Best Practices
The Role of Well-Being in Academic Excellence
“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” We say it all the time. But do our professional development systems actually believe it? Recently, I was
May 27, 2025
“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” We say it all the time. But do our professional development systems actually believe it? Recently, I was
It’s early May.Teacher Appreciation Week is here, and while your inbox might be filled with kind notes and donuts in the staff lounge, something else
I used to believe that every second of teaching had to be filled—with words, activity, energy. I’d ask a question and immediately call on someone. A student would answer and I’d repeat it for the class. I’d give directions and then re-explain them five different ways just to be safe. I was constantly talking—because I thought that meant I was constantly teaching. But it wasn’t sustainable.
I’m going to be real—this post might ruffle some feathers. It might make you uncomfortable. And honestly? That’s kind of the point. Because if we,
Right now, the world of education feels incredibly uncertain.
Budgets are shrinking. Expectations are growing. Teachers are burning out. And leaders are being asked to do the impossible—make heartbreaking decisions while somehow still being a source of strength, calm, and inspiration.
Drop the Rope: Avoiding Power Struggles in the Classroom It’s that time of year. The honeymoon period is long gone, students are testing limits,
There’s a simple yet powerful truth that can transform your classroom: what you focus on grows. As teachers, when we apply this positivity principle to
In our coaching conversation afterward, the teacher and I unearthed an upsetting truth: this relentless pace and emphasis on rote tasks were at the root of many challenges in her classroom. Instead of a supportive community, students were teasing one another, constantly interrupting, and adopting a “fend for yourself” mentality. Talk time was virtually nonexistent, leaving little room for the collaborative spirit we know fosters a positive classroom culture.
We’re a few weeks into the school year now, and for many of us, that means the honeymoon phase is over. The early excitement has settled, and you’re starting to see who your students really are—especially when the work gets tougher. Some kids will lean into the challenge, showing perseverance and grit. But for others, the moment the content becomes difficult, they start to shut down, act out, or distract themselves and others. This is where the real work begins, and all those relationships you’ve been building are about to pay off!
Welcome to the most rewarding, challenging, hilarious, and sometimes downright perplexing profession: teaching. First off, congratulations on embarking on this incredible journey. As seasoned educators (translation: we’ve been around long enough to know overhead projectors, mimeographs, and chalk – be glad you missed that time period), we’d like to share a few pieces of wisdom to help you navigate your first year.
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