The Balancing Act

This episode we speak with Jere Chang, also known as @mrschanggifted, about her work as a classroom teacher, gifted education teacher, speaker, and author. We discuss her teaching path from university administration to high school English and ESOL, and then into elementary and gifted education while balancing family life. We also talk about her book, *Becoming the Teacher I Needed*, which draws on her own experiences with disability, being LGBTQIA, and not fitting in at school, alongside practical advice for teachers. She shares themes from her talks on teacher well-being, retention, school climate, advocacy, and creative thinking in gifted education.  We cover her advice on boundaries, support, and managing workload, including limiting work email and being intentional about time off. We also discuss working conditions in schools, the balance between school and family responsibilities, and common misunderstandings about teachers and their workload.

Check out Jere’s book “Becoming The Teacher I Needed” at the links below:

Amazon                 Porchlight Books               Barnes and Noble

Season 4 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.

http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠

Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.

Select Episodes from Season 4 sponsored by:

For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.

We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! 

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Part of the Human Content Podcast Network

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We talk with Stephanie Lachenauer, the 2025 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, about her work as a middle school teacher and her focus on global leadership, skills for success, and teen mental health. We also discuss her travel experiences in southern Africa and her participation in an international student program focused on environmental stewardship.

We talk about her book, *Let the Glitter Settle*, and the glitter jar metaphor she uses to teach mindfulness and emotional regulation through a workbook format for students. We also cover her classroom routines, her emphasis on sleep and structure, and the practical systems she uses to manage work, schedules, and daily responsibilities.

Check out the link below to order your copy of Stefanie’s book “Let the Glitter Settle:  Mindfulness for Teens”  

Let the Glitter Settle

Also you can find more information about the book and Stefanie at the websites below.  

www.lettheglittersettle.com

www.stefanielachenauer.com

Season 4 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.

⁠⁠http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠⁠⁠

Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.

Select Episodes from Season 4 sponsored by:

For more information about ⁠⁠NJSchoolJobs.com⁠⁠ check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.

We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! 

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Instagram - @podthebalancingact

TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast

Twitter - @podbalact

Youtube Channel - ⁠⁠The Balancing Act - YouTube⁠⁠

Part of the⁠⁠ Human Content⁠⁠ Podcast Network

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The interview features educator Nicholas Ferroni discussing his recent travel in Europe, where visits to historic sites and schools reinforced his interest in history, preservation, and teaching. He also talks about his current projects, including preparing for the school year, creating teacher-focused content, and continuing his series *Historically Correct*.

Ferroni then addresses education issues such as teacher pay, school funding, attendance, grading, technology, and AI. He says teachers need more support, students should meet academic standards, and AI should be treated as a tool rather than a replacement for teachers.

Season 4 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.

⁠http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠⁠

Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.

Select Episodes from Season 4 sponsored by:

For more information about ⁠NJSchoolJobs.com⁠ check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.

We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! 

Follow 

Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie

Instagram - @podthebalancingact

TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast

Twitter - @podbalact

Youtube Channel - ⁠The Balancing Act - YouTube⁠

Part of the⁠ Human Content⁠ Podcast Network

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we kick off season four from the New Jersey Hall of Fame and talk about recording in a new space, upcoming guests, and new opportunities connected to education and public policy. We also reflect on changes in our own lives over the summer, including empty nesting, grief, recovery, rest, and time with family.

We discuss the value of bringing students to the Hall of Fame and helping them connect New Jersey people and places to what they already know. We also imagine what would belong in a Teacher Hall of Fame, share thoughts on cafeteria duty and school supply lists, and talk about New Jersey food, culture, and the routines and priorities we are balancing now.

Season 4 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.

http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠

Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.

Select Episodes from Season 4 sponsored by:

For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.

We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! 

Follow 

Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie

Instagram - @podthebalancingact

TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast

Twitter - @podbalact

Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube

Part of the Human Content Podcast Network

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this season finale, we reflect on Season 3 of the Balancing Act Podcast and look ahead to Season 4. We revisit key conversations about education, parenting, caregiving, grief, and life in and around the classroom, including topics like technology, AI, screen time, class size, school funding, and the challenges new teachers face.

We also discuss standout moments from the season, such as interviews with educators and experts, our conversations at the NJEA convention, and our visit to The College of New Jersey. We close by sharing plans for more audience participation, new segments, and continued conversations with educators in the next season.

Use the link below for registration for the Educate and Rejuvenate conference on June 30th and July 1st!  Lots of awesome sessions.  Be on the lookout for our special recording with Kelsey on July 1st at 11:30 am.

https://educateandrejuvenate.com/op/summer-2026-registration-organic?aff=238

Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine!  

https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/

Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.

http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠

Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.

Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by:

For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.

We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! 

Follow 

Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie

Instagram - @podthebalancingact

TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast

Twitter - @podbalact

Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube

Part of the Human Content Podcast Network

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode we speak with Tara Williams about supporting neurodivergent students as they transition to college. We discuss preparing early for accommodations, differences between high school and college support, and how parents can help without managing everything for their student.

We also cover common first-semester challenges such as self-advocacy, roommate issues, and communicating with professors and school offices. Tara shares practical strategies for studying, organization, and accountability, and we talk about how students can assess whether a school or major is the right fit after the first semester.

Check out more from Tara Williams at her website.  www.innovativecollegiateconsultants.com

Also check out her book The Neurodivergent Student Journey: Breaking Out of the Box at select online retailers.  

Use the link below for registration for the Educate and Rejuvenate conference on June 30th and July 1st!  Lots of awesome sessions.  Be on the lookout for our special recording with Kelsey on July 1st at 11:30 am.

https://educateandrejuvenate.com/op/summer-2026-registration-organic?aff=238

Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine!  

https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/

Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.

http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠

Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.

Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by:

For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.

We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! 

Follow 

Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie

Instagram - @podthebalancingact

TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast

Twitter - @podbalact

Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube

Part of the Human Content Podcast Network

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we talk about Joe’s annual trip to the Indy 500, including what keeps him coming back, from the size of the crowd and the tailgating to the Memorial Day weekend ceremonies. We describe the most memorable race-day moments, including the invocation, flyovers, and taps, and we note how well the event handles transportation and crowd flow. We also discuss school awards and the importance of recognizing students, families, and the people who organize these ceremonies. Later, we reflect on a NEA Today article about the joy of teaching, while emphasizing that salary and working conditions still matter, and we review ideas for staying connected to the work, including curiosity, relationships, and advocacy for students. We close with a few happiness habits from The Happiness Project, such as decluttering, walking, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and getting enough sleep.

Use the link below for registration for the Educate and Rejuvenate conference on June 30th and July 1st!  Lots of awesome sessions.  Be on the lookout for our special recording with Kelsey on July 1st at 11:30 am.

https://educateandrejuvenate.com/op/summer-2026-registration-organic?aff=238

Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine!  

https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/

Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.

http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠

Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.

Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by:

For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.

We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! 

Follow 

Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie

Instagram - @podthebalancingact

TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast

Twitter - @podbalact

Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube

Part of the Human Content Podcast Network

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we catch up on the college admissions process as our families move through graduation season and prepare for the fall. We discuss the challenges of applications, changing requirements, test policies, and the pressure created by social media during this period.

We also talk about what helps students stand out, including strong essays and meaningful extracurricular depth, and we encourage students to apply to schools they truly want to attend. Finally, we cover what to do if college is not the right fit, and how rising sophomores and juniors can start preparing early by exploring preferences, visiting campuses, and building a college narrative.

Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine!  

https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/

Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.

http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠

Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.

Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by:

For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.

We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! 

Follow 

Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie

Instagram - @podthebalancingact

TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast

Twitter - @podbalact

Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube

Part of the Human Content Podcast Network

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we talk about the end-of-school-year rush, including birthdays, graduations, family events, and the feeling of “Maycember.” We also share a family graduation story, a practical item for keeping caps in place, and a bedazzling kit that has become popular in our family.

We discuss our appearance in the NJEA Review magazine and the article about the podcast and our interviews with county teachers of the year at the NJEA convention. We also reflect on our children’s college decisions, comparing schools, financial aid, campus size, housing, and programs, and talk about why one child chose Stockton and the other chose TCNJ.

We look back on how different this process is from when we went to college and how the podcast has developed over time, including reaching the end of season three. We close with a few lighter personal stories, prom planning, and ideas for summer outings.

Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine!  

https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/

Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.

http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠

Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.

Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by:

For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.

We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! 

Follow 

Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie

Instagram - @podthebalancingact

TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast

Twitter - @podbalact

Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube

Part of the Human Content Podcast Network

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we invite Dr. Noelle Santorelli back to the Balancing Act podcast to delve into the issue of toxic behavior among mothers and social groups. Dr. Santorelli discusses the impact of recent cultural discussions, including the viral article by Ashley Tisdale, on perceptions of maternal relationships. She offers insights into relational aggression and how it manifests in behaviors like gossip and gaslighting within mom groups. Emphasizing the systemic nature of these issues, we explore their effects on mental health and the importance of recognizing and challenging these dynamics. Dr. Santorelli shares strategies for confronting uncomfortable situations and encourages listeners to foster supportive environments, aiming to empower women and cultivate healthier communities for future generations.

Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine!  

https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/

Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.

http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠

Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.

Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by:

For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.

We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! 

Follow 

Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie

Instagram - @podthebalancingact

TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast

Twitter - @podbalact

Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube

Part of the Human Content Podcast Network

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices