64. Why I Became a Teacher (Walk with Me Series)

64. Why I Became a Teacher (Walk with Me Series)

Why did you become a teacher? If you ever wanted to know more about how I got where I'm at in education, this summer is your chance to learn about me! In this "Walk with Me" summer series, I'm sharing all the (well, almost all :-) the things that have brought me to this point in my life, starting with how I chose to become a teacher in college. While I didn't come across as your ideal teacher education candidate, it was an idea I couldn't get out of my head and chose to pursue, regardless of the obstacles ahead. Listen and stay tuned for more Meet the Teacher episodes this summer!  Have a question or idea for a future episode on teacher burnout or classroom management? Want to be a guest interview? Send me a text - I'd love to hear from you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1222652/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1222652/support] Watch my TEDx talk on teacher resilience and burnout here. [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc7xHSF8gt0&list=PL7CCzOG03NMQOuqec_dJcXrLf7mgYIZq4] Get your copy of Teachaholic: The 7-Day MindSET Shift to Conquer Burnout, Build Life-Changing Boundaries, and Reignite Your Love for Teaching at www.erinsponaugle.com/book [https://www.erinsponaugle.com/book].  Download the Teachaholic Action Guide to begin your journey back from burnout [https://colossal-teacher-2988.kit.com/05a2513a00]!   SUBSCRIBE to Next Chapter for Teachers on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7CCzOG03NMQ9lG5UccvyuX_sCibHr_SR] Download The Great 88: Rules, Routines, and Expectations to Go Over and Over [https://colossal-teacher-2988.ck.page/7f67c944d6]! For more resources on classroom management, time management, and  teacher burnout, visit www.erinsponaugle.com [https://www.erinsponaugle.com]. Find more upper elementary classroom resources by visiting Next Chapter Press on Teachers Pay Teachers [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Erin-Sponaugle-Next-Chapter-Press]. Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nextchapterforteachers/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/erinsponauglewv/] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/erin_sponaugle/]

63. Tips to Help Teachers Recover Over Summer Break

If the end of the school year has you feeling exhausted and unable to function, you aren't alone. The demands of the school year and the stress of closing out the year in your classroom can leave you feeling like you've been sucked of all your energy. I have five things I focus on as soon as the school year ends to help me recover and enjoy all that the break from going to school each day for a few months can offer. Listen to this episode if you want more from your summer break than zoning out in a sea of fatigue or jumping from one form of stress to another. Give yourself permission to focus on your family and personal needs, and you may be surprised how healing it can become. For more on teacher self-care over the summer, check out my YouTube playlist here! [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7CCzOG03NMR1PCsmsiEKsrMQZ4KPYCdM] Have a question or idea for a future episode on teacher burnout or classroom management? Want to be a guest interview? Send me a text - I'd love to hear from you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1222652/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1222652/support] Watch my TEDx talk on teacher resilience and burnout here. [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc7xHSF8gt0&list=PL7CCzOG03NMQOuqec_dJcXrLf7mgYIZq4] Get your copy of Teachaholic: The 7-Day MindSET Shift to Conquer Burnout, Build Life-Changing Boundaries, and Reignite Your Love for Teaching at www.erinsponaugle.com/book [https://www.erinsponaugle.com/book].  Download the Teachaholic Action Guide to begin your journey back from burnout [https://colossal-teacher-2988.kit.com/05a2513a00]!   SUBSCRIBE to Next Chapter for Teachers on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7CCzOG03NMQ9lG5UccvyuX_sCibHr_SR] Download The Great 88: Rules, Routines, and Expectations to Go Over and Over [https://colossal-teacher-2988.ck.page/7f67c944d6]! For more resources on classroom management, time management, and  teacher burnout, visit www.erinsponaugle.com [https://www.erinsponaugle.com]. Find more upper elementary classroom resources by visiting Next Chapter Press on Teachers Pay Teachers [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Erin-Sponaugle-Next-Chapter-Press]. Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nextchapterforteachers/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/erinsponauglewv/] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/erin_sponaugle/]

62. Work Smarter, Not Harder: Tips for Overwhelmed Teachers, an Interview with Ashleigh Smith of Rainbow Sky Creations

As the school year comes to an end in the United States, many of us are already thinking about what the next school year will bring. At some point, even if it's in August, you will be gearing up for back-to-school and the extra energy it will require of you. What if we took this summer to think about how we could approach the many tasks and asks of the school year so we could focus on what matters most?  In this interview with Ashleigh Smith of Rainbow Sky Creations, you will get a refreshing reminder of how things can work better in your classroom without reinventing the wheel and feeling like you have to check every item off your to-do list in order to be an effective teacher. You'll enjoy this practical, fun conversation that will have you reflecting on how you can spend your time in the classroom to make the best use of it, without being distracted by things that don't make the best use of our time and energy. Ashleigh is one half of Rainbow Sky Creations, where she works alongside her business partner Alisha to create resources and content for primary school teachers. With a genuine love for teaching, Ashleigh is passionate about helping educators feel more confident, supported, and inspired in their classrooms. She is driven to find ways to make learning meaningful and engaging for students while simplifying the day-to-day demands placed on teachers. At the heart of her work is the belief in working smarter, not harder. Ashleigh understands classroom realities and is committed to creating practical tools and ideas that lighten the load without compromising impact. Through Rainbow Sky Creations, she aims to ensure teachers feel supported, valued, and never alone, always reminding them that rainbows lie ahead. To connect with Ashleigh: Online shop: https://shop.rainbowskycreations.com/ [https://shop.rainbowskycreations.com/] Blog: https://rainbowskycreations.com/blog [https://rainbowskycreations.com/blog] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowskycreations/ [https://www.instagram.com/rainbowskycreations/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rainbowskycreations?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@rainbowskycreations?lang=en] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rainbowskycreations/ [https://www.facebook.com/rainbowskycreations/] Have a question or idea for a future episode on teacher burnout or classroom management? Want to be a guest interview? Send me a text - I'd love to hear from you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1222652/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1222652/support] Watch my TEDx talk on teacher resilience and burnout here. [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc7xHSF8gt0&list=PL7CCzOG03NMQOuqec_dJcXrLf7mgYIZq4] Get your copy of Teachaholic: The 7-Day MindSET Shift to Conquer Burnout, Build Life-Changing Boundaries, and Reignite Your Love for Teaching at www.erinsponaugle.com/book [https://www.erinsponaugle.com/book].  Download the Teachaholic Action Guide to begin your journey back from burnout [https://colossal-teacher-2988.kit.com/05a2513a00]!   SUBSCRIBE to Next Chapter for Teachers on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7CCzOG03NMQ9lG5UccvyuX_sCibHr_SR] Download The Great 88: Rules, Routines, and Expectations to Go Over and Over [https://colossal-teacher-2988.ck.page/7f67c944d6]! For more resources on classroom management, time management, and  teacher burnout, visit www.erinsponaugle.com [https://www.erinsponaugle.com]. Find more upper elementary classroom resources by visiting Next Chapter Press on Teachers Pay Teachers [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Erin-Sponaugle-Next-Chapter-Press]. Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nextchapterforteachers/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/erinsponauglewv/] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/erin_sponaugle/]

61. From "Gotcha" to Growth: Rethinking Teacher Observations, an interview with Craig Randall

When most teachers hear the word ‘observation,’ it doesn’t exactly bring a sense of excitement or growth. It brings pressure and performance, and for many teachers, the feeling of being judged rather than supported. But what if observations could actually do what they were originally intended to do: help teachers grow, reflect, and feel more confident in their practice? In this conversation, I’m joined by Craig Randall, who specializes in trust-based observation models that aim to shift evaluations from a ‘gotcha’ moment into something far more meaningful and human-centered. We’re talking about why traditional evaluation systems often miss the mark, how trust completely changes what happens in a classroom, and what teachers can do (even within imperfect systems) to make observations feel a little less performative and a lot more productive. Craig Randall is the developer and author of Trust-Based Observations, an Amazon number-one bestseller in five countries. Craig has spent the last 30-plus years in education working as a counselor, coach, teacher, and principal. Craig spends the majority of his time training school leaders in Trust-Based Observations (TBO), building mastery, and transforming the world of teacher observations to a model of trust and support that fosters growth mindsets, cultures of trust, and creates collective teacher efficacy in action.  To connect with Craig and learn more about his book and resources for Trust-Based Observations, check out the links below: Website: https://trustbased.com/ [https://trustbased.com/] X: https://x.com/TrustbasedCraig [https://x.com/TrustbasedCraig] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trustbasedcraig/ [https://x.com/TrustbasedCraig] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craig.randall.7311 [https://www.facebook.com/craig.randall.7311] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustbasedcraig/ [https://www.instagram.com/trustbasedcraig/] Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/trustbasedcraig.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/trustbasedcraig.bsky.social] Have a question or idea for a future episode on teacher burnout or classroom management? Want to be a guest interview? Send me a text - I'd love to hear from you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1222652/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1222652/support] Watch my TEDx talk on teacher resilience and burnout here. [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc7xHSF8gt0&list=PL7CCzOG03NMQOuqec_dJcXrLf7mgYIZq4] Get your copy of Teachaholic: The 7-Day MindSET Shift to Conquer Burnout, Build Life-Changing Boundaries, and Reignite Your Love for Teaching at www.erinsponaugle.com/book [https://www.erinsponaugle.com/book].  Download the Teachaholic Action Guide to begin your journey back from burnout [https://colossal-teacher-2988.kit.com/05a2513a00]!   SUBSCRIBE to Next Chapter for Teachers on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7CCzOG03NMQ9lG5UccvyuX_sCibHr_SR] Download The Great 88: Rules, Routines, and Expectations to Go Over and Over [https://colossal-teacher-2988.ck.page/7f67c944d6]! For more resources on classroom management, time management, and  teacher burnout, visit www.erinsponaugle.com [https://www.erinsponaugle.com]. Find more upper elementary classroom resources by visiting Next Chapter Press on Teachers Pay Teachers [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Erin-Sponaugle-Next-Chapter-Press]. Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nextchapterforteachers/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/erinsponauglewv/] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/erin_sponaugle/]

60. Ways Teachers Can Manage Being Overstimulated By the Classroom

Do you feel like you have too many tabs open right now as a teacher? Stressed out and overwhelmed from the noise, stuff accumulating in your classroom, and hearing your students say your name on repeat? It's easy to become overstimulated as a teacher, especially as the school year comes to a close or right before the holidays. How do you combat the sensory overload and avoid starting your summer break on the brink of burnout? In this episode, you'll learn why it's important to address overstimulation instead of powering through the insanity and ways you can manage the craziness, no matter what the end of the school year throws at you. Other episodes related to this topic: 58. My Class Is Driving Me Crazy! (Student Behavior) [https://www.erinsponaugle.com/nextchapterforteacherspodcast/episode/7cc657b0/58-my-class-is-driving-me-crazy-how-to-survive-the-end-of-the-school-year] 37. Dealing With Repetitive and Distruptive Noises in the Classroom [https://www.erinsponaugle.com/nextchapterforteacherspodcast/episode/7f7e35d0/37-students-keep-saying-6-7-how-to-deal-with-disruptive-and-repetitive-noises-in-the-classroom] Have a question or idea for a future episode on teacher burnout or classroom management? Want to be a guest interview? Send me a text - I'd love to hear from you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1222652/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1222652/support] Watch my TEDx talk on teacher resilience and burnout here. [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc7xHSF8gt0&list=PL7CCzOG03NMQOuqec_dJcXrLf7mgYIZq4] Get your copy of Teachaholic: The 7-Day MindSET Shift to Conquer Burnout, Build Life-Changing Boundaries, and Reignite Your Love for Teaching at www.erinsponaugle.com/book [https://www.erinsponaugle.com/book].  Download the Teachaholic Action Guide to begin your journey back from burnout [https://colossal-teacher-2988.kit.com/05a2513a00]!   SUBSCRIBE to Next Chapter for Teachers on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7CCzOG03NMQ9lG5UccvyuX_sCibHr_SR] Download The Great 88: Rules, Routines, and Expectations to Go Over and Over [https://colossal-teacher-2988.ck.page/7f67c944d6]! For more resources on classroom management, time management, and  teacher burnout, visit www.erinsponaugle.com [https://www.erinsponaugle.com]. Find more upper elementary classroom resources by visiting Next Chapter Press on Teachers Pay Teachers [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Erin-Sponaugle-Next-Chapter-Press]. Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nextchapterforteachers/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/erinsponauglewv/] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/erin_sponaugle/]