This school year may be an even more difficult one for you than the previous year. While it may feel as if the most emotional and physically safe thing to do for your well being is to quit, often that is not an immediate option. Over the past nearly two decades, I have had to shift and adjust my beliefs and practices to stay in the classroom. In this podcast episode, you'll learn five of the things I have had to do over the years to remain in the classroom and have time to take care of myself and others at the end of the school day. For more resources for teachers during this time of change in education, visit erinsponaugle.com [http://www.erinsponaugle.com].

For the last episode of Season 1, we are going to talk about if the events of this year are enough to leave teaching. Is it time to quit teaching. - or do you need to go into recovery mode from teaching in a pandemic (or both)? Find out the questions you need to be asking yourself this summer in this episode. Join the Monday Message [https://colossal-teacher-2988.ck.page/6175fe305e]community and receive helping resources and encouragement over the Summer while the podcast in on hiatus! There's still time to download a  copy of my ebook The Thrive Guide [https://colossal-teacher-2988.ck.page/a39c5b896c] - Beginning a Teaching Career in Uncertain Times. You can find more resources at erinsponaugle.com [https://www.erinsponaugle.com/] .

Has this school year left you feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed by the constant changes and unreasonable demands? May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In this episode I interview Wilson Harvey, a high school social emotional learning specialist. You'll learn about  the difference between mental health and mental illness, what you should do this summer for your emotional well-being, the impact of isolation, and reestablishing your self worth. If you or someone you know needs immediate help: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 suicidepreventionlifeline.org [https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) samhsa.gov [https://www.samhsa.gov] To follow Wilson on social media: Twitter: @wilsonrharvey Instagram: @wilsonrharvey and @buhsstudentservices

One of the most important things you can do to set boundaries is say "no" to the things that are causing you overwhelm and preventing you from taking care of yourself and your family after school. In this episode, you'll learn why it's important to stop being a yes machine, the big three factors that cause teacher guilt, and what to expect when you start setting boundaries by not accepting every task that comes your way. Click here to get ten ways to say "no" in your written and verbal responses. [https://colossal-teacher-2988.ck.page/e4d68b7197] Make sure you are a member of our Monday Message [https://colossal-teacher-2988.ck.page/6175fe305e]community so you can start you week with encouragement and teaching strategies. Get your free copy of my book The Thrive Guide [https://colossal-teacher-2988.ck.page/a39c5b896c] - Beginning a Teaching Career in Uncertain Times here. For more resources, visit erinsponaugle.com [https://www.erinsponaugle.com/] .

After a year of ups and downs, you and your students deserve to finish the school year on a high note - with as little chaos as possible. What tips can teachers follow to reduce stress a the end of the school year? You'll learn three tips in this episode that you can apply immediately that will make you feel less overwhelmed and happier at school in these last few months before summer break. This episode is a glimpse of the advice you can receive when you become a part of the Monday Message [https://colossal-teacher-2988.ck.page/6175fe305e] community. ReadThe Thrive Guide [https://colossal-teacher-2988.ck.page/a39c5b896c] to prepare your classroom and mindset for the challenges ahead. Visiterinsponaugle.com [https://www.erinsponaugle.com/]for more classroom management and self empowerment strategies for teachers.