Inspiration and resources for balance before burnout
Posts Tagged ‘The Whole Teacher’
Bringing The Outside In
Monday, April 9th, 2012
Sometimes when we are craving nature, we are not able to get out of doors for a walk or hike. What can we do to fulfill this need? Why not bring the outside in? Here are 6 ways.
1. Cut Flowers
This needn't cost a lot. A cut boquet from a grocery store or from a field of wildflowers can suffice.
2. The Grass Is Always Greener
Primary grade teachers know how easy this is. Fill a pretty container with potting soil, cover with grass seed, and water. You can have the best lawn in the neighborhood right in your classroom or office.
3. Sand Gardens
You have probably seen the zen gardens with white beach sand to "play" in. Add some pretty stones, shells or a mini rake for your very own sandbox.
4. Bird Calls
CD's of bird songs, bubbling brooks, or crashing waves are another way to bring the outside in. There are now several apps that you can even download on an ipod, ipad or phone.
5. Water Fountains
The sound of water is soothing and a desk fountain can help alleviate dryness of school airconditioning or heat.
6. Outdoor Trophies
Momentos from a day outside or a great vacation can remind you of the pleasures of nature. A pretty stone, piece of driftwood, cut branches or even pine cones, can be enough to muster up memories of a different season.
MTA Summer Conference 2010
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010Just finished my presentation to 20 amazing educators at the MTA Summer Conference 2010 here in WIlliamstown, MA. I wish I could put into words how energized and blessed I feel after working with such an amazing group of educators. I love what I do!
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!
Williamstown here I come!
Monday, August 9th, 2010
Tomorrow morning I make the pilgrimage with many other Massachusetts teachers to WiIlliamstown, MA for my second year at The Massachusetts Teachers Association Summer conference 2010 being held at
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
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
Whole Teacher TV – The “What” & “Who” of The Whole Teacher
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
The Whole Teacher TV – What are Balance Reserves
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
Whole Teacher TV
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
Just shot first video to post on you tube for The Whole Teacher! What a leap! It was a bit challenging to put myself out there like this, but I truly believe in sharing my passion and helping as many teachers as possible keep theirs.
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!
Silent Night, Holy @%&*! The Oven Is On Fire
Sunday, November 30th, 2008Tonight I have been working on the December issue of The Whole Teacher e-newsletter and writing about the Balance Before Burnout Reserve for this month – Silence. The articles are written but there is editing and loose ends that must be completed before the Tuesday publish date. My husband is gone for the night and I set aside some time to spend the quiet evening on my writing.
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?
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