Wellness for Educators

Send us Fan Mail We close out season three by naming the real stress of the final school weeks and choosing a mindset that honors what went right for us and our students. We also pull together the most practical wellness takeaways from the season so we can step into summer with more rest, more joy, and less burnout.  • end-of-year stress reframed through gratitude, student growth, and small wins ...

Send us Fan Mail Negativity can feel like background noise in a school building, but it quietly drains the people doing the work. I sit down with Matthew Palmer, an elementary assistant principal in South Carolina, to talk about educator wellness from a leadership perspective and to name what many teachers feel but rarely say out loud: schools run best when we stop criticizing roles we don’t fully...

Send us Fan Mail Phones, pressure, and rising anxiety are not abstract trends. They’re showing up in real classrooms, in real kids, and in the adults trying to support them without burning out. I sit down with Dr. Dana Sarvey, a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, to get clear on what’s happening to youth mental health and what educators can realistically do next. We...

Send us Fan Mail What if a single yes could reshape how you work, live, and care for yourself? We sit down with Kelly Donovan—middle school physical and health educator and well-being coordinator at International School Basel—to trace her leap from Pennsylvania to Switzerland and the lessons she carried across oceans. From the first spark in Mexico City’s international classrooms to a serendipitou...

Send us Fan Mail The school day starts before sunrise and ends long after dismissal, and somewhere between lesson plans and parent emails, your back is tight, your energy is low, and sleep keeps slipping. That grind doesn’t have to be your baseline. We invited Pilates and fitness specialist—and former professional dancer—Lane Groser to help us build a smarter, simpler path to feeling strong, mobil...

Send us Fan Mail A fresh year doesn’t magically create more time between classes, meetings, and grading—so we built a smarter way to pursue wellness that fits the real school day. With health and wellness consultant Dayna Gowan, we dig into practical strategies teachers can use right now: finding hidden insurance perks, shaping a sustainable self-care routine, and bringing simple, joyful energy ba...

Send us Fan Mail What if five quiet minutes could reset an entire day? We close the year with a focused, practical guide to finding calm in a loud season—especially for teachers who spend every hour juggling decisions, emotions, and endless distractions. Rather than adding another task to your to-do list, we build a small, sustainable habit that creates big returns: a short window of morning silen...

Send us Fan Mail Nutrition expert and former college athlete Sam Rodgers joins the Wellness for Educators podcast to share practical strategies for maintaining health amid the demanding responsibilities of teaching. Sam reveals how his nutrition background led him to create "Dear Dad," a blog that frames wellness conversations as heartfelt letters to overcome the defensiveness many peopl...

Send us Fan Mail What does true resilience look like in the face of overwhelming obstacles? Meet Anjelica Rodriguez, who journeyed from a childhood marked by family mental health struggles, financial hardship, and adult responsibilities to become a college graduate, homeowner, and devoted mother breaking generational cycles. When we talk about student potential, Anjelica's story stands as a p...

Send us Fan Mail Veteran educator Brittany Snavely opens up about the delicate balancing act of raising four daughters while pursuing a fulfilling 21-year teaching career in this thought-provoking conversation about modern parenting and educator wellness. Drawing from her experience spanning sixth grade classrooms to her current role as an elementary school librarian, Brittany shares candid observ...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered why we can easily recall our favorite teachers decades later, yet struggle to remember last year's award-winning movie or championship teams? The answer lies in the profound, lasting impact educators have on their students' lives—an impact that extends far beyond test scores and classroom walls. Summer break is winding down, and a new school year a...

Send us Fan Mail The journey toward wellness is never a straight line, especially for dedicated educators who pour their hearts into their classrooms all year. As we close our first season of Wellness for Educators, this finale brings together the essential wisdom from twelve episodes of teacher-centered self-care strategies. Throughout this season, we've heard from remarkable guests – from f...

Send us Fan Mail Friendship sustains us through life's greatest challenges and sweetest victories. Lori welcomes her childhood friend of over 60 years, Alison Waters Murphy, for a heartfelt conversation about the profound impact of meaningful connections on our wellbeing. What begins as reminiscing about childhood playdates transforms into powerful reflections on how relationships shape our l...

Send us Fan Mail What if the essence of true balance as a working parent doesn't lie in perfection but in prioritizing what truly matters? Join us as we unravel the heartfelt journey of blending careers and family life, crafted over my 37 years in education. Through candid reflections and shared wisdom, I explore the tides of guilt and triumph that come with wearing multiple hats as an educat...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the transformative power of resilience through the inspiring journey of Jamie Barberich-Covill, a dedicated special education teacher who faced the harrowing challenge of a brain tumor diagnosis in 2006. Despite numerous surgeries and treatments, Jamie has not only continued to thrive as an educator and a loving mother but has also become a beacon of hope in her community...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to a more mindful and effective teaching practice with insights from Dr. Peter Montminy, a renowned clinical psychologist and mindfulness instructor. Together, we explore the mounting emotional challenges faced by children in today's high-speed, tech-driven world and how this impacts teachers. Dr. Montminy shares practical strategies to cope with the chroni...

Send us Fan Mail Can a single moment of empathy change a student's life forever? Join me, Lori Maxfield, as I explore this question through the inspiring story of "Mrs. Thompson and Teddy." This tale from my early teaching days highlights the transformative power of understanding and compassion in the classroom. As we navigate the hectic holiday season, I offer heartfelt encourageme...

Send us Fan Mail After years of sacrificing sleep for the sake of exercise, I've come to realize the profound impact sleep deprivation has had on my well-being and performance as an educator. Join me, Lori Maxfield, on Wellness for Educators as I share personal reflections from my 37-year teaching journey and explore the essential role sleep plays in mental and physical health, brain function...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the transformative power of self-care for educators with insights from Dr. Becky, author of Good Inside. Learn how simple practices like deep breathing, staying hydrated, and meditating can significantly reduce stress and enhance your teaching effectiveness. Prioritize your well-being and gain practical tips on how to create a healthier work-life balance, ensuring you hav...

Send us Fan Mail Embracing Self-Care and Building Positive Student Connections Can prioritizing self-care truly transform your teaching experience? Discover how simple yet powerful self-care habits can set the stage for a fulfilling and productive school year. I reflect on the significance of setting boundaries and making time for activities that rejuvenate the spirit, such as taking a walk, readi...

Send us Fan Mail You can do hard things!   Teachers that survived the pandemic  have overcome huge obstacles. This was such a challenging time in the world.  Lori Maxfield shares a story about the  Special Olympics and encourages teachers to finish well. This is an opportunity to finish the school year on a high note. Kindness matters. Find joy in the journey.  Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail The influence of a good teacher can never be erased. You want to end well. Attitude is key.  Lori shares a story regarding a kindergarten teacher and quotes “All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten written by Robert Fulghum. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail This is the first episode of the Wellness for Educators Podcast. Encouraging teachers to take care of their own health. What educators do daily is important, but it is necessary for educators to take care of themselves. It has a direct impact on the students they teach.  Thanks for listening!