Thinking about self-care — and, importantly, figuring out how to be cared for — is always good for every teacher any time. In this episode, I talk with Deb Calderara, a teacher who knows what it feels like to be completely overwhelmed. After facing burnout, a serious health crisis, and the confusing and exhausting pandemic, Deb had to figure out how to find strength and keep going, both for herself and her students.

This conversation is about navigating those impossible moments and discovering unexpected ways to care for ourselves when it feels like there's no room. We talk about

* the crisis moment that made Deb rethink everything and recommit to teaching

* how focusing inward anchored her during a life-threatening event

* why 'health' for teachers means looking way beyond diet and exercise

* what student behavior is really telling us when we shift our perspective.

Taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's truly the foundation of resilient teaching. Better yet, being cared for by trusted colleagues and others can make all the difference in the world. And students' most challenging behaviors? They're often vital data points about their world, waiting for us to create the space to see them.

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I know many of you have your own wellness practices. Please share them!

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