In this 2-part Rooted Teacher Podcast episode, Wellness expert Lade Akande shares her journey to finding everyday wellness and how teachers can easily incorporate small, impactful habits into their lives. Lade discusses ways to inspire wellness among students, colleagues, and families. 

Lade Akande (she/her) is a licensed school counselor and a 500-hour trauma-informed yoga teacher with over fourteen years of experience working with teens and young adults. Currently, she serves as the Director of Wellness at an independent school, integrating neuroscience and coping strategies to enhance student mental health. Lade co-developed one of the first research-based Advanced Physical Education: Yoga & Mindfulness classes, now in its fifteenth semester. She also trains school leaders on implementing similar programs and is committed to promoting accessible, trauma-informed practices within educational organization.

In this 2-part Rooted Teacher Podcast episode, Wellness expert Lade Akande shares her journey to finding everyday wellness and how teachers can easily incorporate small, impactful habits into their lives. Lade discusses ways to inspire wellness among students, colleagues, and families.

Lade Akande (she/her) is a licensed school counselor and a 500-hour trauma-informed yoga teacher with over fourteen years of experience working with teens and young adults. Currently, she serves as the Director of Wellness at an independent school, integrating neuroscience and coping strategies to enhance student mental health. Lade co-developed one of the first research-based Advanced Physical Education: Yoga & Mindfulness classes, now in its fifteenth semester. She also trains school leaders on implementing similar programs and is committed to promoting accessible, trauma-informed practices within educational organization.

In this episode, we explore financial wellness—what it means, why it matters, and how teachers can take simple steps to reduce stress and build a secure foundation. Discover five actionable tips, from tracking spending and building an emergency fund to using teacher discounts and practicing mindful spending. Gain practical advice to ease money worries and focus on what truly matters—your students and personal happiness.

More Rooted Teacher: https://www.kdp.org/teacher-resources/the-rooted-teacher-by-kdp

In this episode, we’re tackling the myth that you need to "get better" to be valuable. Inspired by Holley Gerth's You’re Already Amazing, we’ll help you embrace your unique strengths, reframe negative self-talk, and stop underestimating your awesomeness. Perfect for teachers looking to build confidence, practice self-compassion, and take actionable steps toward personal and professional growth.

More Rooted Teacher: https://www.kdp.org/teacher-resources/the-rooted-teacher-by-kdp

In this episode of The Rooted Teacher Podcast, we dive into the power of effective communication, something every teacher, parent, and professional can relate to. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to get your message across, this episode is for you. We’ll share five quick and actionable tips to help you communicate more effectively – from being present in conversations to using body language and tone, to telling stories that engage and inspire. Whether you’re in the classroom or at home, these strategies will help you connect with others and get the results you want. Tune in now for the tools you need to thrive as a communicator!

No matter where you are in your teaching journey, The Rooted Teacher podcast 2-part episode with Dr. J.R. Rucker has something for everyone! Kicking off a special speaker series, Dr. Rucker shares real talk from the front lines of education, diving into how to connect with every student, build relationships as the "new kid," and grow as a teacher even with limited time.

Dr. J.R. Rucker is a professor at USC and has over 24 years experience in education as a special education teacher, Athletic and Activities Director, as well as a site administrator. He is the associate counselor of the Alpha Gamma KDP Chapter at USC Rossier.

No matter where you are in your teaching journey, The Rooted Teacher podcast 2-part episode with Dr. J.R. Rucker has something for everyone! Kicking off a special speaker series, Dr. Rucker shares real talk from the front lines of education, diving into how to connect with every student, build relationships as the "new kid," and grow as a teacher even with limited time.

Dr. J.R. Rucker is a professor at USC and has over 24 years experience in education as a special education teacher, Athletic and Activities Director, as well as a site administrator. He is the associate counselor of the Alpha Gamma KDP Chapter at USC Rossier.

From election stress to classroom changes, teachers often find themselves managing both personal and professional shifts while striving to provide stability for their students. In this episode of The Rooted Teacher Podcast, listeners are guided through strategies for navigating life’s inevitable uncertainties with resilience and hope. We will highlight ways to maintain peace and purpose, regardless of what’s happening around you.

Are you getting enough quality sleep? In our latest Rooted Teacher Podcast episode, “Time for Bed: Get Better Sleep Now,” we’re diving into why sleep is so important and sharing practical tips to help you get the rest you need. From understanding how sleep affects your health to making simple changes that improve sleep quality, we’ve got you covered. You’ll also learn how to create a bedtime routine that helps you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day. 

This week’s episode of The Rooted Teacher is all about upgrading your thoughts by training your brain to love your life. Explore techniques from positive psychology and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to shift your mindset and improve your well-being. Tune in to learn about the science behind positive thinking, strategies to cultivate a positive mindset, and how to apply these techniques for lasting change.