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 click here or visit my TpT store
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

To learn more about The Elevated Teacher Experience visit: www.gracestevens.com/elevate

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out the Elevated Teacher Experience here
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
And the #1 new release for educators Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

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!)

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!

To learn more about The Elevated Teacher Experience visit: www.gracestevens.com/elevate

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out the Elevated Teacher Experience here
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
And the #1 new release for educators Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

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!)

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 who uses a wheelchair, challenging the notion of disabled people as automatic inspirations.
   • Encourages viewing people with disabilities as individuals living their lives, not objects of inspiration.

No matter your role in education, you can learn so much from these TED Talks. I hope you find time to listen today.

Did I miss one of your favorite TED Talks for teachers? I'm always on the hunt for new ones I can learn from and be inspired by. Drop me an email and let me know!

To learn more about The Elevated Teacher Experience visit: www.gracestevens.com/elevate

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life? Check out the Elevated Teacher Experience here
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
And the #1 new release for educators Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

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!)