We were able to use our time together to really get into examining what are our top teacher stressors and what do we need to do to set ourselves on a path to wellness and balance.  I was pleased by not only the quantity but also the quality of the actions steps that were created from this group in such a short time.

I love this venue because the group is always diverse, positive, and supportive of each other.  It reminds me of why I am doing what I do.  Thanks to each of the participants for sharing 3 hours of your busy schedule with me.  I love being able to hear your experiences and see the sparks as you join me on the journey to balance before burnout!

I am excited to be presenting Balance Before Burnout:  Make a plan to beat stress which is the course that explains the basics in regards to teacher stress and the Balance Reserves that are truly the backbone of The Whole Teacher.

After attending last year I am looking forward to meeting more fellow educators that amaze me with their professionalism and passion.  I loved connecting with people from across the state.  I am also looking forward to the quality workshops which I know I will give me nuggets of information to help me start the school year off strong.  I also am anxious to walk around the perfectly "New England" town of WIlliamstown and poke my head into the variety of shops, theaters, and museums (of few of which are free).

But most of all I am looking forward to a piece of quiet alone in my dorm room where I will have some free time to continue working on some exciting changes coming to The Whole Teacher.  I have a big vision for The Whole Teacher and the pieces are definitely coming together.  I promise that when I return I will be sharing some more details on what's to come and what it means for you.

I will be blogging from the conference so keep an eye out tomorrow and see what tips I have picked up throughout the day.  Who knows?  Maybe I'll even film the next video edition of The Whole Teacher TV from the WIlliams College Campus.  Until then … adios.

Just as our students have different learning styles, I recognize that so do we.  The videos are another format that you can access for support and resources to help you to build balance before burnout.

Look for them to be posted soon here on my blog and check them out on YouTube.  I have plans of weekly short bits that continue building on the subject matter of teacher wellness and working on helping "The Whole Teacher"  "the whole you", so that you are better able to help your students and school.

Enjoy!

The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease
Your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling.

I had an amazing  time sharing The Whole Teacher with some truly special educators at the MTA Summer Conference at Williams College in Williamstown, MA.  I am so grateful to each of those who chose to attend the first session of the final day of the conference ... especially considering the weather was perfect and it was, after all, the morning after "The Bash".

Thank you to each of you for sharing, brainstorming and offering such heartfelt support to your fellow teachers.  I came across this poem this morning.  It seems to embody the true meaning of the Balance Before Burnout Reserves and simplifies them beautifully!

Enjoy the final weeks of summer!  This is when the "sunshine, water, rest and air; exercise and diet," are most easily found.  Keep checking in The Whole Teacher for help finding them throughout your school year when it's a bit more of a challenge!

The irony is that at this moment my reality is anything but silent.  The fan on the stove is now set to hyper boost as I bake cupcakes for my youngest who turned 9 today to bring to school tomorrow.  I am trying to clear out a house full of smoke from the fire caused from drippings of the flan I baked earlier with my older son for his Spanish class .  "La comida esta en fuego!"

The dishwasher is humming with it’s second load of dishes from the family party we had last night.  And in the midst of this, I am attempting to write about the importance of finding a "piece of quiet" when the post I am working on disappears into thin air.  It is at this point when the little voice of my inner critic begins asking me "Who do you think you are?" as I attempt to finish the work I had planned for my own business this"quiet" evening (and check the oven once more for flames).  It’s funny how I have no problem hearing him over the roar of kitchen appliances.

I could listen to this voice.  I am tired and beat from a weekend of "busyness", but I know exactly why I am the person to do this job.  I know why I have worked so hard to make The Whole Teacher a reality.  I know how much time teachers put into their work. I know how hard it is to do it all.  I know first hand how our best laid plans often fall to the wayside (or up in flames).  I know how we often put ourselves last on our list, and I know how much we crave a group of like-minded people to support us as we try to be the best for our students. 

Therefore I choose to look at the lesson and try to find the humor in the situation.  There are many parts of life we can’t control, but it’s only what we make of it.  We all have this inner critic’s voice inside of us.  The stressors are inevitable, but we must build our resilience by taking care of ourselves and building reserves of what we need most.  Right now I need to finish my baking, close up the windows, and head upstairs to a quiet candle-lit bedroom (better yet let’s forget the candle) and follow my own advice for silence.  Who knows what inspiration will come when I take the time to listen?