Shaping Little Minds: Recent Episodes
Adva
Are you a teacher wanting more support in your teaching career? Then this is the place for you! Listen anytime, learn and become your best teacher self by diving into all things teaching.
We're BACK! And ready to dive in as if this extended break never really happened. I'm on a mission to bring this podcast back and make it better than ever.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- I blamed the wrong people for the hardships I was going through this past school year
- I let fear take over certain decisions I made in and out of my business
- I (once again) did not listen to my gut, my intuition. I let thoughts of scarcity take over and steer the wheel.
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Grab the book!
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
I'm tearing up as I write this.
This school year has been extraordinarily tough on me and I have to make some hard decisions as I go into the craziness of the last few weeks. I've struggled with mental health (depression and anxiety), I've struggled with a lot of resentment toward the classroom, and really struggled to show up the way I wanted to.
I'm taking an extended break and will be back very soon. I'm not sure exactly when that will be but I promise it'll happen.
The reality is, I need to take something off my plate in order to come back even stronger. This isn't goodbye, this is: I'll see you soon.
You got this!
STAY CONNECTED:
- @coachforteachers
- More than a Teacher Newsletter
This time of year can feel like a lot for so many teachers. It's almost the end of the school year, the students are even more chaotic than they were at the start, everyone is ready for summer vacation, BUT there are still a few weeks left before you are officially on summer vacation.
Today, I dive into 3 habits that will help make teaching more sustainable during this time of year.
- Consistently (across the board)
- No scrolling at night (before bed)
- Setting time as for ME and my loved ones
These are habits I'm locking in over the next few weeks that have always helped me create a more sustainable schedule for myself as a teacher. You can take what resonates and leave the rest.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
- Grab my newest book!
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
It can be really hard to hear the news of non-renewal. It makes it hard to show up to work each day. It makes you question whether or not you were meant to be teaching. In today's episode, I have Stephanie on the podcast. She speaks from prior experiences of being non-renewed more than once and gives those in this position some incredible advice to get through; especially if you want to stay in education.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- One of the most common reasons teachers get non-renewed is due to their classroom and behavior management.
- Unfortunately, non-renewals happen and many times the reasons are unknown or vague.
- You CAN stay in education after a non-renewal -- this doesn't end your career as a teacher.
CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE:
- Join her Support Group
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Grab her new book!
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
It can feel challenging being in a mainstream classroom and having to support neurodivergent students. Today, Dr. Tara Williams shares what she’s learned as a professor and an academic executive functioning coach and will help you to support your neurodivergent students in your classroom in a way that isn’t overwhelming or stressful.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Doing something for a neurodivergent student can also be done for your neurotypical students.
- Supporting neurodivergent students doesn't need to be an added stressor for teachers; there are ways to support that don't require a ton of extra work.
- When neurodivergent students are acting out, it's usually not because they're trying to misbehave -- it's usually an issue of understanding what needs to be done next.
CONNECT WITH DR. TARA:
- Website: www.innovativecollegiateconsulting.com
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Grab the book!
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
In society today, we learn to believe that we are only worthy when we do the thing, when we get all the things done, when we achieve a huge goal, etc. But what if I told you you can cultivate a worthy based mindset that doesn't base you worthiness on what you've gotten done?!
Today's episode is a little different than the others. And the reason is I am reading an excerpt of my newest book From College to Classroom: A Teacher-Developed Practical Guide to Surviving Your First Year of Teaching. It officially launches on May 5th -- and I can't wait!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Get on the waitlist to be the first to get the book
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
Something so many teachers struggle with in a sense of identity outside of the classroom and many times, that can go back to the fact that they don't keep promises to themselves. Research shows that when a person stop keeping even the smallest promises to themselves, it can affect their self-efficacy; the way they see themselves.
In today's episode, we dive into why it's so important to keep promises to yourself and what happens when you don't.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Excuses can be the culprit in you not keeping your promises to yourself (it was for me)
- Your mental health can start to deteriorate when you stop keeping promises to yourself.
- You end up not trusting yourself fully like you used to
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
It's the last stretch before summer vacation and there's always lots to do. With that also comes feeling like we're constantly in survival mode. Survival mode, many times, comes from become consumed with the workload and letting all other things go to the wayside. In today's episode, I'll break down 5 habits to upkeep, even in the busiest seasons so you're not constantly in survival mode.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- When you don't set boundaries around your time, you overwork and end up in constant burnout.
- Not taking care of your well-being isn't a badge of honor.
- Creating a morning routine that doesn't have you on your phone scrolling socials or checking emails can help set you up for a more productive day and with more motivation.
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
If literacy comes easily to you, but you struggle to teach it... you're not alone. Today's guest was in your shoes once and dives into what she found once she became a literacy consultant (or as she calls it, a traveling teacher).
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Correcting a child's mistakes doesn't actually help them to learn
- When you know something really well, it can be harder to teach
- Literacy is still very traditional rather than moving forward with the times
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- From Teacher to Thought Leader (mini-course)
- Everything ECE Summit
CONNECT WITH PATTY:
- https://www.pattymcgee.org
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
Nervous system regulation has become a hot topic but it's also something I've focused on for myself and with clients. Today, you'll 4 ways to help you regulate your nervous as a busy full-time teacher.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Regulating your nervous system brings you back to state of homeostasis where you're able to handle what's being thrown at you.
- Regulating your nervous system is taking care of your body; making sure you get enough sleep, you bring movement into your daily routine, etc.
- It's important to create time for this so that you don't feel like you're always functioning dysregulated.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Spring Fling
- Everything ECE Summit
- EC Empowerment Conference in Rhode Island
- Passion to Profit (book your free call)
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
As I was writing the outline for this episode, I googled: "what do you teachers need to hear right now?"
I wanted to show up here with intention. I know that this time of year can be really tough for teachers. Between parent-teacher conferences, spring break coming up, and the end of the school year being around the corner, this is a time where teachers can feel burnt out and anxious. So today, I'm here to remind you of 5 things that you may need to hear in this season.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Setting boundaries isn't mean or selfish.
- You are enough. You are worthy. And that is innate.
- Struggle is a part of the process and it's okay to ask for help.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- How to Monetize a Personal Brand as a Teacher in 2026 (Private Podcast)
- EC Empowerment Conference in Rhode Island
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
When you change your mind, you can change your life. That honestly sound cliche but it's true. At the start of the school year, I was showing up burnt out and overwhelmed. I thought the only way to make things better for myself was by quitting teaching. Sounds familiar, right?
Maybe that's the answer for some, but it wasn't the answer for me. I had to make the decision to do things differently. I had to take that messy action.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Your mind is a powerful tool that can actually help you get out of feeling "stuck" or feeling like your life is stagnant.
- As teachers, we have decision fatigue after a day at work BUT knowing what that action step is toward change will force you to start taking action.
- Your subconscious mind learns through repetition, not logic. You get to tell it who you are until it believes it to be true.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Secret Series Waitlist
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
My coach recently reflected something back to me that is unbelievably true -- Teachers are comfortable with burnout.
You are comfortable with burnout because it's become normalized. You're comfortable with burnout because it's all you've ever known. You're comfortable with burnout because you believe that it's just a part of teaching.
I'm going to challenge you to change that in this episode.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Burning yourself out will only get you so far before you have to re-evaluate.
- The first step to stopping burnout in its tracks is deeply knowing that burnout isn't normal and you are the only one who can change your circumstances.
- You get to create the change, if you want to.
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
Mentorship is one of my favorite topics to talk about and it’s something I have spoken about in length. I’ve even given presentations on the topic.
We’ve got a special guest today talking to us about mentorships and the gaps that have been discovered over the years. Kerry Drake is the founder of KD Talks, a Canadian-based professional development company dedicated to empowering early childhood educators through mentorship, workshops, and practical strategies for growth.
With a passion for helping others discover their voice, cultivate a sense of belonging, and lead with impact, Kerry blends warmth, enthusiasm, and real-world experience to inspire meaningful professional development and lasting change.
Please help me welcome Kerry to the podcast!
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Mentors need to be trained in order to be able to take mentees under their wing without feeling like it's draining them
- It's okay for mentors to FAIL their mentees
- Not everyone is meant to be a mentor and not everyone is meant to be mentored/coached
CONNECT WITH KERRY:
- Website: https://www.kdtalks.ca
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdtalks0
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
If you're a teacher who is sick of living paycheck to paycheck but really don't want to go and get that 2nd or 3rd job, this episode is for you!
I have been coaching teachers to help them start side hustles inside of my signature program, Passion to Profit. I walk my clients through a 3 step process that helps them to not only come up with their side hustle idea and offer but also attract their first 1-3 clients.
- Clarity & Mindset Reset
- Know Your People
- Offer Made, Money Made
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- It's never too late to start something that creates opportunity for you rather than always feeling like opportunities pass you by.
- Market research is a HUGE part of having the ability to start a side hustle that makes a profit.
- Starting a side hustle doesn't always feel like work. It can be creative and fun for teachers.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Passion to Profit: A Side Hustle Blueprint for Teachers
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
If you've dreamt of building community in your classroom, but it feels impossible or overwhelming... you're in the right place. In today's episode, I had an incredible guest who guides and mentors teachers in the classroom and helps them build community.
Donna is a full time tenure teacher at Vanier College. She has been teaching mentoring and supporting educators for more than 25 years. She is the founder of the Infinite Educator. A child care consulting firm that provides mentoring and customized workshops to support educators best practices.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- A classroom community isn't one where you have all the control. It's one where you give your students a voice too.
- It's important to set the foundation for a classroom community from the very beginning of the school year.
- You can create community, even with a more difficult class.
CONNECT WITH DONNA:
- Instagram: @the_infinite_educator
- Email: donna.skea30@gmail.com
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
We forget to bring JOY into our classrooms, especially when we feel that sense of overwhelm and stress. This is just as much a reminder for me as it is for you. It's something I've struggled with and wanted to bring to the podcast.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- We tend to forget was fun and joy is when things get busy because we start to think of fun as irresponsible and unprofessional.
- When you bring fun into your classroom you end up engaging students, creating classroom culture, and improves your energy and patience
- You become a better teacher when you also bring fun into your life outside of the classroom
PODCAST SPONSOR:
- ECE Podcast Academy
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
If you've ever wanted to make a difference beyond your classroom walls, this is the perfect episode for you to dive into.
Today, I had my incredible friend Carla Ward on the podcast to talk to you about building influence beyond the classroom; specifically by starting your very own podcast. Carla is the creator and host of The Everything ECE Podcast, a top-rated show that’s become a go-to resource for early childhood professionals across the globe. With almost 200 episodes, she has built a loyal audience by diving into topics that matter most in ECE—from classroom environments and play-based learning to leadership and innovation in the profession.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Your story is unique because it comes from your experiences. It may sound similar to others you've heard, but what makes it unique is YOU and your experiences.
- To start a podcast doesn't have to be a super expensive venture. You can record episodes on your phone or on your computer. Nothing needs to be fancy at the beginning.
- When you don't start a podcast, you can miss out on incredible opportunities from building influence beyond the classroom.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Podcast Masterclass
- ECE Podcast Academy
PODCAST SPONSOR:
- ECE Podcast Academy
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
I had the pleasure of having Dr. Sheila Bishop on the podcast to talk about how to think about and use money differently. Dr. Sheila is a public health scientist and creator of Piggy Bank Pathways, a financial literacy program that helps teachers and families raise money - smart kids. She blends research, real life experience, and joyful storytelling to make financial education simple, practical, and fun for the classroom.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Teachers are way more likely to become millionaires than doctors or lawyers
- You don't always have to be on a budget to feel financially secure
- Teachers can ALWAYS take advantage of teacher discounts (it's a great way to save money!)
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Magic Number Worksheet(Freebie from Dr. Darla)
- Connect with Darla
PODCAST SPONSOR:
- ECE Podcast Academy
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
It's so easy to fall into doing all the things once we go back to school from winter break. We feel motivated because we've had the time off. We have a lot more energy than we did before. But is that really is a reason to end up in burnout?
Today, Adva discusses the importance of doing less. It doesn't mean don't work hard BUT it does emphasize the importance of not doing it ALL, all day every day. She talks about the specific signs of burnout she saw when she tried to do it all a few years ago and digs into tools you can use to heal that burnout if you're in the thick of it.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Healing is LINEAR. It doesn't just take a day or two and it isn't just going to happen. You have to work at it.
- Rest continues to be an important piece to being able to show up as the teacher you envision yourself being.
- Losing sight of who you are due to teaching is not a good thing. It's important to ask yourself this question: who are you at the CORE?
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
Adva shares about pressing pause on the podcast with so many other factors needing her attention. Although Adva loves to share with you each week and give you the little nuggets you need inside your classroom, Adva had to make the hard decision to pause until 2026.
But don't worry! There are SO many amazing guests already lined up for 2026. Get ready for another incredible season of the Shaping Little Minds podcast with some new upgrades coming soon.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Passion to Profit: A Side Hustle Blueprint for Teachers
- More Than a Teacher Weekly newsletter
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- Follow Adva on LinkedIn
I have seen many teachers posting about their colleagues disrespecting them at school and decided to do an episode on this so that you can approach these situations with grace and without having to be confrontation. In this episode, we dive into:
- why it hurts so much
- a mindset shift that will change everything
- tactical ways to respond to someone who is being disrespectful
- and the importance of protecting your peace
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- It can feel personal when a colleague is disrespectful but know that it says more about them than it does about you
- You can respond without being confrontational
- These interactions is the reason protecting your peace each and every day is so important
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- The Teacher Side Hustle Challenge
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
December is a month that can bring about stress and overwhelm in many teachers lives. It can be a month that just feel never ending and when teachers end up just counting down the days. I've definitely been there!
In today's episode, I break down 3 tools and strategies you can use as we near the end of November, to help you prepare for a December of EASE.
- Bringing creativity back into teaching
- Setting boundaries at work and in life
- Visualizing the reality you want to see & creating it
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- We get sucked into all the paperwork and management we have to do that we lose the creativity we used to get excited by. December is the month to bring it back! (both for you and your students)
- Setting boundaries is especially important at this time. It can be easy to let all our boundaries fall because there's so much to do.
- Visualizing the reality you want will actually help you to make that visualization a reality.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- The Teacher Side Hustle Challenge
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
The holiday season is quickly approaching and it can start feel like you're running on empty. In my weekly support session with my Passion to Profit clients, this was the theme this past week. My clients came into the session feeling depleted and like they are running on empty constantly. In this episode, I give you 3 strategies that I shared with my clients to help you as you navigate the upcoming holiday season.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- You're not alone in feeling like you're running on empty. So many educators are feeling the exact same way.
- You listening to this podcast episode means you are taking the first step toward helping yourself get out of survival mode and get to the point of thriving. The first step is always the hardest.
- Even when you're in busy season, it doesn't have to make you feel depleted each day. There are ways to be in busy season and still thrive.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Passion to Profit: A Side Hustle Blueprint for Teachers
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
It's November... which means holiday season is approaching and that could bring up stress and overwhelm for many teachers. It is no secret that I was struggling at the beginning of the school year and during fall break, I put systems into place that would create a semblance of calm. As I've said many times, the energy you bring into your classroom is the energy your students will feed off of.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Systems in place both in life and in the classroom helps a TREMENDOUS amount when you feel chaos is happening all around you.
- Creating a pace that works for you outside of the classroom will help set you up for more success in the classroom
- It can be easy to be REactive rather than PROactive in the classroom but it is critical for the calm you want to create inside your classroom.
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
Rest is something so many use as a reward for all the hard work they do -- never listen to their body when it's screaming it needs rest. There's this belief in today's society that being busy makes a person worthy of all the things they want to achieve in life. Unfortunately, the only thing that creates is a case of severe burnout.
In today's episode, Adva discusses the phrase "Rest Creates Momentum" and how she took that not only into her teaching practice but into her life outside of the classroom. This episode dives into Adva's personal stories that ended up getting her to where she is right now -- a full time teacher, business owner and creating a life she truly loves.
If you've been craving change in your life but haven't been sure where to start, this is the episode to start with.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Rest plays a critical role in how we as human beings function in our daily lives, including how we function in our classrooms
- The idea of resting when you're dead or sleep is overrated can be toxic and cause a severe case of burnout
- It's important to reflect on what's not working in order to make the cahnges necessary and that first step is always the hardest
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
If you're a teacher who struggles to teach reading, know you're not alone. In today's episode, Stefanie dives into how movement can actually help children learn to read and how teachers can incorporate this into their classroom without overwhelm.
Stefanie Hohl is the creator of ABC See, Hear, Do, a multisensory learn-to-read program that has helped thousands of children worldwide build strong literacy foundations. With a Master’s degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction and experience as a mom of five, Stefanie combined her expertise with her passion for movement-based learning to create resources that are simple, effective, and fun. She is dedicated to equipping teachers with practical tools that engage students and align with the Science of Reading.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Teachers unfortunately are not equipped to teach reading when they begin their teaching career and are in need of more support.
- Teaching and learning to read can be an enjoyable experience for both students and their teachers, if done with the right tools.
- Movement should always be a part of the learning process when students start to learn to read.
MORE FROM STEFANIE:
- Website: www.abcseeheardo.com
- Instagram: @abcseeheardo
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
This was the year that I felt very disconnected from my students. I kept saying how much I miss my students from last school year. And to be completely honest, the recording for this podcast episode helped me find why I kept hitting barriers while also teaching YOU the importance of connection and the "how to" of connecting with your students.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- There is a different between being able to manage the classroom and having the ability to connect with your students
- When you build connection, you ultimately also build trust which gives your students the ability to be curious, take risks, and build resilience
- There are barriers to connection that we, as teachers, face every single day in teaching nowadays
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
In today’s episode, I am covering one of my favorite topics – I’ve consistently spoken about it over the last few years.
Reclaiming your identity outside of the classroom.
This is a critical part of becoming an incredible teacher — I believe that when you can create an identity outside of teaching and the classroom, you become the teacher you want to be.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Taking the first step to reclaim your identity outside of the classroom is probably the hardest part
- The burnout cycle teachers get into is so common with the expected workload but there are ways to stay who you are at the core
- It's important to be aware of who you surround yourself with -- those are the people that have the most influence in your life
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
- Side Hustle Masterclass
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
Ever felt like adding STEM just feels like an impossible task with everything else that needs to get done in the classroom? In today's episode, I am bringing you Dr. Jennifer Berry who will help you to simplify what seemingly feels complex about STEM and how you can incorporate it into your classroom without adding extra work to your plate.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- STEM is more than working in those fields. It's really about knowing that you belong and can master anything in this AI powered world.
- STEM is about active learning; using a combination of the students prior knowledge, tools, and mindset.
- STEM learning is rooted in failure and making mistakes. The more mistakes you make, it helps a person to solve the problem.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
MORE FROM DR. BERRY:
- smartlablearning.com
- Connect on LinkedIn
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- show notes coming soon! (platform changes in progress...)
The beginning of the year can be a time where teachers feel very stressed inside their classrooms; a new group of students, maybe a new age, and getting adjusted to the routines and procedures alongside the students. It can feel busy and pretty chaotic. Today, I'm bringing you an oldie but goodie about setting routines and procedures into your classroom.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Routines & procedures will set you up for success in the classroom and should be FOCUS in the first weeks of school
- When you don't introduce routines and procedures from day, you deal with a lot of chaos and your classroom in disarray.
- Once you have a schedule, it's important for you to work backwards in order to create the routines and procedures in your classroom.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram @coachforteachers
- show notes coming soon! (platform changes in progress...)
Going into back to school season can feel like a lot. It can feel stressful, overwhelming and sometimes difficult to navigate. Here's the thing... when you approach a new school year positively and with a growth mindset, you end up having a wonderful school year. But the opposite is true too. If you approach the school year with negativity, that's how it will turn out for you.
You'll find practical tools for mindset, self-care, and productivity—even when things get stressful. Today, Albert will be sharing his wisdom with all of you to help you create a more energized and sustainable school year.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Having a work flow can really help teachers to navigate the workload and stop taking so much work home with them
- A positive mindset will create a positive experience throughout the upcoming school year
- Approaching your work with "get to-do's" rather than "have to-do's"
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Passion to Profit: A Side Hustle Blueprint for Teachers
- Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram - @coachforteachers
- Grab today's show notes
Technology in the classroom is still a controversial topic. There are many that say technology shouldn't be used in the classroom and others that highlight the importance of having technology in the classroom, especially as technology continues to evolve and is becoming an integral part of society.
Dr. Leslie Gruis believes educators have a powerful role to play in shaping not just what students know, but how they understand their rights, their digital footprint, and the systems around them. Her goal is to help other educators see that conversations about technology, ethics, and even democracy belong in the classroom—and that they can be approachable, age-appropriate, and empowering.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Knowing and understanding the dangers of the internet is key to helping us, as educators, protect our students when using technology in the classroom
- The way to help students with literacy is not to have them in front of a screen, but to ensure they are reading physical books
- We are the examples to the next generation and too many of us are glued to our phones (myself included)
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Passion to Profit: A Side Hustle Blueprint for Teachers
- Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram - @coachforteachers
- Grab today's show notes
This is the season that can bring a lot of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Teachers are starting to make their way back into the classroom and begin the process of setting up for a brand new school year. In today's episode, I'm giving you 3 tools you can use to help you navigate that stress, anxiety and overwhelm.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Prioritizing continues to come up but when you get really good at prioritizing the tasks you have at hand, you can start to find some semblance of harmony between the work you do in the classroom and the life you want to live outside of teaching.
- Setting a boundary can look all types of ways. You want to set a boundary that will help you to continue to show up as the best teacher for your students and as the human you want to be in your life outside the classroom.
- Making time for you is crucial if you want to show up as your best self both in and out of the classroom.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Passion to Profit: A Side Hustle Blueprint for Teachers
- Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram - @coachforteachers
- Grab today's show notes
Summer is a time for relaxation and regrouping after the school year. As you enter into vacation, I want you to really ask yourself: what kind of summer do I want?
Summer goes by so quickly and so many of us end up going back to school wondering how we didn't get all the things done. This summer can be different! This summer can be the summer you approach with intentionality. This summer can be the summer you not only relax but you pursue growth and learning in the way you've always desired to.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- ChatGPT can be a helpful tool in trying to schedule your summer so that you have both the relaxation piece and the ability to pursue something that's been on your heart.
- It's important to be honest with yourself in terms of what kind of summer you want so that you go into the school year with a full heart and ready to show up in a way that makes you proud
- Teaching is stressful, overwhelming, and can be truly taxing. Make sure you take the time to heal before you pursue anything else.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Ready, Set, Teach! Summit is officially OPEN for registration
- Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram - @coachforteachers
- Grab today's show notes
I have a special guest on the podcast who also happens to be speaking at the summit. She is a fellow early childhood educator, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and mindset coach. She came into my world a few years ago and we both have supported each other throughout our journeys. I’m so excited to bring her back onto the podcast today. Please help me welcome Kathleen to the podcast!
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Your mindset can change the way you approach various things inside the classroom and when it comes to your students
- Your mindset creates your reality, both in school and in life
- Mindset can affect and change teachers relationships and lives completely
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Ready, Set, Teach! Summit is officially OPEN for registration
- Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
MORE FROM KATHLEEN:
- Follow Kathleen on Instagram -@kathleengomescoaching
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram - @coachforteachers
- Grab today's show notes
If you've been here for a while, you'll know that I'm a HUGE fan of setting boundaries, no matter how others perceive them. Kristi is a teacher mentor who walks teachers through the process to set boundaries without any guilt. In this episode, she helps us to understand that boundaries are really just a way to show others what you need and how you want to be treated.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- When you set a boundary, it's important to give the other person the time and grace to internalize that boundary.
- When someone reacts badly to a boundary, it's more about them than it is about you.
- Teachers struggle to set boundaries because we are taught to believe that we "should be" available and put their students first
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
MORE FROM KRISTI:
- Follow Kristi on Instagram - @kristi.boyette
MORE FROM ADVA:
- Follow Adva on Instagram - @coachforteachers
- Grab today's show notes
I recently hosted a free 3-day event for teachers called Transform Your Teaching: End the Year with a BANG! This event focused on ending the year without all the stress, overwhelm, and feelings of burnout but instead being able to maximize your time and fill your cup each day leading up to the last days of school.
Today's episode gives you a taste of what one of those workshops were like. We dive into day 2 in which I teach a 3-step process to refilling your cup even when you're at your busiest at work.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- You're not alone if you're running on empty at this time of year
- Shifting your mindset from thinking self-care is a reward to it being a necessity
- You can pour from an empty cup - no matter how much there is to do
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- 5 Steps to Create Harmony at Work and in Life
- Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
MORE FROM ME:
- Follow Adva @coachforteachers
- Grab today's show notes
This is the time of year that is stressful, overwhelming, and is really easy to let your boundaries slip. It’s the last few weeks and all you want to do is get to the finish line: summer vacation. But here’s what I don’t want for you…
- I don’t want you to get to summer vacation burned out
- I don’t want you to feel on edge over the next 2 weeks of school
- I don’t want you reacting to everything that happens in your classroom even though you KNOW you should be responding the way you have been all year
That’s why I want to share 6 tools you could take with you to help you navigate and heal the burnout you’re currently feeling so you go into summer re-energized and excited to take your deserved break.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Burnout has become so normalized that teachers don't even know that they're in the thick of it until they hit a wall
- There are tools you can use to help you break out of the cycle you're in and get back to feeling more in control
- It's important to implement one tool at a time and not try to implement them all at once
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
- 5 Steps to Create Harmony at Work and in Life
- Get the Replay for all 3 days of Transform Your Teaching
- The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
- Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
MORE FROM ME:
- Follow Adva @coachforteachers
- Show Notes for this episode
The education system is far from perfect. We suck it up and make it the best experience for our students. But what happens when we start using our voices? Our voices become a ripple effect, no matter what age we teach. Change can start to happen within education, all because we spoke up.
Today, I have the incredible Carla Ward on the podcast talking about why it is CRITICAL for educators to speak out and stop staying silent.
Carla a passionate Early Childhood Educator with over 20 years of experience in the profession. She’s the founder of Early Learning Foundations, where she supports educators through workshops, consulting, and professional development resources that empower them to thrive in their careers.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- You don't have to be loud and extroverted to speak up
- Raising our voices can change the negative rhetoric there is around teaching, specifically early childhood education
- You aren't going to be everyone's cup of tea and that's OKAY!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Grab a seat at Transform Your Teaching: End the Year with a BANG. Day 2 is happening Wednesday!
- Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
MORE FROM CARLA:
- Grab your seat at her FREE workshop 6 Key Decisions to Make Before Starting an ECE Podcast
- Follow Carla @elfoundations
MORE FROM ME:
- Follow Adva @coachforteachers
The end of the school year can feel overwhelming, stressful, and honestly never ending. This episode is your step by step guide to help you wrap up your year, without draining what’s left in your tank. I will take you through various different actions you can take in order to not only end your year without burnout but also feel confident in your readiness for the new school year.
- Segment 1: "What to do now so you don’t hate yourself in August"
- Segment 2: "Leave your classroom like a gift to future you"
- Segment 3: "You are not behind—you’re exactly where you need to be"
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- As stressful as the end of the school year might, it is the perfect time to document, reflect and organize so that you come into the next school feeling confident and organized.
- Future you will be so grateful that you took the steps to clean and organize at the end of this school year.
- Feeling behind will never get you to where you want to be. It's important to know that you are exactly where you need to be.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Grab your seat to a 3 day event for teachers
- Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
MORE FROM ME:
- Follow: @coachforteachers
- Grab the Show Notes for this episode
In case no one's told you... I give you full permission to rest each day and whenever you feel you need it.
In this episode, Adva dives into the culture we currently live in as US citizens and why creating space for rest is a better option. You'll learn that society encourages and promotes busy-ness, even if it comes at a cost. Adva will uncover why that's harmful to most human beings, what the research says regarding rest, and give you a chance to reflect on your beliefs around rest and productivity.
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Rest is critical to our well being as humans. It heals your body, boosts creativity, reduces stress, improves productivity, and enhances decision making.
- In order to walk away from teaching being all consuming, there are shifts that need to be made and boundaries that need to be set.
- Rest is a super power for all human beings, but especially for teachers who are always trying to keep up with the workload.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Grab your free guide to help you stop feeling like work and life are in competition. 5 Steps to Create Harmony at Work and in Life.
MORE FROM ME:
- Follow Adva @coachforteachers
- You can learn more about the podcast through my website. www.coachforteachers.com/podcast
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to integrate AI into your day to day as a teacher, this is the episode for you.
In today's podcast episode, I had the pleasure of having Chris Hull, a former educator turned founder of Otus, an education technology company. Otus provides schools across the U.S. with comprehensive solutions for assessments, data management, and insights into student performance.
What we've covered on today's podcast:
- how AI can support teachers in their day to day
- helping teachers feel more comfortable integrating AI into their classrooms
- Benefits students can have from being exposed to AI in the classroom
- Thoughts on teachers who are resistant or anti- technology inside the classroom
Get my FREE resource, 5 Steps to Create Harmony between Work and Life
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn
When our students have big emotions, we know the tools they need in order to help them regulate those emotion. When we have those big emotions, have we truly learned to regulate them? In today's episode, I dive into steps you can take to help yourself regulate your own emotions so that you can show up different in your life outside of the classroom, no matter what kind of day it was at school.
Get Your Copy of The Teacher Playbook
Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
There's a burnout crisis in the teaching world and my mission is to help as many teachers as I possibly can navigate the "how" of navigating and healing burnout. In today's episode, I dive into my journey through burnout and the 3 key actions I took to help myself come out of burnout and avoid it rearing it's ugly head again after going back to teaching.
- Morning Pages
- Unlearning
- Creating time for REST
Tune in to hear more about these actions and how they can help you to navigate and heal the burnout you might be struggling with currently.
Please keep in mind that I am only sharing what has worked for me. If you need outside support, please don’t hesitate to go get it. I am not a licensed therapist - I am here to share what’s worked for me.
Get Your Copy of The Teacher Playbook
Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
If you've ever heard yourself say... "I have to work after hours in order to be a good teacher." Or something along the lines of: "there's too much work to be able to leave work at work." This is the episode you're going to want to dive into today! In today's episode we cover 3 ways you can maximize your time in school to create more harmony between work and life.
- Curate more self-awareness
- Prioritization
- Set firm boundaries
I give you a process you can take in order to make each of these things happen. These are the processes I give my clients when they struggle with managing their time.
Get The Teacher Playbook today!
Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
This is the episode I wish I had access to when I was first starting out. These are must-have essentials for classroom teachers. In this episode, I give you physical must-haves, tech must-haves, and teaching must haves. Each of the resources I provide, I've personally used for my own classroom.
Join me at The Everything ECE Summit
Get my free workshop on the key elements to help you thrive in the classroom
If you are currently dealing with burnout because of struggles in the classroom but have no clue how to make things better, this episode is for you. I wholeheartedly believe that the key to helping you when things aren't working the way you'd like, is to ask yourself the hard questions and take the time to reflect. In today's podcast episode, I give you reflective questions you can ask yourself both as a veteran teacher and a new teacher.
Join me for a free workshop on Sunday
Join me at The Everything ECE Summit
Get my free workshop on the key elements to a thriving classroom
If you're looking for ways to take back your time rather than constantly working, this is the place for you. Teaching can feel extraordinarily overwhelming and stressful given the workload. It can consume our lives if we let it. In today's episode, I dive into 3 tools I used to help me leave work at work, no guilt.
As I mentioned in the episode, I've definitely discussed these tools but I strongly believe that if you take the tools and implement them, it can help you to change the way you approach teaching and take back your time.
Apply for Teaching Transformed (1:1 coaching)
Join me at The Everything ECE Summit
Get my free workshop on the key elements of a thriving classroom
Let's just be honest... teaching can be consuming and it can consume much of your life if you let it. That's where I ended up and in the process forgot to truly live my life. If you are in that same place, in today's episode I'm sharing 5 shifts you can start to take to create the live you want outside the classroom.
- Healing the part of you that always needs to work
- Setting firm boundaries at work
- Leaving work at work
- Surrounding yourself with positive people
- Being okay with where you are right now
Get Instant Access to 3 Key Elements of a Thriving Classroom
Connect: @coachforteachers
Join me at Spring Fling!
Join me at The Everything ECE Summit!
Episode 157
Do you struggle with behavior in your classroom? Does the behavior start to make you think that you're not "good enough"?
In this episode, Ron breaks down how you can handle behaviors in a way that helps you to understand yourself and your triggers. Inside this episode, Ron moves us through various exercises you can do to help yourself in the moment and to understand your inner child more deeply.
Connect with Adva
Apply for 1:1 coaching with Adva
Have you ever had the thought of "I'm not enough"? This is a thought that so many teachers struggle with, especially when they face challenges in the classroom.
In this podcast episode, I spoke to mental health expert Sabrina Trobak all about this belief and what you can do to help yourself break out of that belief and how to help your students do the same.
Connect with Sabrina
Connect with Adva
Join Adva for a FREE workshop on February 23rd at 11am. Click to find out more!
"Getting ahead does not mean that you’re constantly working. Getting ahead means that you’re working smarter, not harder."
In this episode, we dive into the difference between getting ahead and working constantly as a teacher. It's important to note that the two don't necessarily have to coincide.
Connect with Adva
Apply for 1:1 coaching
Send Adva an email with questions on classroom/behavior management: ah.education.consultation@gmail.com
"Does this sound familiar?
- Answering emails at 10pm because you feel like you have no choice
- Dragging yourself out of bed exhausted, because everyone says burnout is “just how it is”
- Skipping dinner with your family to finish grading or prepping, so you don’t feel like a bad teacher
If you said yes to any or all of this, I want you to know this:
It’s not your fault you feel this way. Teaching was not supposed to be like this."
In this episode, I am going to help you start to shift your mindset. I’ve taken audio clips from the workshop to help you understand how to shift your mindset.
Connect with Adva
Apply for 1:1 coaching
Email Adva with questions on classroom/behavior management: ah.education.consultation@gmail.com
Challenges always come up but it's really about how you handle those challenges to help you get through each day. So many new teachers end up leaving because they don't have the tools to handle the challenges that come up. In this episode, we dive into 3 challenges and unpack various tools you can use to help you handle challenges with more ease.
- Challenge #1: Classroom and Behavior Management
- Challenge #2: Overwhelm, Stress, and Burnout from the workload
- Challenge #3: Lack of support and feeling like a failure
If you're ready to learn tools and strategies to navigate the challenges that come with teaching, you're in for a treat!
Grab your spot to Fact or Fiction: Debunking Education MythsApplyfor 1:1 coaching
Have you ever tried to implement a routine or procedure without much luck? When I presented at a conference in October, I found a process that helps you not only implement but plan and practice. Are you ready for it?
- Step 1: plan and practice
- Step 2: Stand and speak with purpose
- Step 3: Do it again
These steps will require some support, if you don't already have it. Should you need any extra support with this, please know that you can reach out to me directly.
Instagram: @coachforteachers
1:1 CoachingBreakthrough Session
If you're back from winter break and struggling to enforce routines and procedures, this one's for you.
In this episode, we dive into 4 ways to help you re-teach routines and procedures in your classroom after a long break. Each of these 4 ways have reflective questions that you can answer at your own time.
- Set expectations for yourself as a teacher and as a human being outside of the classroom
- Model desired behaviors
- Incorporate visual reminders
- Build consistency
If you do this and find that you're still struggling, I can help to support you. Apply for 1:1 coaching or email me with any questions (ah.education.consultation@gmail.com).
Can you believe 2024 is coming to a close? I definitely can't! This was a year of big changes for me and I want you to feel those transformations too! Being a busy classroom teacher is no easy feat so inside of this episode I give you 5 tools you can use and implement in order to end your year with a BANG! Are you ready for it? Happy Listening!
Apply for 1:1 coaching Follow: @coachforteachers
I had the pleasure of being invited to be a part of an early childhood roundtable discussion on various topics within the field. I was one of ten who took part. I am so excited to be able to share part 2 with you!! There is truly so much value in the information that gets shared.
If you haven't tuned into part 1, please go back and do that before you dive into this episode. It's SO good! Tune into part 1 here.
Apply for 1:1 Coaching Follow: @coachforteachers
I had the pleasure of being invited to be a part of an early childhood roundtable discussion on various topics within the field. I was one of ten who took part. I am so excited to be able to share this with you!! There is truly so much value in the information that gets shared throughout. Stay tuned for part 2!
Follow: @coachforteachers
Have you ever felt the pull to invest in mentorship? Or maybe you're struggling because you don't have the support you thought you would? You've come to the perfect place! Unfortunately, mentorship and support is not always a given when new teachers come into a school building. Sometimes you have to invest and go outside of your comfort zone in order to get the support and mentorship you need and deserve.
Today's episode is an oldie but goodie. My friend and client is here to tell you about her experience inside of Teaching Transformed; a 1:1 coaching program for new + struggling teachers. We cover:
- What she learned in her time inside of 1:1 coaching
- How she was able to overcome challenges as a veteran teacher
- What she has to say to those thinking about applying
And so much more! Happy Listening!
Connect with Ashley:
- Email: ashadoodle@gmail.com
Apply for 1:1 coachingGrab the Business Black Friday Guide
In today's episode,I decided to speak from a leadership lens but one that is more geared toward teachers being leaders in the classroom. If you don't already know this... teachers ARE leaders whether or not they’re willing to see it for themselves. It’s something I used to preach about but want to revisit the topic this week. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What we’re taught versus what it means to be a leader in the classroom
- How you can start to take a leadership role in your classroom
- How mentorship can help you become more of a leader rather than a manager
Reflective questions discussed in the episode:
- What have I done so far that’s helped me build relationships with my students’ families?
- What have I done that isn’t really working to build relationships?
- How can I do better in communicating to parents regarding their children, what’s happening in the classroom, and having them take a more active role in their child’s learning?
Ready to invest in mentorship? Apply for 1:1 coaching
Today, I have Erica on the podcast. She is a childcare owner and director and has been in the education space for many years. She speaks at various conferences and has her very own podcast called The Child Care Directors Chair that I had the pleasure of being a guest on. Please help me welcome Erica to the podcast!
We cover:
- why teacher support is so critical
- what teacher support can look like in various schools
- recommendations for teachers who are looking for support but aren't receiving any
- what leaders can do to make sure their staff is meeting expectations and getting the support they need
Connect with Erica:
- Podcast
- Youtube
It’s November which means there’s a brand new theme to the month on the podcast. This month I wanted to bring you a different perspective to the education world. You are going to be hearing from various education leaders; leaders that share their perspectives and give you a little insight into what they do that you may not see in your day to day interactions with your administration.
Today, I have a former principal and assistant superintendent who left public education after over 20 years and has opened a consulting firm to help teachers and administrators create a more sustainable work environment. Please help me welcome Lori to the podcast!
We're covering:
- How to create school culture
- How leaders should lead in order to create school culture
- Knowing what school is the right fit
- What you can do to make sure you're going into a school environment that's right for you
- Why it's important to stay the course
Book a workshop/training for your teachers with meConnect with Lori
You probably are sick of hearing about reconnecting with your "WHY" but today's podcast episode will give you an inside look at how you can create your "WHY" and then continue to reconnect to it.
Reflection questions to help you:
- What happened today that made me consider leaving the classroom?
- What are my favorite parts of teaching?
- How can I work through the hardships so that I can show up again tomorrow?
- How am I taking care of myself throughout the school year?
- Is what’s happening in school really a reason to leave or is it an easy way out?
Follow @coachforteachers
Do you feel like you need a reset inside your classroom? It's October, which means the kids are comfortable and behaviors are likely popping up if they haven't already. On today's podcast, we are diving into 5 ways you can hit the reset button inside your classroom.
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1: changing bulletin boards and decor
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2: Review routines and expectations
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3: Take a day off, if you haven’t already
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4: Make sure you are protecting your energy during the school day
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5: Have fun with your students to end a unit or start fresh
Follow @coachforteachers
I wanted to reflect back to you guys about my first month back in the classroom after being out of the classroom for three years. This month’s theme: Reset, Reflect, and Reconnect. I know how busy September can be and how much busier October can get. I want to make sure each and every one of you is able to reset, reflect, and reconnect.
- Reflection #1: the transition back into the classroom was NOT easy and smooth like I was imagining it to be.
- Reflection #2: even when things don’t go well, that doesn’t mean you should just forget about all the work you’ve put in
- Reflection #3: Planning is what makes the classroom a less chaotic space at the start of the school year (and I don’t necessarily mean lesson planning)
- Reflection #4: always creating space for rest
Could you do me a favor? If you could leave a review on this show it’ll help boost the podcast so that more teachers like you can tune into the podcast each week. I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it.
DM me on Instagram
Have you ever heard of nerdy teaching? I was recently introduced to this new way of teaching. It's a way of teaching that focuses on connection with students. Chris explains it all! On today's podcast episode, I have Chris Longwell. He is an educator with over 15 years of experience as well as experience in coaching teachers and in camp. He’s taken his years of experiences in the classroom and turned them into a teaching style all on its own.
Join me at CEC in October!
Inquire about a workshop for your teachers
Connect with Chris:
- Kickstarter
- YouTube Channel
Creating a work-life balance can feel pretty impossible, especially as a new teacher. There is so much to do with very little time to get the work done. Over the years, I've found that there are 3 key elements to having the ability to create the work-life balance you're looking for.
- Time management
- Prioritization
- Boundaries
Find out how you can implement each of these elements to help you create the work-life balance you're desiring.
Join me in Texas for CEC
Let's bring PD to your childcare center!
Get your copy of Set Boundaries, Find Peace
Get a one-off mentorship call today!
If you're struggling to navigate stress and overwhelm during these first weeks of school, you've come to the right place! In today's podcast episode, I am pulling the curtain back and giving you a little taste into what it's like to be in my world.
Transform Your Teaching was a free live event for teachers as they prepared for the first weeks of school. On the very first day, we talked about how teachers can navigate the stress and overwhelm during busy seasons. You get to listen to that live recording today!
Be a part of my book writing process! Email me: ah.education.consultation@gmail.com
Learn more about Born to Thrive
Apply for 1:1 coaching
Transitions can make or break a classroom routine. Transitioning from one activity to the next can pose as a stressful and overwhelming time in the classroom. The students don't know what to do or what's expected and you're also trying to figure it out. In this episode, I give you the one key ingredient that many new teachers tend to miss when teaching transitions.
Follow: @coachforteachers
September's theme is going to be "navigating the first weeks of school." In this series, we're going to be discussing various topics that relate to making sure those first weeks of school set you up for success inside your classroom. This is a time that can be extremely challenging to do on your own, especially if you don't have the mentorship or support. Today's episode is focused on setting up routines and procedures from the get-go. Here's how the episode will flow:
- why routines and procedures are so important to set up from the start rather than waiting for the students to adjust
- what routines and procedures you should be implement in those first weeks
- what you can do to prepare those routines and procedures for the start of the school year
Happy Listening!!
Connect with me, Adva - @coachforteachersSchedule your 90-minute breakthrough session
The first year of teaching is not usually an easy one. It's a huge learning curve. In today's podcast, I speak to Christina about her experience as a first year teacher. Christina teaches in the New York City public school system.
We talk about:
- Struggles walking into the classroom as a new teacher
- Importance of support + community
- Advice for any teachers walking into the classroom for the first time
Connect with Christina -
Email: christina.wisa@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criso7k
Join me inside of Born to Thrive -https://educatorsconsult.mykajabi.com/pl/2148278624
This is another episode of the teacher talks podcast series. Melly isa bi-lingual teacher and focuses on parental involvement in her classroom. She’s created a system to help bridge the gap between her classroom and home not only for her students but also for their families. She’s been teaching for eight years and is still passionate about everything she does.
Connect with Melly -
melissa.gonzalez.213@gmail.com
Join me inside of Born to Thrive -https://educatorsconsult.mykajabi.com/pl/2148278624
Welcome back to another episode of our Teacher Conversations series! I am SO excited to bring you a new guest on today's podcast episode. In this conversation, we dive into looking at students ABILITIES rather than their DISABILITIES and truly creating a safe space for each of your students. This was such an inspiring episode to record and I know Dr. Shani is going to do great things for both teachers and students in upcoming ventures.
Connect with Dr. Shani:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drshanic
Email - hello@drshanic.com
Be the first to leave a review and get access to Born to Thrive -
https://www.instagram.com/coachforteachers
Transform Your Teaching is a brand NEW 3 day event I want you to be a part of!! And it's completely free! What you need to know:
- Transform Your Teaching is taking place on August 15th, 16th and 17th.
- Day 1 will focus on navigating the stress and overwhelm in those first weeks, day 2 will focus on coping with the hardships of teaching, and day 3 will dive into a brand new way for you to approach teaching.
- All of this will take place inside a FB group. All the details will be laid out for you in an email once you sign up for the event.
Be the first to leave a review and get access to Born to Thrive -
https://www.instagram.com/coachforteachers
Sign Up for Transform Your Teaching:https://educatorsconsult.mykajabi.com/offers/maXjUpYS
Welcome back to the new and improved Shaping Little Minds Podcast! For the duration of August, I am bringing you teachers from various walks of life who are here to discuss their passions, their tips and tricks, and their classroom experiences. In today's episode, Jon dives into the ins and outs of classroom management and shares his method in his classroom that has been super successful.
I can't wait for you to dive into this incredible episode!
Be the first to review the podcast + share it - https://www.instagram.com/coachforteachers
I want to help you to radically shift the way you’re approaching teaching. It took me 5 years to shift the way I approached teaching and make room to love life outside of the classroom. There are shifts I made when I decided it was time to move from a burnout cycle and a teacher who worked around the clock to a teacher who maximized her time in school, trusted herself, was confident in her teaching abilities, and started LOVING her life outside of work.
We are going to break down these shifts in this episode.
- Shift #1: I worked on trusting myself, no matter what others thought
- Shift #2: Gaining Confidence in the Classroom
- Shift #3: Working overtime doesn't make you a good teacher
These shifts can feel overwhelming and impossible, which is why I want to help you create the shifts as you move into a new school year. I have opened up my 90 minute breakthrough calls for teachers this summer. Schedule your call today!If you want to have an opportunity to be a guest on this podcast, you can fill this form out and I will be in touch with you to set up a time to record. Follow to get podcast updates!
I've been thinking about you! Summer vacation has either already begun or it's about to and you're already thinking about next school year. Your days are free, you aren't doing much so how can you not think about next year?
In today's episode, I want to help you take all the preventative measures so that you not only set yourself up for an incredible school year, you also don't find yourself on the brink of burnout as you approach the start of the year.
There are 3 recommendations that I share with all the teachers I work with and I am sharing those recommendations with you today -
- Create a classroom/behavior management plan
- Set BOUNDARIES
- Find a Mentor
These recommendations will serve you now and in the long run. These recommendations will also help you to know exactly what you need to start working on in order to feel prepared for the new school year.
Follow me on Instagram for all the things: https://www.instagram.com/coachforteachers
Book Recommendation about Boundaries: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0349426953?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Learn all the tools and strategies inside Born to Thrive: A Teacher's Toolkit to a Thriving Classroom: https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/pl/2148278624Get the 1:1 support by scheduling a 90-minute breakthrough call: https://calendly.com/newteachercoaching/breakthrough
Mindset is something that is critical to teaching inside the classroom, especially in the post-covid era. It has a huge positive impact on students; from building positive relationships, to believing in themselves, to higher student engagement in the classroom. In today's episode, we dive into the following:
- What is mindset; growth vs. fixed mindset
- Why is mindset important for you to understand
- How incorporating growth mindset can affect your classroom positively
Grab your FREE Mindset checklist
You have a chance to dive even deeper than this inside of my new course, Born to Thrive when you enroll by Tuesday, June 11th at 11:59pm (EST). You don't want to miss this!!
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Instagram - @coachforteachers
Aditya is the author of Treating Mathematics Anxiety and is the founder of Elephant Learning, which produces mathematics education courses, software, and professional development that specializes in getting youth who are behind caught up to their grade level.
On today's podcast episode I got to sit down with Aditya and talk about math anxiety, where it stems from, and how we as teachers can provide support to our students who suffer with math anxiety. You'll learn that math anxiety not only is common but it also can lead to a language gap. Interesting, right? Aditya tells us all about his findings and what he dives into inside his book!
Connect with Aditya:
- Treating Mathematics Anxiety
- Elephant Learning
Enroll in Born to Thrive TODAY!
It's every teachers' dream to have a thriving classroom. The question then becomes... how do we get there? How does one thrive during the busiest seasons? We are in one of those busy seasons right now and I want to dive into the first 3 steps that can truly make a world of a difference when you have the tools and strategies you need.
- The Art of Lesson Planning. This is where you lesson plan, stress free and are confident in your ability to teach the material effectively.
- Enhance Learning through Centers. Centers are not talked about enough and many times centers can feel like more of a burden to teachers than it is something that is valuable.
- Classroom Management Essentials. This is something that unfortunately isn't covered enough when you go to school for education. This is something that causes many teachers to face burnout or make the decision to leave the field.
I want to help you create the change you need to see inside your classroom so that you THRIVE throughout the school year.
EXCITING NEWS!!!Born to Thrive is OFFICIALLY open! Born to Thrive: A Teacher's Toolkit to a Thriving Classroom is the course that will take you through the 6 steps you need in order to say goodbye to overwhelm and step into your classroom with confidence. Learn more here!
This podcast topic came to me while listening to a podcast earlier this week. I'm sharing the raw truth behind the teacher struggles I've faced and how I overcame those struggles throughout my time inside the classroom.
- Struggle 1: Getting so overwhelmed that nothing would get done
- Struggle 2: Feeling like I'm not good enough
- Struggle 3: Behavior management
All of these struggles are struggles teachers have faced and are currently facing as the school year is coming to a close. These struggles helped me to formulate the framework I used and now provide for teachers to help them inside the classroom.
If you’re facing any struggles as the end of the year approaches and you want to breakthrough those struggles so that you end the year with a BANG, you’re going to want to book your 90-minute BREAKTHROUGH call ASAP.
Weare diving into the 3 KEY elements of a managed classroom. A managed classroom can look all sorts of ways but there are elements you need to think about when approaching the classroom.
- Key Element #1: Reacting vs. Responding
- Key Element #2: Navigating Stress + Overwhelm in the Classroom
- Key Element #3: Know Your Triggers
My question to you is… what do you think of when you hear the words “managed classroom?” Is it reality or is it ideal? For me, it was always an ideal, not necessarily based in reality. A managed classroom IS possible, but it looks much different than the ideal scenario you might be thinking of.
Today's Podcast Sponsor: 90-minute BREAKTHROUGH sessions are here!
Play is a critical piece to learning inside the classroom. As teachers, we want our students to develop a love of learning... so why not making the learning process more fun?! Today's guest, Amy Herzog, is on the podcast to talk to us all about play and more importantly, why it's such a critical piece in the way we teach our students.
We discuss:
- Why play plays such an important role in the classroom
- How teachers can incorporate play inside the classroom
- How teachers can support their students during play
- Resources teachers can use to learn more
Connect with Amy!Download her free resource with various games to implement
I had the pleasure of doing a LIVE podcast event last weekend where I got to record this week's podcast episode. We are talking about the 3 things no one tells you about classroom management.
We discuss:
- managing YOUR emotions, as the teacher
- being able to take a step back before intervening
- the importance of repetition
I truly think this will change the way you approach classroom management. Happy Listening!
Podcast #98
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We discuss the importance of art in the classroom, how to make art more developmentally appropriate, AND a new method of teaching art called TAB. I had the lovely and wonderful Faigie on the podcast and am excited for you to hear her passion for art through this episode.
I truly believe in the power of art. It can help young children develop in ways you never thought possible and can be truly empowering for them. I’d love to know… what was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Share it with me on Instagram @coachforteachers.
Connect with Faigie below:
- https://www.eduart4kids.com
- https://www.instagram.com/eduart4kids
If you've heard about human design and you're not sure what it is... this is a great episode for you!
If you're wondering how human design can help you in the classroom as a teacher... this is the episode for you!
Today, I am joined by Tiffini who is a veteran teacher and human design coach is on the podcast today! We covered:
- What human design is and where it comes from
- The different types of human design
- How human design can work for you in the classroom
- The information you need to be able to get your human design type
- Resources to help you learn more about human design
Apply for 1:1 CoachingConnect with AdvaConnect with Tiffini
If you are feeling like nothing you do is working for your classroom, this is an episode you're going to want to tune into. There are many reasons things in your classroom and today, I'm bringing to the forefront the three most common reasons nothing is progressing in your classroom.
- You're not consistent
- You're not willing to Zoom out in order to see what changes need to be made
- Comparisonitis
So many of us teachers leave the classroom feeling defeated every day. We have to be the ones to change that for ourselves! Change might be scary and feel overwhelming but it can create a completely new classroom environment. Isn't that what we want?
Happy Listening!
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I'm accepting new 1:1 coaching clients! Apply here
Listen to Podcast #76to hear about my clients' experience in 1:1 coaching
Join me on Instagram
This is the time of year when teachers start to countdown the days till the end of the school year. This is the time of year where the mindset starts to become: “If I can get through X number of weeks or days, I’ll be good to go!” What if you could LOVE teaching and thrive?
I’ve got 3 tips for you:
- Tip #1: Set Boundaries
- Tip #2: Do things that bring you JOY
- Tip #3: Create space for intentional rest
These tips are definitely those that are easier said than done but when you take the time to implement them.. I promise it’s worth it!
Happy listening!
Let's Connect! @coachforteachersGet inside my BRAND NEW course!
Something so many teachers, new and veteran alike, struggle with behaviors in the classroom. It can feel impossible to navigate behaviors among all the other things happening inside the classroom. I did maternity leave coverage last school year and this class was TOUGH. I had been in the classroom on and off for nine years and I was struggling. So, today’s podcast episode is 3 ways I learned to navigate difficult behaviors without feeling negatively charged after a day at work.
- Stay calm in the midst of chaos
- Important of having consequences for ones actions
- Never hold onto negativity
This may not be what you're looking for but I truly believe that these are the first steps to navigating those challenging behaviors you’re seeing every day inside your classroom.
Apply for 1:1 coachingListen to a past client's experience inside 1:1 coachingGrab your Magic Mind shot today
I have the incredible Ashley Strong Smith. Ashley is a courage coach who helps women live out intentional, courageous and dream-filled lives. We had the most incredible conversation and Ashley gave SO much good insight about how you can live a more courageous life outside of the classroom. Please help me welcome Ashley to the podcast!
We talk about:
- what it means to live a courageous life
- actions teachers can take to start to live their courageous lives
- Ashley's heart centered foundation
- Navigating negative beliefs around your dreams and your life
This was SUCH a great conversation!
Learn more about Setting the Stage (course)
Connect with Ashley:
- Download for the Heart Centered Foundation workbook
- Podcast
- Website
I never thought I was good at time management until I learned the tools to help me.
As teachers we HAVE to manage our time during school hours otherwise we'll find ourselves working at all hours of the day and night and truly burning the candle at both ends. Sometimes without the right tools, it can feel close to impossible. That's why I recorded today's podcast episode give you the two tools I share and work on with my 1:1 clients to help them feel like they can have a semblance of a work-life balance, even as teachers.
Join me live for the workshop!Connect with me on InstagramInterested in 1:1 coaching? Apply Here
If you raise your voice, but feel like maybe you shouldn't or you don't have enough experience, this is the PERFECT podcast episode for you to tune into. As teachers, we can do so much more than just teach. We can teach others about what we do inside the classroom! It's something I started doing in 2020. It was scary but so worth it!
Carla is joining me to talk about this idea of raising your voice. Carla is an early childhood educator, consultant, speaker, and fellow podcaster. She has over 15 years of experience inside the classroom and is now all about lifting other teachers' voices. We got to talk about:
- what it means to raise your voice
- why it's important to raise your voice
- what raising your voice can look like
- imposter syndrome when it comes to raising your voice
Ever considered starting a podcast? Grab a seat at Carla's upcoming masterclasses!Connect with Carla on InstagramGrab your spot to Classroom Success Unveiled WorkshopConnect with Adva, @coachforteachers
Burnout has become a normalized part of society but specifically normalized in the education space. I know that from the comments you see all over the internet from other teachers saying that it’s normal or it’s just a part of the job. I’m going to say that this absolutely should NOT be the norm. We are in the midst of a teacher shortage and there's a good reason for it.
In this episode, we cover:
- What burnout is and the importance of leaving it behind
- Lesson learned from experiencing a burnout cycle
- Signs to look out for when experiencing burnout
- 3 ways to help you recover from burnout
We are flipping the script in this episode! I know you're going to love it. Should you need any further support, reach out to me on Instagram. I truly love to connect with other educators!
Get your Magic Mind shot at 20% off!
Need added support in the classroom? Apply for 1:1 coaching
It can be really hard to be flexible as a new or even struggling teacher. When it comes to flexibility in the classroom it’s about knowing when to change course, accepting that it won’t be perfect, and being prepared for anything that comes up during the school day. We break all of this down inside the podcast episode by asking:
- How does one know when to change course?
- How can we accept that our classrooms won’t be perfect?
- How does one handle what comes up on a daily basis?
Flexibility is everything when you’re running a classroom full on littles. Take this advice, implement it, and if you need further support be sure to apply to 1:1 coaching.Come hang out with me on Instagram if you aren’t already doing so… find me @coachforteachers. That’s where it all goes down. You don’t want to miss out.
Mindfulness is not only an important part of a persons life but also a part of the classroom for both yourself and your students. Today's guest is a Certified Mindfulness & Meditation Teacher and the founder of Goldminds Canada, a mindfulness for kids organization that creates a safe space for kids to talk about their emotions and participate in fun exercises that introduce them to deep breathing, gratitude, and self-love. We had a wonderful conversation about incorporating mindfulness and co-regulation into life and the classroom.
Connect with CynthiaGet your Magic Mind shot today!
Literacy is an integral part of learning for children of all ages. It almost as important, if not more important, for children in early childhood. Early childhood is when children acquire a love of learning.
In today's podcast episode, I had Beck from Grow with Beck which is an early education company that helps young learners develop literacy skills, early learning, and kindergarten readiness. Beck and I had a conversation about what early literacy is, what it looks like, and how teachers can incorporate early literacy into their classrooms easily.
Connect with Beck
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Classroom routines are probably one of the hardest things to teach our students as new teachers. Many times, we over think and over complicate or doubt our abilities to be able to not only implement routines but also make them stick. Today we're talking about how to teach the routines you want to see inside your classroom. I give you a detailed explanation along with questions you can answer and reflect on to give you the answers you need to create that routine.
Get Your Magic Mind shot today!Apply for 1:1 Coaching
New teachers struggle to know where to begin once they get assigned to their own classroom. Unfortunately, I've spoken to many of those teachers; some are starting mid-year and some already started but are feeling not good enough. There are tools and knowledge teachers need that isn't given when you're in school for teaching. In today's episode, I dive into the first step teachers need to do to help set themselves up for success inside their classrooms.
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As we move into 2024, I truly believe it's important for us to not only set goals for the new year but also reflect on the year that passed. Celebrate the good and find ways to navigate the bad differently in the following year. Today, I'm sharing six lessons I learned in 2023, after a truly difficult 2022. I'm walking into 2024 excited and ready to take action on my BIG goals! Happy Listening!
Get your 90-minute goal setting session when applying and signing on for 1:1 coaching. Apply hereDon't want a full program? Get a one-off 90-minute session here!Follow: @shapinglittlemindspodcast
This is one of the busiest times of year for educators as a whole. Thanksgiving never really feels like a true break and the time between Thanksgiving and winter break can feel excruciating, overwhelming, and truly exhausting. A lot comes up both in life and in the classroom. So how do you manage that?
In this episode, I share four tools that have helped me thrive in the classroom when I was feeling like I wouldn't even make it to winter break, let alone through the week. These are tools that easily implementable for teachers but also might require additional support.
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: @shapinglittlemindspodcastToday's Sponsor:
- Do you feel like if you got more support you might be happier in the classroom? Maybe you aren’t sure where to get that support? Get individualized support inside 1:1 coaching! Apply hereor message me on Instagram with any questions!
It's really easy to get consumed in our teaching careers. Many of us spend SO much time wanting to excel in teaching that we suddenly lose ourselves in the process. In today's podcast episode, I dive into 3 components that can help you to start finding yourself again: our thoughts, our behaviors and our habits. We discuss how each one can pull you down but also how they can actually propel you to find your identity and create a life you never thought was possible.
Follow: @shapinglittlemindspodcast
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Coaching has become a sort of buzzword in the education space. It's important to understand what coaching can actually do for you and what you need to be looking for in a coach before you decide to work with them. Plus it never hurt to talk about the benefits of coaching! Today, I got to speak to my friend Autumn all about coaching teachers and what that looks like. Autumn is a career coach for teachers who helps teachers transition out and navigate the corporate world outside of the classroom. Happy Listening!
Connect with AutumnCheck out Autumn's black friday deals!Get a taste of 1:1 coaching for 50% OFF
It can feel uncomfortable to set boundaries as a teacher, especially during a busy season. What if I told you boundaries can actually help create more space for you even during a busy season? In this episode we discuss what could come up in the coming weeks, why that can be so hard to navigate without the right support, and the three main reasons we either don't set any boundaries and we set boundaries that don't end up sticking.
Happy Listening!
Follow: @shapinglittlemindspodcast
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Most people think of balance as a 50/50 split. Personally, I believe a balance is about not only enjoying your job as a teacher but also enjoying life outside of the classroom. I believe we go through seasons. In today's podcast episode, I give you 3 steps to help you start to find a balance both in and out of the classroom.
Step 1: Create harmony in your classroom
Step 2: Set Boundaries
Step 3: Ask for HELP!
Follow:@shapinglittlemindspodcast
Want to learn more about setting boundaries? Sign up for my free masterclass all about setting boundaries the STICK.Get in on the Black Friday sale!Apply for 1:1 Coaching
When I started teaching, I was consumed by my work and so much so that I stopped exercising, declined invitations to social events, and rarely saw my family. Instead, I would come home after an exhausting day and I would stress over student issues or create lesson plans. It shouldn’t surprise you when I say… It didn't take me long to burn out and start questioning who I was outside of the classroom.
In this episode, I cover:
- 3 steps I took to protect my energy
- Action steps you can take to start
- An example for each step to understand what needs to shift in order to make that shift possible
Happy Listening!
Instagram:@shapinglittlemindspodcastSurviving to Thriving: A FREE Guide for New + Struggling TeachersApply for 1:1 Coaching
I want to preface this by saying: there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with wanting a Pinterest perfect classroom. BUT if it’s causing you stress, anxiety and you feel like you’re going broke in the process… we should talk about it.
So the question is… Is this a self imposed expectation? Is it a societal expectation? Is it a school expectation?
I want to remind teachers of this:
- Your classroom will be amazing no matter what you put up on the bulletin boards
- Your classroom will never be a perfect place; you’re not perfect and neither are your students
- If you want to spend money on your classroom, give yourself a reasonable budget so you don’t feel like you’re going broke
- Try to stay away from comparing. You don’t know how long it’s taken a teacher to have the room set up and decorated the way he/she does.
Happy Listening!
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Instagram: @shapinglittlemindspodcastSurviving to Thriving: A FREE Guide for New + Struggling TeachersApply for 1:1 Coaching
Teaching children how to read can feel hard and tricky. The Science of Reading is a curriculum that helps educators teach their students to read. It is the data based research that has been found to assist learners who struggle with reading and writing. I have a special guest on the podcast today coming to you all the way from Australia. Her name is Emily and she is going to discuss the science of reading, why it’s important within schools, and what it truly does to help your students read.
What's covered in today's episode:
- What is the science of reading
- Benefits to the science of reading
- How it can help educators teach children to read
- How teachers can incorporate it into their classrooms
Happy Listening!
Grab Emily's ResourcesConnect with Emily Follow: @shapinglittlemindspodcast
Today’s episode is diving into myth #2: You have to be available 24/7 to be a good teacher. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why being available 24/7 doesn’t actually make you a better teacher
- What being available 24/7 can actually do to your nervous system
- 3 ways you can stop being available 24/7 and create peace of mind
For whatever reason, teachers feel that they need to always be available; responding to emails after hours, working on lesson plans late into the evening, sacrificing time with loved ones to work, etc.
GRAB THE FREE SURVIVING TO THRIVING GUIDEAPPLY FOR 1:1 COACHING FOLLOW @SHAPINGLITTLEMINDSPODCAST
I got to chat with the play and mindset coach, Kara, where we dive into the importance of play as adults and what that can do for our inner child. There’s so much in here PLUS Kara has various resources for you to jump in on at any time.
This is what we cover:
- What play can look like as an adult
- What you can do to incorporate play
- If you find play "silly"
- Healing our inner child through play
I would love to hear what your biggest takeaway was so that I can share that with Kara. I know she loves to connect with others and truly just helps you to bring play into your life. Send me a DM on Instagram with your takeaway!
Connect with Kara:
- Grab Kara's Resources
Over the next several weeks, I’m going to be busting myths regarding what being a “good teacher” looks like. These episodes will go live every other week, with some incredible guest episodes in between. Today’s episode is the first of four and we are talking about the idea that you have to work outside of contracted hours to be a good teacher.
- Have you ever been told that in order to be a good teacher, you’ll have to do work at home?
- Or in order to be a good teacher, you have to lesson plan over the weekends so you’re prepared for the following week?
I hate to break it to you… but that only leads you to burn out.
Be prepared to stop working contracted hours after listening to this! This will DRASTICALLY shift your mindset.
Instagram: @shapinglittlemindspodcast1:1 Coaching ApplicationFree Guide: Surviving to THRIVING
Carla is an early childhood educator, speaker, podcaster and so much more. She is joining me on the podcast today to raise awareness to the importance of raising our voices as early childhood educators. She talks about how you can start to raise your voice, shares resources you can dive into, and shows a way to get past any imposter syndrome you might be feeling. Just remember: raising your voice doesn't mean being the loudest.
Connect with Carla:
- @elfoundations
- Sign up for Carla's masterclass!
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Renata is an intuitive nutrition coach who helps women to nourish their body, mind and soul. I wanted her to have this conversation with me because it is back to school season and I KNOW how busy it can get. I asked Renata to share what skipping a meal can do to your body and why it’s so important to nourish your body even during busy seasons.
Highlights:
- What is nutrition and what nutrition looks like
- Importance of eating balanced meals
- Effects of skipping a meal
- Ways to implement healthy eating even after a long day
and more!
Follow:
Renata:@nourish_with_renatahttps://www.nourishwithrenata.com/ Adva Hanan: @shapinglittlemindspodcast
I am bringing back my friend and client, Ashley. She got to experience 1:1 coaching and had such a big learning curve that she re-signed. She ended up being in coaching with me for a total of 6 months. To give you a bit of background, she has been an early childhood educator for over a decade but found herself struggling more than she ever has in previous years and looking for added support.
We dive into:
- why she came into coaching in the first place
- where she was when she started vs. right now
- how she overcame her fear of investment
- things she learned while inside the program
and so much more! Ashley's growth has been tremendous throughout our 6 months working together.
1:1 COACHING APPLICATION Connect with Ashley:
- ashadoodle@gmail.com
We’re diving into what you can do when things get hard throughout the school year. It is inevitable that teachers will go through hard times in their classrooms; whether it be student related, admin related, or just all things classroom related. Sometimes that hard can actually impact our feelings about returning the following year. I felt like this was the perfect episode to have right now as so many teachers are transitioning back into school.
- Remember Your WHY
- Find Your Teacher Community
- Do things that bring you JOY
Find out why these three are so important to your success as a teacher, especially when things do get hard at various points in the school year.
PS. Last weekend was the first official bootcamp for teachers. I had so much fun planning an amazing experience for all the teachers who registered. Each day there was a new training packed with lots of value. The “how” of managing your first weeks of school can feel daunting so I created a space for the teachers inside the bootcamp to really learn the “how” and be able to implement it during the training itself.It’s not too late to register!
BOOTCAMP1:1 COACHING
I've said this before, and I'll say it again... support for new teachers should be mandatory. My clients were lost, overwhelmed, and stressed out before they got the support they truly needed to feel successful in the classroom.
- Client A went from stressed, overwhelmed, and on the brink of burnout to loving her life and reigniting her love for teaching.
- Client S is a brand new teacher who reached out knowing she needed support. She come off of most calls feeling less stressed, less anxious, and more confident in herself and in her teaching abilities.
Support breads confidence. They are the proof! Start getting the support you need by registering for A Roadmap to the First Weeks of School: A 3 Day Bootcamp Experience. You know you want to!
If you could share this episode with your teacher friends, leave a review, or just share the episode on Instagram and tag me. I love to connect with you!
Register for the Bootcamp Today!Connect with me on Instagram
Why teachers don't work in contracted hours:
- So much to do, so little time to do it
- We feel guilty if we don’t stay late or work overtime
- We worry that we are bad teachers if we don't work overtime
We're changing that inside of my bootcamp! Find out more by clicking this linkand snag your spot today.
I’m going to outline 5 steps you can take as a new teacher to prepare for your first year of teaching. I know that so many new teachers see all of the things they have to do and start to feel overwhelmed. So, I’m breaking down each of the steps I used to take when entering a new school year.
- Familiarize yourself with the curriculum
- Create classroom rules, routines + expectations
- Start working backwards to create engaging and interactive lesson plans
- Create a management system
- Find a Mentor
Grab your pen + paper to take notes. You don't want to miss this!
Click here to register for the bootcamp
Listen to Episode 92 for more guidance on behavior
Check out my Instagram Live to learn about classroom management
This week we are discussing the link between mindset and behaviors. Angie is a mindset coach, speech therapist, and has worked in the autism field for a couple of decades. She also a former foster mom, adoptive and biological mom. Her work is amazing! So today, she is going to talk to you all about the connection your mindset has to some of your students' behaviors. I loved learning about this and I think you will too!
Connect with Angie:
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/connectedparentswithangie/
- https://www.connectedparentswithangie.com
- Book Recommendation Link
Grab your spot to the bootcamp!
It can be hard to figure out how to prepare for an interview, especially when you're likely interviewing for the first time. I have five steps you can take to be fully prepared for an upcoming interview.
- Know what you want
- Do your research
- Update your resume
- Get Information
- Write a follow up email
Applying for a first year teaching position can be stressful and challenging at times. I want to make sure you feel more prepared after listening to this episode.
Apply for 1:1 coachingRegister for the Bootcamp
Today’s podcast episode will cover what you can do over the summer to not only get the rest you need but also feel prepared for the coming school year. I’m going to share two very specific actions you can take that I truly believe are most important over summer break.
- Intentional rest
- 1-2 hours of work each week
I believe there’s a messy in between that can help you feel rested but also get you feeling confident about going into another school year. These are the two actions you can take to not only get the rest you need but also start the coming school year on the right foot.
Happy Listening!
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As teachers we are our students advocates throughout the school year. But what about advocating for ourselves? I have Katie Selby on the podcast. She has learned through various challenges what it really means to advocate for yourself and therefore, became a paraprofessional wanting to advocate for students.
In this episode, we cover:
- Definition of advocacy
- What it means to advocate for yourself
- What it means to advocate for students
- What it looks like to advocate for yourself and your students
Advocacy is an important part of our job as educators. Tune in to learn more.
Connect with Katie:
I know some of you have already finished your school year, but where I am there are still about 2 weeks of school left. On today's podcast episode, I give you four strategies that will help you end your year feeling more confident and less burntout.
- Focus less on the act of "teaching"
- Set intentional "me time"
- Navigating behaviors
- Stick to boundaries
These are the four strategies I learned the hard way. Unfortunately, burnout has become the norm at the end of the school year and that's what new teachers are being taught. Burnout is never normal and should stop being a part of our vocabulary as teachers. I teach these strategies in more depth to my clients inside of 1:1 coaching. If you are ready to ditch burnout and get the mentorship you deserve, you can apply for 1:1 coaching the link below.
Apply for 1:1 coachingFollow on IG
I believed that to be a good teacher, I needed to do it ALL. I was always so busy and telling myself:
- "I have to lesson plan over the weekend, otherwise I'll fail as a teacher"
- "Teaching is a profession where work needs to be done after hours"
- "Being busy means I'm successful"
- "Teaching is hard"
I was always waiting for the next vacation so I could reboot and be excited about going back to the classroom again. When I say teaching is just a job I don’t mean that it becomes a job you don’t care about. Here’s the thing… changing your mindset to believe that teaching is just a job isn’t something that happens overnight. Changing your mindset gives you the ability to change your life.
Your mindset creates your reality Find out how this mindset helped me create the reality I had always wanted. Happy Listening!
Apply for 1:1 Coaching: https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Download the FREE Boundaries to Confidence Guide: https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/offers/yFoQtYee
Things have shifted and I learned some important lessons throughout this maternity leave coverage these last several weeks. All of these lessons would not have been possible without the support and guidance I invested in.
- I had to find different boundaries to set
- I can create my own energy in and out of the classroom
- How I dealt with mindset struggles
Getting through these hard lessons has made the biggest difference in the way I live my life. I don't let teaching consume me anymore. I create the change I want to see. If you are feeling like your energy is depleted, as I have these last several weeks; like you are taking those negative feelings home after a hard of teaching, I want you to know that it doesn’t have to be that way.
You can create this change with intentional support. Apply for 1:1 coaching today!
Happy Listening!
Today’s podcast episode is all about the mistakes I made when I decided I wanted to transition out of the classroom. This episode is really to help you learn from my mistakes so you don’t repeat them and so that you can create a better outcome more quickly once you transition rather than it taking you over a year to get to that place, like it did for me.
- Putting all my eggs into one basket
- Believing Self-Doubt
- Relying on savings to get me through
- Taking on jobs because I felt desperate
All of this is designed for you inside of my 1:1 coaching. I give you the tools and the mindset training to be able to transition out of the classroom with complete confidence. Apply to learn more!If you have any questions or just want to chat, send me a message on Instagram! @shapinglittlemindspodcast
Happy Listening!
Have you ever considered that ensuring children know how to navigate their emotions in an appropriate way will help you to continue managing your classroom in a way that works for both you and your students?
Today, I bring you that perspective after a hard first week covering a maternity leave.
We discuss:
- Keeping calm in the midst of chaos
- Creating a routine in the classroom
- Reading books about emotions + feelings
- Breathe work
- Validating children's feelings
So today, we'refocusing on how helping children understand + navigate their emotions can actually help you manage your classroom in a way that is geared specifically toward your students.
Happy Listening!
If you want to learn about this in more depth, you can apply for The Confident ECE, my coaching program for new and struggling early childhood teachers - https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Follow me to get tips to protect your time + energy: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Have you been considering transitioning out of the classroom? Maybe you're worried you don't have the qualifications for other positions outside of teaching; maybe you don't know what you'd be good at; or you are just nervous and want to hear about someone else's experience.
You're in the right place!
On today's podcast episode, I had Jill Berkowitz talk about her transition out of the classroom + her role now. You'll learn some tips to help you find your next career path, if that is something you're considering.
Connect with Jill:
- http://linkedin.com/in/jill-berkowitz
- https://twitter.com/jlberko
Follow along:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Do you have centers within your classroom? Have you ever thought about how layout of your classroom could actually affect the learning?
In today's podcast episode, we cover:
- What centers are + what they're used for
- Why centers are important in an early childhood setting
- Reflective questions to think about
- Center suggestions to consider
With that being said, there is always extra support offered inside of my coaching program, The Confident ECE. We dive into this exact topic inside of the pre-recorded portal in week 2 of the curriculum. You get to learn from this and ask any questions.
If you are interested in hopping on a free sales call, we will create an action plan that will help you to create the classroom layout + environment you've envisioned. Apply with the link below!
Apply here:https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Follow me on IG:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
I have always valued movement in my classroom when I was a full-time teacher and wanted to encourage you to incorporate movement into yours.
In today's podcast episode, I was lucky enough to bring my good friend Lauren on to speak about movement. Lauren is a PE teacher who has been in the education space for over 20 years.
We discuss the benefits of movement. We dive into various books in which you can incorporate movement when reading them. We talk about the importance of a daily movement practice inside a classroom.
Movement is an incredible thing to bring into your classroom. If you're unsure as to how to do this, this is the episode for you.
Connect with Lauren:
- https://www.instagram.com/laurensgreene
- laurengreene1120@gmail.com
Connect with Me:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
If you are ready to feel confident in your preparation, know how to manage your time + prioritize tasks, and create space for YOU you're going to want to tune in.
In this week's podcast episode, I outline 3 of the biggest issues I see as teachers start to prepare for parent-teacher conferences to help you eliminate stress + overwhelm even though more work has been added to your plate. I promise you, it's possible.
This episode is to help you feel empowered throughout this time, knowing that you can show up for your students AND live the life you've always dreamed of.
I dive into the power of time, managing time + prioritizing throughout the work day, and creating space for you every single day.
Apply for The Confident ECE:https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Connect with Me:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
I have a guest with an incredible story. Her name is Michele Benyo and she is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®, early childhood parent coach, and the founder of Good Grief Parenting. After her 6-year-old son died of cancer, her 3-year-old daughter said, “Mommy, half of me is gone.” This heartbreaking statement focused Michele’s career as an early childhood parenting specialist on the impact of grief on young children, particularly after child loss. Michele equips parents and other caring adults to provide the support young grieving children need to cope well with any loss. So today, Michele is giving you the tools to be able to handle sudden loss and grief among your students in the classroom.
Book a Sales Call: https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Connect with Michele:
- https://linktr.ee/goodgriefparenting
- https://www.instagram.com/goodgriefparenting
- https://www.facebook.com/goodgriefparenting
Follow:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
We all have excuses as to why we are too busy to make plans or too busy to spend quality time with our partners or spouses.
Teaching is always busy and I doubt that will change. It's a matter of changing our thoughts around our ability to integrate work + life; letting teaching be a small part of your life rather than you entire life.
In today's episode I dive into 3 excuses I hear teachers using on a pretty consistent basis and I was one of those teachers just a few years ago.
- "I don't have time"
- "If I don't work outside contracted hours, I won't get everything done"
- "I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't busy working"
Sound familiar?
Tune in + take a deep dive with me as to how you can change your thoughts and therefore, change your life for the better.
Follow:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Apply for The Confident ECE:https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Book a call:https://calendly.com/newteachercoaching/confidentece
In this episode, I am bringing my friend Brittany onto the show to talk about her first year as an enrichment teacher.
You'll hear about:
- What her first year has been like
- The mentorship she's received
- What resources have helped her most
- The challenges she's faced as a first year teacher, and
- Words of wisdom for other new teachers
There are so many important lessons in this episode. You will learn a lot from Brittany in this episode + if you are looking to connect with her, you'll find her Instagram handle below.
Connect with Brittany: https://www.instagram.com/britt__rose_
Share your biggest takeaway: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Apply for The Confident ECE:https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Have you ever wondered what 1:1 coaching calls are truly like?
You've heard that they are 60 minutes and geared toward your needs as a teacher but is that really accurate?
In today's episode, I break down some topics of conversation inside of my 1:1 calls with a client. This client is an assistant teacher + is struggling with bringing stress home with her and doing work on her days off. We started with different strategies to help her decompress and discussed mindset throughout our most recent conversation.
We are six weeks in and there's been a tremendous amount of growth. I can't wait to see what happens in the next 4 weeks. This client is already thinking of extending for another 10 weeks together. So much can happen over a short period of time. Spots are open until they're not so grab your free 60 minute call with the link below.
Book your free 60 minute call:https://calendly.com/newteachercoaching/confidentece Learn more about The Confident ECE: https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/pl/2147637103
Let's Connect:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
This may be a more controversial topic to discuss but I thought it was important. I have always believed that a degree can get you further than you imagined when your end goal is to be a classroom teacher.
I might have been wrong... or at least my thoughts around that have changed.
On today's podcast episode, I have my good friend + roommate as a guest because she has made some tremendous strides without a bachelors degree. She is someone who has found ways to still learn even if it's not the traditional way. She worked really hard to get where she is and has not given up. All of this to say, it is possible to achieve a lot as an educator even without a degree.
Follow Dara on Instagram:
- https://www.instagram.com/dzaer90/
- https://www.instagram.com/g.w.a.v.a/
- https://www.instagram.com/dzeducation101/
Join me for Leaders Lounge Virtual Summit:https://leaderslounge.solutions/adva
Happy New Year!! Here is your first episode of 2023. We are diving into ditching the stress of going back to work after a long break.
Here's what we cover:
- Identity work; who are you at the core?
- Journal Prompts to help you take action
- Setting boundaries
I have been lucky enough to be asked to participate in this year’s Leader’s Lounge Virtual Summit hosted by Beth Cannon. This year, I’ll be speaking on creating a work/life balance and taking back your time as a busy teacher. Join me January 13-16th.
Leaders Lounge:https://leaderslounge.solutions/adva
Learn more about The Confident ECE:https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/pl/2147637103
Apply for The Confident ECE (teachers): https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Apply for The Confident ECE (directors/supervisors):https://forms.gle/6cpcnGFu3ByHXMxZA
2022 was a hard year for many, myself included and today, I wanted to share some lessons I've learned over the last year. I wanted to share these lessons with you because I truly believe they are invaluable and can help you grow + move into the new year positively.
- There is a way to integrate work and life without burnout
- Identity outside of your work is crucial
- Being productive is not everything
These lessons have helped me to live the life I love and create a business that I love. As hard as it was to learn these lessons, they gave me the opportunity to grow in a tremendous way and therefore, have the ability to share them with you.
Happy Listening!!
Apply to join The Confident ECE: https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Follow: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Behavior management has become the topic to discuss. Why? Behaviors in the classroom are more drastic and very different than they’ve been in the past. So many teachers are struggling to gain control of those said behaviors and it is one of the many reasons teachers are leaving education. This becomes a reason teachers burnout; when the classroom is chaotic, teachers feel like life is chaotic. And when that happens, teachers burn out much quicker. I personally don’t believe burnout needs to be in a teacher's vocabulary if they are taking the right steps to navigate their classroom and create a strong identity outside of teaching.
- Incorporate Sensory Play
- Movement
- Social Emotional Learning
You can dive even further inside of my mentorship program, The Confident ECE. Learn more with the link in the show notes below OR apply to get on a free call today to see if this program would be a good fit for you.
Follow: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Episode #70: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shaping-little-minds/id1549702974
Learn More: https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/pl/2147637103
Apply Today: https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Today, we are diving into the juicy details of what it means to join The Confident ECE. I answer questions like: who is this for? How much will it cost? What is the time commitment?
The Confident ECE is a mentorship program for new and struggling teachers who are looking for in class support. Tune in to find out if this program is the right fit for you.
Learn more:https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/pl/2147637103
Confident ECE Application:https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Out of the Class Partnership:https://www.ootcjobs.com
Questions?http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Have you ever thought about incorporating sensory play for your students?
In today’s podcast episode, I got to talk to Tiffany about sensory play in the early childhood classroom. We dive into what sensory play is, how it encourages learning, various activities teachers can incorporate, and the way it impacts a child’s development and behavior.
Thank you so much for listening to this week's episode! Below you'll find various ways to connect with Tiffany. I hope you share this episode with teacher friends who might be looking for more guidance.
Learn more from Tiffany:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/skillsetreset
- Website: skillsetreset.com
Learn more about The Confident ECE:https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/pl/2147637103
Classroom and behavior management is something all teachers are struggling with at the moment. When I put a poll up to ask what teachers want to learn about, the most prominent answer was classroom management. In today's episode, I dive into the 4 steps I've taken to create a classroom management plan . It's the steps I find to be the hardest and challenging inside the classroom.
Step 1: Ask for help
Step 2: be proactive instead of reactive
Step 3: Master routines + transitions
Step 4: Rinse and Repeat
All of this is found inside of my mentorship program, The Confident ECE. We dive into ALL things in the classroom so that you can not only be an amazing teacher but also find joy in your life outside of teaching. When your classroom is organized + feeling under control, you have the capacity to truly live life and navigate anything that may come up every once in a while.
Free Resources:
- Reflective Guide: https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/offers/sBQ3dtkB
- Podcast Reflection + Exercise: https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/offers/iNYKAEC5
Learn more about The Confident ECE: https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/pl/2147637103
Follow: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
We can’t just assume that our students will know what they are feeling let alone be able to verbalize it. We need to teach them the vocabulary necessary to express their feelings. In this episode, we dive into various ways we can start to teach our students about emotions and feelings throughout the school year.
A question to consider: What does the feeling look like?This will help our learners recognize others feelings and their own. One of the leading causes of burnout is behavior management and I believe that if we became intentional about teaching our students about emotions and feelings, the classroom dynamic would start to shift.
Continue the conversation on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
The Confident ECE Application:https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
I talk a lot about this idea of getting consumed in teaching to the point where we end up losing who we are at the core. I think that a big part of this is the idea that rest is bad and the only way we’re using our time wisely is by being productive.
What if you changed your mindset around rest?Today we discuss the lessons I've learned after shifting my mindset around the idea of rest. Shifting your mindset around rest can help you to create the balance you've been looking for as a classroom teacher.
PLUS, I can support you in this with a free60 minute call!
Apply today for a free 60 minute call:https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Follow:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
I’m excited to dive into this week’s episode because I’ve never done an episode on this topic. I’ve talked about all the things you can do inside an early childhood classroom to encourage learning and play but I’ve never discussed the importance of listening. Listening is a powerful tool educators need and should practice on a consistent basis. We talk about the 4 ways you can become more intentional in being an active listener inside the classroom:
- Be present
- Focus on compassion
- Talk less, Listen more
- Respond quickly
Being an active listener isn't necessarily easy. It takes time and work. This is our time to do better for our students.
Classroom Leadership Podcast Episode (#38): https://open.spotify.com/show/0dIVj44W5HjCVmef8vXK5C?si=4b2a1d6678b045e2
The Confident ECE Application: https://forms.gle/dwe4RHi3VTSEVq1QA
Follow: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Today, I’m going to dive into a topic I’m super passionate about and it happens to be my #1 piece of advice for early childhood teachers. If you’ve been with me a while, you know that I whole-heartedly believe that early childhood teachers need a mentor. Someone that will help to guide and support them throughout their education journey.
We'll cover:
- Why mentorship is so critical for new and struggling teachers
- How a mentor could've changed my first year of teaching
Find your mentor by applying to my brand new program, The Confident ECE. If you have been in search of a mentorship program that will truly help you grow and learn inside the classroom, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Apply Here! Follow: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
I’m bringing the theme of play back onto the podcast but we’re diving into how to make play a part of the learning process. I got to welcome back my good friend, Carla Ward; an early childhood educator and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Early Learning Foundations and is one of the biggest advocates for early childhood educators.
Here's what we cover:
- Why play is a controversial topic in the early childhood classroom
- Benefits of play in the classroom
- What skills children develop by playing
- How to make play a part of the learning process
- Resources teachers can dive into to learn more
Connect with Carla: https://www.instagram.com/elfoundations
Learn More About Play:
- https://media.kaboom.org/docs/documents/pdf/ip/Imagination-Playground-Theory-of-Loose-Parts-Simon-Nicholson.pdf
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248909268_Block_Play_Performance_Among_Preschoolers_As_a_Predictor_of_Later_School_Achievement_in_Mathematics
- https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2015/ten-things-children-learn-block-play
- https://www.teachearlyyears.com/learning-and-development/view/the-benefits-of-block-play
Schedule Your Call for The Confident ECE: https://calendly.com/newteachercoaching/confidentece
Boundaries set the foundation for balance in your teaching career. Boundaries help to create balance between your work as a teacher and your personal life. In this episode, I give you different ways to start setting boundaries so that you start to enjoy your life outside of teaching.
I dive into:
- Morning routines; why that in and of itself is setting a boundary, what my morning routine looks like, and the importance of a morning routine.
- My "work stays at work" mentality. How beneficial it is to only work in your contracted hours.
- Having a strong identity outside of the classroom
Not only that, I have a special surprise for you. I created a free resource for you called Boundaries to Confidence. Click the link below to download your copy today!
Boundaries to Confidence Guide: https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/offers/yFoQtYee
Work 1:1 with Adva: https://calendly.com/newteachercoaching/confidentece
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Have you ever thought about incorporating the practice of mindfulness into your classroom or looking for new ways to continue bringing mindfulness into your classroom?
Look no further!! In this episode, I got to speak to one of my best friends, Adina about mindfulness in the classroom. Adina is not only one of my best friends but an amazing educator. She brings mindfulness into her classroom each year and I thought I could bring her on to have her share some of her insight.
In this episode, we cover:
- Definition of mindfulness
- Importance of mindfulness
- Mindfulness activities in the classroom
- Book recommendations about mindfulness
- Resources to help you incorporate mindfulness inside the classroom
I’d love to hear from you… what is one thing you are taking away with you and implementing it into your classroom? Send me a message on Instagram (@shapinglittlemindspodcast) and I’ll be sure to share it with Adina as well.
Connect with Adina: https://www.instagram.com/readwithpride
Email Adina: adina.rudin@gmail.com
Follow: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Book Your Free Call for The Confident ECE: https://calendly.com/newteachercoaching/confidentece
Today I have a very special guest on the podcast! Kathleen Gomes is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with 10 years experience working in full day kindergarten and more recently, she is employed as an ERW, caring for children with diverse needs. In today’s episode, we talk about teacher self- care; what self-care is, why it’s important, and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine.
If you enjoyed listening to this episode and want to learn more, I have a brand new program, called The Confident ECE, for new or struggling early childhood teachers. This is a program helps teachers to feel confident and self-sufficient inside the classroom. Interested in learning more? I invite you to book a free 60 minute call where I can help you to identify who you are as a teacher and who you want to be outside of that. We get to start diving into making teaching a part of your life rather than letting it consume you.
Connect with Kathleen onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleengomesconsulting
Connect with Kathleen on her website:https://www.kathleengomesconsulting.comApply to work with Adva:https://calendly.com/newteachercoaching/confidentece
Teaching has never been easy and definitely isn’t getting easier while being in a pandemic for the last 2.5 years. Without classroom support, teaching can feel even more difficult and can end up consuming your life. Teaching becomes everything you are rather than just a part of who you are.
In this episode, Adva explains her new program, The Confident ECE, that provides early childhood teachers with continued learning, tools to help you implement the learning and added support inside the classroom. Adva shares how this program will change the game for you if you're a new teacher or are struggling inside the classroom and therefore are consumed by your work. The Confident ECE will help early childhood teachers go from feeling unsupported, stressed out and overwhelmed to feeling confident and self-sufficient inside the classroom while showing up for yourself every single day.
Connect with Adva:
Instagram: @shapinglittlemindspodcast
Apply to work with Adva: The Confident ECE
I never experienced Sunday Scaries on this level until I got hired for this summers camp job. But I learned a lot from my experience which is why I’m here sharing this with you; it’s why I launched this podcast in the first place. I wanted to share my knowledge and experiences with teachers. I’m going to list what I’ve learned from my experiences. Please note that I don’t claim to be an expert and am just sharing what worked for me.
I want you to know that even with the tools I'm giving you in today's episode, you will have days that feel harder than others. That is completely normal and I hope you learn to give yourself the grace that you need in those moments. It’s not easy but it is worth it in the end.
What tools do you have in your back pocket to help navigate Sunday Scaries? I want to hear from you! Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know.
Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
I put together a list of 5 important things to focus on during those first days of school:
- Don’t stress about your lesson plans being perfect
- Focus on building relationships with your students
- Review Expectations, Rules & Routines
- Set boundaries from the very beginning
- Enforce Rules
Now I have a question for you… What else do you focus on in the first days of school? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message on Instagram @shapinglittlemindspodcast and I’ll share to my feed so that other teachers can learn from you too!
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Art has unfortunately become a non-essential activity in schools. Everything is much more academically focused. Today, I have Jalilah on the podcast who can dive into the importance of art, teach you how to implement quality and authentic art lessons into the classroom, and ways to keep your art center exciting and autonomous.
What we'll cover:
- Why art is such an important part of early childhood
- What authentic art lessons are and how to incorporate them into your classroom
- How to keep your art center exciting throughout the year
- Resources to help with art development
Art Resource: https://www.jalilahsartstudio.com
Connect with Jalilah:https://www.instagram.com/jalilahsartstudio/
Follow:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
When we make the decision to be a teacher, we are usually there for the kids. We love kids, we love to watch them grow; we’re not usually there because the money is good. If you’ve been around, you know that as teachers we truly don’t get paid enough for the work we do. In today’s episode, we’ll cover:
- Definition of advocacy and the importance of being an advocate
- 3 ways you can advocate for your students
- 3 ways you can advocate for yourself, as the teacher
There are so many ways you can both advocate for your students and yourself as an early childhood teacher. I’d love to know… what will you do first? What action will you take to become an advocate for yourself or your students? Send me a message on Instagram @shapinglittlemindspodcast; I’d love to hear from you!
Follow:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Episode #55:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shaping-little-minds/id1549702974
And... WE'RE BACK!!
Today’s episode is about professional development in early childhood. We talk about:
- the different ways you, as the teacher, can grab opportunities to continue to learn,
- what’s missing when it comes PD in early childhood,
- What teachers are struggling with right now that could change with access to the appropriate professional development program
- The components of professional development to make it effective, and
- Accessibility to PD
Help me welcome another amazing guest to this episode; Marcia! She has been in the early childhood field for many years. She knows her stuff and is ready to share it with the world. I can’t wait for you to meet her in today’s episode!
Connect with Marcia:
Instagram:@marcianicole_
Connect with Adva:
Instagram: @shapinglittlemindspodcast
Have you ever struggled with finding your identity outside of teaching? In the recent years, I have found that I bury myself in work rather than enjoying the time I spend on my own, with friends, with family, etc. I went from full-time employee to being my own boss and never took the time to really find out who I am outside of work; what really makes me happy. I created a life that revolved around work. I have done work to be more aware of my own thoughts, more aware of how I use social media, more aware of what I enjoy outside of teaching and this business. I learned that in order to really succeed in anything you do, you need to be confident in who you are at the core.
- Find a supportive community
- Delete social media off your phone & only use intentionally
- Get back to passions you thought were in the past
I hope this episode helps you to continue to discover who you are outside of teaching and reminds you that teaching isn't the only important part of your life. You are so much more than just a teacher.
Follow:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Today’s episode is all about the benefits of teamwork. What is teamwork? It is a group of people working together in an effective and productive way. We work as teams every day. Every teacher or administrator has a different experience with their team members. I’m here to remind you of the importance of teamwork and how it benefits YOU as teachers. Not all teams are effective and productive. This happens when a person is assigned a role that doesn’t suit them. A person in the wrong role ends with people feeling resentful. Having the right people in the right place and doing the right task is important with creating a team.
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
I had the pleasure of speaking to Natasha all about burnout while teaching in early childhood. Natasha is a registered early childhood educator in Ontario, Canada. She is passionate about providing children quality care and is an advocate for the early childhood profession. Please help me welcome Natasha onto the podcast!
Here's what we cover:
- What burnout is
- What are signs of burnout
- Benefits of knowing the signs
- Tools and resources to help you learn more
Follow:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Connect with Natasha:https://www.instagram.com/embolden.my.mind
Have you ever dealt with a parent who refused to see that their child needed more support inside the classroom? It's not easy and can be super frustrating as a teacher.
Today, I want to give you three specific ways to help you handle those objections without feeling like you want to give up on the child.
- Lean on Support
- Don't give up on the student, no matter the circumstances
- Go back to your "why"
We dive into these three strategies to help you get through those tough times. As teachers, we need to stay grounded and we need to continue to have professional and meaningful relationships with our students' families even when disagreements come up.
Thank you so much for tuning in to another episode of Shaping Little Minds Podcast. If you could share this with your teacher friends, leave a review, or just share it on Instagram and tag me @shapinglittlemindspodcast, that would be greatly appreciated. I love to connect with you!
Follow: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Classroom Leadership Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/61c0d38f93be4d001851ee88
Become Your Own Classroom Guru: https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/pl/2147583738
Do you invest in your learning? Do you take the time to learn alongside your students and implement any new strategies or techniques?
I know how busy teachers are throughout their day and especially now with Covid being a big part of the classroom environment. The work can be daunting but what happens when your techniques aren't working? Do you invest then? Or do you just try to figure it out as you go?
I can tell you from personal experience that figuring it out on the go, doesn't work!! That is why I am taking the time to dive into the importance of not only investing monetarily but also investing your time in professional development.
Tune in to find out more!
Follow:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Webinar:https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/offers/fso4bL42
Have you ever wondered how you can shift into a growth mindset? Did you know it helps you show up with confidence? I have a special guest on with me today! She’s a social media and confidence coach and today we are diving into operating with a growth mindset in order to show up with confidence.
Today's episode is all about shifting into a growth mindset. Annik gives lots of tips and tricks to help you not only incorporate it into your classroom but also internalize that mindset.
I can't wait to hear your biggest takeaways!
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Webinar: https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/offers/fso4bL42
Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/61c0d38f93be4d001851ee88
Follow Annik:https://www.instagram.com/annikwelshsocialhttps://www.annikwelshsocial.com
I'm changing things up! Today's teacher coaching episode is going to be a compilation. You may be wondering what that would look like... well here goes:
I'm taking questions from each teacher that can help you and giving you the chance to listen to just that part of the episode. I'm hoping that gives you a bit more help as you go through your teaching journey inside the classroom.
I love recording this series and I hope you enjoyed listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it.
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Classroom Leadership Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/61c0d38f93be4d001851ee88
Teacher Coaching Series Form: https://forms.gle/Bsj5QEgGQbopGU9w7
I'm so excited to introduce you to an early childhood teacher who has been subbing in various classrooms, is studying for his masters, and has worked with a variety of ages and disabilities. His hope is to enter the preschool world as a full-time teacher. Let's welcome Edgar to the podcast this week!
This episode is geared toward any first year teachers and those who plan to enter the teaching field. Edgar asks some amazing questions to help any new teachers be able to navigate their classroom in a productive and proactive way. We talk about the following:
- His experiences inside the classroom
- Tips for teachers entering the classroom
- Classroom management tips & tricks
Tune in to find out more!
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I'm so excited to start off the teacher coaching series with my good friend, Ashley. She is an early childhood teacher, working with two and three year olds in a school setting. She has experience working in a corporate daycare, specials needs program, and a private school. She used to be my assistant teacher!
We talk about:
- Her experiences in each setting
- Classroom management
- Co-teaching
- Teacher time management
If you enjoy listening to this podcast, make sure to leave a review, share it with a friend, or post on Instagram and tag me (@shapinglittlemindspodcast). I love to connect with you!!
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I have a special guest on the show today!
Jen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, social worker, and special needs mom. Her specialties include behavior modifications, all things special education, parent coaching, and school advocacy. Jen works with teachers, learners, and families to develop realistic interventions based on positivity, empathy, empowerment, and compassion.
Today’s episode is full of value and I’m so excited to introduce you to Jen! What we'll cover:
- What is a BCBA & the role they play in student services and supports
- How teachers can support their students who may be falling behind
- What are the steps to getting a child evaluated and set up with the right supports
Learn more from Jen: Website: https://jenniferbenna.com/links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenniferbennaconsulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbennaconsulting/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferbenna
Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/am6BtRyjEEcvyqrH9
Transitions inside the classroom are a key tool to managing classroom behavior. It’s not something that can be implemented and expected to work after one try. It’s all about consistency. When you’re consistent in the way you transition your students and your expectations of yourself and of your students align, you will start to see a change. You’ll start to feel like transitions are much smoother and more effective.
3 hacks we discuss:
- Expectations
- Cues
- Model
Thank you so much for listening to this week’s episode. If you could share this episode with your teacher friends, leave a review, or just share the episode on Instagram and tag me (@shaping little minds podcast). I love connecting with you!
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SELF CARE IS A NON-NEGOTIABLEAgree or Disagree?
Many times, we put our self-care to the side to tend to the other people in our lives whether that be our students, our spouses, our family, or our children. Now don’t get me wrong, it is super important to tend to every single person I just listed but it’s also critical for you to tend to YOU; to take care of you; to find time to do the things that bring you joy.
Taking care of YOU is most important when you want to show up fully for your students, your loved ones, and for yourself. So I have one question for you... What are you going to do today that will help you to fill up your cup? I'll go first. I decided that a workout is going to become a part of my morning routine, starting today. I have been so inconsistent and am not getting the results I'd like for obvious reasons. If you feel any inclination to share your one thing that will help to fill up your cup, I always love to hear from you!
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- How would it feel to walk into your classroom with confidence?
- How would it feel if you not only incorporated a growth mindset into your classroom but also internalized a growth mindset?
- How would it feel to know that the knowledge and skills you have are enough to be able to manage your classroom in a way that feels good to you?
Become Your Own Classroom Guru is the course to help you with just that! This course launched a little over a week ago and I am spilling the tea on this week's podcast episode. It will help you to go from feeling unsupported, unmotivated, and questioning your teaching abilities to feeling confident in leading your classroom each day.
Cart closes on Thursday at midnight!Follow:http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Enroll in Become Your Own Classroom Guru:https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/pl/2147546995
Hello!! Welcome back to Shaping Little Minds Podcast. I’m so excited you’re here with me!! Today we’re going to be diving into lesson planning for early childhood. Lesson planning can be super time consuming and when your day is as busy as us teachers are, it can be difficult to get it done during the work day. Today, we’ll talk about a few ways to plan lessons for early childhood so that it isn’t too time consuming. We want to plan for our students’ needs, in line with curriculum, and be able to differentiate for certain students in our classrooms. Plus it should be fun in an early childhood setting!
1. Include Learning Objectives when planning
2. Plan AHEAD!
3. When you plan activities, make sure you are gearing them toward your students
Learn more by listening to the episode. If you could share this episode with your teacher friends, leave a review, or just share the episode on Instagram and tag me (@shaping little minds podcast). I truly love connecting with you!
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Hop Into Become Your Own Classroom Guru: https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/offers/pXq2ECn2
I’m going to be walking you through three ways to help you manage and navigate any negative behavior you may be experiencing inside your classroom. I’m super excited for this episode because classroom management is something I love to talk about! It’s something that took me a little while to figure out inside my classroom when I first became a lead teacher.
- Be PROactive rather than REactive
- Plan for the ups and downs inside the classroom
- Expectations are crystal clear
Managing negative behaviors takes work on your end, as the teacher but it does pay off. I’m not saying that every day will be rainbows and sunshine, but doing the work will help the harder days not be as hard as they could be.
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Creating a Classroom Management Plan (PDF):https://shapinglittleminds.mykajabi.com/offers/UELoGkP3
Have you ever considered that there is a possibility that your mindset is affecting the style in which you’re teaching? In order to incorporate a growth mindset into the classroom, YOU have to internalize that growth mindset.
In this episode, I’m going to walk you through three ways in which you can incorporate a growth mindset into your classroom on a daily basis. When you incorporate a growth mindset, it makes a difference for the students who might be feeling hopeless; who might not be so excited to walk into the school building each day. A growth mindset can increase academic outcomes and help students strive for improvement rather than giving up and taking their mistakes or failures, personally.
If you could share this episode with your teacher friends, leave a review, or just share the episode on Instagram and tag me (link below). I truly love connecting with you!
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What kind of leadership style do you take on inside the classroom? You’ve probably heard me say this a million times but let me repeat once more… If you’re a teacher, you’re a leader. Agree or disagree? I’ll put a poll on my Instagram for you to vote on. You can hop on once you’re done listening to this episode!
Today’s podcast episode is all about the 4 research based leadership styles that relate to you, as the teacher, inside the classroom.
- Visionary Leader
- Communicative Leader
- Self-Aware Leader
- Impactful Leader
Dive into today’s episode to learn more and let me know which style of leadership you resonate with. I can’t wait to hear from you! Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Leaders Lounge:https://lnkd.in/dWThgm7i
I know how hard it can be to transition from break back into the normal school routine. You may feel unprepared for how the first days back are going to go. You may feel chaotic and need to take a few breathers throughout your day. Or you may just be bracing yourself for whatever happens.
In this episode, we dive into three tips to help you transition back into the classroom to help make the transition as seamless as possible.
- Review procedures & routines
- Give yourself and your students grace
- Lean on your community for support
Join me at Leaders Lounge: https://lnkd.in/dWThgm7i
Check out Overwhelm to Confidence Mini-Course: https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/h9pdvX7y
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Setting expectations is a critical piece in any professional space. It helps to create a working environment that is productive, motivating and collaborative. Have you ever worked with someone who didn’t meet your expectations? I know I have. It’s not easy and can be extraordinarily frustrating.
In today’s episode, I give you two ways in which you can successfully share your expectations with those working alongside you. It’s what helped me after a year of working with colleagues who did not meet my expectations. I learned a lot from that experience and wanted to share that with you, in case you’re going through something similar.
Thank you so much for listening to this episode today. I have a favor to ask you… if you enjoyed this episode as much as I did, I would be so appreciative if you could share this episode with your friends, leave a review, or just share the episode on Instagram and tag me @shapinglittlemindspodcast. I love connecting with you and I can’t wait to hear from you.
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Can you believe we’re in December already?! I feel like this year has quickly flown by!! 2022 is going to be a fresh start for me. New adventures and new opportunities are coming this way.
Today’s episode is a little different than any past episodes. I’ve taken parts of five of my favorite episodes. Each of which gives a picture of what teaching is like and all that goes into it.
- Episode #2: Asking for Help
- Episode #7: Students Teaching in a Pandemic
- Episode #11: Social Emotional Learning
- Episode #21: Mindset in the Classroom
- Episode #33: Teacher Support
Let me know what episode resonated with you and if you’ve tuned in to listen by sending me a DM on Instagram (@shapinglittlemindspodcast).
Follow me: Http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Episode #2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1587292/7218241-2-always-asking-for-help.mp3?download=true
Episode #7: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1587292/7682272-7-student-teaching-pre-covid-vs-post-covid.mp3?download=true Episode #11: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1587292/8100689-11-social-emotional-learning.mp3?download=true Episode #21: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1587292/8771503-21-importance-of-mindset-in-your-teaching.mp3?download=true Episode #33: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1587292/9547272-33-teacher-support.mp3?download=true
lot has happened over the last few months and a lot is changing in the coming weeks. I wanted to share some of that with you in today’s podcast episode. If anyone listening is feeling the same way or in a situation similar to mine, I want you to know that the safe choice isn’t always the right choice. The safe choice is safe, not necessarily right. For me, the safe choice was not the right choice.
In today’s podcast episode, I dive into:
- Dealing with high levels of anxiety
- Decisions I made in regard to my job and my business
- Lessons learned from my experience
Thank you so much for listening to this episode today. I have a favor to ask you… if you enjoyed this episode as much as I did, I would be so appreciative if you could share this episode with your friends, leave a review, or just share the episode on Instagram and tag me @shapinglittlemindspodcast. I love connecting with you and I can’t wait to hear from you.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Are you a teacher feeling unsupported or an admin wanting to provide more support for your staff? You’ve come to the right place! Today, I have the honor of speaking to Carla Ward, a fabulous early childhood educator, all about finding and providing support in an early childhood center. Carla has become a great friend and colleague. I am so excited to have had the opportunity to bring her onto the podcast this week and talk about all things teacher support.
This week’s episode covers:
- The importance of support in your ECE center
- How administrators can provide support for their teachers
- How teachers can find their own support system by finding a community
Thank you so much for listening to this episode today. I have a favor to ask you… if you enjoyed this episode as much as I did, I would be so appreciative if you could share this episode with your friends, leave a review, or just share the episode on Instagram and tag me @shapinglittlemindspodcast. I love connecting with you and I can’t wait to hear from you.
Follow me on IG: www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Parent Teacher Conference time can be an extraordinarily stressful time. It’s not only the normal day to day teaching work but also preparing materials for conferences, which can be pretty time consuming. My first year doing conferences, I waited until the very last minute to really prepare. If you know me or if you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I am the world’s biggest procrastinator. Don’t get me wrong, I am by no means advocating for doing things last minute. Truth is, procrastination will end biting you in the ass.
In this episode, we cover:
- My experience during my first year teaching
- What I did in preparation for conferences
- Strategies to manage your time
Which one are you? The procrastinator who waits until the last minute or the one who manages their time in a way that lets you complete tasks before conferences come up?
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If you haven’t already heard, being a classroom teacher means you ARE a leader. You lead your students each year in order to help each of them find success. You lead your classroom in the way you think is most effective. So in order to find that success both in your students and in your classroom, you need to be open to not only giving feedback but receiving it as well.
In the episode, we cover:
- Definition of feedback & it’s importance in the classroom
- 3 tools to giving feedback in an effective way
- Being open to feedback & how it can help you grow
The only thing I want for you is for you to feel successful; whatever success might look to you both inside and outside the classroom. Feedback is an important part of the growth process both for us, as teachers and for your students.
Dive in NOW: https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/sBQ3dtkB
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Don’t get me wrong, I was not reflective in my first years of teaching. I didn’t really take the time to sit with myself to think and review. It can be scary to sit with your thoughts and feel those feelings. Am I right?! BUT being a reflective teacher actually makes you a better teacher in the long run. Who knew? Being a reflective person can make big changes in your life! Imagine that.
In this episode, we cover:
- The list of excuses
- What reflective teaching looks like
- How reflection can benefit you and your teaching
If you're interested in starting or continuing your practice of reflection or you just need a push to get you to continue in your reflective practice, this is the episode for you!
Listen now! And dive into my brand new Reflective Teaching Guide for Teachers by clicking the link below! It's waiting for you...
Dive in NOW: https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/sBQ3dtkB
Follow: @shapinglittlemindspodcast
Are you a teacher who’s always been interested in pursuing a leadership role outside the classroom? Do you feel like you’re getting your own way when it comes to actually stepping up and pursuing that role actively?
Here’s how I did it:
- Mindset shift; believing in myself and pursuing the dream role even if I got turned down more than once.
- Spoke to others who have made the leap
- Surrounded myself with those who pushed me to keep going
Trust yourself and you’ll make it happen. Don’t get bogged down when you get a response like: “we’ve gone with a different candidate”. Surround yourself with those that believe in you.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Your relationship with each of your students in everything. It is the formation of trust between you and your student. It’s giving your students the feeling of comfort and safety when they walk into your classroom. This year, as teachers we had to figure out how to do all of this virtually. Who would have ever imagined having school online full-time?! Not me, that’s for sure!
What we’ll cover in this episode:
- Importance of teacher-student relationships
- 3 ways to form those relationships both online and in the classroom
- Morning Greetings
- 1:1 interactions
- Being an active listener
Heading into another school year feeling ready for growth, learning and so much more.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
The first weeks of school can feel stressful and overwhelming. When summer vacation began, I thought I had all the time in the world to relax, get ready for a new leadership role, and enjoy the summer. I’m still questioning how the summer is already coming to a close.
Balancing life and teaching can be a struggle, especially the first weeks of school. Here are 3 teacher tips to help you find a balance:
- Give yourself GRACE
- Work in your contracted hours
- Make time for self-care each day
I want to challenge you today to tag me in your stories when you do something for YOU. I can't wait to see what you decide to do to fill your cup just a little each day.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
I am so excited to introduce you to my special guest on this week’s podcast episode. Sarah is a wife, a mom and an educator of 18 years and counting. A year ago, she stepped out of the classroom to become an entrepreneur and started Sarah Macias Consulting. She uses her life experience and expertise to provide high quality consultations for early childhood programs. Additionally, she is a mindset coach who serves parents and educators towards the best version of themselves.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Balancing life & teaching; how she did it for 18 years in the midst of getting married and having children
- What kind of boundaries were necessary to find that balance and how they helped make her life that much better
- How mindset is incorporated into her daily life through teaching and entrepreneurship
- Three tips to anyone who is looking to live their life to the fullest
Go check out Sarah’s Facebook group with the link below. She brings so much knowledge and wisdom into a world that can feel overwhelming and stressful.
Don’t forget to show us some love with a review, a download, or share. Thank you for listening!
Epic Parents & Teachers FB group: www.facebook.com/groups/851369475390532/
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Can you believe we’re at the beginning of August already?! I can’t believe how quickly this summer flew by! It feels like just yesterday I had decided to leave my full-time teaching job and took a chance on myself. So many of you are starting to prepare to get yourselves settled back into a classroom and if you’ve been virtual all year, I’m sure there are a lot of mixed emotions happening right now.
What we’ll cover:
- Navigating those emotions of heading back into the classroom
- 3 tips to help you get ready to get back into the classroom
- Give yourself GRACE
- Self-Care
- Nourish your body
Starting next week and for the rest of the month of August, I’ll be sharing short videos ALL about the “how” of preparing to get back into the classroom again after a year of virtual learning. Want to be a part of this? The link to sign up will be out next week! Keep your eyes peeled.
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
If you didn’t already know this, you ARE a leader. If you are teaching in front of an entire class of students, you are their leader. Even if you are a student teacher right now, you are still a leader. So, what is leadership? Leadership is defined as: the act of motivating a group of people to act toward achieving a common goal.
As a teacher in the classroom, you wear a lot of different hats. You are doing so much for the students in your class to help them grow, develop and succeed. Some of those things include:
- Classroom management
- Differentiation
- Student seating
- Lesson Planning
All of the things you do on a daily basis is being the leader you need to be for your students. If you didn’t do these things, your classroom might be a bit disastrous. Being a leader in your classroom shows the students how to behave, what’s expected of them, what’s appropriate and inappropriate for your classroom environment.
Also…if you missed my live workshop Leading with Confidence, I have recorded it just for YOU! You can grab for the next 24 hours with the link below.
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Lead with Confidence Workshop: https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/forms/2147600758
Let’s talk about the importance of parent communication. In my years of teaching, parent communication has always been something I strive to get better at. Is that something that you would consider yourself good at? What are some ways you keep parents informed during the school year, especially now through covid? I’m thrilled to welcome our guest Ria Simon!
Ria Simon is the Community Ambassador at HiMama. Prior to starting at HiMama, Ria was a Registered Early Childhood Educator and worked 7 years in the classroom. She taught all ages but mainly preschoolers. Ria lives in Toronto with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her niece and nephew and being on the water.
What we cover:
- Why parents communication is an important subject to cover
- How covid changed the way we communicate with parents
- Different styles of communication that are effective
- Tips to getting better at communication
Find HiMama at:
https://www.instagram.com/himamaapp/
www.himama.com
Subscribe, Review, Rate, Comment, Do it ALL. See you next week for another episode of Shaping Little Minds Podcast!
Anisha is an Early Childhood Entrepreneur, Coach and Specialist from Toronto, Canada! She has been in the field of early education for 10+ years playing various roles in the field from classroom roles to leadership roles. In her current role, she is the CEO of a company that focuses on supporting the early learning community through professional education, consulting and empowerment. She is also a self-published children's book author.
In this episode, we cover:
- Favorite part of being an early childhood professional
- Experience in the leadership roles in ECE
- Her journey into entrepreneurship
- Her experience in publishing; specifically self-publishing
How you can reach Anisha --Instagram:www.instagram.com/Anishaangella.co.
Facebook:www.facebook.com/Anishaangella.co
Twitter:www.twitter.com/AnishaAngella
Sponsor: Lead to Confidence Workshop (Free!) --
https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/66LKMRaD
Have you ever heard the terms ‘growth mindset’ and ‘fixed mindset’? If you haven’t, that’s ok. This is a perfect place for you to learn! When I approached my first teaching position, I didn’t realize how important mindset was. I had no idea what it meant to have a growth or fixed mindset. All I knew was that I loved seeing my students grow and learn throughout the year inside my classroom.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
- What growth mindset is
- What fixed mindset
- Why mindset is important in the classroom
Let’s approach this new school year with a different perspective. No matter what happens with covid, we can and will have another amazing year. Who’s with me?!
Book Recommendation: Mindset by Carol Dweck
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Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Trust is the foundation for any good relationship, especially in a classroom full of new students and their families. Trust is built on making strong connections with the people you surround yourself with on a daily basis. You are the leader inside your classroom. It is your space; you get to decide how the classroom will run and what kind of relationships you build with your students and their parents.
What we’ll cover in this episode:
- What it means to build trust both in and out of the classroom
Brene Brown’s book, Dare to Lead, focuses on the behavior that describes trust and dives into the seven elements in developing trust.
- Seven elements of developing trust
Before you go ahead with your day, I want you to consider this: How can you display these behaviors when building rapport with students and their families?
FREE Teacher Resources: https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/LVKfrGXk
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
When I found out school was going to be back in session come August, I was THRILLED. I couldn’t wait to get back into my classroom! I was so bored being at home with no routine and feeling like the walls in my apartment were closing in on me. I loved that we were back to in-person learning, no matter how much work it was transitioning into a year like this. I had 19 students to welcome into their first year of school and form connections with, all while coordinating Zoom schedules, pre-recorded lessons and managing a team of four teachers inside my classroom. It was A LOT but I thought I’d be able to handle it all.
What we cover in today’s episode:
- The transition back into the classroom after virtual learning
- A lack of support when I needed it most
- Business redirection & balance
- My decision to walk away and pursue other passions
Early childhood is not an easy field to be in and especially now. If you are at all feeling stressed, out of sorts, or just needing a bit more support; keep listening to upcoming episodes! It’s gonna be SO good!!
FREE Teacher Resources: https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/LVKfrGXk
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
We all have an ingrained mindset when it comes to failure. When I fail, all I want to do is walk away and give up. Because failure is bad, right? Failure is something we avoid at all costs. But what happens when we view failure as something that helps us grow? Something that teaches us to be better? As teachers, we experience failure all too often and there are so many times where we wish we could just walk away. But what if we failed and picked ourselves up to try again? What if that second try makes all the difference?
Here’s what we dive into:
- Definition of failure
- How we view failure in academics
- My experience as a first year teacher & why I view failure the way I do
- Why failure is an important part of teaching & life in general
Failure should be encouraged. Failure is completely normal.
FREE Teacher Resources: https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/LVKfrGXk
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
I have been fighting this feeling since I started teaching seven years ago. I always felt guilty saying that. Why did I feel guilty? Why is that such a bad thing? It doesn’t mean I don’t love early childhood education. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to pursue education as my career. It just means my passion lies elsewhere; it doesn’t lie inside the classroom and that’s OK!
Here’s what we dive into:
- Why listening to others isn’t always the best option
- The difference believing in yourself can make in your decisions
- How you hold the power to change your future
- Always feeling like you need “time” or “experience” to do what you dream of doing
YOU GOT THIS! Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
I am a big believer in play being another way for young children to learn. I work in a play-based school because I truly believe in the power of play. Play gives children the opportunity to learn from the environment around them. It gives them the opportunity to learn socialization skills with children their age. Play doesn’t have to be free for all, it can be planned activities that encourage learning.
Here are some suggestions for activities during play time that encourage learning:
- Art projects that relate to the unit you’re focused on. Take the opportunity to ask questions, observe, and engage with your students while they are doing the project.
- Having the library or reading corner open throughout play time to encourage literacy inside the classroom and finding their love of books
- Manipulatives encourage students to continue to develop their fine motor skills as they play and engage with one another
- Play helps your students learn what’s appropriate and what isn’t appropriate inside the classroom. It teaches socialization skills
Unfortunately, early childhood has changed and become more academic and less play-based. I want to make sure you, the newer teacher, understands that there are benefits to play whether or not parents agree with it. Play doesn’t have to be a free for all. It can be a wonderful learning experience for your students. Do you encourage play in your ECE classroom?
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
I haven’t had to worry about an interview in many years now. I’ve been at the same school for six years and although I thought about leaving, I never actually took the time to apply and interview at various schools. Well, this year is different. I have been in the classroom for a total of seven years and I’m looking for change. I’m looking to get out of the classroom and into an admin role within a preschool.
So far, I’ve had three interviews. The first being my worst. I didn’t prepare for it at all and when I was asked questions, I got flustered. Not only that, I didn’t write down any questions I wanted to ask the person who was interviewing so I got flustered then too. They didn’t offer me the job I had applied for. They asked if I wanted a teaching position instead.
What I covered in this episode:
- My first interview and my reflections
- What it means to have a successful interview
- Ways to prepare for an interview
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Before I talk about the actual mistakes I made, I want to preface that if you’re a new teacher or going into next year as a new teacher, it is totally and completely normal to make mistakes. We all make mistakes in our first year but the question ends up being whether or not you learned from your mistakes.
I made a ton of mistakes my first year, I have listed some below just to name a few:
- No time for self-care
- Not asking for help
- No real classroom management strategy
We’ll dive into these subjects one at a time.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
- Importance of self-care (you can refer to episode #3)
- What it means to ask for help
- Importance of classroom management strategy in your first year
Just remember: it’s okay to make mistakes! Give yourself grace, learn from those mistakes, and move forward.
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
Over the last several weeks, a lot has happened in the world of social media influencers. Specifically, Rachel Hollis had a video that went viral both on Instagram and Tik Tok that ended being truly hurtful to so many but that's not what I'm here to talk about. I want to talk about influence and impact that we have as teachers both in our classrooms and on social media.
What we covered in this episode:
- Belief that hard work will pay off when in reality teachers work veryhard and don't earn the money they deserve
- Influence and Impact we have on social media, no matter how big your platform is
- Influence and impact inside our classrooms
- Have a community promoting love and support rather than hate and violence
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
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I have seen many teachers asking about engaging students in circle time because they are struggling with engagement and interaction. I truly believe this is one of the hardest things to learn to do. It's all about trying and failing and trying again. A few questions to keep in mind as you listen to this episode:
- Do you transition your students into circle time? How smooth is that transition?
- Do you review rules every day on a consistent basis?
- Is your circle time developmentally appropriate for the age you are teaching?
- Are your students involved in circle time?
4 Tips to Managing Circle Time:
- Rule Review
- Sit spots
- Engagement/Interactivity
- Flexibility
If you want to dive in deeper, I have a mini-course inside Learning Blocks Membership talking specifically about this! I even have a workbook for you to work through at your own pace so you can gain control and end out the year in the best way possible. Grab the link below.
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
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In the last few days I have been very intentional in working on professional development that is specifically related to social emotional learning. This is an especially important subject to learn about this year when so many students are learning virtually and don't have opportunities for in-person interactions. As teachers, it is our responsibility to be aware of both our students needs and our own.
What we cover in this episode:
- Why social emotional learning is important
- 4 ways to incorporate SEL into your classroom environment
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
SPONSOR: Learning Blocks Membership is OPEN for enrollment! Wanna learn more?! --> https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/x8R4x9A5
Have you had your parent teacher conferences yet? Mine are quickly approaching and if you're anything like me, this is a time that gets REALLY busy and overwhelming and sometimes navigating it gets tough. This year, is an especially hard year for teachers plus everything is virtual which makes it that much harder.
What we cover on this episode:
- 4 tips to help YOU navigate parent teacher conferences while feeling your BEST
- Dress your BEST
- Prepare notes in ADVANCE
- Review each child's notes prior to their conference
- Print all notes and conference schedule
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
SPONSOR: Learning Blocks Membership is OPEN for enrollment! Wanna learn more?! --> https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/x8R4x9A5
This topic is something I truly something I believe in. I have had some wonderful learning experiences because I took a risk; I invested in myself and in my learning.
Don't get me wrong, investing can be very SCARY especially when teaching doesn't necessarily pay you the "big bucks" but what happens when you did the scary thing and it was worth every penny? Wouldn't you love to be able to implement all that you learned? I've had experiences investing where it wasn't worth it and I felt like I had wasted valuable money I could've used for something else or even just for savings. Has that happened to you? Did that kind of experience stop you from investing again?
What we cover in this episode:
- My experiences in investing in business/camp/teaching
- The benefits of investing in general
- Teacher PD that can help you become a better teacher to your students
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
SPONSOR: The cart is officially open to Learning Blocks Membership and YOU are getting in at the founders price. Wanna learn more?! --> https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/x8R4x9A5
After connecting with teachers on other social platforms, I have had various requests to discuss the subject of going back to in-person teaching all while this pandemic is still very much present. In this episode, I want to share my experiences and three takeaways that may help you.
What we cover in this episode:
- What it was like to teach prior to Covid
- Transitioning into virtual learning
- Going back into the classroom during the pandemic
- 3 tips to transitioning back into the classroom
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
SPONSOR: The cart is officially open to Learning Blocks Membership and YOU are getting in at the founders price. Wanna learn more?! --> https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/x8R4x9A5
I am SO excited to welcome my friend, Brittany to the Podcast! She is in her senior year of college and going straight into her masters. She was lucky enough not only to experience student teaching before Covid but also after and through the pandemic. Today we are diving into her experiences with student teaching and what she's learned while doing so.
What we cover in this episode:
- Brittany's experience pre-covid
- Her transition into online learning as a student teacher
- What student teaching opportunity she's about to start
- What she's learned from the whole process
- Tips for any student teachers who are just beginning
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
SPONSOR: The cart is officially open to Learning Blocks Membership and YOU are getting in at the founders price. Wanna learn more?! --> https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/x8R4x9A5
There are 4 pillars I absolutely live by:
- Consequences
- Transitions
- Positive Wording
- Teacher Response
Today, we are focusing on consequences and why your follow through is KEY.
Below are the questions I answer in this episode:
- What are consequences and how can we set them in the classroom?
- Why are consequences so important?
- How does follow through make a difference?
- Why is it also important to talk to the child?
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
SPONSOR: The cart is officially open to Learning Blocks Membership and YOU are getting in at the founders price. Wanna learn more?! --> https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/x8R4x9A5
So many new teachers need mentors to help them get through their first year of teaching but so many aren’t willing or able to find that person that is a good fit. To tell you the truth, if I had had a mentor, my first year of teaching would have looked very different. I’m always honest about the mistakes I make along the way. I knew I needed someone to guide me but I didn’t know how much I truly needed that guidance until after that year was over.
I know that mentors aren’t always easy to come by. And especially one that is well suited for your needs. But I promise, once you find the right person to work with you it makes all the difference. Just know that being a great teacher does not mean you have to struggle the whole way through. There are ways for you to be the great teacher you’re meant to be.
These are things I want to share with you, the teacher, who is listening to this to show you that it’s okay to fail but you get back up and do it all over again. It boggles my mind when I see new teachers who are struggling in their first years and don’t have any help from those around them.
What I cover in this Episode:
- My experience without a mentor
- Why I truly believe my first year teaching experience would have been different had I had a mentor
- Why a mentor is especially important today
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
SPONSOR: The cart is officially open to Learning Blocks Membership and YOU are getting in at the founders price. Wanna learn more?! --> https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/x8R4x9A5
Do you struggle with mental health? Do you find that your mental health takes a toll on you throughout the school year? Today, I decided to talk about my mental health journey and the ways I’ve learned to cope. I never experienced it until I went through turmoil in my own family and at the time, I was living at home so it really affected me.
I went through a time where I struggled to get out of bed, I completely distanced myself from everybody who loved me, and I was crying myself to sleep every single night. I didn’t know why this was affecting me and had no idea what these signs meant but I knew I needed help. So, I reached out to a friend, who happens to be a social worker, who then put me in touch with a therapist and from there I was able to manage my depressive states. We have been in a pandemic for 8 months and at the beginning of the pandemic, a lot of feelings were brought out. My anxiety and depression came about in full swing. We had a stay at home order, I was not in my regular routine, I wasn’t going to work every day and I couldn’t handle the uncertainty that was happening around me. I had to find a way to manage the anxiety and make sure that as much as I was struggling, I was able to also show up for my students and for myself and for this business I’m building.
What I cover in this episode:
- My journey in mental health
- What I learned about myself and my mental health through this pandemic
- Teacher workload vs. teacher mental health
- Tips and Tricks I use to cope with anxiety
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
SPONSOR: The cart is officially open to Learning Blocks Membership and YOU are getting in at the founders price. Wanna learn more?! --> https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/x8R4x9A5
Self-care is something that is talked about pretty consistently but I feel like it’s especially important to hear this now. I’m not sure if this will end up airing before the quarantine is over, but self-care is not something that a teacher does well. Teachers are the kinds of people that always put everyone else’s needs in front of their own. From my own personal experience.. If a person doesn’t have some kind of self-care routine, their body will tell them loud and clear that they need one. When I put my work and my students in front of my own well-being, my body shuts down. Usually, I get sick or I suffer from a migraine for a few days -- either way, it’s no fun.
What I cover in this Episode:
- Why Teacher Self-care is Important
- My experience not prioritizing self-care
- Self-Care Tips and tricks
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
SPONSOR: The cart is officially open to Learning Blocks Membership and YOU are getting in at the founders price. Wanna learn more?! --> https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/x8R4x9A5
I know the first days of stepping into a new environment and being introduced to everyone can be super scary and super intimidating. When you ask for help, you show those around you how much you care about what you are doing.
Let’s put it this way: if you are a teacher who is starting your first teaching job and just graduated college, you’ll be able to relate to this. Let’s say you are in a college class and your professor is teaching you a theory related to education and then assigns you a paper on the theories you’ve learned so far. But… there’s a problem, you’re not really sure about the theory that you were just taught. What would you do? Would you go back to the library and BS your paper? Or would you go to the professor and ask him to go over it with you?
What I cover in this Episode:
- Importance of asking for help
- Why you should ask for help in your first year of teaching
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
SPONSOR: The cart is officially open to Learning Blocks Membership and YOU are getting in at the founders price. Wanna learn more?! --> https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/x8R4x9A5
Welcome to the first episode of Shaping Little Minds Podcast! This has been something that I’ve wanted to do since starting this business not too long ago and I am so excited to finally be here! Today, I am going to dive into my background and how I got to where I am today. In this episode, I hope to show you that teachers, as a community, go through bumps along the way but in the end, hard work and learning throughout can get you to where you want to go.
What I cover in this episode:
- My journey in early childhood education
- My degrees
- My ‘why’ in this business
Shaping Little Minds Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shapinglittlemindspodcast
SPONSOR: The cart is officially open to Learning Blocks Membership and YOU are getting in at the founders price. Wanna learn more?! --> https://adva-hanan.mykajabi.com/offers/x8R4x9A5