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Attention teachers who are getting ready to go back to school - this is the ONE thing you MUST do before school starts to set yourself up for success. This isn't hype – it's a game-changer that will transform your teaching experience.

🍎 In this episode, we dive into:

• The 6 crucial elements of a perfect boundary plan (you've probably only thought about #1!)
• Why setting up your classroom isn't enough to prepare for the year ahead
• The secret to managing difficult parents, needy coworkers, and demanding students
• How to protect your peace and avoid becoming a "shriveled up prune" 🍇
• The magic words that will save you from decision fatigue and accusations of favoritism

🏫 Key takeaways:

1. Time boundaries: Learn how to stop donating 13.5 weeks of unpaid work each year
2. Space boundaries: Discover the ritual that keeps work at work (physically and mentally)
3. Parent boundaries: Master the art of the "front gate conference" shutdown
4. Coworker boundaries: Navigate teamwork without sacrificing your personal life
5. Negativity boundaries: Identify and limit exposure to energy-draining colleagues
6. Student boundaries: Establish clear policies that create consistency and respect

Don't start another school year without this essential tool in your teacher toolkit. Listen now and set yourself up for your best year yet!

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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Discover how to use the summer break to reflect on your teaching practice, set empowering boundaries, and show up as your best self in the classroom. These thought-provoking prompts will help you avoid burnout and reignite your passion for education!

Highlights:

🌟 Summer Break: The Perfect Time for Teacher Reflection

• Why stepping off the "teaching treadmill" is crucial for growth
• How reflection can lead to a happier, more balanced teaching life

🤔 Powerful Reflection Prompts to Transform Your Teaching Practice:

• Evaluate your self-care activities and their impact on your mood
• Assess how you set and maintained professional boundaries
• Identify situations you handled well to boost your confidence
• Reflect on your connections with colleagues and how they influenced you
• Consider what made your teaching environment enjoyable for you

👩‍🏫 Growing Through Challenges:

• How to view difficult students as opportunities for personal growth
• Identifying the students who will leave a lasting impact on your career

🔋 Proactive Recharging Strategies:

• Planning ahead to avoid burnout during the school year
• Creating a personalized boundary plan (teaser for next week's episode!)

🙏 The Power of Gratitude in Teaching:

• How to use gratitude to boost your mood and strengthen relationships
• Why it's never too late to thank someone who made a difference

💪 Creating Your "Badass List":

• Celebrating your accomplishments and building resilience
• Using past successes to fuel future confidence

🌈 Visualizing Your Ideal Teaching Self:

• The importance of focusing on your "to be" list, not just your "to do" list
• How to use visualization to create a positive classroom atmosphere

🎁 Free Resource:

For the free 6-week printable version of the Positive Mindset Habits Journal for Teachers click here or visit www.gracestevens.com/journal

To check out the Teacher Lesson and Life Planner

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

You know when you are spending hours poring over Pinterest and Instagram for the best classroom decor -  have you ever stopped to wonder if the time, energy, and money you pour into your classroom decorations are actually making a difference in your student's learning? 🌟

In this episode, we dive into the big question: What is the best classroom decor and does classroom decor really matter? 

Let's separate fact from fiction, dig into the educational research, and find a balance for you and your students.

Key Points:

• 🎨 The Great Decor Debate: Does a Pinterest-worthy classroom enhance student learning or just your Instagram feed?
• 🧩 Evidence-Based Insights: Discover what research says about the impact of classroom environments on student outcomes.
• 🌈 Finding Your Balance: Whether you're an "extra" teacher or a minimalist, we discuss practical, balanced approaches to classroom decor.
• 🧠 Focus on What Matters: Learn which elements of your classroom setup can truly boost student engagement and learning.
• 💡 Practical Tips: From optimal classroom layouts to effective use of wall space, get actionable tips to create a conducive learning environment.
• 🧘 Mind Your Budget: Understand how to enjoy decorating your classroom without financial stress or pressure from social media trends.
• 🤝 Student Involvement: Explore ways to include students in the decorating process, fostering ownership and a sense of community.

Before you blow your hard-earned money on having a Pinterest-worthy classroom, I hope you listen along and maybe even pass this episode along to that one "extra" teacher we all know!

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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 This episode delves into the top five TED Talks for special education teachers. These talks are full of inspiration and insights and cover important topics for ALL educators  (not just those in SPED) who want to enhance their understanding and approach in the classroom.

Top 5 TED Talks Discussed:

1. Cole Blakeway: "We Are All Different and That's Awesome"
   • Celebrates differences and showcases a beautiful friendship between a young boy and a man with autism.
   • Emphasizes that nobody needs fixing and everyone is perfect as they are.
   • Quote: "We don't need to fix this, the spectrum disorder. It's just nobody needs fixing. Stephen is perfect as he is."
2. Temple Grandin: "The World Needs All Kinds of Minds"
   • A classic talk highlighting the importance of diverse thinking, particularly from those on the autism spectrum.
   • Discusses the value of visual, pattern, and verbal thinkers.
3. Scott Sonen: "How We Suppress Genius and Create Learning Disability"
   • A powerful and emotional talk about overcoming severe dyslexia and the impact of early trauma on learning disabilities.
   • Highlights the importance of understanding and supporting students with learning disabilities.
4. Brooke Mattson: "ADHD Redefined"
   • Reframes ADHD as a superpower rather than a disorder, highlighting the innovative and creative potential of those with ADHD.
   • Challenges common misconceptions about ADHD.
   • Quote: "We have more thoughts than we have time to pursue."
5. Stella Young: "I'm Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much"
   • A thought-provoking talk by a comedian and journalist

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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I LOVE TED Talks. About six years ago, I posted my list of favorites for teachers on my blog, and it has been shared thousands of times. I decided it was time to update things, as the educational landscape has changed so much since then. Guess what? Even with all the changes, three of my Top 5 have withheld the test of time. 

Get ready to be inspired and invigorated!

Top 5 TED Talks for Teachers 2024 updated:

1. Rita Pierson - "Every Kid Needs a Champion"
   • A heartfelt reminder of the importance of building positive relationships with students. This TED Talk inspired one of the most beloved prompts in my Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers Journal.
   • Best Quote: "Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them."
2. Sal Khan - "How AI Could Save (Not Destroy) Education"
   • Explore the potential of AI to revolutionize education with personalized tutoring and teaching assistants.
   • Quote: "AI could spark the greatest positive transformation education has ever seen."
   • With all the negativity surrounding ChatGPT and school, this talk will leave you excited and inspired with the possibilities to provide every student with a personal tutor, and every teacher with a turbo-charged assistant.
3. Sir Ken Robinson - "Do Schools Kill Creativity?"
   • A compelling case for nurturing creativity within the education system.
   • Why it's still relevant today and a must-watch for every educator.
4. Tyler DeWitt - "Hey Science Teachers, Make It Fun"
   • A call to make learning engaging and accessible through stories and demonstrations.
   • Reflects on the impact of deconstructing jargon and fostering a love for science.

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

Teachers, have you ever considered how your mental diet could be harming you?

Would your outlook improve if you could train your mind to think you live in a friendly, not hostile, universe?

Then don't miss this episode of THE podcast just for teachers' well-being and true teacher self-care.

In this episode of Balance Your Teacher Life, host Grace Stevens dives deep into the concept of a "mental health diet." She explains how what we consume mentally—through books, movies, podcasts, TV shows, social media, and the news cycle—impacts our well-being. Grace shares personal anecdotes and provides a practical exercise to help teachers evaluate and improve their mental diet for a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

Key Points:

• Introduction: Emphasis on taking care of yourself this summer.
• The importance of a healthy mental diet.
• How what you are watching, listening, and planting in your mind affects your worldview and nervous system.
• Six areas of media consumption to evaluate: books, movies, podcasts, TV shows, social media, and the news cycle.
• Practical exercise to assess your mental diet.
• Personal stories highlighting the impact of media on mental health.
• Encouragement to create a peaceful mental environment.

If you are interested in TRULY improving your teaching experience and learning how to thrive in the classroom without sacrificing your personal life, I invite you to join our community.  All details can be found here: 
www.gracestevens.com/elevate

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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In this episode, Grace talks with Phil Januszewski, a science teacher, keynote speaker, and positive psychology enthusiast, about practical strategies for teachers to avoid burnout and bring more joy into their lives and classrooms. This conversation is a delightful reminder to prioritize self-care and intentionally cultivate positivity.

Highlights include:

• Meet Phil Januszewski, a high school chemistry and physics teacher, who's on a mission to help educators avoid burnout and become happier through positive psychology 🧠💡
• Discover the power of focusing on your "ERs" – the things you are, do, and perform daily that build you up (e.g., father, baker, singer) 🎤🍰👨‍👩‍👧
• Learn how to intentionally schedule and structure your day to hit on those fulfilling "ERs" more often, leading to an overflow of energy and inspiration 🗓️⚡
• Explore the idea of leaning into your unique purpose and quirks to create positive change for yourself, colleagues, and students 🦸‍♀️✨
• Hear Phil's 10-minute "TED Talk" on three practical strategies for avoiding burnout as a giver ⏱️🔥
• Find out how Phil ended up on Netflix's amateur baking show "Nailed It!" and his hilarious alien cake adventure 🤖🍰
• Discover Phil's tips for empathizing with and connecting to even the most resistant or negative audience 👂💞
• Get inspired by stories of intentional acts of kindness and their profound impact on well-being 🙌🌟

For more information on Phil Januszewski and his mission visit:
https://www.philjanuszewski.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/philjanuszewski

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

🎙️ Ready for a fresh take on summer prep? Discover why less professional development for teachers and more personal growth might be your key to a rejuvenated classroom experience next year. 🌞💡

In this episode of the Balance Your Teacher Life podcast, host Grace Stevens dives into a topic that sparked some controversy but holds powerful insights for educators. Grace shares her bold perspective on why teachers should prioritize personal development over professional development during their summer break.

Key Takeaways:

• 📧 The Controversial Email: Why the subject line "F* PD this summer" stirred emotions and what it truly meant.
• 🏖️ Personal Development vs. Professional Development: Grace’s compelling argument for focusing on self-improvement and personal growth skills.
• 📚 Real-Life Experiences: Insightful stories from Grace’s two decades in the classroom, including the pitfalls of mandatory curriculum training.
• 💪 Empowering Change: How personal growth can transform your teaching, energy, and overall life. 
• ❓What are the empowering questions to ask that truly move your life forward?

Overall, you'll learn why educators need less curriculum coaches (we all know how to read that Teacher's Edition") and more LIFE coaches to understand what it takes to thrive in teaching without sacrificing our personal lives.

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

If you're feeling fed up with the lack of student accountability, chaos in the classroom, and lack of admin support, then this episode is for you. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Justin Baeder PhD- the incredible voice of reason taking over TikTok for exhausted teachers everywhere.

School leaders - you MUST listen!
Teachers - you will feel so seen and validated!

Topics we cover in this episode:

✨ The Hot Mess of Restorative Practices

• The well-intentioned but disastrous move to remove student consequences and redefine failure as success
• Tales of students returning to class with candy bars after outrageous behavior 
• How this approach stole all accountability and enabled chaos

✨ Dismantling the "Load Bearing Wall" of Progressive Discipline

• The invisible backbone that kept classroom management functional has been decimated
• Creating predictable consequences is key for a safe, calm learning environment
• Without it, the message is "you can aft how you want without consequences"

✨ The Role of Ideological, Agenda-Driven "Research"

• Most discipline studies are "absolute garbage" with massive logical holes
• The unfounded claims that avoiding discipline improves student outcomes
• How quality research got hijacked by fads and alternative discipline camps

✨ Getting Back to Basics with Firm Boundaries

• Rewind 10-15 years to the old-school wisdom that still worked: high standards, counseling, engaged lessons, fair consequences
• Prioritize creating a viable learning environment above all else
• "We've gone off the rails by making other goals the primary objective"

✨ What Effective Leadership Really Looks Like

• It's not just subject matter expertise - wisdom and backbone are crucial
• Having experience in a highly functional organization to model healthy leadership
• Keeping the main thing (learning) the main thing through the boring basics

✨ Why PBIS program research was solid, but it's being implemented incorrectly

Justin's advice? Fix the foundational pieces like progressive discipline first. Then build your creativity and innovatio

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

Summer is here, and while you’re counting down the days until that final bell rings, are you also feeling the weight of a never-ending to-do list? Discover how to reclaim your summer and set boundaries that will leave you feeling refreshed and empowered.

In this episode, I dive into the challenges educators face when summer arrives but free time doesn’t seem so free. If you’re tired of your summer being hijacked by others’ demands, this episode is for you. I share personal stories and practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries with love and grace, so you can truly enjoy your well-deserved break.

Key Points:

• 🎯 Why summer doesn’t always mean “time off” for educators.
• 🚫 The hidden traps of people-pleasing at home and how to avoid them.
• 💬 Effective communication techniques to express your needs and desires.
• 🛑 Identifying and overcoming guilt when saying no.
• 🛠️ Practical strategies for setting boundaries with family and friends.
• 📝 How to use “yes, and…” to maintain harmony while protecting your time.
• 💡 Real-life examples of setting boundaries and handling tricky situations.
• 🌟 Why setting boundaries is a loving act and essential for your well-being.

Tune in and learn:

• How to spot if you’re struggling with boundaries.
• The importance of assuming good intentions and communicating clearly.
• Tips on buying yourself time to respond to requests.
• Strategies for dealing with snarky comments about your profession.

Empowerment Takeaways:

• Boundaries are like lane markers on a highway, not just guardrails—essential for smooth travel and safety.
• You have the right to say no without guilt and to prioritize your needs.
• Setting boundaries enriches relationships by fostering respect and understanding.

And if you TRULY want your experience in education to be better next year (and beyond) I invite you to check out the Elevated Teacher Experience this summer - it is the ONLY program that combines PERSONAL development curriculum with life coaching to help edu

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!)