Teaching to the TOP

248. Transitioning from Surviving to Thriving

The beginning of the year is well underway and for so many it feels like you are still trying to keep your head above water. You are planning day-to-day, taking home work to get done at night, and getting to school early and staying late. Sound familiar?
But at some point, you'd like to get to the point where you are planned ahead and feeling more in control of your daily schedule.The question is... how do you make that happen? 
In this video we are talking all about what is needed to make that transition from surviving to thriving. Listen in as we share our own experiences and the challenges you might be facing to make this transition. 
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247. Things Are Not Going to Plan - #GOALS Check-In: Third Quarter Review of Our Goals for 2024

It is that time of the year to check in on our goals before wrapping up the the year with the final quarter. First, can you believe that we are in the final few months before entering into a brand new year! It blew my mind as well. 
In this episode we are taking you through our own goals and discussing how things change based on our season in life. Listen in as we share our reflection and upcoming goals for 2024. 
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246. How We Are Coping With Back to School Stress

Join Bridget and Michelle as they catch-up and share their experiences, stressors, and lessons leading up to the beginning of the school year. 
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245. BIG PODCAST CHANGES: What's Going On?

Bridget and Michelle have some BIG changes coming to the podcast. Join our hosts as they both share the changes and why they came to this decision. This episode serves as a reminder that finding balance is an ever-changing target as we enter new seasons in life. 
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244. Our Favorite Books So Far This Year

In this special episode, Bridget and Michelle dive into their favorite reads of the year across different genres. Whether you’re looking for a gripping fiction, a transformative non-fiction, or an insightful educational read, they’ve got something for everyone. Join them as they share the books that have captivated their minds and hearts in 2024.
Favorite Fiction Books:
Michelle's Pick: "Ready or Not" by Cara Bastone, a contemporary romance that captures the upheavals and surprises of life.
Bridget's Pick: "All Good People Here" by Ashley Flowers, a thrilling novel by the Crime Junkie Podcast host that delves into a journalist’s return to her hometown to solve a gripping murder mystery.
Favorite Non-Fiction Books:
Michelle's Pick: "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin, which explores personal quests for happiness through monthly challenges and relatable goals.
Bridget's Pick: "The Impact Cycle" by Jim Knight, offering deep insights into educational coaching with practical strategies for teacher support.
Favorite Teaching-Related Books:
Michelle's Pick: "Productive Math Struggle" by John J. SanGiovanni et al., a guide to enhancing math instruction through strategies that encourage productive student struggles.
Bridget's Pick: "Comprehension Connection" by Tanny McGregor, a practical manual to improving reading comprehension through creative and engaging teaching strategies.
LINKS:
Ready or Not by Cara Bastone
All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
The Impact Cycle by Jim Knight
Productive Math Struggle by John J. SanGiovanni, Susie Katt, Kevin J. Dykema
Comprehension Connections by Tanny McGregor
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243. The Mindset Every Teacher Needs to Adopt This School Year

After many years of challenges, changes, and a profession that struggles to keep people, this year is the year for impact. It is the time to fall back in love with the profession. Are you ready to transform your teaching experience this year? Join Bridget and Michelle as they guide you through crucial mindset shifts to start the school year refreshed and empowered. Discover how to embrace change, let go of perfection, and focus on positive solutions in your teaching journey.
Key Mindset Shifts Explored:
Embrace Change: View educational changes as opportunities for growth and adapt by stepping out of your comfort zone.
Give the Benefit of the Doubt: Understand the underlying reasons behind behaviors and decisions to foster empathy and improve communication.
Let Go of Perfection: Shift from striving for perfection to embracing 'good enough' to reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Focus on Solutions: Cultivate a proactive approach by focusing on solutions, transforming challenges into opportunities for positive change.
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242. Recess Digress: Back to the Classroom, Getting Older, & Funny Summer Stories

Join Bridget and Michelle for another laid-back, conversational episode of "Recess Digress." In this session, they dive into the realities of returning to the classroom in new roles, the personal reflections on getting older, and some light-hearted summer favorites to keep the mood buoyant.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Recess Digress: If you’re new to these special episodes, Bridget and Michelle explore a mix of topics in a relaxed, chat-style format. It's all about sharing experiences and stories that touch on their lives inside and outside the classroom.
Back to the Classroom: The hosts discuss their transitions into new positions and what it's like to return to the classroom after time away. They share insights on the excitement and challenges that come with these changes.
The Realities of Getting Older: From the physical tolls to mental shifts, Bridget and Michelle open up about how aging has affected their professional lives and personal well-being. They discuss everything from the need to adjust their routines to how their perspectives on teaching and life have evolved.
Some Current Favorites: Bridget and Michelle each share some of their current summer favorites. 
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241. How to Organize a Classroom Inherited From Another Teacher

Walking into a new classroom only to find it filled with the previous teacher’s leftovers can be overwhelming. In this episode, Bridget and Michelle guide you through a systematic approach to reclaim and organize your new space, turning what could be a daunting task into a manageable project. Perfect for first-year teachers or those moving to a new classroom, this episode provides practical steps to take control of your teaching environment.
Episode Highlights:
See the space and evaluate:: Begin by evaluating the space. Understand what you've inherited, how the previous teacher organized it, and what might need to go. This first look will help you plan your cleaning and organizing strategy.
Ask for clarification: Before throwing anything out, check with administrators or colleagues about what must stay and what can go. Understanding what’s essential and what’s expendable will streamline the entire process.
Clear the space: Pull everything out of cabinets and drawers to get a full view of what you have. This step not only helps in sorting but also in cleaning and reorganizing the space effectively.
Categorize the items: Dive into categorizing the items into keep, trash, and donate piles. Further organize the 'keep' items based on their utility and relevance to your teaching needs.
Disperse the items: Once sorted, strategically place items back into the space. Use bins and labels to create a system that makes sense for your daily teaching activities and maintains organization throughout the year.
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