yours too!) 💖

🧠 Key Takeaways for Educators:

1. Fact-checking is crucial, even for inspiring content 🔍
2. Validation for the struggles of teaching and parenting teens 🤝
3. The most valuable currency in life: how you make others feel ❤️
4. Choosing love over fear in your classroom and life 🌈
5. The importance of mindful connections: "Mind who you hang with" 👥

💡 Quotable Moments:

"Your energy teaches more than your lesson plans." - Grace Stevens

"You are ready and able to do beautiful things in this world." - Jim Carrey

🚀 Action Step for Teachers:

Reflect on the people you surround yourself with. Are they lifting you up or bringing you down? Remember, minding who you hang with is crucial for maintaining your energy and passion as an educator.

🎧 Listen Now:

Don't miss this empowering episode that will remind you of your worth as an educator and inspire you to create positive change in your classroom and life. Click play and let's balance your teacher life 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

🚫 Do You Overshare at School? Top Tips for Protect Your Teaching Career! 🛡️

As educators, we want to connect with our colleagues and build a positive work environment. But oversharing can put your career at risk! 😱 In this eye-opening episode, we tackle the delicate balance between being friendly and maintaining professional boundaries.

Key takeaways:

• Social media pitfalls for teachers 📱
• Setting boundaries with colleagues 🚧
• Recognizing potential "snakes in the grass" 🐍
• Strategies for maintaining professionalism 👩‍🏫

Don't let a moment of oversharing derail your teaching career! Learn how to protect yourself while still fostering genuine connections at work.

Show highlights:

• The dangers of posting student photos online ⚠️
• Why you should separate personal and professional social media accounts 🔒
• How to politely deflect personal questions from colleagues 🙅‍♀️
• The importance of respecting confidentiality 🤐
• A personal story of betrayal and its valuable lesson 📚

Remember: Not everyone has your best interests at heart. Stay vigilant, but don't become paranoid. With these strategies, you can navigate the murky waters of workplace relationships and keep your teaching career safe! 

Pay it forward: consider sharing this episode with other educators you know. Together we can start a revolution of teacher empowerment. 

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

In this special anniversary episode, host Grace Stevens reflects on a year of empowering educators to reclaim their work-life balance.

🌟 Highlights:

• Top 3 guest interviews that sparked important conversations
• Most downloaded episodes that resonated with listeners
• Practical strategies for avoiding burnout and setting boundaries
• The surprising truth about "restorative justice" in schools
• Why progressive discipline still matters (backed by research!)

🎧 Featured Guests:

1. Ryan Steuer on project-based learning for all grade levels
2. Casey Maguire on the "sober curious" movement for stressed teachers
3. Justin Baeder on rethinking disciplinary practices and restorative justice in schools

🔥 Hot Topics:

• 5 signs you might be burning out (and what to do about it)
• The science behind burnout vs. compassion fatigue
• How to protect yourself from vicarious trauma

Remember: You CAN have a better teaching experience and I'm here to help you every step of the way!

🙏 Loved the show? Spread the word! Share an episode with a colleague or leave a 5-star review. Together, we can create a revolution of teacher empowerment!

📚 Free Resources Mentioned:

For FREE resources to help support evidence-driven progressive discipline visit: https://www.principalcenter.com/pd/

For FREE resources on project-based learning visit: https://www.magnifylearningin.org/pbl-simplified-video-series

For Casey Mc Guire's FREE 30-Day Sober Guide visit: https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/30-day-sober-guide/

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

🎉 Celebrating 1 Year of Teacher Empowerment: The ECHO Framework Revealed! 🚀

Are you a teacher feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and ready to reclaim your passion for education? 🙋‍♀️ This episode is your lifeline! 

Join me as I celebrate my podcast's first anniversary and unveil the game-changing ECHO Framework for Educator Empowerment. 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

1. Discover why your energy matters more than your lesson plans 🌟
2. Learn to control what you can (and let go of what you can't) 🎯
3. Unlock the secret to synthesizing happiness in your classroom 😊
4. Break free from others' expectations and create your own teaching experience 🦋

🎧 Episode Highlights:

• My journey from corporate burnout to empowered educator 🏃‍♀️
• The science behind happiness and its impact on teaching 🧪
• Practical tips for bringing joy back into your classroom 🎨
• How to stay positive when faced with challenging class lists 📋
• The power of focusing on what you want, not what you don't 🔍

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• "Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers" book by Grace Stevens
• Yale's free online course on happiness by Laurie Santos https://online.yale.edu/courses/science-well-being

Don't let burnout dim your teaching light! Tune in to learn how the ECHO Framework can transform your classroom experience and reignite your passion for education. 🔥

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!)