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In this candid episode, educator and author Grace Stevens shares an unconventional perspective: why mandating her own book for campus-wide studies might do more harm than good. She explores the psychology behind teacher resistance to mandatory professional development, the difference between gifts and assignments, and offers practical alternatives that respect teacher autonomy while genuinely supporting wellbeing and reducing burnout.

Key Points

📚 The Assignment vs. Gift Problem - When administrators mandate books for staff, even well-intentioned resources can feel like just another compliance checkbox rather than genuine support

🚫 Avoiding Toxic Positivity - Books about mindset and positivity can backfire with already overwhelmed teachers, coming across as tone-deaf rather than helpful, especially when mandated from above

✅ Teacher Autonomy Matters - Self-determination theory applies to educators too—teachers need choice and voice in their professional development, not just mandates

🎯 When Book Studies Work - Book studies are most effective when teachers choose to participate, when multiple options are offered, or when integrated into teacher credential programs where context is appropriate

💝 Better Gift Alternatives - Journals and personal reflection tools make excellent gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week or new staff without the pressure of mandatory reading or discussion

🔄 Systemic Change Over Symbolic Gestures - Real support for teacher wellbeing requires systemic changes, not just book recommendations that can feel like lip service

⚠️ Reading the Room - Administrators should survey staff needs and interests before selecting professional development materials—what works for one campus may not work for another

🎓 Teacher College Success - Pre-service teacher programs are ideal settings for books on burnout prevention and boundary-setting, as students are already in learning mode and need these foundational skills

Administrators interested in empowering teachers with real skills to help combat burnout and overwhelm are invited to watch a 5-minute video at this link: www.gracestevens.com

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

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In this episode of the Teacher Self-Care and Life Balance Podcast, we’re diving deep into a topic every educator needs to hear: the warning signs that you need stronger, healthier boundaries.

If you’ve been feeling exhausted, resentful, or like teaching is bleeding into every corner of your life, this episode is your wake-up call. 🚨

Inside, I’ll share 17 red flags—10 from your personal life and 7 from your school life—that reveal when your boundaries are slipping. Plus, I’ll walk you through a mindset shift that will change how you see boundaries forever.

💡 Remember: boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re what allow you to protect your time, energy, and joy—so you can show up fully for yourself, your family, and your students.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 🔟 10 private-life warning signs you’re neglecting your needs (like constant fatigue, guilt when resting, or short tempers at home)
• 7️⃣ school-life symptoms of burnout (from always saying yes ➡️ to losing your joy in teaching)
• 🧠 The #1 mindset shift that makes setting boundaries feel less scary and more loving
• 📚 Which past podcast episodes to binge next if you want practical scripts and strategies
• 🛑 Why “pushing through” doesn’t make you a better teacher—it makes you a burned-out one

💬 Final Takeaway

Boundaries don’t mean you care less. They mean you’re building a teaching life you can actually sustain. 🌱 Start with one small change this week—like not checking email after dinner—and notice how much lighter you feel.

Need a proven roadmap to help you set healthier teacher boundaries? Check out the Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries course at www.gracestevens.com/lifeback

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)

Send us a text

In This Episode: 🎧 Grace shares 8 powerful habits that can transform your teaching experience and help you become that "offensively cheerful" teacher who stays calm even when chaos strikes.

The 8 Happy Habits: 🌟

1. Set Healthy Boundaries 🚧
   • Protect your energy like it's $24,000 a day
   • It's okay to disappoint people sometimes
2. Prioritize Relationships Over Perfection 💝
   • Use the "2-10 Rule" (2 minutes for 10 days with struggling students)
   • Create student shoutout circles
   • Build inside jokes and laugh with your students
3. Practice Micro Moments of Calm 🧘‍♀️
   • Try "Starfish Breathing" (trace your hand while breathing)
   • Use hallway resets (pause at doors, one mindful breath)
   • Create calm classroom environments with soft music/lighting
4. Stay Organized with Simple Systems 📚
   • Remember: "You don't rise to your goals, you fall to your systems"
   • Delegate routines to students (they're more capable than you think!)
   • Have daily reset routines before leaving
5. Reframe Your Challenges 🔄
   • Apply growth mindset to yourself, not just students
   • See behavior issues as opportunities to reteach
   • Model mistakes and problem-solving
6. Celebrate the Small Wins 🎉
   • Write down 3 best parts of your day before leaving
   • Use a "joy jar" in your classroom
   • Tune your radar to good stuff, not annoyances
7. Separate Your Worth from Your Work 👤
   • Be a complete person beyond just "teacher"
   • Schedule non-negotiable time for YOUR interests
8. Run Your Own Race 🏃‍♀️
   • Stop comparing yourself to Pinterest perfection
   • Stay out of staff room drama that doesn't concern you
   • Protect your peace at all costs

Key Takeaway: 💡 Don't try all 8 habits at once! Pick one, make it routine, then add another. Happiness can be synthesized - it's a skill you can learn!

Resources Mentioned: 🔗

• Happy Classroom Habits Course
• Positive Mindset Journal for Teachers

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life. Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

My TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classrooms

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)