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!

I have had  a vision of a tool to help teachers build balance  and into their daily lives and it has finally come true.  It is a culmination of the best tools I have been using with teachers to help them beat teacher stress and puts it all into one neat package. 

Check out the video I created below, and don’t hesitate to let me know what you think. Please feel free to share with all the teachers you know. 

The planner itself is on sale at http://wholeteacher.com/store.  Check it out!

In  October’s Whole Teacher Tidbots I suggested you spend more time with people who lift your spirits.  One of the characteristics that is often associated  with burnout is negative talk.

We all know someone who is challenging to be around because they are constantly complaining about how bad things are.  Sometimes it feels as though they could suck the life out of the room.  There is a very fine line between venting and just out right complaining.

Complaining can become a bad habit and seems to breed more negativity, as we seek proof to validate how bad we says thing are.  Remember we spoke of 100% responsibility in the last blog?  Complainers play a very real part in creating their own reality.

Next time you’re met with a difficult or frustrating situation, instead of complaining, try putting on your "suit of armor".  Finding humor in a situation will quickly shift your energy, and often improve the outcome.  It will also attract others who are looking for the positive.

Be the change you are looking for!

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!

In this month of building the Balance Reserve of Meaningful Connections, I suggest we reframe this and look for the variety of relationships we have at school.  Who are the 7 Colleagues Every Teacher Needs?  I’ve borrowed some of the titles, but let’s see how they fit in at school. Here’s the first:

1.  The in-the-trenches-with-you Colleague -

This person is usually right next door to your classroom.  They are extremely important when you can’t wait for your planning time to take a potty break, when you need a time-out for a student or yourself or just an ear to listen to your story at the end of the day. 

Teaching can be isolating, but strong bonds are formed by geography.  These are the colleagues who best know your daily routines.  They  witness your good days, and are the most likely to hear through the walls on your rough days and vice versa.  They tend to teach the same grade level as you and are an amazing resource to help alleviate re-inventing the wheel.

Do you need more crayons?  Have you run out of glue, or staples?  Need a great lesson for teaching Egypt?  These are the colleagues we turn to the most during our school day. 

My last year in the classroom I developed a very close relationship with the woman who taught next to me.  Every morning we shared a routine of relaxing music while we both checked emails.  We each sipped our coffee and reflected on the previous day, while getting ready for the present.  I made sure I was prepared for the next day the night before, so I could enjoy the morning "socializing".  I felt that "adult" time helped me set the stage for a day full of "children". 

Who are your in-the trenches-colleagues?  What do they add to your day?  Post a comment below.  Tune in in a few days for "The Wise One".