Why Edify: The Teacher Wellness and Resilience Podcast - Strategies and Classroom Resources

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Gratitude Lists for Teachers: A Simple End-of-Year Reflection Tool

Feeling drained at the end of the school year? You're not alone. Jeremy Jorgensen shares a simple yet transformative practice in this heartfelt episode of the Why Edify Podcast: the year-end gratitude list.

More than just a list, this reflective tradition can reframe your perspective, reduce stress, and reconnect you with your purpose as an educator. Jeremy walks through his own top 10 moments of gratitude from the year—offering honest appreciation, a bit of humor, and practical inspiration for any teacher, leader, or lifelong learner.

Whether you’re heading into summer with exhaustion or pride (or both), this episode will help you pause, appreciate, and recharge with intention.

✨ Reflect on your growth

✨ Celebrate the good

✨ Start your own gratitude list today

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Gratitude in Education

06:33 Creating Your Own Gratitude List

📬 Get Involved:

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10 Things Teachers Should Let Go of This Summer (and One to Keep)

As the school year winds down, it's time to release the mental clutter and reclaim your joy, energy, and purpose. 🎒✨

In this heartfelt episode, educator Jeremy Jorgensen shares 10 things teachers should let go of this summer — including guilt, perfectionism, toxic positivity, and the myth that rest must be earned. 💛

Read the article here: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/10-things-to-let-go-of-this-summer-and-one-to-keep/

Watch the Video Podcast - Click Here

Plus, discover one powerful thing worth holding on to — your why.

This is your summer to reset, rest, and realign. 🌿

🕯️ What will you let go of? And what will you carry with you?

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Summer: A Time for Renewal

02:43 Letting Go: 10 Essential Releases for Teachers

07:40 Keeping the Spark: Nurturing Your Passion for Teaching

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to check out Jeremy’s Thrive This Summer series — designed just for teachers who are ready to feel better, teach stronger, and start the next school year recharged.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/thrive-this-summer-a-well-being-series-for-educators/

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

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👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

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Small Habits for a Happier, Healthier, Stronger End of School Year

Feeling overwhelmed as the school year winds down? This episode offers calm, clarity, and three powerful habits to help you finish strong. Jeremy shares uplifting practices from his weekly newsletter that support your well-being and classroom energy—without adding more to your plate.

Read the newsletter: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/three-good-things/

Check out the Thrive This Summer Series: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/thrive-this-summer-a-well-being-series-for-educators/

You'll learn:

A happiness habit to reset your mindset in minutes

A grounding technique to reduce stress instantly

A reflective practice to boost your confidence and connection

These simple, science-backed strategies are easy to implement and perfect for teachers, school leaders, and anyone navigating end-of-year stress. Plus, hear about Jeremy’s creative classroom win and how you can celebrate your own.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Y Edify Podcast

00:53 Happiness Habits: Naming Three Good Things

04:24 Grounding Techniques for Stress Relief

05:21 Reflecting on Successes for Confidence

07:26 Teacher Commuter Playlist and Uplifting Messages

09:17 Invitation to Summer Thrive Series

✨ Reflect, reset, and reclaim your energy before summer begins.

📬 Subscribe to the newsletter & explore the Summer Thrive Series—links in the show notes!

If this resonated with you, share it with a fellow educator, leave a comment, and join our growing community of thoughtful teachers.

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7

☕ Support Why Edify:

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🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

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🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

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👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.

The Chromebook Conundrum: Distraction vs. Learning

In this episode, Jeremy Jorgensen explores significant themes reshaping education, including the challenges posed by technology like Chromebooks, the impact of AI on critical thinking, and the therapeutic role of music in personal and professional life. He offers insights and strategies for educators to navigate these challenges while emphasizing the importance of personal reflection and well-being in teaching.

Read this newsletter: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/chromebook-conundrum/

Takeaways

Technology has both enhanced and challenged professional practice.

Chromebooks are causing significant classroom distractions.

AI is affecting students' critical thinking skills.

Assignments should require personal reflection to combat AI reliance.

Handwriting remains a valuable skill for learning.

Music can enhance emotional well-being and cognitive development.

Creating intentional listening times can improve focus.

Ikigai helps educators reconnect with their purpose.

Burnout prevention is essential for teacher well-being.

Educators should design learning experiences that prioritize deep thinking.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Educational Challenges

03:06 The Chromebook Conundrum

06:52 AI and Critical Thinking

10:25 Harnessing the Power of Music

17:04 Finding Your Ikigai in Education

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

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👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.

Teachers: Don’t Let the Year Fizzle Out — Finish Strong!

How do you keep classroom expectations high when your energy is low? In this episode, educator Jeremy Jorgensen explores why it's essential to maintain high standards in the classroom, even at the end of the school year, and how doing so can positively impact both students and teachers.

You’ll learn:

Why students thrive on structure and consistency, especially in May and June

How maintaining expectations helps students finish strong and builds confidence.

Tips for managing your own energy while reinforcing routines

The ripple effect of finishing the year with intention and integrity

How can these final weeks can prepare students for future success

This podcast is perfect for teachers, school leaders, and anyone in education looking for motivation and practical strategies to finish the year strong. 🌟

👉 Question for you: What strategies do YOU use to keep expectations high at the end of the school year? Share in the comments!

Read the article: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/keep-the-bar-high-how-consistent-expectations-transform-your-end-of-year-classroom/

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

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☕ Support Why Edify:

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🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

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👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

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Fighting for Focus: Student Engagement Strategies for the End of the School Year

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Yedify Podcast, hosted by Jeremy Jorgensen! As we approach the final stretch of the school year, staying focused—both as teachers and students—can feel like an uphill battle.

Read the newsletter: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/student-focus-curation-and-the-power-of-reading/

In this episode, we’re diving into practical, creative, and fun strategies to keep students engaged during those final weeks of school. Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school, you’ll find ideas to help your class stay motivated, focused, and positive right up to the last day.

✅ In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Hands-on project ideas for K–12 classrooms

- End-of-year celebration and reflection activities

- Tips for maintaining classroom routines and culture

- Creative ways to recognize students and build community

- How to incorporate virtual field trips, digital yearbooks, and time capsule projects

- Why getting student feedback at the end of the year matters

PLUS: A little storytime moment about an epic (and slightly embarrassing) warrior cry moment at a school pow-wow.

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

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👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

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👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

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This is the first interview on the Why Edify Podcast, and it's worth a listen!

Summary:

In this engaging conversation, Jeremy Jorgensen interviews Brian Carpenter, an experienced educator and podcaster, about the evolving landscape of education, particularly the integration of AI in teaching.

Brian shares his journey in education, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with students, maintaining consistency in professional development, and prioritizing wellness for educators.

He offers practical advice for teachers who want to incorporate AI into their classrooms and highlights the importance of support systems in the teaching profession.

The discussion also touches on the value of podcasts as a resource for continuous learning and the impact of engaging projects on student motivation.

Check out Bryon's Podcast - Fresh Air At Five: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lFh4HAggPjgjaaNH8Vf2T?si=89b480508cf94689

Check out the Education Podcast Network: https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

Takeaways:

- AI is a significant topic in education today.

- Common Sense Education offers resources for teaching AI.

- Building relationships with students is crucial for effective teaching.

- Consistency in professional development is more important than intensity.

- Teachers should prioritize their own wellness to support their students.

- Engaging students in projects can enhance their learning experience.

- Podcasts can be a valuable resource for educators.

- Teaching is a journey that requires adaptability and reflection.

- Creating a supportive community among educators is essential.

- Small, consistent actions can lead to significant improvements.

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7

☕ Support Why Edify:

https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

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🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

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👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.

Is Analog Teaching Making a Comeback - Why Edify Podcast Snippet

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Why Teachers Need Both Tech and Paper in Modern Classrooms

In this episode of the Why Edify Podcast, Jeremy Jorgensen discusses the importance of balancing technology in education with analog instruction methods. He shares innovative teaching strategies, including speed dating for problem-solving and managing the stress of Sundays for teachers. The conversation emphasizes the significance of reflection in teaching and the need for self-care among educators.

Read the newsletter here: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/analog-instruction-speed-dating-and-sunday-scaries/

Subscribe: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter/

Takeaways:

- Analog instruction can enhance student engagement.

- Technology should supplement, not dominate, teaching methods.

- Speed dating can foster collaboration and confidence in students.

- Managing Sunday scaries is crucial for teacher well-being.

- Reflection and planning are key to a successful week.

- Teachers should share their learning journeys with students.

- Consistent routines build trust in the classroom.

- Sleep hygiene discussions are important for student health.

- Teachers can benefit from tech-free connection time.

- Growth in teaching comes from continuous practice and reflection.

🧗🏻 Take on a Thirty-Day Challenge for the Educator’s Mind, Body, and Spirit - https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7.

☕️ Support Why Edify: https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝Let’s Connect: https://linktr.ee/whyedify.

👕 Why Edify Bonfire Shop - https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/

🗄️ Use Notion to organize your personal and professional life: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/three-benefits-of-using-notion-for-teachers-and-five-things-to-try/.

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Thoughts, Reflections, and Ideas for Teachers and Lifelong Learners. This is the podcast “home” of The Friday Five Newsletter for teachers. Become a happier, healthier, and stronger teacher.

Check out our newsletter: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter/