Teacher Thrive

By Teacher Thrive

Welcome to Teacher Thrive, the ultimate podcast for educators seeking to thrive in both their professional and personal lives. Join hosts Madel Mazzella and Kaitlyn Rapai as they delve into the essent... more

· Education

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Teacher Thrive:

How many episodes does Teacher Thrive have?

The podcast currently has 58 episodes available.

Teacher Thrive episodes:

October 18, 2023 Teacher Thrive: Episode 18: How to Get Your Focus Back
Free Guides:
Examine your Thoughts
Who Are You, Really? 12 Prompts to Create Self-Awareness
Thoughts That Build Resilience
Weekly Time Blocking Planner
Boundary Setting Cheat-Sheet
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Connect with the hosts:
Madel Mazzella:
Instagram: ⁠@madelmazzella
TikTok: ⁠@madelmazzella⁠
Website: madelmazzella.com
Kaitlyn Rapai:
Instagram: @the_teacher_burnout_coach
TikTok: ⁠@kaitlyn_rapai_coaching⁠
Website: ⁠kaitlynrapai.com⁠

In Episode 18, the hosts explore the challenges of staying focused in today's distractible world. They openly discuss their personal experiences with distraction, acknowledging tendencies to lose focus even in the midst of conversations. The conversation touches upon topics like ADHD, the concept of masking in neurodivergent individuals, and the struggle to balance ambitious goals with realistic expectations.
The hosts share practical strategies for regaining focus, emphasizing the effectiveness of breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable steps. They highlight the significance of organizational systems, visual reminders, and labeling to reduce stress and increase productivity. The discussion also touches on the empowering impact of acknowledging one's ability to handle challenges and seeking help when needed.

Don't forget to subscribe to Teacher Thrive on your favorite podcast platform to receive updates on new episodes. If you find this podcast valuable, please leave a review and share it with fellow educators who are seeking to thrive in their teaching journey.
Original Music by: Matthew Dotson
Cover Art by: Nate Rapai
[Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any educational institutions or organizations. This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The hosts are not licensed therapists and their opinion does not substitute the advice of a physician or other qualified professional]
...more
20min
October 11, 2023Teacher Thrive: Episode 17: Developing Emotional Intelligence
Free Guides:
Examine your Thoughts
Who Are You, Really? 12 Prompts to Create Self-Awareness
Thoughts That Build Resilience
Weekly Time Blocking Planner
Boundary Setting Cheat-Sheet
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Connect with the hosts:
Madel Mazzella:
Instagram: ⁠@madelmazzella
TikTok: ⁠@madelmazzella⁠
Website: madelmazzella.com
Kaitlyn Rapai:
Instagram: @the_teacher_burnout_coach
TikTok: ⁠@kaitlyn_rapai_coaching⁠
Website: ⁠kaitlynrapai.com⁠
It can be hard to manage big emotions while we’re at work. It’s even harder if we’re not aware of what we’re thinking and feeling. That’s the reason why being aware of our emotions plays a big role if we’re aiming to be emotionally intelligent (EI). You’re emotionally intelligent if you can handle your own emotions as well as understand the emotions of people around you and can regulate those emotions.
Knowing yourself is the best tool in regulating your emotions because you know your triggers, and are aware of your reactions. This does not mean you won’t ever react–instead of respond–to difficult news, though. You don’t become a robot. But, it does mean that you will understand yourself and others better.
Some Signs that you’re emotionally intelligent are:
Being aware of how you present yourself to others - Embracing change

If you express yourself assertively - You live a balanced life

You’re curious and eager to learn - You’re empathetic

You’re grateful for what you have

You have a strong sense of self-awareness
Being emotionally intelligent empowers you to deeply know that other people’s emotions are not about you. They’re responsible for their emotions and you’re responsible for yours.
If you are interested in learning more about this topic, Check out Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves (This is an Affiliate Link).
Don't forget to subscribe to Teacher Thrive on your favorite podcast platform to receive updates on new episodes. If you find this podcast valuable, please leave a review and share it with fellow educators who are seeking to thrive in their teaching journey.
Original Music by: Matthew Dotson
Cover Art by: Nate Rapai
[Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any educational institutions or organizations. This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The hosts are not licensed therapists and their opinion does not substitute the advice of a physician or other qualified professional]
...more
19min
October 04, 2023 Teacher Thrive: Episode 16: Fall in Love with Teaching Again
Free Guides:
Examine your Thoughts
Who Are You, Really? 12 Prompts to Create Self-Awareness
Thoughts That Build Resilience
Weekly Time Blocking Planner
Boundary Setting Cheat-Sheet
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Connect with the hosts:
Madel Mazzella:
Instagram: ⁠@madelmazzella
TikTok: ⁠@madelmazzella⁠
Website: madelmazzella.com
Kaitlyn Rapai:
Instagram: @the_teacher_burnout_coach
TikTok: ⁠@kaitlyn_rapai_coaching⁠
Website: ⁠kaitlynrapai.com⁠
In this episode; the hosts discuss ways that teachers can fall in love with teaching again even if your work circumstances don’t change. Liking and enjoying what you do is more a decision you have to make as opposed to having the perfect conditions. Oftentimes we need to check in with ourselves when there are matters that make us feel deflated or uninspired as teachers. We all know that we tend to focus on the situations/students that are negative. The hosts argue that there is a higher probability that teachers would have a more positive outlook toward their career if we all decided to give as much ‘air time’ to the positive aspects of our job as we do the negatives ones.
We can redirect our focus to what we want to experience. To do so, we need to be diligent about what we consume, or are exposed to, since this affects the way we feel and how we show up. Too much negativity can be physically detrimental to our body. It puts us in fight or flight by increasing your heart rate and cortisol levels.
If you want to fall in love with teaching again, make a commitment to be aware of how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking. Don’t underestimate the power of doing the little things that bring you joy. Make a plan with all the tweaks you can start implementing that could have a significant impact in your daily life. One of the best ways to train your brain to be positive is to celebrate all your wins, big and small. Celebrating signals to your brain to do more of the actions that caused the celebration.
Practicing these strategies requires recommitting on a moment to moment basis. It’s important not to beat yourself up when you find yourself being negative. Promise?
Don't forget to subscribe to Teacher Thrive on your favorite podcast platform to receive updates on new episodes. If you find this podcast valuable, please leave a review and share it with fellow educators who are seeking to thrive in their teaching journey.
Original Music by: Matthew Dotson
Cover Art by: Nate Rapai
[Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any educational institutions or organizations. This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The hosts are not licensed therapists and their opinion does not substitute the advice of a physician or other qualified professional]
...more
19min
September 27, 2023 Teacher Thrive: Episode 15: How to Thrive as a BIPOC Educator with Emmanuel Blanchard Jr.
Free Guides:
Examine your Thoughts
Who Are You, Really? 12 Prompts to Create Self-Awareness
Thoughts That Build Resilience
Weekly Time Blocking Planner
Boundary Setting Cheat-Sheet
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Connect with the hosts:
Madel Mazzella:
Instagram: ⁠@madelmazzella
TikTok: ⁠@madelmazzella⁠
Website: madelmazzella.com
Kaitlyn Rapai:
Instagram: @the_teacher_burnout_coach
TikTok: ⁠@kaitlyn_rapai_coaching⁠
Website: ⁠kaitlynrapai.com⁠
Connect with our guest:
Emmanuel Blanchard, Jr.:
Instagram: @ej_blanchard
Facebook: ej.blanchard
Twitter: @ej_blanchard
Some of the obstacles BIPOC educators face can be challenging, unique and difficult to negotiate in today’s divisive and highly politicized climate. Nevertheless, BIPOC educators can still have a thriving career in education.
Emmanuel emphasizes how important it is to dismantle the “Boogie Man” when teaching difficult topics, especially for BIPOC teachers, and more specifically for BIPOC social studies teachers. We can stand in integrity while teaching history and having meaningful discussions around thought-provoking topics.
It is not your responsibility as BIPOC educators to be the all encompassing judge of what it means to be Asian American, Afro-latino, African-American, etc. Nor is it expected that you understand the totality of what it means to have that experience.
It’s important to create and foster a community of people who understand you and with whom you can be authentic - whether you’re a BIPOC educator or not. Also, when you are in integrity with yourself you are also empowered to advocate for yourself and your students.
Leverage and honor your superpower! It may be your experience and skills with the content, or if you’re a young teacher, your relatability with the students.
Don't forget to subscribe to Teacher Thrive on your favorite podcast platform to receive updates on new episodes. If you find this podcast valuable, please leave a review and share it with fellow educators who are seeking to thrive in their teaching journey.
Original Music by: Matthew Dotson
Cover Art by: Nate Rapai
[Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any educational institutions or organizations. This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The hosts are not licensed therapists and their opinion does not substitute the advice of a physician or other qualified professional]
...more
35min
September 20, 2023 Teacher Thrive: Episode 14: How to be in Control
Free Guides:
Examine your Thoughts
Who Are You, Really? 12 Prompts to Create Self-Awareness
Thoughts That Build Resilience
Weekly Time Blocking Planner
Boundary Setting Cheat-Sheet
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Connect with the hosts:
Madel Mazzella:
Instagram: ⁠@madelmazzella
TikTok: ⁠@madelmazzella⁠
Website: madelmazzella.com
Kaitlyn Rapai:
Instagram: @the_teacher_burnout_coach
TikTok: ⁠@kaitlyn_rapai_coaching⁠
Website: ⁠kaitlynrapai.com⁠
In this episode; the hosts discuss how to be in control. Teachers are typically goal-oriented. We follow a plan and an objective every day when we deliver our lesson. But, things don’t always go as planned and, sometimes we find ourselves trying to control circumstances and other people.
Trying to affect such outcomes leaves us feeling frustrated because the truth is we simply cannot control other people’s actions or thoughts (including those of our students).
One of the most important things we can control is our thoughts and what we make things mean. We can control how we choose to respond to students’ misbehaving, for example. This doesn’t mean that we’ll always do it right, but it means that, with practice, you can be aware of how you want to show up when you face a difficult situation.
You can plan your response ahead of time when you know you’ll face a difficult situation so you can act in ways you intended to and not by default. This is especially important if your default reaction doesn’t come from your highest self.
When you can’t change the circumstances you’re facing we must change our mindset about that situation by choosing thoughts that serve us about that circumstance. This is hard to do because in order to protect us, our brain defaults toward negative scenarios. Once you open up to a different possibility, you come up with creative ideas that help you deal with the situation in a much more empowered way. You may even realize that the situation wasn’t as bad as we originally thought.
Don't forget to subscribe to Teacher Thrive on your favorite podcast platform to receive updates on new episodes. If you find this podcast valuable, please leave a review and share it with fellow educators who are seeking to thrive in their teaching journey.
Original Music by: Matthew Dotson
Cover Art by: Nate Rapai
[Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any educational institutions or organizations. This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The hosts are not licensed therapists and their opinion does not substitute the advice of a physician or other qualified professional]
...more
22min
September 13, 2023 Teacher Thrive: Episode 13: Other People's Opinions
Free Guides:
**Who Are You, Really? 12 Prompts to Create Self-Awareness**
Thoughts That Build Resilience
Weekly Time Blocking Planner
Boundary Setting Cheat-Sheet
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Connect with the hosts:
Madel Mazzella:
Instagram: ⁠@madelmazzella
TikTok: ⁠@madelmazzella⁠
Website: madelmazzella.com
Kaitlyn Rapai:
Instagram: @the_teacher_burnout_coach
TikTok: ⁠@kaitlyn_rapai_coaching⁠
Website: ⁠kaitlynrapai.com⁠
In this episode; the hosts discuss other people’s opinions. The goal in this case is not to pretend that we don’t care what others think of us, nor to discard the real benefits that come with being liked. It’s essentially how we make connections and feel a sense of belonging; we are social beings after all.
However, losing ourselves in the process of constantly trying to make others like you should give us pause. It’s time to think about ‘why’. Why do we care so much about the opinions of people we might not even like or respect? Not to mention that everyone’s opinion gets filtered through our own unique lens based on the experiences they’ve had.
Even when you want to people-please and turn yourself inside out trying, people will still think what they want of you. Because it’s not about you. It’s about what they want to think about you. You can learn to allow people to be wrong about you. You can’t change people’s thoughts about you.
Ask yourself:
Is betraying yourself–so that others like you–how you want to spend your time and energy?
When we spend time thinking about what we stand for, and the patterns in our behavior, we could be better positioned to analyze others’ opinions objectively. You might be less inclined to act out of fear of not belonging and instead honor who you are and act in accordance to your values.
Don't forget to subscribe to Teacher Thrive on your favorite podcast platform to receive updates on new episodes. If you find this podcast valuable, please leave a review and share it with fellow educators who are seeking to thrive in their teaching journey.
Original Music by: Matthew Dotson
Cover Art by: Nate Rapai
[Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any educational institutions or organizations. This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The hosts are not licensed therapists and their opinion does not substitute the advice of a physician or other qualified professional]
...more
20min
September 06, 2023 Teacher Thrive Episode 12: Self-Confidence
Free Guides:
Thoughts That Build Resilience
Weekly Time Blocking Planner
Who Are You, Really? 12 Prompts to Create Self-Awareness
Boundary Setting Cheat-Sheet
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Connect with the hosts:
Madel Mazzella:
Instagram: ⁠@madelmazzella
TikTok: ⁠@madelmazzella⁠
Website: madelmazzella.com
Kaitlyn Rapai:
Instagram: @the_teacher_burnout_coach
TikTok: ⁠@kaitlyn_rapai_coaching⁠
Website: ⁠kaitlynrapai.com⁠
In this episode; the hosts discuss how to be self-confident as a teacher. One way to feel confident during parent meetings, for example, is analyzing the thoughts we have about the parents and the situation. Sometimes, those thoughts have been given to us by other people. Another way is to remind yourself that you, like everyone else in the meeting, want the best for the student and are in a partnership with the parents.
Suggestions on how to be confident when you’re being observed: Prepare ahead of time and then let go. Being prepared allows you to have structure during the lesson, which in turn helps with classroom management. It also helps to anticipate possible issues such as having too much time (or lack thereof) at the end of the lesson. Letting go follows being prepared. You can only control the actions of your students up to the point when they decide they will do something else. When this is the case, manage your thoughts. Remember, you can decide how to respond to any given situation.
Letting go of the need for the lesson to be picture perfect can help with your self confidence. Making the lesson about the students and what they need at that moment can make a big difference in how we handle difficult situations. You can still meet your objections even if the lesson doesn’t go according to plan. Showing up authentically and teaching the person first may give you the conviction you need to continue developing your craft.
Comparing yourself to other teachers can break your confidence. Comparing yourself is only good when you try to emulate something great someone else is doing. However, comparison is the kiss of death when you think others are great, but you’re less than.
Other ways of being confident is to remind yourself of your strengths and to watch your internal talk. Instead of tearing yourself down, show yourself compassion and grace the way you would a best friend you absolutely love.
Don't forget to subscribe to Teacher Thrive on your favorite podcast platform to receive updates on new episodes. If you find this podcast valuable, please leave a review and share it with fellow educators who are seeking to thrive in their teaching journey.
Original Music by: Matthew Dotson
Cover Art by: Nate Rapai
[Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any educational institutions or organizations. This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The hosts are not licensed therapists and their opinion does not substitute the advice of a physician or other qualified professional]
...more
18min
August 30, 2023Teacher Thrive: Episode 11: Mindset Shifts for Educators
Free Guides:
Thoughts That Build Resilience
Weekly Time Blocking Planner
Who Are You, Really? 12 Prompts to Create Self-Awareness
Boundary Setting Cheat-Sheet
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Connect with the hosts:
Madel Mazzella:
Instagram: ⁠@madelmazzella
TikTok: ⁠@madelmazzella⁠
Website: madelmazzella.com
Kaitlyn Rapai:
Instagram: @the_teacher_burnout_coach
TikTok: ⁠@kaitlyn_rapai_coaching⁠
Website: ⁠kaitlynrapai.com⁠
In this episode; the hosts share mindset shifts every educator can implement to have a better experience in the workplace.
Key takeaways:
When you can’t change the circumstances, change your attitude about them. Attitude is everything. It’s an external characteristic and it’s how others perceive us. How do you want to feel when facing a difficult situation?

Knowing what you’re like and what triggers you helps with your perspective.
If you’re combative, defensive, compassionate or funny… you’ll react accordingly.

Impulsivity won’t help your goal.

Determine your goal when you face a difficult/challenging situation.
Your goal will drive your actions.

Adapting a growth mindset takes time and intentionality.

Changing your perspective to a thought that serves you better gives you power.

Worrying could always be optional. See it as a waste of your precious energy.

No positive toxicity: Acknowledge hard, difficult things to overcome. Always know it is within your power to respond, and it is ok to not always want to be positive.
Don't forget to subscribe to Teacher Thrive on your favorite podcast platform to receive updates on new episodes. If you find this podcast valuable, please leave a review and share it with fellow educators who are seeking to thrive in their teaching journey.
Original Music by: Matthew Dotson
Cover Art by: Nate Rapai
[Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any educational institutions or organizations. This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The hosts are not licensed therapists and their opinion does not substitute the advice of a physician or other qualified professional]
...more
23min
August 23, 2023 Teacher Thrive: Episode 10: Resilience
Free Guides:
Thoughts That Build Resilience
Weekly Time Blocking Planner
Who Are You, Really? 12 Prompts to Create Self-Awareness
Boundary Setting Cheat-Sheet
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Connect with the hosts:
Madel Mazzella:
Instagram: ⁠@madelmazzella
TikTok: ⁠@madelmazzella⁠
Website: madelmazzella.com
Kaitlyn Rapai:
Instagram: @the_teacher_burnout_coach
TikTok: ⁠@kaitlyn_rapai_coaching⁠
Website: ⁠kaitlynrapai.com⁠
In this episode; the hosts discuss how important it is to build resilience, especially as teachers.
Being resilient is having the ability to spring back into shape after facing something difficult. As teachers, we face unique challenges that require us to be resilient on a daily basis. We must be able to professionally engage with difficult parents, students, administrators and sometimes colleagues. Our ability to successfully handle all these different scenarios, and still show up to work the next day, speaks to how resilient we are.
Being resilient can’t be left to chance. We must be willing and intentional when cultivating resilience. We must take care of ourselves first by having a self-care routine, setting boundaries and managing our thoughts.
Another strategy we can all implement when we want to build resilience is establishing constraints. Constraints help you get behind the wheel of the things we can control. For example, we can limit the number of digital platforms we use to deliver our lesson, the amount of lesson planning we do, homework we assign and work we grade. We can set limits to working during work hours as opposed to nights and weekends (as much as possible).
Setting intentions is another strategy that can help when building resilience. Setting intentions beforehand is anticipating how you’d feel when a particular situation happens again. You anticipate your response and by doing that you also show the rest of the class that you’re the adult in the classroom and you’re in control. This is one strategy that has helped both hosts when dealing with difficult students.
Don't forget to subscribe to Teacher Thrive on your favorite podcast platform to receive updates on new episodes. If you find this podcast valuable, please leave a review and share it with fellow educators who are seeking to thrive in their teaching journey.
Original Music by: Matthew Dotson
Cover Art by: Nate Rapai
[Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any educational institutions or organizations. This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The hosts are not licensed therapists and their opinion does not substitute the advice of a physician or other qualified professional]
...more
18min
August 16, 2023 Teacher Thrive: Episode 9: Self-Validation
Free Guides:
Weekly Time Blocking Planner
Who Are You, Really? 12 Prompts to Create Self-Awareness
Boundary Setting Cheat-Sheet
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Connect with the hosts:
Madel Mazzella:
Instagram: ⁠@madelmazzella
TikTok: ⁠@madelmazzella⁠
Website: madelmazzella.com
Kaitlyn Rapai:
Instagram: ⁠@kaitlyn_rapai_coaching⁠
TikTok: ⁠@kaitlyn_rapai_coaching⁠
Website: ⁠kaitlynrapai.com⁠
In this episode of the podcast the hosts discuss how important it is to validate oneself instead of seeking approval externally.
If you find yourself doing this it’s important not to judge or beat yourself for it. We all do this at one point or another and depending on the circumstances. What’s important is that you’re aware if you’re seeking excessive feedback or reassurance.
The hosts point out that when you catch yourself seeking external validation you have a great opportunity to validate yourself. Once you’re aware how you’re feeling, you understand that you have the power to make decisions, acknowledge and accept negative feelings.
When you expect or hope that others validate you, essentially you’re putting your power in someone else’s hands. Your happiness or mood is at the mercy of whoever shows you that they appreciate, acknowledge or validate you. But, what happens if they don’t give you what you seek?
You can start self-validating by making a list of your talents and accomplishments and by celebrating them. It is so important that you know yourself well so you can make decisions ahead of time if you know you’ll be in a situation where you’d normally want others’ approval.
Like anything we do, practice makes perfect. The more you practice being aware of your validation-seeking patterns, the more you’ll be onto yourself when they appear.
It’s important to let go of the idea that you have to be knowledgeable about all the topics because you’re a teacher or that others are smarter because of X, Y or Z reasons… You’re smart in your own right and in your own area, and so is everyone else. Treat any areas you feel need improvement as a work in progress, something you can definitely work on– as opposed to a fixed weakness you can never make progress on.
Don't forget to subscribe to Teacher Thrive on your favorite podcast platform to receive updates on new episodes. If you find this podcast valuable, please leave a review and share it with fellow educators who are seeking to thrive in their teaching journey.
Original Music by: Matthew Dotson
Cover Art by: Nate Rapai
[Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any educational institutions or organizations.]
...more
23min

FAQs about Teacher Thrive:

How many episodes does Teacher Thrive have?

The podcast currently has 58 episodes available.