Elevating Teacher Wellness
Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Maya Stewart and James Edmond to share their experiences and wisdom on fostering educator wellness and navigating transformative changes in teaching and learning.
Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:
Prioritizing Educator Wellness: The discussion highlights the critical importance of nurturing educator well-being. Toni Rose says, "We are people first," underscoring the need for educators to take care of themselves, emphasizing self-care, emotional support, and personal growth as essential components of a healthy educational environment.
Building Authentic Relationships: Maya and James stress the significance of authentic relationships among educators. As Maya puts it, "It's not about titles; it's about the people," emphasizing the need to move beyond professional titles and connect on a personal level. These genuine connections foster mutual support and contribute significantly to professional development.
Embracing Change and Experimentation: A central theme emerges regarding the willingness to embrace change and experimentation. James encourages a "fail forward" mindset, where school leaders are open to trying new approaches, even if they might not initially succeed. This approach can lead to transformative shifts in teaching and learning, ultimately benefiting both students and educators.
In this episode, the shared sentiment is clear: School leaders must prioritize their staff’s well-being, build authentic relationships, and remain open to change and experimentation to drive meaningful progress in the field of education.
Discussion questions for PLC and PD:
How can school leaders prioritize their staff’s well-being and self-care while maintaining a demanding schedule? Share strategies and insights that have worked for you or your colleagues.
Building authentic relationships among educators is highlighted as essential for professional growth. What steps can schools and administrators take to foster an environment where authentic connections and collaborations thrive?
Embracing change and a willingness to experiment are key takeaways. How can educators overcome resistance to change in their teaching methods or school policies? Share examples of successful experimentation in your classroom or school that led to positive outcomes.
Our Host
Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that she never had growing up, so she focuses on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around her. As a queer Filipinx, she understands just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. She especially loves being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.
Our Guests: James Edmond, Maya Stewart
Connect with Maya on LinkedIn
Connect with James on LinkedIn
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